JP2012245020A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine that allows a rotary drum to be shifted to a high-speed rotation with accuracy while suppressing occurrence of vibration and noise caused by swinging rotation of the rotary drum.SOLUTION: The present invention provides a washing machine having a rotary drum 8 disposed inside an outer tub 10 and performing washing and dewatering of laundry. The washing machine includes clearance detection means 100 for detecting a clearance B between the outer tub 10 and the rotary drum 8; and a control device for controlling whether or not to permit the rotary drum 8 to be shifted to rotation in a high-speed rotation range on the basis of the clearance B detected by the clearance detection means 100.

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine that performs washing and dehydration.

In general, a washing machine has three elements: a rotating drum that performs washing and dewatering of stored clothes and the like (laundry), an outer tub that stores water, and a housing that holds the outer tub via a spring and an attenuator. It is mainly composed of. After washing, the rotating drum rotates, and centrifugal force acts to dehydrate the laundry.
In order to dry the laundry efficiently, it is necessary to sufficiently perform centrifugal dehydration, and it is desirable to rotate the rotating drum at a higher speed. On the other hand, in recent years, there is a case where the rotating drum, its rotating shaft, and the like are elastically deformed by a load applied thereto due to an increase in output of a motor that drives the rotating drum. At this time, if the laundry is unevenly distributed in the rotating drum, the rotating shaft may shake and the rotating drum may swing. When the rotating drum is swung around, the rotating drum and the outer tank come into contact with each other to generate noise and vibration. In addition, when the vibration of the rotating drum is transmitted to the outer tub via the rotating shaft, the outer tub may come into contact with the housing and noise and vibration may be further increased.
Further, in recent washing machines, the clearance (clearance) between the outer tub and the rotating drum is becoming smaller due to the downsizing of the casing and the upsizing of the rotating drum. For this reason, the vibration and noise caused by the rotation of the rotating drum tend to be larger than before.

Conventionally, as a technique for preventing the rotation of the rotating drum, in a washing machine in which the rotating shaft of the rotating drum is horizontal or inclined, when the laundry is biased in the direction along the rotating shaft in the rotating drum, specifically, Rotating the rotating drum at high speed by detecting the imbalance when the laundry is biased away from the motor side of the rotating drum (rear part of the washing machine) and toward the opening side of the rotating drum (near the front part of the washing machine) 2. Description of the Related Art A washing machine that performs control so as to prohibit the shift to the above is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).
According to such a washing machine, when the unbalanced amount of the laundry in the rotating drum exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the rotation of the rotating drum is prohibited from moving to high speed. Can be prevented.

JP 2006-311885 A

By the way, the outer tub of the washing machine is supported in the housing through the spring and the attenuator as described above. Therefore, the outer tub when the rotating drum is rotating will behave differently from the rotating drum.
However, in a conventional washing machine (for example, see Patent Document 1), when the unbalance amount of the laundry in the rotating drum exceeds a predetermined threshold regardless of the clearance between the outer tub and the rotating drum. It is estimated that the rotation of the rotating drum will occur, and the transition prohibition determination to the high speed rotation of the rotating drum is performed. As a result, in conventional washing machines, depending on the behavior of the outer tub, the outer tub and the rotating drum may not come into contact with each other even if there is an unbalanced amount of laundry in the rotating drum. On the contrary, the outer tub and the rotating drum may be in contact with each other even if there is no unbalance amount before the predetermined threshold is exceeded.
Therefore, in the conventional washing machine, there is a possibility that the rotation of the rotary drum cannot be accurately performed.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of accurately shifting to a high-speed rotation of a rotating drum while suppressing generation of vibration and noise due to the swinging of the rotating drum.

  The present invention which solves the above-mentioned problem is a washing machine which has a rotating drum which is arranged inside the outer tub and performs washing and dewatering of laundry, and detects the clearance between the outer tub and the rotating drum. And a control device for controlling whether or not the rotary drum can be shifted to a high-speed rotation range based on the clearance detected by the clearance detection means.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the washing machine which can transfer to the high speed rotation of a rotating drum accurately can be provided, suppressing generation | occurrence | production of the vibration and noise by the whirling rotation of a rotating drum.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the washing machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which abbreviate | omits description of the housing | casing in the washing machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention, and shows the structure inside. It is a side surface internal structure figure which shows a mode that the internal structure in the washing machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention was seen from the side surface. It is a rear view which removes the back cover in the washing machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention, and shows the structure of the inside. It is a partial expanded sectional view in the AA line of FIG. (A) is the elements on larger scale of the D section of FIG. 5, and is the elements on larger scale which show the positional relationship of the outer tank and rotary drum which form the clearance detected by a clearance detection means, (b) It is the elements on larger scale for demonstrating the modification of the rotating drum which forms a clearance gap between. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the procedure performed when the control apparatus in the washing machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention controls the rotational speed of a rotating drum. It is the elements on larger scale corresponding to the E section of Drawing 5 for explaining the clearance detection means in a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. It is the elements on larger scale corresponding to the E section of Drawing 5 which shows a mode when laundry entered into the crevice between the outer tub and the opening of a rotating drum in a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. It is the elements on larger scale which show the 1st modification of the reflection part which comprises the clearance detection means in 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and is the elements on larger scale corresponding to the E section of FIG. It is the elements on larger scale which show the 2nd modification of the reflection part which comprises the clearance detection means in 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and is the elements on larger scale corresponding to the E section of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows typically the aspect which provides a reflection part with respect to the fluid balancer in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows typically the other aspect which provides a reflection part with respect to the fluid balancer in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the elements on larger scale for demonstrating the automatic washing | cleaning mechanism which wash | cleans the clearance detection means in 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and is the elements on larger scale corresponding to the E section of FIG. It is the elements on larger scale corresponding to the D section of Drawing 5 for explaining the clearance detection means in a 3rd embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows typically the aspect which provides a permanent magnet with respect to the fluid balancer in 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is the elements on larger scale corresponding to the D section of Drawing 5 for explaining the clearance detection means in a 4th embodiment of the present invention. It is the elements on larger scale corresponding to the D section of Drawing 5 for explaining the clearance detection means in a 5th embodiment of the present invention. It is the elements on larger scale corresponding to the D section of Drawing 5 for explaining the modification of the clearance detection means in a 5th embodiment of the present invention.

The washing machine of the present invention includes a clearance detection unit that detects a clearance between the rotary drum and the outer tub, and a control device that controls whether or not the rotary drum shifts to a high-speed rotation range based on the clearance detected by the clearance detection unit. The main feature is that it is equipped.
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. The washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to a washing / drying machine for washing, dehydrating, and drying clothes or the like (hereinafter simply referred to as “laundry”) to be washed. It can also be applied to those that only perform washing and dehydration.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 to be referred to next is a perspective view showing an appearance of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, omitting a part of the casing. FIG. 3 is a side internal structure diagram showing the internal structure of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the side. FIG. 4 is a rear view showing the internal structure of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention with the rear cover removed. FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view of a portion D in FIG. In the following description, the front / rear / left / right / up / down directions are based on the respective directions shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine L which concerns on this embodiment is provided with the housing | casing 1 which comprises the outline. The housing 1 mainly includes left and right side plates 1a and 1a, a front cover 1c, a back cover 1d, a top cover 1e, and a lower front cover 1f. Since the casing 1 has a box shape by being mounted on the base 1g, it can have sufficient strength.

