JP2012223439A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine performing an operation for reducing vibration of a washing tub.SOLUTION: A washing machine performs a preliminary stirring operation for stirring clothing and washing water for washing the clothing at a second water level lower than a first water level before the clothing is washed at the first water level. The washing machine includes a washing tub storing the clothing; a water supply system supplying the washing water for the preliminary stirring operation until a water level reaches the second water level; a pulsator stirring the clothing and the washing water within the washing tub; a drive unit driving the pulsator; a sensor element sensing vibration of the washing tub; and a control device controlling the drive unit on the basis of the vibration of the washing tub sensed by the sensor element. If the vibration of the washing tub exceeds a threshold value determined for the vibration during the preliminary stirring operation, the drive unit reduces a rotation speed of the pulsator under control of the control device.

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine for washing clothes.

  A specific type of washing machine for washing clothes includes a housing and a rotating drum attached obliquely to the housing. The clothes in the rotating drum move up and down by the rotation of the rotating drum and the gravitational action, and washing is promoted.

  A washing machine for washing clothes by rotation of a rotating drum may include a sensor for detecting vibration generated when clothes are struck against the inner peripheral surface of the rotating drum by gravity (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). reference). Based on the vibration detected by the sensor, the behavior of the clothing in the rotating drum is grasped.

  Another type of washing machine is a so-called pulsator type washing machine. The pulsator-type washing machine includes a housing, a washing tub upright in the housing, and a pulsator that rotates in the laundry tub. The pulsator type washing machine urges washing of clothes by washing water and agitation of clothes by the pulsator, so that it is hardly assumed that the clothes are hit against the inner peripheral surface of the washing tub.

JP 2009-56262 A JP 2006-346270 A

  In order to promote washing of clothes, as a preliminary stage of the washing process, the washing water may be stirred with a relatively small amount of water (hereinafter referred to as a preliminary stirring process). As a result, the concentration of the detergent contained in the washing water is made uniform in the washing tub. In addition, foaming of washing water is promoted.

  In the preliminary stirring step, the clothes in the wash water absorb the supplied wash water, and the weight of the clothes increases. On the other hand, in the preliminary agitation step, since only an insufficient amount of water is supplied to move the clothes greatly, the clothes tend to be localized in the washing tub. Due to the increased weight of the garment as well as the localization of the garment, the vibration amplitude of the washing tub is relatively large.

  With the recent demand for miniaturization of washing machines, the gap between the washing tub and the inner wall of the housing tends to become narrower. As a result of the increase in the vibration amplitude of the washing tub, a collision between the housing and the washing tub occurs, and abnormal noise is caused.

  An object of this invention is to provide the washing machine which performs the operation | movement for reducing the vibration of a washing tub.

  A washing machine that performs a pre-stirring operation for stirring clothes and washing water for washing clothes at a second water level lower than the first water level before washing clothes at the first water level according to one aspect of the present invention A washing tub for storing the washing water, a water supply system for supplying the washing water until the second water level is reached for the preliminary stirring operation, a pulsator for stirring the clothing and the washing water in the washing tub, A drive unit that drives the pulsator, a sensor element that detects vibration of the washing tub, and a control device that controls the drive unit based on the vibration of the washing tub detected by the sensor element, If the vibration of the tank exceeds a threshold determined for the vibration during the preliminary stirring operation, the drive unit reduces the rotational speed of the pulsator under the control of the control device. Features.

  According to the above configuration, the washing machine performs the preliminary stirring operation of stirring the clothes and the washing water for washing the clothes at the second water level lower than the first water level before washing the clothes at the first water level. The water supply system supplies the washing water to the washing tub containing the clothes until the second water level is reached for the preliminary stirring operation. As a result of the driving unit driving the pulsator, clothes and washing water in the washing tub are agitated. As a result, the pre-stirring operation is appropriately performed, and the clothes are suitably washed at the first water level.

  The control device controls at least one of the drive unit and the water supply system based on the vibration of the washing tub detected by the sensor element. The water supply system supplies the washing water to the washing tub until the second water level is reached for the preliminary stirring operation. If the vibration of the washing tub exceeds a threshold value determined for the vibration during the preliminary stirring operation, the drive unit reduces the rotation speed of the pulsator under the control of the control device. Reduced.

  In the above configuration, the control element controls the water supply system, and if the vibration of the washing tub exceeds a threshold determined for the vibration during the preliminary stirring operation, the driving unit is It is preferable that the pulsator is stopped under the control of the control device, and the water supply system supplies the washing water to the washing tub up to the first water level under the control of the control device.

  According to the above configuration, if the vibration of the washing tub exceeds the threshold value determined for the vibration during the preliminary stirring operation, the driving unit stops the pulsator under the control of the control device. In addition, since the water supply system supplies the wash water to the wash tub up to the first water level under the control of the control device, the clothes are washed at the first water level before excessive vibration of the wash tub occurs.

  In the above configuration, the control element controls the water supply system, and if the vibration of the washing tub exceeds a threshold determined for the vibration during the preliminary stirring operation, the driving unit is The pulsator is stopped under the control of the control device, and the water supply system controls the washing water to the third water level between the first water level and the second water level under the control of the control device. It is preferable to supply to the tank, and the control device causes the drive unit to resume stirring by the pulsator.

