JP2010075525A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine capable of generating an adequate amount of mist in a short time regardless of the characteristic of individual ultrasonic transducers. <P>SOLUTION: Control frequency to a vibrating unit 70 is reduced by every 35 Hz from the upper limit side of a high-frequency side, and increased by every 500 Hz in every 50 msec (steps S109 to S111) toward the upper limit value of the high-frequency side when a horn current Id becomes 350 mA (YES in step S107), and the control frequency is gradually shifted from the upper limit value of the high-frequency side to the low-frequency side by every 35 Hz again in a step S101 to a step S108 after evacuation of 100 msec when the control frequency reaches the upper limit value of the high-frequency side (YES in step S110) in the dry mist process of a drying step. That is, the control current is raised with the proviso that the horn current becomes the predetermined first current value in the dry mist process. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly to a washing machine including a device that generates mist in accordance with ultrasonic vibration of an ultrasonic element.

  Conventionally, in order to improve the feel of the object to be cleaned in the drying process of the washing machine or to make the object to be cleaned charged in the previous dehydration process uncharged, the ultrasonic wave by the ultrasonic vibrator Mist water (mist) generated using vibration was supplied to the object to be cleaned.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that a mist generated by irradiating water stored in a water storage section in a washing machine with ultrasonic waves is supplied into the drum several seconds before the end of the drying process. Disclosed techniques are disclosed.
JP-A-3-55100

  In an ultrasonic element, in general, ultrasonic vibration is generated by supplying high-frequency power to an ultrasonic transducer. In such a case, the frequency characteristics of the ultrasonic transducer are different for each transducer. Therefore, even when power of the same frequency is supplied, the mode of ultrasonic vibration supplied to each ultrasonic vibrator is different, and this causes a difference in the amount of atomized water generated in the drying process. Can be considered.

  In addition, it is thought that the above situations can be avoided by determining an optimum frequency for generating fog such as a resonance frequency for each ultrasonic transducer.

  However, since it takes a certain amount of time to make such a determination, there is a risk that the rapid drying process in the washing machine may be inhibited. In addition, if mist is generated due to the vibration of the ultrasonic transducer in the process of determining the optimum frequency before making such a decision, the object to be cleaned must be cleaned before the optimum frequency is determined. There is a possibility that an excessive amount of mist is supplied to the object and the object to be cleaned is wetted more than necessary in the drying process.

  The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a washing machine capable of generating an appropriate amount of mist in a short time regardless of the characteristics of individual ultrasonic transducers. Is to provide.

  The washing machine according to the present invention includes a drying chamber into which an object to be dried is placed, an ultrasonic element, mist generating means for spraying a liquid into the drying chamber in the form of a mist in accordance with ultrasonic vibration of the ultrasonic element, and the ultrasonic wave A power supply unit that vibrates the ultrasonic element by supplying high-frequency power to the element; and a detection unit that detects a value of a current flowing through the ultrasonic element. The frequency of the power to be supplied is set to a first frequency higher than the resonance frequency of the ultrasonic element and then changed to a lower frequency side, and a current value detected by the detection unit is determined in advance. On condition that the current value is detected, the vibration of the ultrasonic element is stopped, and the frequency of the electric power supplied to the ultrasonic element is set to the first frequency again, and then to a lower frequency side. Change .

  Preferably, in the washing machine, the power supply means stops the vibration of the ultrasonic element by supplying power of the first frequency to the ultrasonic element.

  Preferably, in the washing machine, the power supply means stops the vibration of the ultrasonic element by stopping the supply of electric power to the ultrasonic element.

  Preferably, in the washing machine, when the current value detected by the detection unit detects the first current value, the power supply unit maintains the state for a predetermined time, and then the ultrasonic wave Stop the vibration of the element.

  According to the present invention, the vibration of the ultrasonic element is stopped on condition that a constant current flows through the ultrasonic element. Therefore, when the ultrasonic element reaches a certain vibration state, the vibration of the ultrasonic element can be stopped.

  As a result, in a washing machine, an appropriate amount of mist can be applied without taking a long time to determine the optimum frequency such as the resonance frequency for each ultrasonic element and regardless of the characteristics of the individual ultrasonic elements. Can be generated.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration viewed from the front side of the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  With reference to FIG. 1, the washing machine 200 has substantially the same configuration as a conventional drum-type washing machine except for a mist generator 100 that generates and sprays mist, which will be described later, and a schematic configuration will be described.

  The outer box 216 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and is formed of metal or synthetic resin, and a water tank 214 is provided therein. A rotatable drum (not shown) having an inner door 230 is provided inside the water tank 214. The water tank 214 and the rotating drum are in the shape of a cylindrical cup with an open front side, and are concentrically arranged with the water tank 214 on the outside and the rotating drum on the inside. Further, the water tank 214 and the rotating drum are arranged so that the rear surface portion is lower than the front surface portion (inner door side). When the inner door 230 is closed, the opening on the front side of the water tank 214 is kept watertight. In the present embodiment, the water tank 214 constitutes a drying chamber into which an object to be cleaned is placed.

  A blower duct 212 through which hot air to be supplied into the rotating drum flows is arranged in the upper part of the space in the water tank 214. The air duct 212 is connected to a heater unit 242 for heating the air in the water tank 214.

  A drainage unit 206 is provided below the water tank 214. A drain outlet for draining the washing water is provided in the water tank 214, and the drain outlet is connected to the drain unit 206 via the drain duct 238. The drain unit 206 is provided with a drain valve that is electromagnetically opened and closed (not shown), and drains water from the water tank 214 to the drain hose 202. The drain valve is opened and closed by a drain motor 55 described later. The drainage unit 206 is provided with a circulation pump 46, and the circulation pump 46 supplies water flowing into the drainage unit 206 via the drainage duct 238 into the water tank 214 again via the circulation hose 204.

  The bottom of the water tank 214 is elastically supported by the three dampers 232, and the upper part of the water tank 214 is elastically supported by being connected to the upper part of the outer box 216 by a support spring 236.

  A water supply unit 220 for supplying water into the water tank 214 is provided above the water tank 214, and the water supply unit 220 and the water supply duct 208 are connected to supply water into the water tank 214.

  In addition, mist generator 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is provided in the upper part of water tank 214. The mist generator 100 is connected to the water supply unit 220 via the mist water supply hose 210.

  A control unit 218 for controlling the entire washing machine 200 is provided at the bottom of the outer box 216.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration viewed from the side of washing machine 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 2, an operation panel 37 provided with various operation buttons of washing machine 200 is provided on the upper front side of outer box 216. An outer door 234 is provided on the front side of the outer box.

  A water supply unit 220 that houses the detergent case 222 is provided on the upper surface side of the outer box 216.

  Further, the water supply unit 220 is connected to the water supply valve 42. The water supply duct 208 is connected to the water supply unit 220.

  In addition, a mist water supply valve 44 connected to the water supply unit 220 is provided, and water or the like is supplied to the mist generator 100 by opening the mist water supply valve 44.

  A drain outlet is provided at the bottom of the water tank 214, and wash water or the like that has flowed out of the water tank 214 flows into the drainage unit 206 through the drainage duct 238. The water flowing through the drain duct 238 is drained from the drain hose 202 by opening the drain valve. Alternatively, the water is supplied to the circulation nozzle 240 via the circulation hose 204 by the circulation pump 46, and the water is again supplied into the water tank 214 from the circulation nozzle 240 provided at the upper end of the water tank 214.

