JP2015084850A - Household electrical appliance and washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accurately estimate power consumption of the whole appliance even if the appliance includes a motor driven by an inverter circuit and a power factor-improvement circuit.SOLUTION: A household electrical appliance according to the present embodiment includes: a DC power source circuit; a power factor-improvement circuit; current detection means; an inverter circuit; a motor; voltage detection means; and power estimation means. The DC power source circuit rectifies and smooths alternating current given from an AC power source and outputs a direct current. The power factor-improvement circuit performs a power factor-improvement operation improving the power factor of the AC power source. The current detection means detects an input current to the DC power source. The inverter circuit converts a direct current output from the DC power source circuit into an alternating current. The motor is driven by the inverter circuit. The voltage detection means detects a DC voltage input in the inverter circuit. The power estimation means estimates power consumption of the whole appliance using a detection value of the current detection means and a detection value of the voltage detection means.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to home appliances and washing machines.

  Conventionally, various techniques for estimating power consumption by home appliances have been devised. If a function for displaying the power consumption estimated by such a technology or the electricity bill required based on the technology is added to the home appliance, an effect of improving user convenience can be expected. However, any of the conventional techniques may cause an error in the estimation of power consumption, and there is room for improvement in this respect.

  In particular, when the power consumption of home appliances (for example, washing machines, refrigerators, air conditioners, etc.) equipped with a motor driven by an inverter circuit is estimated by the prior art, the estimation error increases for the following reasons. . That is, in such a configuration, since a capacitor input type DC power supply circuit is generally used, a power factor improving circuit for improving the power factor of the AC power supply is provided. In this case, the power consumption of the device changes according to the operating state of the power factor correction circuit. However, in the conventional power consumption estimation technique, since the operation of the power factor correction circuit is not taken into consideration, the estimation error increases, and as a result, the power consumption estimation accuracy decreases.

Japanese Patent No. 4940039

  Thus, there are provided home appliances and a washing machine that can accurately estimate the power consumption of the entire device even if the configuration includes a motor driven by an inverter circuit and a power factor correction circuit.

  The home appliance of this embodiment includes a DC power supply circuit, a power factor correction circuit, a current detection unit, an inverter circuit, a motor, a voltage detection unit, and a power estimation unit. The direct current power circuit rectifies and smoothes alternating current supplied from an alternating current power source and outputs direct current. The power factor correction circuit performs a power factor correction operation for improving the power factor of the AC power source. The current detection means detects an input current to the DC power supply circuit. The inverter circuit converts the direct current output from the direct current power supply circuit into alternating current. The motor is driven by an inverter circuit. The voltage detection means detects a DC voltage input to the inverter circuit. The power estimation unit estimates the power consumption of the entire device using the detection value of the current detection unit and the detection value of the voltage detection unit.

1 is a longitudinal side view showing a schematic configuration of a washing / drying machine according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows schematically the drive control system of each motor in a washing-drying machine Waveform diagram showing how the drive power supply voltage changes Timing chart showing the relationship between input current and short-circuit pulse Flow chart showing power consumption estimation method The figure which shows the actual value and estimated value of power consumption when a series of washing operations are performed FIG. 6 is an enlarged view showing a part of FIG. The figure which shows 2nd Embodiment and shows the aspect by which household appliances are connected to a home communication line and an external communication line

Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
(First embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 1, an outer box 1a forming an outer shell of a drum-type washing and drying machine 1 (corresponding to home appliances and a washing machine) includes a front plate, a rear plate, a left side plate, a right side plate, a bottom plate, and a top plate. A through-hole-like entrance 2 is formed in the front plate of the outer box 1a.

  A door 3 is mounted on the front plate of the outer box 1a. The door 3 can be operated by the user between the closed state and the open state from the front. The door 2 is closed when the door 3 is closed, and the door 2 is opened when the door 3 is open. A water receiving tank 4 is fixed inside the outer box 1a. The water receiving tank 4 has a cylindrical shape with the rear surface closed, and is disposed in an inclined state in which the axial center line CL descends from the front toward the rear. The water receiving tank 4 has an opening on the front surface. When the door 3 is closed, the door 3 closes the front surface of the water receiving tank 4 in an airtight state.

  A drum motor 5 is fixed to the rear plate of the water receiving tank 4 so as to be located outside the water receiving tank 4. The drum motor 5 is a DC brushless motor capable of speed control, and the rotating shaft 6 of the drum motor 5 protrudes into the water receiving tank 4. The rotating shaft 6 is disposed so as to overlap the axial center line CL of the water receiving tank 4, and the drum 7 is fixed to the rotating shaft 6 so as to be located inside the water receiving tank 4. The drum 7 has a cylindrical shape with a closed rear surface, and rotates integrally with the rotary shaft 6 in the operation state of the drum motor 5. The front surface of the drum 7 faces the inlet / outlet 2 from the rear via the front surface of the water receiving tank 4. Inside the drum 7, the door 2 is opened and the front of the inlet / outlet 2, the water receiving tank 4 and the front surface of the drum 7 are opened from the front. The laundry is taken in and out.

  A plurality of through holes 8 are formed in the drum 7, and the internal space of the drum 7 is connected to the internal space of the water receiving tank 4 through each of the plurality of through holes 8. A plurality of baffles 9 are fixed to the drum 7. Each of the plurality of baffles 9 moves in the circumferential direction around the axis line CL as the drum 7 rotates. The laundry in the drum 7 is stirred by being dropped by gravity after moving in the circumferential direction while being hooked on each of the plurality of baffles 9.

