JP2011224227A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine capable of washing efficiently, reducing vibration and noise during spin-drying rotation.SOLUTION: A washing machine comprises: a housing 2; an outer tub 9 supported so as not to vibrate in the housing 2 for retaining washing water or rinsing water inside; a washing and dewatering tub 8 supported in a rotatable manner in the outer tub 9; an agitator 8a arranged at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub 8; a driving unit 10 for driving the agitator 8a and/or the washing and dewatering tub 8 to rotate; and a control unit 100 for controlling the driving unit 10 to execute at least washing and dewatering processes. The washing machine comprises a vibration detecting means 25 for detecting vibration of the outer tub 9 is provided, and the control unit 100, during the washing process, controls the driving unit 10 to rotate the agitator 8a and determines whether to proceed to the dewatering process based on a value detected by the vibration detecting means 25.

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly to a washing machine that can efficiently perform washing while reducing vibration and noise during dehydration rotation.

The washing machine (washing and drying machine) has an outer tub elastically supported by the housing and an inner tub (drum / washing and dehydrating tub) that is rotatably supported inside the washing machine. Inside, it is washed, rinsed and dehydrated. The inner tank is rotationally driven by a driving device attached to the outer tank.
Of the washing processes (washing process, rinsing process, dehydration process) in the washing machine, the dehydration process is operated so as to increase the rotation speed of the inner tub to a predetermined high-speed rotation speed (high-speed centrifugal dehydration operation). When the laundry is biased in the tub, there is a problem that large vibration and noise are generated in the outer tub and the housing due to resonance before the rotation speed of the inner tub reaches a predetermined high speed.

  In the drum-type washing and drying machine in which the rotation axis of the drum is arranged in a substantially horizontal direction, before the dehydration process, the balance rotation that rotates at a lower speed than the dehydration rotation is performed before shifting to the dehydration rotation for centrifugally dewatering the laundry, A drum-type washing machine (drum-type washing and drying machine) that shifts to dewatering rotation when the magnitude of unbalance vibration during balance rotation is equal to or less than a predetermined value is known (Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-61856 A

However, the method disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a method peculiar to a drum type washing machine (drum type washing and drying machine). That is, by rotating the drum for storing the laundry at a low speed, the laundry is tumbled by a lifter provided on the inner wall surface of the drum and dropped by gravity. By this tumbling operation, the laundry can be dispersed in the drum and the unbalance amount can be reduced.
On the other hand, in a vertical washing machine (vertical washing dryer) in which the rotation axis of the washing / dehydrating tub is arranged in a substantially vertical direction, the rotation speed of the washing / dehydrating tub is decreased or the washing / dehydrating tub is rotated. Even if the rotating blades on the bottom of the washing / dehydrating tub are stopped and the laundry is uneven (unbalance), the unevenness (unbalance) will not be resolved and the dehydration process will start. May fail.
In this case, after pouring water into the outer tub, the rotating blades are rotated to stir the laundry, and after the laundry is dispersed in the washing and dewatering tub, the water in the outer tub is drained and again the dehydration step Control to return to is done.
As described above, when a large imbalance occurs in the dehydration process of the vertical type washing machine (vertical type washing dryer), the washing time is increased through the steps of re-watering, agitation, drainage, and re-dehydration. The problem was that the amount of power used increased.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a washing machine that can efficiently perform washing while reducing vibration and noise during dehydration rotation.

  In order to solve such a problem, the present invention provides a washing machine according to claim 1, a casing, and an outer tub that is supported in a vibration-proof manner in the casing and stores washing water or rinsing water therein. A washing and dewatering tub rotatably supported in the outer tub, a rotary blade disposed at the bottom of the washing and dehydrating tub, and a driving device for rotationally driving the rotary wing and / or the washing and dehydrating tub And a controller capable of executing at least a washing step and a dehydrating step by controlling the driving device, further comprising vibration detecting means for detecting vibration of the outer tub, wherein the control device includes the washing device. In the step, the drive device is controlled to rotate the rotor blade, and based on the value detected by the vibration detection means, it is determined whether or not to proceed to the dehydration step.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a washing machine according to claim 2, a casing, and an outer tub that is supported in a vibration-proof manner in the casing and stores washing water or rinsing water therein. A washing / dehydrating tub rotatably supported in the outer tub, a rotating blade disposed at the bottom of the washing / dehydrating tub, and a driving device for rotating the rotating wing and / or the washing / dehydrating tub And a control device capable of controlling the drive device and executing at least a rinsing step and a dehydrating step, and a vibration detecting means for detecting vibration of the outer tub, In the rinsing step, the drive device is controlled to rotate the rotor blade, and based on the value detected by the vibration detection means, it is determined whether or not to proceed to the dehydration step.

  Further, in order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention provides a washing machine according to claim 11, a housing, and an outer tub that is supported in a vibration-proof manner in the housing and stores washing water or rinsing water therein. A washing / dehydrating tub rotatably supported in the outer tub, a rotating blade disposed at the bottom of the washing / dehydrating tub, and a driving device for rotating the rotating wing and / or the washing / dehydrating tub And a control device capable of controlling at least the washing step and the dehydrating step by controlling the driving device, further comprising a gravitational acceleration detecting means for detecting the gravitational acceleration of the outer tub, the control device comprising: In the washing step, the driving device is controlled to stop the rotor blade, and based on the value detected by the gravitational acceleration detection means, it is determined whether or not to proceed to the dehydration step. .

