JP2013103050A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve a washing machine that is capable of preventing an erroneous detection of overflow of water during water pouring rinsing.SOLUTION: The washing machine comprises: a water supply valve 13 for supplying water into a water receiving tub 3; a drain valve 12 and a drain passage 10 for draining water outside of the machine; an overflow water drain passage 11 communicating with the drain passage; water level detection means 14 for detecting a water level; overflow water detection means 17 for determining whether or not a water level is at an overflow water level in which water overflows from an upper edge 44 of the water receiving tub on the basis of the information from the water level detection means 14; control means 15 for controlling operation of driving means, the water supply valve, and the drain valve. The control means 15 measures an initial frequency of the water level detection means 14, detects a variation of the water level detection means 14, and on the basis of the value, changes an overflow detection frequency for detecting an overflow state to keep a water level at an optimal overflow detection water level, thereby preventing an erroneous detection of overflow of water even in the case where an overflow water level due to downsizing of devises and an actual use water level are approximate to each other.

Description

  The present invention relates to a control device for a washing machine having overflow detection means.

  Conventionally, this type of washing machine is provided with means for detecting the water level in the washing tub and overflow determination means. When it is determined that the overflow has occurred, the water supply, motor stoppage, buzzer notification, etc. The structure which avoids safety is taken (for example, refer patent document 1).

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control of the conventional washing machine described in Patent Document 1. As shown in FIG. 7, when entering the water supply or stirring process during washing and rinsing, a microcomputer (not shown) inputs data fn obtained by converting the current water level data into a frequency in step 20. Assuming that the data obtained by converting the water level in the washing tub overflowing into frequency is f1, the microcomputer (not shown) determines whether fn satisfies fn ≧ f1 in step 21, and fn <f1. If so, it is determined in step 22 that the frequency is overflow, and an overflow determination counter that counts the number of determinations is counted up.

  Further, in step 23, it is determined whether or not the count number is 10 times or more. If it is smaller than 10, the process returns to step 20, and if it is 10 times or more, the process proceeds to step 24.

  Here, since the overflow frequency data has been input ten times continuously, the microcomputer (not shown) determines that the water level has reached the overflow level, and for safety, turns off the water supply valve and the motor, In step 25, the abnormal state is notified or displayed.

  Therefore, in order to prevent erroneous detection of an overflow abnormality at the level of normal use, an overflow detection level with a sufficient margin is provided for the actual overflow level, and an overflow determination is made when the water level reaches this overflow determination level. Is what you are doing.

JP-A-1-166800

  However, in the conventional configuration, when the size of the washing machine is reduced, the outer frame must be small and the bath ratio must be large, and there is a difference between the overflowing water level and the water level actually used in the washing operation. Therefore, it is difficult to absorb variations in the components of the water level detection configuration and variations in the product installation state.

  For example, in the so-called water rinsing process, in which stirring is performed while supplying water in a course for improving the rinsing performance, the water level in the washing tub gradually rises, and an overflow (overflow) port provided at the upper part of the washing tub In this case, the rinse water that has been poured is discharged from the overflow (overflow) port to the outside of the machine through the drainage path.

  At this time, the agitation operation is performed while supplying water, and the water level fluctuates, so the drainage capacity is reduced, so the point where the water supply flow rate and the overflow water discharge flow rate are balanced and the water level is stabilized is higher than the overflow (overflow) port. It is generally located above and this is the equilibrium water level.

  However, if you forget to knock down the drain hose, use a bath pump for remaining water in the bath without going through the water supply valve, or if the water supply flow rate increases or the drainage conditions such as clogging of the drain port worsen, In addition, when the water level detection varies, the equilibrium water level further increases. If the stirring operation is performed in such a state, the amplitude increases due to the water flow, the abnormal water level of the overflow cannot be detected, the overflow does not normally overflow from the overflow (overflow) port, and water scatters from the upper edge of the upper water receiving tank. , Overflowing, there is a problem that the danger of adhering to electrical parts and the like that originally should not be washed water increases.

