JP3476713B2 - Electric washing machine - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an electric washing machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, an electric washing machine includes a washing tub / dewatering tub rotatably installed in an outer tub, a stirring blade rotatably installed at the bottom of the washing tub / dehydrating tub, and a washing machine. An electric drive device for rotatably driving the tub / dehydration tub and the stirring blade is provided. By selectively rotating the washing tub / dehydration tub and the stirring blade by the electric drive device, the laundry in the washing tub / dehydration tub can be washed. The washing and rinsing steps are performed by stirring, and thereafter, the laundry tub / dehydration tub is rotated at high speed to centrifugally dehydrate the laundry.

An electric drive device generally uses an induction motor as a power source, but recently, a structure in which an electric power is supplied to the electric motor by an inverter circuit has been proposed. Further, an electric washing machine has been proposed in which a brushless electric motor is used as an electric motor to realize various washing and dehydrating operations. An inverter-controlled washing machine is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 9-121584.

Although the technology is completely different from that of a washing machine,
For example, in the technical field of air conditioners, a technique of supplying power to an electric motor by inverter control is proposed. This technique is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-11108.

[0005]

Although the control of the motor is improved in the inverter-controlled washing machine, it is necessary to improve the efficiency in the rinsing operation of the washing machine.

One object of the present invention is to provide a relatively small
An object of the present invention is to propose an electric washing machine that can efficiently perform a rinsing operation using a barter drive motor .

Other objects will be described in the following embodiments.

[0008]

According to the present invention, the voltage supplied to the inverter is controlled based on the rinsing process of the washing machine or each operation of the rinsing process.
The inverter drives the proper <br/> switching voltage to the power supply to the inverter driving the motor at the time of stirring operation is supplied to the inverter circuit
That is , the operation of the electric motor is controlled . Specific solving means will be described in the following embodiments.

[0009]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional side view of a washing machine showing one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a basic structure of a fully automatic washing machine is shown as an example of the washing machine.

Reference numeral 1 denotes an outer frame of the washing machine, which is a frame body of the washing machine that encloses the periphery of the internal mechanism. Reference numeral 2 is a washing tub provided inside the outer frame of the washing machine, and more specifically, it is a washing tub / dehydrating tub. A fluid balancer 3 is provided at the upper edge of the washing tub (or the washing tub / dehydrating tub). A stirring blade 4 is rotatably provided inside the bottom of the washing tub (or washing tub / dehydrating tub) 2. An outer tub 5 has a washing tub (or a washing tub / dehydrating tub) 2 rotatably provided therein. An electric drive device 6 having a motor (electric motor) is attached to the outer side of the bottom of the outer tub 5 by a steel plate attachment base 7, and is suspended and supported by vibration isolation support devices 8 from the upper four corners of the outer frame 1. The internal configuration of the electric drive device 6 will be described later.

The upper cover 9 provided with the clothes insertion opening 9a is provided on the washing tub (or washing tub / dehydrating tub) 2. The upper cover 9 is fitted into the opening edge so as to cover the upper opening of the frame 1, and is attached to the frame 1 together with the front panel 10 and the back panel 11 by attaching screws (not shown).

A front panel 10 is provided in front of the upper cover 9.
A front panel box 12 formed below the power switch includes a power switch 13 and an input switch group 1 which is an operation switch.
4, a display element group 15, a water level sensor 16 for generating a water level signal according to the water level in the outer tub 5, and a first controller 17 as a main controller. Although not shown in the drawings, the input switch group 14 sets a switch for setting the degree of stains on the laundry (more stains, standard stains, less stains), a switch for setting dry mark clothes wash, and a set for futon wash. A switch and a start switch are provided. In addition, a switch for selecting the strength of water flow for washing or rinsing is provided, and a switch for indicating the cloth quality is provided.

A back panel box 18 formed below the back panel 11 is provided behind the upper cover 9. The back panel box 18 has a built-in water supply solenoid valve 21 that connects the water inlet side to the faucet 19 and connects the water outlet side to the water inlet 20. The water injection port 20 is formed to discharge water toward the opening of the washing tub (or washing tub / dehydrating tub) 2. The back panel box 18 is further provided with a pump for supplying water such as bath water to the washing tub (or washing tub / dehydrating tub) 2 via a pump. Water from the water supply solenoid valve 21 is guided to the water inlet 20 through a filter for removing metal ions.

Clothing insertion opening 9a formed in the upper cover 9
Has a structure which is covered by a lid 22 so as to be openable and closable.

The drain port 5a formed at the bottom of the outer tub 5 is connected to a drain hose 24 via a drain solenoid valve 23. An air trap 5b is provided below the outer tank 5, and the air trap 5b is connected to the water level sensor 16 via an air tube 25. The water level sensor 16 detects the water level according to the above configuration and inputs a signal representing the water level to the first control device 17.

Below the frame body 1, a base 27 made of synthetic resin having legs 26 attached to four corners is mounted.

The electric drive device 6 is covered with a cover 28 to be waterproof. The electric drive device 6 includes a drive electric motor, that is, a motor. In this embodiment, a brushless electric motor having excellent controllability is provided. The power supply to this motor is performed by the second control device 29 which is an auxiliary control device incorporating an inverter circuit. A second control device 29, which will be described later, follows the instruction from the first control device 17 and supplies power to the motor from an internal inverter circuit. The first control device 17 is arranged on the washing tub (or washing tub / dehydrating tub) 2 and the electric drive device 6.

On the other hand, the second control device 29 is provided below the washing tub (or washing tub / dehydrating tub) 2. With such a structure, protection from water and safety from high voltage can be secured. That is, the first control device 17 is provided with a microcomputer for performing control, and is provided on the washing tub (or the washing tub / dehydration tub) 2 that is easily protected from water. Further, the second control device 29 has a DC voltage generating circuit for supplying a high voltage, and is therefore arranged below the washing tub (or washing tub / dehydrating tub) 2 far from the person. In this embodiment, a synthetic resin base 27 is used.
It is installed on the top, further improving safety.

FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional side view showing a specific structure of this fully automatic washing machine, a part of which is shown in an exploded view. Since this fully automatic washing machine has basically the same configuration as the fully automatic washing machine shown in FIG. 1, the same reference numerals are used for the components corresponding to the components of the fully automatic washing machine shown in FIG. The same reference numerals are given and duplicate description is omitted. Electric drive device 6
Incorporates a brushless electric motor 51 as a drive power source.

FIG. 3 shows an electric drive device 6 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional side view showing the internal configuration of FIG. 4 and 5 are enlarged side views of a part of FIG.

The electric drive device 6 is provided with a washing tub / dehydration tub 2
Also, the reduction gear mechanism, the meshing clutch mechanism 47, and the reversible rotation type brushless electric motor 51 are concentrically arranged in series in the vertical direction with the drive rotation axis of the stirring blade 4 as the axis.

The reduction gear mechanism is driven by a ball bearing 33a, 33b inside the outer casing 32a, 32b of the split reduction mechanism, which is attached to the mounting base 7 by attaching the mounting flanges 31 together with the coupling flanges, to rotate the inner and outer double layers. Supports the shaft system 34.

The drive rotary shaft system 34 includes a hollow outer rotary shaft system and an inner rotary shaft system disposed inside the hollow outer rotary shaft system.