  An insertion port for taking in and out the laundry is formed in the approximate center of the front cover 1c. The insertion port is mainly formed of a transparent resin and provided with a door 2 that is visible in the washing machine L. ing. Incidentally, the door 2 is attached to a front reinforcing member 10h (see FIG. 5) described later via a hinge (not shown) so as to be opened and closed. This door 2 is opened by being unlocked (unlocked) by a lock / unlock mechanism (not shown) by pressing a door release button 2a provided on the front cover 1c. . Further, the door 2 is pressed toward the front cover 1c by the user, and is locked by the above-described lock / unlock mechanism (not shown) with the insertion port closed.

An operation panel 3 is provided at the upper center of the housing 1. The operation panel 3 includes a power switch 4, an operation switch 5, and a display 6. The power switch 4, the operation switch 5, and the display 6 are electrically connected to a control device 7 (see FIG. 2) disposed at the lower part in the housing 1. Incidentally, the control device 7 is configured to control the operation of the washing machine L as a whole and to control whether or not the rotating drum 8 (see FIG. 2) can be shifted to a high-speed rotation region, as will be described later. .
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 12 denotes a drain hose, reference numeral 14 denotes a detergent container, reference numeral 16 a denotes a water supply hose connection port for supplying water from a water tap, and reference numeral 17 a denotes remaining hot water in the bath. It is a water absorption hose connection port for supply, and the code | symbol 20 is a pull-out type dry filter mentioned later.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a cylindrical outer tub 10 is disposed inside the housing 1. The outer tub 10 encloses a rotary drum 8 to be described later coaxially, and has an opening 10a for taking in and out the laundry on the front side thereof. A motor 9 (see FIG. 4) is attached to the rear side of the outer tub 10. A rotating shaft (not shown) of the motor 9 penetrates the outer tub 10 and is coupled to the rotating drum 8 to rotate the rotating drum 8 around its rotation center axis Ax (see FIG. 3). Incidentally, the rotation center axis Ax in the present embodiment is inclined in the front-rear direction of the washing machine L, and specifically, an opening 10a (or a rotary drum 8 described later) disposed on the front side of the washing machine L. The opening 8a) side is inclined so as to be slightly higher than the rear side with respect to the horizontal plane. However, the present invention is not limited to the washing machine L having the outer tub 10 and the rotating drum 8 arranged so that the rotation center axis Ax is inclined, but the rotation center axis Ax is horizontal in the front-rear direction. The outer tub 10 and the rotating drum 8 can also be arranged in the housing 1.

As shown in FIG. 3, the outer tub 10 has a water tank 10 c that is a main body of the outer tub 10, and a substantially ring-like shape that is arranged on the front side of the water tub 10 c and forms a circular opening 10 a at the center thereof. It is mainly comprised with the tank cover 10b. Incidentally, water is stored in the outer tub 10 when washing or rinsing laundry, but the tank cover 10b is attached to the front side of the water tank 10c, so that the water stored from the front side of the water tank 10c is stored. Has the function of preventing spills. Moreover, the tank cover 10b in this embodiment is detachably attached to the water tank 10c, and can be removed from the water tank 10c when cleaning the outside and inside of the rotating drum 8 and the inside of the water tank 10c. It can be done.
As described above, when the door 2 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) is closed, the opening 10 a of the outer tub 10 is closed watertight by the door 2.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a drain port 10 d is provided at the bottom of the outer tub 10. One end of the drain hose 12 shown in FIG. 1 is connected to the drain port 10d. A drain valve (not shown) is provided in the middle of the drain hose 12. Water is stored in the outer tub 10 with this drain valve closed. When the drain valve is opened, the water in the outer tub 10 is discharged out of the washing machine L via the drain hose 12.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the lower side of the outer tub 10 is supported by a base 1 g via a suspension 13, and the suspension 13 constitutes a vibration isolating structure for the washing machine L. Yes. In addition, as the suspension 13, what is comprised, for example with a coil spring, a damper, etc. can be used.
The upper part of the outer tub 10 is elastically supported by an upper reinforcing member (not shown) via an auxiliary spring (not shown). Incidentally, the upper reinforcing member is fixed at an appropriate position in the housing 1.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a rotating drum 8 (shown by a hidden line (broken line) in FIG. 3) included so as to be positioned coaxially (on the rotation center axis Ax) by the outer tub 10 is a substantially cylindrical cylinder with a bottom. As described above, the motor 9 (see FIG. 4) rotates around the rotation center axis Ax. Incidentally, the rotating drum 8 in this embodiment serves as both a washing tub and a dewatering tub. A large number of through-holes (not shown) are formed in the outer peripheral portion 8d and the bottom portion 8e of the rotary drum 8 to allow water and air to flow during washing and dehydration.

In addition, as described above, the rotary drum 8 in the present embodiment is included so as to be coaxially positioned by the outer tub 10, so that the front side where the circular opening 8a is formed is more than the rear side. Inclined to be slightly higher. As described above, the rotary drum 8 can also be arranged so that the rotation center axis Ax is horizontal in the front-rear direction.
Incidentally, the laundry is put into and out of the inside of the rotating drum 8 through the opening 10 a of the outer tub 10 and the opening 8 a of the rotating drum 8.

The rotating drum 8 has a fluid balancer 8c that suppresses eccentric rotation of the rotating drum 8 so as to be integrated. The fluid balancer 8 c is hollow and has a substantially ring shape, and is located on the front side of the rotating drum 8. Liquid is sealed in the hollow portion of the fluid balancer 8c. The fluid balancer 8 c that is a part of the rotating drum 8 has an outer diameter that is set to a size that fits inside the body of the rotating drum 8. The opening 8a is formed inside the inner periphery of the fluid balancer 8c.
According to the fluid balancer 8c, when the rotating drum 8 containing the laundry is rotated, the mass of the sealed liquid is larger than the laundry that is biased to form a mass imbalance in the rotating drum 8. Eccentric rotation of the rotating drum 8 can be prevented by moving in the hollow portion so as to cancel the unbalance.

The inner surface of the rotating drum 8 is formed with ribs extending along the rotation center axis Ax, and a plurality of lifters 8b provided in the circumferential direction.
When the rotary drum 8 rotates during washing or drying, the lifter 8b repeats the movement of the laundry being lifted from the inner peripheral surface of the rotary drum 8 and then dropping by gravity in the rotary drum 8. As a result, washing and drying efficiency can be improved.

As shown in FIG. 3, the washing machine L according to this embodiment includes a drying duct 18 in the housing 1. The drying duct 18 extends in the vertical direction behind the outer tub 10. The drying duct 18 is mainly used when the laundry that has been washed in the rotary drum 8 is dried.
The lower end of the drying duct 18 is connected to an air inlet 10f provided on the back surface of the outer tub 10 via a rubber bellows tube 18a. And the upper end of the drying duct 18 is connected to the filter duct 19 installed in the housing | casing 1 near the upper right side as shown in FIG.2 and FIG.4.

A dehumidifying mechanism (not shown) is provided in the drying duct 18. This dehumidifying mechanism cools the air from the outer tub 10 to condense and remove water vapor contained therein. The dehumidifying mechanism in the present embodiment is configured to cool the air from the outer tub 10 by flowing tap water through a cooling pipe (not shown) provided in the drying duct 18. The water condensed in the drying duct 18 flows down along the wall surface of the drying duct 18 and enters the outer tub 10 and is discharged from the drain port 10d (see FIG. 3). The tap water to be passed through the cooling pipe is a water supply hose connection port 16a and a water supply electromagnetic valve 16 shown in FIG. 4 used when the tap water is stored in the outer tub 10, and a predetermined pipe connected to the cooling pipe. It is sent through piping.
In FIG. 4, reference numeral 9 denotes a motor, reference numeral 10 f denotes an intake port provided on the back surface of the outer tub 10, and reference numeral 17 a denotes a water absorption hose connection port for supplying the remaining hot water of the bath to the outer tub 10. Reference numeral 17 is a pump for supplying the remaining hot water of the bath to the outer tub 10, reference numeral 22 is a blower unit described later, and reference numeral 2 is an impeller (not shown) housed in a fan case 22b described later. It is a motor to drive.

