JP2018086232A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a compact washing machine capable of achieving improvement in detergency and shortening in washing time.SOLUTION: In a water tub 20 installed in a housing 10, a drum 30 is rotatably accommodated in a state where its opening faces an input port 12. A pulsator 40 having a protrusion 45 extending in a radial direction is installed at a bottom of the drum 30 rotatably. During washing, a control device 60 controls a driving device 50 and relatively rotates the pulsator 40 and the drum 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine.

  Home washing machines are roughly classified into vertical washing machines and drum washing machines.

  Generally, in a vertical washing machine, a laundry in a vertically placed water tank contains laundry and a sufficient amount of washing water, and the water flow generated by stirring the stored washing water with a pulsator (stirring blade). The laundry is configured to be washed (so-called “rice washing”).

  In recent years, the amount of washing water has been decreasing even in a vertical washing machine, but due to the difference in washing methods, the drum type washing machine is more advantageous in terms of water saving.

  That is, in a drum-type washing machine, laundry and a small amount of washing water are accommodated in a drum in a horizontally placed water tub, and the laundry is lifted and dropped by rotating the drum. (So-called “tapping”). Therefore, in the drum type washing machine, the amount of washing water is not so important as compared to the vertical washing machine, and thus the amount of washing water can be easily reduced.

  When washing laundry with a small amount of water, improving the fluidity of the laundry and bringing the washing water into contact with the entire laundry evenly, and improving the mechanical action, will improve the washing power and shorten the washing time. is important. In particular, it is common for European and American drum-type washing machines to use less water than Japanese drum-type washing machines. Has become more important.

  On the other hand, the magnitude of the mechanical action of the latter washing is due to the drop of the laundry, and is almost determined by the inner diameter of the washing tub (usually set by the specifications of the washing machine). difficult. Although it is conceivable to increase the frequency of dropping by increasing the number of revolutions of the drum, there is a limit in that case as the number of revolutions increases, the laundry sticks to the drum and does not fall.

  Moreover, in recent years, there is a tendency that a large amount of laundry is put in the drum as the capacity of the washing machine is increased. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the laundry to fall off, and mechanical force is not sufficiently applied to the laundry, and as a countermeasure, the washing performance is ensured by increasing the immersion time in washing water, in other words, the washing time is extended. Things have been done.

  Therefore, drum-type washing machines devised so as to improve the fluidity of the former laundry have been proposed (Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  In the drum-type washing machines of Patent Documents 1 and 2, a drum is constituted by a main drum and a sub-drum having a peripheral wall shorter than the main drum, and the sub-drum is installed inside the main drum. By rotating the main drum and sub-drum at different rotational speeds and directions, in addition to rotation around the horizontal axis due to tapping, rotation around the vertical axis due to rotational speed deviation at the boundary between the main drum and sub-drum So that the laundry flows more three-dimensionally.

  For example, Patent Document 3 discloses a washing machine including a motor that rotates a rotating tub and a stirring body about the same rotation axis via a shaft having a double shaft structure.

  The washing machine is provided with a motor (dual motor) in which an inner rotor and an outer rotor are arranged inside and outside of one stator. And in order to connect to these inner rotor and outer rotor, the shaft (double shaft) of the double shaft structure is used. The double shaft is composed of a hollow outer shaft connected to the rotating tub and an inner shaft that is rotatably inserted into the outer shaft and connected to the stirring body. The inner shaft is fixed to the outer rotor, and the outer shaft is fixed to the inner rotor.

  In order to prevent a power supply voltage from being lowered during a dehydration process or a drying process that requires a large amount of power, a drum type washing / drying machine in which a booster circuit is provided in an inverter circuit that drives a motor is known (Patent Document 4). ).

  The drum-type washing and drying machine of Patent Document 4 is equipped with a drum motor that rotates and drives a drum and a compressor motor that is used for air drying as motors that consume a large amount of power. The voltage supplied to each of the inverter for the drum motor and the inverter for the compressor motor is boosted according to the situation, so that these motors can be controlled stably.

US2013 / 0111676 A1 Special table 2014-530741 gazette Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-276777 Japanese Patent No. 5097072

  In the case of the washing machines of Patent Documents 1 and 2, the force that generates rotation about the vertical axis is the front-rear direction of the drum where the boundary between the main drum and the sub-drum is located among the laundry gathered below the drum Therefore, the laundry located on the front and rear of the drum and the laundry on the same tend to stay.

  Although a plurality of lifters (stirring blades) extending in the front-rear direction are provided on the inner peripheral wall of the main drum and sub drum to promote the flow, if both lifters are close to each other at the boundary, the laundry may be damaged or bitten. There is a risk. Therefore, it is necessary to arrange both lifters to some extent, and there is a limit to the promotion of rotation around the vertical axis by the lifters. Therefore, the tendency that the laundry tends to stay still remains.

  Furthermore, in addition to the main drum, it is necessary to rotate and drive a relatively large sub-drum, so that the structure and drive mechanism of the drum becomes complicated and large, and the running cost is high.

  Further, since the sub drum is disposed in the main drum, it is necessary to provide a predetermined gap between the drum and the sub drum. Therefore, it is necessary to enlarge the drum in order to cope with the recent increase in capacity of the washing machine. However, if it does so, the whole product will become large, trouble will occur in installation, etc., and the cost will also increase.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to adopt a new mechanism operation, which can impart a strong mechanical action and a large fluidity to the laundry while having a relatively simple structure, improving the cleaning power and cleaning. The object is to provide a compact washing machine capable of reducing time.

  The present invention relates to a washing machine.

  The washing machine includes a housing having an insertion port through which laundry is taken in and out, and a drum that is rotatably accommodated in a water tank installed inside the housing with an opening facing the insertion port. A pulsator that is rotatably installed at the bottom of the drum and has a radially extending protrusion, a drive device that drives the drum and the pulsator, and a control device that controls the drive device, At the time of washing, the control device is configured to control the driving device to relatively rotate the pulsator and the drum.

  According to this washing machine, for example, when the amount of washing water is reduced so that only a part of the laundry is immersed, the mechanical force of the relatively rotating drum and the protruding portion of the pulsator is synthesized into the laundry. Can act. In other words, when the drum rotation speed is set high and the operation is performed so that the laundry is slightly fixed by centrifugal force, if the pulsator rotates relative to the drum, the laundry Therefore, the projecting portion transmits mechanical force as if it strikes the laundry.

  In addition, there is no need to provide a useless gap between the pulsator and the drum, but rather, the clothes enter the gap to improve the washing performance. For this reason, it is possible to increase the drum capacity, and it is possible to respond to the increase in capacity of a washing machine that has recently been requested.

  In the case of a drum type washing machine, the laundry to which the mechanical force is transmitted peels off from the drum, collides with the rotating pulsator, and is pushed forward while receiving the mechanical force. At that time, the laundry moves while the surrounding laundry is involved. As a result, a conventional washing-like action and a rubbing action by the movement of the laundry can be obtained. Washing unevenness can be reduced by mixing the laundry.

  In the case of a vertical washing machine, the laundry to which the mechanical force is transmitted is peeled off from the drum, collides with the rotating pulsator, and further pushed upward while receiving the mechanical force. At that time, the laundry moves while the surrounding laundry is involved. As a result, even if the conventional paddy washing action is not obtained, a beat washing-like action in a drum type washing machine and a rubbing action by the movement of the laundry can be obtained. Washing unevenness can be reduced by mixing the laundry.

  According to the washing machine of the present invention, the cleaning power can be improved and the cleaning time can be shortened.

It is a schematic sectional drawing of the washing machine of embodiment. It is an enlarged view of the principal part of FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the principal part of a washing machine. FIG. 3 is an assembly explanatory diagram of a portion surrounded by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 2. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows the preferable example of a washing machine. It is a schematic perspective view of a pulsator. It is sectional drawing in the arrow II line | wire in FIG. It is a schematic side view of a pulsator. It is a figure for demonstrating a washing system. It is a figure for demonstrating a washing system. It is the schematic which shows another form of a pulsator. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part of the function of a controller. It is a plane sectional view showing the composition of a motor. The state where the number of magnetic poles of the outer rotor is 32 is shown. It is a circuit diagram which shows the structure of an inverter. It is plane sectional drawing which shows the movement path | route of magnetic flux. It is a plane sectional view showing the composition of a motor. The state where the number of magnetic poles of the outer rotor is 16 is shown. It is plane sectional drawing which shows the movement path | route of magnetic flux. It is a figure which shows a BH curve at the time of using the magnet from which a coercive force differs for a fixed magnet and a switching magnet. It is a figure explaining the rotation mode when the number of magnetic poles of an outer rotor is 32 poles. It is a figure explaining the rotation mode when the number of magnetic poles of an outer rotor is 16 poles. 6 is a plan sectional view showing a configuration of a motor according to Modification Example 1. FIG. The state where the number of magnetic poles of the outer rotor is 32 is shown. It is a plane sectional view showing the composition of a motor. The state where the number of magnetic poles of the outer rotor is 16 is shown. 10 is a plan sectional view showing a configuration of a motor according to Modification 2. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional plan view showing a configuration of a motor according to Modification 3. FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which expands and shows the upper end part of a double shaft. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which expands and shows the lower end part of a double shaft. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the attachment structure of the retaining ring with respect to an outer shaft. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the principal part of the double shaft which concerns on a modification. It is a schematic perspective view which shows a fixing tool. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the principal part of a motor in the washing machine of an application example. It is a block diagram which shows the power supply circuit in the washing machine of an application example. It is a figure for demonstrating the production | generation timing of the magnetization current in the washing machine of an application example. It is the schematic which shows the example of application to a vertical washing machine.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the following description is merely illustrative in nature and does not limit the present invention, its application, or its use.

<Basic configuration of washing machine>
1 and 2 show a washing machine 1 (drum type washing machine) according to this embodiment. The washing machine 1 includes a housing 10, a water tub 20, a drum 30, a pulsator 40, a motor 50 (drive device), a controller 60 (control device), and the like, and washing, rinsing, and dehydration processes are set. It is configured so that it can be automatically performed according to the program (fully automatic). In particular, in the washing machine 1, the motor 50 is devised, and the motor 50 is compact in size so that appropriate performance corresponding to each process of the washing machine 1 can be exhibited. Therefore, the motor 50 will be described in detail separately. To do.

  The housing 10 has a rectangular box shape having an upper surface portion 10a, a lower surface portion 10b, a pair of left and right side surface portions 10c and 10c, a front surface portion 10d, and a rear surface portion 10e. A circular slot 12 that is opened and closed by the door 11 is formed at the approximate center of the front surface portion 10d. The laundry is put in and out through the slot 12. An operation unit 13 in which a switch or the like is arranged is installed on the upper portion of the front surface portion 10d, and a controller 60 is built in the rear thereof.

  The water tank 20 is a bottomed cylindrical container having an opening 20a having a diameter smaller than the inner diameter at one end, and the opening 20a is directed to the charging port 12, and the center line extends horizontally so as to extend in a substantially horizontal direction. In this state, it is installed inside the housing 10. At the time of washing or rinsing, washing water or rinsing water is stored in the lower part of the water tank 20.

  The drum 30 is a bottomed cylindrical container having an opening 30a at one end and a bottom at the other end, and is accommodated in the water tank 20 with the opening 30a facing forward. The opening 30a has an inner diameter smaller than that of the drum body (a portion of a wrapper 33 described later). The drum 30 is rotatable about a rotation axis J extending in the front-rear direction, and each process such as washing, rinsing, and dehydration is performed in a state where the laundry is stored in the drum 30.

  As shown in detail in FIGS. 4 to 6, the pulsator 40 is a disk-shaped member having a substantially conical front surface with a low top, and a protrusion 45 extending in the radial direction is provided on the front surface. The pulsator 40 is disposed at the bottom of the drum 30. The pulsator 40 can rotate around the rotation axis J independently of the drum 30.

  As shown in detail in FIG. 2, a double shaft 70 including an inner shaft 71 and an outer shaft 72 is installed in a state of penetrating the bottom surface of the water tank 20 around the rotation axis J. The outer shaft 72 is a cylindrical shaft whose axial length is shorter than that of the inner shaft 71. The inner shaft 71 is rotatably supported inside the outer shaft 72 via an internal bearing 73. The outer shaft 72 is rotatably supported on the bearing housing 23 a of the water tank 20 via an external bearing 74.

  The drum 30 is connected to and supported by the upper end portion of the outer shaft 72, and the pulsator 40 is connected to and supported by the upper end portion of the inner shaft 71. The outer shaft 72 and the inner shaft 71 are connected to a motor 50 disposed on the rear side of the water tank 20.

  The motor 50 drives each of the outer shaft 72 and the inner shaft 71 independently. The controller 60 includes hardware such as a CPU and a memory, and software such as a control program. The controller 60 comprehensively controls the washing machine 1 and performs washing according to instructions input from the operation unit 13. Each process such as rinsing and dehydration is automatically operated.

<Detailed configuration of washing machine 1>
As shown in FIG. 3A, the drum 30 includes an annular drum front 31 in which an opening 30 a is formed, an annular drum back 32 facing the drum front 31 in the front-rear direction, and the drum front 31 and the drum back 32. And a cylindrical wrapper 33 that connects the two.

  The wrapper 33 is formed with a large number of water passage holes 33a penetrating in and out, and the wash water stored in the water tank 20 flows into the drum 30 through the water passage holes 33a. Each water passage 33 a has a substantially burring shape and protrudes in a spherical shape on the inner surface side of the drum 30. The water passage hole 33 a is not limited to the wrapper 33 and may be provided in the drum front 31, the drum back 32, or the pulsator 40.

  The drum front 31 and the wrapper 33 are integrally or separably connected by caulking, screwing, or the like. Both the wrapper 33 and the drum back 32 are coupled together or separably by caulking, screwing, or the like.

  The drum 30 is fixed to the outer shaft 72 via a disk-shaped flange shaft 34 (flange member) assembled to the bottom thereof. The flange shaft 34 and the outer shaft 72 may be integrated by pressing the outer shaft 72 into the flange shaft 34 with emphasis on work efficiency during assembly, or the outer shaft 72 may be insert-molded into the flange shaft 34. You may form integrally.

  When the flange shaft 34 is assembled and integrated with the drum 30, it is preferably fastened and fixed with screws or the like from the outer peripheral side of the wrapper 33 in order to facilitate assembly. In the case where the drum 30 is composed of a plurality of parts, it is preferable that the folded portion of the drum back 32 is sandwiched between the wrapper 33 and the flange shaft 34 to perform fastening together. The drum back 32 may be fixed and assembled to the flange shaft 34 first, and then the wrapper 33 and the flange shaft 34 may be coupled.