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the washing machine which can wash efficiently can be provided, aiming at reduction of the vibration and noise at the time of spin-drying | dehydration rotation.

It is an external appearance perspective view of the washing machine (washing dryer) concerning a 1st embodiment. It is the right view which cut and showed a part of housing | casing and the outer tub in order to show the internal structure of the washing machine (washing / drying machine) which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a right side surface schematic diagram for demonstrating the attachment position of the vibration detection means of the outer tub of the washing machine (washing / drying machine) which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the attachment position of the vibration detection means of the outer tub of the washing machine (washing / drying machine) which concerns on 1st Embodiment, (a) is an upper surface schematic diagram, (b) looked at A arrow. It is a side view of an outer tank. It is a figure which shows the function structure of the control apparatus of the washing machine (washing / drying machine) which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is process drawing explaining the driving | operation process of the washing operation of the washing machine (washing / drying machine) which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the balancing process of the washing machine (washing / drying machine) which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the 1st modification of the balance process of the washing machine (washing / drying machine) which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the 2nd modification of the balance process of the washing machine (washing / drying machine) which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the function structure of the control apparatus of the washing machine (washing / drying machine) which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is process drawing explaining the driving | operation process of the washing operation of the washing machine (washing / drying machine) which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiments”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. In the present description, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

<< First Embodiment >>
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the washing machine (washing / drying machine) according to the first embodiment.
<Vertical washing and drying machine>
The washing / drying machine 1 is a vertical washing machine (vertical washing / drying machine) in which the rotation axis of the washing and dewatering tub 8 (see FIG. 2) is substantially vertical.
An upper surface cover 2a is provided on the upper portion of the housing 2 of the washing / drying machine 1, and an outer lid 3 is provided on the upper surface cover 2a. The outer lid 3 is folded in a mountain shape and opened to the rear side, thereby opening the opening 2b (see FIG. 2) and allowing clothes (laundry) to be taken in and out of the washing and dewatering tub 8 (see FIG. 2). ing.
A water supply hose connection port 4 from the water tap and a water absorption hose connection port 5 for remaining hot water in the bath are provided on the back side of the upper surface cover 2a.
A power switch 6 is provided on the front side of the top cover 2a, and an operation display panel 7 including an operation switch 7a and a display 7b is provided on the front side of the outer lid 3.

FIG. 2 is a right side view of the washing machine (washing and drying machine) according to the first embodiment, with a part of the housing and the outer tub cut away to show the internal structure.
The bottomed cylindrical washing / dehydrating tub 8 is rotatably supported by the outer tub 9, and has a large number of through holes for water flow and ventilation on the outer peripheral wall thereof, and the upper side is open.
The bottomed cylindrical outer tub 9 encloses the washing and dewatering tub 8 on the same axis and is open on the upper side. In addition, an inner lid 9 a is provided on the upper part of the outer tub 9.
The user of the washing / drying machine 1 can put clothes in and out of the washing and dewatering tub 8 through the opening 2b by opening the outer lid 3 and the inner lid 9a.

A rotary blade 8 a is provided on the inner bottom surface of the washing and dewatering tub 8. In addition, a driving device 10 is provided at the outer center of the bottom surface of the outer tub 9.
The driving device 10 includes a motor 10a and a clutch mechanism 10b, and a rotating shaft 10c of the driving device 10 passes through the outer tub 9 and is coupled to the washing / dehydrating tub 8 and the rotary blade 8a. The clutch mechanism 10b transmits the rotational power of the motor 10a to the washing and dewatering tub 8 and / or the rotary blade 8a. The motor 10a includes a rotation detection device 28 configured by a Hall element or a photo interrupter that detects the rotation, and a motor current detection device 29 that detects a current flowing through the motor 10a.

The top cover 2a has a water supply box (not shown) on the front side. The water supply box supplies tap water from the water supply hose connection port 4 and bath water from the water absorption hose connection port 5 (see FIG. 1) to the outer tub 9.
The detergent / finishing agent charging device 11 is provided on the front side of the top cover 2a. The detergent and the finishing agent are charged between the outer tub 9 and the washing / dehydrating tub 8 by the charging hose 11a.
The water supply valve 12 is provided on the back side of the top cover 2a. One end of the water supply valve 12 is connected to communicate with the water supply hose connection port 4 and the other end is connected to communicate with the water supply box. The discharge side of the water supply box is provided between the outer tub 9 and the washing / dehydrating tub 8.

A drop portion 9 b provided on the bottom surface of the outer tub 9 is connected to communicate with the lower communication pipe 13.
The lower communication pipe 13 is connected so as to communicate with the washing water drainage path 15 via the drain valve 14. By closing the drain valve 14, washing water and rinsing water can be stored in the outer tub 9. Further, by opening the drain valve 14, the water in the outer tub 9 can be drained outside the washing / drying machine 1 through the washing water drainage channel 15.

