JP3775958B2 - Washing machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a fully automatic washing machine that stores laundry in one washing / dehydrating tub and performs a washing / rinsing process and a dehydrating process.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A conventional fully automatic washing machine that stores laundry in one washing / dehydration tub and performs washing / rinsing and dehydration processes has a washing / dehydration tub arranged in the water tub and swivels in the washing / dehydration tub There is a pulsator that generates a flow. In the washing and rinsing process, the washing and dewatering tub is fixed and the pulsator is rotated by driving the motor. In the dewatering step, the coupling is switched by a clutch, and the washing and dewatering tub and the pulsator are rotated together by driving the motor.
[0003]
Such a clutch is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-169590. According to this publication, the tank shaft that serves as the rotation axis of the washing and dewatering tank is formed hollow, and the pulsator shaft that serves as the rotation axis of the pulsator is internally provided. The pulsator shaft is connected to a pulsator driving motor.
[0004]
The tank shaft is provided with an engaging member that pivots up and down. The engaging member is driven by the clutch motor during the dehydration process to engage the pulsator shaft, and the engaging member is used for the clutch during the washing / rinsing process. It is driven by a motor and engages with a fixing member integral with the water tank. Thereby, the drive transmission of the pulsator drive motor is switched in each step.
[0005]
In addition, clutch switching determining means for determining whether the clutch has been switched normally is provided, and when the clutch is not switched normally, switching is performed normally by a retry operation that performs the clutch switching operation again. A predetermined washing operation is performed after this is determined. As a result, it is possible to prevent problems such as that the washing and dewatering tub rotates during the washing process and a desired washing effect cannot be obtained.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, according to the above-described conventional washing machine, it is determined by the clutch switching determining means that the clutch is not normally switched, and when the retry operation is performed, it is determined that the clutch is not normally switched again. There is a case. For this reason, there has been a problem that the retry operation is repeated many times and it takes a long washing time.
[0007]
An object of this invention is to provide the washing machine which can perform switching of a clutch rapidly.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  To achieve the above object, the present inventionWashing machineIs a washing and dewatering tub that accommodates laundry and is rotatably arranged around the tank axis, and a pulsator that is arranged in the washing and dehydrating tank so as to be rotatable around the pulsator axis concentric with the tank axis And a motor for driving the pulsator shaft,Rotation angle detection means for detecting the rotation angle of the motor;A clutch for switching between a first state in which the tank shaft is connected to the pulsator shaft and a second state in which the tank shaft is disconnected from the pulsator shaft, and a clutch for discriminating between the first state and the second state Switching discrimination means;With memoryWithThe clutch is driven to switch to a second state, and the rotation angle detection means detects a first rotation angle of the motor due to inertia after driving the motor at a predetermined rotation speed for a predetermined time, and the clutch The switching determination means performs a first determination that the second state is in the second state if the first rotation angle is equal to or less than the first predetermined value, and switches to the second state by the first determination. After confirming that the pulsator is rotated forward and reverse, washing or rinsing operation is performed. In the washing or rinsing operation, the rotation angle detecting means supplies power to the motor at the end of forward rotation or reverse rotation. The second rotation angle of the motor due to the inertia after being shut off is detected, and the clutch switching determination means stores the second rotation angle detected last time in the storage unit and is newly detected. 2 rotation angle and the memory If the difference from the second rotation angle stored in the previous is greater than or equal to the second predetermined value, a second determination that the state is the first state is performed, and the first determination If the state is not determined, the storage of the newly detected second rotation angle in the storage unit is repeated.It is characterized by that.
[0009]
  According to this configuration, when the clutch is switched to the first state, the pulsator shaft and the tub shaft are connected, and the washing and dewatering tub and the pulsator rotate together by driving the motor. When the clutch is switched to the second state, the pulsator shaft and the tank shaft are disconnected from each other, and only the pulsator is rotated by driving the motor..
[0011]
  MaTheThe motor is driven at a predetermined rotation speed and a predetermined time, and the rotation angle due to the inertia of the motor after the motor power supply is stopped is detected by the rotation angle detection meansSoFor example, when the rotation angle is larger than a predetermined value, the inertial force is determined to be large and the first state is determined. When the rotation angle is smaller than the predetermined value, the inertial force is determined to be small and the second state is determined.
[0012]
  In another washing machine of the present invention, a laundry and dewatering tub in which laundry is accommodated and rotatably arranged around a tank axis, and the washing and washing machine rotatably around a pulsator axis concentric with the tank axis. A pulsator disposed in the dewatering tank, a motor for driving the pulsator shaft, a rotation angle detecting means for detecting a rotation angle of the motor, a first state in which the tank shaft is connected to the pulsator shaft, and the pulsator A clutch for switching to a second state in which the tank shaft is disengaged from the shaft, clutch switching determining means for determining the first state and the second state, and a storage unit, wherein the clutch is The rotation angle detecting means detects the first rotation angle of the motor due to inertia after driving the motor at a predetermined number of rotations for a predetermined time, and drives the clutch in the second state. Drive to switch to And the rotation angle detecting means detects a second rotation angle of the motor due to the inertia after the motor a predetermined time driven at a predetermined rotational speed, the clutch switching threshold by means,A value obtained by subtracting the second rotation angle from the first rotation angle.Is the first predetermined valueIf largerAfter performing the first determination that the state is the second state and confirming that the second state is switched to the second state by the first determination, the pulsator is rotated forward and reverse to wash or rinse. In the washing or rinsing operation, the rotation angle detection means detects the third rotation angle of the motor due to inertia after power supply interruption of the motor at the end of forward rotation or reverse rotation, and the clutch switching determination means Is the last detected in the storage unit3And the difference between the newly detected third rotation angle and the previous third rotation angle stored in the storage unit is greater than or equal to a second predetermined value. When the second determination that the state is the first state is made and the first state is not determined by the second determination, the newly detected third rotation angle is stored in the storage unit. It is characterized by repeating.