  In the washing machine 1, the assembly of the drum 30 and the flange shaft 34 is configured as such. The details are shown in FIG. 3B. The wrapper 33 and the drum back 32 are generally formed by bending or pressing a metal plate. Therefore, the strength and rigidity of the drum 30 are structurally secured by attaching and integrating the annular drum front 31 and the drum back 33 to the front edge inner edge and the rear edge inner edge of the cylindrical wrapper 33. .

  Furthermore, the drum back 32 has a cylindrical outer fitting portion 32a and an annular flange portion 32b projecting inward from the front end portion of the outer fitting portion 32a. A bulging portion 32c is formed on the center side of the annular flange portion 32b. The bulging portion 32c bulges while being gently inclined toward the front, and a rear opening that opens in a circular shape by the inner end face of the bulging portion 32c. The part 32d is configured.

  The outer diameter of the outer fitting portion 32a is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the wrapper 33, and the wrapper 33 is fitted to the outer fitting portion 32a. The inner diameter of the outer fitting portion 32 a is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the outer end surface of the flange shaft 34, and the outer fitting portion 32 a is fitted to the outer end surface of the flange shaft 34. The inner end surface (cylindrical portion) of the bulging portion 32c is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the pulsator 40 and faces the outer peripheral portion of the pulsator 40 with a slight gap therebetween.

  Outer insertion holes 33 b are formed at a plurality of locations at the rear end of the wrapper 33. A plurality of inner insertion holes 32e are also formed in the outer fitting portion 32a so as to overlap each of the outer insertion holes 33b. In addition, fastening holes 34a that overlap the outer insertion holes 33b and the inner insertion holes 32e are formed at a plurality of locations on the outer end face of the flange shaft 34.

  When the wrapper 33, the drum back 32, and the flange shaft 34 are assembled, as shown in FIG. 3B, first, the drum back 32 is fitted and fixed to the flange shaft 34 so that the outer fitting portion 32a is fitted to the outer peripheral end surface. Is done. Thereafter, the rear end portion of the wrapper 33 is fitted into the outer fitting portion 32a, and the fastener T is fastened from the radially outer side to each of the outer insertion hole 33b, the inner insertion hole 32e, and the fastening hole 34a that overlap each other. By doing so, the wrapper 33, the drum back 32, and the flange shaft 34 are coupled and integrated.

  As described above, the flange shaft 34 having excellent strength and rigidity has a large diameter substantially the same as the diameter of the wrapper 33 (that is, the drum 30), and the drum 33 and the wrapper 33 together with the drum back 32 are tightened together from the outside in the radial direction. In this case, the strength and rigidity of the drum 30 are improved, and even the drum 30 that rotates and swings sideways can be stably supported.

  By the way, in the conventional washing machine, the diameter of the flange shaft is sufficiently smaller than the diameter of the drum in both the vertical type and the drum type, and the drum is fastened to the flange shaft from the direction in which the rotating shaft extends through the drum back. It is common that

  When the drum 30 is composed of one part, the drum back 32 and the flange shaft 34 may be fastened and fixed from the front of the wrapper 33 instead of from the outer periphery side of the wrapper 33 with screws or the like.

  When the flange shaft 34 and the outer shaft 72 are not integrated by insert molding, press-fitting, or the like, the connection portion between the flange shaft 34 and the outer shaft 72 is serrated or unevenly fitted by a key and a key groove or the like. The rotation prevention structure which consists of is provided and the rotation to a rotation direction is controlled. After the flange shaft 34 and the outer shaft 72 are fitted so as to be able to be inserted and removed so that they cannot rotate, these are fastened from the axial direction with nuts or bolts to restrict the movement in the axial direction.

  The internal bearing 73 can be a ball bearing or a plain bearing. The inner bearing 73 is press-fitted and fixed to one of the outer shaft 72 and the inner shaft 71, and the other of the outer shaft 72 and the inner shaft 71 is fitted into the inner bearing 73 with a gap. One of the end portions of the outer shaft 72 and the inner shaft 71 has a step portion having a size different from the outer diameter of the main shaft portion due to formation of a flange, attachment of a snap ring, or the like. It is fixed in contact with. A washer or the like may be interposed between the outer shaft 72 or the inner shaft 71 and the internal bearing 73.

  The other of the end portions of the outer shaft 72 and the inner shaft 71 may be fixed with a snap ring or the like in order to prevent misalignment or dropout during conveyance or assembly. A washer or the like may be interposed on this side. A seal member is attached to an end of the double shaft 70 on the water tank 20 side in order to prevent intrusion of cleaning water into the double shaft 70 and leakage of water to the outside of the water tank 20 through the double shaft 70. Yes (waterproof structure).

  The water tank 20 is composed of two or more parts. The water tank 20 may be divided into upper and lower parts or left and right parts. However, since the most effective is the front and rear direction division, the washing machine 1 has a tab front 22 and a tab back divided in the front and rear directions. The water tank 20 is composed of two articles 23. It is necessary to provide a sealing structure for preventing water leakage at the joining portion of the water tank 20.

  An opening 20 a is formed at the front end of the tab front 22. A bearing housing 23 a is installed at the rear end of the tab back 23. The tab back 23 and the bearing housing 23a are made of different materials. The tab back 23 and the bearing housing 23a may be configured as separate parts, and the bearing housing 23a may be fixed to the tab back 23 with a bolt or the like, but in that case, a seal structure is required at the joint portion.

  Therefore, it is preferable that the bearing housing 23a and the tab back 23 are integrally formed by insert molding. The tab back 23 and the bearing housing 23a may be formed of the same material and may be integrally formed. However, in the case of aluminum die casting, it is not realistic in terms of weight, size, and cost. The bearing housing 23a can be formed by combining a metal plate such as an iron plate or stainless steel. In the washing machine 1, the bearing housing 23a (made of aluminum die cast) and the tab back 23 (made of resin) It is integrally configured by molding.

  The bearing housing 23 a has a shaft support portion 24 that supports the outer shaft 72 via an external bearing 74. The bearing housing 23a may also be composed of two or more parts. The outer shaft 72 is pivotally supported by the bearing housing 23a via two or more external bearings 74 that are located apart in the axial direction. These external bearings 74 are press-fitted into one of the outer shaft 72 and the bearing housing 23a, and the other of the outer shaft 72 and the bearing housing 23a is fitted into the external bearing 74 with a gap.

  Since the front of the tab back 23 is released, the outer shaft 72 is integrated with the flange shaft 34, and the cylindrical shaft support 24 formed in the center of the bearing housing 23 a from the front of the tab back 23. Can be inserted into. When the outer shaft 72 is separate from the flange shaft 34, the outer shaft 72 may be inserted into the shaft support portion 24 from the rear of the tab back 23.

  When the outer shaft 72 is fitted into the outer bearing 74 with a gap, the outer shaft 72 must have the same outer diameter over the entire length or the outer diameter on the insertion start side is smaller than the outer diameter on the insertion end side. On the other hand, when the external bearing 74 press-fitted into the outer shaft 72 is fitted into the shaft support portion 24 with a gap, the shaft support portion 24 is at least equal to or larger than the same inner diameter as the external bearing 74, and the inner diameter at the insertion start side position is the end of insertion. Must be larger than the inner diameter of the side. However, this is not the case when the bearing housing 23a is composed of two or more parts. Further, it is preferable that the size of the front external bearing 74 is larger than that of the rear external bearing 74 so that it can be inserted from the front side of the tab back 23 and stably supported.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the pulsator 40 has a boss part 41 located at the center thereof and a disk part 42 located around the boss part 41. As shown in FIG. It is fixed to the protruding end of the inner shaft 71. Between the boss portion 41 and the inner shaft 71, rotation in the rotational direction is restricted by uneven fitting (rotation prevention structure) such as a serration or a key.

  From the viewpoint of strength, the boss portion 41 and the disc portion 42 are preferably composed of two or more parts having different materials. When the disc part 42 and the boss part 41 are made of the same material, the strength is inferior. That is, metals having excellent strength such as aluminum and stainless steel are difficult to adopt because the weight of the pulsator 40 is increased and the inertial force is increased, resulting in an increase in energy loss. There is a risk that durability may be reduced due to damage or destruction.

  Therefore, it is most efficient that the boss portion 41 is made of a strong member such as stainless steel and has a minimum size, and the disc portion 42 is made of a lightweight resin or the like. The boss portion 41 is fixed to the disc portion 42 by press fitting, insert molding, or the like. The front surface of the disc portion 42 may be left as resin or the like, but may be covered with a thin plate such as stainless steel in order to prevent appearance and shaving.

  Moreover, although it becomes expensive, the disc part 42 may be formed with a stainless steel plate. When the disc portion 42 is formed of resin or the like, the resin thickness is required to be about 3 to 5 mm in order to ensure a certain strength, but if it is a stainless steel plate, it can be configured with a thickness of about 1 mm. It becomes. By doing so, the capacity can be further increased.

  The boss portion 41 is inserted into the protruding end of the inner shaft 71 so as to be detachable by concave and convex fitting, and is prevented from being detached by fastening with a bolt or a nut. In order to prevent the laundry from being damaged by the fastening portion, a protective cap 43 (protective component) is attached to the top of the boss portion 41. A labyrinth structure is used in the gap between the pulsator 40 and the drum 30 to surround the end of the pulsator 40 with a minute gap in order to prevent the laundry from being caught. The labyrinth structure is generally formed of a drum back 32 and a pulsator 40. Therefore, the outer diameter of the pulsator 40 is preferably less than 100% and 60% or more of the inner diameter of the drum 30.

  If the outer diameter of the pulsator 40 is 60% or more of the inner diameter of the drum 30, the functions of the pulsator 40 such as stirring can be appropriately exhibited inside the drum 30.

  In particular, the outer diameter of the pulsator 40 is preferably smaller than the inner diameter of the opening 30a. Then, since the pulsator 40 can be put into the drum 30 through the opening 30a, the pulsator 40 can be assembled to the drum 30 after the drum 30 is assembled, and the manufacturing operation is simplified. In addition, when the user has used for many years and the pulsator 40 has a problem, the parts can be easily replaced, but the cost of the user can be reduced.

  On the other hand, when the outer diameter of the pulsator 40 is larger than the opening 30a, the pulsator 40 is put into the drum 30 from the rear. In that case, it is necessary to insert the pulsator 40 into the drum 30 before the operation of integrating the wrapper 33 and the drum back 32 by caulking, welding or the like, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated. So it's not realistic.

  Therefore, before the wrapper 33 and the drum back 32 are integrated, the pulsator 40 can be fixed to the inner shaft 71 via the flange shaft 34, or the wrapper 33 and the drum back 32 can be separated by screwing or the like. It is preferable to keep it.

  On the other hand, the labyrinth structure is composed of three or more parts including the flange back 34 and the drum back 32 and the pulsator 40, so that the pulsator 40 can be assembled after the drum back 32 and the wrapper 33 are integrated. Become. That is, it is possible to implement by forming a wall that covers the outside of the pulsator 40 with the drum back 32 and a wall that covers the back side and the inside of the pulsator 40 with the flange shaft 34 or other parts.

  However, in order to avoid an increase in the number of parts, it is preferable that the wall covering the back side and the inside of the pulsator 40 is constituted by the flange shaft 34. The outer wall of the pulsator 40 can be constituted by a flange shaft 34 or the like instead of the drum back 32. In that case, a gap is formed near the inner surface of the drum 30 where the laundry can come into contact with the laundry. The drum back 32 is preferable because it may cause damage.

  In the washing machine 1, the labyrinth structure is configured as such. FIG. 3C specifically shows an example of the labyrinth structure.

  The portion constituting the rear opening 32d of the drum 30 so as to smoothly connect with the outer peripheral portion of the pulsator 40 (the edge portion of the inclined surface portion 44 to be described later) without causing a large step is provided at the bulging portion 32c. Is formed. In other words, in the direction in which the rotation axis J extends, the front end portion of the outer periphery of the inclined surface portion 44 and the front end portion of the bulging portion 32c are arranged at substantially the same position.

  An annular rib 34 c that protrudes concentrically is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the front surface of the flange shaft 34. On the other hand, on the back surface of the outer peripheral portion of the pulsator 40, an annular recess 37 is formed that is substantially the same diameter as the annular rib 34c and is recessed concentrically. By assembling the pulsator 40 to the double shaft 70 coupled to the flange shaft 34, the annular rib 34c is received in the annular recess 37 in a non-contact state.

  Thus, a wall that covers the outside of the pulsator 40 is configured by the inner end surface of the bulging portion 32 c that is an inner peripheral portion of the drum back 32, and the rear side and the inner side of the pulsator 40 are formed by the annular rib 34 c and the front surface of the flange shaft 34. The pulsator 40, the drum back 32, and the flange shaft 34 are configured so as to be close to each other with a minute gap (labyrinth structure R) having an intricate shape.

  By providing such a labyrinth structure R, even when the outer diameter of the flange shaft 34 is made larger than the outer diameter of the pulsator 40, the laundry is caught between the pulsator 40 and the drum 30, It is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering between the pulsator 40 and the flange shaft 34.

<Motor 50>
The inner shaft 71 and the outer shaft 72 are connected to a motor 50 that is a driving device. The motor 50 may be any of the following types, or may be configured by combining these. Incidentally, the motor 50 of the washing machine 1 of this embodiment is of type 1.

(Type 1)
In the type 1 motor 50, an inner rotor 52 and an outer rotor 53 are respectively disposed on the inner side and the outer side of one stator 51 (dual motor). The inner rotor 52 is connected to the outer shaft 72, and the outer rotor 53 is connected to the inner shaft 71. The two rotors 52 and 53 are driven and controlled by one inverter. Further details of the motor 50 will be described later.

(Type 2)
It is the same dual motor as type 1, and the two rotors 52 and 53 are driven and controlled by two inverters. In the case of this motor, each of the rotors 52 and 53 can be individually driven and controlled by an inverter, so that the rotation speed ratio can be adjusted, and the rotation speeds of the rotors 52 and 53 can be freely controlled.

(Type 3)
The motor has a double-stator double-layer structure in which two stators are arranged back to back instead of one stator, and an inner rotor and an outer rotor are arranged on the inside and outside of the double stator structure, respectively. This motor is functionally the same as two independent motors arranged side by side around the rotation axis J. In the case of this motor, the two rotors are individually driven and controlled by two inverters.

(Type 4)
This is an integrated motor in which two motors are arranged side by side in the direction in which the rotation axis J extends. The rotor of the front motor near the tab back 23 is connected to the outer shaft 72, and the rotor of the rear motor is connected to the inner shaft 71. In the case of this motor, the drive is individually controlled.