Further, the lower communication pipe 13 is connected so as to communicate with the washing water circulation channel 18 via a foreign matter removing device 16 and a circulation pump 17 installed at the lower part of the housing 2. The washing water circulation channel 18 is connected so as to communicate with a lint removing device 19 provided above the washing and dewatering tub 8.
When the circulation pump 17 is driven, the water in the outer tub 9 flows into the foreign matter removing device 16 through the drop portion 9 b and the lower communication pipe 13 to remove the foreign matter, and flows into the suction port of the circulation pump 17.
The water discharged from the discharge port of the circulation pump 17 flows into the waste thread removing device 19 through the washing water circulation channel 18 to remove the waste thread, and the water from which the waste thread has been removed (circulated water) is the waste thread removing device. Water is poured from 19 to spray into the washing and dewatering tank 8.

The drying duct 20 is installed in the vertical direction inside the back surface of the housing 2, and the lower part of the duct is connected to the drop portion 9 b of the outer tub 9 by a rubber bellows tube 20 a. A water-cooled dehumidifying mechanism (not shown) is built in the drying duct 20, and cooling water is supplied from the water supply valve 12 to the water-cooled dehumidifying mechanism. The cooling water flows down the wall surface of the drying duct 20 and enters the drop portion 9b, and is discharged outside the machine through the lower communication pipe 13 and the washing water drainage path 15.
The outlet of the drying duct 20 is connected to the air inlet of the fan 21, and the outlet of the fan 21 is connected to the heater 22. The outlet of the heater 22 is connected to the blowout nozzle 24 via a blower duct 23 and a rubber bellows tube 23a.
Thus, in the drying process, the air in the outer tub 9 is water-cooled and dehumidified by the drying duct 20 and sucked from the suction port of the fan 21, and the air discharged from the discharge port of the fan 21 is heated by the heater 22. The high-temperature and low-humidity wind can be blown out from the blowing nozzle 24 into the washing / dehydrating tub 8.

<Acceleration sensor>
An acceleration sensor (vibration detecting means) 25 that detects vibration acceleration due to vibration of the outer tub 9 is provided on the upper side surface of the outer tub 9. The acceleration sensor 25 is a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) 3-axis acceleration sensor having orthogonal vibration detection axes (for example, a radial direction, a tangential direction, and a direction along the rotation axis with respect to the rotation axis of the washing and dehydrating tub 8). is there.
Hereinafter, the mounting position of the acceleration sensor 25 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 3 is a schematic right side view for explaining the attachment position of the vibration detection means of the outer tub of the washing machine (washing and drying machine) according to the first embodiment.
In FIG. 3, the apparatus for water supply / drainage described with reference to FIG. 2 and the apparatus for circulating air used in the drying process are omitted.
The outer tub 9 is swingably supported by a suspension rod 26 whose upper side is fixed to the housing 2.
When the motor 10a of the driving device 10 is driven to rotate the washing / dehydrating tub 8 and / or the rotary blade 8a, the outer tub 9 vibrates (unbalanced) due to the bias (unbalance) of the clothes in the washing / dehydrating tub 8. Vibrate.

  Note that a detection lever 27 is provided inside the housing 2, and when the unbalance vibration is large and the outer tub 9 vibrates greatly and touches the detection lever 27, the control device 100 stops the motor 10 a of the driving device 10. To control.

  The unbalance vibration vibrates around the fulcrum 26f that supports the outer tub 9 with the suspension rod 26. Further, depending on the unbalanced state and the rotation speed of the washing / dehydrating tub 8 and / or the rotary blade 8a, the center of gravity of the vibration system suspended by the hanging rod 26 (that is, not only the outer tub 9 but also the outer tub 9 is attached). The washing / dehydrating tub 8, the rotary blade 8 a, the driving device 10, etc. are oscillated around the center of gravity (9 g).

Therefore, the mounting position of the acceleration sensor 25 for detecting the vibration of the outer tub 9 is such that “the supporting point 26f—the mounting position of the acceleration sensor 25” is longer than the distance between “the supporting point 26f—the center of gravity 9g of the vibration system”. By attaching the acceleration sensor 25 to the position, the output value of the acceleration sensor 25 that can be detected during unbalanced vibration is increased, which is preferable.
Further, by mounting the acceleration sensor 25 at a position where “the center of gravity 9g of the vibration system—the mounting position of the acceleration sensor 25” is longer than the distance between “the supporting point 26f—the center of gravity 9g of the vibration system”, the unbalanced vibration is achieved. This is preferable because the output value of the acceleration sensor 25 that can be detected sometimes increases.

FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the mounting position of the vibration detecting means of the outer tub of the washing machine (washing and drying machine) according to the first embodiment, (a) is a schematic top view, and (b) is a top view. It is a side view of the outer tank which looked at A arrow.
Reinforcing ribs 9d are provided along the vertical direction from the outer tank support portion 9c that supports the hanging rod 26 provided in the outer tank 9. The acceleration sensor 25 is preferably provided in a highly rigid region reinforced by the reinforcing rib 9d.