  Returning to FIG. 2 again, an insertion portion 20 a of the dry filter 20 (see FIG. 1) is formed on the front surface of the filter duct 19. And the lower part of this insertion part 20a is connected with the inside of the fan case 22b of the ventilation unit 22 via the intake duct 21, as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the blower unit 22 includes a drive motor 22a and a fan case 22b that houses an impeller (not shown) that is rotationally driven by the motor 22a.
That is, when the impeller (not shown) is rotationally driven by the motor 22a of the blower unit 22 shown in FIG. 3, the air in the outer tub 10 sucked through the intake port 10f shown in FIG. 3 is dried as shown in FIG. The air flows into the fan case 22b shown in FIG. 3 through the duct 18 and the filter duct 19 and the drying filter 20 shown in FIG.
It should be noted that lint and the like coming out of the laundry in the outer tub 10 may be accompanied by the flow of air flowing out from the outer tub 10 through the drying duct 18. 1)). Then, the separated lint and the like are discarded by being recovered from the drawn dry filter 20.

As shown in FIG. 3, one end of a hot air duct 24 is connected to the fan case 22b. The other end of the hot air duct 24 is connected to a hot air outlet 25 provided in the outer tub 10 via a rubber bellows tube 24a.
That is, as described above, when the impeller (not shown) is rotationally driven by the motor 22a of the blower unit 22 shown in FIG. 3, the air from the outer tub 10 that has flowed into the fan case 22b becomes the hot air duct. 24 is returned again into the outer tub 10. At this time, the dried air returned into the outer tub 10 is heated in advance by the heater 23 provided in the fan case 22 b and blown out from the hot air outlet 25 into the outer tub 10. The laundry in the outer tub 10 is dried by the blown warm air.

  Moreover, the washing machine L which concerns on this embodiment is provided with the vibration sensor 10e, as shown in FIG. The vibration sensor 10e detects acceleration when the outer tub 10 is displaced by vibration, and is disposed on the lower front side of the outer tub 10. When the output signal of the vibration sensor 10e is input to the control device 7 (see FIG. 2) as the vibration state of the outer tub 10, the washing machine L controls the operation state according to the vibration state of the outer tub 10. It has come to be. In addition, as this vibration sensor 10e, what is comprised so that the speed and displacement width | variety at the time of the outer tank 10 displacing with a vibration can be used.

  As will be described later, the washing machine L according to this embodiment has a clearance detection means 100 (see FIGS. 6 and 8) that detects clearances B and C (see FIG. 5) between the outer tub 10 and the rotating drum 8. It has. Specifically, the clearance detection means 100 in the present embodiment detects the distance of the gap formed between the rotating drum 8 and the outer tub 10, specifically, as an alternative to the clearance distance described later. The clearance detection means 100 is not limited to this, and the shift of the rotary drum 8 to the high-speed rotation range is described later, although the sensor 26a (see FIG. 6) outputs light. A binary value indicating whether or not an allowable gap (clearance) is secured may be detected (see the fifth embodiment).

In the present embodiment, the clearance position where the distance is detected by the clearance detection means 100 will be described first.
Next, FIG. 5 to be referred to is a partially enlarged sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 6A is a partially enlarged view of a portion D in FIG. 5, and is a partially enlarged view showing the positional relationship between the outer tub and the rotating drum that form the clearance detected by the clearance detecting means, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view for explaining a modification of the rotary drum that forms the clearance.

In FIG. 5, reference numeral 10 denotes an outer tub, reference numeral 8 denotes a rotating drum, reference numeral 8 c denotes a fluid balancer, reference numeral 8 a denotes an opening of the rotating drum 8, and reference numeral 10 h denotes a front surface constituting the housing 1. Reference numeral 2 denotes a front reinforcing member attached to the inside of the cover 1c. Reference numeral 2 denotes a door attached to the front reinforcing member 1h via a hinge (not shown). Reference numeral 11 denotes an opening 10a of the outer tub 10 which is watertight. The reference numerals B and C are clearances detected by a clearance detecting means 100 (see FIG. 6) described below.
5 indicates the axial direction of the rotating drum 8 (direction parallel to the rotation center axis Ax (see FIG. 3)), and the arrow r indicates the radial direction of the rotating drum 8.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, the clearance B and the clearance C detected by the clearance detection means 100 (see FIG. 6 etc.) described later are mentioned, but the present invention is not limited to this. The “clearance” in the present invention may be a gap formed between the outer tub 10 and the rotating drum 8. Specifically, as described above, it is formed between the inner surface of the outer tub 10 of the outer tub 10 (see FIG. 2) containing the rotating drum 8 (see FIG. 2) and the inner surface of the rotating drum 8. Any gap may be used as long as it is a gap. Among them, the “clearance” referred to in the present invention is preferably the gap defined in front of the center of the rotary drum 8 (outer tub 10) in the front-rear direction. In other words, the gap defined near the front side of the rotating drum 8, which is considered to have a larger swing, than the rear side of the rotating drum 8 (see FIG. 2) to which the rotating shaft of the motor 9 (see FIG. 4) is connected. It is desirable as “clearance” in the present invention. The “clearance” is more preferably defined by the front end of the rotary drum 8 or the gap between the rotary drum 8 and the outer tub 10 at a position close to the front end.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, a clearance B defined by the distance between the rotating drum 8 and the outer tub 10 at a position close to the front portion of the rotating drum 8 to which the fluid balancer 8c is attached is defined as a clearance detecting means. What is detected at 100 (see FIG. 6) will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the clearance detection means 100 (see FIG. 8, etc.) for detecting the clearance C defined by the distance between the rotary drum 8 and the outer tub 10 at the front end of the rotary drum 8 is as follows. This will be described in a second embodiment to be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the clearance detection means 100 in this embodiment includes an optical sensor 26a that is a photocoupler in which a phototransistor (not shown) and a light emitting element (not shown) are packaged together, and a reflection. Part 27a. The clearance detection means 100 reflects the light such as laser light emitted from the optical sensor 26a by the reflecting portion 27a, and the reflected light enters the optical sensor 26a again. The clearance B indicated by the distance, that is, the distance between the inner peripheral surface of the outer tub 10 and the outer peripheral surface of the rotary drum 8 is measured.

The reflection unit 27a only needs to have a light reflectance that allows the reflected light to be received by the optical sensor 26a when the light emitted from the optical sensor 26a is reflected. In a favorable case, the reflecting portion 27a can be formed by the surface texture of the outer peripheral surface of the rotating drum 8 itself. In addition, the reflection part 27a in this embodiment is formed with the mirror surface formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating drum 8. FIG.
6A is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating drum 8 at a position where the reflecting portion 27a is close to the front end of the rotating drum 8, and the optical sensor 26a is connected to the reflecting portion 27a. It is provided in the outer tub 10 so as to face each other.