(Type 5)
Two ordinary motors are used. However, unlike the direct drive type motor described above, each of the drum 30 and the pulsator 40 is rotationally driven by each motor via a power transmission mechanism including a shaft, a pulley, and an endless belt.

(Type 6)
In this type, two normal motors (first motor and second motor) are used as in type 5. However, the second motor is a direct drive type inner rotor type motor having a rotor that rotates about the rotation axis J inside the stator. A pulley that rotates about the rotation axis J is installed outside the stator of the second motor, and an endless belt is stretched around the pulley (power transmission mechanism). The first motor is connected to the pulley via the power transmission mechanism. The pulsator 40 is driven by a first motor via a power transmission mechanism, and the drum is driven by a second motor.

  When these motors are attached to the tab back 23 or the bearing housing 23a, the motors are preferably fixed directly to these, but may be indirectly fixed via a bracket or the like. For the purpose of blocking the vibration caused by the motor from being transmitted to the tab back 23 or the like, the vibration may be fixed via a bush having elasticity such as rubber or resin. These fixings are preferably fastened by using bolts and nuts, and a washer that widens the axial force range, a spring washer for preventing loosening, a wave washer, etc. may be interposed between these fasteners.

<Double shaft 70>
The double shaft 70 includes an inner shaft 71 and an outer shaft 72, and is attached to a cylindrical shaft support portion 24 provided at the center of the bearing housing 23a of the water tank 20 so that the axis of rotation J coincides with the shaft center. ing.

  The inner shaft 71 is an elongated cylindrical shaft member, and the outer shaft 72 is an elongated cylindrical shaft member that is shorter than the inner shaft 71 and has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the inner shaft 71. A pair of internal bearings 73, 73 are installed apart from the top and bottom of the outer shaft 72. The internal bearing 73 can be a ball bearing or a plain bearing. The inner shaft 71 is inserted into the outer shaft 72 and is rotatably supported by these internal bearings 73 and 73.

  These internal bearings 73 are press-fitted and fixed to one of the outer shaft 72 and the inner shaft 71, and the other of the outer shaft 72 and the inner shaft 71 is fitted into the internal bearing 73 with a gap.

  The front end portion of the inner shaft 71 protrudes from the front end of the outer shaft 72, and the rear end portion of the inner shaft 71 protrudes from the rear end of the outer shaft 72.

<Pulsator 40>
As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, the front surface of the pulsator 40 is provided with a gentle slope portion 44 that gently slopes downward from the central boss portion 41 toward the outer peripheral portion, and a plurality of protrusions 45. It has been. The gentle slope 44 constitutes a disk-like base that extends to the front surface of the pulsator 40, and each protrusion 45 protrudes from the surface of the base. In order to reduce the resistance at the time of rotation, the gentle slope portion 44 is preferably less uneven and is formed to be substantially flat. Each projecting portion 45 extends in the radial direction from the boss portion 41 and is arranged radially at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. If the protrusions 45 are arranged unevenly, the reaction force is not uniform, which causes abnormal vibration and the like.

  Although the number of the protrusions 45 of the pulsator 40 is three, the number of the protrusions 45 is preferably 2 to 8, and two or three are more preferable because good results are obtained. A preferred example of a pulsator having two protrusions 45 is shown in FIG. When the number of the protrusions 45 is two, each protrusion 45 is disposed so as to extend in the opposite direction from the central boss 41 toward the outer periphery.

  When the number of the protrusions 45 is increased, it becomes difficult for the laundry to enter between the protrusions 45, the effect of tapping or peeling the laundry with the protrusions 45 is reduced, and the fluidity of the laundry is also reduced. Therefore, the cleaning power is reduced and the power consumption is also increased.

  Small protrusions smaller than the protrusions 45 may be provided at equal intervals in a portion between the protrusions 45 in the gentle slope 44. These small protrusions provide the effect of rubbing the laundry.

  Of the protrusions 45, the center side portion in the vicinity of the boss portion 41 is less in contact frequency and less effective than the rated capacity of the laundry (for example, 60% of the capacity of the drum 30). Therefore, it is preferable that the protruding amount from the gentle slope portion 44 at the center side portion of the protruding portion 45 is small.

  On the other hand, in the outer peripheral side part of the protrusion part 45, the influence degree with respect to the tearing-off performance of a laundry becomes high, so that the outer edge is approached. Accordingly, it is preferable that the outer peripheral side portion of the protruding portion 45 has a larger protruding amount from the gentle slope portion 44 than the inner peripheral side portion.

  However, when the protrusion amount of the protrusion 45 from the gentle slope portion 44 is increased, the torque required for the rotation of the pulsator 40 is also increased accordingly. Further, when the drum 30 and the pulsator 40 rotate in the opposite directions, the force of the protruding portion 45 acts in the direction to cancel the rotation of the drum 30 via the laundry, so that the torque necessary for the rotation of the drum 30 is also increased. Increase. Therefore, it is not preferable that the protruding amount of the outer peripheral side portion of the protruding portion 45 is too large.

  The shape of the protrusion 45 is also important. Each protrusion 45 bulges from the gentle slope 44 and has a shape extending linearly from the central boss 41 in the radial direction, and has a reverse U-shaped or reverse V-shaped cross section. . A plurality of substantially flat inclined surfaces 45 a are formed on both sides facing the circumferential direction in the outer peripheral side portion of each protrusion 45.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the inclined surface 45a is viewed from the direction of the cross section of the protrusion 45, if the inclination angle θ of the inclined surface 45a with respect to the rotation axis J is small (substantially parallel to the rotation axis J), the laundry May collide with the inclined surface 45a from the front, so that depending on the state of the laundry, the pulsator 40 may be locked and unable to rotate, or may be in a state of being rotated with the laundry against driving. Moreover, there is a possibility of increasing noise and abnormal vibration.

  Therefore, the inclination angle θ of the inclined surface 45a is preferably 15 ° or more. As the inclination angle θ increases, the rotational resistance of the pulsator 40 also decreases, so that power consumption is also reduced.

  On the other hand, as the inclination angle θ increases, the laundry becomes less likely to be caught, so that the ability to strike and peel the laundry decreases. Therefore, the inclination angle θ of the inclined surface 45a is preferably 20 ° or less.

  In particular, in consideration of balance, it is preferable to form two inclined surfaces 45 a having different inclination angles θ on each side portion of the outer peripheral side portion of each protruding portion 45. Specifically, a first inclined surface 45a1 having a relatively large inclination angle θ1 is formed on the top side of the protruding portion 45, and a second inclined surface having a relatively small inclination angle θ2 is formed on the bottom side of the protruding portion 45. 45a2 is formed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the outer peripheral edge of the pulsator 40 is disposed opposite to the inner peripheral surface of the drum 30 with a certain gap 200 therebetween, and the gap 200 is brought into contact with the laundry to give a mechanical action. A working surface 201 is preferably provided.

  Then, when the drum 30 and the pulsator 40 rotate in opposite directions during washing, the laundry enters the gap 200, so that the three working surfaces 201 close to each other (specifically, the gap 200). The laundry comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the drum 30, the bottom surface of the drum 30, and the protruding end surface on the outer peripheral side of the projecting portion 45), and can effectively provide mechanical action to the laundry.

  However, when such a gap 200 is provided, when a large amount of laundry is accommodated in the drum 30, depending on the form of the gap 200, the laundry is bitten into the gap 200, thereby causing damage or overload of the laundry. There is a risk of inviting. Therefore, in this washing machine 1, the radial size of the gap 200 and the protruding amount of the protruding portion 45 from the gentle slope portion 44 satisfy a predetermined condition so that the laundry 200 can be prevented from biting into the gap 200. It is set to meet.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the radial size of the gap 200 is ΔR (unit: mm), and the outer peripheral edge of the protrusion 45 (the part on the outer peripheral edge: the radius is divided into two equal parts. When the maximum protrusion amount from the gentle slope portion 44 in the outer peripheral side portion is H (unit: mm), it is set so as to satisfy the expression of 0.1 ≦ H / ΔR ≦ 1.0.

  When H / ΔR is smaller than 0.1, that is, when the protruding amount of the protruding portion 45 is smaller than half the width of the gap 200, the gap 200 becomes too shallow, so that the laundry is effectively mechanically operated. Difficult to give. On the other hand, if H / ΔR is larger than 1.0, that is, if the protruding amount of the protruding end of the protruding portion 45 is larger than the width of the gap 200, the gap 200 becomes too deep and the possibility of biting the laundry increases rapidly. .

  On the other hand, by forming a gap so as to satisfy such a relational expression, even when a large amount of laundry is accommodated in the drum 30, the work surface 201 prevents the laundry from being caught, A mechanical action can be imparted, and the flow of laundry can be effectively generated even with a small amount of washing water.

(Modification of pulsator 40)
The pulsator 40 has a substantially conical shape, but may have a recessed portion. A bowl-like shape with a recessed front may be used like a pulsator of a vertical washing machine. However, in this case, it is preferable that the outer peripheral portion of the disc portion 42 is located behind the boss portion 41. This is because when the outer peripheral portion of the disc portion 42 protrudes forward, the laundry is applied to the portion, and not only the inertial force due to the enlargement of the pulsator but also the weight of the laundry is added to the pulsator, This is because the torque of the motor 50 to be driven increases.

<Washing method>
A conventional drum-type washing machine employs a so-called “tap wash” washing method in which the laundry is washed by a mechanical action that is caused by the laundry rotating and dropping as the drum rotates. Since the mechanical force is almost determined by the diameter of the drum, it is difficult to enhance the mechanical force.

  If the number of rotations is increased to increase the mechanical force, the laundry will stick to the drum and will not fall, making it impossible to “tap”, resulting in a decrease in mechanical force. Therefore, in order to increase the mechanical force, there is only a method of repeating the reversal of the drum abruptly. However, even if the mechanical force is increased, a slight energy loss is caused.

  On the other hand, in this washing machine 1, the “drum washing” is not employed, and the rotation directions of the drum 30 and the pulsator 40 are opposed to each other so that the respective mechanical forces can be combined and effectively applied to the laundry. ing.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the number of rotations of the drum 30 at the time of washing is sufficiently higher than that of a conventional drum-type washing machine so that the laundry C sticks to the inner peripheral surface of the drum 30 by centrifugal force. (For example, 50 rpm to 80 rpm). Then, as indicated by a thin arrow in FIG. 8, the pulsator 40 is rotated in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the drum 30.

  At this time, since the laundry C is stuck to the inner peripheral surface of the drum 30, the protrusion 45 of the pulsator 40 collides with the laundry C and hits the laundry C, so that the pulsator 40 is placed on the laundry C. Mechanical force is transmitted. Even if the laundry C is not hit by the protrusion 45, it is peeled off from the drum 30 by the impact of the hit, or is directly peeled off from the drum 30 by the protrusion 45 (C1 in FIGS. 7 and 8). .

  At the same time, the laundry C1 collides with the rotating pulsator 40 and is pushed forward while receiving mechanical force (C2 in FIG. 7). The laundry C1 peeled off from the drum 30 by the pulsator 40 moves forward while enclosing the surrounding laundry. As a result, the same operation as that of the conventional “tap washing” can be ensured, and an operation of rubbing the laundry together by the movement of the laundry can be obtained.

  Since the laundry C2 is pushed forward of the drum 30, the laundry in front of the drum 30 moves to the rear of the drum 30 along the inner peripheral surface of the drum 30 (from C3 to C in FIG. 7). Accordingly, a flow in which the laundry circulates in the front-rear direction while rotating along the inner peripheral surface of the drum 30 is formed inside the drum 30.

  As described above, the mechanical force of the pulsator 40 is transmitted to the laundry, and the laundry has a complicated and three-dimensional flow, whereby washing unevenness can be reduced. Since the mechanical force per unit time given to the laundry also increases, the cleaning power can be improved and the cleaning time can be shortened.

  The rotational speed of the drum 30 may be a rotational speed at which centrifugal force hardly acts on the laundry, such as 30 rpm. In this case, in addition to the action of “tap washing” in the related art, the action of pushing the laundry forward by the pulsator 40 and moving it can be obtained. However, if the rotational speed of the pulsator 40 is too low, the mechanical force is not transmitted to the laundry and the laundry cannot be moved sufficiently. Therefore, in this case, the pulsator 40 needs a certain number of rotations, and is preferably rotated at a rotation number of, for example, 60 rpm or more.

  Further, when the rotation of the drum 30 is made faster than the pulsator 40, the rotational moment of the laundry becomes larger than the rotational moment of the pulsator 40, so that the pulsator 40 is defeated by the laundry and an appropriate flow may not be obtained. . On the other hand, by making the rotation of the pulsator 40 faster than the drum 30, the mechanical force of the pulsator 40 can be stably transmitted to the laundry, and a good three-dimensional flow can be obtained.

  The washing machine 1 can be operated in the following pattern during the washing process.

(Pattern 1)
The drum 30 and the pulsator 40 are rotated at the same rotational speed in the same direction.
(Pattern 2)
The drum 30 and the pulsator 40 are rotated in the same direction, and the pulsator 40 is rotated at a higher rotational speed than the drum 30.
(Pattern 3)
The energization of the motor 50 that drives the pulsator 40 is stopped, and the drum 30 is rotated in a state where no power is transmitted to the pulsator 40.
(Pattern 4)
The drum 30 is rotated while the rotation of the pulsator 40 is stopped by the control.
(Pattern 5)
The energization of the motor 50 that drives the drum 30 is stopped, and the pulsator 40 is rotated in a state where no power is transmitted to the drum 30.
(Pattern 6)
The pulsator 40 is rotated while the rotation of the drum 30 is stopped by the control.
(Pattern 7)
The drum 30 and the pulsator 40 are rotated in opposite directions, and the pulsator 40 is rotated at a higher rotational speed than the drum 30.
(Pattern 8)
The drum 30 and the pulsator 40 are rotated at the same rotational speed in opposite directions.

  In the operation of pattern 1, the same operation as that of a conventional drum type washing machine is performed.

  In the operation of pattern 2, an operation in which the convection effect by the pulsator 40 is added to the operation of pattern 1 is performed. That is, when the pulsator 40 rotates faster than the laundry rotated by the drum 30, an action of pushing out or drawing in the laundry occurs. The laundry pushed out or pulled by the pulsator 40 is accelerated and rides on the laundry accumulated in front of the pulsator 40 and enters the middle portion of the drum 30 in the vertical direction. By repeating such an operation continuously, the rear laundry is pushed forward, and accordingly, the front laundry moves rearward. As a result, the laundry flows while circulating inside the drum 30 in the front-rear direction, and washing unevenness can be reduced.