The acceleration sensor 25 has been described as being provided on the upper side surface of the outer tub 9, but the attachment position is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. 25a may be provided, and the acceleration sensor 25b may be provided at the upper end of the outer tub 9.
Further, although the acceleration sensor 25 has been described as a three-axis acceleration sensor, a plurality of acceleration sensors that detect acceleration in one direction may be provided.

Further, the acceleration sensor 25c may be provided in the housing 2.
The outer tub 9 is swingably supported on the housing 2 via the hanging rod 26, but the housing 2 also vibrates when the outer tub 9 vibrates. As described above, the acceleration sensor 25c provided in the housing 2 can also detect the vibration of the outer tub 9 (that is, the unbalance vibration due to the imbalance of the clothes in the washing and dewatering tub 8).
In addition, since the housing | casing 2 vibrates using the leg part 2c as a fulcrum, providing the acceleration sensor 25c in the upper part of the housing | casing 2 is preferable because the output value of the acceleration sensor 25c becomes large.

<Control device>
As shown in FIG. 2, the washing / drying machine 1 includes a control device 100. The control device 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a control device of the washing machine (washing / drying machine) according to the first embodiment.
The control device 100 is configured around a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) 110.
The microcomputer 110 includes an operation pattern database 111, a process control unit 112, a rotation speed calculation unit 113, a clothing weight calculation unit 114, an unbalance amount determination unit 115, and a dehydration activation timing determination unit 116.

The microcomputer 110 has a function of calling a driving pattern corresponding to the driving course input from the operation switch 7a from the driving pattern database 111 and starting washing or / and drying. The process control unit 112 has a function of performing operation control of each process of the washing process, the rinsing process, the dehydration process, and the drying process based on the operation pattern called from the operation pattern database 111.
In each process, the process control unit 112 has a function of controlling the water supply valve 12 and the drain valve 14. Further, the process control unit 112 controls driving of the motor 10 a of the driving device 10 via the motor driving circuit 121, switches the clutch mechanism 10 b via the clutch control circuit 122, and controls ON / OFF of the heater switch 123. Thus, the energization of the heater 22 is controlled, the fan motor 21a of the fan 21 is controlled via the fan motor drive circuit 124, and the circulation pump 17 is driven and controlled via the circulation pump drive circuit 125.
In addition, the process control part 112 has a function which carries out stop control of the motor 10a, when detecting that the outer tank 9 contacted the detection lever 27. FIG.

The rotation speed calculation unit 113 has a function of calculating the rotation speed of the motor 10a based on the detection value from the rotation detection device 28 that detects the rotation of the motor 10a.
The clothing weight calculation unit 114 has a function of calculating the weight of clothing in the washing and dewatering tub 8 based on the rotation speed calculated by the rotation speed calculation unit 113 and the detection value of the motor current detection device 29. Since the load for rotating the washing / dehydrating tub 8 is increased due to the increase in the weight of the clothes and a large motor current is required to flow through the motor 10a, the weight of the clothes is determined by the motor current and the rotation speed of the motor 10a. Can be calculated.

The unbalance amount determination unit 115 has a function of determining the state of clothes (dispersed state, unbalanced state) inside the washing and dewatering tub 8 based on the output value of the acceleration sensor 25, and will be described in detail later. To do.
The dehydration activation timing determination unit 116 determines whether the dehydration activation timing determination unit 116 is at a timing for shifting to the dehydration process based on the unbalance amount (unbalanced state) determined by the unbalance amount determination unit 115. The details will be described later.

<Operation process of washing machine>
Next, an operation process of the washing machine (washing / drying machine 1) according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 6 is a process diagram illustrating an operation process of a washing operation (washing-rinsing-dehydration) of the washing machine (washing / drying machine) according to the first embodiment.
Cloth amount sensing step S201, detergent-dissolved water supply step S202, tank rotation water supply step S203, pre-washing step S204, cloth quality sensing step S205, water supply step S206, main washing step S207, loosening step S208, main washing step S209, loosening step S210 , Main washing step S211, loosening step S212, balance step 213, drainage step S214, dewatering step S215, rotary shower rinsing step S216, dehydration step S217, rotary shower rinsing step S218, drainage step S219, dehydration step S220, water supply step S221, The reservoir rinsing (stirring) step S222, the balancing step S223, the draining step S224, and the final dewatering step S225 are provided.

In the cloth amount sensing step S201, the process control unit 112 rotates the washing and dewatering tub 8, and the clothing weight calculation unit 114 of the microcomputer 110 calculates the amount of cloth for the clothing before water injection.
In the detergent-dissolving water supply step S <b> 202, the process control unit 112 first opens the water supply valve 12 and supplies detergent and water along the outer tub 9. And the process control part 112 drives the circulation pump 17, dissolves detergent with a small amount of water, and produces | generates a highly concentrated detergent solution.
In the tank rotation water supply process S203, the process control unit 112 drives the circulation pump 17 while rotating the washing and dewatering tank 8 and / or the rotary blade 8a to wash the high-concentration detergent solution from the lint removing device 19 It sprays on the clothes in the cum dewatering tank 8. In the pre-washing step S204, the clothes are washed with this high-concentration detergent solution.
In the cloth quality sensing step S205, the garment weight calculation unit 114 calculates the weight of the garment in the state of containing water. Then, the cloth quality (water absorption) of the clothes is determined from the weight of the clothes calculated in the cloth amount sensing step S201 and the weight of the clothes including water calculated in the cloth quality sensing step S205. The following steps are controlled according to the determined clothing quality.