The outer rotary shaft system is a rotary shaft system for directly transmitting the rotation of the electric motor to the washing tub / dehydrating tub 2 to drive the washing tub / dehydrating tub 2. The outer rotary shaft system extends in the axial direction from the inside of the ball bearing 33a to the outside of the outer case 32a and penetrates the outer tub 5, and the outer output shaft portion 35a which is the tip end is connected to the washing and dehydrating tub 2 and To rotate. In the state where the washing tub (or the washing tub / dehydrating tub) 2 is rotated, the annular gear 35f, the planetary gear 36i, the carrier 36h, and the inner output shaft portion 36c are simultaneously rotated, so that the agitating blades 4 are rotated. Water tank) rotates at the same speed as 2. A serration 35b that engages with the dog clutch mechanism 47 is formed in a cylindrical portion that extends in the downward axial direction outside the outer case 32b. An outer input shaft portion 35d in which a flange 35c is formed on an inner end portion of the outer case 32b of the serration 35b.
Is mechanically coupled to the gear case portion 35e. An annular gear 35f is fixed to the inner circumference of the gear case portion 35e. A plurality of planetary gears 36i are provided between the annular gear 35f and the sun gear 36f. The planetary gear 36i, together with the annular gear 35f and the sun gear 36f, forms a reduction mechanism that reduces the speed and transmits the rotation. This reduction mechanism is housed in the gear case portion 35e.

The inner rotary shaft system provided inside the outer rotary shaft system is a rotary shaft system that decelerates the rotation of the electric motor and transmits it to the stirring blade 4 to drive the stirring blade 4, and the outer output shaft portion. A seal 37, metal bearings 38a and 38b, and a grip retaining ring (push nut) 39 are provided inside the casing 35a in a watertight and retaining state. The inner rotary shaft system projects from the tip of the outer output shaft portion 35a into the washing tub / dehydration tub 2 and is attached to the outer end portion to which the stirring blade 4 is attached, by attaching screws 3
It is attached by 6a. The inner rotating shaft system includes an inner output shaft portion 36c, an inner input shaft portion 36g, and a planetary gear 36i. The inner output shaft portion 36c communicates with the inside of the outer output shaft portion 35a into the gear case portion 35e, and has a structure that is coupled to the planetary gear reduction mechanism described above, and has serrations 36b formed at its inner end portion. . Inner input shaft 3
6g is a ball bearing 4 inside the outer input shaft portion 35d.
It is supported by 0a and 40b. Outer input shaft 3
The inner input shaft portion 36 extending in a cantilever state from the outer end of 5d
A fitting portion 36d to which a motor, that is, a rotor of an electric motor is fixed by a set screw 36e is formed at an outer end portion of g. Inner input shaft portion 36g extending into the gear case portion 35e
A sun gear 36f is formed on the inner end side portion of the. In the gear case portion 35e, the planetary gear 36i is configured such that its shaft is axially supported by the carrier 36h fitted in the serration 36b of the inner output shaft portion 36c. Planetary gear 36
i meshes with the gears 35f and 36f to rotate, and the planetary gear 36i transmits a rotational force to the carrier 36h. Since the planetary gear 36i rotates while the rotation speed of the gear 36f is reduced, the rotation force is reduced and transmitted.

The ball bearings 40a and 40b are attached to the outer input shaft portion 35d in a state of press-fitting the outer ring so as to highly accurately support the inner input shaft portion 36g which serves as the shaft of the motor, that is, the rotor of the brushless electric motor 51. As will be described later, the inner input shaft portion 36g supports the rotor of the brushless electric motor 51 in a cantilever state. Therefore, the bearing that supports the inner input shaft portion 36g has a small loss and a large radial direction. Ball bearings 40a and 40b, which are typical rolling bearings suitable for supporting loads, were used. However, it can be replaced by a roller bearing.

The brushless electric motor 51 has an outer case 32b.
With the insulating member 41 on the lower end surface of the mounting screw 42
The electric motor housing 43 mounted in an insulated state is opened downward, and the stator 52 is inserted from the opening end and fixed so as to be sandwiched by a plurality of cut-out projections 43a and bending claws 43b. The rotor 54 assembled to the stator 52 is fitted to the rotor fitting portion 36d formed on the inner input shaft portion 36g, and fixed by the set nut 46 screwed to the set screw 36e.

More specifically, in the brushless motor 51 in this embodiment, the stator winding 52b is wound around the stator core 52a to form the stator 52, and the stator core 5
2a is fitted into the motor housing 43 and the cut-out projection 4
It is fixed so as to be sandwiched by 3a and the bending claw 43b. The spacing member 53 compensates for the difference in the axial dimension of the stator core 52a and the dimension between the cut projection 43a and the bending claw 43b.

The rotor 54 is a rotor core (yoke) 54.
A permanent magnet magnetic pole 54b is attached to the outer periphery of a, and an electric motor rotor fitting portion 36 of the inner input shaft portion 36g is formed by an insulating resin attachment boss 54c integrally formed with these.
Attach to d.

Slider 47c of dog clutch mechanism 47
The meshing concave-convex portion 54d into which the meshing protrusion 47f formed in the above is fitted is resin-molded integrally with the mounting boss 54c on the upper surface of the mounting boss 54c. Mounting boss 54c
Is formed in such a size that it can be fitted and attached to the electric motor rotor fitting portion 36d, the rotor iron core 54a is exposed at the tightening end portion on the inner end side, and the tightening end portion on the outer end side is exposed. A metal ring 54e is embedded in the above.

The rotor mounting boss 54c can be formed in a short length by using a dedicated inner input shaft portion in which the electric motor rotor fitting portion is shortened.

Further, the permanent magnet magnetic pole 54b is constructed so as to project to the outside of the stator winding 52b, and the magnetic pole detecting element 55 is installed so as to face the rotational trajectory of this projecting portion, whereby the rotor 54 Is configured to detect the rotational position of the. The magnetic pole detection element 55 is attached to the cover 48.

The brushless motor 51 has a stator winding 52.
Since the relative position of the magnetic pole 54b of the rotor 54 with respect to each phase of b is detected and the power supply to each phase of the stator winding 52b is controlled, detailed description will be omitted.

The meshing clutch mechanism 47 couples the outer rotary shaft system 35 to the rotor 54 of the electric motor by meshing engagement to transmit the forward and reverse rotational forces of the rotor 54 to the outer rotary shaft system 35. The outer rotary shaft system 35 is locked so as to prevent the outer rotary shaft system 35 from rotating.

In the dog clutch mechanism 47, in order to reduce the overall size of the electric drive device 6 in the axial direction, an annular electromagnetic iron core 47b containing an annular electromagnetic coil 47a is attached to the inside of the motor housing 43 by the mounting screw 42. Then, the outer input shaft portion 35d is installed so as to surround the outer input shaft portion 35d. The slider 47c made of an insulating resin, which is slidably engaged with the serration 35b formed on the outer input shaft portion 35d in the axial direction, is engaged with the meshing uneven portion 54d of the rotor 54 by the coil spring 47d. The electromagnetic force of the electromagnetic coil 47a, and the slider 47c is pulled up against the pressing force of the coil spring 47d by the electromagnetic force of the electromagnetic coil 47a to release the meshing and to disengage the electromagnetic core 47b.
Adsorb to and stop turning.

The slider 47c is provided with an iron adsorber 47e which is attracted by the electromagnetic iron core 47b and is integrally molded with resin, and a meshing protrusion 47f which is fitted into the meshing concave and convex portion 54d to be meshed is formed by resin molding. Form.

The attractor 47e of the slider 47c is connected to the electromagnetic core 4
A plurality of radial engaging grooves 47b1 are formed on the adsorbing surface of the electromagnetic core 47b so that the slider 47c can be locked and prevented from rotating when adsorbed on 7b. A plurality of radial locking projections 4 fitted in the stop groove 47b1
7e1 is formed. The locking groove 47b1 has a locking projection 47e.
The side wall surface that locks 1 is formed so as to spread in the inward direction at an inclination of 1 to 2 degrees, and the side surface of the locking ridge 47e1 contacting the side wall surface of the locking groove 47b1 is 1 to 2 degrees in the tip direction. It is formed so as to widen at an inclination so that a component force in the retaining direction is generated when the meshing engagement is performed.