[0013]
According to this configuration, both when the clutch is driven to switch to the first state and when the clutch is driven to switch to the second state, the motor after driving the motor at a predetermined number of revolutions and for a predetermined time. A rotation angle due to inertia is detected by a rotation angle detector. Then, for example, if the difference between the detected rotation angles is smaller than a predetermined value, it is determined that the inertial force in the second state, which should be small, is large, and has not been normally switched to the second state. If the value is larger than the predetermined value, it is determined that the inertial force in the second state is small and the state is normally switched to the second state.
[0015]
  theseAccording to the configuration, the washing and rinsing operation is performed in the second state. For example, when the motor is stopped after normal rotation of the pulsator, the rotation angle due to the inertia after the motor power supply is cut off is detected by the rotation angle detection means. The rotation angle is stored in the storage unit. Next, the pulsator is driven in reverse rotation, and the rotation angle due to the inertia of the motor after stopping the reverse rotation is detected by the rotation angle detection means. The rotation angle is compared with the rotation angle stored in the storage unit, and when the difference is larger than a predetermined value, it is determined that the second state is switched to the first state due to an unexpected situation, and again The clutch is driven to switch to the second state.
[0016]
Further, the present invention is characterized in that the washing machine having the above-described configuration is provided with voltage control means for maintaining the drive voltage of the motor in a predetermined range when the clutch switching determination means determines. According to this configuration, the motor drive voltage is controlled to be constant by the voltage control means during the determination by the clutch switching determination means, and misrecognition of the clutch switching determination means due to fluctuations in the rotational torque of the motor caused by changes in the drive voltage is prevented.
[0017]
  The present invention also providesWhen the first state is not determined to be the second state and when the second state is determined to be the first state, the motor is rotated by a predetermined angle and then the clutch is engaged again. Perform a retry process to drive to switch to the second stateIt is characterized by that. According to this configurationTheDataWhereRotate by a constant angle to avoid the obstacle of the clutch movement, so that the clutch can move smoothly.Further, in the present invention, when the retry process is performed after the first determination, the motor of the motor due to inertia after the motor by the rotation angle detecting unit is driven at a predetermined rotation speed for a predetermined time again. If the first rotation angle is detected, the first determination is performed by the clutch switching determination unit, and the retry process is performed after the second determination, the correct rotation by the rotation angle detection unit is performed again. The second rotation angle of the motor is detected by the inertia after the power supply interruption of the motor at the end of rotation or reverse rotation, and the second determination is performed by the clutch switching determination means. In the washing machine according to another aspect of the present invention, when the second state is not determined in the first determination, and when the first state is determined in the second determination Is characterized in that a retry process is performed in which the motor is rotated so as to switch the clutch to the second state again after being rotated by a predetermined angle.
[0018]
According to the present invention, in the washing machine configured as described above, a boss portion integrated with the pulsator shaft is provided at a lower portion of the tank shaft, and the clutch is formed in an axial direction of the outer peripheral surface of the boss portion and the tank shaft. A moving body made of a magnetic body and having an engaging portion that engages with the concave portion or the protrusion, and compression that biases the moving body downward so that the engaging portion engages with the boss portion and the tank shaft. It is characterized by comprising a spring and an electromagnetic solenoid that magnetically attracts the moving body upward against the urging force of the compression spring so that the engaging portion engages only with the tank shaft by feeding.
[0019]
According to this configuration, the movable body is urged downward by the urging spring and engages with the tank shaft and the boss portion, thereby configuring the first state. When power is supplied to the electromagnetic solenoid, a magnetic attraction force acts on the moving body and the moving body moves upward, and the moving body is disengaged from the boss portion and is engaged only with the tank shaft. Thereby, the second state is configured.
[0020]
According to the present invention, in the washing machine having the above-described configuration, the drive voltage for driving the electromagnetic solenoid is varied stepwise or gradually. According to this configuration, the suction force acting on the moving body changes stepwise or gently, and noise generated when colliding with other members at the upper end or lower end of the movement of the moving body is prevented.
[0021]
Moreover, the present invention is characterized in that the tank shaft is fixed by the clutch in the second state in the washing machine configured as described above. According to this configuration, in the second state, the motor drives the pulsator shaft, the tank shaft is fixed to the stationary system by the clutch, and the washing and dewatering tank is fixed.