  A drive mechanism 224 is provided outside the bottom of the water tank 214. The drive mechanism 224 is provided with a drum motor. When the drum motor is driven, a rotary drum (not shown) is driven to rotate.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating control unit 218 and peripheral devices according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 3, control unit 218 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 60, a vibration unit control unit 62, a timer 64, and a memory 66.

The CPU 60 outputs necessary control instructions to various control parts in the washing machine 200.
The memory 66 stores information necessary for executing the calculation of the CPU 60 and stores a control program necessary for instructing a control instruction for controlling each peripheral device from the CPU.

The timer 64 outputs necessary time information in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 60.
The vibration unit controller 62 outputs an adjustment signal for adjusting the frequency of ultrasonic vibration of the ultrasonic element to the vibration unit 70 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 60.

  As peripheral devices, here, as an example, an alarm device 40, a water supply valve 42, a mist water supply valve 44, a circulation pump 46, the thermistors 48 and 49, and a heater 50, which are provided in the washing machine 200, A configuration in which a drying fan 52, a drum motor 54, and a vibration unit 70 are provided and each peripheral device is controlled by a CPU 60 is shown.

  In addition, the CPU 60 outputs a predetermined control signal to each peripheral device in accordance with instructions from various operation buttons provided on the operation panel 36.

  When detecting an abnormality in various peripheral devices, the CPU 60 displays an error on the operation panel 36 and instructs the alarm device 40 to output an alarm sound.

  Further, the CPU 60 instructs the water supply valve 42 that can be electromagnetically opened and closed at a predetermined timing, and supplies water to the water supply unit 220 by opening the water supply valve 42. Then, water or the like is supplied from the water supply unit 220 into the water tank 214 via the water supply duct 208.

  In addition, the CPU 60 instructs the mist water supply valve 44 that can be electromagnetically opened and closed at a predetermined timing, and supplies water and the like from the water supply unit 220 to the mist generator 100 by opening the mist water supply valve 44. To do. Then, by driving the vibration element provided in the vibration unit 70, mist is generated from the mist generator 100, and the generated mist is supplied into the water tank 214. The water supply unit 220 is provided with a detergent case 222 and supplies water in which the detergent is dissolved by passing water through the detergent case 222 to the mist generator 100 through the mist water supply valve 44. It is also possible to do. In that case, since the mist of the detergent water in which the detergent is dissolved is sprayed on the object to be cleaned, it is possible to supply the detergent water uniformly to the entire object to be cleaned. Further, a valve (the mist valve 59 in FIG. 3) for separating these is provided between the mist generator 100 and the water tank 214. The mist generated from the mist generator 100 is supplied to the water tank 214 by opening the mist valve. The opening and closing of the mist valve 59 is controlled by the CPU 60.

  Further, the CPU 60 controls the circulation pump 46 provided in the drainage unit 206, and the circulation pump 46 again supplies water or the like from the circulation nozzle 240 into the water tank 214 via the circulation hose 204.

  The CPU 60 is connected to the thermistor 48 and detects the temperature in the water tank 214. The CPU 60 is connected to the thermistor 49 and detects the temperature near the mist generator 100.

  Further, the CPU 60 controls the heater 50 that heats the air provided in the heater unit 242 and adjusts the temperature of the heater 50.

  Further, the CPU 60 controls the drying fan 52 provided in the heater unit 242, and supplies the air heated by the heater 50 into the water tank 214 through the blower duct 212 by the rotation of the drying fan 52.

Further, the CPU 60 controls the drum motor 54 to rotate the rotating drum.
In addition, the CPU 60 controls the vibration unit control unit 62, and the vibration unit control unit 62 controls the vibration unit 70 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 60.

  The vibration unit 70 includes an A / D converter 14, a D / A converter 16, a V / f converter 18, a vibrator 20, a detection circuit 22, a driver 26, a first transistor 28, and a second transistor 30. And a transformer 32 and a coil 34.

  The vibrator 20 is an element that receives ultrasonic power generated by the first transistor 28 and the second transistor 30 and vibrates ultrasonically (vibration with a frequency of 20000 Hz or more). The vibrator 20 according to the present embodiment is a piezoelectric ceramic vibrator.

  The detection circuit 22 includes a detection transformer 51 and a conversion circuit 53. The detection transformer 51 is an element that detects the value of current (also referred to as horn current) flowing through the vibrator 20. The conversion circuit 53 amplifies a current value flowing through the vibrator 20 detected by the detection transformer 51 as a horn current.

  The D / A converter 16 converts a digital signal which is a frequency setting instruction from the vibration unit control unit 62 into an analog signal and outputs the analog signal to the V / f converter 18.

  The V / f converter 18 converts the voltage signal converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 16 into a frequency signal.

  The driver 26 outputs a PWM signal to the first transistor 28 and the second transistor 30 based on the frequency signal from the V / f converter 18.

  The first transistor 28 and the second transistor 30 are elements (a MOSFET (Metal Oxside Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor) in the present embodiment) that amplifies the PWM signal output from the driver 26.

  The transformer 32 is an element that transforms the voltage of the PWM signal amplified by the first transistor 28 and the second transistor 30. The coil 34 is an element that makes the resonance frequency of the circuit composed of the vibrator 20 and the coil 34 smaller than the resonance frequency of the vibrator 20.

  In the present embodiment, the power supply voltage (+ V) of the vibration unit, the step-up ratio of the transformer 32, and the inductance of the coil 34 are determined through experiments in advance when designing the vibrator 20 to operate satisfactorily.

  The A / D converter 14 converts the analog signal output from the detection circuit 22 into a digital signal and outputs the result to the vibration unit controller 62. In this example, it is assumed that the vibration unit 70 is provided in the mist generator 100 as an example. In particular, some or all of the components constituting the vibration unit 70 are provided in the mist generator 100. It is not necessary and can be provided in the vicinity of the outside thereof, or can be arranged at another location, and the arrangement is not particularly limited.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of mist generator 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 4, mist generator 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes vibrator 20 formed by bonding two piezoelectric bodies 131 and 132, and rear ultrasonic horn 133 bonded to the rear end face thereof. And a front ultrasonic horn 134 joined to the front end face of the vibrator 20.

  Electrodes 135 and 136 are respectively connected to the piezoelectric body 131 and the piezoelectric body 132, and the electrodes 135 and 136 are respectively connected to terminals (+ and −) in the vibration unit 70.

  The rear ultrasonic horn 133 and the front ultrasonic horn 134 are provided in order to amplify the vibration of the vibrator 20 and efficiently propagate the vibration to the front end of the front ultrasonic horn 134. Acts as an ultrasonic horn. These sandwich the piezoelectric bodies 131 and 132 with bolts 137 with a predetermined tightening torque.

  As a material for forming the front ultrasonic horn 134 and the rear ultrasonic horn 133, it is possible to use an alloy such as aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel.

  And mist is produced | generated when water is supplied to the front-end | tip part of the front ultrasonic horn 134, and a front-end | tip part ultrasonically vibrates. The generated mist is sprayed into the water tank 214 outside the mist generator 100.