The lower end of the motor housing 43 has a cover 4
8 is fitted and covered. Then, the rotation detecting element (magnetism sensitive element) 55 of the rotation detecting sensor is attached to the cover 48,
The rotation detecting element 55 is connected to the permanent magnet 54 of the rotor 54.
It is installed so as to face the rotation trajectory of b.

In such an electric drive device 6, the attachment base 7 is attached to the outside of the bottom of the outer tub 5 with the attachment screw 50. The outer side of the electric drive device 6 is covered by an outer cover 28 attached together with the electric drive device 6 by the mounting screw 50.

Power is supplied to the brushless motor 51 by the second controller 29 in accordance with an instruction from the first controller 17 for PWM (pulse width modulation) control and PAM.
(Pulse voltage modulation) control. The PAM (pulse voltage modulation) control will be described in detail later.

FIG. 6 shows a control device for an electric washing machine. This control device comprises a first control device 17 and a second control device 29, and FIG. 6 is a block diagram of its specific internal configuration.

The main microcomputer 17a and the auxiliary microcomputer 29h form a control circuit, and include a DC voltage generating circuit 29a to an inverter circuit 29b, which will be described later.
A first control signal for controlling the voltage value of the DC voltage supplied to is generated. The terminal voltage of the capacitor c, that is, the supply voltage to the inverter circuit 29b is controlled based on the first control signal. The control circuit generates a second control signal. The second control signal controls the operation of the inverter circuit 29b and controls the pulse width to the brushless motor 51. Brushless motor 51 based on the second control signal
The rotation direction (forward rotation and reverse rotation) of is also controlled.

The illustration of the low-voltage power supply circuit and the power switch for operating the microcomputer and other circuits in the first control device 17 and the second control device 29 is omitted.

The first control device 17 is mainly composed of the main microcomputer 17a, and is a semiconductor AC switching element for controlling the power supply to the electromagnetic coil 47a of the meshing clutch mechanism 47 with the water supply electromagnetic valve 21 and the drainage electromagnetic valve 23. (FLS) drive circuits 17b to 17d and a line filter 17e for preventing high frequency noise from leaking to the commercial power supply circuit.

The main microcomputer 17a
Receives the input signals from the input switch group 14 and the water level sensor 16 and communicates with the second control device 29 according to the control processing program incorporated in advance, and the display element group 1
5 and the drive circuits 17b to 17d, the DC voltage control circuit 29c that controls the charging of the capacitors, that is, the terminal voltage of the capacitors, and the inverter circuit 29b that supplies power to the brushless motor 51.

The second controller 29 includes a DC voltage generating circuit 29a and a three-phase inverter circuit 29b, and controls the power supply to the brushless motor 51. That is, the magnitude and time of the pulse voltage or current supplied to the brushless motor 51 is controlled. The magnitude is a voltage value or a current value. In this embodiment, a voltage is applied to supply current to the brushless motor 51. The above voltage is based on the voltage supplied from the capacitor c to the inverter circuit 29b, and the pulse width, that is, the time during which the voltage is applied is controlled by the second signal applied to the inverter circuit 29b via the inverter drive circuit 29g. The DC voltage supplied to the inverter circuit 29b is controlled by the first control signal from the auxiliary microcomputer 29h. ,
A specific circuit that controls the DC voltage with the first control signal includes a DC voltage control circuit 29c, an output voltage feedback resistor 29d, and a voltage control resistor 29e.

The DC voltage generating circuit 29a includes a full-wave rectifying diode bridge DB which is a rectifying circuit that rectifies a commercial AC power source and outputs a DC voltage. The DC voltage generating circuit 29a acts as a charging circuit for the capacitor c,
By incorporating a step-up converter circuit, which is a type of switching regulator, and converting the electromagnetic energy stored in the reactor L during the ON period of the switching element S1 into a voltage when the switching element S1 is turned off and superimposing it on the input voltage. This is a configuration in which a boosted voltage is supplied to the capacitor C to store electric charges. The diode D
1 stabilizes the DC output voltage by blocking the reverse flow of the charge stored in the capacitor C. The amount of boost is the switching element S
It varies depending on the on-time ratio for one on / off cycle. The DC voltage obtained by full-wave rectification by the full-wave rectification diode bridge DB is about 140V. The DC voltage generating circuit 29a converts the full-wave rectified voltage to about 300V.
The output voltage is variably controlled within the output voltage range up to. As the switching element S1, like an IGBT or a GTO,
A semiconductor element having a function of turning off by itself is suitable.

The DC voltage control circuit 29c for controlling the DC voltage generation circuit 29a refers to the detected voltage obtained by dividing the output voltage of the DC voltage generation circuit 29a by the output voltage feedback resistor 29d and the voltage control resistor 29e and feeding it back. The on / off time ratio of the switching element S1 is controlled so that the detected voltage becomes a predetermined value. In this embodiment, the predetermined value of the detection voltage is a value corresponding to the detection voltage obtained when the predetermined output voltage (155V in this embodiment) is obtained. Auxiliary microcomputer 2
The supply voltage to the lowest inverter circuit 29b controlled by the second control signal from 9h is about 155V in this embodiment. Considering soft washing etc., 1
It is desirable that 40V to 170V can be supplied as the minimum supply voltage.

The three-phase inverter circuit 29b is composed of a switching element S2 and an antiparallel diode D2.
A phase bridge circuit is provided, and the output voltage of the DC voltage generating circuit 29a is used as an input to supply power to the three-phase stator windings 52b in the brushless motor 51. As the switching element S2, a semiconductor element having a function of turning off by itself, such as an IGBT or a GTO, is suitable. Power is supplied by the three-phase inverter circuit 29b under the control of the auxiliary microcomputer 29h.
The switching element S2 is controlled by ON / OFF. In order to operate the brushless motor 51 quietly and efficiently, sine wave power supply is suitable. The three-phase inverter circuit 29g realizes sine wave power supply by sine wave PWM control, and suppresses the generation of overload current by voltage suppression PWM control.

In the sine wave PWM control, the V constant sine wave PWM control method for keeping the effective value of the output voltage V constant and the V / F constant sine wave P for keeping the relationship between the output voltage V and the frequency F at a constant value.
There is a WM control method. V constant sine wave PWM control method is 3
It is possible to realize power supply that makes maximum use of the input voltage of the phase inverter circuit 29b, and it is possible to realize efficient power supply to the brushless motor 51 according to the V / F constant sine wave PWM control method.

FIG. 7 exemplifies a waveform diagram of the V / F constant control by the sine wave PWM control. In order to keep V / F constant, a sine wave and a triangular wave are compared as shown in (a),
By using the pulse waveform train as shown in (b) when the peak value of the sine wave is changed with the triangular wave as a reference for the on / off control of the switching element S2 of the three-phase inverter circuit 29g, A wave approximation PWM control method can be realized.

Triangle wave auxiliary microcomputer 29h
Integrated timer pulse unit (I
TU) to generate a sine wave as internal data of the auxiliary microcomputer 29h. The internal data of the sine wave for each frequency is not calculated each time in order to increase the carrier frequency of the triangular wave (for example, 16 KHz), but the results calculated for each frequency are stored in advance as a table and used. To

The V constant sine wave PWM control maximizes the input voltage by setting the size of the sine wave to be compared with the triangular wave to a constant value such that the maximum output voltage is obtained with respect to the input voltage. It is possible to realize the sine wave power supply that is utilized.