[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a washing machine according to an embodiment. The washing machine of the present embodiment is a fully automatic washing machine, and includes a bottomed cylindrical water tank 4 suspended in a swingable manner via a hanging rod 2 and a vibration absorbing spring 3 inside a box-shaped exterior portion 1. ing. The water tank 4 is provided with a bottomed cylindrical washing and dewatering tank 5, and a balancer 6 is attached to the upper end thereof.
[0023]
An outer lid 7 that opens and closes an opening 1 a for taking in and out the laundry is attached to the upper surface of the exterior part 1. A water supply valve 52 for supplying water into the water tank 4 via the water supply pipe 14 is provided above the water tank 4. A drainage pump 53 for draining the washing water in the water tank 4 through the drainage duct 15 is provided below the water tank 4.
[0024]
  Further, a water level sensor 54 that communicates with the water tank 4 and detects the water level in the water tank 4 is provided. A pulsator 43 is concentrically provided at the bottom of the washing / dehydrating tub 5, and a drive mechanism 9 for driving the washing / dehydrating tub 5 and the pulsator 43 is attached below the water tub 4. 8 is a control for controlling the washing machine.PartIt is.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 2, the drive mechanism 9 is attached to the outer bottom portion of the water tank 4, and includes a support member 10 including an upper support member 11 and a lower support member 12 disposed below the upper support member 11. The upper support member 11 is fixed to a boss 4 a erected on the outer bottom of the water tank 4 by screws 13, and the lower support member 12 is integrated with the upper support member 11 by screws 16.
[0026]
  A hollow tank shaft 17 that is integrated with the washing and dewatering tank 5 passes through the upper support member 11 and the lower support member 12. The tank shaft 17 includes a hollow cylindrical upper tank shaft 18 and a hollow cylindrical lower tank shaft 19 connected coaxially to the lower end thereof. The upper tank shaft 18 protrudes into the water tank 4 through a through hole 4 b formed in the bottom of the water tank 4, and a flange 18 a formed at the upper end of the upper tank shaft 18 is in close contact with the bottom of the washing and dewatering tank 5.58Are fixed by screws 25.
[0027]
The lower tank shaft 19 is fitted into bearings 21 and 22 fixed to the upper support member 11 and the lower support member 12, and thereby the tank shaft 17 is rotatably supported. An oil seal 24 that prevents water leakage is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the upper tank shaft 18. In addition, you may form the upper tank axis | shaft 18 and the lower tank axis | shaft 19 integrally.
[0028]
A pulsator shaft 23 is coaxially mounted on the tank shaft 17. The pulsator shaft 23 is rotatably held with respect to the tank shaft 17, and an upper portion thereof protrudes into the washing / dehydrating tank 5. A pulsator 43 disposed on the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub 5 is fixed to the upper end of the pulsator shaft 23 with a screw 42.
[0029]
A receiving member 36 having a U-shaped cross section is integrated with the nut 20 at the lower end of the pulsator shaft 23. An annular rotor 38 having a permanent magnet is attached to the outer periphery of the receiving member 36. A stator 39 that faces the rotor 38 via an annular air gap is fixed to the lower support member 12 by screws 47. The rotor 38 and the stator 39 constitute a motor 40 that rotationally drives the pulsator shaft 23.
[0030]
The details of the receiving member 36 are shown in FIG. 4. A clutch boss 33 is fixed to the lower end of the pulsator shaft 23. On the outer periphery of the clutch boss 33, there is provided a moving body 34 made of a cylindrical magnetic body that detachably connects the clutch boss 33 and the tank shaft 17 and transmits a rotational force therebetween.
[0031]
As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of groove portions 34 a extending in the vertical direction are formed on the inner surface of the moving body 34. Further, on the outer peripheral surfaces of the tank shaft 17 and the clutch boss 33, a plurality of projecting portions 17a, 33a (see FIG. 4) extending in the up-down direction and slidably engaged with the groove portion 34a are formed. By these engagements, the moving body 34 is slidably guided in the vertical direction.
[0032]
In FIG. 4, a clutch spring 35 formed of a compression spring is provided above the moving body 34. The moving body 34 is urged downward by a clutch spring 35 and is held at the lower end position, and the lower end is supported by a receiving member 36. An electromagnetic solenoid 37 attached to the angle 31 is fixed to the lower support member 12 by a screw 41 outside the moving body 34. When power is supplied to the electromagnetic solenoid 37, the moving body 34 is magnetically attracted and moves upward against the urging force of the clutch spring 35.
[0033]
A resin lock pad 30 is provided integrally with the lower support member 12 above the electromagnetic solenoid 37. As shown in FIG. 3, a protrusion 34 b is formed on the upper end surface 34 c of the moving body 34. The lower end surface 30b of the lock pad 30 is formed with a notch 30a that engages with the protrusion 34b. Therefore, when the moving body 34 moves upward, the upper end surface 34c abuts on the lower end surface 30b of the lock pad 30 to position the moving body 34 in the axial direction, and the protrusion 34b engages with the notch 30a. Thus, the rotation of the moving body 34 is restricted.