  A water supply valve 10 is fixed inside the outer box 1a. The water supply valve 10 has an inlet and an outlet, and the inlet of the water supply valve 10 is connected to a water tap. The water supply valve 10 is driven by a water supply valve motor (not shown), and the outlet of the water supply valve 10 is switched between an open state and a closed state according to the amount of rotation of the water supply valve motor. The outlet of the water supply valve 10 is connected to a water injection case 12. When the water supply valve 10 is open, tap water is injected into the water injection case 12 through the water supply valve 10, and when the water supply valve 10 is closed, tap water is injected into the water injection case 12. 12 is not injected. The water injection case 12 is fixed inside the outer box 1 a at a higher position than the water receiving tank 4, and has a cylindrical water inlet 13. The water injection port 13 is inserted into the water receiving tank 4, and the tap water injected from the water supply valve 10 into the water injection case 12 is injected into the water receiving tank 4 from the water injection port 13.

  An upper end portion of a drain pipe 14 is connected to the water receiving tank 4 at the bottom, and a drain valve 15 is interposed in the drain pipe 14. The drain valve 15 uses a drain valve motor (not shown) as a drive source, and is switched between an open state and a closed state according to the rotation amount of the drain valve motor. In the closed state of the drain valve 15, tap water injected into the water receiving tank 4 from the water inlet 13 is stored in the water receiving tank 4, and in the open state of the drain valve 15, tap water in the water receiving tank 4 passes through the drain pipe 14. It is discharged outside the receiving tank 4.

  A main duct 17 is fixed to the bottom plate of the outer box 1 a so as to be positioned below the water receiving tank 4. The main duct 17 has a cylindrical shape directed in the front-rear direction, and the lower end portion of the front duct 18 is connected to the front end portion of the main duct 17. The front duct 18 has a cylindrical shape directed in the vertical direction, and the upper end of the front duct 18 is connected to the internal space of the water receiving tank 4 at the front end of the water receiving tank 4. A fan casing 19 is fixed to the rear end portion of the main duct 17. The fan casing 19 has a through-hole-like intake port 20 and a cylindrical exhaust port 21, and the internal space of the fan casing 19 is connected to the internal space of the main duct 17 via the intake port 20.

  A fan motor 22 is fixed to the fan casing 19 outside the fan casing 19. The fan motor 22 has a rotating shaft 23 protruding inside the fan casing 19, and a fan 24 is fixed to the rotating shaft 23 so as to be located inside the fan casing 19. The fan 24 is a centrifugal type that sucks air from the axial direction and discharges it in the radial direction. The air inlet 20 of the fan casing 19 faces the fan 24 from the axial direction of the fan 24, and the air outlet 21 of the fan casing 19 is It faces the fan 24 from the radial direction of the fan 24.

  A lower end portion of the rear duct 25 is connected to the exhaust port 21 of the fan casing 19. The rear duct 25 has a cylindrical shape directed in the vertical direction, and the upper end of the rear duct 25 is connected to the internal space of the water receiving tank 4 at the rear end of the water receiving tank 4. The rear duct 25, the fan casing 19, the main duct 17, the front duct 18, and the water receiving tank 4 constitute an annular circulation duct 26 having the internal space of the water receiving tank 4 as a start point and an end point, respectively. When the fan motor 22 is operated in the closed state, air in the water receiving tank 4 is sucked into the fan casing 19 from the front duct 18 through the main duct 17 based on the rotation of the fan 24 in a certain direction. Then, the air is returned from the fan casing 19 to the water receiving tank 4 through the rear duct 25.

  A compressor 27 is fixed inside the outer box 1a. The compressor 27 is disposed outside the circulation duct 26 and has a discharge port for discharging the refrigerant and a suction port for sucking the refrigerant. The compressor 27 uses a compressor motor 28 (see FIG. 2) as a drive source, and the compressor motor 28 is composed of a DC brushless motor capable of speed control.

  A condenser (condenser) 29 is fixed inside the main duct 17. The condenser 29 heats air and is configured by fixing each of a plurality of plate-like heating fins 31 in contact with the outer peripheral surface of one refrigerant pipe 30 that bends in a meandering manner. The refrigerant pipe 30 of the condenser 29 is connected to the outlet of the compressor 27, and the refrigerant discharged from the outlet of the compressor 27 enters the refrigerant pipe 30 of the condenser 29 when the compressor motor 28 is operating.

  An evaporator 33 is fixed inside the main duct 17. The evaporator 33 cools the air and is disposed upstream of the condenser 29 in the air flow. Although not shown in the drawings, in this case, an electronic expansion valve (PMV: Pulse Motor Valve) is used as a throttling device (pressure reducing device) that restricts the flow of the refrigerant on the downstream side of the condenser 29.

  An operation panel unit 34 is provided at the upper front of the outer box 1a. The operation panel unit 34 (corresponding to the display means) includes a display for displaying various information, an operation switch (not shown) for performing various operations, and control circuits 35A and 35B (for performing various control operations). Etc.) are provided.

  FIG. 2 schematically shows a drive control system for the drum motor 5, the fan motor 22 and the comp motor 28. The inverter circuit 41 is configured by connecting six IGBTs (switching elements) 42a to 42f in a three-phase bridge, and flywheel diodes 43a to 43f are connected between collectors and emitters of the IGBTs 42a to 42f. Yes. Each phase output terminal of the inverter circuit 41 is connected to each phase winding of the drum motor 5.