In the optical sensor 26a shown in FIG. 6A, the main body portion to which the harness 29 is connected is supported by a bracket 10g provided on the outer peripheral surface of the outer tub 10, and the front end portion that irradiates light is the outer tub 10. It is attached to the outer tub 10 by being inserted into the through hole 10j provided in the outer tub 10. Moreover, the front-end | tip part inserted in the through-hole 10j may be fixed to the outer tank 10 with the nut screwed in the screw thread formed in the surrounding surface of the front-end | tip part, for example, or the outer tank 10 with an adhesive agent etc. It may be fixed to.
In addition, as a position where this through-hole 10j is formed, the position which can irradiate light with respect to the reflection part 27a should just be perpendicular | vertical, but the front-end | tip part which irradiates light collected water in the outer tank 10. It is desirable to set the position above the maximum water level. By attaching the optical sensor 26a to the outer tub 10 through the through-hole 10j formed in such a position, disturbance (for example, disturbance due to washing water including dirt) when detecting the clearance B is reduced. Good detection accuracy of clearance B can be achieved.

  The optical sensor 26a is preferably attached to the water tank 10c among the water tank 10c (see FIG. 3) and the tank cover 10b (see FIG. 3) constituting the outer tank 10. That is, in the case where the optical sensor 26a is attached to the water tank 10c, as described above, when cleaning the outer tank 10 and the rotating drum 8, the harness 29 can be easily removed from the water tank 10c without obstructing the harness 29. Can be removed. Incidentally, when the optical sensor 26a is attached to the tank cover 10b (see FIG. 3), it is desirable to place a detachable connector in the middle of the harness 29 extending from the main body of the optical sensor 26a.

  In FIG. 6A, reference numeral 28 denotes a ring-shaped sealing material inserted through the tip of the optical sensor 26a. The sealing material 28 prevents water in the outer tub 10 from leaking outside through the through hole 10j through which the tip of the optical sensor 26a is inserted. The harness 29 is electrically connected to the control device 7 (see FIG. 2). The control device 7 controls the timing of energization of the optical sensor 26a, and can shift the rotary drum 8 to a high-speed rotation region according to the procedure described later based on the clearance B detection signal output from the optical sensor 26a. The rotational speed of the rotary drum 8 is controlled by determining whether or not.

Next, a modified example of the rotating drum 8 in FIG. Next, FIG. 6B referred to is a partially enlarged view for explaining a modification of the rotating drum that forms a clearance with the outer tub.
The rotating drum 8 shown in FIG. 6A is a cylindrical body having the same diameter in the axial direction z, but the rotating drum 8 shown in FIG. 6B has a front side (left side in FIG. 6B). It is a substantially cylindrical body with a reduced diameter. The rotary drum 8 is produced by drawing the front side of a large-capacity (larger diameter) drum than the rotary drum 8 shown in FIG.
Since the roundness of the rotary drum 8 subjected to such drawing processing is increased near the front end of the rotary drum 8 provided with the reflecting portion 27a, the detection accuracy of the clearance B can be improved. Further, since the roundness is increased near the front end of the rotating drum 8, the coaxiality when the fluid balancer 8c is attached can be increased.

Moreover, although not shown, the clearance detection unit 100 can include a dirt detection mechanism of the clearance detection unit 100.
As described above, when the clearance detection means 100 is provided in the outer tub 10 and the rotating drum 8, when the clearance detection means 100 is used over a long period of time, dirt attached to the laundry or detergent used during washing, It is conceivable that the optical sensor 26a, the reflecting portion 27a, and the like are soiled by the softening agent and the sensitivity is lowered. At this time, the clearance detection means 100 can further include a dirt detection mechanism that detects the amount of light loss (a decrease in the amount of light received by the optical sensor 26a) due to the dirt of the optical sensor 26a and the reflecting portion 27a.

As this dirt detection mechanism, for example, a predetermined parameter (for example, a current value, a voltage value, a frequency, etc. output from the optical sensor 26a) associated with a minimum received light amount capable of reliably performing clearance detection is used as a threshold value. And a determination unit (CPU or the like) that compares the threshold value and the parameter of the signal output from the optical sensor 26a with reference to the memory, and determines the amount of dirt of the clearance detecting means 100 according to the difference. ) And can be configured. Incidentally, the threshold value can be set to 2 or more. Such a configuration of the dirt detection mechanism can be included in the control device 7 described later.
The stain detection mechanism further includes a notification function such as a display unit, an LED light emitting unit, and a voice function when the determination unit determines that the clearance detection unit 100 is dirty. Can do.

According to such a contamination detection mechanism, it is possible to determine the amount of contamination of the optical sensor 26a and the reflection portion 27a or the presence / absence of contamination, and that the contamination is proportional to the amount of contamination of the optical sensor 26a and the reflection portion 27a. The amount of dirt in the outer tank 10 and the rotating drum 8 that can be considered can be estimated.
Therefore, according to the clearance detecting means 100 having such a dirt detection mechanism, the rotating drum can be operated without increasing the user's effort by cooperating with the function of automatically cleaning the rotating drum 8 and the outer tub 10. 8 and the inside of the outer tub 10 can be kept clean.

  Next, the operation of the washing machine L will be described while explaining the procedure performed when the control device 7 of the washing machine L according to the present embodiment detects the clearance B. FIG. 7 to be referred to is a flowchart for explaining a procedure executed when the control device in the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention controls the rotational speed of the rotating drum.

  In the conventional washing machine, as described above, when the rotating drum rotates at a high speed, for example, when the laundry is dehydrated, the rotating drum may swing around in the outer tub due to the eccentric center axis of the rotating drum. . And if the amount of rotation of a rotating drum is large, the vibration and noise which a washing machine generate | occur | produce will become large.

  On the other hand, the control device 7 (see FIG. 3) of the washing machine L according to the present embodiment has a predetermined procedure for washing laundry (washing and rinsing) in the rotary drum 8 and draining from the outer tub 10. When the process is completed, dehydration of the laundry is started (step S101). Then, the motor 9 (see FIG. 4) starts to rotate according to a command from the control device 7 and the rotation speed is increased (step S102).

  On the other hand, the control device 7 (see FIG. 3) is not shown, but the optical sensor 26a of the clearance detecting means 100 irradiates light to the reflecting portion 27a, and the reflected light is received by the optical sensor 26a. The amount of received light is detected based on the output signal from the optical sensor 26a. Incidentally, this output signal is input to the control device 7 via the harness 29 (see FIG. 6) connected to the optical sensor 26a.

  Next, the control device 7 compares the first threshold value related to the received light amount with the received light amount of the reflected light based on the output signal from the optical sensor 26a while referring to the memory constituting the dirt detection mechanism. Incidentally, the first threshold value relates to the minimum received light amount that can reliably perform the clearance detection described later, and is a predetermined parameter (a current value, a voltage value, a frequency obtained in a simulation test performed in advance). Etc.) or a map.

Then, in the next step S103, the control device 7 executes a dirt detection step of comparing the first threshold value with the amount of light received by the optical sensor 26a.
Next, when the control device 7 determines that the amount of light received by the optical sensor 26a is smaller than the first threshold value in the stain detection step (step S103), as shown in FIG. Then, the procedure is advanced in the order of the next step S201, step S202, and step S203. That is, the control device 7 determines that the clearance detection means 100 (see FIG. 6) is dirty to such an extent that the clearance cannot be reliably detected, and the outer tank 10 and the rotary drum 8 are also dirty to the same extent. Thus, the rotating drum 8 is rotated at a rotation speed obtained in a simulation test performed in advance so that the rotating drum 8 does not run out (step S201). This “dehydration rotation speed at which no whirling occurs” can be set in a correlation with the dehydration time, and in this embodiment is set to 900 r / min assuming a dehydration time of 30 seconds. However, it is not limited to this, and can be set appropriately.
Next, the control device 7 completes the dehydration (step S202) and notifies the user of the dirt result (step S203), and then ends the operation of the washing machine L.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S103 that the amount of light received by the optical sensor 26a is larger than the first threshold value, the control device 7 determines that “dirt is small” and executes the next step S104. To do.