  The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems. In particular, the overflow determination level is changed according to the variation of the water level detection means, and the optimum overflow determination level is set to prevent erroneous detection of overflow. The purpose is to provide a washing machine that prevents overflow from the upper edge of the tank and improves safety.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a washing and dewatering tub rotatably disposed in a water receiving tub, a driving means for driving the washing and dewatering tub, and a water supply valve for supplying water to the water receiving tub A drain valve for draining the water in the water receiving tank to the outside of the machine, a drain path connected to the water receiving tank via the drain valve, and in communication with the drain path near the outer periphery of the water receiving tank An overflow drainage path, a water level detecting means for detecting the water level in the water receiving tank, and an overflow detection for determining whether or not the water level is overflowing based on information from the water level detecting means. Control means for controlling the operation of the drive means, the water supply valve, and the drain valve, and the control means changes the overflow determination water level according to the initial frequency of the water level detection means. It is a thing.

  Thereby, even when the overflowing water level and the actual use water level are approximated by downsizing of the device, erroneous detection of overflow can be prevented.

  The washing machine of the present invention can prevent overflow detection even when there is no difference between the overflowing water level and the actual use water level due to downsizing of the device.

Side sectional view of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Control circuit block diagram of the washing machine Relationship between water level and frequency of the washing machine The figure which shows the dispersion | variation in each water level area | region of the water level detection means of the washing machine. Relationship diagram between overflow water level, water receiving cover, overflow port and water level balance line of the washing machine The figure which shows the correction relation of the water level and frequency of the washing machine Flow chart showing control of a conventional washing machine

  A first invention includes a washing and dewatering tub rotatably disposed in a water receiving tub, a driving means for driving the washing and dehydrating tub, a water supply valve for supplying water into the water receiving tub, and the water receiving A drainage valve for draining the water in the tank to the outside of the machine, an overflow drainage path connected to the water receiving tank via the drainage valve, and in communication with the drainage path in the vicinity of the outer periphery of the water receiving tank; A water level detecting means for detecting a water level in the water receiving tank, an overflow detecting means for determining whether or not the water level is overflowing from the water receiving tank based on information from the water level detecting means, and the driving Means for controlling the operation of the water supply valve and the drain valve, and the control means changes the overflow determination water level according to the initial frequency of the water level detection means. Flooding due to downsizing of equipment Even if the position and the actual use water level approximation, it is possible to prevent the overflow erroneous detection.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Further, the present invention is not limited by this embodiment.

(Embodiment 1)
1 is a side sectional view of a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control circuit of the washing machine.

  The washing / dehydrating tub 1 has a large number of small holes on the inner wall surface, and a clothes stirring blade 2 is rotatably arranged on the bottom surface. A water receiving tank 3 is provided. A motor (driving means) 4 is attached to the outer bottom surface of the water receiving tub 3 so that the washing / dehydrating tub 1 or the stirring blade 2 is driven via a clutch device 5 for switching the driving portion. . Further, the water receiving tub 3 is supported in an anti-vibration manner via a suspension 7 on an outer frame 6 of the washing machine.

  A fluid balancer 9 containing liquid is fixed to the upper part of the washing and dewatering tank 1, and the upper edge 44 of the water receiving tank at the upper end of the water receiving tank 3 is covered with a water receiving tank cover 8.

  A drain valve 12 disposed on the outer bottom surface of the water receiving tank 3 controls drainage and water stoppage of the washing water in the water receiving tank 3. ) Configure the mouth 41. The water supply valve 13 disposed in the upper panel 42 supplies washing water, rinsing water, and the like into the washing and dewatering tub 1 and the water receiving tub 3, and is connected to a water tap or the like (not shown). .

  The water receiving tank 3 has a drainage path 10 connected downstream via the drainage valve 12 and an overflow drainage path 11 communicating with the overflow (overflow) port 41 in the vicinity of the outer periphery. The other end is connected to the drainage path 10.

  Accordingly, the washing water in the washing / dehydrating tub 1 and the water receiving tub 3 is drained from the drain valve 12 and the drainage passage 10 in the draining process, and the rinse water overflowed (overflow) at the time of rinsing in the rinsing process overflows ( Overflow) is discharged from the machine through the overflow drainage path 11 and the drainage path 10. Therefore, at the time of rinsing with water, an equilibrium water level 45 is formed at a water level slightly above the overflow (overflow) port 41.

  The height (water level) of the overflow (overflow) port 41 from the bottom of the water receiving tank 3 is set to 370 mm, and the standard equilibrium water level is set to 385 mm (details will be described later).

  Further, the water level detecting means 14 for detecting the water level in the water receiving tank 3 is constituted by a pressure sensor and is disposed in the upper panel 42 of the water receiving tank 3 and connected to the tube 43 at the lower part of the water receiving tank 3. The water level is detected by the water pressure.

  In addition, the panel 42 is provided with operation display means 19 that shows the setting contents to the user, accepts an operation from the user, and displays the progress of the process.