  In the operation of the pattern 3, since all the mechanical force necessary for washing is obtained from the drum 30, the operation similar to that of the conventional drum type washing machine is performed. In this operation, since the power of the pulsator 40 is cut, the power consumption can be reduced while maintaining the cleaning power.

  In the operation of the pattern 4, the pulsator 40 is kept stationary (in the operation of the pattern 3, the pulsator 40 is capable of inertial rotation). Since the pulsator 40 is stationary, the pulsator 40 is relatively inverted with respect to the rotating drum 30. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain the effect of unraveling the laundry and the effect of hitting the laundry to some extent.

  The operation of the pattern 5 is opposite to the operation of the pattern 3, and the drum 30 rotates the pulsator 40 in a state where the drum 30 can rotate freely. Therefore, by filling the water tank 20 with sufficient water, A stream of water can be generated to “wash”. For example, when the laundry is a delicate garment, the operation of the pattern 5 can be performed to reduce the pain and the deformation of the laundry.

  In the operation of the pattern 6, unlike the operation of the pattern 5 in which the drum 30 can rotate by inertia, the drum 30 is held stationary.

  The operation of the pattern 7 performs the most effective operation for realizing the above-described cleaning mechanism. In the operation of pattern 8, the action of the pulsator 40 is lower than in the operation of pattern 7, so this pattern is suitable when it is desired to weaken the mechanical force acting on the laundry.

  In a conventional drum-type washing machine that performs “tap washing”, in order to prevent the laundry from sticking to the drum 30, the number of rotations of the drum 30 during washing is usually set to less than 50 rpm. Therefore, there is a problem that the cleaning water accumulated in the water tank 20 is likely to be stagnant and it is difficult to continuously circulate and supply the cleaning water into the drum 30.

  For this reason, there is a model in which a pump or the like is installed so that the wash water accumulated in the water tank 20 can be continuously circulated and supplied to the inside of the drum 30, but the structure is complicated and the running cost is increased. In addition, there is a model provided with a pumping stroke in which cleaning water is pumped up inside the drum 30 by rotation of the drum 30 without using a pump. However, during the pumping stroke, it is necessary to set the number of rotations of the drum 30 high (for example, 60 rpm to 120 rpm), and during that time, the laundry sticks to the drum 30 and cannot be washed. Therefore, the pumping stroke is limited to a short time at the time of washing, and a sufficient effect cannot be obtained.

  On the other hand, in this washing machine 1, since the rotation speed of the drum 30 can be set higher than that of the conventional drum type washing machine, the washing water is continuously circulated and supplied to the inside of the drum 30 without providing a pump or the like. can do. That is, at the time of cleaning, the drum 30 is rotated at a rotation speed of 60 rpm or more. By doing so, the washing water starts to be ejected from the gap between the water tank 20 and the drum 30 in the front, and the washing water flows into the drum 30. By doing so, the washing water can be continuously circulated and supplied evenly while applying sufficient mechanical force and flow to the laundry, so that a high washing power can be secured and the running cost is not increased.

  In addition, there is a model in which the cleaning effect is improved by continuously supplying foamed cleaning water into the drum 30 in a circulating manner. In such a model, a special device is installed to foam cleaning water.

  On the other hand, in this washing machine 1, the washing water can be agitated and foamed in a narrow gap between the water tank 20 and the drum 30 by rotating the drum 30 at a rotation speed of 60 rpm or more. . The foamed cleaning water is pumped up as described above and continuously circulated and supplied into the drum 30. Thus, in this washing machine 1, even if it does not install a special apparatus, it can circulate and supply foaming washing water continuously.

  The circulating supply of cleaning water and foaming of cleaning may be performed by rotation of the pulsator 40 instead of the drum 30. In order to increase the efficiency of circulation and supply of washing water and foaming, the drum 30 and the pulsator 40 may be provided with an uneven structure, stirring blades, and the like.

  In a conventional drum type washing machine, a structure called a “lifter” that protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the drum 30 is usually provided. The lifter has a function of efficiently lifting the laundry with the rotation of the drum 30 and dropping it from a high position, and is important in increasing the mechanical force by tapping.

  However, in this washing machine 1, since the laundry is stuck to the inner peripheral surface of the drum 30 by centrifugal force, a lifter is not required. Even if a lifter is provided, the protruding amount can be reduced. Conversely, if there is a large lifter, the laundry may be damaged when the laundry is caught on both the lifter and the protruding portion 45 of the pulsator 40. Therefore, the lifter is preferably small.

  Therefore, the omission or miniaturization of the lifter can reduce the member cost and increase the volume of the drum 30. Further, the lifter may be replaced with a simple protrusion formed on the inner peripheral surface of the drum 30.

<Operation control>
In order to obtain optimum performance during washing of the washing machine 1, it is preferable to select a driving pattern as appropriate according to the situation.

  For example, when the drum 30 and the pulsator 40 rotate in opposite directions, power consumption increases when the laundry capacity is large, such as near the rated capacity. In this case, power consumption can be suppressed by increasing the rotation speed of the drum 30 and the pulsator 40.

  That is, when the rotational speed is slow, the uneven fluctuation of the laundry inside the drum 30 becomes large, so that a high torque is required. On the other hand, when the rotational speed is fast, the laundry becomes more inner periphery of the drum 30. The unevenness of the laundry is suppressed by sticking to the surface, and high torque becomes unnecessary. By increasing the rotational speed of the pulsator 40, the laundry is not easily caught by the protrusion 45, and the power consumption is reduced.

  On the other hand, if the volume of the laundry is small and there is a sufficient space inside the drum 30, if the rotational speed of the drum 30 is increased too much, the centrifugal force increases and the amount of the laundry caught on the protrusion 45 is reduced. Decrease. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to select an optimal operation pattern, such as reducing the number of rotations of the drum 30 or performing tapping.

  For this purpose, it is necessary to determine the weight of the laundry put into the drum 30, the laundry capacity (or the remaining capacity of the drum 30), the type of laundry (cloth type), and the like before the washing process. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, the controller 60 of the washing machine 1 includes a weight determination unit 61, a cloth type determination unit 62, a capacity determination unit 63, an operation condition determination unit 64, and the like.

  The weight determination unit 61 determines the weight of the laundry put into the drum 30. For example, after the laundry is put into the drum 30, the drum 30 and the pulsator 40 are moved in the same direction or in the opposite direction. The weight of the laundry is detected by rotating with. The rotation speed may be constant or may be changed.

  The capacity determination unit 63 rotates the drum 30 and the pulsator 40 in the direction opposite to that at the time of weight determination and rotates again. By doing so, the capacity determination unit 63 determines the ratio of the capacity of the laundry to the internal capacity of the drum 30 based on the difference from the weight detection.

  The cloth type determination unit 62 introduces a predetermined amount of water into the water tub 20 and causes the laundry put in the drum 30 to absorb the water for a predetermined time. The cloth type determination unit 62 stores water absorption data for each cloth type, and the water level change inside the water tank 20 at that time (the difference between the water level at the time of introduction and the water level after a predetermined time) and the water absorption data are used for washing. Determine the type of object. The water level may be detected based on the water pressure inside the water tank 20, and the water level at the time of introduction may be calculated from the amount of water introduced.

  The operating condition determination unit 64 determines the rotation direction and the rotation speed of each of the drum 30 and the pulsator 40 based on at least one of these determination results. These determinations may be made not only at the start of the washing process, but also during the washing process. Of course, it can also be performed in the rinsing process.

  Usually, the washing process is divided into “washing”, “rinsing” and “dehydration” processes.

  There may be a dehydration process called intermediate dehydration between the washing process and the rinsing process, or if there are two or more rinsing processes, between successive rinsing processes. Torque is required to rotate the drum 30 and the pulsator 40, but the required torque differs between the washing and rinsing strokes and the dewatering stroke. Generally, a large torque is required for a washing and rinsing process, and a large torque is not required for a dehydration process.

  Therefore, at the time of dehydration, energization to the motor 50 that drives the pulsator 40 may be stopped, and the pulsator 40 may rotate only the drum 30 while performing inertial rotation. By doing so, power consumption for rotating the pulsator 40 is eliminated, so that power consumption can be suppressed. However, in this case, if the state of the laundry changes abruptly when the drum 30 and the pulsator 40 are rotating at different rotational speeds, the laundry may be damaged.

  Therefore, as a countermeasure, the magnetization rate of the motor 50 that drives the drum 30 may be changed. By doing so, power consumption can be suppressed even if the drum 30 and the pulsator 40 are rotated simultaneously. For example, the demagnetization of the motor 50 is performed after the laundry reaches a stable state (a state in which the drum 30 rotates at a rotational speed of about 60 rpm to 120 rpm) at the start of the dehydration process or during the dehydration process. By reducing the power consumption, it is possible to reduce the power consumption at the time of high rotation.

<Effect of washing machine 1>
The effect of the washing machine 1 described above will be described in comparison with a conventional washing machine (the drum type washing machine of Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  Since the washing machine 1 does not require a drum having a large structure unlike a conventional washing machine, the internal capacity of the drum 30 can be increased, and manufacturing costs and running costs can be suppressed.

  In the washing machine 1, unlike the conventional washing machine, the sub drum is disposed in the main drum, and there is no need to provide a predetermined gap between the drum and the sub drum. In the washing machine 1, rather, the laundry performance is improved by allowing the laundry to enter the gap. For this reason, it is possible to increase the drum capacity, and a compact washing machine capable of meeting the demand for large capacity in recent years can be realized.

  As in a conventional washing machine, the washing machine 1 combines the two-dimensional movement of the laundry obtained by switching the rotation speed and rotation direction of the main drum and the sub drum and the movement due to the rotation of the whole drum. Instead of realizing the three-dimensional laundry flow, the three-dimensional laundry flow can be obtained only by rotating the drum 30 and the pulsator 40 at different speeds. Preferably, a three-dimensional laundry flow can be obtained simply by rotating in the opposite direction. More preferably, a larger three-dimensional laundry flow can be obtained by making the rotation of the pulsator 40 faster than the drum 30.

  In each of the main drum and the sub drum of a conventional washing machine, a mechanical force exceeding that of a conventional drum type washing machine cannot be imparted to the laundry, and therefore a significant improvement in washing effect cannot be expected. On the other hand, in the washing machine 1, the number of rotations of the pulsator 40 is set higher than that of the drum 30, and “washing” is performed using the centrifugal force of the drum 30 and the mechanical force of the pulsator 40. In addition, it is possible to utilize the effect of tapping the laundry with the protrusion 45 of the pulsator 40, the effect of rubbing the laundry together, and the effect of reducing the unevenness of washing by mixing the laundry.

  Further, the protrusion 45 of the pulsator 40 also functions as a so-called lifter. Therefore, in the washing machine 1, the lifter on the inner peripheral surface of the drum 30 is not essential as in the conventional washing machine.

  This effect becomes more prominent when washing large-capacity laundry. That is, in the conventional washing machine, when the amount of laundry increases, the remaining capacity in the drum that can exert the mechanical force is insufficient. In order to solve this problem, in the conventional washing machine, the washing performance is ensured by increasing the immersion time in the washing water instead, that is, by extending the washing time. On the other hand, in the washing machine 1, since the above effect can be obtained, the extension of the washing time can be minimized.

  Since the centrifugal force can be used if the conventional washing machine is rotated at a high speed, the same effects as those described above occur for the laundry located at the boundary between the main drum and the sub drum. However, in the part away from the boundary part, the laundry is stuck to the drum, and mechanical force cannot be applied.

  Further, a greater force than that of the washing machine 1 is required to drive both the main drum and the sub drum. A sub-drum larger than the pulsator 40 has a large inertial force, which alone requires a high torque, and also requires a torque for lifting the laundry on each drum. Furthermore, a torque that cancels the opposing force generated at the boundary between the main drum and the sub drum is also required, and a high output motor is required.

  In general, in order to increase the output of a motor, it is necessary to increase the thickness of the stator core and the rotor core, use a magnet with a high magnetic force, or the like. Since the increase in the stacking thickness is accompanied by the increase in the thickness of the motor, adverse effects such as an increase in the size of the washing machine and a reduction in the drum internal capacity occur. In any case, an increase in manufacturing cost and running cost is inevitable.

  On the other hand, in the washing machine 1, almost no force necessary to lift the laundry to the pulsator 40 is generated, and since the inertial force is small, power consumption can be suppressed. The motor 50 can also be reduced in size, and the internal capacity of the drum 30 can be increased.

<Further details of the motor>
As shown in FIG. 2, the motor 50 has a flat cylindrical appearance whose diameter is smaller than that of the water tank 20, and is assembled to the bearing housing 23a of the water tank 20 so that the rotation axis J passes through the center thereof. . The motor 50 includes an outer rotor 53 (second rotor), an inner rotor 52 (first rotor), an inner shaft 71, an outer shaft 72, a stator 51, and the like.

  The outer rotor 53 and the inner rotor 52 are connected to the pulsator 40 and the drum 30 without intervention of a clutch or an acceleration / decelerator, and are configured to directly drive them.

  These two rotors 52 and 53 are driven and controlled by one inverter. Each of the outer rotor 53 and the inner rotor 52 shares the coil 163 of the stator 51, and can be driven to rotate independently by supplying a current to the coil 163. In the case of this motor 50, when the two rotors 52 and 53 rotate in the same direction and when they rotate in the opposite direction, the ratio of the rotational speeds of both rotors is 1: 1, 1: -2, for example. The value is fixed to. Switching between rotations in the same direction and in the opposite direction is performed by magnetization, and the ratio of the number of rotations differs between the same direction and the opposite direction.

  The outer rotor 53 is a flat bottomed cylindrical member, and includes a bottom wall portion 121 having an open central portion, a rotor yoke 122 erected on the periphery of the bottom wall portion 121, and a plurality of arc-shaped permanent magnets. Outer magnet 124. The bottom wall 121 and the rotor yoke 122 are formed by pressing an iron plate so as to function as a back yoke.

  In the present embodiment, the outer rotor 53 is a continuous rotor, and 16 outer magnets 124 are arranged so that the south poles are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction, and are fixed to the inner surface of the rotor yoke 122. . Although described later in detail, the number of magnetic poles of the outer rotor 53 can be switched between 16 poles and 32 poles by reversing the magnetic poles of the outer magnet 124.

  The inner rotor 52 is a flat cylindrical member having an outer diameter smaller than that of the outer rotor 53, and has an inner wall portion 31 having an open central portion and an inner peripheral wall portion 132 erected around the inner support wall portion 131. And a plurality of inner magnets 134 made of rectangular plate-shaped permanent magnets.