  According to the above configuration, if the vibration of the washing tub exceeds the threshold value determined for the vibration during the preliminary stirring operation, the driving unit stops the pulsator under the control of the control device. Moreover, a water supply system supplies wash water to a washing tub to the 3rd water level between a 1st water level and a 2nd water level under control of a control apparatus. Since the control device causes the drive unit to resume stirring by the pulsator, the movement of the clothes is prompted at the third water level that is higher than the second water level. Since uneven distribution of clothes in the washing tub is easily eliminated, a preliminary stirring operation under reduced vibration of the washing tub is achieved.

  The said structure WHEREIN: It is preferable that the said drive part rotates the said pulsator alternately by bidirectional | two-way under the control of the said control apparatus during the said preliminary stirring operation.

  According to the above configuration, since the drive unit alternately rotates the pulsator in both directions under the control of the control device, the clothes and the washing water are agitated, so that an appropriate preliminary agitation operation is achieved.

  In the above configuration, if the vibration of the washing tub exceeds a threshold value determined for the vibration during the preliminary stirring operation, the control device causes the drive unit to reduce the rotation speed of the pulsator. It is preferable to continue the preliminary stirring operation.

  According to the above configuration, if the vibration of the washing tub exceeds a threshold value determined for the vibration during the preliminary stirring operation, the control device reduces the rotational speed of the pulsator to the drive unit, so that the reduction is achieved. The pre-stirring operation is preferably continued under the vibration of the washing tub.

  The said structure WHEREIN: It is preferable that the said sensor element contains the acceleration sensor which detects at least one among the acceleration component of a radial direction with respect to the rotating shaft of the said pulsator, and the acceleration component of the rotation direction of the said pulsator.

  According to the above configuration, the sensor element detects at least one of the acceleration component in the radial direction with respect to the rotation axis of the pulsator and the acceleration component of the acceleration component in the rotation direction of the pulsator. Is done.

  The said structure WHEREIN: It is preferable that the said acceleration sensor detects the acceleration component of the direction orthogonal to the acceleration component of a radial direction with respect to the rotating shaft of the said pulsator, and the acceleration component of the rotation direction of the said pulsator.

  According to the above configuration, since the acceleration sensor detects the acceleration component in the radial direction with respect to the rotation axis of the pulsator and the acceleration component in the direction orthogonal to the acceleration component in the rotation direction of the pulsator, it supports various vibration patterns. Thus, the drive unit is controlled.

  The washing machine according to the present invention can appropriately reduce the vibration of the washing tub.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a lower casing of the washing machine shown in FIG. 1. It is a schematic perspective view of the upper housing | casing of the washing machine shown by FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the upper housing shown in FIG. 3. It is a general | schematic expansion | deployment perspective view of the processing tank of the washing machine shown by FIG. It is a schematic plane enlarged view of the washing machine shown by FIG. It is a general | schematic expansion | deployment perspective view showing the attachment structure of the heat exchanger of the washing machine shown by FIG. It is a schematic plane enlarged view of the washing machine shown by FIG. It is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the acceleration sensor of the washing machine shown by FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the acceleration sensor shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of the acceleration sensor shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the acceleration sensor shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of the acceleration sensor shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of the acceleration sensor shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is a schematic rear view of the acceleration sensor shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of a lower portion of the acceleration sensor shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is a schematic bottom view of the acceleration sensor shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a washing machine supplied with washing water up to a first water level. It is a schematic sectional view of a washing machine supplied with washing water up to the second water level. It is a schematic flowchart of preliminary stirring operation. It is a schematic flowchart of another preliminary stirring operation. It is a schematic sectional view of a washing machine supplied with washing water up to a third water level. It is a schematic flowchart of another preliminary stirring operation.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a washing machine will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the terms such as “up”, “down”, “left”, and “right” used in the following description are merely for the purpose of clarifying the explanation, and the principle of the washing machine is used. It is not limited at all.

(Washing machine)
FIG. 1 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a washing machine according to the present embodiment. The washing machine will be described with reference to FIG. The washing machine shown in FIG. 1 has not only a washing function for washing clothes, but also a drying function for drying clothes. The principle of the present embodiment is preferably applied to a washing machine that does not have a drying function.

  The washing machine 100 includes a substantially rectangular box-shaped casing 110 and a treatment tank 200 disposed in the casing 110. The treatment tank 200 opened upward performs various processes such as a washing process, a dehydrating process, and a drying process.

  The housing 110 includes a substantially rectangular box-shaped lower housing 120 and an upper housing 130 fixed on the lower housing 120. The processing tank 200 is mainly accommodated in the lower housing 120.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the lower housing 120. The lower housing 120 is described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

  The lower housing 120 includes a substantially rectangular tubular side wall 121 and a rectangular frame-shaped pedestal portion 122 that supports the side wall 121. The side wall portion 121 fixed to the pedestal portion 122 is erected so as to surround the processing tank 200.