  In the control circuit block diagram of FIG. 2, the control means 15 comprises a microcomputer (not shown) and the like, and controls the operations of the motor 4, the drain valve 12, the water supply valve 13, the operation display means 19, and the like, and ishes and rinses. The water level detecting means 14 for detecting the water level in the water receiving tank, the water level frequency converting means 16 for converting the water level data obtained from the water level detecting means 14 to the frequency, and the water level Overflow detection means 17 for determining whether the water is in an overflow state, storage means 18 for storing frequency data obtained from the water level frequency conversion means 16, cloth amount detection for detecting the amount of clothes in the washing and dehydrating tub Means 16, time measuring means 20 for measuring time, and the like are provided.

  As an example of the configuration of the water level detection means 14 and overflow detection means 17, a change in diaphragm corresponding to a change in water pressure is regarded as a change in impedance, and the water level frequency conversion means 16 converts the change in impedance into a frequency and controls it. Is.

  Power is supplied to each element from the power supply 45, and the operation of each element is controlled by the control means 15. Further, inputs from the water level detection means 14, the water level frequency conversion means 16, and the operation display means 19 are transmitted to the control means 15.

  The overflow detection operation of the washing machine configured as described above will be described.

  FIG. 3 shows the relationship between the water level and the frequency in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 4 shows the variation in each water level region of the water level detection means of the washing machine, and FIG. 5 shows the overflow detection water level. The relationship between the water receiving cover, overflow port, and water level balance line is shown. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a correction relationship between the water level and the frequency of the washing machine.

  In FIG. 3, the relationship between the water level on the horizontal axis and the frequency on the vertical axis obtained from the water level detection by the frequency conversion means is that the initial frequency standard value in the state where the water level is zero, that is, not supplied to the water receiving tank is 42.3 kHz. The water supplied to the water receiving tank 3 is squeezed by the water supply means 13, and the frequency input to the control means 15 is lowered as the water level is increased, and a preset water level, for example, a medium water level of 260 mm By detecting a predetermined frequency 37.87 kHz corresponding to the water pressure, it is determined that the set water level has been reached.

  Furthermore, the water level changes linearly up to an overflow equilibrium frequency of 36.4 kHz at an equilibrium water level (385 mm) in a state where water supply and overflow (overflow) are balanced, such as water injection rinse.

  When the water supply does not increase abnormally and overflow and drainage function normally, the water level does not rise above the equilibrium water level, so the equilibrium water level (385 mm) is maintained, and the frequency is the overflow equilibrium indicated by the dotted line A. Maintain frequency (36.4 kHz).

  After the power is turned on at the start of operation of the washing machine, the control unit 15 sequentially monitors the frequency converted by the water level frequency conversion unit 16 based on the water level data acquired by the water level detection unit 14. The initial frequency f <b> 1 in a state where there is no water in the receiving tank 3 is stored in the storage device 18.

  In the rinsing in the rinsing process, the stirring operation is performed while supplying water, and the drainage capacity is reduced. Therefore, the point where the water supply flow rate and the wastewater flow rate are balanced and the water level is stabilized is indicated by point P in FIG. 3 and overflow (overflow) When the water supply capacity is 18 L / min and the drainage capacity is 20 L / min, the point is approximately 15 mm above the overflow (overflow) port (water level 385 mm).

  However, when the drainage hose is forgotten to fall down, when a bus pump is used without going through the water supply valve, or when the water supply flow rate increases, when the drainage port becomes clogged and the drainage conditions worsen, the water level rises further. The change in frequency has a characteristic as indicated by a broken line indicated by B in FIG.

  That is, when the water level rises above the equilibrium water level (385 mm) and reaches the overflow detection water level (410 mm), the frequency is 35.64 kHz.

    At this time, the overflow detection means 17 compares the operating water level frequency fi input to the control means 15 with a preset overflow frequency fo (35.64 kHz). If fo> fi, a predetermined overflow water level is obtained. It is judged that it has risen above and it is judged that it is overflowing dangerous state. At the same time, the control unit 15 stops the load such as stopping the water supply valve, and notifies the abnormal state by the operation display unit 19.

  FIG. 4 shows the variation in each water level region of the water level detection means, and the variation around the overflow detection water level is generally ± 30 mm.