  In addition, although not shown in figure about each component of the vibration unit 70 other than the vibrator | oscillator 20, in this example, it shall be provided in the mist generator 100 as an example.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the frequency characteristics of the vibrator 20 (piezoelectric ceramic vibrator) according to the present embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 5, the vertical axis represents impedance, and the horizontal axis represents the frequency of vibrator 20.

  The frequency characteristics of the vibrator 20 (piezoelectric ceramic vibrator) are as follows. When the frequency given to the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator is the resonance frequency f (1) (in this embodiment, the value of the resonance frequency is 39.50 kHz), The impedance of the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator is minimized.

  Further, when the frequency applied to the vibrator 20 (piezoelectric ceramic vibrator) is the antiresonance frequency f (2) (in this embodiment, the value of the antiresonance frequency is 40.10 kHz), Impedance is maximized.

  In the case of using the vibrator 20 (piezoelectric ceramic vibrator), as described above, the frequency characteristics (resonance frequency f (1), anti-resonance frequency f (2), impedance, etc.) even if the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator has the same specifications. ) Varies from vibrator to vibrator, and the frequency characteristics of the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator change over time.

Therefore, it is necessary to execute optimal vibration control for each vibrator.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating control of the vibrator for executing mist control according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  With reference to FIG. 6, first, water is supplied to the ultrasonic horn (step S1). Specifically, the CPU 60 controls the mist water supply valve 44 to open the mist water supply valve 44 and supply water from the mist water supply hose 210 to the tip of the front ultrasonic horn 134.

  Next, it is determined whether or not water supply to the horn has been completed (step S2). If it is determined in step S2 that the water supply to the horn has been completed, the process proceeds to step S3. Specifically, the determination is made based on whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed from when the mist water supply valve 44 is opened until the front ultrasonic horn 134 is supplied with water through the mist water supply hose 210. It is possible. The following processing is mainly processing in the vibration unit control unit 62.

In step S3, an initial setting process is executed.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the initial setting process.

  Referring to FIG. 7, first, as an initial setting process, the frequency is set to the upper limit value on the high frequency side (step S21).

Specifically, the vibration unit controller 62 sets the frequency in the vicinity of the anti-resonance frequency.
Next, the tuning mode is set to a reduction mode that is a mode for reducing the frequency (step S22).

  Next, frequency output processing is started (step S23). Specifically, the vibration unit control unit 62 controls the vibration unit 70 to vibrate at the set vibration frequency of the upper limit value on the high frequency side.

Then, the initial setting process ends (END).
Referring to FIG. 6 again, next, a pre-tuning confirmation process is executed (step S4).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the pre-tuning confirmation process.
Referring to FIG. 8, first, horn current is detected (step S30). Specifically, the vibration unit controller 62 receives the input of the horn current detected by the detection circuit 22.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a time of 32 msec has elapsed (step S31).

  The detection of the horn current in step S30 is repeated until the time of 32 msec elapses. Accordingly, a plurality of horn current values are input to the vibration unit controller 62 until the time of 32 msec has elapsed. Whether or not 32 msec has elapsed is measured using the timer 64. The same applies to the following time passage determination processing.

Next, the average value of the horn current Ih is calculated (step S32).
It is assumed that horn current detection requires 2 msec per time. Therefore, it is assumed that 16 horn currents can be detected during a time of 32 msec.

Then, the average value of the 16 horn currents is calculated as the horn current Ih.
Next, the currently calculated horn current Ih and the previously calculated horn current Ih # are compared, and it is determined whether or not the absolute value of the difference is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value.

  Specifically, it is determined whether or not the condition of −50 mA <Ih−Ih # ≦ 50 mA is satisfied (step S34).

  That is, if it is determined that the difference between the current calculated horn current and the previous calculated horn current is small, that is, there is almost no fluctuation, the pre-tuning confirmation process is terminated (step S35). Go to the next step. When there is no horn current Ih # calculated last time, a preset initial value is set.

  On the other hand, in step S34, the condition of −50 mA <Ih−Ih # ≦ 50 mA is not satisfied, that is, the difference between the currently calculated horn current and the previously calculated horn current is large, in other words, the fluctuation. Is determined to be large, the horn current Ih is set to the previously calculated horn current Ih # (step S36).

  Then, it is determined whether 1 sec has elapsed since the start of the pre-tuning confirmation process (step S37).

  If the time of 1 sec has not elapsed, the process returns to step S30 again and the above processing is repeated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S37 that the fluctuation of the horn current is large even when the time of 1 sec has elapsed, the horn current is not stable, so it is determined to be abnormal, and error processing is performed (step S38). . And it progresses to step S9 mentioned later.

  Referring to FIG. 6 again, after the pre-tuning confirmation process is completed, a tuning mode start process is executed (step S5).

  Specifically, in this example, as an example, one of the tuning modes of the reduction mode, the increase mode, and the fine adjustment mode in which the frequency is adjusted based on the detected horn current value is executed.

  The reduction mode is a mode when tuning is performed in a direction of lowering the frequency by the previous tuning.

  The ascending mode is a mode when tuning is performed in the direction of increasing the frequency by the previous tuning.

  The fine adjustment mode is a mode in which it is not necessary to adjust the frequency by the previous tuning or the frequency is finely adjusted.

  In this example, the frequency is tuned so that a horn current greater than 340 mA and less than 360 mA is detected as the frequency target range.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining processing in the reduction mode as the tuning mode.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining processing in the ascending mode as the tuning mode.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining processing in the fine adjustment mode as the tuning mode.
(Reduction mode)
Referring to FIG. 9, in the reduction mode process, first, the currently calculated horn current Ih is compared with the value calculated by subtracting 50 mA from the previously calculated horn current Ia #. It is determined whether or not the horn current Ih is equal to or greater than a value obtained by subtracting 50 mA from the previously calculated horn current Ia #. As an example, the initial value of the horn current Ia # is set to a horn current value corresponding to the anti-resonance frequency at which the impedance of the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator is maximum. That is, the current value is set to the minimum value.

  Specifically, it is determined whether or not the condition of Ih ≧ Ia # −50 mA is satisfied (step S40). The comparison with the value obtained by subtracting 50 mA from the previously calculated horn current Ia # is due to the offset taken into account as the fluctuation of the current value.

  That is, if it is determined that the currently calculated horn current is equal to or greater than the value calculated by subtracting 50 mA from the previously calculated horn current Ia #, the process proceeds to step S41. In other words, the current calculated horn current and the previously calculated horn current Ia # are compared to determine whether the current calculated horn current value has increased by reducing the frequency. If it is determined that the frequency has increased, the frequency is determined to be within the range of the resonance frequency and the anti-resonance frequency.

  In step S41, it is determined whether or not the currently calculated horn current value Ih is 100 mA or less.

  In step S41, if the currently calculated horn current value Ih is 100 mA or less, the frequency is subtracted by 350 Hz (step S42). When it is determined that the horn current value Ih is small, the current frequency is considered to be in the vicinity of the anti-resonance frequency (f (2)), so the frequency is tuned greatly.

Then, the tuning state is set to the reduction mode (step S43).
Next, the calculated horn current Ih is set to the previous horn current Ia # (step S44).