In FIG. 6, the auxiliary microcomputer 29h.
In accordance with an instruction from the main microcomputer 17a, refers to the rotational position signal of the rotor 54 output from the position detection circuit 29f based on the detection signal from the magnetic pole detection element 55 to supply power to the corresponding stator winding 52b. The inverter drive circuit 29g is controlled so as to perform the control, and the voltage control resistor 29e is controlled to change the DC output voltage of the DC voltage generation circuit 29a.

As described above, the DC voltage control circuit 29c controls the DC voltage generation circuit 29a so that the detected voltage becomes a predetermined value (corresponding to the output voltage of 155V). Then, the voltage control resistor 29e with a predetermined output voltage (155V)
The circuit constants are set so that the detection voltage becomes a predetermined value when all the control terminals of are opened. Therefore, when the auxiliary microcomputer 29h opens all control terminals of the voltage control resistor 29e, the DC voltage control circuit 29c controls the DC voltage variable circuit 29c so that a predetermined output voltage (155V) can be obtained. To do. And
When increasing the output voltage, the auxiliary microcomputer 29h short-circuits (connects) an arbitrary control terminal of the voltage control resistor 29g, so that the DC voltage control circuit 29c.
Decrease the detection voltage returned to. This way,
The DC voltage control circuit 29c controls the DC voltage generation circuit 29a so as to raise the lowered detection voltage to a predetermined detection voltage.
The control for increasing the output voltage of is executed. In this embodiment, the output voltage of the DC voltage generating circuit 29a is controlled in multiple stages (for example, 155V, 185V, 190V, 21) by opening / closing the control terminal of the voltage control resistor 29e.
0V, 230V, 270V). In the practice of this implementation, the first control signal is the voltage controlled resistor 29.
It is represented by which resistance of e is opened. That is, it is given as the bias voltage of the DC voltage control circuit 29c.
Alternatively, a method of generating the first control signal as a digital signal may be used. Finally, the on / off time (or duty may be used) of the semiconductor switch S1 is controlled,
The desired voltage should appear between the terminals of the capacitor C.

When the main microcomputer 17a is instructed to start washing by the input switch group 14, the main microcomputer 17a manually or automatically sets the washing mode and the dehydration mode based on the instruction input from the input switch group 14, and sets the set washing. Mode and dehydration mode. The washing mode is, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, a detection process, a washing process, and a rinsing process. The dehydration mode is a dehydration process.

FIG. 8 shows a control process executed by the main microcomputer 17a in the basic washing / dehydrating mode.

Step 801 (Detection of cloth amount or cloth quality) The cloth amount or cloth quality is detected. The detection result is used to set the amount of wash water supplied and various conditions in the washing mode and the dehydration mode.

First, when the laundry put in the washing tub / dehydrating tub 2 is in a dry state before water is supplied, the brushless motor 51 is supplied with electric power to rotate the stirring blades 4 to obtain the load resistance value at that time. Based on this, the dry cloth amount is detected (s1 in FIG. 9).
The load resistance amount is detected by detecting the rotational speed of the brushless electric motor 51 when the rotational speed becomes stable. When the amount of cloth is large, the load resistance increases and the rotation speed decreases. Therefore, the relationship between the rotation speed and the load resistance (dry cloth amount) is calculated in advance to detect the dry cloth amount from the rotation speed at this time. can do. In this embodiment, the dry cloth amount detection result is used to determine the wash water supply amount.

Next, the electromagnetic water supply valve 21 is opened to supply water to the predetermined water level in the washing tub / dehydration tub 2 (outer tub 5). This predetermined water level is a low water level for wetting the laundry.
Then, the brushless electric motor 51 is fed again to supply the stirring blades 4
Is rotated, and the first wet cloth amount is detected based on the load resistance value at that time (s2 in FIG. 9). After that, the water level is raised by water supply and the brushless motor 51 is fed again to rotate the stirring blade 4, and the second wet cloth amount is detected based on the load resistance value at that time (s3 in FIG. 9). The water level detection at this time is performed by monitoring the water level detection signal output from the water level sensor 16.

The cloth quality is detected based on the difference between the first wet cloth amount detection result and the second wet cloth amount detection result, which is used to determine the conditions in the washing and dehydration modes.

The DC output voltage of the DC voltage generating circuit 29a when power is supplied to the brushless motor 51 to rotate the stirring blade 4 in detecting the amount of cloth or the cloth quality is the lowest output voltage of the DC voltage generating circuit 29a. v1 (155V in this embodiment, t1 to t2 in FIG. 9). At this time, it is advantageous that the DC output voltage to the inverter circuit 29b is low in order to improve the detection accuracy.

Incidentally, the electric drive device 6 at the time of detecting these
Urging the electromagnetic coil 47a of the meshing clutch mechanism 47 to electromagnetically attract the attracting element 47e, pulling up the slider 47c against the coil spring 47d to raise the meshing protrusion 47f of the slider 47c of the motor. The rotor 45 is separated from the meshing concave-convex portion 45c3, the attractor 47e is attracted to the electromagnetic core 47b, and the engaging protrusion 47e1 and the engaging groove 4
By engaging 7b1, the outer rotary shaft system 35 (the washing tub / dehydrating tub 2) is locked so as to suppress the rotation. In this state, electric power is supplied to the stator coil 52b of the brushless electric motor 51 to rotate the rotor 54, and the inner output shaft portion 36c is decelerated from the inner input shaft portion 36g through the planetary gear 36i.
To rotate the stirring blade 4.

During the detection operation and until the next washing step (t1
.About.t2) As shown in FIG. 9M, the output voltage of the DC voltage generating circuit 29a is maintained at a predetermined voltage v1. It is preferable to maintain the minimum voltage v1 or higher.

Step 802: The wash water level is determined according to the detected dry cloth amount, and water is supplied up to the determined wash water level.

Step 803: The washing mode (t2 to t3 in FIG. 9) is set by setting the washing mode according to the cloth quality and the degree of dirt. The washing mode is prepared as various washing mode control programs configured by combining the washing strength (the stirring strength by the stirring blade 4 and the washing tank / dehydrating tank 2 and means the strength of the washing water flow) and the washing time. Every time, automatically based on the cloth quality detection result and the degree of dirt input from the input switch group 14,
Or based on the instruction input from the input switch group 14,
Select one to execute. This also inputs the strength of the washing water flow.

In this embodiment, the washing strength is classified into strong washing (large-sized washing) A, standard washing B, medium washing (small-load washing) C, and weak washing D, and further, this division is classified according to the degree of dirt. Depending on the amount of dirt, wash strength (A1 to D1) for standard and wash strength (A2 to D2) for less dirt
D2) divided into two types of wash strength (wash water flow) and weaker weak wash strength (wash water flow) category E and dry mark. A washing tub suitable for washing clothes and delicate clothes without losing their shape. Washing strength (washing water flow) category F that rotates the dehydration tub 2 forward and backward, and washing strength (washing water flow) category G that is suitable for washing large items such as a futon Prepared. Figure 9 depending on the strength of washing
The voltage v2 of the capacitor is selected. When the water flow is strong, v2 is made higher than when it is weak. Alternatively, as indicated by the broken line, the strength may be once increased to v10 and then decreased to v11. By doing this, you can weaken the strength of the water flow,
Further, the torque at the start of rotation can be increased.