  Moreover, in the relationship diagram between the overflow detection water level and the water receiving cover, the overflow (overflow) port, and the water level equilibrium line shown in FIG. 5, the overflow detection water level (410 mm) reliably prevents the water from overflowing from the upper part of the water receiving tank. Therefore, in consideration of the variation of the water level detection means, it is set 30 mm below the upper part of the water receiving tank (440 mm), and 40 mm from the overflow (overflow) port (370 mm) to the overflow detection water level.

  Next, variation in the water level frequency from the difference α between the initial measurement frequency f1 in the state where there is no water in the water receiving tank 3 stored in the storage device 18 and the initial reference frequency f2 (42.3 kHz) set in advance. The configuration for predicting and correcting the above will be described with reference to the water level and frequency correction relationship shown in FIG.

  When f2 <f1, that is, when the actual measurement is larger than the initial reference value, the time to reach the overflow detection frequency (fo) becomes longer, the actual overflow detection water level becomes higher, and there is no room for the above stable water level. Therefore, a value obtained by subtracting the variation correction value (+ α) from the overflow detection frequency fo (35.64 kHz) so as to obtain the overflow detection water level as set is set as overflow detection.

  For example, when the initial frequency f1 is 42.9 kHz, the difference 0.6 kHz from the initial reference frequency f2 (42.3 kHz) is added to the overflow frequency fo (35.64 kHz), and the overflow detection frequency is increased to 36.24 kHz. Correct it.

  That is, in FIG. 6, the relationship with the water level when the initial frequency is 42.9 kHz shows the change indicated by H with respect to the standard line M.

  Therefore, if there is no correction, if overflow is detected at fo (35.64 kHz), the h point in the figure, that is, the overflow detection water level becomes 440 mm, and the water level rises above the overflow detection water level (410 mm). (+0.6 kHz) is performed and corrected to a point h ′ having the same water level as the point P which is fo (35.64 kHz) detection on the standard line M.

  On the other hand, when f2> f1, the change shown by the K line in FIG. 6 is shown. If the actual overflow detection water level becomes low and overflow detection is performed at fo (35.64 kHz), the k point in FIG. The overflow detection water level is 380 mm, the water level is lower than the overflow detection water level (410 mm), close to the water level at the overflow (overflow) outlet (370 mm), and when the water injection should be rinsed, the overflow is detected and the original water injection rinse May not function satisfactorily.

  Therefore, the variation correction value (α) is reduced to the overflow frequency fo (35.64 kHz), and the overflow detection water level is set again as set.

  For example, when the initial frequency f1 is 41.7 kHz, the difference from the initial reference frequency f2 (42.3 kHz) is reduced by 0.6 kHz, the overflow detection frequency is corrected to 35.04 kHz, and from the point k in FIG. The correction is made to the k ′ point at the same water level as the P point, which is fo (35.64 kHz) detection on the standard line M.

  As described above, the washing machine according to the present invention has a reduced water flow rate when the bus pump is used without a water supply valve even when there is no difference between the overflowing water level and the actual use water level. Even when the stable water level rises, such as when the drainage port becomes clogged and the drainage conditions deteriorate, it is possible to avoid erroneous detection of the overflow water level during normal operation.

  Further, even when the overflow detection water level becomes high due to variations or the like, and the product is installed at an inclination, it is possible to prevent overflow from the upper edge of the water receiving tank without erroneous detection of overflow in the water rinsing process.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Washing and dewatering tank 2 Stirring blade 3 Water receiving tank 4 Motor (driving means)
6 Outer frame 7 Suspension 8 Water receiving tank cover 9 Fluid balancer 10 Drainage path 11 Overflow drainage path 12 Drainage valve 13 Water supply valve 14 Water level detection means 15 Control means 16 Water level frequency conversion means 17 Overflow detection means 18 Storage means 19 Operation display means 41 Overflow port 42 Upper panel 44 Upper edge of water receiving tank

Claims (1)

A washing / dehydrating tub rotatably disposed in the water receiving tub, a driving means for driving the washing / dehydrating tub, a water supply valve for supplying water into the water receiving tub, and water in the water receiving tub A drainage valve for draining outside, a drainage path connected to the water receiving tank via the drainage valve, an overflow drainage path communicating with the drainage path in the vicinity of the outer periphery of the water receiving tank, and the water receiving tank Water level detection means for detecting the water level, overflow detection means for determining whether the water level is overflowing from the water receiving tank based on information from the water level detection means, the drive means, the water supply valve, And a control unit that controls the operation of the drain valve, wherein the control unit changes the overflow determination water level according to an initial frequency of the water level detection unit.

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