  In the present embodiment, the inner rotor 52 is a spoke-type rotor, and 32 inner magnets 134 are arranged so as to be arranged radially at intervals in the circumferential direction, and are attached and fixed to the inner peripheral wall portion 132. . A rotor core 133 is disposed between the inner magnets 134 in the circumferential direction.

  The inner shaft 71 is a cylindrical shaft member, and is rotatably supported by the bearing bracket 70 via an internal bearing 73, an outer shaft 72, and ball bearings 71 and 72. A lower end portion of the inner shaft 71 is connected to the outer rotor 53. An upper end portion of the inner shaft 71 is connected to the pulsator 40.

  The outer shaft 72 is a cylindrical shaft member that is shorter than the inner shaft 71 and has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the inner shaft 71, and is provided with upper and lower inner bearings 73, 73, an inner shaft 71, and an outer bearing 74. The bearing bracket 70 is rotatably supported. The lower end portion of the outer shaft 72 is supported by the shaft support portion 24. The upper end portion of the outer shaft 72 is connected to the flange shaft 34 of the drum 30.

  The stator 51 is formed of an annular member having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the outer rotor 53 and larger than the outer diameter of the inner rotor 52. As shown in FIG. 11, the stator 51 is provided with a plurality of teeth 161, coils 163, and the like embedded in a resin. The stator 51 of this embodiment includes 24 I-type teeth 161 and coils 163.

  The teeth 161 are thin plate-shaped iron members having an I-shaped longitudinal section, and are arranged in an independent state on the entire circumference of the stator 51 so that the teeth 161 are arranged radially at equal intervals. The side end portions on the inner peripheral side and the outer peripheral side of the teeth 161 project in a bowl shape from both corners in the circumferential direction.

  A coil 163 is formed for each tooth 161 on the tooth 161 by continuously winding three wires covered with an insulating material via an insulating material in a predetermined order and configuration. A group of teeth 161 on which the coils 163 are formed are embedded in a thermosetting resin by molding, with only the end faces on each diameter side exposed, and are fixed in a fixed arrangement in an insulated state. .

  The end on the inner rotor 52 side of the teeth 161 faces the rotor core 133 with a slight gap, and the end on the outer rotor 53 side of the teeth 161 faces the outer magnet 124 with a slight gap. The stator 51, the inner rotor 52, and the outer rotor 53 are assembled.

  A position sensor 164 is disposed between adjacent teeth 161. The position sensor 164 is disposed at a position close to the inner rotor 52 and is for grasping the position of the inner rotor 52.

  As shown in FIG. 12, one three-phase inverter 118 is connected to the motor 50. In the motor 50, when the coil 163 of the stator 51 is energized, different poles are generated simultaneously on the outer side and the inner side of the teeth 161, and the outer rotor 53 and the inner rotor 52 are moved together with the rotating magnetic field. Each rotates independently.

  Thus, the stator 51 is shared by the outer rotor 53 and the inner rotor 52, and the outer rotor 53 and the inner rotor 52 can be driven to rotate in a plurality of rotation modes by one inverter 118.

(Switching the number of magnetic poles)
FIG. 11 is a plan sectional view showing the main part of the motor, and shows a state corresponding to a mechanical angle of 45 °. The outer magnets 124 are all composed of switching magnets 125. The inner magnets 134 are all composed of fixed magnets 135.

  Here, the switching magnet 125 is a magnet whose polarity is reversed when a magnetizing current is supplied to the coil 163 serving as the magnetic pole number switching unit. The fixed magnet 135 is a magnet whose polarity does not reverse even when a magnetizing current is supplied to the coil 163. There is no need to depend on the magnitude of the coercive force and the type of magnet, which will be described later. Here, “inverted” or “not inverted” indicates the polarity of the entire magnet, and it may be determined by the total magnetic flux even if a part of the polarity is reversed.

  In this embodiment, the number of poles St of the stator 51 is 24, the number of poles of the inner rotor 52 is 32, and the maximum number of poles of the outer rotor 53 is 32, and the ratio is St: m. = 3: 4. Here, the outer rotor 53 can be switched to 32 poles or 16 poles by switching the number of poles by magnetization.

  In the state shown in FIG. 11, the outer magnets 124 are arranged so that the surface of the outer magnet 124 on the teeth 161 side is an S pole with a gap in the circumferential direction. By arranging the outer magnets 124 in this manner, the rotor yoke 122 of the outer rotor 53 between the adjacent S-pole outer magnets 124 becomes N poles, and the number of magnetic poles of the outer rotor 53 becomes 32 poles. Here, since the salient pole structure is not provided in the north pole portion of the rotor yoke 122, the magnetic resistance between the rotor yoke 122 and the teeth 161 is substantially the same. By using such a continuous rotor having no salient pole structure, a configuration in which vibration and noise are suppressed can be obtained.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the magnetic flux emitted from the north pole portion of the rotor yoke 122 passes through the inner rotor 52 side via the teeth 161, enters the south pole of the outer magnet 124 via different teeth 161, and enters the rotor yoke 122. Return to the north pole of the rotor yoke 122.

  Here, when the number of magnetic poles of the outer rotor 53 is 32, the induced voltage is reduced because the air gap that is the gap between the N-pole rotor yoke 122 of the outer rotor 53 and the teeth 161 is large. Therefore, it is preferable to set the number of magnetic poles of the outer rotor 53 to 32 during dehydration that requires high speed and low torque.

  On the other hand, a magnetizing current is supplied to the coil 163 to reverse a part of the magnetic poles of the outer magnet 124 so that the N poles and the S poles are alternately arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction as shown in FIG. When switched, the number of magnetic poles of the outer rotor 53 becomes 16.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the magnetic flux emitted from the N pole of the outer magnet 124 passes through the inner rotor 52 side via the teeth 161, enters the S pole of the outer magnet via different teeth 161, and passes through the rotor yoke 122. Return to the N pole of the outer magnet 124.

  Here, when the number of magnetic poles of the outer rotor 53 is 16, the air gap, which is the gap between the N-pole outer magnet 124 and the teeth 161, is smaller than in the case of 32 poles, so the induced voltage increases. . For this reason, the number of magnetic poles of the outer rotor 53 is preferably set to 16 during washing that requires low speed and high torque.

  Next, a method of switching the magnetic pole of the outer magnet 124 from 32 poles to 16 poles will be described with reference to FIG. Although FIG. 11 shows 32 poles, it can be made 16 poles by switching the magnetic pole of the first magnet from the bottom from the S pole to the N pole. A magnetizing current is passed through the coil 163 so that a magnetic field flows through the first tooth 161 from the bottom and the second tooth 161 from the bottom in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. Thereby, the magnetic pole of the first outer magnet 124 from the bottom can be reversed from the S pole to the N pole.

  Next, a method of switching the magnetic pole of the outer magnet 124 from 16 poles to 32 poles will be described with reference to FIG. Although FIG. 14 shows 16 poles, it can be made 32 poles by switching the magnetic pole of the first magnet from the bottom from the N pole to the S pole. A magnetizing current is passed through the coil 163 so that a magnetic field flows through the first tooth 161 from the bottom and the second tooth 161 from the bottom in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. Accordingly, the magnetic pole of the first outer magnet 124 from the bottom can be reversed from the N pole to the S pole.

  In the case of the arrangement of the outer magnet 124 shown in FIG. 14, the previous pole may remain in a part of the first outer magnet 124 from the bottom, but if necessary, the angle of the outer rotor 53, the coil 163. It is possible to completely reverse the magnetization by appropriately matching the phases of the magnetizing currents flowing through and performing a plurality of times of magnetization.

  In this way, by appropriately setting the magnetic path of the magnetic flux for magnetization, for example, even when the switching magnet 125 and the fixed magnet 135 are made of ferrite magnets having the same coercive force, only the switching magnet 125 is used. Magnetic pole switching can be performed stably.

  Note that the switching magnet 125 and the fixed magnet 135 may be composed of two or more types of magnets having different coercive forces. For example, by making the coercivity of the fixed magnet 135 larger than the coercivity of the switching magnet 125, more stable magnetization can be obtained. Further, by using a rare earth magnet for the fixed magnet 135 of the inner rotor 52, the torque balance between the inner rotor 52 and the outer rotor 53 can be more easily achieved.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a BH curve (magnetic hysteresis curve) when magnets having different coercive forces are used for the fixed magnet 135 and the switching magnet 125. Here, when a magnetic field that does not exceed the coercive force of the fixed magnet 135 is generated by passing a magnetizing current through the coil 163, the magnetic poles of the switching magnet 125 are reversed as shown in the figure. It is possible. The magnetizing current may be a pulse current and can be magnetized in about several tens of milliseconds.

  By the way, when magnetizing the switching magnet 125, it is advantageous that the voltage applied to the coil 163 is as high as possible in order to increase the magnetization current. Also, when performing high-speed rotation such as during dehydration, a higher voltage is easier. However, in the case of low speed rotation and high torque such as during washing such as washing or rinsing, the efficiency of the inverter 118 is generally better if it is not too high.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the same voltage as the magnetization is supplied to the inverter 118 during magnetization and dehydration, while a voltage lower than the magnetization voltage is supplied to the inverter 118 during washing. Thereby, power consumption can be reduced.

(About rotation mode)
Here, the switching operation of the number of magnetic poles for supplying the magnetizing current to the coil 163 and inverting the magnetic poles of the switching magnet 125 is controlled by the controller 60. That is, the outer rotor 53 and the inner rotor 52 are driven to rotate in a plurality of rotation modes based on a control command from the controller 60.

  FIG. 17 illustrates the positions of the stator 51, the outer rotor 53, and the inner rotor 52 during an electrical angle of 360 ° during rotation of the three-phase motor in six steps. The principle by which the rotor 52 rotates is schematically shown.

  In FIG. 17, the outer rotor 53 and the inner rotor 52 are 32 poles having the same number of poles, and indicate a mechanical angle of 45 °. When a drive current is passed through the three-phase coil 163 of U phase, V phase, and W phase, a magnetic pole is generated in the tooth 161. The magnetic poles of the teeth 161 are opposite on the inner rotor 52 side and the outer rotor 53 side.

  In the first step shown in FIG. 17, the inner rotor 52 side of the U-phase and V-phase teeth 161 is the N pole, and the inner rotor 52 side of the W-phase teeth 161 is the S pole. Therefore, the outer rotor 53 side of the U-phase and V-phase teeth 161 is the S pole, and the outer rotor 53 side of the W-phase teeth 161 is the N pole. In the following description, only the pole on the inner rotor 52 side of the teeth 161 will be described.

  In the first step, the outer rotor 53 and the inner rotor 52 receive a force that rotates in the right direction in FIG.

  In the second step, the magnetic poles of the V-phase teeth 161 are reversed. As a result, the U-phase teeth 161 on the inner rotor 52 side remain N poles, the V-phase teeth 161 remain S poles, the W-phase teeth 161 remain S poles, and the outer rotor 53 and the inner rotor 52 are Move to the right.

  In the third step, the magnetic poles of the W-phase teeth 161 are reversed. As a result, the U-phase tooth 161 on the inner rotor 52 side remains the N pole, the V-phase tooth 161 remains the S pole, the W-phase tooth 161 becomes the N pole, and the outer rotor 53 and the inner rotor 52 move to the right. Moving.

  In the fourth step, the magnetic poles of the U-phase teeth 161 are reversed. As a result, the U-phase teeth 161 on the inner rotor 52 side become the S pole, the V-phase teeth 161 remain the S pole, and the W-phase teeth 161 remain the N pole, and the outer rotor 53 and the inner rotor 52 move to the right. Moving.

  In the fifth step, the magnetic poles of the V-phase teeth 161 are reversed. As a result, the U-phase teeth 161 on the inner rotor 52 side remain the S pole, the V-phase teeth 161 remain the N pole, the W-phase teeth 161 remain the N pole, and the outer rotor 53 and the inner rotor 52 are Move to the right.

  In the sixth step, the magnetic poles of the W-phase teeth 161 are reversed. As a result, the U-phase teeth 161 on the inner rotor 52 side remain the S pole, the V-phase teeth 161 remain the N pole, the W-phase teeth 161 become the S pole, and the outer rotor 53 and the inner rotor 52 move to the right. Moving.

  Thus, the outer rotor 53 and the inner rotor 52 rotate at the same speed in the same direction. In the present embodiment, this rotation mode is called a synchronous rotation mode. Although the phases of the outer rotor 53 and the inner rotor 52 may be slightly shifted due to load or load fluctuation, the example illustrated in FIG. 17 is described as having no phase shift.

  Next, a rotation mode when the number of magnetic poles of the outer rotor 53 is switched will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 18, the outer rotor 53 has 16 poles, and the inner rotor 52 has 32 poles.

  In the first step shown in FIG. 18, the inner rotor 52 side of the U-phase and V-phase teeth 161 is the N pole, and the inner rotor 52 side of the W-phase teeth 161 is the S pole. Therefore, the outer rotor 53 side of the U-phase and V-phase teeth 161 is the S pole, and the outer rotor 53 side of the W-phase teeth 161 is the N pole.

  In the first step, the inner rotor 52 receives a force that rotates in the right direction in FIG. 18 as torque. On the other hand, the outer rotor 53 receives a force rotating in the left direction in FIG. 18 as torque.

  In the second step, the magnetic poles of the V-phase teeth 161 are reversed. As a result, the U-phase tooth 161 on the inner rotor 52 side remains the N pole, the V-phase tooth 161 remains the S pole, the W-phase tooth 161 remains the S pole, and the inner rotor 52 moves to the right. Then, the outer rotor 53 moves to the left.

  In the third step, the magnetic poles of the W-phase teeth 161 are reversed. As a result, the U-phase tooth 161 on the inner rotor 52 side remains the N pole, the V-phase tooth 161 remains the S pole, the W-phase tooth 161 becomes the N pole, the inner rotor 52 moves to the right, and the outer The rotor 53 moves to the left.

  In the fourth step, the magnetic poles of the U-phase teeth 161 are reversed. As a result, the U-phase tooth 161 on the inner rotor 52 side becomes the S pole, the V-phase tooth 161 remains the S-pole and the W-phase tooth 161 remains the N-pole, and the inner rotor 52 moves to the right, The rotor 53 moves to the left.

  In the fifth step, the magnetic poles of the V-phase teeth 161 are reversed. As a result, the U-phase tooth 161 on the inner rotor 52 side remains the S pole, the V-phase tooth 161 remains the N pole, the W-phase tooth 161 remains the N pole, and the inner rotor 52 moves to the right. Then, the outer rotor 53 moves to the left.