In operation in the washing strength section in which the stirring blade 4 is rotated in the forward and reverse directions, the electromagnetic coil 47 of the dog clutch mechanism 47 is operated.
The slider 47c is pulled up by urging the slider 47c.
And the rotor 45 are disengaged, the attractor 47e is attracted to the electromagnetic core 47b, and the locking ridge 47e1 is locked in the locking groove 47b.
1, the outer input shaft portion 35d is prevented from rotating so that the washing tub / dehydration tub 2 is in a stationary state, and the rotor 54 is fed to the stator coil 52b so as to rotate in the forward and reverse directions. It is transmitted to the stirring blade 4 via the inner input shaft portion 36g, the planetary gear 36i, and the inner output shaft portion 36c. The power supply from the inverter to the motor 51 is temporarily stopped during the forward rotation and the reverse rotation of the stirring blade 4, but the output voltage of the DC voltage generation circuit 29a is not reduced to zero. Maintain v1 or higher in FIG. In this embodiment, t2 to t3 are maintained at set values based on the result of the detection process of t1 to t2. This makes it easier to secure the starting torque.

In the washing strength category in which the washing / dehydrating tub 2 is rotated forward and backward, the electromagnetic coil 4 of the dog clutch mechanism 47 is rotated.
7a is de-energized and the slider 47c is pushed down by the coil spring 47d so that the meshing protrusion 47f of the slider 47c is fitted into the meshing concave and convex portion 54d of the rotor 54 and meshed with each other to establish a connection state with the rotor 54. , By feeding power to the stator coil 52b so as to rotate the rotor 54 forward and backward,
This rotation is performed by the outer input shaft portion 35d, the gear case portion 35e,
It is transmitted to the washing tub / dehydration tub 2 via the outer output shaft portion 35a. At this time, the planetary gear mechanism loses its deceleration function,
The stirring blade 4 rotates integrally with the washing tub / dehydration tub 2 in synchronization. In this case, efficiency can be improved by making the voltage of the condenser higher than the operation in the washing strength section in which the stirring blade 4 is rotated in the forward and reverse directions. It is possible to increase the supply voltage to the brushless electric motor 51 and supply current even if the rotation speed of the brushless electric motor 51 increases. A three-phase inverter circuit 29 is provided between the forward rotation and the reverse rotation of the washing and dehydrating tub 2.
The power supply from b to the brushless motor 51 is temporarily stopped, but the output voltage of the DC voltage generating circuit 29a is not reduced to zero. Maintain v1 or higher in FIG. In this embodiment, t2
~ T3 is maintained at the set value based on the result of the detection process of t1 to t2. This makes it easier to secure the starting torque.

In the washing strength classification performed by continuously rotating the washing tub / dehydrating tub 2 in one direction, the brushless electric motor 51 is fixed so as to continuously rotate in one direction in the connected state in which the dog clutch mechanism 47 is engaged. Power is supplied to the child coil 52b. The output voltage of the DC voltage generating circuit 29a in this state is set higher than that when the stirring blade 4 is normally and reversely rotated unless there is a large difference in the amount of washing water. Also, the washing and dehydration tub 2 is set to have a higher washing strength classification than that in the normal rotation direction.

The washing strength (washing water flow) changes depending on the output torque of the brushless motor 51 and the rotation time limit (on / off time ratio of power supply). The strength (large or small) of the output torque of the brushless motor 51 depends on the level control of the DC output voltage of the DC voltage generation circuit 29a and the PW of the three-phase inverter circuit 29b.
This can be realized by voltage suppression (peak value) control of the sine wave voltage in M control. Further, the rotation time limit can be controlled by a preset control program.

For example, in the case of heavy washing A1 with a lot of dirt, the DC output voltage of the DC voltage generating circuit 29a is set to a constant value of 210 V, the three-phase inverter circuit 29b supplies power to the brushless motor 51 (sinusoidal wave PWM) and pauses. Forward / reverse rotation time limit of 1.4 seconds (forward rotation direction power supply) /0.9 seconds (pause) /1.4 seconds (reverse rotation direction power supply) /0.9 seconds (pause)
Repeat with. Similarly, in standard washing B1 with a large amount of dirt, the DC output voltage of the DC voltage generating circuit 29a is set to 2
The constant value of 30V is set, and the power supply to the brushless motor 51 and the suspension by the three-phase inverter circuit 29b are set to 1.1.
Repeat every second (power) /0.9 seconds (pause).
In addition, in the case of heavy-washing medium washing C1, the DC voltage generating circuit 2
The DC output voltage of 9a is set to a constant value of 190V, and the three-phase inverter circuit 29b supplies and stops the brushless motor 51 for 0.8 seconds (power supply) /1.0 second (pause).
Repeat with. Further, in the case of light washing D1 with a lot of dirt, the DC output voltage of the DC voltage generating circuit 29a is set to 190V.
Of the brushless motor 51 by the three-phase inverter circuit 29b and paused for 0.5 seconds (feeding) /0.7 seconds (pausing).

On the other hand, in the strong washing A2 with little dirt, the DC output voltage of the DC voltage generating circuit 29a is 210V.
Is set to 0, power is supplied to the brushless motor 51 by the three-phase inverter circuit 29b for 0.3 seconds to start up with a large output torque, and then the DC output voltage of the DC voltage generating circuit 29a is lowered to 185V to 1.1. The power is supplied for a second to continue the rotation with a small output torque, and then the control of pausing for one second is repeated in the forward and reverse rotation directions. Further, in standard washing B2 with little dirt, the DC output voltage of the DC voltage generating circuit 29a is set to 210 V, the brushless motor 51 is supplied with power by the three-phase inverter circuit 29b for 0.3 seconds, and started with a large output torque. Then, subsequently, the voltage limiting PWM control is added to the sine wave PWM control of the three-phase inverter circuit 29b, so that the peak value of the sine wave voltage supplied to the brushless motor 51 becomes 140 V, and the power supply is 1.5 seconds. The control is executed to continue the rotation with a small output torque, and thereafter, the control for resting for 1.0 second is repeated in the forward and reverse rotation directions. Further, in the medium cleaning C2 with a small amount of dirt, the DC output voltage of the DC voltage generating circuit 29a is set to 210V, the brushless motor 51 is supplied with power by the three-phase inverter circuit 29b for 0.3 seconds, and started with a large output torque. By continuously adding the voltage limiting PWM control to the sine wave PWM control of the three-phase inverter circuit 29b, the power supply is performed for 1.5 seconds so that the peak value of the sine wave voltage supplied to the brushless motor 51 becomes 115V. And continue to rotate with a small output torque,
After that, the control for resting for 1.0 second is repeated in the forward and reverse rotation directions. And in the light wash D2 with less dirt,
The DC output voltage of the DC voltage generating circuit 29a is set to 210 V, the brushless motor 51 is supplied with power by the three-phase inverter circuit 29b for 0.3 seconds to start up with a large output torque, and then the three-phase inverter circuit 29b is operated. By adding the voltage limiting PWM control to the sine wave PWM control, the power supply that causes the peak value of the sine wave voltage to be supplied to the brushless motor 51 to be 90 V is executed for 1.5 seconds to rotate with a small output torque. The control that continues and then pauses for 1.0 second is repeated in the forward and reverse rotation directions.

As described above, according to the control for lowering the voltage during the power feeding to the brushless motor 51, the stirring blade 4 is started so as to surely rotate with a large torque, and thereafter the stirring force acting on the laundry is applied. The effect of reducing the size of the cloth is obtained.

In the slight washing E, the DC voltage generating circuit 2
The DC output voltage of 9a is set to a constant value of 190V, and the three-phase inverter circuit 29b supplies and stops the brushless motor 51 for 0.5 seconds (power supply) /1.0 second (pause).
Repeat with.