The process control unit 112 supplies water into the outer tub 9 in accordance with the weight of the clothes calculated in the cloth amount sensing process S201 and the cloth quality of the clothes determined in the cloth quality sensing process S205 (water supply process S206). The clothes are washed by rotating 8a (main washing step S207).
In addition, the process control unit 112 performs an operation of loosening clothes by alternately rotating the rotary blades 8a in the forward and reverse directions (unraveling step S208).
The process control unit 112 repeats the washing process and the unraveling process several times (main washing process S209, unraveling process S210, main washing process S211 and unraveling process S212).

  When the main washing is completed, the unbalanced state of the clothing is monitored and it is determined whether or not to shift to dehydration (balance step S213). Details of the balancing step S213 will be described later.

The process control unit 112 opens the drain valve 14 and drains the wash water in the outer tub 9 (drain process S214). After the end of drainage, the process control unit 112 rotates the washing and dewatering tank 8 to dehydrate water (wash water) contained in the clothes (dehydration process S215).
The process control unit 112 closes the drain valve 14 and opens the water supply valve 12 to supply rinse water to the outer tub 9. Then, the circulation pump 17 is driven while the washing / dehydrating tub 8 is rotated, and the rinsing water is sprayed from the lint removing device 19 to the clothes in the washing / dehydrating tub 8 (rotating shower rinsing step S216).
The process control unit 112 stops the circulation pump 17 while rotating the washing and dewatering tub 8 to dehydrate the rinse water from the clothes (dehydration process S217).
The process control unit 112 drives the circulation pump 17 again while rotating the washing and dewatering tub 8, and sprays rinse water from the lint removal device 19 to the clothes in the washing and dewatering tub 8 (rotating shower rinsing step) S218).
The process control unit 112 stops the washing / dehydrating tub 8 and the circulation pump 17, closes the drain valve 14, and drains the rinsing water in the outer tub 9 (drainage process S219). After the end of drainage, the process control unit 112 rotates the washing / dehydrating tank 8 to dehydrate water (rinse water) contained in the clothes (dehydration process S220).

The process control unit 112 closes the drain valve 14 and opens the water supply valve 12 to supply rinse water to the outer tub 9 (water supply process S221).
The process control unit 112 rotates the washing / dehydrating tub 8 while rinsing water is accumulated in the outer tub 9 to stir the clothes. (Reservoir rinse (stirring) step S222).

  When the reservoir rinsing is completed, the unbalanced state of the clothing is monitored to determine whether or not to proceed to final dehydration (balance step S223). Details of the balancing step S223 will be described later.

  The process control unit 112 opens the drain valve 14 and drains the rinse water in the outer tub 9 (drain process S224). After draining is completed, the process control unit 112 rotates the washing / dehydrating tub 8 at a high speed to dehydrate water contained in the clothing (final dehydration process S225).

<Balance process>
Here, the balancing step S213 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a balancing process of the washing machine (washing / drying machine) according to the first embodiment.
After the unwinding step S212 (see FIG. 6), the process proceeds to the balancing step S213. At this time, the washing water for the main washing exists in the outer tub 9.
The process control part 112 (refer FIG. 5) of the microcomputer 110 rotates the rotary blade 8a, and stirs the clothing in the washing and dewatering tub 8 (step S301).
The unbalance amount determination unit 115 (see FIG. 5) of the microcomputer 110 acquires the vibration acceleration due to the vibration of the outer tub 9 detected by the acceleration sensor 25 for a predetermined time (step S302).
The unbalance amount determination unit 115 calculates the amplitude of the outer tub 9 based on the vibration acceleration acquired in step S302, and extracts the maximum value of the amplitude within a predetermined time (step S303).

Dehydration start timing determination section 116 of the microcomputer 110 (see FIG. 5) determines whether the threshold value K ₁ below a preset amplitude maximum value in the predetermined time extracted in step S302 (step S304).
When maximum amplitude is larger than the threshold value K ₁ (No in step S304), the process returns to step S301, and repeats the step S304 from the step S301 to the maximum amplitude value becomes the threshold value K ₁ or less.
If the amplitude maximum threshold K ₁ or less (Yes in step S304), the interior of the unbalanced state of the clothes washing and dewatering tank 8, it is determined that the dehydration bootable, the process proceeds to step S305 .

The process control unit 112 stops the rotary blade 8a (step S305).
And balance process S213 is complete | finished and it transfers to drainage process S214 (refer FIG. 6).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a first modification of the balancing process of the washing machine (washing / drying machine) according to the first embodiment.
After the unwinding step S212 (see FIG. 6), the process proceeds to the balancing step S213. At this time, the washing water for the main washing exists in the outer tub 9.
The process control part 112 (refer FIG. 5) of the microcomputer 110 rotates the rotary blade 8a, and stirs the clothing in the washing and dewatering tub 8 (step S401).
The unbalance amount determination unit 115 (see FIG. 5) of the microcomputer 110 acquires the vibration acceleration due to the vibration of the outer tub 9 detected by the acceleration sensor 25 for a predetermined time (step S402).
The unbalance amount determination unit 115 calculates the amplitude of the outer tub 9 based on the vibration acceleration acquired in step S402, and extracts the maximum value and the minimum value of the amplitude within a predetermined time (step S403).
The unbalance amount determination unit 115 calculates a difference f (difference f = || maximum amplitude value | − | minimum amplitude value ||) which is an absolute value of a difference between the maximum amplitude value and the minimum amplitude value within the predetermined time extracted in step S402. ) Is calculated (step S404).