  In the sixth step, the magnetic poles of the W-phase teeth 161 are reversed. As a result, the U-phase teeth 161 on the inner rotor 52 side remain the S pole, the V-phase teeth 161 remain the N pole, the W-phase teeth 161 become the S pole, the inner rotor 52 moves to the right, and the outer The rotor 53 moves to the left. At this time, the amount of movement of the outer rotor 53 is twice that of the inner rotor 52.

  Thus, the outer rotor 53 and the inner rotor 52 rotate at different speeds in different directions. In this embodiment, this rotation mode is called a reciprocal rotation mode.

  As the rotation mode, in addition to the present embodiment, different rotation ratios of the synchronous rotation mode and the reciprocal rotation mode or the same rotation ratio can be configured by a combination of the number of magnetic poles. As described above, the synchronous rotation mode and the reciprocal rotation mode include rotation modes that rotate at an arbitrary rotation ratio or rotate at different torques by rotating at different speeds in the same direction or in different directions.

  As described above, according to the motor 50, the outer rotor 53 and the inner rotor 52 can be rotated in a plurality of rotation modes with a single inverter. That is, unlike the prior art, the plurality of inverters 118 necessary for independently rotating and driving the two rotors are not required, and the scale of the inverter 118 can be reduced to reduce the product size and cost.

(Motor modification 1)
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional plan view showing the configuration of the motor of the first modification. Hereinafter, the same portions as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only differences will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the inner rotor 52 is a spoke-type rotor, and 32 inner magnets 134 are arranged so as to be arranged radially at intervals in the circumferential direction, and are fixedly attached to the inner peripheral wall portion 132. ing. The inner magnets 134 are all composed of fixed magnets 135. A rotor core 133 is disposed between the inner magnets 134 in the circumferential direction.

  The outer rotor 53 is an SPM type rotor, and 32 outer magnets 124 are arranged so that S poles and N poles are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction, and are fixed to the inner surface of the rotor yoke 122.

  Here, the outer magnet 124 includes a switching magnet 125 and a fixed magnet 135. Specifically, among the five outer magnets 124 shown in FIG. 19, the first, second, and fifth magnets from the bottom are configured by a switching magnet 125. The third and fourth magnets from the bottom are composed of fixed magnets 135. That is, two adjacent magnets are composed of magnets having the same function.

  When the magnetizing current is supplied to the coil 163 to reverse the magnetic poles of all the switching magnets 125, the first and fifth switching magnets 125 from the bottom are reversed from the S pole to the N pole as shown in FIG. Then, the second switching magnet 125 from the bottom reverses from the N pole to the S pole. Thus, the number of magnetic poles of the outer rotor 53 is 16 poles by switching so that two adjacent sets of S-pole magnets and two adjacent sets of N-poles are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction. Become.

  Here, when a drive current is supplied to the coil 163 when the number of magnetic poles of the outer rotor 53 is 32, both the outer rotor 53 and the inner rotor 52 are clockwise as shown by arrows in FIG. Rotate. That is, it can be rotated in the synchronous rotation mode.

  On the other hand, when the outer rotor 53 has 16 poles and a drive current is supplied to the coil 163, the outer rotor 53 rotates counterclockwise and the inner rotor 52 rotates clockwise as shown by the arrow in FIG. Rotate. That is, it can be rotated in the reciprocal rotation mode.

  The number of inner magnets 134 and outer magnets 124 is an example, and is not particularly limited to this form. Further, although the outer magnet 124 is composed of the switching magnet 125 and the fixed magnet 135, all may be composed of the switching magnet 125. In this case, the number of magnetic poles can be switched by inverting only the magnetic poles of any half of the switching magnets 125. In this way, magnetization switching can be performed without distinguishing between the switching magnet 125 and the fixed magnet 135.

(Motor modification 2)
FIG. 21 is a plan cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the motor of the second modification. As shown in FIG. 21, the inner rotor 52 is an embedded SPM-type rotor, and 32 inner magnets 134 are arranged so that the S poles and the N poles are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction, It is embedded in the peripheral wall portion 132. The inner magnets 134 are all composed of fixed magnets 135.

  The outer rotor 53 is an SPM type rotor, and 32 outer magnets 124 are arranged so that S poles and N poles are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction, and are fixed to the inner surface of the rotor yoke 122. The outer magnet 124 is composed of a switching magnet 125 and a fixed magnet 135, but the arrangement thereof is the same as that of the first modification, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

(Motor modification 3)
FIG. 22 is a plan cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the motor of the third modification. As shown in FIG. 22, the inner rotor 52 is an embedded SPM-type rotor, and 32 inner magnets 134 are arranged so that S poles and N poles are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction, It is embedded in the peripheral wall portion 132. The inner magnets 134 are all composed of fixed magnets 135.

  The outer rotor 53 is a continuous type rotor, and 16 outer magnets 124 are arranged so that the south poles are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction, and are fixed to the inner surface of the rotor yoke 122. The outer magnets 124 are all composed of switching magnets 125, and the number of magnetic poles of the outer rotor 53 can be switched between 16 poles and 32 poles by reversing the magnetic poles of the switching magnets 125. Note that the reversal operation of the magnetic poles of the switching magnet 125 is the same as in the embodiment, and a description thereof is omitted.

<Further details of mounting structure>
The inner rotor 52 is attached to the outer shaft 72 so as not to be in contact with the outer bearing 74 and to be displaced with respect to the outer shaft 72.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the outer shaft 72 is positioned on the opposite side of the drum 34 as shown in FIG. 24 and the outer diameter R1 of the portion 72c supported by the external bearing 74 located on the drum 34 side. The outer diameter R2 of the portion 72d supported by the external bearing 74 (ball bearing 74) is set to have the same diameter.

  The outer shaft 72 is not configured by combining a plurality of members, but is configured by one member (one component).

  As shown in FIG. 25, the distal end 72a of the outer shaft 72 located on the drum 34 side (distal side) and the proximal end 72b located on the opposite side (proximal end) of the drum 34. In the vicinity, attachment portions 72e each having a fitting portion whose outer peripheral surface is serrated are formed. The inner rotor 52 is attached to the outer shaft 72 by inserting the shaft hole of the inner rotor 52 into the attachment portion 72e of the proximal end 72b.

  Then, by fastening the nut N to the proximal end 72b of the outer shaft 72, the inner rotor 52 is attached and fixed to the outer shaft 72 as shown in FIG. Note that a washer W that functions as a nut N lock is sandwiched between the lower surface of the outer shaft 72 and the upper surface of the nut N.

  On the outer peripheral surface of the base end side portion of the outer shaft 72, two groove portions 152 and 153 that are recessed along the circumferential direction are provided at an interval.

  As shown in FIG. 24, a rubber ring 175 is fitted into the groove 153 located on the distal end side. The rubber ring 175 contacts the upper end portion of the ball bearing 74.

  A retaining ring 181 is fitted into the groove portion 152 located on the proximal end side. The retaining ring 181 is a so-called C-shaped retaining ring and has a substantially C-shape in plan view. The retaining ring 181 protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the outer shaft 72 to constitute the abutting portion 80 when it is fitted and fixed in the groove portion 152. That is, the retaining ring 81 has a width larger than the depth of the groove portion 152.

  A predetermined interval is provided in the axial direction between the contact portion 80 formed by the retaining ring 181 and the ball bearing 74.

  When the outer shaft 72 is inserted into the inner rotor 52, the inner rotor 52 is configured to contact the contact portion 80. The inner rotor 52 is connected to the contact portion 80 when the nut N is fastened. It is sandwiched between the nut N.

(Modification)
26 and 27 show a modification of the structure for attaching the inner rotor to the outer shaft.

  As described above, the outer shaft 72 is rotatably supported by the bearing housing 23a via the two external bearings 74 that are disposed on the shaft support portion 24 so as to be separated from each other in the vertical direction.

  In this modification, these external bearings 74 (outer race 174a) are press-fitted and fixed to the bearing housing 23a, and the outer shaft 72 is fitted into these external bearings 74 (inner race 174b) with a gap.

  Of these external bearings 74, the front external bearing 74 (front bearing 74F) is larger in size than the rear external bearing 74 (rear bearing 74R) and has excellent support stability. Since the front bearing 74F applies a larger load than the rear bearing 74R, by making the front bearing 74F relatively large, stable support can be achieved, and vibration and noise can be suppressed.

  A front end portion of the outer shaft 72 projects forward from the shaft support portion 24 and is located inside the water tank 20. The drum 30 is attached to the front end portion of the outer shaft 72 via the flange shaft 34. Between the front end portion of the outer shaft 72 and the flange shaft 34, a detent structure including serrations and concave / convex fitting is provided, and the outer shaft 72 and the flange shaft 34 are fixed so as not to rotate.

  Thus, like the outer shaft 72, the pulsator 40 is fixed to the front end portion of the inner shaft 71 protruding inside the drum 30 through a rotation preventing structure so as not to rotate.

  On the other hand, the rear end portion of the outer shaft 72 protrudes rearward from the shaft support portion 24, and the inner rotor 52 is moved to the outer shaft 72 by inserting the rear end portion of the outer shaft 72 into the shaft hole of the inner rotor 52. It is connected to the. Further, the outer rotor 53 is connected to the inner shaft 71 by inserting the rear end portion of the inner shaft 71 protruding from the rear end of the outer shaft 72 into the shaft hole of the outer rotor 53.

  The double shaft 70 is attached to the shaft support 24 by inserting the outer shaft 72 from the front into the shaft support 24 to which the external bearing 74 is fixed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 26, the inner diameter of the front bearing 74F is larger than the inner diameter of the rear bearing 74R. Accordingly, the outer shaft 72 is fitted to the main body portion between the front end portion and the rear end portion thereof with a large diameter portion 172a having an outer diameter to be fitted (gap fit) into the front bearing 74F and the rear bearing 74R. And a small-diameter portion 172b having an outer diameter smaller than that of the large-diameter portion 172a. The large diameter part 172a is located in front of the small diameter part 172b.

  The front end portion of the outer shaft 72 which is the rear end side of the insertion has an outer diameter larger than that of the large diameter portion 172a, and the boundary between the front end portion and the large diameter portion 172a is behind the outer shaft 72. An annular front step 172c that restricts the movement of is provided. An annular rear step 172d that restricts the rearward movement of the outer shaft 72 is also provided at the boundary between the large diameter portion 172a and the small diameter portion 172b.

  The front bearing 74F contacts the front step 172c, and the rear bearing 74R contacts the rear step 172d, so that the outer shaft 72 is positioned on the shaft support portion 24.

  The rear end portion of the outer shaft 72, which is the insertion tip side, requires an outer diameter equal to or smaller than the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 172b. Therefore, the rear end portion of the outer shaft 72 is smaller in outer diameter than the small diameter portion 172b. (Also referred to as a rotor connection end 172e). Since the outer diameter of the rotor connection end 172e is smaller than that of the small diameter portion 172b, the outer shaft 72 can be easily inserted into the rear bearing 74R and the front bearing 74F.

  By supporting the outer shaft 72 on the shaft support portion 24 in this way, the gap holding ring 80, the inner rotor 52, and the fixture 90 are attached to the rotor connection end 172e protruding rearward from the shaft support portion 24.

  Specifically, the rotor connection end 172e is provided with a mounting portion 172f having a rotation preventing structure connected to the small diameter portion 172b. The inner rotor 52 is mounted via the gap retaining ring 80 by inserting the shaft hole of the inner rotor 52 into the mounting portion 172f so as to be removable.

  The gap retaining ring 80 is a thick metal ring that has an outer diameter that contacts the inner race 174b of the rear bearing 74R and does not contact the outer race 174a of the rear bearing 74R. It is installed. The inner rotor 52 is attached to the attachment portion 172f via the gap retaining ring 80. Thereby, the inner rotor 52 is rotatably supported by the bearing housing 23 a together with the outer shaft 72.

  A male screw portion 172g having a male screw formed on the outer periphery is provided on the projecting end side of the rotor connecting end 172e with respect to the mounting portion 172f. A fixing tool 90 is fastened and fixed to the male screw portion 172g.

  As shown in FIG. 27, the fixture 90 includes a fixed base 91 having a female screw portion 91a in which a female screw that fits into the male screw portion 172g is formed, and a plurality of fixings arranged around the female screw portion 91. Rods 92 (six in this embodiment). The fixed base 91 has a plurality of rod holes 91b extending in parallel with the female screw portion 91a at equal intervals around the female screw portion 91a, and a fixed rod 92 is attached to the rod holes 91b.

  A male screw is formed on the outer periphery of each fixed rod 92, and a female screw fitted to the male screw is formed in each rod hole 91b. Thereby, the fixed rod 92 is slidable along the rotation axis J.

  Accordingly, by screwing these fixed rods 92 into the rod holes 91b, a crimping force can be applied to the inner rotor 52 from the outside in the axial direction (the protruding end side of the rotor connection end 172e). And is fixed to the outer shaft 72.

  Since the inner rotor 52 is fixed by pressing down at a plurality of locations, the support strength can be improved, axial displacement and loosening can be prevented, and vibration and noise can be suppressed. Supporting stability is also excellent because it is pressing away from the periphery of the shaft. Moreover, since the support portions are evenly arranged, the support stability is even better.

  Since the pushing amount of each fixed rod 92 can be changed, a highly accurate support balance can be secured, and even if loosening occurs, it can be easily adjusted.

<Application examples of washing machines>
In a fully automatic washing machine, processes such as washing, rinsing and dehydration are continuously performed. In the case of the washing machine such as Patent Document 3 described above, the rotating tub and the agitator are rotated at different rotation speeds and rotation directions in each stroke. Motor output is required.

  For example, in the washing and rinsing process, not only the laundry but also the washing water is accommodated in the rotating tub, so that a high torque is required for the motor that drives the rotating tub and the stirring body. On the other hand, in the dehydration process in which the washing water is removed, the motor is not required to have high torque, but high rotation is required. Furthermore, in the washing and rinsing process, the rotation direction and the number of rotations of the rotating tank and the stirring body may be changed in order to increase fluidity, whereas in the dehydration process, the rotating tank and the stirring body are the same. In general, they are integrally rotated at the same rotational speed in the direction.

  In addition, when the magnetizing amount of the magnet attached to the rotor is changed and the output performance of the motor is varied according to each stroke, a large magnetizing current is supplied to the motor when magnetizing. There is a need to.

  Therefore, it is preferable to supply a large power supply voltage in order to stably operate the washing machine that simultaneously controls the rotation of the rotating tub and the stirring body via the double-shaft structure shaft. However, there is an upper limit because a commercial power supply voltage of rated output is used in the washing machine. In addition, there are regions where the commercial power supply voltage itself is unstable overseas, so in order to provide washing machines over a wide area around the world, it is necessary to ensure that the washing machines can operate stably in such regions. is there.