In step S104, the control device 7 executes a clearance detection step of comparing the second threshold value with the amount of light received by the optical sensor 26a.
This second threshold value is set to a value larger than the first threshold value in the stain detection step (step S103). As this second threshold value, the distance of the clearance B (FIG. 5) between the outer tub 10 and the rotating drum 8 that indirectly indicates the amount of swinging of the rotating drum 8 is replaced by the amount of light received from the optical sensor 26a. The thing which was done is mentioned. Specifically, the lower threshold value is set as an allowable lower limit value of vibration or noise by a simulation test performed in advance, and the maximum amount of light received by the optical sensor 26a when the lower limit value of vibration or noise is generated. It can be obtained as a value. Similar to the first threshold value, such a second threshold value is stored in the memory as a function or map of a predetermined parameter (current value, voltage value, frequency, etc.).

  The control device 7 compares the second threshold value with the amount of light received by the optical sensor 26a in the clearance detection step of step S104.

Next, when it is determined in the clearance detection step (step S104) that the amount of light received by the optical sensor 26a is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, the control device 7 determines that “clearance is small” as shown in FIG. The procedure proceeds in the order of the next step S301 and step S302. That is, the control device 7 decreases the rotation speed of the rotary drum 8 in step S301, or maintains the rotation speed of the rotary drum 8 at the time of determination in the clearance detection process in step S104 constant. Desirably, the rotation speed is reduced to a level that does not cause a whirling (for example, about 900 r / min as described above), or about 100 r / min than the rotation speed of the rotary drum 8 at the time of the clearance detection process in step S104. Descent with a lowering width.
And the control apparatus 7 complete | finishes spin-drying | dehydration at the rotational speed of such a rotary drum 8 (step S302), and complete | finishes the driving | operation of the washing machine L. FIG.

Further, when the control device 7 determines that the received light amount of the optical sensor 26a is less than the second threshold value in the clearance detection step of step S104, it determines that “clearance is large” as shown in FIG. Further, the rotation speed of the rotary drum 8 continues to increase (step S105).
In the next step S106, when the rotational speed of the rotary drum 8 has not reached the preset maximum rotational speed (for example, about 1700 r / min) (No in step S106), the process returns to step S103, and the above-described step At least one of S201, the process including Step S202 and Step S203, the process including Step S104, Step S301 and Step S302, and the process including Step S104, Step S105 and Step S106 is repeated. .

If the rotation speed of the rotary drum 8 reaches a preset maximum rotation speed (for example, about 1700 r / min) in Step S106 (Yes in Step S106), the dehydration is completed (Step S302). The control device 7 ends the operation of the washing machine L.
In the procedure shown in FIG. 7, the operation is finished by completing the dehydration in step S302. However, in the present invention, after step S302, the rotary drum 8 is stopped and then the process returns to step S101 again. The control device 7 may execute the procedure of performing the above.

According to the washing machine L which concerns on this embodiment, there can exist the following effects.
Conventional washing machines, particularly those having a rotating drum whose rotation center axis is inclined or horizontal are provided with a rotating bearing (illustrated) provided behind the rotating drum when the rotating drum is swung. The front side of the rotating drum swings up, down, left, and right, using (omitted) the fulcrum. As a result, in the conventional washing machine, the distance between the rotating drum and the outer tub provided outside the rotating drum varies. Depending on the rotational speed of the rotating drum, there is a risk of generating noise and vibration due to the collision between the rotating drum and the outer tub.

  In contrast, the washing machine L according to the present embodiment determines that the clearance B is smaller than a predetermined size by directly detecting the clearance B between the rotating drum 8 and the outer tub 10 by the clearance detection unit 100. When this occurs, the rotation of the rotary drum 8 to high speed rotation is prohibited. Therefore, according to the washing machine L according to the present embodiment, the rotation of the rotary drum 8 to high speed rotation can be accurately performed while suppressing the generation of noise and vibration so as not to cause discomfort to the user. Can do.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. As described above, the washing machine L according to the present embodiment is configured in the same manner as the first embodiment except that the washing machine L is configured to detect the clearance C shown in FIG. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a configuration for detecting the clearance C will be described, and the same components as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
FIG. 8 to be referred to is a partially enlarged view corresponding to the E portion of FIG. 5 for explaining the clearance detecting means in the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8, the outer tub 10 is provided with a groove I for attaching the optical sensor 26 b and the harness 29. This groove I is provided in the inner edge portion 10 h surrounding the opening 10 a of the outer tub 10. The thickness of the outer tub 10 where the groove I is formed is such that the strength of the outer tub 10 is sufficiently maintained.
The cover 30b is fixed to the outer tub 10 with screws or an adhesive so as to close the groove I.

The optical sensor 26b is provided with a sealing material (not shown) in order to prevent water intrusion around the optical sensor 26b, and is disposed closer to the fluid balancer 8c in the groove I. The optical sensor 26b is fixed to the outer tub 10 with screws or an adhesive.
The harness 29 extends from the optical sensor 26b and is guided to the front end surface of the outer tub 10 along the groove I, and then extends from the front end surface toward the control device 7 (see FIG. 2). It is electrically connected to the device 7.
The optical sensor 26b is provided so that the tip of the optical sensor 26b does not protrude from the end surface of the outer tub 10 toward the fluid balancer 8c in order to prevent collision with the rotating drum 8 and the fluid balancer 8c. .
In addition, the reflection part 27b in this embodiment is formed in the opposing surface with the optical sensor 26b of the inner peripheral part of the fluid balancer 8c.
That is, the clearance detection means 100 including the optical sensor 26b and the reflection portion 27b in the present embodiment detects the clearance C between the front end on the inner peripheral side of the fluid balancer 8c and the outer tub 10. Incidentally, the reflection part 27b is formed with the surface material itself of the fluid balancer 8c, and is not subjected to mirror finish or the like.

In such a washing machine L, as shown in FIG. 2, when the user opens the door 2, the opening 10 a of the outer tub 10 faces the outside. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the user can visually recognize the optical sensor 26c and the reflecting portion 27b within a reachable range. As a result, the optical sensor 26b and the reflecting portion 27b can be directly cleaned, and an effect that the output of the optical sensor 26b can be obtained stably can be achieved.
Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a transparent cover surface 26c is provided so as to cover the light emitting part (not shown) and the light receiving part (not shown) of the optical sensor 26b, and the cover is provided so as to be easily visible from the opening 10a side. A surface provided with an inclined angle on the surface 26c can be more easily cleaned by the user.
The cover surface 26c preferably has a small refractive index of the irradiation light so that the irradiation light from the optical sensor 26b is irradiated so as to be substantially perpendicular to the reflecting portion 27b.

Further, in such a washing machine L, when the rotating drum 8 swings, the front end of the fluid balancer 8c is displaced in the axial direction z, so that light is emitted from the optical sensor 26b in the direction of arrow H (axial direction z). Is detected to detect the clearance C. At this time, the maximum displacement amount in the z-axis direction of the front end of the fluid balancer 8c is determined by the displacement amount until it collides with the inner edge portion 10h of the outer tub 10. That is, the optical sensor 26b is provided on the inner edge portion 10h of the outer tub 10, and a predetermined clearance C is maintained between the optical sensor 26b and the reflecting portion 27b. Collisions can be prevented. Further, by providing the optical sensor 26b on the upper part of the inner edge 10h of the outer tub 10 (upper side in the drawing of FIG. 8), the laundry comes into contact with the optical sensor 26b when the laundry is taken in and out of the opening 10a. Can be prevented.
In addition, while the light irradiated from the optical sensor 26b is reflected by the reflecting portion 27b, the light from the optical sensor 26b is prevented from leaking out of the housing 1 through the opening 10a of the outer tub 10 and the transparent door 2. It is desirable to set the light irradiation angle to an angle that is slightly in the positive direction of the r-axis (upward in the drawing in FIG. 8) from an angle parallel to the axial direction z. The photocoupler in which the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are integrally packaged is desirable as the optical sensor 26b that can more reliably prevent light from leaking out of the housing 1.