  Then, the process ends (END). By this processing, it is possible to approach the target frequency corresponding to a horn current of greater than 300 mA and less than 360 mA from the antiresonance frequency side.

  In step S41, if the currently calculated horn current value Ih is greater than 100 mA, it is next determined whether or not the currently calculated horn current value Ih is greater than 100 mA and not greater than 300 mA. Judgment is made (step S45).

  In step S45, if the currently calculated horn current value Ih is greater than 100 mA and less than or equal to 300 mA, then the frequency is subtracted by 70 Hz (step S46). When the horn current value Ih is slightly smaller than the target value, the current frequency is considered to be slightly higher than the target frequency, and the frequency is tuned to be small.

  Then, the tuning state is set to the reduction mode (step S43), the currently calculated horn current Ih is set to the previous horn current Ia # (step S44), and the process ends (end). By this processing, it is possible to approach the target frequency corresponding to a horn current of greater than 300 mA and less than 360 mA from the antiresonance frequency side.

  On the other hand, in step S45, if the currently calculated horn current value Ih is greater than 100 mA and not less than 300 mA, that is, greater than 300 mA, then the presently calculated horn current value Ih. Is greater than 300 mA and less than 400 mA (step S47).

  In step S47, if the currently calculated horn current value Ih is greater than 300 mA and less than or equal to 400 mA, the tuning state is set to the fine adjustment mode (step S48). Then, the horn current Ih calculated this time is set to the previous horn current Ia # (step S44), and the process ends (end). If it is determined by the processing that the current frequency is near the target frequency, the frequency is finely adjusted in a fine adjustment mode to be described later, so that the horn is larger than 300 mA from the antiresonant frequency side and lower than 360 mA. It can be made closer to the frequency of the target corresponding to the current.

  On the other hand, in step S47, if the currently calculated horn current value Ih is greater than 300 mA and not less than 400 mA, that is, greater than 400 mA, then the presently calculated horn current value Ih. Is greater than 400 mA and less than 450 mA (step S49).

  If the currently calculated horn current value Ih is greater than 400 mA and 450 mA or less in step S49, then the frequency is added by 70 Hz (step S50). When the horn current value Ih is slightly larger than the target value, the current frequency is considered to be slightly smaller than the target frequency, and the frequency is tuned to be small.

  Then, the tuning state is set to the ascending mode (step S51), the currently calculated horn current Ih is set to the previous horn current Ia # (step S44), and the process ends (end). By this processing, it is possible to approach the target frequency corresponding to a horn current of greater than 300 mA and less than 360 mA from the antiresonance frequency side.

  On the other hand, if the currently calculated horn current value Ih is greater than 400 mA and not less than 450 mA in step S49, error processing is performed (step S57). Then, the process ends (END). In this case, an abnormal current flows as the horn current, and it is determined that an uncontrollable current flows, so that error processing is performed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S40 that the currently calculated horn current value is smaller than the value obtained by subtracting 50 mA from the previously calculated horn current Ia #, the process proceeds to step S52. That is, the current calculated horn current is compared with the previously calculated horn current Ia # to determine whether the current calculated horn current value has increased by reducing the frequency. When it is determined that the current value has decreased, it is considered that the frequency has become lower than the resonance frequency. In this case, it is determined how much the frequency has decreased from the resonance frequency according to the horn current value.

  In step S52, it is determined whether or not the currently calculated horn current value is 250 mA or less.

  If it is determined in step S52 that the currently calculated horn current value is 250 mA or less, then the frequency is added by 350 Hz (step S53).

  Then, the tuning state is set to the ascending mode (step S56), the currently calculated horn current Ih is set to the previous horn current Ia # (step S44), and the process ends (end).

  On the other hand, if the currently calculated horn current value is greater than 250 mA in step S52, then whether or not the currently calculated horn current value Ih is greater than 250 mA and equal to or less than 450 mA. Is determined (step S54).

  In step S45, if the currently calculated horn current value Ih is greater than 250 mA and less than 450 mA, then the frequency is added by 100 Hz (step S55).

  Then, the tuning state is set to the ascending mode (step S56), the currently calculated horn current Ih is set to the previous horn current Ia # (step S44), and the process ends (end).

  In steps S52 and S54 described above, the horn current value is divided into a case where the horn current value is 250 mA or less and a case where the horn current value is greater than 250 mA and 450 mA or less. As shown in FIG. 5, the frequency characteristics of the vibrator 20 in the case of a frequency smaller than the resonance frequency have a smaller impedance at a frequency close to the resonance frequency, and a larger impedance at a frequency farther than the resonance frequency. Therefore, when the value of the horn current is 250 mA or less, it is considered that the frequency is far from the resonance frequency. Therefore, when the frequency is tuned greatly, and the value of the horn current is greater than 250 mA and 450 mA or less. Since the frequency is considered to be close to the resonance frequency, the frequency is tuned small.

  On the other hand, if the currently calculated horn current value Ih is greater than 250 mA and not less than 450 mA in step S54, error processing is performed (step S57). Then, the process ends (END). In this case, an abnormal current flows as the horn current, and it is determined that an uncontrollable current flows, so that error processing is performed.

(Rise mode)
Referring to FIG. 10, in the ascending mode process, first, the currently calculated horn current Ih is compared with the value calculated by adding 50 mA from the previously calculated horn current Ia #, and this time calculated. It is determined whether or not the horn current Ih is equal to or less than a value obtained by adding 50 mA from the previously calculated horn current Ia #.

  Specifically, it is determined whether or not the condition of Ih ≦ Ia # + 50 mA is satisfied (step S60). The comparison with the value obtained by adding 50 mA from the previously calculated horn current Ia # is due to the offset taken into account as the fluctuation of the current value.

  That is, it is determined whether or not the currently calculated horn current is less than a value obtained by adding a predetermined value from the previously calculated horn current, and the currently calculated horn current value is the previously calculated horn current. If it is determined that the value is equal to or less than the value obtained by adding 50 mA from Ia #, the process proceeds to step S61. In other words, the current calculated horn current is compared with the previously calculated horn current Ia # to determine whether the current calculated horn current value has decreased by increasing the frequency. If it is determined that the frequency has decreased, the frequency is determined to be within the range of the resonance frequency and the anti-resonance frequency.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S60 that the value of the horn current calculated this time is larger than the value obtained by adding 50 mA from the previously calculated horn current Ia #, the process proceeds to step S72 to perform error processing. . Then, the process ends (END). That is, the current calculated horn current is compared with the previously calculated horn current Ia # to determine whether the current calculated horn current value has decreased by increasing the frequency. When it is determined that the current value has increased, it is considered that the frequency has become higher than the antiresonance frequency. In this case, since the frequency is greatly deviated from the target frequency range, error processing is performed.

  Since the process of step S61-step S71 is the same as the process demonstrated by step S41-S51 demonstrated in FIG. 9, the detailed description is not repeated. That is, the frequency is tuned based on the horn current value.

  In step S69, if the currently calculated horn current value Ih is larger than 450 mA, error processing is performed (step S72). Then, the process ends (END). In this case, an abnormal current flows as the horn current, and it is determined that an uncontrollable current flows, so that error processing is performed.

(Fine adjustment mode)
Referring to FIG. 11, in the fine adjustment mode process, first, it is determined whether or not the currently calculated horn current Ih is 100 mA or less (step S82).