[0034]
In FIG. 4, when the moving body 34 is arranged at the lower end position, the groove 34 a (see FIG. 3) of the moving body 34 engages with the protrusions 17 a and 33 a of both the clutch boss 33 and the tank shaft 17. It will be in the 1st state to connect. Thereby, the washing and dewatering tub 5 and the pulsator 43 can rotate integrally.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 5, when power is supplied to the electromagnetic solenoid 37, the moving body 34 is magnetically attracted and moves to the upper end position. The moving body 34 is detached from the clutch boss 33 and is in a second state in which only the tank shaft 17 is engaged. Therefore, the electromagnetic solenoid 37, the moving body 34, and the clutch spring 35 constitute a clutch that connects and disconnects the tank shaft 17 and the pulsator shaft 23. Further, the movable body 34 is engaged with the lock pad 30 in the second state, so that the tank shaft 17 is fixed.
[0036]
  Note that the electromagnetic solenoid 37 may be configured to be in the first state when power is supplied. However, it is desirable that the second state be configured when power is supplied to the electromagnetic solenoid 37 as in the present embodiment. In other words,NoIn the process or the rinsing process, the electromagnetic solenoid 37 is turned on to enter the second state, and the pulsator 43 rotates at a low speed.
[0037]
In the dehydration process, the electromagnetic solenoid 37 is turned off to enter the first state, and the washing / dehydration tub 5 and the pulsator 43 rotate integrally at a high speed. For this reason, even when the power supply to the electromagnetic solenoid 37 is interrupted due to an unforeseen situation, since the motor 40 rotates at a low speed, the moving body 34 and the like can be prevented from being damaged.
[0038]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the washing machine of the present embodiment. The operation display unit 51 allows the user to input washing conditions and the like under the control of the control unit 8, and displays an input screen, the progress of washing, and the like. Washing conditions and the like are stored in the storage unit 56. The control unit 8 controls driving of the motor 40, the electromagnetic solenoid 37, and the drainage pump 53, and the water supply valve 52 is controlled based on the detection result of the water level sensor 54.
[0039]
The rotation angle detection unit 55 is configured by a Hall element or the like, and is arranged to face the rotor 38 (see FIG. 2) so that the rotation angle of the motor 40 can be detected by a change in the magnetic field due to the rotation of the rotor 38. The voltage controller 57 monitors the drive voltage supplied to the motor 40 and maintains it within a predetermined range.
[0040]
In the washing machine configured as described above, when the user puts laundry and detergent into the washing and dewatering tub 5 and inputs desired washing conditions from the operation display unit 51, the washing operation is started. First, in the washing process, the water supply valve 52 is opened and washing water is injected into the water tank 4. When the water level sensor 54 detects that a predetermined water level has been reached, the water supply valve 52 is closed.
[0041]
Next, when power is supplied to the electromagnetic solenoid 37, the moving body 34 moves upward, the clutch is switched from the first state to the second state, and the washing and dewatering tub 5 is fixed. And the motor 40 is driven, the pulsator 43 rotates, and a washing process is performed. When the predetermined time elapses, the washing process ends, and the drainage pump 53 is driven to drain the washing water.
[0042]
Similarly, the water supply valve 52 is opened, washing water is injected into the water tank 4, and the pulsator 43 is rotated by driving the motor 40, so that the rinsing process is executed. When the predetermined time elapses, the rinsing process is finished, and the drain pump 53 is driven to drain the washing water.
[0043]
Next, when the power supply to the electromagnetic solenoid 37 is cut off, the moving body 34 moves downward, the clutch is switched from the second state to the first state, and the pulsator 43 is connected to the washing and dewatering tub 5. . Then, the motor 40 is driven, and the pulsator 43 and the washing / dehydrating tub 5 are integrally rotated at a high speed, and the dehydrating process is executed. When the predetermined time elapses, the dehydration process ends and the washing operation ends.
[0044]
In the present embodiment, clutch switching determining means is provided that determines whether or not the switching is normally performed when switching from the first state to the second state by the clutch. This operation will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0045]
FIG. 7 shows the operation of the “washing / rinsing process” in which the washing process and the rinsing process are performed. In the “washing / rinsing process”, power is first supplied to the electromagnetic solenoid 37 in step # 101. Next, at step # 102, the motor 40 is turned on and the motor 40 rotates at a predetermined rotational speed. At this time, the rotation angle detection unit 55 starts detecting the rotation angle of the motor 40.
[0046]
In step # 103, it is monitored whether or not the drive voltage of the motor 40 is within a predetermined range. If the drive voltage is not within the predetermined range, the voltage control unit 57 controls the drive voltage to be a predetermined value in step # 104. When the drive voltage of the motor 40 reaches a predetermined value, the motor 40 is rotated until a predetermined time elapses in step # 105.
[0047]
When the predetermined time has elapsed, the motor is turned off in step # 106, and the motor 40 rotates due to inertia. The rotation angle detector 55 monitors the rotation angle of the motor 40, and when the motor 40 stops, detects the rotation angle α1 due to inertia from when the motor 40 is turned off until it stops (step # 107).
[0048]
The rotation angle α1 is larger as the rotating body is heavier. That is, in the first state, the washing and dewatering tub 5 rotates together with the pulsator 43, so that the rotation angle increases. In the second state, only the pulsator 43 rotates, so the rotation angle decreases.