According to the washing machine L according to the present embodiment, it is possible to detect a state in which laundry has entered between the outer tub 10 in the vicinity of the opening 8a (see FIG. 5) of the rotating drum 8. .
FIG. 9 to be referred to next is a partially enlarged view corresponding to the E portion of FIG. 5 showing a state when the laundry enters the gap between the outer tub and the opening of the rotary drum in the second embodiment.
When the rotating drum 8 rotates at a low rotational speed (for example, 50 r / min or less) to the extent that the laundry is stirred in the rotating drum 8 (see FIG. 5), as shown in FIG. The laundry 31 may be caught in the gap between the opening 10a of the outer tub 10 and the opening 8a (see FIG. 5) of the rotating drum 8 (see FIG. 5).

If the rotational speed of the rotary drum 8 (see FIG. 5) is increased in this biting state, the laundry 31 that rotates together with the rotary drum 8 may be damaged by friction with the outer tub 10. At this time, the jamming portion of the laundry 31 detects the jamming of the laundry 31 based on the output of the optical sensor 26b in order to block the light emitted from the optical sensor 26b at the same cycle as the rotation of the rotary drum 8. be able to. That is, by stopping the rotation of the rotating drum 8 by detecting the engagement of the laundry 31, the pain of the laundry 31 can be prevented in advance.
In FIG. 9, reference numeral 27b is a reflecting portion, reference numeral 10h is an inner edge of the outer tub 10, reference numeral 10a is an opening of the outer tub 10, and reference numeral I is a groove in which the harness 29 is disposed. Reference numeral 30b is a cover covering the groove I, reference numeral 11 is a bellows, and reference numeral 100 is a clearance detecting means.

Next, a modified example of the reflecting portion 27b (see FIG. 8) provided at the front end of the fluid balancer 8c will be described.
FIG. 10 to be referred to is a partial cross-sectional view showing a first modification of the reflecting portion constituting the clearance detecting means in the second embodiment, and is a partially enlarged view corresponding to the E portion of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 10, the reflecting portion 27c according to the first modification has a surface facing the optical sensor 26b formed in a stepped shape, specifically, from the outer peripheral side to the inner peripheral side of the fluid balancer 8c. The distance from the optical sensor 26b becomes longer stepwise. In FIG. 10, reference numeral 10 h is an inner edge portion of the outer tub 10, reference numeral 10 a is an opening of the outer tub 10, reference numeral I is a groove in which the harness 29 is disposed, and reference numeral 30 b covers the groove I. Reference numeral 11 denotes a cover, reference numeral 11 denotes a bellows, and reference numeral 100 denotes a clearance detecting means.

  According to such a reflecting portion 27c, when the rotating drum 8 is displaced in the radial direction r with respect to the outer tub 10 due to the swing of the rotating drum 8, the distance from the optical sensor 26b to each reflecting surface is stepwise. Therefore, the amount of change in the output of the optical sensor 26b according to the displacement of the rotary drum 8 in the radial direction r can be increased. As a result, it is possible to further improve the detection accuracy of the swing of the rotating drum 8.

FIG. 11 to be referred to next is a partial cross-sectional view showing a second modification of the reflecting portion constituting the clearance detecting means in the second embodiment, and is a partially enlarged view corresponding to the portion E in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 11, the reflecting portion 27d according to the second modification is formed of reflecting surfaces having different reflectivities in three stages from the outer peripheral side to the inner peripheral side of the fluid balancer 8c. In FIG. 11, reference numeral 10 h is an inner edge portion of the outer tub 10, reference numeral 10 a is an opening of the outer tub 10, reference numeral I is a groove in which the harness 29 is disposed, and reference numeral 30 b covers the groove I. Reference numeral 11 denotes a cover, reference numeral 11 denotes a bellows, and reference numeral 100 denotes a clearance detecting means.

  According to such a reflecting portion 27d, when the rotating drum 8 is displaced in the radial direction r with respect to the outer tub 10 due to the swinging of the rotating drum 8, the difference in reflectivity at each reflecting surface causes the optical Since the amount of light received by the sensor 26b changes greatly, the amount of change in the output of the optical sensor 26b according to the displacement of the rotary drum 8 in the radial direction r can be increased. As a result, it is possible to further improve the detection accuracy of the swing of the rotating drum 8.

FIG. 12 to be referred to next is a perspective view schematically showing a mode in which a reflecting portion is provided for the fluid balancer in the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view schematically showing another aspect in which a reflecting portion is provided for the fluid balancer in the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 12, the reflecting portions 27b, 27c, 27d (see FIGS. 8 to 11) can be continuously arranged over the entire inner periphery of the front end of the fluid balancer 8c.
Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the reflecting portions 27b, 27c, and 27d (see FIGS. 8 to 11) can be intermittently arranged on the inner peripheral side of the front end of the fluid balancer 8c.
12 and 13, reference numeral 8 a is an opening of the rotary drum 8, reference numeral 10 is an outer tank, and reference numeral 13 is a suspension that supports the outer tank 10 on the base 1 g.

FIG. 14 to be referred to next is a partially enlarged view for explaining the automatic cleaning mechanism for cleaning the clearance detecting means in the second embodiment, and is a partially enlarged view corresponding to the E part of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 14, the clearance detection unit 100 according to the second embodiment can include an automatic cleaning mechanism 50.

The automatic cleaning mechanism 50 guides the tap water supplied through the water supply hose connection port 16a (see FIG. 1) to the optical sensor 26b and the reflecting portion 27b during the washing operation, and the optical sensor 26b and the reflection are guided by the tap water. The unit 27b is configured to be cleaned. That is, the tap water W is circulated through the cleaning pipe 16b extending along the inner side of the outer tub 10, and the optical sensor 26b and the reflecting portion 27b are cleaned with the tap water W ejected from the outlet of the cleaning pipe 16b. Then, the cleaning of the optical sensor 26b and the reflection unit 27b by the automatic cleaning mechanism 50 is started based on the determination of “large dirt” in the dirt detection process of step 103 in FIG.
In FIG. 14, reference numeral 10 h is an inner edge of the outer tub 10, reference numeral 10 a is an opening of the outer tub 10, reference numeral I is a groove in which the harness 29 is disposed, and reference numeral 30 b covers the groove I. It is a cover and the code | symbol 11 is a bellows.

According to such an automatic cleaning mechanism 50, the optical sensor 26b and the reflecting portion 27b are automatically cleaned, so that the maintenance work can be saved.
Incidentally, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the tap water W is used for cleaning the optical sensor 26b and the reflection part 27b, but the wash water stored in the outer tub 10 can also be used. For example, a relatively clear washing water after the rinsing process is completed is desirable.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The washing machine L according to the present embodiment is configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment except that the washing machine L includes a clearance detection unit 100 using electromagnetic induction. Therefore, in this embodiment, while describing the structure of the clearance detection means 100, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the component similar to the said 1st Embodiment, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.
FIG. 15 to be referred to is a partially enlarged view corresponding to the D part of FIG. 5 for explaining the clearance detection means in the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is a perspective view schematically showing an aspect in which a permanent magnet is provided for a fluid balancer.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the clearance detection means 100 according to the present embodiment measures the induced electromotive force generated in the electromagnetic induction coil 32b when the electromagnetic induction coil 32b, the permanent magnet 32a, and the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 32a cross. A voltmeter 51.