  The emitters of the lower arm IGBTs 42d, 42e, and 42f are connected to the ground via shunt resistors 44u, 44v, and 44w. A common connection point between the emitters of the IGBTs 42d, 42e, and 42f and the shunt resistors 44u, 44v, and 44w is connected to an input terminal of the control circuit 35A. The control circuit 35A includes a microcomputer (microcomputer) and a gate driver.

  Although not shown in the figure, the control circuit 35A includes an operational amplifier and the like, and a level shift circuit amplifies the terminal voltages of the shunt resistors 44u to 44w so that the output range of the amplified signal is within the positive side ( For example, 0 to +5 V) bias is applied. In addition, the control circuit 35A has a function of performing overcurrent detection in order to prevent circuit destruction when the upper and lower arms of the inverter circuit 41 are short-circuited.

  The control circuit 35 </ b> A controls the overall operation of the washing / drying machine 1. That is, the control circuit 35A controls the water supply valve 10, the drum motor 5, the drain valve 15 and the like according to the operation of the operation switch of the operation panel unit 34, and performs washing, rinsing and dewatering washing operations, the fan motor 22 and the compressor. The drying operation is executed by controlling the motor 28 and the like. Furthermore, the control circuit 35A can be connected to a home communication line via the IT adapter 45 (corresponding to communication means), and communicates with an external device (communication terminal) connected to the home communication line. It is possible.

  An inverter circuit 46 and a shunt resistor 47 (u, v, w) configured similarly are arranged for the fan motor 22, and an inverter circuit 48 and a shunt resistor 49 (u) are arranged for the comp motor 28. , V, w) are arranged. The inverter circuits 46 and 48 are controlled by another control circuit 35B, and the control circuits 35A and 35B are capable of bidirectional communication by serial communication.

  A driving power supply circuit 50 (corresponding to a DC power supply circuit) is connected to the input side of the inverter circuits 41, 46 and 48. The drive power supply circuit 50 is connected to a 100 V AC power supply via a reactor 51 on one end side, and is connected in series to the full-wave rectifier circuit 52 formed of a diode bridge and the output side of the full-wave rectifier circuit 52. And two capacitors 53a and 53b. A common connection point of the capacitors 53 a and 53 b is connected to one of the input terminals of the full-wave rectifier circuit 52. When the boosting operation using the reactor 51 described later is not performed, the drive power supply circuit 50 rectifies and smoothes the 100V AC power supply by double voltage full-wave rectification, and supplies the DC voltage of about 280V to the inverter circuit 41 and the like. To do.

  Another full-wave rectifier circuit 54, which is also formed of a diode bridge, is connected in parallel to the input terminal of the full-wave rectifier circuit 52. An IGBT 55 is connected between the output terminals of the full-wave rectifier circuit 54. The on / off control of the IGBT 55 is performed by the control circuit 35B. In the present embodiment, the reactor 51, the full-wave rectifier circuit 54, and the IGBT 55 constitute a partial switching power factor correction circuit 56.

  A series circuit of resistors 57a and 57b and a series circuit of resistors 58a and 58b are connected between the input terminals of the inverter circuits 41 and 46, respectively. The common connection point is connected to the input terminals of the control circuits 35A and 35B. It is connected. The control circuits 35A and 35B detect the voltage value of the drive power supply voltage (corresponding to the DC voltage) input to the inverter circuits 41 and 46 by referring to the voltage at each common connection point. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the resistors 57a, 57b, 58a, and 58b correspond to voltage detection means.

  For the drum motor 5, in order to detect the rotor position, a position sensor 59 (u, v, w) composed of, for example, a Hall IC is disposed, and the sensor signal output from the position sensor 59 is Is supplied to the control circuit 35A. Further, a current sensor 60 made of, for example, a current transformer (CT) is inserted between the AC power supply and the reactor 51, and a detection signal (detection value) output from the current sensor 60 is sent to the control circuit 35B. Is given. The control circuit 35 </ b> B detects the input current to the drive power supply circuit 50 by referring to the detection signal given from the current sensor 60. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the current sensor 60 corresponds to a current detection unit.

  In this case, since the current sensor 60 (current transformer) is used to control the operation of the power factor correction circuit 56, the specification is such that a relatively large current can be accurately detected. In other words, the current sensor 60 has a specification that cannot detect a relatively small current, and when a current exceeding a certain value (for example, about 80 W in power consumption) does not flow, a detection signal (detection value) representing zero. Is output.

  The control circuits 35A and 35B detect currents flowing through the respective phase windings of the motors 5, 22, and 28, estimate the phase θ and rotational angular velocity ω of the secondary rotating magnetic field based on the current values, and An excitation current component Id and a torque current component Iq are obtained by subjecting the phase current to orthogonal coordinate transformation and dq (direct-quadrature) coordinate transformation. Then, when a speed command is given from the outside, the control circuits 35A and 35B generate current commands Idref and Iqref based on the estimated phase θ, rotational angular velocity ω, and current components Id and Iq, and these are generated as voltage commands Vd and Vq. When converted to, rectangular coordinate transformation and three-phase coordinate transformation are performed. Finally, a drive signal is generated as a PWM signal and is output to each phase winding of the motors 5, 22, and 28 via inverter circuits 41, 46, and 48. Further, the control circuit 35A performs field-weakening control when the drum motor 5 is rotated at a high speed, for example, in a dehydrating operation.