  If it is determined in step S82 that the current is 100 mA or less, error processing is performed (step S83). Then, the process ends (END). In any of the reduction mode, the ascending mode, and the fine adjustment mode, if the horn current Ih is not larger than 100 mA, the fine adjustment mode is not set. Therefore, when the calculated horn current value is 100 mA or less. It is considered that a failure has occurred, and it is determined that error processing has occurred.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S82 that the current is not less than 100 mA, that is, if the current calculated horn current value Ih is larger than 100 mA in step S82, then the current calculated horn current is It is determined whether or not the value Ih is larger than 100 mA and smaller than 280 mA (step S84).

  In step S84, when the currently calculated horn current value Ih is greater than 100 mA and equal to or less than 280 mA, the frequency is subtracted by -170 Hz (step S85). When the horn current value Ih is slightly smaller than the target value, the current frequency is considered to be slightly higher than the target frequency, and the frequency is tuned to be small.

  Then, the tuning state is set to the reduction mode (step S86), the currently calculated horn current Ih is set to the previous horn current Ia # (step S87), and the process is ended (END).

  On the other hand, in step S84, if the currently calculated horn current value Ih is greater than 100 mA and not less than 280 mA, that is, greater than 280 mA, then the presently calculated horn current value Ih. Is greater than 280 mA and less than 340 mA (step S88).

  In step S88, if the currently calculated horn current value Ih is greater than 280 mA and less than or equal to 340 mA, then the frequency is subtracted by -17 Hz (step S89). When the value Ih of the horn current is slightly smaller than the target value, the current frequency is considered to be slightly larger than the target frequency, so that the frequency is finely tuned.

  Then, the tuning state is set to the fine adjustment mode (step S90). Then, the process ends (END). By this processing, it is possible to gradually approach the frequency of the target corresponding to the horn current larger than 340 mA and 360 mA or less from the antiresonance frequency side.

  On the other hand, in step S88, if the currently calculated horn current value Ih is greater than 280 mA and not less than 340 mA, that is, greater than 340 mA, then the presently calculated horn current value Ih. Is greater than 340 mA and less than 360 mA (step S91).

  In step S91, if the currently calculated horn current value Ih is greater than 340 mA and less than 360 mA, the tuning state is set to the fine adjustment mode without adding or subtracting the frequency (step S90). ). Then, the process ends (END). Since the current frequency is included in the target frequency range, tuning is performed so that the frequency is included in the frequency range.

  On the other hand, if the currently calculated horn current value Ih is greater than 340 mA and not less than 360 mA, that is, greater than 360 mA in step S91, then the presently calculated horn current value Ih. Is greater than 360 mA and less than or equal to 400 mA (step S92).

  In step S92, if the currently calculated horn current value Ih is greater than 360 mA and less than or equal to 400 mA, the frequency is added by 17 Hz (step S93). When the horn current value Ih is slightly larger than the target value, the current frequency is considered to be slightly smaller than the target frequency, and the frequency is finely tuned.

  Then, the tuning state is set to the fine adjustment mode (step S90). Then, the process ends (END). By this processing, it is possible to gradually approach the frequency of the target corresponding to the horn current larger than 340 mA and 360 mA or less from the antiresonance frequency side.

  On the other hand, in step S92, if the currently calculated horn current value Ih is greater than 360 mA and not less than 400 mA, that is, greater than 400 mA, then the presently calculated horn current value Ih. Is greater than 400 mA and less than 460 mA (step S94).

  In step S94, when the currently calculated horn current value Ih is greater than 400 mA and equal to or less than 460 mA, the frequency is added by 50 Hz (step S95). When the horn current value Ih is slightly larger than the target value, the current frequency is considered to be slightly smaller than the target frequency, and the frequency is tuned to be small.

  Then, the tuning state is set to the ascending mode (step S96), the currently calculated horn current Ih is set to the previous horn current Ia # (step S87), and the process ends (end).

  On the other hand, if the calculated horn current value Ih is greater than 400 mA and not less than 460 mA in step S94, error processing is performed (step S97). Then, the process ends (END). In this case, an abnormal current flows as the horn current, and it is determined that an uncontrollable current flows, so that error processing is performed.

  Referring to FIG. 6 again, in step S5, after any one of the reduction mode, the increase mode, and the fine adjustment mode as the tuning mode is executed, it is next determined whether or not the error processing is set (step S6).

If it is an error process in step S6, the process proceeds to step S9.
Then, it is determined whether or not the error processing has been executed a predetermined number of times (step S9).

  If it is determined in step S9 that the error process has not been performed a predetermined number of times, the process proceeds to step S3 again, and the processes in steps S3 to S6 are repeated again to determine whether or not the error process has occurred.

  If the error process is executed a predetermined number of times in step S9, the stop process is executed because the error continues (step S10). That is, the vibration unit control unit 62 instructs the vibration unit 70 to stop the ultrasonic vibration of the vibrator 20.

  If it is determined in step S6 that the process is not an error process, it is next determined whether or not the tuning is completed (step S8). If it is determined that the process is completed, the process proceeds to step S11.

  On the other hand, if the tuning is not finished, the process returns to step S4 again, and the processes of steps S4 to S8 are repeated until the tuning is finished.

  Specifically, the vibration unit control unit 62 continuously performs tuning while controlling the vibrator 20 in the vibration unit 70, and stops the control of the vibration unit 70 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 60. If an instruction to do so is input, it is determined that the tuning is finished, and the process proceeds to step S11.

  In step S11, processing for generating mist is performed by wet mist generation processing or dry mist generation processing described later. Then, the mist generation is continued until it is determined in step S12 that the mist generation period has ended, and when it is determined that the mist generation period has ended, the processing is ended.

  In the method according to the embodiment of the present invention, three modes of the reduction mode, the ascending mode, and the fine adjustment mode are executed, and as an example, the frequency of the target at which a horn current greater than 340 mA and less than 360 mA is detected is detected. Tune.

  When tuning each mode, a pre-tuning confirmation process (step S4) is executed for each mode tuning.

  As described above, in the confirmation process before tuning, an average value of 16 horn currents is calculated during a time of 32 msec, and a difference from the average value of horn currents during the previous 32 msec is calculated. When it is determined that the current difference is small, that is, there is almost no fluctuation, tuning processing based on the horn current is executed.

  By executing the pre-tuning confirmation process before starting the tuning mode, the tuning process can be performed based on the result of the sudden current fluctuation, and the tuning process based on the stable horn current can be performed with high accuracy. Tuning processing can be executed.

  In addition, since the tuning process is executed based on the frequency characteristics of the vibrator 20, a highly accurate tuning process can be executed.

  In the confirmation process before tuning, the time of 32 msec is given as an example, but the above time is an example, and can be designed freely. Moreover, although the case where the average of the detection result of 16 times was calculated in order to calculate a horn current was demonstrated, it is not restricted to especially 16 times, It is possible to design freely. Although the threshold value is set to 50 mA, it is not limited to this value and can be set to an optimum value.

(Automatic washing machine operation)
In the washing machine 200 of the present embodiment, automatic operation for washing of the object to be cleaned is executed. This automatic operation includes a washing step, a rinsing step executed after the rinsing step, and a drying step executed after the rinsing step. In the washing machine 200, mist is supplied from the mist generator 100 into the rotating drum in the washing process and the drying process.