In the washing strength section F in which the washing / dehydrating tub 2 is rotated in the forward and reverse directions, for example, the DC voltage generating circuit 29a is used.
Of the sine wave voltage supplied to the brushless motor 51 is set to be 80 V by setting the DC output voltage of 155 V to 155 V and adding the voltage limiting PWM control to the sine wave PWM control by the three-phase inverter circuit 29b. Power supply is performed for 6 seconds and continues a gentle rotation with a small output torque, and then, the tank rotation washing F1 is repeated in which the control is stopped for 3.0 seconds in the forward and reverse rotation directions, and the tank is supplied for 4 seconds and stopped for 3 seconds. The rotation washing F2 and the bath rotation washing F3 in which power is supplied for 3 seconds and rested for 2 seconds are performed.

Further, in the washing strength section G in which the washing tub / dehydrating tub 2 is continuously rotated in one direction, for example, the DC output voltage of the DC voltage generating circuit 29a is set to 155 V, and the sine generated by the three-phase inverter circuit 29b is set. By adding the voltage limiting PWM control to the wave PWM control, the power supply that causes the peak value of the sine wave voltage supplied to the brushless motor 51 to be 35 V is executed for 6 seconds to continue the gentle rotation with a small output torque. Then, a bath rotation washing was prepared in which the control of resting for 6.0 seconds was repeated in one direction.

The washing mode is set to 7 steps for each degree of dirt by combining the degree of dirt, the above-mentioned washing strength and washing time, and one of them is selected and executed. When the automatic selection is instructed by the input switch group 14, the degree of dirt (large dirt, standard, small) and cloth quality set based on the setting according to the instruction input from the input switch group 14 or dirt detection The automatic selection is performed based on the detection result, and when the manual selection is input from the input switch group 14, the manual selection is performed based on the instruction input.

The first washing mode group M1 is a washing mode group for laundry with a large amount of dirt, for example, 1 for strong washing A1.
5 minutes wash mode M11, strong wash A1 for 12 minutes wash mode M12, standard wash B1 for 12 minutes wash mode M13, standard wash B1 for 10 minutes wash mode M14, medium wash C1 for 8 minutes Wash mode M
15 and a wash mode M16 of washing for 6 minutes with light wash D1,
Seven stages of washing mode M17 in which slight washing E was performed for 6 minutes were prepared.

The second washing mode group M2 is a washing mode group for laundry having standard stains, for example, 1 for strong washing A1.
Wash mode M21 for 0 minutes, wash mode M22 for 6 minutes with strong wash A1, wash mode M23 for 6 minutes with standard wash B1, wash mode M24 for 5 minutes with standard wash B1, and wash 5 minutes with medium wash C1 Wash mode M25
Then, 7 steps of washing mode M26 in which light washing D1 is performed for 4 minutes and washing mode M27 in which slight washing E is performed for 3 minutes are prepared.

The third washing mode group M3 is a washing mode group of laundry with a small amount of dirt, which is formed by combining a plurality of washing intensities to constitute each washing mode. For example, strong washing A2 is performed for 5 minutes, and then, Wash with rotating bath F2 for 1 minute and 30 seconds, then with standard washing B2 for 4 minutes, and with washing with bath rotation F2 for 1 minute and 30 seconds, wash mode M31 and strong washing A2 for 4 minutes, and then spin Wash F2 for 1 minute 3
Wash for 0 seconds, then standard wash B2 for 3 minutes, and spin bath F2 for 1 minute 30 seconds Wash mode M3
2 and standard wash B2 for 4 minutes, then bath rotation F2 for 1 minute 30 seconds, standard wash B2 for 3 minutes, and bath rotation F2 for 1 minute 30 seconds Washing mode M33 , Medium wash C2 for 4 minutes, then bath rotation wash F2 for 1 minute 30 seconds, then standard wash B2
Rinse for 3 minutes, then spin bath F2 for 1 minute 30 seconds, wash mode M34, medium wash C2 for 4 minutes, then spin bath F1 for 1 minute 30 seconds, then standard wash B2 2 Washing for 1 minute, then wash with spin bath F1 for 1 minute and 30 seconds Wash mode M35 and wash with weak wash D2 for 4 minutes, then wash with spin bath wash F1 for 1 minute and 30 seconds, and then wash with soft wash D2 for 2 minutes , And spin wash F1
Wash for 1 minute and 30 seconds with wash mode M36, weak wash D2 for 2 minutes, then wash with tank spin wash F1 for 1 minute and 30 seconds, then wash with weak wash D2 for 1 minute, then wash with tank spin wash F1 Seven stages of washing mode M36 for washing for 30 minutes were prepared.

Since each of these washing modes is a control specification in the washing process using cold water such as tap water,
In the washing process using warm water such as the remaining water in the bath, it is possible to change to a relatively weak washing strength and a short washing time.

In such a washing process, the main microcomputer 17a causes the cloth quality detection result or the input switch group 14 to be detected.
This is executed by controlling the DC voltage generating circuit 29a, the three-phase inverter circuit 29b, and the dog clutch mechanism 47 according to the mode control program. From the DC voltage generating circuit 29a to the inverter circuit 29 in the washing process
An example of the voltage supplied to b is as shown in FIG.

Step 804 The rinsing process is executed (t3 to t13 in FIG. 9). This rinsing step may be performed by combining a water-pouring rinsing operation and a reservoir rinsing operation. Further, in order to improve the rinsing efficiency, it is advisable to combine a weak dewatering (rinsing dewatering) operation for a short time during drainage. Furthermore, it is also effective to use a water rinsing operation that accelerates the discharge of dirty washing water by pouring water while slowly rotating the washing tub / dehydrating tub 2 during rinsing.

This rinsing and dewatering operation is controlled so that the dewatering power is changed depending on the cloth quality and the degree of dirt. For example, for a large amount of dirt and standard laundry, the spin speed of the washing tub / dewatering tub 2 is set to 900 rpm, and the spin speed is set and the operating time (total time from startup). To be able to change according to the cloth quality. Specifically, a first rinse dewatering mode in which it is operated for 4 minutes so as to start up relatively slowly, a second rinse dewatering mode in which it is operated for 2 minutes and 40 seconds so as to start up relatively rapidly, and a medium speed range Third rinse dewatering mode that operates for 2 minutes and 30 seconds so that (200 to 330 rpm) rises more rapidly, and fourth rinse dewatering mode that operates for 2 minutes and 20 seconds so that the medium speed region rises more rapidly. And low speed range (0 to 130r
pm) and a fifth rinsing dehydration mode in which the medium speed region is relatively slowly raised for 3 minutes and 10 seconds, and the medium speed region is moderated and other regions are relatively steeply raised. A sixth rinse dewater was run, running for 30 minutes per minute.

In the rinse / dewatering mode of the laundry with less dirt, the rotation speed of the washing tub / dehydrating tub 2 described above is set to be slightly lower (about 800 rpm).

Each of these rinsing / dehydrating modes is interlocked with each rinsing mode in the above-mentioned washing step, and one of them is selected and executed.