  Although details will be described later, the control circuit 35A is configured to estimate the power consumed in the washing / drying machine 1 (power consumption of the entire device), the power consumption amount related to the washing operation, the electricity fee, the water fee, and the total cost. It has a function to calculate (amount). The control circuit 35 </ b> A has a function of displaying various information acquired by estimation or calculation on the display of the operation panel unit 34. Furthermore, the control circuit 35 </ b> A has a function of displaying the above various information on a display device included in an external device by communication via the IT adapter 45. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the control circuit 35A corresponds to power estimation means, electrical relation calculation means, electricity charge calculation means, water charge calculation means, general calculation means, and display control means, and the operation panel unit 34 includes display means. It corresponds to.

  The power supply circuit 61 is a step-down DC-DC converter, and steps down and outputs a DC voltage supplied from the drive power supply circuit 50. The + 5V DC voltage output from the power supply circuit 61 is applied to the microcomputers of the control circuits 35A and 35B. The + 15V DC voltage output from the power supply circuit 61 is supplied to the gate drivers of the control circuits 35A and 35B.

  A series of process operations of the washing / drying machine 1 having the above-described configuration is as follows. That is, first, weight sensing of the laundry is performed. Thereafter, water is poured into the drum 7 and then the drum 7 is reversed in the forward direction at a rotational speed of about 46 rpm to perform the washing operation. Then, after the intermediate dehydration is performed, water is poured again and a rinsing operation is performed. The rotation speed of the drum 7 in the intermediate dehydration is about 1200 rpm, and the rinsing operation is about 46 rpm similar to the washing operation. Before the rinsing operation is performed, shower water supply and intermediate dewatering are repeated twice. Subsequently, when the final dehydration is performed at a rotation speed of about 1700 rpm, the compressor 27 and the fan 24 are operated to blow warm air to the drum 7, and the dehumidifying and drying operation is performed by reversing forward at about 46 rpm.

  The control circuit 35B controls the drive power supply voltage by controlling on / off of the IGBT 55 as follows during the series of operations. That is, in the washing operation and the rinsing operation, if the drum 7 is normally inverted at about 46 rpm, the IGBT 55 is maintained in the OFF state, and the input side of the full-wave rectifier circuit 52 is not short-circuited. Therefore, in this case, the boosting operation described later is not performed.

  When the drum 7 is rotated at a high speed as in the intermediate dehydration operation or the final dehydration operation, the value detected by the current sensor 60 is monitored, and the input current to the drive power supply circuit 50 is a predetermined determination value (for example, 500 W in power consumption) or more. It is determined whether or not. When it is determined that an input current of a predetermined value or more is flowing, a pulse signal (to the gate) is set so that the IGBT 55 is turned on a plurality of times (for example, twice) within a half cycle of the AC power supply voltage (between the zero cross points of the voltage waveform). Short-circuit pulse) is applied, and the input side of the full-wave rectifier circuit 52 is short-circuited. When the IGBT 55 is turned on and the input side of the full-wave rectifier circuit 52 is short-circuited, electromagnetic energy can be accumulated in the reactor 51 during that time, and if the IGBT 55 is subsequently turned off, the amount corresponding to the accumulated energy is obtained. The step-up operation is performed by causing the reactor 51 to pass the current.

  At this time, even if the time to turn on the IGBT 55 is lengthened, the electromagnetic energy accumulated in the reactor 51 is saturated, so there is a limit to the voltage that can be boosted by one short circuit. However, if the IGBT 55 is turned on a plurality of times within a half cycle of the AC power supply voltage to perform a short circuit, the boosted voltage can be increased according to the number of times. In the present embodiment, an alternating current (input current) is detected by the current sensor 60. However, since the voltage and current are in phase in a commercial alternating current power supply, the zero cross point of the alternating current is the zero cross point of the alternating voltage. Match.

  Further, when the drum 7 is not normally reversed as in the washing / rinsing operation, and the drum 7 is not rotated at a high speed as in the dehydrating operation, the compressor 27 is operating, so that an input current equal to or higher than the determination value is obtained. It is determined whether or not it is flowing. If a large current is flowing (for example, when operating with an air conditioner function that blows cool air into the room or when the compressor motor 28 rotates, the refrigerant pressure increases, etc.), the IGBT 55 is connected to the AC power supply. The input side of the full-wave rectifier circuit 52 is short-circuited by turning it on only once within a half cycle of the voltage. In this case, not the step-up operation but the operation for improving the power factor of the AC power supply (harmonic suppression operation).

  FIG. 3 shows a state in which the drive power supply voltage changes due to the above-described control. The operating state of the washing / drying machine 1 includes dehydration and operation of the compressor 27, and the total input power is calculated. This is a case where the power is about 650 W (AC power supply voltage 105 V). As shown in FIG. 3A, when the IGBT 55 is maintained in the OFF state, the DC voltage that was 295 V when the output current is zero is reduced to 230 V due to the influence of the output current and the line impedance. From this state, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the IGBT 55 is turned on only once within a half cycle of the AC power supply voltage, the power factor of the AC current is improved and the harmonics are reduced, and the DC voltage is reduced. Has risen to 265V. Further, as shown in FIG. 3C, when the IGBT 55 is turned on twice within a half cycle of the AC power supply voltage, the DC voltage rises to 295V.