  In this specification, the process executed by the CPU 60 to supply mist into the rotating drum in the washing process is referred to as wet mist generation process, and the CPU 60 executes to supply mist into the rotating drum in the drying process. The processing is called dry mist generation processing. Hereinafter, the contents of these processes will be described.

(Wet mist generation process)
FIG. 12 is an example of a timing chart of control in the washing process.

  In the washing process, "water supply", "familiarize", "first water supply (abbreviated as" makeup water 1 "in FIG. 12)", "first wash (abbreviated as" wash 1 "in FIG. 12)", "first 2 water supply (abbreviated as “makeup water 2” in FIG. 12), “second wash (abbreviated as“ wash 2 ”in FIG. 12)”, “third water supply (in FIG. 12,“ makeup water 3 ”) Nine steps of “abbreviation”, “third washing (abbreviated as“ wash 3 ”in FIG. 12)” and “drainage (abbreviated as“ drainage ”in FIG. 12)” are executed in order.

  In FIG. 12, “main water supply unit” indicates an open / closed state of the water supply valve 42. The open state corresponds to “ON”, and the closed state corresponds to “OFF”.

  In FIG. 12, “circulation pump” indicates ON / OFF of the circulation pump 46. In the ON state, the water flowing through the drainage duct 238 is supplied again to the water tank 214 through the circulation hose 204 and the circulation nozzle 240 by the circulation pump 46.

  In FIG. 12, “drainage M” indicates the operation of the drainage motor 55. In the ON state, the drain valve that drains the water in the water tank 214 to the drain hose 202 is opened, and in the OFF state, the drain valve is closed.

  Also, “mist” in FIG. 12 indicates the ON / OFF state of the mist by the mist generator 100. The period in which the ON state is continuously continued corresponds to the above-described mist generation period. In the washing step, the water that has passed through the detergent case 222 is supplied to the mist generator 100 via the mist water supply valve 44.

  Also, “motor” in FIG. 12 indicates the operation of the drum motor 54. The OFF state indicates a state where the drum motor 54 is not driven. “L_ON” indicates a state where the drum motor 54 is driven to rotate the rotating drum counterclockwise, and “R_ON” indicates a state where the drum motor 54 is driven to rotate the rotating drum clockwise. Show.

  Table 1 shows an example of the approximate time required for each course in the washing process. These are merely examples, and the time of each course is not limited to this. Moreover, the contents of the course constituting the washing process described in FIG. 12 or Table 1 are also examples, and are not limited to these.

  In the washing process, first, in the water supply process, the water supply valve 42 is opened to supply washing water to the rotating drum. In this process, the circulation pump 46, the drain motor 55, the mist generator 100, and the drum motor 54 are turned off.

  Next, in the acclimatization process, the mist generator 100 is turned on in order to adapt the washing water to the object to be cleaned in the rotating drum. In this process, the circulation pump 46 is also turned on. The water supply valve 42 and the drain motor 55 are turned off. The drum motor 54 is in the L_ON state for the first 10 seconds, then in the OFF state for 5 seconds, and then in the R_ON state for 10 seconds, and then in the OFF state. As a result, the rotating drum rotates left for 10 seconds, stops rotating for 5 seconds, then rotates right for 10 seconds, and stops rotating until the conforming process is completed.

  In the first water supply process, the supply valve 42 is opened again. In this process, the circulation pump 46, the drain motor 55, and the mist generator 100 are turned off. The drum motor 54 is driven to rotate the rotating drum to the left for 10 seconds, stop rotating for 5 seconds, rotate to the right for 10 seconds, and then stop rotating, in the same manner as in the blending process. In each process of the washing process, the drum motor 54 thus rotates the rotating drum counterclockwise for 10 seconds, stops rotating the rotating drum for 5 seconds, rotates the rotating drum clockwise for 10 seconds, and then stops the rotating drum. Driven to let

  In the first washing process, the water supply valve 42 and the drain motor 55 are turned off, and the circulation pump 46 and the mist generator 100 are turned on.

  In the second water supply process, the water supply valve 42 is turned on. Circulation pump 46, drain motor 55, and mist generator 100 are turned off.

  In the second washing process, the circulation pump 46 and the mist generator 100 are turned on, and the water supply valve 42 and the drain motor 55 are turned off.

  In the third water supply process, similarly to the first and second water supply processes, the water supply valve 452 is turned on, and the circulation pump 46, the drain motor 55, and the mist generator 100 are turned off.

  In the third washing step, the circulation pump 46 is repeatedly turned on for 10 minutes and then turned off for 22 minutes. The mist generator 100 is continuously turned on. The water supply valve 42 and the drain motor 55 are turned off.

  In the drainage process, the drainage motor 55 is turned on, and the water supply valve 42, the circulation pump 46, and the mist generator 100 are turned off.

  In the washing process described above, the mist generator 100 is continuously turned on in the familiarizing process, the first washing process, the second washing process, and the third washing process. In FIG. 13, the timing chart for demonstrating the control content with respect to the mist generator 100 in each process is shown.

  In FIG. 13, the mist water supply valve shows the open / closed state of the mist water supply valve 44. The ON state indicates that the mist water supply valve 44 is in an open state, and the OFF state indicates that the mist water supply valve 44 is in a closed state.

  In FIG. 13, the mist valve indicates the open / closed state of the mist valve 59. The ON state indicates a state where the mist valve 59 is opened and the mist generated from the mist generator 100 is supplied to the water tank 214, and the OFF state indicates that the mist valve 59 is closed.

  In FIG. 13, the ultrasonic wave indicates whether or not the vibrator 20 is in a state of oscillating the ultrasonic wave in the mist generator 100. The ON state indicates a state in which high frequency power is supplied to the vibrator 20 by the driver 26 outputting a PWM signal, and the OFF state indicates a state in which such power supply is stopped.

  In FIG. 13, Twm means the entire period of each process (the familiarization process, the first washing process, etc.) in which the mist generator 100 is continuously turned on as described in FIG. It is an example.

  Referring to FIG. 13, in the mist generation period, first, as an initial adjustment period (for example, 2 seconds), mist water supply valve 44 and mist valve 59 are turned on, and the supply of high-frequency power to vibrator 20 is stopped. Controlled. Next, as frequency adjustment control, control for tuning the mist generator 100 as described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 11 is executed. Then, as the high frequency generation control, by causing the driver 26 to output a PWM signal based on the target frequency signal described above, a control is performed in which high frequency power is continuously supplied to the vibrator 20 until the end of Twm. .

  In the wet mist generation process described above, high-frequency power is continuously supplied to the vibrator 20 in the mist generation period after the initial adjustment period and the frequency adjustment control are executed.

(Dry mist generation process)
FIG. 14 is an example of a timing chart of control in the drying process.

  In the drying process, “hoshigushi” “first drying (abbreviated as“ drying 1 ”in FIG. 14)” “second drying (abbreviated as“ drying 2 ”in FIG. 14)” “third drying (in FIG. 14) , Abbreviated as “drying 3”), “dry mist” and “air blowing” are executed in order.