The dehydration activation timing determination unit 116 (see FIG. 5) of the microcomputer 110 determines whether or not the difference f calculated in step S404 is equal to or less than a preset threshold value K ₂ (step S405).
If the difference f is larger than the threshold value K ₂ (No in step S405), the process returns to step S401, and repeats the step S405 from step S401 until the difference f becomes the threshold value K ₂ or less.
If the difference f is the threshold K ₂ below (Yes in step S405), the interior of the unbalanced state of the clothes washing and dewatering tank 8, it is determined that the dehydration bootable, the process proceeds to step S406.

The process control unit 112 stops the rotary blade 8a (step S406).
And balance process S213 is complete | finished and it transfers to drainage process S214 (refer FIG. 6).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a second modification of the balancing process of the washing machine (washing / drying machine) according to the first embodiment.
Note that steps S401 to S404 and step S406 and subsequent steps shown in FIG. 9 are the same as steps S401 to S404 and step S406 and subsequent steps shown in FIG.

Dehydration start timing determination section 116 of the microcomputer 110 (see FIG. 5) determines whether the calculated difference f is not more than the threshold value K ₃ which is set in advance in step S404 (step S505).
If the difference f is the threshold K ₃ or less (Yes in step S505), the interior of the unbalanced state of the clothes washing and dewatering tank 8, determines that large vibrations even when dewatering rotation at high speed is in a state which does not occur Then, the set value of the rotational speed of the motor 10a in the dehydration step S215 (see FIG. 6) is increased. Further, the set value of the angular acceleration of the motor 10a in the dehydration step S215 is increased (step S506). Then, the process proceeds to step S406.

On the other hand, if the difference f is larger than the threshold value K ₃ at step S505 (No at step S505), the process proceeds to step S507.
Dehydration start timing determination unit 116 determines the difference f calculated in step S404 is whether a threshold value K ₄ or less that is set in advance (step S507). The threshold value K ₄ is set to a value larger than the threshold value K ₃ .
If the difference f is the threshold K ₄ or less (Yes in step S507), the interior of the unbalanced state of the clothes washing and dewatering tank 8, it is determined that large vibrations even when dewatering rotation is in a state which does not occur Then, the set value of the rotation speed of the motor 10a in the dehydration step S215 (see FIG. 6) is not changed (step S508), and the process proceeds to step S406.

On the other hand, if the difference f is greater than the threshold value K ₄ at step S507 (No at step S507), the process proceeds to step S509.
Dehydration start timing determination unit 116 determines the difference f calculated in step S404 is to or less than the threshold value K ₅ which is set in advance (step S509). The threshold value K ₅ is set to a value larger than the threshold value K ₄ .
If the difference f is the threshold K ₅ or less (Yes in step S509), the interior of the unbalanced state of the clothes washing and dewatering tank 8, it is determined that a state in which large vibration is not generated if the dewatering rotation at a low speed Thus, the set value of the rotational speed of the motor 10a in the dehydration step S215 (see FIG. 6) is decreased (step S510), and the process proceeds to step S406.

On the other hand, (No at step S509). If the difference f is greater than the threshold value K ₅ in step S509, the flow returns to step S401.

According to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, when the clothing imbalance is small, the spin-off speed can be increased in the subsequent spin-drying step S215 to shorten the spin-drying time. On the other hand, if the dehydration rotation speed is decreased, even when the dehydration process can be performed, the dehydration process S215 can be performed, so that it is possible to prevent the shift from being delayed by repeating the balance process.
In FIG. 9, the amplitude difference f is compared with the threshold value as in FIG. 8, but the maximum amplitude value and a plurality of threshold values may be compared as shown in FIG.

The balance process (S213) when shifting from the main washing process (S207 to S212) in which water is accumulated in the outer tub 9 to the dehydration process (S215) has been described. It is not limited to the balancing step (S213).
That is, you may implement by balance process S223 at the time of transfer from accumulation rinse process S222 to final dehydration process S225.

Moreover, instead of the balance (S213) shown in the operation process (see FIG. 6) of the washing / drying machine 1, the vibration of the outer tub 9 is detected and compared with the threshold value in the main washing process S211 and the loosening process S212 (from FIG. 7). If a predetermined condition is satisfied, the process may move to the draining process S214 and the dehydrating process S215 may be performed.
In addition, in the reservoir rinsing step S222, the vibration of the outer tub 9 is detected and compared with a threshold value, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the process may proceed to the draining step S224 and the final dehydrating step S225 may be performed.