The control of the rising characteristic of the rotation speed is performed by controlling the DC output voltage of the DC voltage generating circuit 29a and the three-phase inverter circuit 29b by the auxiliary microcomputer 29h according to the instruction from the main microcomputer 17a. It is realized by changing the output torque of 51. Auxiliary microcomputer 29
h controls the DC voltage generation circuit 29a so as to output a relatively high constant voltage (250 V or more, 270 V in this embodiment) to enable high torque output of the brushless electric motor 561, and rotates. The three-phase inverter circuit 29b is subjected to rotational speed feedback control so that the speed rising characteristic becomes the above-described characteristic. Since the washing tub / dehydration tub 2 is driven so as to have the same rotational speed as the rotational speed of the brushless electric motor 51, the rotational speed of the brushless electric motor 51 is recognized based on the rotational position signal output from the position detection circuit 29f. The brushless electric motor 5
By performing the speed control of 1, the rotation speed control of the washing tub / dehydration tub 2 can be realized. It is desirable that the voltage supplied from the DC voltage generating circuit 29a to the inverter circuit 29b during the dehydration operation be 200V or more and be given to t4. Alternatively, during the dehydration operation, the voltage of the capacitor is maintained at a value higher than the voltage v0, and the brushless motor 51 is controlled by the control of the three-phase inverter circuit 29b.
It is desirable to control the increase characteristic of the rotation speed of the. Here, the voltage v0 is v1 which is the lowest capacitor voltage when the DC voltage generating circuit 29a is outputting the DC voltage in the rinsing step (FIGS. 9t3 to t13), and which is the highest capacitor voltage in the rinsing step. If v2, v0 = v
It is expressed as 1+ (v2-v1) / 2.

Step 805 Dehydration step after rinsing step, that is, final dehydration step (t
13 to t14) are executed. This dewatering process is controlled so that the dewatering power is changed according to the cloth quality and the degree of dirt, as in the washing process and rinsing process described above. Dehydration after rinsing greatly affects the appearance of wrinkles in the laundry. Therefore, it is desirable to control the dehydration so that the generation of wrinkles is minimized. The dewatering power is determined by the rotation speed of the washing tub / dewatering tub 2 and the operating time. In order to enable the dehydration operation with less wrinkles, a plurality of dehydration modes that can be selectively executed according to the cloth quality are prepared in this embodiment.

In this embodiment, each dewatering mode is configured by setting the rotation speed of the washing tub / dehydrating tub 2 to 900 rpm and changing the starting method and the operating time (total time from startup).

The dehydration mode (dehydration mode after the rinsing step) is the first dehydration mode in which the low speed region (0 to 130 rpm) is slowly raised and then relatively steeply raised to operate for 9 minutes, Similarly, a second dehydration mode that starts up and operates for 8 minutes, a third dehydration mode that similarly starts up and operates for 7 minutes, and a low speed region (0 to 130 rpm)
4th dehydration mode in which R is relatively sharply started up and operated for 6 minutes, 5th dehydration mode in which it is similarly started up and operated for 5 minutes, and 6th dehydration mode in which it is similarly started up and operated for 4 minutes Similarly, a seventh dehydration mode was set up in which it was started up and operated for 3 minutes.

The rotation speed control in this dehydration mode is also
Similar to the rotation speed control in the rinse dewatering step described above,
The DC voltage generating circuit 29a is controlled so as to output a relatively high constant voltage (250 V or more, 270 V in this embodiment) in order to enable the high torque output of the brushless motor 561, and the rotation speed rises. The three-phase inverter circuit 29 has the characteristics described above.
Rotation speed feedback control is performed on b.

In each of these steps, the main microcomputer 17a controls the display element group 15 to display the set state and the process progress state, and when an abnormality occurs or at the end of washing, a buzzer sounds to notify. To do so.

In order to obtain various optimum rotational speed characteristics as described above by the relatively small brushless electric motor 51, when a relatively strong rotational driving force or a high rotational speed is required, the direct current of the direct current voltage generating circuit 29a must be DC. When the output voltage (terminal voltage of the capacitor C) is increased and maintained at a constant value of a relatively high voltage and a relatively weak rotation driving force or a low rotation speed is required, the DC output voltage of the DC voltage generation circuit 29a is set to The voltage suppression PWM control is executed by the three-phase inverter circuit 29b while maintaining a relatively low constant value. In the dehydration operation, the voltage supplied from the DC voltage generating circuit 29a to the inverter circuit 29b, that is, FIG. 19 (M).
It is desirable to set the voltage V6 of 200 V or more at the time of startup. Alternatively, during the dehydration operation in the dehydration step, it is desirable to maintain the voltage of the capacitor at a value higher than the voltage v0 and control the rising characteristic of the rotation speed of the brushless motor by controlling the inverter circuit. Here, the voltage v0 is v1 which is the lowest capacitor voltage when the DC voltage generating circuit is outputting the DC voltage in the rinsing process or the dehydrating process (FIGS. 9t3 to t14), and the highest capacitor voltage in the rinsing process. When the voltage is v2, v0
= V1 + (v2-v1) / 2.

FIG. 9 shows an outline of the control characteristic of the DC output voltage (terminal voltage of the capacitor c) of the DC voltage generating circuit 29a, which is convenient for such operation control. In the figure, t1 is when the power switch of the washing machine is turned on. From this point in time, the DC voltage generating circuit 29a starts supplying a predetermined DC voltage. Further, the DC voltage generating circuit 29a maintains the supply of a predetermined DC voltage until the power is turned off at t15. By doing this, the startup in each operation can be made smooth. Further, the output of the DC voltage generating circuit 29a can be supplied to other operating devices and drive devices, and can also be supplied to the control device.

When the stirring blade 4 is rotationally driven (t1 to t2) to detect the amount of cloth or the cloth quality, the capacitor voltage is the minimum voltage v1 in the voltage control range of the DC voltage generating circuit 29a (in this embodiment, (Set to 155V) and maintained at a constant value. Then, the stirring blade 4 is rotationally driven at a relatively low rotation speed n1 three times (dry cloth amount detection s1, first
The second wet cloth amount detection (s2) is performed.

In the washing step (t2 to t3), the capacitor voltage is boosted to a relatively high voltage v2 and maintained at a constant value. Rotational speed n2 of the stirring blade 4 in this washing step
Is higher than in the detection operation. Then, in order to change variously according to the cloth quality and the degree of dirt, it is changed as v10 and v11 as necessary. In this embodiment, it is set to 185V to 230V. The use of such a high voltage facilitates drive control of various stirring intensities.

In the rinsing step, during drainage (t3 to t
4), when the condenser voltage is returned to the minimum voltage v1 and the washing tub / dehydrating tub 2 is rotationally driven to spin off the washing water (t
During 4 to t5), the maximum voltage v3 is boosted and maintained at a constant value. At this time, the washing tub / dehydration tub 2 is set to a high rotation speed n3.
Drive with. In order to smoothly control the acceleration of the washing tub / dehydrating tub 2, the voltage may be stepwise increased via the intermediate voltage v12, if necessary. In this embodiment, the maximum voltage v3 is set to 270V. Such a high voltage is suitable for driving and controlling the washing tub / dehydration tub 2 having a large inertial load.

Thereafter, when water rinsing is performed while rotating the washing tub / dehydrating tub 2 (t6 to t7), the capacitor voltage is maintained at a constant value of the maximum value v4, and the three-phase inverter circuit 29b serves as the washing tub. The dewatering tank 2 and the stirring blade 4 are controlled to rotate slowly (n4).

When the stirring blade 4 is slowly rotated (n5, n6) to perform rinsing (t8 to t10), the condenser voltage is returned to the minimum voltage v1 and, if necessary, a higher voltage v1.
Boost to 3.

In the next dehydration (t11 to t12),
In order to rotate the stirring blade 4 and the washing tub / dehydrating tub 2 at high speed (n7), the voltage is increased to the maximum value v5.

During the period from t12 to t13, the above control is repeated N times.

In the dehydration step after the rinsing step, that is, the final dehydration step (t13 to t14), the voltage is increased to the maximum value v6 in order to rotate the stirring blade 4 and the washing tub / dehydration tub 2 at high speed (n8).