  The side wall 121 includes a back wall 123, a front wall 124 opposite to the back wall 123, a left wall 125 standing between the back wall 123 and the front wall 124, and a side opposite to the left wall 125. Right wall 126.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the upper housing 130. The upper housing 130 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

  The upper housing 130 includes a top wall 131 that forms the upper surface of the washing machine 100, an upper back wall 133 that is substantially flush with the back wall 123 of the lower housing 120, and a front wall 124 that is substantially flush with the front wall 124 of the lower housing 120. An upper front wall 134 that is one, an upper left wall 135 that is substantially flush with the left wall 125 of the lower casing 120, and an upper right wall 136 that is substantially flush with the right wall 126 of the lower casing 120. Including.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 100 further includes a control device 150 attached along the back wall 123. The control device 150 controls various processes such as a washing process, a dehydrating process, and a drying process of the washing machine 100.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the operation panel 151 is attached along the front edge 137 of the top wall 131. The operation panel 151 is electrically connected to the control device 150. The user can operate the operation panel 151 to cause the washing machine 100 to perform a desired operation.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a substantially circular opening 138 is formed in the top wall 131. As shown in FIG. 1, the upper housing 130 further includes a lid 139 that closes the opening 138. The lid body 139 is attached to the top wall 131 so as to be rotatable up and down. The user can turn the lid 139 upward to put the clothes into the treatment tank 200. Alternatively, the user can take out the clothes from the processing tank 200 by rotating the lid 139 upward. In this embodiment, the processing tank 200 is illustrated as a washing tank which accommodates clothing.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing various elements attached to the upper housing 130. Elements attached to the upper housing 130 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 4.

  The washing machine 100 includes a mechanical switch element 152 that detects vibration of the treatment tank 200. The switch element 152 electrically connected to the control device 150 outputs a detection signal including information regarding the vibration of the processing bath 200. The control device 150 controls the processing tank 200 based on the detection signal from the switch element 152.

  The washing machine 100 further includes a support piece 140 that supports the switch element 152. The support piece 140 is fixed along the upper back wall 133 of the upper housing 130. The switch element 152 attached to the left end of the support piece 140 protrudes downward and enters the corner between the back wall 123 and the left wall 125 of the lower housing 120.

  The switch element 152 includes a lever portion 153 that extends downward, and a signal generation portion 154 that generates and outputs a detection signal in accordance with the posture of the lever portion 153. If the processing tank 200 is greatly displaced toward the corner between the back wall 123 and the left wall 125, the lever portion 153 is connected to the back wall 123 (and the upper back wall 133 as shown in FIG. 4). ). At this time, the signal generation unit 154 generates and outputs a detection signal for stopping (or decelerating) the rotation of the processing bath 200. In the following description, the direction toward the corner between the back wall 123 and the left wall 125 is referred to as a first direction FD. The direction opposite to the first direction FD is referred to as the second direction SD.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the processing tank 200. The processing tank 200 is described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIG. 5.

  The processing tank 200 includes an inner tank 210 that rotates to dehydrate clothes and an outer tank 220 that houses the inner tank 210. The user can open the lid 139 of the upper housing 130 and store the clothes in the inner tub 210.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the inner tub 210 includes a substantially cylindrical peripheral wall 211 and a bottom wall 212 connected to the lower end of the peripheral wall 211. A large number of through holes 213 are formed in the peripheral wall 211. The water dehydrated from the clothes is discharged from the inner tank 210 through the through holes 213. The outer tub 220 receives water discharged from the through hole 213.

  The outer tub 220 includes a substantially cylindrical peripheral wall 221 and a bottom wall 222 connected to the peripheral wall 221. The peripheral wall 221 includes a lower edge 223 to which the bottom wall 222 is connected, and an upper edge 224 on the opposite side of the lower edge 223.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an opening 225 is formed in the bottom wall 222. The water dehydrated from the clothes is discharged from the outer tub 220 through the opening 225. The washing machine 100 further includes a connection duct 226 connected to the opening 225 and a drainage system 300 for discharging water out of the housing 110.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the pedestal part 122 includes a lower back wall 143 that is substantially flush with the back wall 123 of the side wall part 121, and a lower front wall 144 that is substantially flush with the front wall 124 of the side wall part 121, A lower left wall 145 that is substantially flush with the left wall 125 of the sidewall 121 and a lower right wall 146 that is substantially flush with the right wall 126 of the sidewall 121 are included. A drain port 142 is formed in the lower back wall 143.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the drainage system 300 includes a drain pipe 310 including a first end 311 connected to the connection duct 226 and a second end 312 connected to the drain outlet 142, and the control of the control device 150. A drain valve 320 that opens and closes the drain pipe 310 below. When the drain valve 320 opens the drain pipe 310, the water in the outer tub 220 is discharged out of the housing 110 through the drain pipe 310.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the washing machine 100 includes a pulsator 230 having a substantially round dish shape. The pulsator 230 includes a disk part 231 lying on the bottom wall 212 of the inner tank 210 and an inclined ring 232 protruding upward from the periphery of the disk part 231. The inclined ring 232 expands upward. The pulsator 230 further includes a stirring rib 233 protruding from the upper surface of the disk portion 231 and the inclined ring 232. The stirring ribs 233 extend radially. The pulsator 230 rotates while washing the clothes and / or while drying the clothes. Thus, in these steps, the clothes and / or washing water in the treatment tank 200 are appropriately agitated.

  The washing machine 100 further includes a drive mechanism 400 that selectively rotates the inner tub 210 and the pulsator 230 under the control of the control device 150. The drive mechanism 400 includes a drive motor 410 that generates a driving force for rotating the inner tank 210 or the pulsator 230, a first shaft 420 connected to the inner tank 210, a second shaft 430 connected to the pulsator 230, and a drive. And a clutch device 440 that switches transmission of the driving force of the motor 410 between the first shaft 420 and the second shaft 430. The drive motor 410 and the clutch device 440 that operate under the control of the control device 150 are fixed to the bottom wall 222 of the outer tub 220. The first shaft 420 passes through the bottom wall 222 of the outer tub 220 and is connected to the bottom wall 212 of the inner tub 210. The second shaft 430 that rotates concentrically with the first shaft 420 protrudes from the first shaft 420 and is connected to the pulsator 230 in the inner tank 210. In the present embodiment, the drive motor 410 that drives the pulsator 230 is exemplified as the drive unit.