  The ON timing of the IGBT 55 is as shown in FIG. That is, when an input current equal to or greater than the determination value is flowing (corresponding to the case where the power consumption is 500 W or more), the time B (time t1) after the time A has elapsed from the zero cross point (time t0). A short-circuit pulse having a pulse width of (t1 to t2) is generated. In this case, the time A is changed according to the magnitude of the input current (hereinafter referred to as converted to power consumption) obtained from the frequency of the AC power supply and the detected value of the current sensor 60. Specifically, when the frequency of the AC power supply is 50 Hz, the frequency is changed between 2.15 msec (when 500 W) to 2.49 msec (when 1200 W). When the frequency of the AC power supply is 60 Hz, the frequency is changed between 1.95 msec (at 500 W) to 2.26 msec (at 1200 W). In the case of 1200 W or more, the time A is the same time as 1200 W.

  In this case, the time B is changed between 0.58 msec (at 500 W) to 0.647 msec (at 1200 W) according to the magnitude of the input current. As described above, when the power is less than 500 W, the short-circuit pulse is not output, and therefore time B = 0. In the case of 1200 W or more, time B is the same time as 1200 W. In addition, time C (period of time t2-t3) in FIG. 4 has shown the half cycle of AC power supply voltage. Therefore, time C is 10 milliseconds when the frequency of the AC power supply is 50 Hz, and 8.2 milliseconds when the frequency is 60 Hz. Thus, in the present embodiment, in order to increase the power factor correction effect and boosting effect as the input current increases, the width of the short-circuit pulse is increased, or the short-circuit pulse is generated at a timing when the peak value of the AC voltage is high. doing.

Next, a method for estimating power consumption will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
The power consumption of the washing / drying machine 1 can be approximated by a linear expression using the detection value of the current sensor 60 for detecting the input current to the drive power supply circuit 50 (regression analysis). However, the primary expression in which only the detection value of the current sensor 60 is considered cannot compensate for the change (decrease) in the detection value due to the operation of the power factor correction circuit 56, and the power consumption due to the change in drive power supply voltage. Variations cannot be compensated.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, first, the estimated value of the power consumption obtained by the linear expression using the detection value of the current sensor 60 is expressed by the following expression (1) in which the correction value is corrected using the detection value of the drive power supply voltage. An operation is performed (S1). However, the detection value of the current sensor 60 is “CT value”, and the detection value of the drive power supply voltage is “DC voltage value”.
Power consumption = (CT value x 5 + 80) / (2- (DC voltage value x 6.33 / 100000)) (1)

  Specifically, the correction by the detected value of the drive power supply voltage is as follows. That is, the term of the right side denominator of the above equation (1) is set to “1” when the drive power supply voltage is a steady value (for example, 280 V). The term on the right side denominator becomes smaller than “1” as the driving power supply voltage becomes higher than the steady value, and becomes larger than “1” as the driving power supply voltage becomes lower. That is, according to the above equation (1), the power consumption estimated by the linear equation (= term on the right side numerator) is corrected so as to increase as the drive power supply voltage increases, and to decrease as it decreases. Is done.

  In the present embodiment, a test using an actual machine is performed in advance, and the relationship between the detected value of the current sensor 60 and the detected value of the drive power supply voltage and the power consumption of the washing / drying machine 1 (actually measured value using a power meter or the like). And each numerical value (parameter) in the above equation (1) is determined based on the result. Therefore, each parameter of the numerator on the right side of the formula (1) may be appropriately changed according to the characteristics of the current sensor 60 (current transformer) to be used. Further, each parameter of the right side denominator of the above equation (1) may be appropriately changed according to the characteristics of the driving power supply circuit 50, inverter circuits 41, 46, 48 and motors 5, 22, 28, etc. to be used.

  The value of the power consumption obtained by the equation (1) can be used as the power consumption estimation result as it is depending on the operation state of the washing / drying machine 1 (CT value ≠ 0, input current ≧ 400 W equivalent, Although there is a large degree of execution of field weakening control, in other cases, it is necessary to further devise to increase the estimation accuracy. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the following processing is further performed after execution of step S1.

  As described above, when the current sensor 60 does not flow a current exceeding a certain value, the detected value remains zero, and the input current cannot be accurately detected. In other words, if the detection value is zero (CT value = 0), whether the input current actually flows or whether the input current less than 80 W in terms of power consumption flows. I do not understand. Therefore, accurate power consumption cannot be estimated by the above equation (1). Therefore, in the present embodiment, focusing on the following points, it is determined which of the above cases is when the detection value of the current sensor 60 is zero.

  That is, among the above cases, the former is likely to be in the brake after dehydration, and the latter is likely to be in the wash / rinse operation or the low-speed dehydration operation. The number of revolutions of the drum motor 5 is different between the brake after dehydration and the execution of the washing / rinsing operation and the low-speed dehydration operation. Specifically, in the case of the present embodiment, the rotation speed of the drum motor 5 is 250 rpm or less during the washing / rinsing operation and the low-speed dewatering operation, but is higher than 250 rpm during the brake after dewatering. .

  In consideration of such points, it is first determined whether or not the detection value of the current sensor 60 is zero after the execution of step S1 (S2). When the detected value of the current sensor 60 is zero (S2; YES), it is determined whether or not the rotational speed of the drum motor 5 is higher than 250 rpm (corresponding to a predetermined value) (S3). Here, when the rotation speed of the drum motor 5 is higher than 250 rpm (S3; YES), it is considered that the brake is being performed after dehydration.