  In FIG. 14, “motor” indicates the operation of the drum motor 54. In the OFF state, the drum motor 54 is not driven. “L_ON” indicates a state in which the drum motor 54 is driven to rotate the rotating drum counterclockwise, and “R_ON” indicates a state in which the drum motor 54 is driven to rotate the rotating drum clockwise. Show.

  In FIG. 14, “drainage M” indicates the operation of the drainage motor 55. In the ON state, the drain valve that drains the water in the water tank 214 to the drain hose 202 is opened, and in the OFF state, the drain valve is closed.

  Further, “heater” in FIG. 14 indicates whether energization of the heater 50 is in an ON state or an OFF state.

  In FIG. 14, “mist” indicates the state of mist generation by the mist generator 100.

  Further, “fan” in FIG. 14 indicates whether the driving of the drying fan 52 is ON or OFF.

  In FIG. 14, “Mist water supply valve” indicates whether the mist water supply valve 44 is in an open state (ON) or a closed state (OFF state).

  Table 2 shows an example of the approximate time required for each course in the drying process. These times are merely examples, and the length of time of each course is not limited to this. Further, the contents of the process constituting the drying process described in FIG. 14 or Table 2 are also examples, and are not limited to these.

  In the drying process, the drum motor 54 is first stopped in rotation for 5 seconds, then in the L_ON state for 10 seconds, then stopped in rotation for 5 seconds, in the R_ON state for 10 seconds, and then in the OFF state. It is said.

The drain motor 55 and the drying fan 52 are continuously turned on in the entire process.
The heater 50 is turned on from the unwinding process to the third drying process and then turned off in the blowing process.

  The mist generator 100 is turned on only in the dry mist process. The mist water supply valve 44 is turned on from the first drying process to the blowing process.

  FIG. 15 is a timing chart for explaining the control contents for the mist generator 100 in the dry mist process of FIG.

  In FIG. 15, the mist feed valve shows the open / closed state of the mist feed valve 44 as in FIG. 13. In the dry mist process (drying process), the water supplied to the water supply duct 208 without passing through the detergent case 222 is supplied to the mist generator 100 through the water supply valve 44 for mist.

  In FIG. 15, the ultrasonic wave indicates whether or not the vibrator 20 is in a state of oscillating the ultrasonic wave in the mist generator 100 as in FIG. 13.

  In FIG. 15, the mist valve indicates the open / closed state of the mist valve 59 as in FIG.

  In FIG. 15, Tdm indicates a time during which the dry mist process of FIG. 14 is executed, and is an example of a mist generation period.

In the dry mist process, the mist water supply valve 44 is continuously turned on.
Further, in the dry mist process, the control is repeated such that the high-frequency power supply to the vibrator 20 is turned off by Ts_OFF (for example, 9 seconds) and then turned on by Ts_ON (for example, 11 seconds).

  In the dry mist process, the mist valve 59 is turned off for the above-described Ts_OFF, and further turned off for Tdelay (for example, 1 second) and then turned on for Tv_ON (for example, 11 seconds). After that, the control to be turned off is repeated.

  In the dry mist process, the control for the vibrator 20 and the control for the mist valve 59 are synchronized.

  In the present embodiment described above, as is mainly understood from FIGS. 13 and 15, the mist generator 100 (mist generating means) is more unit time in the mist generation period in the washing process than in the drying process. A large amount of mist supplied per hit is controlled.

  In the present embodiment, the amount of mist to be supplied is adjusted by changing the length of time per unit time in which the mist generator 100 is supplied with mist. The time for which the mist is supplied to the mist generator 100 is the time for which the vibrator 20 is in a state of oscillating ultrasonic waves in the mist generator 100 and the mist valve 59 is in an open state. is there. Further, the “length of time per unit time” here refers to the length of time per unit time during the mist generation period.

  In the washing machine 200, the mist generator 100 includes a plurality of sets of vibrators having different sizes or quantities, and changes the vibrator set to be vibrated by ultrasonic power in order to vary the amount of mist generated. Accordingly, the amount of mist supplied per unit time may be changed.

(Control contents of vibration unit in dry mist process)
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the control contents for the vibration unit 70 in the dry mist process.

  Referring to FIG. 16, first, in step S101, water is supplied to the ultrasonic horn. Specifically, the CPU 60 opens the mist water supply valve 44 to supply water from the mist water supply hose 210 to the tip of the front ultrasonic horn 134.

  In step S102, the CPU 60 determines whether or not the water supply to the ultrasonic horn has been completed. This determination is made, for example, for a predetermined time after the mist water supply valve 44 is opened (a preset time until the water supply to the tip of the front ultrasonic horn 134 is completed via the mist water supply hose 210). ) Is made based on whether or not.

  When determining that the water supply to the ultrasonic horn has been completed, the CPU 60 advances the process to step S103.

  In step S103, CPU 60 sets the frequency of the PWM signal output from driver 26 to the upper limit value on the high frequency side predetermined in washing machine 200, and proceeds to step S104.

  In step S104, the CPU 60 controls the vibration unit 70 to vibrate at the vibration frequency of the upper limit value on the high frequency side set in step S103, and advances the process to step S105.

  In step S105, the CPU 60 determines whether or not the control duration time at the vibration frequency of the current vibration unit 70 has passed 10 msec, and proceeds to step S106 when determining that it has elapsed.

  In step S106, the CPU 60 detects the horn current Id at that time, and proceeds to S107.

  In step S107, the CPU 60 determines whether or not the horn current Id detected in step S106 is 350 mA or more. If so, the CPU 60 proceeds to step S109, and determines that Id is less than 350 mA. The process proceeds to S108.

  In step S108, the CPU 60 updates the control frequency for the vibration unit 70 to be reduced by 35 Hz, and returns the process to step S105.

  By the processing from step S105 to step S108, the control frequency for the vibration unit 70 is reduced by 35 Hz every 10 msec. Accordingly, as described with reference to FIG. 5, the control frequency for the vibration unit 70 gradually increases from the upper limit on the high frequency side set between the resonance frequency and the antiresonance frequency to the target frequency. It will be brought closer.

  Then, when determining that the horn current Id has reached 350 mA, the CPU 60 increases the control frequency for the vibration unit 70 by 500 Hz in step S109 and advances the process to step S110.

  In step S110, the CPU 60 determines whether or not the control frequency for the vibration unit 70 has reached the upper limit value on the high frequency side. If it is determined that the control frequency has not yet reached, the process proceeds to step S111. The process proceeds to step S112.

  In step S111, the CPU 60 waits for 50 msec to elapse and returns the process to step S109.

  As described above, the control frequency of the vibration unit 70 is controlled to be increased by 500 Hz every 50 msec after the control frequency of the vibration unit 70 is set to a value such that the horn current Id becomes 350 mA by the processing of step S109 to step S111.

  When it is determined that the control frequency for the vibration unit 70 has reached the upper limit on the high frequency side (YES in step S110), the CPU 60 waits for 100 msec to elapse in step S112 and returns the process to step S101.