  In the washing process for washing clothes, the clutch device 440 switches the driving force transmission path so that the driving force is transmitted to the second shaft 430. As a result, the pulsator 230 rotates in the inner tub 210 in the washing process.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 100 further includes a water supply system 500 for supplying water used for washing clothes to the treatment tank 200. The water supply system 500 includes a water supply unit 510 attached to a water supply port 501 (see FIG. 3) formed in the top wall 131 of the upper housing 130, a switching valve 520 that switches a path of water supplied from the water supply unit 510, A water supply pipe 530 that defines a path of water from the switching valve 520 to the outer tub 220.

  The water supply unit 510 is connected to, for example, a water tap (not shown). The above-described control device 150 controls the switching valve 520 of the water supply system 500, for example. When the switching valve 520 opens a water channel to the water supply pipe 530 under the control of the control device 150, water is supplied to the treatment tank 200.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the treatment tank 200 includes a collection bag 214 that captures and collects lint separated from clothes being washed, and a fluid balancer 215 that acts to maintain the balance of the inner tank 210. The collection bag 214 and the fluid balancer 215 are attached to the upper edge of the inner tank 210.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the outer tub 220 is connected to the upper edge 224 of the peripheral wall 221, and an upper plate 227 lying on the inner tub 210 and an inner lid attached to the upper plate 227 so as to be rotatable up and down. 229. The user can put the clothes into the inner tub 210 by rotating the inner lid 229 below the lid 139 of the upper housing 130 upward. Alternatively, the user can take out the clothes from the inner tub 210. When the user rotates the inner lid 229 downward, a seal structure is formed between the upper plate 227 and the inner lid 229. Thus, little or no water in the treatment tank 200 leaks from the opening of the upper plate 227.

  The washing machine 100 further includes a circulation system 600 that circulates dry air for drying clothes. The circulation system 600 includes a tubular heat exchanger 610 connected to the connection duct 226, and a guide tube 611 that guides water from the switching valve 520 to the heat exchanger 610. When the switching valve 520 opens the water channel to the guide tube 611, water is supplied to the heat exchanger 610.

  The heat exchanger 610 includes a lower end portion 612 connected to the connection duct 226 and an upper end portion 613 connected to the guide tube 611. The dry air that flows upward exchanges heat with the water that flows in from the upper end 613 of the heat exchanger 610. As a result, the dry air is appropriately dehumidified.

  The circulation system 600 further includes a cooling fan 620 attached to the back wall 123. The cooling fan 620 blows air toward the heat exchanger 610 to cool dry air. As a result, dehumidification of dry air is promoted.

  The circulation system 600 includes a blower fan 630 that sends dehumidified dry air to the treatment tank 200, a heater 640 that heats the dry air between the blower fan 630 and the treatment tank 200, and the heated dry air. And an introduction pipe 650 for guiding to the outside. The introduction pipe 650 is connected to the upper plate 227. The circulation system 600 can feed dry air into the treatment tank 200 through the introduction pipe 650 and collect dry air through the connection duct 226. Thus, a circulation of dry air around the treatment bath 200 is achieved.

  The washing machine 100 further includes a suspension element 240 that connects the housing 110 and the outer tub 220. The suspension element 240 that supports the outer tub 220 attenuates vibration transmitted from the outer tub 220 to the housing 110.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic enlarged plan view around the corner between the front wall 124 and the right wall 126. The washing machine 100 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 6.

  The pulsator 230, the inner tank 210, and the outer tank 220 are disposed substantially concentrically. In the dehydration process, relatively heavy clothing containing water collides with the peripheral wall 211 of the inner tub 210. Alternatively, clothing is potentially unevenly distributed within the inner tub 210. The collision and / or uneven distribution of clothing causes the treatment tank 200 to vibrate.

  The peripheral wall 221 of the outer tub 220 includes an inner surface 241 facing the peripheral wall 211 of the inner tub 210 and an outer surface 242 opposite to the inner surface 241. The outer surface 242 faces the side wall 121. As shown in FIG. 6, the outer surface 242 is close to the side wall 121.

  The washing machine 100 further includes an acceleration sensor 700. The acceleration sensor 700 attached to the outer surface 242 of the peripheral wall 221 detects the acceleration of the outer surface 242. In addition, the acceleration sensor 700 outputs a detection signal corresponding to the acceleration of the outer surface 242 to the control device 150. The acceleration of the outer surface 242 is information related to the vibration of the processing tank 200. In the present embodiment, the acceleration sensor 700 is exemplified as a sensor element.

  The acceleration sensor 700 preferably detects at least one of an acceleration component in the radial direction of the outer tub 220 and an acceleration component in the circumferential direction of the outer tub 220. As a result, the vibration of the outer tub 220 is appropriately measured. More preferably, the acceleration sensor 700 has a vertical direction (that is, the radial direction of the outer tub 220 and the circumferential direction of the outer tub 220 in addition to the acceleration component in the radial direction of the outer tub 220 and the acceleration component in the circumferential direction of the outer tub 220). The acceleration component in the direction orthogonal to the direction may be detected. As a result, the control device 150 appropriately analyzes the vibration pattern of the outer tank 220 based on the detection signal from the acceleration sensor 700, and operates the processing tank 200 (for example, rotation of the pulsator 230 determined by the drive motor 410). Number).