After the final dehydration process is completed (t15), the DC voltage generating circuit 29a stops the DC voltage output.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the brushless motor is used as the drive motor, but it is also possible to use other types of motors. Further, the three-phase inverter circuit can be changed to another inverter circuit.

As described above, in this embodiment, since the commercial AC voltage is rectified and boosted to the inverter-driven electric motor in the electric drive unit, power is supplied.
By effectively utilizing the output characteristics of the electric motor, it is possible to realize an efficient washing or dehydration process with a small electric motor.

Accordingly, it is possible to realize a fine washing and dewatering process according to the amount, quality, type of stains, etc. of the laundry, and to provide an electric washing machine capable of various washing and dewatering operations. You can

[0109]

According to the present invention, a comparatively small invar is provided.
Efficient rinsing operation using motor drive electric motor (rinse agitation
It is possible to provide an electric washing machine capable of rinsing and dehydration .

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional side view showing the basic configuration of a fully automatic electric washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional side view showing a specific configuration of the fully automatic electric washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional side view showing the internal configuration of the electric drive device in the fully automatic electric washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view of a part of the electric drive device shown in FIG. 3, showing a state in which a washing tub / dehydration tub is stationary and a stirring blade is rotationally driven.

5 is a partially enlarged side view of the electric drive device shown in FIG. 3, showing a state in which a washing tub / dehydration tub and a stirring blade are rotationally driven.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an electric circuit in the fully automatic electric washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a waveform diagram of V / F constant control by sine wave PWM control.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a basic control process of washing, rinsing, and dehydrating steps executed by the main microcomputer of the fully automatic electric washing machine.

FIG. 9 is a basic control characteristic diagram of a DC output voltage (capacitor terminal voltage) of a DC voltage generating circuit, which is convenient for operation control in the fully automatic electric washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

14 ... Input switch group, 17 ... First control device, 17a
… Main microcomputer, 21… Water supply solenoid valve, 23…
Drainage solenoid valve, 29 ... Second control device, 29a ... DC voltage generating circuit, 29b ... Three-phase inverter circuit, 29h ... Auxiliary microcomputer, 47 ... Interlocking clutch mechanism,
51 ... Brushless electric motor.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (72) Yuichiro Takamune 1-1-1, Higashitaga-cho, Hitachi-shi, Ibaraki Hitachi-Taga Electronics Co., Ltd. (72) Mitsuhisa Kawamata 1-1-1, Higashi-taga-cho, Hitachi, Ibaraki No. 1 In Hitachi Taga Electronics Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Isao Hiyama 1-1 1-1 Higashi Taga-cho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture In Hitachi Taga Electronics Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Shigumi Kawahara 1-chome, Higashi Taga-cho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki No. 1 in Hitachi Taga Technology Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Toshiyuki Uchiyama 1-1-1 Higashi Taga-cho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki Hitachi Taga Technology Co., Ltd. (56) Reference JP-A-3-284286 (JP, A) JP-A-2-70292 (JP, A) JP-A-7-16390 (JP, A) JP-A-6-327879 (J , A) JP flat 8-66592 (JP, A) (58 ) investigated the field (Int.Cl. ^7, DB name) D06F 33/02 H02P 7/628 - 7/632

Claims (12)

(57) [Claims] A washing tub / dewatering tub rotatably installed in an outer tub, a stirring blade rotatably installed in the washing tub / dehydrating tub, and an inverter- driven electric motor as a power source. An electric drive device for driving the combined dehydration tub and / or the stirring blade, a water supply / drainage unit for supplying / draining the outer tub or the washing tub / dehydration tub, and a control device for controlling power supply to the inverter drive motor and the water supply / drainage unit, An electric washing machine that drains the wash water and spins the washing and dehydrating tubs to spin water, then feeds rinsing water, rotates the stirring blades to rinse and stir, and then performs the rinsing process and then the dehydrating process. The control device includes a DC voltage generating circuit that generates a boosted DC voltage by rectifying and boosting an AC voltage and charging a capacitor, and a DC voltage generating circuit that boosts the voltage.
An inverter circuit for supplying power to the inverter driving motor using the DC voltage, and a control circuit for controlling the DC voltage generating circuit and the inverter circuit, wherein the control circuit is a washing tub in the rinsing step. The direct-current voltage generating circuit is controlled so that the voltage of the condenser during the dehydration operation by rotating the combined dehydration tank is higher than the voltage of the condenser during the rinsing and stirring by rotating the stirring blade. And an electric washing machine. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein during the dehydration operation in the rinsing step, the voltage of the capacitor is set to the voltage v.
A value higher than 0 is maintained, and the rising characteristic of the rotation speed of the inverter driving motor is controlled by controlling the inverter circuit, wherein the voltage v0 is a DC voltage generated by the DC voltage generating circuit in the rinsing process. An electric washing machine characterized in that v0 = v1 + (v2-v1) / 2, where v1 is the lowest capacitor voltage in the state of being kept and v2 is the highest capacitor voltage in the rinsing step. 3. The electric washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the voltage of the condenser during the dehydration operation in the rinsing step is higher than v0 and is maintained at a substantially constant value. 4. The electric washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the voltage of the condenser during the dehydration operation in the rinsing step is gradually increased from a value higher than v0. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the rising characteristic of the rotation speed of the inverter drive motor during dehydration in the rinsing step is controlled according to the quality of the laundry. Electric washing machine. 6. The increase characteristic of the rotation speed of the inverter drive motor during the dehydration in the rinsing step is gentler than the increase characteristic of the rotation speed in the dehydration step after the rinsing step. An electric washing machine characterized by the above. 7. The electric washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the dehydration time in the rinsing step is shorter than the dehydration time in the dehydration step after the rinsing step. 8. The electric washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the dehydration time in the rinsing step is changed according to the quality of the laundry. 9. The operation according to claim 1, wherein the washing machine rotates the washing tub / dehydration tub while supplying water, and the rinsing is performed by rotating the stirring blade in the washing step. is not a voltage higher than the voltage of the capacitor of the washing tub and dewatering tank in a state of not rotating, the Invar
Electric washing machine, characterized by rotating the washing tub and dewatering tank by driving the motor drive electric motor. 10. A washing machine tub placed outside the frame of a 撹拌翼rotatably installed in the washing tub, an inverter driving a motor for rotationally driving the 撹拌翼, the inverter
A washing machine, a rinsing step, and a dehydrating step, the electric washing machine including a control device for controlling a data driving motor , wherein the control device generates a first control signal and a second control signal. a circuit and a charging circuit for charging the boost to <br/> capacitor with rectifying an AC current, an inverter circuit for supplying power to said capacitor said inverter drive motor receives the electric <br/> pressure Sa , in a state where both of the washing tub and the 撹拌翼to migrate to rinsing operation from washing operation has stopped rotating, the capacitor
Is an electric washing machine characterized by holding a voltage higher than a predetermined value. 11. The inverter drive power source according to claim 10, wherein a voltage is supplied to the inverter circuit.
An electric washing machine characterized by not energizing the motive . 12. A laundry put washing tub, and 撹拌翼rotatably installed in the washing tub, an inverter driving a motor for rotationally driving the 撹拌翼, the inverter driver electrostatic
And a controller for controlling the motive, an electric washing machine which performs dewatering operation several times in rinsing step, the control device, charging the co <br/> Nden support by boosting with rectifies the alternating current a charging circuit which includes an inverter circuit for supplying a voltage to the inverter drive motor receives the voltage of the capacitor, the supply voltage from the capacitor at the first dewatering operation in the rinsing step to the inverter in subsequent dewatering operation Electric washing machine characterized by operating at a voltage higher than