The electromagnetic induction coil 32b is provided in the outer tub 10, and when the rotary drum 8 rotates and the permanent magnet 32a and the electromagnetic induction coil 32b come closest to each other, the pole central axis of the permanent magnet 32a and the central axis of the electromagnetic induction coil 32b. Are arranged in the outer tub 10 so as to be aligned on the same axis J. Note that the symbol K indicates the magnetic field lines of the permanent magnet 32a.
The permanent magnet 32a is provided on the outer peripheral side near the rear of the fluid balancer 8c. The permanent magnet 32a in this embodiment is arranged so that its N pole faces the outside in the radial direction r of the rotary drum 8, but is arranged so that its S pole faces the outside in the radial direction r. Also good.
And as shown in FIG. 16, the permanent magnet 32a in this embodiment is provided with two or more (four in this embodiment) at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the fluid balancer 8c.
In FIG. 16, reference numeral 100 is a clearance detecting means in the present embodiment, reference numeral 8 is a rotating drum, reference numeral 10 is an outer tub, reference numeral 51 is a voltmeter, and reference numeral 13 is an external on the base 1g. A suspension that supports the tank 10.

According to the clearance detection means 100 in this embodiment, when the rotating drum 8 makes one rotation at a predetermined rotation speed, the four magnets 32a pass one after another so as to cross the front of the electromagnetic induction coil 32b. At this time, the induced electromotive force generated in the electromagnetic induction coil 32 b is detected as a waveform having four maximum voltage values by the voltmeter 51. Each of the maximum voltage values has a clearance B (FIG. 15) that is the distance between the rotating drum 8 and the outer tub 10 when the distance between the four permanent magnets 32a and the coil 32b is equal. Are equal to each other (when there is no wobbling), they are output with substantially the same value.
On the other hand, when the whirling of the rotating drum 8 occurs, the distance between the permanent magnet 32a and the electromagnetic induction coil 32b changes depending on the position of the rotating drum 8 in the circumferential direction, so that there are differences in the four maximum voltage values.
And the control apparatus 7 (refer FIG. 2) determines the propriety of transfer to the high speed rotation of the rotating drum 8 by comparing the difference (swing amount) of a maximum voltage value with the preset threshold value.

In addition, it is desirable that the number of permanent magnets 32a is large in the present embodiment, and it is more desirable to arrange them at equal intervals on the concentric circle of the fluid balancer 8c. Further, it is desirable that the permanent magnet 32a has a strong magnetic force, and the electromagnetic induction coil 32b desirably has a low resistance and a large number of turns. The clearance detection means 100 including such a permanent magnet 32a and the electromagnetic induction coil 32b can stabilize the output of the clearance detection signal to be output.
Moreover, in the clearance detection means 100 in this embodiment, the iron core excited from the outside can also be used instead of the permanent magnet 32a.
Moreover, in the clearance detection means 100 in this embodiment, the permanent magnet 32a and the electromagnetic induction coil 32b can also be coat | covered with resin etc. Further, the clearance detecting means 100 in which the permanent magnet 32a is embedded in the fluid balancer 8c and the electromagnetic induction coil 32b is embedded in the outer tub 10 is desirable.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The washing machine L according to the present embodiment is configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment except that the washing machine L includes a clearance detection unit 100 that uses a pressure change when gas is ejected. Therefore, in this embodiment, while describing the structure of the clearance detection means 100, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the component similar to the said 1st Embodiment, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.
FIG. 17 to be referred to is a partially enlarged view corresponding to the D portion of FIG. 5 for explaining the clearance detecting means in the fourth embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the clearance detection means 100 according to this embodiment includes an air pump 33 a (compressed air supply means) and a through-hole opening 33 b (nozzle) provided to face the outer peripheral surface of the rotary drum 8. And an air flow path 33d that connects the air pump 33a and the opening 33b, and a pressure detection means 33c that is provided in the middle of the air flow path 33d and detects the pressure in the air flow path 33d.

According to such clearance detection means 100, when compressed air (broken arrow AIR) maintained at a constant flow rate by the air pump 33a is sprayed from the opening 33b toward the outer peripheral surface of the rotating drum 8, the opening 33b and the rotating drum The flow rate (flow velocity) of the compressed air in the vicinity of the outlet of the opening 33a changes with a change in the relative distance from the outer peripheral surface of FIG. And the pressure in the air flow path 33d changes with this change.
Then, the control device 7 (see FIG. 2) compares the amount of pressure change detected by the pressure detecting means 33c, that is, the amount of swing indirectly represented by the difference between the maximum pressure and the minimum pressure, with a preset threshold value. By doing so, it is determined whether or not the rotating drum 8 can be shifted to high speed rotation.

  Further, the control device 7 (see FIG. 2) shifts the rotary drum 8 to high speed rotation based on the difference between the initial fluctuation described next obtained in advance by a simulation test or the like and the pressure change amount detected by the pressure detecting means 33c. It is also possible to determine whether or not to migrate. More specifically, the initial fluctuation stored in the memory referred to by the control device 7 is, for example, the pressure detection means 33c at a rotational speed (for example, 900 r / min or less) of the rotary drum 8 so that no swinging occurs. Is obtained as a relationship between the pressure change amount detected in step (difference between the maximum pressure and the minimum pressure) and the position information of the rotating drum 8 (rotation angle information during one rotation).

  According to the method for determining whether or not the rotation of the rotary drum 8 can be shifted to high speed by taking such initial fluctuations into account, for example, the operating state of the washing machine L is deformed by the bellows 11 (see FIG. 5). This is accompanied by a vibration state of the outer tub 10, and even if a pressure change due to the vibration of the outer tub 10 is applied, the pressure change due to the swing of the rotating drum 8 and the pressure change due to the vibration of the outer tub 10 are separated. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to more accurately determine whether or not the rotating drum 8 can shift to high speed rotation.

Moreover, in the clearance detection means 100 which concerns on this embodiment, it is desirable to attach the opening 33b in a position higher than a maximum water level so that it may not be immersed in the wash water in the outer tub 10.
In the clearance detection means 100 according to the present embodiment, it is desirable to reduce the surface roughness of the rotating drum 8 that sprays air or to make the surface roughness constant. When the rotating drum 8 having such a controlled surface roughness is used, the clearance detecting means 100 can more accurately detect the amount of pressure change corresponding to the amount of swirling even for the rotating drum 8 rotating at high speed. Can do.
Moreover, since the clearance detection means 100 in this embodiment detects clearance B by ejecting compressed air to the rotating drum 8, it can blow off the water droplet and dust of the detection position. Therefore, according to this clearance detection means 100, the effect which improves detection accuracy more can also be show | played.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The washing machine L according to the present embodiment is configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment, except that the washing machine L includes a clearance detection unit 100 using electrical contact. Therefore, in this embodiment, while describing the structure of the clearance detection means 100, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the component similar to the said 1st Embodiment, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.
FIG. 18 to be referred to is a partially enlarged view corresponding to the D part of FIG. 5 for explaining the clearance detection means in the fifth embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the clearance detection means 100 in the present embodiment includes a pair of electrode terminals 34 and 34 disposed between the outer tub 10 and the rotating drum 8, and the electrode terminals 34 and 34. And a detection circuit 53 that detects a current flowing between the electrode terminals 34 when the rotary drum 8 comes into contact.