  The acceleration sensor 700 is disposed at a corner corner surrounded by the outer tub 220, the front wall 124, and the right wall 126. Since the space formed between the substantially cylindrical outer tub 220 and the substantially rectangular tubular side wall 121 is preferably used for the arrangement of the acceleration sensor 700, additional space for the arrangement of the acceleration sensor 700 is provided. Space is not required. Thus, a small washing machine 100 is provided.

  As described with reference to FIG. 4, the switch element 152 is disposed at the corner between the back wall 123 and the left wall 125. On the other hand, the acceleration sensor 700 is disposed at a corner between the front wall 124 and the right wall 126. Therefore, the acceleration sensor 700 is disposed on the diagonal line of the housing 110 with respect to the switch element 152 (that is, in the second direction SD with respect to the switch element 152).

  As shown in FIG. 6, if the processing tank 200 rotates clockwise, the vibration of the processing tank 200 due to uneven distribution and / or collision of clothing between the right wall 126 and the back wall 123 is caused by the acceleration sensor 700. Detected by. The vibration of the processing tank 200 due to uneven distribution and / or collision of clothing between the left wall 125 and the front wall 124 is detected by the switch element 152. Therefore, the vibration of the processing tank 200 is detected by at least one of the acceleration sensor 700 and the switch element 152 within a period in which the processing tank 200 is rotated halfway. Thus, the vibration of the processing tank 200 is detected quickly.

  The control device 150 analyzes the vibration mode of the processing bath 200 based on the detection signals output from the switch element 152 and the acceleration sensor 700. If the amplitude of the processing tank 200 exceeds a threshold value determined for the amplitude, the control device 150 reduces the rotation speed of the drive motor 410. Alternatively, the control device 150 stops the drive motor 410. Thus, the momentum of the processing tank 200 is reduced, and the amplitude of the processing tank 200 is reduced.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the outer surface 242 of the outer tub 220 is close to the side wall 121. As described above, the vibration of the processing tank 200 is quickly detected by the acceleration sensor 700 and the switch element 152. Therefore, even if the space between the outer surface 242 of the outer tank 220 and the side wall 121 is narrow, The collision with the side wall 121 is avoided or alleviated. Therefore, a small washing machine 100 is provided.

  The acceleration sensor 700 is preferably attached in the vicinity of the upper edge 224 of the outer tub 220. An operator who wants to adjust or repair the acceleration sensor 700 can easily access the acceleration sensor 700 attached in the vicinity of the upper edge 224 of the outer tub 220 after separating the upper casing 130 from the lower casing 120. Can do. Therefore, maintenance, attachment or removal of the acceleration sensor 700 is easily performed. In addition, since the amplitude of the upper edge 224 of the outer tub 220 is relatively large, the acceleration sensor 700 attached in the vicinity of the upper edge 224 of the outer tub 220 can appropriately detect the acceleration of the outer tub 220. .

  FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the heat exchanger 610 attached to the housing 110. FIG. 8 is a schematic enlarged plan view around a corner between the right wall 126 and the back wall 123. The mounting of the heat exchanger 610 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 6 to 8.

  The housing 110 further includes a back cover plate 129 attached to the back wall 123. A heat exchanger 610 is erected between the back cover plate 129 and the back wall 123. As shown in FIG. 8, the heat exchanger 610 is disposed in the vicinity of the right wall 126. Therefore, the circulation system 600 described with reference to FIG. 1 is arranged eccentrically toward the right wall 126 close to the acceleration sensor 700 with respect to the rotation center of the processing bath 200.

  The circulation system 600 is connected to the upper surface (that is, the upper plate 227) and the lower surface (that is, the bottom wall 222 of the outer tank 220) of the processing tank 200 near the right wall 126. The heat exchanger 610 extends upward along the back wall 123 and the back cover plate 129. Therefore, the circulation system 600 suppresses the vertical displacement of the processing bath 200 around the area near the corner between the right wall 126 and the back wall 123.

  On the other hand, in the area near the corner between the right wall 126 and the back wall 123 and the corner between the left wall 125 and the front wall 124 existing diagonally, the treatment tank 200 moves relatively vertically. It's easy to do. For example, when the user spills water on the top plate 227, therefore, the water flows toward the corner between the left wall 125 and the front wall 124. In the present embodiment, since there are no sensor elements such as the acceleration sensor 700 and the switch element 152 in the corner between the left wall 125 and the front wall 124, the acceleration sensor is caused by water zeroed on the upper plate 227. Sensor elements such as 700 and the switch element 152 rarely fail. Thus, a highly reliable washing machine 100 is provided.

(Acceleration sensor structure)
FIG. 9 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the acceleration sensor 700. FIG. 10 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the acceleration sensor 700. FIG. 11 is a schematic front view of the acceleration sensor 700. The structure of the acceleration sensor 700 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 6, and 9 to 11.

  The acceleration sensor 700 includes a detection element 710 that detects acceleration of the outer tank 220 (that is, vibration of the processing tank 200). The detection element 710 preferably electrically detects at least one of the acceleration component in the radial direction of the outer tub 220 and the acceleration component in the circumferential direction of the outer tub 220. As a result, the vibration of the outer tub 220 is appropriately measured. More preferably, in addition to the radial acceleration component of the outer tub 220 and the acceleration component in the circumferential direction of the outer tub 220, the detection element 710 includes the vertical direction (that is, the radial direction of the outer tub 220 and the circumferential direction of the outer tub 220. The acceleration component in the direction orthogonal to the direction may be detected.