Moreover, you may perform in the drainage process (S214, S224) before dehydration process S215 and final dehydration process S225.
That is, in the draining process in which the drainage valve 14 is opened from the state where water (washing water / rinsing water) is stored in the outer tub 9, draining is performed while rotating the rotor blades 8a. The vibration may be detected and compared with a threshold value (see FIGS. 7 to 9), and the rotor 8a may be stopped when a predetermined condition is satisfied. If the condition for shifting to the dehydration process is not satisfied within a predetermined time before the drainage is completed after the drainage is started, the drainage valve 14 is closed to stop the drainage, and after the predetermined condition is satisfied, the rotary blade It is good also as a structure which stops 8a, opens the drain valve 14, and restarts drainage.

Further, when the vibration of the outer tub 9 is detected and compared with the threshold value (see FIGS. 7 to 9), the threshold value may be changed in accordance with the rotational speed at which the rotating blade 8a is rotated. May be changed. Further, when the rotation speed is changed, the threshold value may be changed.
Thereby, an unbalanced state can be evaluated more appropriately by using a threshold value corresponding to the rotation speed.

  Thus, according to the washing machine (washing / drying machine 1) according to the first embodiment, the unevenness (unbalance) of clothes in the washing and dewatering tub during the dehydration process is prevented, and vibrations caused by unbalance Noise can be reduced, and failure to start dehydration can be reduced. Further, by reducing the failure of dehydration activation, re-watering for eliminating imbalance can be reduced, so that the washing time can be extended due to re-watering, and the amount of water and power used can be reduced.

<< Second Embodiment >>
Next, a washing machine (washing / drying machine) according to the second embodiment will be described. Note that the washing machine according to the second embodiment will not be described for points that are the same as the washing machine according to the first embodiment, and will be described for differences.

In the washing machine according to the first embodiment, in the balancing step S213, the rotor 8a is rotated to stir the clothes inside the washing and dewatering tub 8, and the vibration of the outer tub 9 caused by clothes unbalance is detected by the acceleration sensor. This is detected at 25 to determine whether or not it is possible to shift to the dehydration process.
On the other hand, the washing machine according to the second embodiment stops the rotation of the rotary blade 8a and uses the detected value from the acceleration sensor 25 in the stopped state.

  Specifically, the acceleration sensor 25 detects the gravitational acceleration and outputs it to the control device 200 even when the outer tub 9 is not vibrating. The washing machine according to the second embodiment detects an acceleration (gravity acceleration) in a state where clothes are not put in the washing and dewatering tub 8, and stores it in a storage unit (not shown) of the control device 200 in advance. Record it. The detection of the acceleration (gravity acceleration) in a state where the clothing is not put in may be detected when the washing machine according to the second embodiment is installed, or may be detected periodically. Good.

  The acceleration sensor 25 of the washing machine according to the second embodiment is directly attached to the outer tub 9 (see 25 shown in FIG. 3 and 25a and 25b shown by broken lines in FIG. 3). Other configurations are the same as those of the washing machine according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a control device of the washing machine (washing / drying machine) according to the second embodiment.
The control device 200 is configured around a microcomputer 210. The difference from the microcomputer 100 of the washing machine according to the first embodiment includes an outer tub inclination calculation unit 215 instead of the unbalance amount determination unit 115.
The outer tank inclination calculation unit 215 calculates the direction vector of the gravitational acceleration of the outer tank 9 based on the output value of the acceleration sensor 25 and calculates the inclination state of the outer tank 9. Other configurations are the same as those of the microcomputer 110 of the washing machine according to the first embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a process diagram illustrating a driving process of a washing operation of the washing machine (washing / drying machine) according to the second embodiment.
At this time, the outer tub 9 contains washing water for main washing or rinsing water for rinsing.
The process control unit 112 (see FIG. 10) of the microcomputer 210 stops the rotating blade 8a when the rotating blade 8a is rotating. (Step S601). The vibration due to the unbalanced clothing in the washing and dewatering tub 8 stops, but when there is an imbalance in clothing, the washing and dewatering tub 8 tilts.
The outer tub inclination calculation unit 215 (see FIG. 10) of the microcomputer 210 acquires the acceleration (gravity acceleration) detected by the acceleration sensor 25 (step S602).
The outer tub inclination calculation unit 215 has the acceleration (gravity acceleration) acquired in step S602 and the laundry / dehydration tub 8 stored in the storage unit (not shown) of the control device 200 in a state where clothes are not put in. The inclination angle of the outer tub 9 due to the current clothing imbalance is calculated based on the acceleration (gravitational acceleration) (that is, the state where there is no inclination due to the imbalance) (step S603).

Dehydration start timing determination section 116 of the microcomputer 110 (see FIG. 5) determines the inclination angle of the outer tank 9 calculated in step S603 is to or less than the threshold value K ₆ which is set in advance (step S604).
When the inclination angle is larger than the threshold K ₆ (No in step S604), the process proceeds to step S605, where the process control unit 112 rotates the rotating blade 8a to change the unbalanced state of the clothes. Thereafter, the process returns to step S601.
When the inclination angle is equal to or smaller than the threshold K ₆ (Yes in step S604), it is determined that the unbalanced state of the clothes in the washing and dewatering tub 8 is a state where dehydration can be started, and the balancing steps S213 and S223. (Refer FIG. 6) is complete | finished and it transfers to drainage process S214, S224 (refer FIG. 6).