[0049]
In step # 108, it is determined whether or not the rotation angle α1 is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value stored in the storage unit 56 in advance. When the rotation angle α1 is equal to or less than a predetermined value, it is considered that the rotation angle due to inertia is small and the inertial force is small, so that the second state where the connection between the pulsator shaft 23 and the tank shaft 17 is released has been switched. Can be determined. Therefore, steps # 102 to # 108 constitute a clutch switching determining means.
[0050]
When the rotation angle α1 is equal to or smaller than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to # 110 and “washing / rinsing process” is called. If the rotation angle α1 is larger than the predetermined value, the “retry process” is performed again to disconnect the connection between the pulsator shaft 23 and the tank shaft 17 in step # 109, and the process returns to step # 102 to switch to the second state again. It is determined whether or not.
[0051]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of “retry processing”. In step # 141, the rotation angle α0 of the motor 40 after the motor 40 is turned on in step # 102 (see FIG. 7) is detected. Thereby, the current relative position of the pulsator shaft 23 with respect to the initial position of the pulsator shaft 23 when the motor 40 is turned on can be detected.
[0052]
In step # 142, the electromagnetic solenoid 37 is temporarily turned off. In step # 143, the motor 40 is turned on and the pulsator shaft 23 is rotated at a low speed. Then, the rotation angle is monitored so that the pulsator shaft 23 is arranged at a position different from the initial position, and when it is detected at step # 144 that the predetermined rotation angle has been reached, the motor 40 is turned off at step # 145. . In this state, the electromagnetic solenoid 37 is turned on again in step # 146, and the process returns to step # 102 in FIG.
[0053]
  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the “washing / rinsing process”."wash・rinseprocessing"Then, the pulsator 43 is rotated forward and backward. A stop period is provided between the forward rotation period and the reverse rotation period. "WashingNoWhen “rinsing process” is called, the counter i and the flag j are initialized in step # 121. The counter i indicates the number of times the retry process has been performed, and the flag j indicates whether or not the rotation angle α2 is stored.
[0054]
In step # 122, the motor 40 is turned on, and the pulsator 43 rotates to perform a washing or rinsing operation. When a predetermined time has elapsed in step # 123, the motor 40 is turned off in step # 124. As a result, the motor 40 rotates due to inertia. The rotation angle detector 55 monitors the rotation angle of the motor 40, and when the motor 40 stops, detects the rotation angle α2 due to inertia from when the motor 40 is turned off until it stops.
[0055]
In step # 126, it is determined whether or not the flag j is not 0 and the rotation angle α2 is larger than the rotation angle stored in the storage unit 56. Here, since the flag j is 0, the process proceeds to step # 130. In step # 130, the rotation angle α2 is stored in the storage unit 56, and the process waits until a predetermined stop period elapses in step # 131.
[0056]
  When the stop period has elapsed, it is determined in step # 132 whether the set time for the washing process or the rinsing process has elapsed.processingIs finished. If the set time of the washing process or the rinsing process has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step # 133, 1 is substituted into the flag j, the motor 40 is driven in reverse, and the process proceeds to the above-described step # 123.
[0057]
Steps # 123 to # 125 are performed in the same manner as described above to newly detect the rotation angle α2. In step # 126, since the flag is 1, it is determined whether or not the detected rotation angle α2 is larger than the rotation angle α2 stored in the storage unit 56. If the newly detected rotation angle α2 is greater than the stored rotation angle α2, it is determined that the inertial force of the motor 40 has increased and the clutch has been switched to the first state. If the difference between the newly detected rotation angle α2 and the previously stored rotation angle α2 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, it may be determined that the first state has been switched.
[0058]
Next, in step # 127, it is determined whether or not the value of the counter i indicating the number of retry processes is equal to or less than a predetermined value. Here, since the counter i is 0, the process proceeds to step # 128 where the counter i is added and the above-described retry process (see FIG. 9) is performed.
[0059]
  Then, Steps # 122 to # 125 are performed in the same manner. When the newly detected rotation angle α2 is equal to or smaller than the stored rotation angle α2, it is determined that the state has been normally switched to the second state, and Step # 130 described above is performed. Migrate to The motor 40 is reversed until the predetermined washing time or rinsing time elapses, and the same operation is performed.processingIs finished.
[0060]
  In step # 127, if the counter i is larger than the predetermined value and the number of times of retry processing is large, it is determined that there is an abnormality and “washing / rinsing” is performed.processingTo finish. At this time, it is more desirable to notify the operation display unit 51 (see FIG. 6) that there is an abnormality.
[0061]
  As above"Washing and rinsing process"In step # 102 to step # 108 shown in FIG. Then, when it is determined that the clutch is not switched even though power is supplied to the electromagnetic solenoid 37 and the clutch is switched, the clutch is switched again by retry processing (see FIG. 9). Is done. At this time, since the motor 40 is arranged at a rotation position different from the previous time, the moving body 34 (see FIG. 4) moves in the axial direction at a rotation position different from the previous time.