  The detection element 710 includes a detection unit 711 that detects the acceleration of the outer tub 220, and a signal line 712 for transmitting the detection signal generated by the detection unit 711 to the control device 150. The control device 150 appropriately analyzes the vibration pattern of the outer tank 220 based on the detection signal from the acceleration sensor 700 and controls the operation of the processing tank 200.

  The acceleration sensor 700 further includes a protective case 800 that protects the detection element 710 and a connection plate 750 that is connected to the outer surface 242 of the outer tub 220 and the protective case 800. The connection plate 750 includes a base plate 751 that is fixed along the outer surface 242 of the outer tub 220, and a bent piece 752 that is bent substantially at a right angle from the base plate 751 toward the side wall portion 121.

  The base plate 751 includes a first surface 753 that faces the outer surface 242 of the outer tub 220, and a second surface 754 that is opposite to the first surface 753. The connection plate 750 further includes a peripheral rib 755 that is bent toward the outer tub 220 along the periphery of the base plate 751. The circumferential rib 755 forms a space between the first surface 753 and the outer surface 242 of the outer tub 220.

  Normally, the resin outer tub 220 with low rigidity may be deformed or bent due to vibration during dehydration, which may cause erroneous output in the chip 713 such as noise, but the base plate 751 is rigid. If the chip 713 detects the acceleration of the outer tub 220, the chip 713 can detect the acceleration of the outer tub 220 more accurately when the chip 713 detects the acceleration of the outer tub 220. There is also an effect that can be done.

  The protective case 800 includes a first case 850 disposed along the base plate 751 and a second case 810 overlaid on the first case 850.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the acceleration sensor 700. The protective case 800 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9, 10, and 12.

  The first case 850 includes a first main plate 851 disposed along the second surface 754 of the base plate 751, a first outer peripheral wall 852 protruding from the periphery of the first main plate 851 toward the side wall 121, And an inner wall 853 that protrudes toward the side wall 121 inside the outer peripheral wall 852.

  FIG. 13 is a schematic front view of the acceleration sensor 700 from which the second case 810 has been removed. The first case 850 and the second case 810 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 13.

  The detection unit 711 includes a chip 713 that detects acceleration, and a connector 714 that connects the chip 713 and the signal line 712. The inner wall 853 defines a space surrounded by the first outer peripheral wall 852, and forms a storage chamber for storing and holding the chip 713 and the connector 714.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the first outer peripheral wall 852 includes an upper outer wall 855 in which a substantially U-shaped concave portion 854 is formed, and a lower outer wall 856 facing the upper outer wall 855. The lower outer wall 856 is formed with a recess 857 through which the signal line 712 is inserted.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the second case 810 includes a second main plate 811 that faces the first main plate 851, and a second outer peripheral wall 812 that protrudes from the second main plate 811 toward the second surface 754 of the base plate 751. . When the second outer peripheral wall 812 is inserted between the inner wall 853 and the first outer peripheral wall 852, an accommodation space for accommodating the detection element 710 is formed.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the first outer peripheral wall 852 includes a right outer wall 858 extending between the right end of the upper outer wall 855 and the right end of the lower outer wall 856. The first case 850 further includes a hook piece 859 formed adjacent to the right outer wall 858. The hook piece 859 protrudes toward the second case 810.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the second case 810 further includes an engaging portion 813 that protrudes rightward from the second outer peripheral wall 812. The engaging portion 813 engages with the hook piece 859 in a snap-fit manner.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the connection plate 750 includes a protruding tongue 756 that protrudes from the left edge of the base plate 751 toward the first case 850 and a sub-folded piece 757 that is bent leftward with respect to the protruding tongue 756. And further comprising. The first outer peripheral wall 852 further includes a left outer wall 860 opposite to the right outer wall 858. The first case 850 further includes a first fixed column 861 protruding from the upper outer wall 855 toward the bent piece 752 and a sub-fixed column 862 protruding from the left outer wall 860. The auxiliary fixed column 862 is adjacent to the left outer wall 860. The sub bent piece 757 protrudes on the sub fixing column 862. The second case 810 further includes a second fixed column 814 that protrudes upward from the second outer peripheral wall 812 (that is, toward the bent piece 752). The second fixed column 814 is fitted into a recess 854 formed in the upper outer wall 855. The first fixed column 861, the second fixed column 814, and the sub fixed column 862 are formed with screw holes extending downward.

  FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view of the acceleration sensor 700. The fixing of the protective case 800 to the connection plate 750 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10, 11, and 14.

  As shown in FIG. 10, through holes 758 are formed in the bent piece 752 and the sub-folded piece 757, respectively. The acceleration sensor 700 further includes a fixing screw 770. The fixing screw 770 includes a rod-like screw portion 771 having a spiral protrusion and a head portion 772 formed at an end portion of the screw portion 771, similarly to a general screw. The fixing screws 770 are inserted into the through holes 758, respectively.

  The fixing screw 770 includes a first fixing screw 773 screwed into a screw hole formed in the first fixing column 861, a second fixing screw 774 screwed into a screw hole formed in the second fixing column 814, And a third fixing screw 775 that is screwed to the fixing column 862. The protective case 800 is fixed to the connection plate 750 using a fixing screw 770.