  In this case, since power is being regenerated and power cannot be returned to the commercial AC power source, the power consumption of the device is zero. Also at this time, power (about 10 W) consumed by other circuits such as an operation panel unit 34 described later is generated. However, in this embodiment, since the circuit is configured such that the power supply source is the drum motor 5 (regenerative power from the drum motor 5), there is no consumption from the commercial AC power supply. Accordingly, the estimated value of power consumption is fixed at “0” (S4), and the process ends (END).

When the rotation speed of the drum motor 5 is 250 rpm or less (S3; NO), the power consumption is estimated by the following equation (2) using the rotation speed [rpm] of the drum motor 5 (S5). In this case, instead of the value estimated by the equation (1), the estimated value of the power consumption is determined by the value estimated by the equation (2), and the process ends (END).
Power consumption = number of revolutions x 3 + 10 (2)

  For each parameter of the above formula (2), similarly to each parameter of the formula (1), a test using an actual machine is performed in advance, and the relationship between the rotation speed of the drum motor 5 and the power consumption of the washing dryer 1 is investigated. The decision is made based on the results. Specifically, among the parameters, “3” is determined based on “torque [Nm] and efficiency of the drum motor 5”, and “10” is the control circuits 35A and 35B, the operation panel unit 34 (LED, back For example, the total power consumption of other circuits such as a light) and the total power consumed by the driving power supply circuit 50.

  In other words, the equation (2) calculates a value (first term on the right side) corresponding to the input power (power consumption) of the drum motor 5 from the rotation speed and parameters of the drum motor 5, and uses that value in other circuits. The calculation is such that the power consumption [W] of the washing / drying machine 1 is estimated by adding a total value (second term on the right side) such as total power consumption and power loss.

  In addition, when the washing / rinsing operation and the low-speed dewatering operation are performed, the fan motor 22 and the compressor motor 28 are not rotating, and the power factor correction circuit 56 does not operate. There is no problem in the calculation according to the above equation (2). In addition, each parameter in equation (2) may be appropriately changed according to the characteristics of the load to be used (drum motor 5) and each circuit (inverter circuit 41, control circuits 35A, 35B, etc.).

  When the detection value of the current sensor 60 is not zero (S2; NO), there is a high possibility that a high-speed dehydration operation or a drying operation is being performed. In the drying operation, since the fan motor 22 and the compressor motor 28 rotate, the detection value of the current sensor 60 is always greater than zero.

In this case, it is determined whether or not the detection value of the current sensor 60 is equivalent to 400 W in terms of power consumption (S6). The detection value of the current sensor 60 changes its linearity at a boundary corresponding to 400 W. In this case, each parameter in the above-described equation (1) is optimized when it is equivalent to 400 W or more. Accordingly, when the detected value of the current sensor 60 is less than 400 W (S6; YES), the content shown in the following equation (3) is corrected (S7), and when it is equal to or more than 400 W (S6; NO). There is no such correction. However, the power consumption calculated by the equation (1) is indicated as W.
Power consumption = W x 1.1-50 (3)

  Each parameter of the above equation (3) is also determined based on the result of a test using a real machine performed in advance, like each parameter of the equations (1) and (2). Specifically, each parameter is determined based on the characteristics of the current sensor 60 to be used. The above equation (3) is a calculation that increases the slope of the straight line according to equation (1) and adds an offset to the minus side.

  When the detected value of the current sensor 60 is less than 400 W (S6; YES), the estimated power consumption is determined by correcting the value estimated by the equation (1) using the equation (3), and the processing is completed. (End). On the other hand, when the detection value of the current sensor 60 is equal to or greater than 400 W (S6; NO), correction is performed according to whether or not the field weakening control is performed and its degree. Specifically, when the field weakening control is not performed, or when the field weakening control is performed and the degree is small, correction is performed, and when the field weakening control is performed and the degree is large. No correction is made.

  Whether or not the field-weakening control is performed can be determined based on the rotation speed of the drum motor 5 and the phase of the applied current. Specifically, when the first condition that the rotational speed is less than 740 rpm or the second condition that the phase (advance angle) of the applied current is less than a predetermined threshold θth is satisfied (S8; YES), field weakening control Is not implemented, or it can be determined that the field weakening control with a small degree is implemented. On the other hand, when neither the first condition nor the second condition is satisfied (S8; NO), it can be determined that the field weakening control with a large degree is being performed.

Here, when it is determined that the field weakening control with a large degree is being performed (S8; NO), the estimated value of the power consumption is determined by the value estimated by the equation (1), and the process is ended (end). ). On the other hand, when it is determined that the field weakening control is not performed or the field weakening control is performed with a small degree (S8; YES), the content of the following equation (4) is corrected (S9). . The expression (4) is an operation for correcting the power consumption value (denoted as W) estimated by the expression (1) using the drive power supply voltage (denoted as a DC voltage value) and each parameter. ing. In this case, the estimated value of the power consumption is determined with the value estimated by the equation (1) corrected by the equation (4), and the process ends (END).
Power consumption = W x (DC voltage value x 1.5 / 100000 + 0.8) (4)

  Each parameter of the above equation (4) is also determined based on the result of a test using a real machine performed in advance, like each parameter of the equation (1). Specifically, each parameter is determined based on characteristics of the driving power supply circuit 50, the inverter circuits 41, 46, and 48 and the motors 5, 22, and 28 to be used.