[0062]
For this reason, for example, the protrusion 34b (see FIG. 3) provided on the moving body 34 abuts on the lower end surface 30b of the lock pad 30 and is not engaged with the notch 30a (see FIG. 3), so that the clutch is switched. In such a case, the moving body 34 can be moved at another rotational position, and the protrusion 34b of the moving body 34 and the notch 30a of the lock pad 30 can be easily fitted. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform the retry process many times, and the clutch can be quickly switched so that the washing time does not become long.
[0063]
In steps # 103 to # 104, the driving voltage for driving the motor 40 is monitored, and the voltage control unit 57 maintains the driving voltage within a predetermined range. Therefore, fluctuations in the rotation angle of the motor 40 that rotates due to inertia due to fluctuations in the driving torque of the motor 40 due to voltage drop or the like can be prevented, and misidentification by the clutch switching determination means can be prevented.
[0064]
Further, the pulsator 43 is rotated forward and backward so that washing or rinsing is performed. In steps # 122 to # 126 (see FIG. 9), the motor 40 is turned off during the stop period between forward rotation and reverse rotation. After that, the change of the rotation angle α2 due to the inertia is monitored. For this reason, when the clutch is switched due to a voltage drop or the like, it can be quickly detected and a retry process can be performed to prevent the clutch from rotating in an incompletely connected state. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of abnormal noise and the lifetime improvement of a clutch can be aimed at.
[0065]
Next, the “washing / rinsing step” may be performed by an operation as shown in FIG. In Step # 201, the electromagnetic solenoid 37 is turned off. Next, at step # 202, the motor 40 is turned on and the motor 40 rotates at a predetermined rotational speed. When it is detected in step # 203 that a predetermined time has elapsed, the motor is turned off in step # 106, and the motor 40 rotates due to inertia.
[0066]
The rotation angle detection unit 55 monitors the rotation angle of the motor 40, and when the motor 40 stops, detects the rotation angle α3 due to inertia from when the motor 40 is turned off until it stops (step # 205).
[0067]
Subsequently, the electromagnetic solenoid 37 is turned on in step # 206, the motor 40 is turned on in step # 207, and the motor 40 rotates at a predetermined rotational speed. In step # 208, the elapse of a predetermined time is monitored. When the predetermined time elapses, the motor is turned off in step # 209, and the motor 40 rotates due to inertia. The rotation angle detector 55 monitors the rotation angle of the motor 40, and when the motor 40 stops, detects the rotation angle α1 due to inertia from when the motor 40 is turned off until it stops.
[0068]
In step # 211, it is determined whether or not the difference between the rotation angle α1 and the rotation angle α3 is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value stored in the storage unit 56 in advance. If this difference is larger than a predetermined value, the rotation angle due to inertia when the electromagnetic solenoid 37 is turned on is small and the inertial force is small, so the second connection in which the connection between the pulsator shaft 23 and the tank shaft 17 is released. It can be determined that the state has been switched. Therefore, steps # 201 to # 211 constitute a clutch switching determination unit.
[0069]
If the difference between the rotation angle α1 and the rotation angle α3 is larger than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to # 212 and the above-described “washing / rinsing process” (see FIG. 8) is called. When the difference between the rotation angle α1 and the rotation angle α3 is equal to or smaller than the predetermined value, the above-described “retry process” (see FIG. 9) is performed in step # 213, and the process returns to step # 207 to switch to the second state again. It is determined whether or not.
[0070]
When the clutch switching discriminating means is configured as described above, the load of the motor 40 fluctuates due to fluctuations in the amount of laundry and the amount of washing water put into the washing and dewatering tub 5 (see FIG. 1). Even if there is, the rotation angle of the motor 40 due to the inertia between the first state in which the pulsator shaft 23 and the tank shaft 17 are connected and the second state in which the connection between the pulsator shaft 23 and the tank shaft 17 is released. Since it is determined that the clutch has been switched based on the difference, the fluctuation is small and the misperception by the clutch switching determination means can be reduced.
[0071]
  Next, FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the “dehydration step”. At the time of the dehydration process, the pulsator 43 and the washing and dewatering tub 5 rotate together in a first state where the pulsator shaft 23 and the tub shaft 17 are connected. In the figure, steps # 301 to # 311 are the same as steps # 201 to # 211 in FIG.WhenClutch switching determination means for performing the same operation is configured.
[0072]
When the difference between the rotation angle α1 and the rotation angle α3 is equal to or less than a predetermined value, for example, the groove portion 34a (see FIG. 3) of the moving body 34 is a protrusion 17a, 33a (see FIG. 3) provided on the tank shaft 17 and the clutch boss 33. 4), it is not possible to smoothly switch to the first state in which the pulsator shaft 23 and the tank shaft 17 are connected.
[0073]
For this reason, after the electromagnetic solenoid 37 is turned off in step # 312, the motor 40 is rotated at a minute rotation angle in the forward direction and the reverse direction in step # 313. Thereby, the moving body 34 moves smoothly by the urging | biasing of the clutch spring 35, and can switch to a 1st state. If the difference between the rotation angle α1 and the rotation angle α3 is small because the switching to the second state is not normal, the operation of step # 313 is wasted, but dehydration is performed in the first state. There is no particular problem.