  As shown in FIG. 14, a substantially 77-shaped groove portion 776 is formed in the head portion 772 of the fixing screw 770. The user can insert the tip of a driver (not shown) into the groove portion 776 and rotate the screw portion 771. Thus, the screw portion 771 can advance and retreat with respect to the first fixed column 861, the second fixed column 814, and the auxiliary fixed column 862, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the head 772 of the first fixing screw 773 and the first fixing column 861 sandwich the bent piece 752. Further, the head 772 of the second fixing screw 774 and the second fixing column 814 also sandwich the bent piece 752. The head 772 of the third fixing screw 775 and the auxiliary fixing column 862 sandwich the auxiliary bending piece 757. As shown in FIG. 14, the head 772 appears on the bent piece 752 and the sub-folded piece 757, so that the user can use the space between the side wall 121 and the outer tub 220 to accelerate the acceleration sensor. The work for 700 can be performed efficiently.

  FIG. 15 is a schematic rear view of the acceleration sensor 700. The fixing of the protective case 800 to the connection plate 750 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 9, 10, and 15.

  As shown in FIG. 10, an opening 759 is formed in the lower portion of the base plate 751. The first case 850 further includes a claw portion 863 that protrudes downward from the lower end of the first main plate 851. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 15, the claw portion 863 of the first case 850 attached to the second surface 754 of the base plate 751 includes the first surface 753 formed by the peripheral rib 755 and the outer surface 242 of the outer tub 220. Is inserted into the gap between. Thus, the lower part of the protective case 800 is also fixed to the connection plate 750 appropriately.

  FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lower part of the acceleration sensor 700. FIG. 17 is a schematic bottom view of the acceleration sensor 700. The connection between the first case 850 and the second case 810 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10, 16, and 17.

  The second case 810 further includes a tongue piece 815 that protrudes downward from the lower edge of the second outer peripheral wall 812. A slit 864 is formed in the lower outer wall 856 of the first case 850. The tongue piece 815 is inserted into the slit 864. Thus, the second case 810 is appropriately connected to the connection plate 750 and the first case 850.

(Preliminary stirring operation)
FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the washing machine 100 in which the washing water is supplied to the treatment tank 200 up to the first water level. FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the washing machine 100 in which the wash water is supplied to the treatment tank 200 up to the second water level lower than the first water level. The preliminary stirring operation performed by the washing machine 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6, 9, 18 and 19.

  When a washing process for washing clothes is performed, the water supply system 500 supplies wash water to the first water level under the control of the control device 150. Thereafter, the washing machine 100 ishes clothes at the first water level.

  The washing machine 100 performs a preliminary stirring operation before executing the washing process. For the preliminary stirring operation, the water supply system 500 supplies the wash water to the treatment tank 200 to the second water level lower than the first water level under the control of the control device 150. At the start of water supply to the treatment tank 200, the concentration of the detergent in the wash water tends to be relatively high and non-uniform. When the pre-stirring operation is executed, the washing water is appropriately stirred, and the concentration of the detergent is made uniform. Moreover, washing water foams appropriately and the washing | cleaning effect with respect to the clothing in the subsequent washing process improves. After the preliminary stirring operation is completed, the water supply system 500 further supplies the washing water to the treatment tank 200, and sets the washing water level to the first water level. Thereafter, a washing process is performed.

  While the preliminary stirring operation is being executed, the drive motor 410 alternately rotates the pulsator 230 in both directions under the control of the control device 150. As a result, the washing water and clothes in the treatment tank 200 are agitated.

  As described above, since the water level in the processing tank 200 is low while the preliminary stirring operation is being performed, the stirring rib 233 of the rotating pulsator 230 is likely to directly collide with clothes in the processing tank 200. The clothing in the processing tank 200 then collides with the peripheral wall 211 of the inner tank 210 due to the centrifugal force accompanying the rotation of the stirring rib 233. If the clothes that have absorbed the washing water supplied to the treatment tank 200 collide with the peripheral wall 211 of the inner tank 210, a relatively large vibration of the treatment tank 200 is caused.

  As described with reference to FIG. 6, the gap between the casing 110 and the processing bath 200 is relatively narrow. Therefore, the treatment tank 200 that vibrates greatly collides with the casing 110.

  The acceleration sensor 700 described with reference to FIG. 9 is hardly affected by the collision position between the clothes and the inner tank 210 and can detect the vibration of the processing tank 200, so that the processing tank during the preliminary stirring operation is detected. It is suitably used for detecting 200 vibrations.

  In the present embodiment, the control device 150 stores in advance a threshold value that is determined for the vibration of the processing tank 200 during the preliminary stirring operation. When the vibration of the processing tank 200 exceeds the threshold during the preliminary stirring operation, the drive motor 410 reduces the rotation of the pulsator 230 under the control of the control device 150. As a result, excessive vibration of the processing tank 200 is less likely to occur.

  FIG. 20 is a schematic flowchart of the preliminary stirring operation. The preliminary stirring operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 18 to 20.

(Step S110)
When the pre-stirring operation is started, step S110 is executed. In step S <b> 110, the water supply system 500 supplies wash water to the treatment tank 200 under the control of the control device 150. When the water level of the washing water in the treatment tank 200 reaches the second water level, step S120 is executed.

(Step S120)
In step S <b> 120, the drive motor 410 rotates the pulsator 230 under the control of the control device 150. Thereafter, step S130 is executed.