  FIG. 6 shows a series of washing operations (weight sensor → water supply / washing → dehydration 1 → water supply / rinse 1 → dehydration 2 → unwinding → dehydration 2 redo → water supply / rinse 2 → dehydration 3 → water supply / final rinse → final dehydration → The measured value and estimated value of the power consumption at the time of (drying) are shown. (A) of FIG. 6 is a comparative example, and is a result of estimating power consumption by approximating with a linear expression using a detection value of the current sensor 60. On the other hand, FIG. 6B shows the result of this embodiment in which the power consumption is estimated by performing each process shown in FIG. Moreover, FIG. 7 is the figure which expanded the first half part (part before drying) of FIG. In FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the actual measurement value is indicated by a dark line, and the estimated value is indicated by a light line.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in the case of the comparative example using only the detection value of the current sensor 60, the error between the actual power consumption (measured value) and the estimated value is large. In particular, errors in “dehydration 1”, “dehydration 2”, “redo of dehydration 2”, “water supply / final rinse”, “final dehydration”, and “drying” are significant. On the other hand, in the case of the power consumption estimation method according to the present embodiment using the detected value of the current sensor 60 and the detected value of the drive power supply voltage, the error between the actual power consumption and the estimated value is very small, and the results are almost the same. It has become.

The power consumption value estimated as described above can be used as in the following (a) to (d).
(A) Real-time display of power consumption When a predetermined operation is performed on the operation unit of the operation panel unit 34, the control circuit 35A displays the estimated power consumption value on the display of the operation panel unit 34. Note that the control circuit 35A may be changed so as to always display the power consumption value even when there is no operation on the operation unit.

(B) Display of power consumption required for washing operation When the washing circuit is executed, the control circuit 35A integrates the estimated power consumption values during the period from the start to the end of the washing operation. The amount of power consumption required for the operation is calculated. Then, when the washing operation ends, the control circuit 35A displays the power consumption amount on the display of the operation panel unit 34. The power consumption amount may be displayed only when the user performs an operation for requesting the display.

(C) Display of Electricity Charge Required for Washing Operation The control circuit 35A calculates the power consumption required for the washing operation in the same manner as in (b), and further calculates the electricity charge required for the washing operation from the power consumption. Calculate. In this case, the control circuit 35A calculates the electricity bill based on the conversion data for converting the power consumption into the electricity bill. And control circuit 35A displays an electric bill on the indicator of operation panel part 34, when washing operation is completed. Note that the electricity price may be displayed only when an operation for requesting the display is performed by the user. In addition, the control circuit 35A may be provided with a function (corresponding to an electricity bill correcting means) that can input regional information, power contract information, and the like, and appropriately correct the conversion data based on the information. In this way, it is possible to obtain a more accurate electricity bill.

(D) Display of the total cost required for the washing operation The control circuit 35A calculates the electricity bill required for the washing operation as in (c). In addition to this, when the washing operation is executed, the control circuit 35A calculates a water charge required for the washing operation. In addition, as a method for calculating the water charge (water charge) required for the washing operation, for example, a method described in Japanese Patent No. 4940039 can be employed. The control circuit 35A calculates the total cost (amount) required for the washing operation by adding the calculated electricity bill and water bill. Then, when the washing operation ends, the control circuit 35A displays the total cost on the display unit of the operation panel unit 34. It should be noted that the total cost may be changed to be displayed only when an operation for requesting display is performed by the user.

  In the above (a) to (d), the control circuit 35A displays various information (power consumption, power consumption, electricity bill, water bill, and total cost) obtained by estimation and calculation on the operation panel of the washer / dryer 1. Although it is displayed on the display unit 34, this may be changed as follows. That is, the control circuit 35 </ b> A may display the various types of information on a display device of an external device (for example, a smartphone or a tablet PC) connected to the home communication line via the IT adapter 45.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the power consumption of the washing / drying machine 1 is determined using the detection value of the current sensor 60 for detecting the input current to the drive power supply circuit 50 and the detection value of the drive power supply voltage. Presumed. Therefore, it is possible to accurately estimate the power consumption of the entire device without depending on the operating state of the power factor correction circuit 56 and the fluctuation of the drive power supply voltage. The detection value of the current sensor 60 and the detection value of the drive power supply voltage are values originally used for controlling the washing / drying machine 1. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the power consumption estimation accuracy without providing a new additional component or circuit. Then, by displaying the estimated power consumption, the amount of power demanded from the estimated power consumption, the electricity bill, and the like, an effect of increasing the convenience for the user can be obtained.

  When the detection value of the current sensor 60 is zero and the rotation speed of the drum motor 5 is less than a predetermined value, the power consumption is estimated using the rotation speed of the drum motor 5. As a result, even when an input current that cannot be accurately detected by the current sensor 60 is flowing, the accurate power consumption can be estimated. Further, the estimated power consumption value is corrected depending on whether or not the detection value of the current sensor 60 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Thereby, the estimation error of the power consumption resulting from the linearity of the detection value of the current sensor 60 is reduced. Further, the estimated power consumption value is corrected according to whether or not the field weakening control is performed and the degree thereof. Thereby, the estimation error of the power consumption when the drum motor 5 rotates at high speed is reduced.

(Second Embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 8, a washing / drying machine 1, a refrigerator 71, and an air conditioner 72 (hereinafter referred to as an air conditioner 72), which are household electrical appliances installed in a house, are all in-home via an IT access point 73. It can be connected to a communication line (home LAN) and an external communication line (Internet).