[0074]
In step # 314, the motor 40 is turned on, the pulsator 43 and the washing / dehydrating tub 5 are rotated at high speed, and dehydration is performed. When a predetermined dehydration time has elapsed (step # 315), the motor 40 is turned off at step # 316, and the dehydration process is completed.
[0075]
Next, FIGS. 12A and 12B show changes in the driving voltage for driving the electromagnetic solenoid 37. The vertical axis represents drive voltage and the horizontal axis represents time. In FIG. 12A, the driving voltage V0 necessary for sucking the moving body 34 is changed stepwise. In FIG. 12B, the driving voltage V0 necessary for attracting the moving body 34 is varied with a gentle inclination.
[0076]
By doing in this way, the noise which collides with the lock pad 30 (refer FIG. 2) when moving the mobile body 34 rapidly can be prevented. Similarly, when the power is cut off, the driving voltage is lowered stepwise or gently, so that noise generated by colliding with the receiving member 36 can be prevented.
[0077]
In the above embodiment, when the clutch is disengaged from the first state in which the tank shaft 17 and the pulsator shaft 23 are connected to the second state in which the connection between the tank shaft 17 and the pulsator shaft 23 is cut off, a retry is performed. Although the process is performed, the retry process may be performed when the second state is switched to the first state.
[0078]
【The invention's effect】
  According to the present invention, the clutch is driven to switch.WhenThe clutch is switched by the clutch switching determination means.Whether or notJudgmentit can.
[0079]
  At this timeBy detecting the rotation angle of the motor due to inertia after driving the motor at a predetermined rotation speed for a predetermined time, it can be easily determined whether or not the clutch has been switched.OrThe motor is driven so as to switch the clutch to the first state and the motor is driven at the predetermined number of rotations for a predetermined time, and the rotation angle of the motor due to inertia, and the motor is driven so as to switch the clutch to the second state. By determining whether or not the clutch has been switched by comparing with the rotation angle of the motor due to inertia after being driven at the rotational speed for a predetermined time, even if there is a fluctuation in the load of the motor due to the amount of laundry or washing water, Since the variation in the difference between the two rotation angles is small, it is possible to reduce misidentification by the clutch switching determination means.
[0080]
  MaTheIn the washing process and the rinsing process, the pulsator is rotated forward and backward, and during the stop period between forward and reverse rotation, it is determined whether or not the clutch has been switched due to a change in the rotation angle due to inertia after turning off the motor. Yes. For this reason, when the clutch is switched due to a voltage drop or the like, it is detected quickly.TIt is possible to prevent rotation of the latch in an incompletely connected state. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of abnormal noise and the lifetime improvement of a clutch can be aimed at.
[0081]
Further, according to the present invention, the motor drive voltage is controlled to be constant by the voltage control means during the determination by the clutch switch determination means, and the misrecognition of the clutch switch determination means due to the fluctuation of the rotational torque of the motor caused by the change of the drive voltage is prevented. Can do.
[0082]
  Also, according to the present invention, when the clutch is driven to be switched but not switchedIf the clutch state is not maintained in the case and the washing step or the rinsing step and the clutch is switched, a retry process is performed so that the clutch is switched again. At this time, since the rotation position is different from the previous time, the clutch can be switched normally.
[0083]
Further, according to the present invention, the boss portion integral with the pulsator shaft is provided at the lower portion of the tank shaft, and the engaging portion is engaged with the boss portion and the recess or protrusion formed in the axial direction of the outer peripheral surface of the tank shaft. A moving body made of a magnetic material, a compression spring that urges the moving body downward so that the engaging portion engages with the boss portion and the tank shaft, and an engaging portion that engages only with the tank shaft by power supply. By providing an electromagnetic solenoid that magnetically attracts the moving body against the urging force of the compression spring, a clutch can be easily configured. Further, since the dehydration is performed in the first state when the power supply to the electromagnetic solenoid is cut off, the clutch can be prevented from being damaged due to a voltage drop or the like during dehydration rotating at high speed.
[0084]
Further, according to the present invention, the driving voltage for driving the electromagnetic solenoid is changed stepwise or gently, so that the attractive force acting on the moving body changes stepwise or gently, and the other at the upper or lower end of the movement of the moving body. Noise generated when colliding with a member is prevented.