The electrode terminals 34 and 34 in this embodiment are juxtaposed so as to be inserted so as to penetrate from the outside to the inside of the outer tub 10 and to form a gap.
An example of the detection circuit 53 in this embodiment is one in which a battery 54 and a resistor 55 are directly arranged in a closed circuit formed between the electrode terminals 34 and 34. The detection circuit 53 is provided with a current detection unit (not shown) that detects a current flowing through the resistor 55 and outputs the current to the control device 7 (see FIG. 2).

According to such a clearance detection means 100, when the amount of swing of the rotary drum 8 reaches a predetermined amount and the conductive rotary drum 8 comes into contact with the electrode terminals 34, 34, the control device 7 (see FIG. 2). ) Inputs a detection signal of the current flowing in the detection circuit 53 via the current detection unit (not shown). The control device 7 determines the input of this detection signal in the same manner as “small clearance” in step S104 in FIG. As a result, according to the washing machine L provided with this clearance detection means 100, collision between the outer tub 10 and the rotating drum 8 can be prevented.
In the present embodiment, the electrode terminals 34 and 34 are configured on the assumption that the conductive rotating drum 8 is in contact, but the insulating rotating drum 8 (including the fluid balancer 8c) is used. In this case, it is preferable to provide a conductive member in a portion that contacts the electrode terminals 34 and 34.

Next, FIG. 19 referred to is a partial enlarged view corresponding to the D portion of FIG. 5 for describing a modification of the clearance detection means in the fifth embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 19, the clearance detection means 100 has a base 35 c fixed at an appropriate position of the outer tub 10, and a central portion thereof pivotally supported so as to rotate around a shaft 35 a provided on the base 35. One end of the switch member 35a is disposed between the outer tub 10 and the rotating drum 8 and the other end is provided with a swing electrode terminal 34a. A tension electrode terminal 34b provided on the base 35, a tension member provided between the other end of the switch member 35a and the base 35, and urges the swing electrode terminal 34a to come into contact with the stationary electrode terminal 34b. A coil spring 35b and a detection circuit 53 for detecting a current flowing between the fixed electrode terminal 34b and the swing electrode terminal 34a are provided. The detection circuit 53 is configured in the same manner as the detection circuit 53 shown in FIG.

In such a clearance detection means 100, when the rotating drum 8 does not swing, the fixed electrode terminal 34b and the swing electrode terminal 34a are kept in contact with each other by the urging force of the tension coil spring 35b. The device 7 (see FIG. 2) continues to input a detection signal of the current flowing between the fixed electrode terminal 34b and the swing electrode terminal 34a via a current detection unit (not shown) in the detection circuit 53. .
On the other hand, when the swinging amount of the rotating drum 8 reaches a predetermined amount and the conductive rotating drum 8 comes into contact with one end of the switch member 35a, the other end of the switch member 35a resists the urging force of the tension coil spring 35b. Thus, the swing electrode terminal 34a is rotated away from the fixed electrode terminal 34b. As a result, the control device 7 (see FIG. 2) cannot input a current detection signal from a current detection unit (not shown) in the detection circuit 53. Accordingly, the control device 7 does not make a transition to high speed rotation by making a determination in the same manner as “small clearance” in step S104 in FIG. As a result, according to the washing machine L provided with this clearance detection means 100, collision between the outer tub 10 and the rotating drum 8 can be prevented.
In such a clearance detection means 100, the contact resistance to the rotating drum 8 can be suppressed by processing the one end of the switch member 35a to be rounded.

  Further, in such a clearance detection means 100, the switch member 35d is inclined so as to have a downward gradient with respect to the rotation direction of the rotary drum 8, or in the radial direction of the rotary drum 8, as shown in FIG. By setting the initial state so as to extend, the force applied to the shaft 35a of the switch 35d when the rotary drum 8 contacts the switch member 35d can be suppressed.

As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, It can implement with a various form.
In the first to fifth embodiments, the clearance detection unit 100 using light, magnetic force, and electricity has been described. However, the present invention can include the clearance detection unit 100 using ultrasonic waves.
In the first to fifth embodiments, one threshold value (first threshold value and second threshold value) is used in each of the dirt detection step (step S103 in FIG. 7) and the clearance detection step (step S104 in FIG. 7). However, it is also possible to set two or more threshold values. As a result, more detailed clearance detection can be performed.
In the clearance detection, the amplitude can be calculated from the clearance amount that changes while the rotating drum 8 makes one rotation, and the amount of swinging of the rotating drum 8 can be obtained based on the amplitude. According to this, there is an effect that it is difficult to be influenced by manufacturing errors regardless of the initial positions of the optical sensor 26a and the reflecting portion 27a.
In the first to fifth embodiments, the washing machine L having the rotating drum 8 that is inclined or horizontally disposed has been described. However, the present invention is a washing machine L having the vertical rotating drum 8. It can also be applied to.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 7 Control apparatus 8 Rotating drum 9 Motor 10 Outer tank 26a Optical sensor 26b Optical sensor 27a Reflection part 27b Reflection part 27c Reflection part 27d Reflection part 31 Laundry item 32a Permanent magnet 32b Electromagnetic induction coil 33a Air pump (compressed air supply means)
33b Opening (nozzle)
33c Pressure detection means 33d Air flow path (flow path)
51 Voltmeter 100 Clearance detection means B Clearance C Clearance L Washing machine

Claims (9)

In a washing machine having a rotating drum which is arranged inside the outer tub and performs washing and dehydration of laundry,
A clearance detecting means for detecting a clearance between the outer tub and the rotating drum;
A control device for controlling whether or not the rotary drum can be shifted to a high-speed rotation range based on the clearance detected by the clearance detection means;
A washing machine comprising: The washing machine according to claim 1,
When the control device determines that the detected clearance is smaller than a preset clearance threshold based on the clearance detected by the clearance detecting means, the control device shifts the rotating drum to high speed rotation. A washing machine characterized by being controlled so that there is no. In the washing machine according to claim 1 or 2,
A motor for rotating the rotating drum is connected to a rear side of the rotating drum;
The said washing | cleaning detection means was provided in the front rather than the at least half of the said outer tank which has the said rotating drum inside. In the washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The clearance detection means includes an optical sensor,
This optical sensor is placed in the outer tub,
The optical sensor irradiates light to the rotating drum and detects the clearance based on the amount of received light reflected by the rotating drum. In the washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The clearance detection means includes a permanent magnet, an electromagnetic induction coil, and a voltmeter that detects an induced electromotive force of the electromagnetic induction coil,
The permanent magnet is disposed on the rotating drum,
The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic induction coil is attached to the outer tub at a position where a magnetic field of the permanent magnet that rotates together with the rotating drum crosses. In the washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The clearance detection means includes
Compressed air supply means capable of supplying a constant flow of compressed air;
A nozzle for ejecting compressed air supplied from the compressed air supply means to the rotating drum;
Pressure detecting means for detecting a pressure in a flow path for allowing air to flow between the compressed air supply means and the nozzle;
A washing machine comprising: In the washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The clearance detection means includes a pair of electrode terminals disposed between the outer tub and the rotating drum,
Current detection means for detecting current flowing between the electrode terminals;
A washing machine comprising: The washing machine according to claim 4,
The control device, based on the output signal of the amount of light received by the optical sensor,
A washing machine characterized by estimating dirt in the outer tub. The washing machine according to claim 4,
The control device, based on the output signal of the amount of light received by the optical sensor,
A washing machine that detects the biting of the laundry between the outer tub and the rotating drum.

Images