  Therefore, the washing machine of this application example can stably drive and control the motor that rotates the rotating tub and the stirrer via the shaft of the double shaft structure, even if the power supply voltage is various. It is configured to be used with.

(Basic configuration of this washing machine)
The washing machine 1 is configured similarly to the washing machine 1 shown in FIG. In the washing method, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the rotational directions of the drum 30 and the pulsator 40 are opposed to each other so that the respective mechanical forces can be combined and effectively applied to the laundry. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for the same components, and description thereof is omitted.

  However, the washing machine 1 is designed mainly for general households, and is used by connecting to a rated commercial AC power source such as 100V or 200V. Furthermore, the washing machine 1 is assumed to be used worldwide, and the commercial power supply voltage itself may be unstable depending on the country or region in which it is used. Therefore, this washing machine 1 is devised so that it can be used stably even when commercial AC power supplies with different ratings and commercial AC power supplies are unstable.

  The controller 60 controls the magnetization of the motor 50 performed in accordance with the driving state of the drum 30 and the pulsator 40 in each stroke.

  As shown in FIG. 28, the stator 51 includes a stator core 51a configured by stacking metal plates, a plurality of coils 51b that are configured by winding a conductive wire around the stator core 51a, and are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Yes. The stator 51 is attached to the rear surface of the bearing housing 23 a of the water tank 20.

  The outer rotor 53 is a flat bottomed cylindrical member. A plurality of magnetic poles (N poles and S poles) are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction on the inner surface of the peripheral wall facing the stator 51. Rectangular plate-shaped magnets 54 are arranged at equal intervals. These magnets 54 are composed of alnico magnets or the like that can change the magnetization state, that is, can reversibly change the direction of the magnetic pole and the amount of magnetization by magnetization (magnetization-compatible magnet 54).

  The inner rotor 52 is a flat member having an outer diameter smaller than that of the outer rotor 53, and magnetic poles (N pole and S pole) are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction on the outer surface of the peripheral wall facing the stator 51. In addition, a plurality of rectangular plate-like magnets 55 are arranged at equal intervals. Unlike the outer rotor 53, these magnets 55 are composed of neodymium magnets or the like having a high coercive force that cannot change the magnetization state (magnetization-incompatible magnet 55).

(Power supply circuit 80)
The motor 50 is provided with a power supply circuit 80 so that the motor 50 can be driven by electric power supplied from an external commercial AC power supply. As shown in FIG. 29, the power supply circuit 80 is connected to a pair of electric cables 82 and 82 having an outlet 81 at one end, and is electrically connected to an external commercial AC power supply via a plug. Electric power is supplied to the motor 50 through the power supply circuit 80.

  The power supply circuit 80 includes a rectifier circuit 83, a booster circuit 84, a capacitor 85, an inverter circuit 86, and the like arranged in series with a pair of electric cables 82, 82, and is controlled by the motor 50 according to the control of the controller 60. The predetermined composite current (a mixture of three-phase and six-phase currents) is supplied.

  The rectifier circuit 83 is a general circuit configured by a bridge rectifier circuit or the like, and is disposed on the power supply side of the power supply circuit 80. The commercial AC power supply is rectified by the rectifier circuit 83 to generate a DC voltage. AC phase detection means 87 is installed on the power supply side of the power supply circuit 80 relative to the rectifier circuit 83. The AC phase detection means 87 detects the phase of the commercial AC power supply.

  The booster circuit 84 is a general circuit capable of boosting the DC voltage rectified by the rectifier circuit 83, and includes a reactor, a short circuit, and the like. The booster circuit 84 is disposed adjacent to the motor side of the rectifier circuit 83. A first current detection resistor 88 and a first current detection means 89 are installed between the booster circuit 84 and one electrical cable 82. The first current detection means 89 detects the amount of current flowing through the booster circuit 84 from the voltage across the first current detection resistor 88.

  Since the voltage supplied by the booster circuit 84 can be boosted, the rated output of the commercial power supply voltage is lower than the voltage required for driving the motor 50, or the commercial AC power supply is unstable and necessary for driving the motor 50. Even when the voltage drops below a certain voltage, a constant voltage can be stably supplied to the inverter circuit 86.

  In addition, by providing the booster circuit 84, the output voltage to the motor can be adjusted to a constant level even with different power supply voltages, enabling worldwide support for both 100V and 200V rated outputs. Thus, the convenience of the washing machine 1 is improved.

  Furthermore, since the booster circuit 84 can also be used as a power factor correction circuit, the power factor can be improved.

  Further, since the upper limit value of the maximum rotation speed of the motor is limited by the supply voltage, the maximum rotation speed of the motor can be increased by boosting.

  The capacitor 85 is a general member having a power storage function, and is installed between the booster circuit 84 and the inverter circuit 86. The voltage supplied to the inverter circuit 86 can be stabilized by the capacitor 85. On the motor side of the capacitor 85, a voltage detection resistor 90 and a voltage detection means 91 are installed adjacent to each other. The voltage detector 91 detects the voltage boosted by the booster circuit 84.

  The inverter circuit 86 is disposed on the motor side of the power supply circuit 80 and is connected to the stator 51 of the motor 50 through three output cables 92. The inverter circuit 86 is provided with a second current detection resistor 93 and a second current detection means 94. Specifically, as conceptually shown in FIG. 7, the second current detection resistor 93 is installed in the output path of any one of the output cables 92, and the second current detection unit 94 includes the second current detection unit 94. The current flowing through the inverter circuit 86 is detected from the voltage across the detection resistor 93.

  The inverter circuit 86 adjusts the waveform of electric power (current) based on the control of the controller 60 and outputs a composite current to the motor 50. With this composite current, each of the outer rotor 53 and the inner rotor 52 can be driven independently.

  The power supply circuit 80 is controlled by the controller 60. The controller 60 includes a timer 61 that controls the output frequency of the booster circuit 84, a booster amount determination unit 62 that calculates and determines the output amount of the booster circuit 84, and an inverter output determination that calculates and determines the output amount of the inverter circuit 86. The part 63, the magnetization control part 64, etc. are provided.

  For example, the controller 60 controls the power supply circuit 80 so that the voltage output to the motor 50 is adjusted according to the driving state of the motor 50 in each process such as washing, rinsing, and dehydration. That is, the optimum voltage for the operation pattern in each stroke is set in advance, and every time the operation pattern is changed in each stroke, the boost amount determination unit 62 increases the voltage so that the supply voltage becomes the set voltage. The output amount of the circuit 84 is determined based on the voltage value detected by the voltage detection means 91.

  The booster circuit 84 is also used as a power factor correction circuit. That is, current distortion is improved based on the phase of the power detected by the AC phase detection means 87, the voltage value detected by the voltage detection means 91, and the current value detected by the second current detection means 94. The boost amount determining unit 62 determines the output amount of the boost circuit 84 so that the power factor is improved.

  Further, in order to improve the output efficiency, the switching frequency of the booster circuit 84 is changed by the timer 61 in accordance with the output amount of the booster circuit 84 determined by the booster amount determination unit 62. That is, the switching frequency is changed to high or low in accordance with the change in the output amount of the booster circuit 84 so that the output efficiency is improved.

(Magnetization)
In the washing machine 1, the motor 50 is magnetized in accordance with the driving state of the drum 30 and the pulsator 40 in each stroke under the control of the magnetization control unit 64.

  That is, in this washing machine 1, since the composite current is generated by one inverter circuit 86 and the rotation of each of the inner rotor 52 and the outer rotor 53 of the motor 50 is controlled, these rotation directions are independently set. In order to control, it is necessary to change the magnetization state of at least one of the magnets 54 and 55 of the inner rotor 52 and the outer rotor 53 (in this washing machine 1, the magnetizing magnet 54).

  For example, when the rotation direction of the drum 30 and the pulsator 40 is changed from the same direction to the reverse direction and from the reverse direction to the same direction, it is necessary to switch the magnetic poles (N pole and S pole) of the magnetized magnet 54. There is.

  Further, in the washing and rinsing process, not only the laundry but also the washing water is accommodated in the drum 30, so that a high torque is required for the rotation of the drum 30 and the pulsator 40. For this reason, the magnetized magnet 54 requires a high magnetic force. On the other hand, in the dehydration stroke, high rotation is required although high torque is not required for these rotations. If the magnetizing magnet 54 has a high magnetic force, a large rotational resistance is generated at high rotations, resulting in energy loss, noise, and vibration. Therefore, it is preferable that the magnetizing magnet 54 has a low magnetic force.

  Therefore, in this washing machine 1, the controller 60 magnetizes the motor 50 before the washing process, thereby switching the magnetic poles of the magnetizing magnet 54 so that the drum 30 and the pulsator 40 rotate in the opposite directions. It is set to execute processing and processing to increase the amount of magnetization of the magnetizing magnet 54 so that high torque can be obtained by the outer rotor 53. Further, when changing the direction of rotation during the washing process, a process of switching the magnetic poles is also performed at that time.

  In addition, the controller 60 magnetizes the motor 50 before the dehydration process, thereby switching the magnetic poles of the magnetizing magnet 54 so that the drum 30 and the pulsator 40 rotate in the same direction, It is set to execute processing for reducing the magnetizing amount of the magnet 54. When the rotation direction is changed in the rinsing process before the dehydration process, the process of switching the magnetic poles is performed at that time, and the demagnetization process is performed before the dehydration process.

  When magnetizing, it is necessary to supply a large pulsed magnetizing current to the motor 50. On the other hand, in many cases, the commercial power supply voltage alone cannot secure a voltage (magnetization voltage) necessary for supplying the magnetizing current. Therefore, the washing machine 1 is configured such that, in such a case, the magnetization control unit 64 can boost the voltage by the booster circuit 84 and ensure the magnetization voltage.

  Specifically, at the time of magnetization, based on the current value detected by the second current detection means 94, a predetermined magnetization current flows, and based on the voltage value detected by the voltage detection means 91. Thus, the boost amount determining unit 62 determines the output amount of the boost circuit 84 so that the magnetized voltage is constant.

  And the timing of magnetization is controlled so that the electric power required for magnetization can be supplied efficiently.

  That is, after being rectified by the rectifier circuit 83, as shown by a thin solid line in FIG. 30, a voltage having a waveform (full wave rectified waveform) continuous at a constant period is output. On the other hand, in magnetization, since a large magnetization current is output in a pulse shape, the efficiency varies depending on the timing at which the magnetization current flows in relation to the voltage waveform.

  Therefore, in the washing machine 1, the magnetization control unit 64 generates a magnetizing current in accordance with the phase of the voltage as shown by a thick solid line in FIG. 30 so that magnetization is performed at an optimal timing. Is called. Specifically, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 30, the supply of the magnetizing current is started at the timing when the phase detected by the AC phase detecting means 87 coincides with the reference phase θs, and the second current detecting means 94 is started. The inverter output determination unit 63 determines the output amount of the inverter circuit 86 so that the current detected in step S1 reaches the reference current value Is at the reference time ts. The reference phase θs, the reference time ts, and the reference current value Is are set in advance in the magnetization control unit 64.

  Therefore, according to the washing machine 1, the motor 50 that rotates the drum 30 and the pulsator 40 can be stably driven and controlled via the double shaft 70 even if the power supply voltage is varied. Can be used in

  In addition, although the washing machine of this application example illustrated the washing machine using one dual motor 50, you may use two normal motors instead of the dual motor 50. FIG.

  Specifically, two motors having one rotor, that is, an inner rotor type or outer rotor type motor, are installed inside or outside one stator instead of the dual motor 50.

  For example, if the two stators have an inner and outer double-layer double stator structure arranged back to back, and an inner rotor and an outer rotor are respectively arranged on the inner and outer sides of the double stator structure, a dual motor can be easily used. 50 can be substituted. This motor is functionally the same as two independent motors arranged side by side around the rotation axis J. Of course, you may install two normal motors separately.

  In the power supply circuit 80, two inverter circuits are installed in parallel instead of the inverter circuit 86, and the motors are individually driven and controlled by these inverter circuits. In this case, since the drum 30 and the pulsator 40 can be individually controlled for rotation, magnetization control is not necessary. Further, the power supply circuit 80 is complicated by the amount of two inverter circuits, but since an ordinary motor is used, there is an advantage that procurement is easy.

<Another embodiment>
In this embodiment, an example of application to a vertical washing machine is shown.

  FIG. 31 shows a washing machine 1 'according to this embodiment. This washing machine 1 'is also a fully automatic washing machine. The washing machine 1 ′ has a vertically long rectangular box-shaped casing 102, and an insertion port 104 that is opened and closed by a lid 103 is formed on the casing 102. The laundry is taken in and out through the insertion port 104. Various switches operated by the user and a display unit are provided behind the insertion port 104.

  Inside the housing 102, a water tank 110, a drum 111, a motor 50, a pulsator 40, a balancer 114, a controller 115, and the like are installed. The water tank 110 is a bottomed cylindrical container capable of storing water, and is suspended inside the housing 102 by a plurality of suspension members 116 with the opening directed to the upper inlet 104. Water can be injected into the water tank 110 through a water injection mechanism (not shown). A drain pipe 117 that is controlled to be opened and closed by a valve 117 a is connected to the lower part of the water tank 110, and unnecessary water is drained to the outside of the washing machine 1 ′ through the drain pipe 117.

  The drum 111 is a bottomed cylindrical container that accepts laundry, which is slightly smaller than the water tank 110. The drum 111 is accommodated in the water tank 110 so as to be rotatable around a vertical axis J extending in the vertical direction with its opening directed toward the charging port 104. All of the laundry processing is executed inside the drum 111. A large number of drain holes 111a are formed over the entire surface of the cylindrical peripheral wall of the drum 111 (only a part is shown in the figure).

  A balancer 114 is installed in the opening of the drum 111. The balancer 114 is an annular member that contains a plurality of balls and viscous fluid therein, and adjusts the imbalance in weight balance caused by the bias of the laundry when the drum 111 rotates.

  The pulsator 40 described above is installed at the bottom of the drum 111, and the motor 50 described above is installed at the bottom of the water tank 110.