  In the dry mist process described above, the control frequency for the vibration unit 70 is reduced by 35 Hz from the upper limit on the high frequency side, and when the horn current Id reaches 350 mA, the control frequency for the vibration unit 70 is 500 Hz every 50 msec toward the upper limit on the high frequency side. When the control frequency reaches the upper limit value on the high frequency side, after waiting for 100 msec, the control frequency is gradually increased from the upper limit value on the high frequency side to the lower frequency side by 35 Hz in steps S101 to S108. Reduced. That is, in the dry mist process, the control frequency is increased on the condition that the horn current becomes a predetermined first current value (350 mA in the present embodiment). As a result, the mist generator 100 can increase the control frequency on the condition that the horn current becomes the first current value and the mist generator 100 starts to supply mist due to the high frequency vibration of the vibrator 20. The state is controlled so that the supply of power to the vibrator 20 is substantially stopped. Accordingly, it is possible to control the mist generator 100 to supply a certain amount of mist to a certain amount without providing a process for determining an optimum frequency for generating mist for each vibrator 20. Therefore, an appropriate amount of mist can be supplied to the mist generator 100 without lengthening the dry mist process.

  In addition, after the horn current becomes the first current value, instead of increasing the control frequency, the power supply to the vibration unit 70 may be stopped for a predetermined time (for example, 100 msec). good.

  In the present embodiment, the control is performed to immediately increase the control frequency on the condition that the horn current becomes the first current value. However, after the horn current becomes the first current value, Control may be performed so as to increase the control frequency after the control frequency is maintained in that state for a predetermined time (for example, 100 msec).

(Heater control in the drying process)
As described above, the CPU 60 controls the driving of the heater 50 and controls the drying fan 52. Thereby, the air heated by the heater 50 is supplied into the water tank 214 through the air duct 212 by the rotation of the drying fan 52. Thereby, in the washing machine 200, the drying process which dries the to-be-cleaned object in the water tank 214 is performed.

  In the drying step, the object to be cleaned can be dried while supplying mist in the water tank 214 by performing appropriate vibration control on the vibrator 20. Thereby, a softness can be given to the to-be-cleaned object after drying. In addition, it can be considered that the temperature of the mist generator 100 provided in the vicinity of the water tank 214 also rises by sending heated air into the water tank 214.

  Therefore, in the washing machine 200, the drive control of the heater 50 is performed based on the temperature detected by the thermistor 49 in the drying step. The thermistor 49 detects the temperature of the vibrator 20 directly or indirectly. For example, the thermistor 49 is provided in the vicinity of the mist generator 100.

FIG. 17 shows a drive control process flowchart of the heater 50.
Referring to FIG. 17, in step SA10, CPU 60 determines whether or not the detected temperature T of the thermistor 49 has exceeded a predetermined first temperature TX1 (for example, 70 ° C.). The process proceeds to SA20. On the other hand, if it is determined that the detected temperature T is equal to or lower than TX1, the process proceeds to step SA40.

  In step SA20, the CPU 60 stops the driving of the heater 50 and advances the process to step SA30.

  In step SA30, the CPU 60 notifies the state in which the driving of the heater 50 is stopped, for example, by displaying specific display contents, and returns the process to step SA10. Such a display can be performed on the operation panel 36, for example.

  On the other hand, in step SA40, the CPU 60 determines whether or not the detected temperature T is equal to or lower than a second temperature TX2 (for example, 60 ° C.). Proceed. On the other hand, when determining that the detected temperature T exceeds the second temperature TX2, the CPU 60 returns the process to step SA10.

  In step SA50, the CPU 60 restarts the driving of the heater 50 (when the driving of the heater 50 is stopped), and advances the process to step SA60.

  In step SA60, the CPU 60 notifies the state in which the heater 50 is being driven, for example, by displaying specific display contents, and returns the process to step SA10. Such a display can be performed on the operation panel 36, for example.

  In the heater control described above, when the detected temperature T of the thermistor 49 exceeds the first temperature TX1 in the drying process, the driving of the heater 50 is stopped, and the detected temperature T of the thermistor 49 is the first temperature. When the temperature is lower than or equal to the second temperature TX2 lower than that, the driving of the heater 50 is resumed.

  The heater control may be executed by indirectly detecting the temperature of the vibrator 20 based on the temperature detected by the thermistor 48 instead of the thermistor 49. That is, the detection may be performed based on the temperature detected by the thermistor 48 instead of the temperature detected by the thermistor 49. Thereby, the thermistor 49 can be omitted and the components of the washing machine 200 can be reduced.

  In the heater control described above, both stop and restart of heater driving are notified (displayed). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and only stop or restart of driving (or that driving is being performed). May be notified.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is a figure explaining the schematic structure seen from the front side of the washing machine according to embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the schematic structure seen from the side surface side of the washing machine 200 according to embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic explaining the control part 218 and peripheral device according to embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the external appearance structure of the mist generator 100 according to embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the frequency characteristic of the vibrator | oscillator 20 (piezoelectric ceramic vibrator | oscillator) which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining control of the vibrator for performing mist control according to an embodiment of the invention. It is a flowchart explaining an initial setting process. It is a flowchart explaining the pre-tuning confirmation process. It is a flowchart explaining the process of reduction mode as tuning mode. It is a flowchart explaining the process of a raise mode as tuning mode. It is a flowchart explaining the process of fine adjustment mode as tuning mode. It is an example of the timing chart of the control in the washing process of the washing machine of this Embodiment. It is an example of the timing chart for demonstrating the control content with respect to the mist generator in each process of the washing process of FIG. It is an example of the timing chart of the control in the drying process of the washing machine of this Embodiment. It is an example of the timing chart for demonstrating the control content with respect to the mist generator in the dry mist process of the drying process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the control content with respect to the vibration unit 70 in the dry mist process of FIG. It is a flowchart of the heater control process performed in the drying process of the washing machine of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  20 vibrator, 36 operation panel, 40 alarm device, 42 water supply valve, 44 water supply valve for mist, 46 circulation pump, 48, 49 thermistor, 50 heater, 52 drying fan, 54 drum motor, 55 drain motor, 59 mist valve, 70 Vibrating unit, 100 Mist generator, 200 Washing machine, 202 Drain hose, 204 Circulation pump, 206 Drain unit, 208 Water supply duct, 210 Mist water hose, 212 Air duct, 214 Water tank, 216 Outer box, 218 Control unit, 220 Water supply unit, 230 inner door, 232 damper, 236 support spring, 238 drainage duct, 240 circulation nozzle, 242 heater section.

Claims (4)

A drying chamber for storing the drying object;
A mist generating means that includes an ultrasonic element, and sprays the liquid in the form of a mist in accordance with the ultrasonic vibration of the ultrasonic element;
Power supply means for vibrating the ultrasonic element by supplying high frequency power to the ultrasonic element;
Detecting means for detecting a current value flowing through the ultrasonic element;
The power supply means changes the frequency of power supplied to the ultrasonic element to a first frequency higher than the resonance frequency of the ultrasonic element and then changes the frequency to a lower frequency side, and the detection means detects On the condition that the current value to be detected is a predetermined first current value, the vibration of the ultrasonic element is stopped, and the frequency of the electric power supplied to the ultrasonic element is set to the first frequency again. After that, the washing machine is changed to a lower frequency side.   The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the power supply means stops the vibration of the ultrasonic element by supplying power of the first frequency to the ultrasonic element.   The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the power supply means stops the vibration of the ultrasonic element by stopping the supply of electric power to the ultrasonic element.   When the current value detected by the detection means detects the first current value, the power supply means maintains the state for a predetermined time, and then stops the vibration of the ultrasonic element. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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