[0085]
According to the present invention, since the tank shaft is fixed to the stationary system by the clutch in the second state, the washing / dehydrating tank does not rotate following the rotation of the laundry, and a sufficient cleaning effect is obtained. be able to.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a drive mechanism of the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a moving body and a lock pad of the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a first state of the clutch of the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a second state of the clutch of the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation of a washing / rinsing process of the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation of a washing / rinsing process in a washing / rinsing process of the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation of a retry process in a washing / rinsing process of the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of another washing and rinsing process of the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation of a dehydration process of the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a change over time of the drive voltage of the electromagnetic solenoid of the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 exterior
2 Hanging rod
3 Vibration absorbing spring
4 Aquarium
5 washing and dewatering tank
8 Control unit
9 Drive mechanism
10 Support member
14 Water supply pipe
15 Drainage duct
17 Tank axis
21, 22bearing
23 Pulsator shaft
30 lock pad
33 Clutch boss
34 Mobile
35 Clutch spring
37 Electromagnetic solenoid
40 motor
43 Pulsator

Claims (9)

A washing and dewatering tub in which the laundry is accommodated and is rotatably arranged around the tub axis;
A pulsator disposed in the washing and dewatering tank so as to be rotatable around a pulsator axis concentric with the tank axis;
A motor for driving the pulsator shaft;
Rotation angle detection means for detecting the rotation angle of the motor;
A clutch that switches between a first state in which the tank shaft is connected to the pulsator shaft and a second state in which the tank shaft is disconnected from the pulsator shaft;
Clutch switching discriminating means for discriminating between the first state and the second state;
A storage unit,
Driving the clutch to switch to the second state;
The rotation angle detection means detects a first rotation angle of the motor due to inertia after driving the motor at a predetermined rotation speed for a predetermined time,
The clutch switching determination means performs a first determination that the second state is in a second state if the first rotation angle is equal to or less than a first predetermined value;
After confirming that the first state is switched to the second state by the first determination, the pulsator is rotated forward and reverse to perform washing or rinsing operation,
In the washing or rinsing operation,
The rotation angle detection means detects a second rotation angle of the motor due to inertia after power supply interruption of the motor at the end of forward rotation or reverse rotation,
In the clutch switching determination means, the second rotation angle detected last time is stored in the storage unit, and the second rotation angle newly detected and the second rotation angle stored in the storage unit are stored. If the difference from the rotation angle is greater than or equal to a second predetermined value, a second determination is made that the state is the first state,
When the second determination does not determine the first state, the washing machine is characterized by repeatedly storing the newly detected second rotation angle in the storage unit. A washing and dewatering tub in which the laundry is accommodated and is rotatably arranged around the tub axis;
A pulsator disposed in the washing and dewatering tank so as to be rotatable around a pulsator axis concentric with the tank axis;
A motor for driving the pulsator shaft;
Rotation angle detection means for detecting the rotation angle of the motor;
A clutch that switches between a first state in which the tank shaft is connected to the pulsator shaft and a second state in which the tank shaft is disconnected from the pulsator shaft;
Clutch switching discriminating means for discriminating between the first state and the second state;
A storage unit,
Driving the clutch to switch to the first state;
The rotation angle detection means detects a first rotation angle of the motor due to inertia after driving the motor at a predetermined rotation speed for a predetermined time,
Driving the clutch to switch to the second state;
The rotation angle detection means detects a second rotation angle of the motor due to inertia after driving the motor at a predetermined rotation speed for a predetermined time,
The clutch switching determination means performs a first determination that the state is the second state if a value obtained by subtracting the second rotation angle from the first rotation angle is greater than a first predetermined value;
After confirming that the first state is switched to the second state by the first determination, the pulsator is rotated forward and reverse to perform washing or rinsing operation,
In washing or rinsing operation,
The rotation angle detection means detects a third rotation angle of the motor due to inertia after power supply interruption of the motor at the end of forward rotation or reverse rotation,
In the clutch switching determination means, the third rotation angle detected last time is stored in the storage unit, and the third rotation angle newly detected and the third rotation angle stored in the storage unit are stored. If the difference from the rotation angle is greater than or equal to a second predetermined value, a second determination is made that the state is the first state,
If the second state does not determine the first state, the washing machine is characterized by repeatedly storing the newly detected third rotation angle in the storage unit.   The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising voltage control means for maintaining the drive voltage of the motor in a predetermined range at the time of the first determination by the clutch switching determination means. When it is not determined as the second state in the first determination and when it is determined as the first state in the second determination,
The washing machine according to claim 1 or 3, wherein a retry process is performed to rotate the motor by a predetermined angle and then drive the clutch again to switch to the second state. If the retry process is performed after the first determination,
Again, detecting the first rotation angle of the motor due to inertia after driving the motor at a predetermined rotation speed for a predetermined time, and performing the first determination by the clutch switching determination means,
When the retry process is performed after the second determination,
Detecting again the second rotation angle of the motor due to the inertia after power supply interruption of the motor at the end of forward rotation or reverse rotation by the rotation angle detection means, and performing the second determination by the clutch switching determination means. The washing machine according to claim 4. When it is not determined as the second state in the first determination and when it is determined as the first state in the second determination,
The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein a retry process is performed in which the motor is rotated so as to switch the clutch to the second state again after rotating the motor by a predetermined angle.   A boss portion integral with the pulsator shaft is provided at a lower portion of the tank shaft, and the clutch includes an engaging portion that engages with the boss portion and a recess or a protrusion formed in the axial direction of the outer peripheral surface of the tank shaft. And a movable body made of a magnetic material, a compression spring that urges the movable body downward so that the engagement portion engages with the boss portion and the tank shaft, and the engagement portion is moved by the power supply to the tank. The laundry according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an electromagnetic solenoid that magnetically attracts the moving body upward against an urging force of a compression spring so as to engage only with a shaft. Machine.   The washing machine according to claim 7, wherein a driving voltage for driving the electromagnetic solenoid is changed stepwise or gradually.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the tank shaft is fixed by the clutch in the second state.

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