  Also in this washing machine 1 ′, the washing water can be reduced in quantity at the time of washing, and the mechanical force of the drum 111 and the protruding portion of the pulsator 40 can be synthesized and acted on the laundry. Even if it is not obtained, it is possible to obtain a tap-like action in a drum type washing machine and a rubbing action by the movement of the laundry. Washing unevenness can be reduced by mixing the laundry. Therefore, the cleaning power can be improved and the cleaning time can be shortened.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Washing machine 10 Housing | casing 12 Slot 20 Water tank 30 Drum (rotary tank)
40 Pulsator (stirring body)
50 Motor (motor)
60 controller (control device)
70 Double shaft J Rotation axis

Claims (56)

A washing machine,
A housing having a loading port for the laundry to be taken in and out; a water tank installed inside the housing; a drum housed rotatably with the opening facing the loading port; A pulsator which is installed at the bottom of the drum and has a projecting portion extending in the radial direction, a driving device which drives the drum and the pulsator, and a control device which controls the driving device,
A washing machine in which the control device controls the driving device to relatively rotate the pulsator and the drum during washing. The washing machine according to claim 1,
The pulsator and the drum are washing machines that rotate at relatively different speeds during washing. The washing machine according to claim 1,
A washing machine in which a lifter that protrudes inward and extends along the inner peripheral surface is not provided on the inner peripheral surface of the drum. The washing machine according to claim 1,
A washing machine in which a lifter that protrudes inward and extends along an inner peripheral surface of the drum is installed on a bottom surface of the drum. The washing machine according to claim 1,
The pulsator has a disk-like base portion on which the protruding portion is provided on the surface,
The washing machine in which the protruding amount of the protruding portion from the surface of the base portion is larger on the outer peripheral side than on the inner peripheral side. The washing machine according to claim 1,
The washing machine in which the pulsator has an outer diameter of less than 100% and 60% or more of the inner diameter of the drum. The washing machine according to claim 1,
The opening has an inner diameter smaller than the drum body,
The washing machine, wherein the pulsator has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the opening. The washing machine according to claim 1,
A washing machine in which an outer peripheral edge of the pulsator is opposed to an inner peripheral surface of the drum with a gap, and a working surface is provided in the gap to contact the laundry and give a mechanical action. The washing machine according to claim 8,
The pulsator has a disk-like base portion on which the protruding portion is provided on the surface,
When the size of the gap in the radial direction is ΔR (unit: mm) and the maximum protrusion amount of the protrusion from the surface of the base portion at the outer peripheral edge is H (unit: mm), 0.1 ≦ H Washing machine satisfying /ΔR≦1.0. In the washing machine according to any one of claims 5 to 9,
A washing machine in which inclined surfaces facing the circumferential direction are provided on both sides of the outer peripheral side of the protrusion. The washing machine according to claim 1,
The protrusion has a substantially flat inclined surface facing the circumferential direction of the pulsator,
The washing machine, wherein the inclined surface has an inclination angle of 15 ° or more with respect to the rotation axis of the pulsator when viewed from the direction of the cross section. The washing machine according to claim 1,
The protrusion has a substantially flat inclined surface facing the circumferential direction of the pulsator,
The washing machine, wherein the inclined surface has an inclination angle of 20 ° or less with respect to the rotation axis of the pulsator when viewed from the direction of the cross section. The washing machine according to claim 1,
The washing machine in which the protruding portion has a plurality of substantially flat inclined surfaces extending at different inclination angles in the circumferential direction of the pulsator. The washing machine according to claim 1,
A washing machine in which the drum rotates about a rotation axis extending in a substantially horizontal direction. The washing machine according to claim 1,
The driving device is composed of one motor,
The motor has one stator and two rotors that are arranged on the inner side and the outer side of the stator and that respectively rotate the drum and the pulsator,
A washing machine in which the two rotors are controlled by one inverter. The washing machine according to claim 1,
The driving device is composed of one motor,
The motor has one stator and two rotors that are arranged on the inner side and the outer side of the stator and that respectively rotate the drum and the pulsator,
A washing machine in which the two rotors are controlled by a plurality of inverters. The washing machine according to claim 1,
The drive device is composed of two motors that rotate and drive each of the drum and the pulsator,
A washing machine in which the two motors are arranged side by side around a rotating shaft and are controlled by individual inverters. The washing machine according to claim 1,
The drive device is composed of two motors that rotate and drive each of the drum and the pulsator,
A washing machine in which the two motors are arranged side by side in the direction in which the rotation shaft extends and are individually driven and controlled. The washing machine according to claim 1,
The drive device is composed of two motors,
A power transmission mechanism including a shaft, a pulley, and an endless belt interposed between each of the drum and the pulsator and the motor;
A washing machine in which each of the drum and the pulsator is driven by the motor via the power transmission mechanism. The washing machine according to claim 1,
The drive device includes a first motor and a second motor having a rotor that rotates about a rotation shaft inside the stator,
A pulley that rotates around the rotation axis outside the stator, and a power transmission mechanism that includes an endless belt;
A washing machine in which the pulsator is driven by the first motor via the power transmission mechanism, and the drum is driven by the second motor. The washing machine according to claim 1,
The driving device is composed of one motor,
The motor has one stator and two rotors that are arranged on the inner side and the outer side of the stator and that respectively rotate the drum and the pulsator,
A washing machine in which the stator has a plurality of teeth that are independently arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The washing machine according to claim 1,
The driving device is composed of one motor,
The motor includes one stator, and a first rotor and a second rotor that are arranged on each of the inside and the outside of the stator and rotationally drive each of the drum and the pulsator,
A washing machine in which at least one of the first rotor and the second rotor is configured to be able to switch the number of magnetic poles by reversing the magnetic poles by magnetization. The washing machine according to claim 1,
The driving device is composed of one motor having a first rotor and a second rotor rotating coaxially,
A cylindrical outer shaft that is rotatably supported by the water tank via a bearing and connected to the first rotor, an inner shaft that is rotatably inserted into the outer shaft and connected to the second rotor, A double shaft that transmits the rotational force of the first rotor and the second rotor to each of the drum and the pulsator,
A contact portion configured to contact the first rotor protrudes from an outer peripheral surface of an end portion of the outer shaft protruding from the bearing,
The first rotor is attached to the outer shaft in a state of being inserted into an end portion of the outer shaft and in contact with the contact portion,
The washing machine in which the abutment portion is configured by attaching and fixing a separate positioning member to the outer shaft. The washing machine according to claim 1,
The driving device is composed of one motor having a first rotor and a second rotor rotating coaxially,
A cylindrical outer shaft that is rotatably supported by the water tank and connected to the first rotor, and an inner shaft that is rotatably inserted into the outer shaft and connected to the second rotor; A double shaft that transmits the rotational force of the first rotor and the second rotor to each of the drum and the pulsator;
The outer shaft has a rotor connecting end having an outer diameter smaller than that of the main body portion, and a mounting hole that opens at the center of the first rotor is inserted into the rotor connecting end so as to be removable.
A fixture having a fixed rod slidable along an axis is fixed to the protruding end side of the rotor connecting end with respect to the first rotor, and applies pressure to the first rotor from the outside in the axial direction with the fixed rod. The washing machine in which the first rotor is fixed to the outer shaft. The washing machine according to claim 1,
A washing machine in which the number of rotations of the drum is 40 rpm or more and the number of rotations of the pulsator is 80 rpm or more during washing. The washing machine according to claim 1,
A washing machine in which the ratio of the rotation speed of the drum and the rotation speed of the pulsator during washing is constant. The washing machine according to claim 1,
A washing machine in which the laundry is hit by the protrusions when the drum rotates at a rotation speed of 50 rpm or more during washing. The washing machine according to claim 1,
A washing machine in which, when washing, the drum is rotated at a rotational speed of 50 rpm or more so that the laundry is stuck to the inner peripheral surface of the drum by centrifugal force, whereby the stuck laundry is peeled off by the protrusion. The washing machine according to claim 1,
At the time of washing, the drum rotates at a rotational speed of 50 rpm or more at which the laundry sticks to the inner peripheral surface of the drum by centrifugal force, and the pulsator rotates in the opposite direction to the drum, thereby A washing machine in which an object is wiped off by the protrusion and pushed forward. The washing machine according to claim 1,
A washing machine in which the drum rotates at a rotation speed of 60 rpm or more during washing, and wash water stored in the water tank is continuously circulated and supplied to the drum. The washing machine according to claim 1,
A washing machine in which the drum rotates at a rotation speed of 60 rpm or more during washing, and the washing water stored in the water tank is continuously supplied to the drum in a foamed state. The washing machine according to claim 1,
When washing, the drum rotates in both the same and opposite directions as the pulsator,
A washing machine in which the number of rotations of the drum is different between when rotating in the same direction as the pulsator and when rotating in the opposite direction to the pulsator. The washing machine according to claim 1,
When washing, the drum rotates in both the same and opposite directions as the pulsator,
The washing machine in which the ratio of the number of rotations of the drum and the pulsator is different between when rotating in the same direction and when rotating in the opposite direction. The washing machine according to claim 1,
A washing machine in which the control device further rotates the pulsator in the same direction at the same rotational speed as the drum during washing. The washing machine according to claim 1,
A washing machine in which the control device further rotates the pulsator in the same direction at a higher rotational speed than the drum during washing. The washing machine according to claim 1,
A washing machine that rotates the drum while the controller further stops energization of a motor that drives the pulsator during washing. The washing machine according to claim 1,
A washing machine that rotates the pulsator while the controller further stops energization of a motor that drives the drum during washing. The washing machine according to claim 1,
A washing machine that rotates the drum while the controller further stops rotating the pulsator during washing. The washing machine according to claim 1,
A washing machine in which the control device further rotates the pulsator at the time of washing with the drum stopped rotating. The washing machine according to claim 1,
The control device is
A weight determination unit for determining the weight of the laundry put into the drum;
A cloth type determination unit for determining the type of laundry based on a change in the water level inside the water tank;
Based on the results of both the weight determination and the type determination of the laundry, an operating condition determination unit that determines the rotation direction of each of the drum and the pulsator;
Having a washing machine. The washing machine according to claim 1,
The control device is
A weight determination unit that determines the weight of the laundry thrown into the drum in a state where the drum is rotated at a predetermined number of revolutions;
A capacity determination unit that determines a ratio of the capacity of the laundry to the internal capacity of the drum in a state in which the drum is rotated at a predetermined rotation speed in a direction opposite to the weight determination;
Based on the weight determination result of the laundry and the determination result of the volume ratio, an operating condition determination unit that determines the rotation direction of each of the drum and the pulsator,
Having a washing machine. The washing machine according to claim 1,
A washing machine in which the control device varies the magnetization rate of a motor that rotationally drives the drum between washing and dewatering. The washing machine according to claim 1,
A washing machine in which the controller demagnetizes a motor that rotationally drives the drum during dehydration. The washing machine according to claim 1,
A washing machine in which a rotation preventing structure for restricting rotation of the shaft is provided at a connecting portion of the shaft to which the drum or the pulsator is connected. The washing machine according to claim 1,
The pulsator is
A boss part to which the shaft is connected at the center;
A disk part formed around the boss part and having the protruding part formed thereon;
Have
A washing machine in which the boss part and the disk part are made of different parts. The washing machine according to claim 1,
The drum is connected to a shaft that rotates the drum via a flange member assembled to the bottom of the drum,
A washing machine in which the flange member and the shaft are detachably fitted in a non-rotatable state and are fastened and fixed in the axial direction. The washing machine according to claim 1,
The drum is connected to a shaft that rotates the drum via a flange member assembled to the bottom of the drum,
A washing machine in which the shaft is press-fitted into the flange member. The washing machine according to claim 1,
The drum is connected to a shaft that rotates the drum via a flange member assembled to the bottom of the drum,
A washing machine in which the shaft is insert-molded in the flange member. A washing machine equipped with a motor that rotates a rotating tub and a stirring body around the same rotation axis via a double-axis shaft,
A power supply circuit that is electrically connected to an external AC power supply and supplies power to the motor;
The power supply circuit is
A rectifier circuit that rectifies the AC power source to generate a DC voltage;
An inverter circuit that is connected to the rectifier circuit via a capacitor, adjusts the waveform of power, and outputs the adjusted motor to the motor;
Have
A washing machine in which a booster circuit is installed between the rectifier circuit and the capacitor. The washing machine according to claim 49,
A washing machine in which the motor is composed of one motor having an inner rotor and an outer rotor inside and outside a single stator, and one inverter circuit for driving and controlling the motor is installed in the power supply circuit. The washing machine according to claim 50,
A control device for controlling the power supply circuit;
A magnetizing magnet capable of changing the magnetized state is installed on at least one of the inner rotor and the outer rotor,
A washing machine having a magnetization control unit that boosts a voltage by the boosting circuit when the control device magnetizes the magnetizing magnet. The washing machine according to claim 51,
A housing having a front opening for loading and unloading laundry;
A water tank installed inside the housing with the opening facing the inlet,
With
The rotating tub consists of a drum housed in the water tub with the opening facing forward so that the rotating shaft extends in the front-rear direction,
The stirring body consists of a pulsator installed at the bottom of the drum,
The shaft is
A cylindrical outer shaft that is rotatably supported by the water tank and connected to the inner rotor and the drum;
An inner shaft that is rotatably inserted into the outer shaft and connected to the outer rotor and the pulsator;
Have
The magnet for magnetizing is installed in the outer rotor, and the magnet for non-magnetization that cannot change the magnetized state is installed in the inner rotor,
The control device magnetizes the magnetizing magnet so that the drum and the pulsator rotate in opposite directions before the washing process, and before the dehydration process, the drum and the pulsator are A washing machine that magnetizes the magnetized magnet so as to rotate in the same direction. The washing machine according to claim 49,
A washing machine in which the motor is composed of two motors having one rotor inside or outside a single stator, and two inverter circuits for individually driving and controlling the two motors are installed in the power supply circuit. The washing machine according to claim 49,
A washing machine in which the motor is composed of two motors having one rotor inside or outside a single stator, and two inverter circuits for individually driving and controlling the two motors are installed in the power supply circuit. The washing machine according to claim 14,
A disc-shaped flange shaft that is interposed between the drum and the driving device and supports the drum;
The drum is
A cylindrical wrapper,
An annular drum back attached to the rear inner edge of the wrapper and integrated with the flange shaft;
Have
A washing machine in which the wrapper is integrated together with the drum back and the flange shaft by fastening from the outside in the radial direction in a state of being fitted to each other. The washing machine according to claim 14,
A disc-shaped flange shaft that is interposed between the drum and the driving device and supports the drum;
The drum is
A cylindrical wrapper,
An annular drum back attached to the rear inner edge of the wrapper and integrated with the flange shaft;
Have
The pulsator has an annular recess formed in the outer peripheral portion of the back surface thereof,
The flange shaft has an annular rib formed on an outer peripheral portion thereof,
A labyrinth structure including a gap formed by receiving the annular rib in a non-contact state with the annular recess is provided between the outer peripheral portion of the pulsator and the drum back and the flange shaft. Machine.