  As described above, according to the washing machine (washing / drying machine) according to the second embodiment, the unevenness (unbalance) of the clothes in the washing / dehydrating tub during the dehydration process is prevented, and vibration and noise caused by the unbalance are prevented. And the failure of dehydration activation can be reduced. Further, by reducing the failure of dehydration activation, re-watering for eliminating imbalance can be reduced, so that the washing time can be extended due to re-watering, and the amount of water and power used can be reduced.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Washing and drying machine 2 Case 2a Top cover 2b Opening part 2c Leg 3 Outer lid 4 Water supply hose connection port 5 Water absorption hose connection port 6 Power switch 7 Operation display panel 7a Operation switch 7b Display 8 Washing / dehydration tank 8a Rotary blade 9 Outer tub 9a Inner lid 9b Recessed portion 9c Outer tub support portion 9d Reinforcement rib 10 Drive device 10a Motor 10b Clutch mechanism 10c Rotating shaft 10g Center of gravity 11 of vibration system Input device 11a Input hose 12 Water supply valve 13 Lower communication pipe 14 Drain valve 15 Washing Water drainage channel 1
16 Foreign matter removal device 17 Circulation pump 18 Washing water circulation channel 19 Waste thread removal device 20 Drying duct 20a Bellows tube 21 Fan 22 Heater 23 Air duct 23a Bellows tube 24 Blowing nozzles 25, 25a, 25b, 25c Acceleration sensor (vibration detection means, gravity Acceleration detection means)
26 suspension rod 26f fulcrum 27 detection lever 28 rotation detection device 29 motor current detection device 100 control device 110 microcomputer 111 operation pattern database 112 process control unit 113 rotation speed calculation unit 114 clothing weight calculation unit 115 unbalance amount determination unit 116 dehydration start timing Determination unit 121 Motor drive circuit 122 Clutch control circuit 123 Heater switch 124 Fan motor drive circuit 125 Circulation pump drive circuit 215 Outer tank inclination calculation unit

Claims (11)

A housing,
Anti-vibration support in the housing, and an outer tub for storing washing water or rinsing water inside,
A washing and dewatering tub rotatably supported in the outer tub;
A rotor blade disposed at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tank;
A driving device for rotationally driving the rotary blade and / or the washing and dewatering tub;
In a washing machine comprising: a control device that controls the drive device and can execute at least a washing step and a dehydration step.
Comprising vibration detection means for detecting the vibration of the outer tub,
In the washing step, the control device
A washing machine that controls the driving device to rotate the rotor blade and determines whether or not to proceed to the dehydration step based on a value detected by the vibration detecting means. A housing,
Anti-vibration support in the housing, and an outer tub for storing washing water or rinsing water inside,
A washing and dewatering tub rotatably supported in the outer tub;
A rotor blade disposed at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tank;
A driving device for rotationally driving the rotary blade and / or the washing and dewatering tub;
In a washing machine comprising: a control device that controls the drive device and can execute at least a rinsing step and a dehydrating step.
Comprising vibration detection means for detecting the vibration of the outer tub,
In the rinsing process, the control device includes:
A washing machine that controls the driving device to rotate the rotor blade and determines whether or not to proceed to the dehydration step based on a value detected by the vibration detecting means. The controller is
Calculate the amplitude of the outer tub based on the value detected by the vibration detection means,
The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the maximum value of the amplitude is equal to or less than a predetermined value, it is determined that the process proceeds to the dehydration process. The controller is
Calculate the amplitude of the outer tub based on the value detected by the vibration detection means,
The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the amplitude is equal to or less than a predetermined value, it is determined that the dehydration process is started. The controller is
5. The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the driving device is controlled so as to change a rotation speed of the washing / dehydrating tub in the dehydration step based on a value detected by the vibration detection unit. The washing machine according to item. The predetermined value is
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the vibration detecting means changes in accordance with a rotation speed of the rotor blade when the vibration is detected. The vibration detection means includes
Than the distance of the center of gravity of the vibration system suspended from the fulcrum where the outer tub is suspended,
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the washing machine is attached to a position that increases a distance of an attachment position of the vibration detection unit from the fulcrum. The vibration detection means includes
Than the distance of the center of gravity of the vibration system suspended from the fulcrum where the outer tub is suspended,
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the washing machine is attached at a position where the distance of the attachment position of the vibration detection means from the center of gravity is increased. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the vibration detecting means is an acceleration sensor provided at a plurality of locations. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the vibration detection unit is installed in the housing. A housing,
Anti-vibration support in the housing, and an outer tub for storing washing water or rinsing water inside,
A washing and dewatering tub rotatably supported in the outer tub;
A rotor blade disposed at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tank;
A driving device for rotationally driving the rotary blade and / or the washing and dewatering tub;
In a washing machine comprising: a control device that controls the drive device and can execute at least a washing step and a dehydration step.
Gravity acceleration detection means for detecting the gravity acceleration of the outer tub,
In the washing step, the control device
A washing machine characterized by controlling the driving device to stop the rotary blade and determining whether or not to proceed to the dehydration step based on a value detected by the gravitational acceleration detection means.

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