(Step S130)
In step S <b> 130, the acceleration sensor 700 detects at least one of an acceleration component in the radial direction with respect to the rotation axis of the pulsator 230 and an acceleration component in the rotation direction of the pulsator 230. More preferably, the acceleration sensor 700 detects an acceleration component in the radial direction with respect to the rotation axis of the pulsator 230 and an acceleration component in a direction orthogonal to the acceleration component in the rotation direction of the pulsator 230. The acceleration sensor 700 outputs a detection signal including information regarding the detected acceleration to the control device 150. The control device 150 analyzes the vibration of the processing tank 200 based on the detection signal, and determines whether or not the vibration of the processing tank 200 exceeds a threshold value. If the vibration of the processing tank 200 does not exceed the threshold value, step S140 is executed. If the vibration of the processing tank 200 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, step S150 is executed.

(Step S140)
The control device 150 stores in advance a period allocated to the preliminary stirring operation. Further, the control device 150 measures the time during which the pulsator 230 is driven. If the time during which the pulsator 230 is driven exceeds the period assigned for the preliminary stirring operation, step S160 is executed. If the time during which the pulsator 230 is being driven is shorter than the period allocated for the preliminary stirring operation, step S120 is executed.

(Step S150)
In step S <b> 150, the drive motor 410 stops the rotation of the pulsator 230 under the control of the control device 150. Thereafter, step S160 is executed.

(Step S160)
In step S <b> 160, the water supply system 500 supplies the wash water to the treatment tank 200 up to the first water level under the control of the control device 150. Thereafter, a washing process is performed.

  FIG. 21 is a schematic flowchart of another preliminary stirring operation. The preliminary stirring operation will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 21, the processing from step S150 to step S160 described above is different. Therefore, steps from step S150 to step S160 will be described.

(Step S151)
In step S150, when the rotation of the pulsator 230 is stopped, step S151 is executed. In step S151, the control device 150 counts the number of executions of step S150. Thereafter, step S152 is executed.

(Step S152)
The control device 150 stores in advance a threshold value (count threshold value) for the count value obtained in step S151. The count threshold is set to “2”, for example. If the count value is equal to the count threshold value, step S160 is executed. If the count value is not equal to the count threshold (that is, the count value is smaller than the count threshold), step S153 is executed.

(Step S153)
In step S153, the water supply system 500 supplies a predetermined amount of washing water to the treatment tank 200 under the control of the control device 150. Thereafter, step S120 is executed, and stirring by the pulsator 230 is resumed.

  FIG. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the washing machine 100 when Step S153 is performed. Step S153 will be described with reference to FIG. 18, FIG. 19, FIG. 21, and FIG.

  As a result of execution of step S153, the water level of the washing water in the treatment tank 200 becomes the third water level between the first water level and the second water level. In the subsequent step S120, the movement of the clothes in the treatment tank 200 accompanying the rotation of the pulsator 230 is subjected to greater resistance due to the increased washing water. Therefore, the vibration of the processing tank 200 is difficult to occur.

  FIG. 23 is a schematic flowchart of another preliminary stirring operation. The preliminary stirring operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 19, 20 and 23. FIG.

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 23, step S155 is executed instead of step S150 in the flowchart of FIG.

(Step S155)
In step S <b> 155, the drive motor 410 reduces the rotation speed of the pulsator 230 under the control of the control device 150. As a result, the pre-stirring operation is continued using the pulsator 230 having a reduced number of revolutions, so that excessive vibration of the processing tank 200 is less likely to occur.

  The present invention is suitably used for a washing machine that performs a preliminary stirring operation.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Washing machine 150 ... Control apparatus 200 ... Processing tank 230 ... Pulsator 410 ... Drive motor 500 ...・ Water supply system 700 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Acceleration sensor

Claims (7)

A washing machine for performing a pre-stirring operation of stirring the clothes and washing water for washing the clothes at a second water level lower than the first water level before washing the clothes at the first water level,
A washing tub for storing clothes;
A water supply system for supplying the washing water until the second water level is reached for the preliminary stirring operation;
A pulsator for stirring the clothes and the washing water in the washing tub;
A drive unit for driving the pulsator;
A sensor element for detecting vibration of the washing tub;
A control device for controlling the drive unit based on the vibration of the washing tub detected by the sensor element;
If the vibration of the washing tub exceeds a threshold determined for the vibration during the preliminary stirring operation, the drive unit reduces the rotation speed of the pulsator under the control of the control device. A washing machine characterized by that. The control element controls the water supply system;
If the vibration of the washing tub exceeds a threshold defined for the vibration during the preliminary stirring operation,
The driving unit stops the pulsator under the control of the control device,
The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the water supply system supplies the washing water to the washing tub up to the first water level under the control of the control device. The control element controls the water supply system;
If the vibration of the washing tub exceeds a threshold defined for the vibration during the preliminary stirring operation,
The driving unit stops the pulsator under the control of the control device,
The water supply system supplies the washing water to the washing tub up to a third water level between the first water level and the second water level under the control of the control device,
The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the control device causes the driving unit to resume stirring by the pulsator.   4. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the driving unit alternately rotates the pulsator in both directions under the control of the control device during the preliminary stirring operation. 5. . If the vibration of the washing tub exceeds a threshold defined for the vibration during the preliminary stirring operation,
The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the control device causes the drive unit to reduce the rotation speed of the pulsator and to continue the preliminary stirring operation.   6. The sensor element according to claim 1, wherein the sensor element includes an acceleration sensor that detects at least one of an acceleration component in a radial direction with respect to a rotation axis of the pulsator and an acceleration component in the rotation direction of the pulsator. A washing machine according to claim 1.   The acceleration sensor detects an acceleration component in a radial direction with respect to a rotation axis of the pulsator and an acceleration component in a direction orthogonal to the acceleration component in the rotation direction of the pulsator. Washing machine.

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