  The refrigerator 71 and the air conditioner 72 include IT adapters 74 and 75 (corresponding to communication means) similar to the IT adapter 45 of the washing / drying machine 1. Communication between the IT adapters 45, 74, and 75 and the IT access point 73 is performed by a wireless communication method. The washer / dryer 1, the refrigerator 71, and the air conditioner 72 can communicate with a communication terminal 76 connected to a home communication line and an external server 77. The communication terminal 76 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet PC, a personal computer, or the like, and is configured to be able to communicate with the IT access point 73 by wireless or wired.

  In this case, the refrigerator 71 and the air conditioner 72 are provided with a function for estimating the power consumption of the device, as in the washing / drying machine 1. According to such a configuration, various information obtained by estimation and calculation in each home appliance can be displayed on the display of the communication terminal 76 connected to the home communication line. Thereby, since the user can confirm the power consumption etc. of each household appliance with the communication terminal 76 collectively, the convenience improves further.

  Also, in this case, each home appliance obtains regional information, power contract information, and the like from the external server 77, and appropriately corrects the conversion data for calculating the electricity bill based on the information (electricity (Corresponding to charge correcting means). In this way, it is possible to obtain a more accurate electricity bill without requiring the user to input various information.

(Other embodiments)
The power consumption estimation method according to the present embodiment is not limited to the washer / dryer 1, the refrigerator 71, and the air conditioner 72, and includes a motor driven by an inverter circuit and a power factor correction circuit such as a washer without a drying function. It can be applied to all household appliances.
The power factor correction circuit is not limited to the partial switching type, and may be another configuration such as a configuration using a boost chopper (a boost PFC circuit).
Further devices for improving the estimation accuracy of power consumption (the processes in S2 to S9 in FIG. 5) may be performed as necessary, and may be omitted as appropriate.

  As mentioned above, although some embodiment of this invention was described, these embodiment is shown as an example and is not intending limiting the range of invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  In the drawings, 1 is a washing / drying machine (home appliance, washing machine), 5 is a drum motor (motor), 22 is a fan motor (motor), 28 is a comp motor (motor), 35A is a control circuit (power estimation means, electric Relation calculation means, electricity charge calculation means, water charge calculation means, total calculation means, display control means, electricity charge correction means), 34 is an operation panel section (display means), 41, 46, 48 are inverter circuits, 45, 74 , 75 is an IT adapter (communication means), 50 is a drive power supply circuit (DC power supply circuit), 56 is a power factor correction circuit, 57a, 57b, 58a and 58b are resistors (voltage detection means), 60 is a current sensor (current) Detecting means, current transformer, 71 is a refrigerator (home appliance), 72 is an air conditioner (home appliance), and 76 is a communication terminal.

Claims (9)

A DC power supply circuit that outputs DC by rectifying and smoothing the AC supplied from the AC power supply;
A power factor correction circuit for performing a power factor correction operation for improving the power factor of the AC power source;
Current detection means for detecting an input current to the DC power supply circuit;
An inverter circuit for converting direct current output from the direct current power supply circuit into alternating current;
A motor driven by the inverter circuit;
Voltage detection means for detecting a DC voltage input to the inverter circuit;
Power estimation means for estimating power consumption of the entire device using the detection value of the current detection means and the detection value of the voltage detection means;
Home appliance characterized by comprising. The household electrical appliance according to claim 1,
The home electric appliance characterized in that the power estimation means corrects the estimated power consumption according to the rotation speed of the motor. In the household electrical appliance according to claim 1 or 2,
The home electric appliance characterized in that the power estimation means corrects the estimated power consumption according to whether or not the field weakening control is performed and the degree thereof. In the household appliances as described in any one of Claim 1 to 3,
The power factor correction circuit is configured to execute the power factor correction operation when an input current to the DC power supply circuit is equal to or greater than a predetermined determination value.
The current detection means includes a current transformer used for determining whether or not to execute a power factor correction operation by the power factor correction circuit,
When the detected value of the current transformer is zero and the rotational speed of the motor is less than a predetermined value, the power estimating means uses the rotational speed of the motor instead of each detected value to consume power. A home appliance characterized by estimating In the household electrical appliance as described in any one of Claim 1 to 4,
An electrical calculation means for calculating a power consumption and an electricity charge from the power consumption estimated by the power estimation means;
Display means for displaying one or both of the power consumption and the electricity charge;
Home appliance characterized by comprising. In the household electrical appliance according to claim 5,
A communication means connectable to a home communication line;
Display control means for performing communication with a communication terminal connected to the home communication line via the communication means, and displaying one or both of the power consumption and the electricity charge on the communication terminal;
Home appliance characterized by comprising. The household electrical appliance according to claim 6,
The home communication line can be connected to an external communication line,
An electric charge that is connected to the external communication line through the communication means and the home communication line to acquire regional information about the electric charge, and corrects the electric charge obtained by calculation based on the acquired regional information Home appliances characterized by comprising correction means. The home appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the motor generates a rotational driving force for performing at least a washing operation. The washing machine according to claim 8,
When the washing operation is executed, the electricity charge calculating means for calculating the electricity charge required for the washing operation from the power consumption estimated by the power estimating means;
When the washing operation is executed, a water charge calculating means for calculating a water charge required for the washing operation,
Total calculation means for calculating a total cost required for the washing operation, using calculation results by the electricity charge calculation means and the water charge calculation means,
With
When the washing operation is completed, the display means displays at least one of an electricity bill, a water bill, and a total cost required for the operation.