JP4103250B2 - Washing machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a washing machine that reduces damage and entanglement of clothes during washing and removes dirt by an effective action of washing water.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A configuration of a pulsator type washing machine, which is one of the typical washing methods, will be described with reference to FIG.
[0003]
As shown in FIG. 11, the outer tub 180 includes a washing / dehydrating tub 182 having a stirring blade 181 rotatably disposed at the bottom, and is suspended from the washing machine outer frame 184 by a suspension bar 183. The motor 185 drives the stirring blade 181 or the washing and dewatering tub 182 via the V belt 186 and the speed reduction mechanism / clutch 187. The drain valve 188 drains the washing water in the washing / dehydrating tank 182, and the water supply valve 189 supplies water to the washing / dehydrating tank 182.
[0004]
The washing / dehydrating tub 182 is provided with a fluid balancer 190 for reducing vibration during dehydration, and an inner lid 191 is disposed on the upper portion of the washing / dehydrating tub 182 so that the washing liquid can be stored in the outer tub 180 during washing. The lid 192 is disposed on the upper portion so as not to scatter outside. The control device 193 controls the motor 185, the drain valve 188, the water supply valve 189, etc., and sequentially controls each process of washing, rinsing and dehydration.
[0005]
The operation in the above configuration will be described. After washing and a predetermined amount of detergent are put into the washing and dewatering tank 182, when washing is started, the water supply valve 189 is controlled by the control device 192, and a predetermined amount is stored in the washing and dewatering tank 182. Then, the controller 193 controls the motor 185 to rotate the stirring blade 181. The laundry and water in the washing and dewatering tub 182 are agitated by the rotation of the agitating blade 181, and this agitation gradually dissolves the detergent into washing water, which acts on the dirt on the laundry.
[0006]
However, in the case of a washing machine having this configuration, in order to dissolve the detergent that has been charged, it is common to rotate the stirring blade 181 at high speed to stir the laundry or water. In order to prevent this mechanical force from being applied, a predetermined amount of water is supplied to the washing and dewatering tank 182 and then the stirring by the stirring blade 181 is performed.
[0007]
That is, since the stirring blade 181 is not stirred until a predetermined amount of water is supplied, this water supply time has no meaning from the viewpoint of removing dirt from the laundry. In addition, the supplied water will soak into the laundry as it is, and in this case, the detergent that has started to dissolve by the start of stirring penetrates the entire laundry and becomes a predetermined concentration until it is uniformized to a concentration necessary for removing dirt. Time is required, and in this case too, it was a wasteful time from the viewpoint of removing dirt.
[0008]
Moreover, starting stirring by the stirring blade 181 from a state where the detergent does not sufficiently act on the laundry is inefficient from the viewpoint of damage to the laundry. That is, a large frictional force when stirring the laundry in a state in which the laundry does not detergent impregnated with will be applied to the laundry surface, resulting a problem that damage is caused Mau such as fluff laundry surface as there were.
[0009]
Therefore, as a means to solve this problem, in order to reduce the damage and entanglement of the laundry by dissolving the detergent simultaneously with the start of water supply without rotating the stirring blade 181 and reducing the frictional force applied to the laundry. A method of supplying water while rotating the washing and dewatering tank 182 at a low speed from the start of washing has been proposed.
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional method, when the laundry / dehydration tub 182 is rotated when a large amount of laundry is put, the laundry and the inner lid 191 are rubbed to damage the laundry, or the laundry / dehydration tub 182 is removed. There has been a problem that the motor 185 for rotational driving is overloaded, and the temperature rises abnormally and is unsafe.
[0011]
The present invention solves the above problems, and when water is supplied while rotating the washing and dewatering tub at a low speed, even when a lot of laundry is put in, the laundry is not damaged and is in an unsafe state. It aims to keep driving without becoming.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a washing / dehydrating tub rotatably provided in the inner bottom of a washing / dehydrating tub provided rotatably in the outer tub, and a cover body provided on the upper portion of the outer tub. The cover is provided with an inner lid that covers the upper part of the washing machine , the washing and dewatering tub and the stirring blade are driven by a motor, the water level in the washing and dewatering tub is detected by the water level detection means, and the output signal from the water level detection means is controlled by the control means The water supply means for supplying water into the washing and dewatering tub and the motor are controlled to control each process of washing, rinsing and dewatering . When the lid is closed, water is supplied while rotating the washing / dehydrating tub. If the motor is detected to be overloaded , the washing / dehydrating tub is stopped and only water is supplied. It is a thing.
[0013]
As a result, when water is supplied while rotating the washing and dewatering tub at a low speed, even if a large amount of laundry is put in, the operation is continued without damaging the laundry and without becoming unsafe. Can do.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing and dewatering tub provided rotatably in an outer tub, a cover body provided on an upper portion of the outer tub , and the washing and detaching provided on the cover body. An inner lid covering the upper part of the water tub, a stirring blade rotatably provided at the inner bottom of the washing and dehydrating tub, a water supply means for supplying water into the washing and dehydrating tub, the washing and dehydrating tub and the stirring wing A motor for driving, a water level detecting means for detecting the water level in the washing and dewatering tub, an output signal from the water level detecting means and controlling the water supply means and the motor to perform washing, rinsing and dehydration processes and control means for sequentially controlling said control means, said in water at the beginning of the washing process, and the washing and dewatering tank in a state in which the inner lid is closed to supply the water while rotating, when the motor at this time is in overload state If you knowledge is obtained by the rotation of the washing and dewatering tank to perform only water is stopped, when the water while rotating the washing and dewatering tank from the starting stage of the water supply stroke at low speed, many laundry When it is put in, when the overload condition is detected, the rotation of the washing and dewatering tub is stopped, so that the laundry is not rubbed on the inner lid, etc., the laundry is not damaged, and water is supplied. As a result, the cloth size of the laundry is reduced, and even if the washing and dewatering tub is rotated, the laundry is not rubbed against the inner lid or the like, and the operation can be continued without being in an unsafe state .
[0015]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, a rotation detecting means for detecting rotation of the motor is provided, and the control means is provided when the input signal from the rotation detecting means does not change. The overload state is detected, and the safety of the washing machine can be improved without damaging the laundry with a simple configuration.
[0016]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, a current detection unit for detecting a current flowing through the motor is provided, and the control unit is configured to output the current from the current detection unit when the motor starts rotating. When the input signal is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, it is detected that the vehicle is overloaded. With a simple configuration, the laundry is not damaged and the safety of the washing machine can be improved .
[0017]

【Example】
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0018]
(Example 1)
As shown in FIG. 1, the outer tub 1 includes a washing / dehydrating tub 2, and a stirring blade 3 is rotatably provided at the bottom of the washing / dehydrating tub 2. The outer tub 1 is suspended from the washing machine outer frame 5 by the suspension rod 4. The power switching mechanism 6 decelerates the driving force from the motor 7 constituted by a DC brushless motor at the time of washing, and transmits it to the agitating blade 3 with a reduction ratio of 6: 1, for example, and 1-to-1 at the time of washing, the washing and dewatering tub 2 To communicate. That is, if the motor 7 is rotated at 600 r / min, the rotation speed of the stirring blade 3 is 100 r / min during washing, and the rotation speed of the washing / dehydrating tub 2 is driven at 600 r / min during dehydration. .
[0019]
The cover body 8 forms a sprinkling discharge portion provided at the upper part of the outer tub 1, and the inner lid 9 is provided so that the sprinkled washing water is not scattered outside the outer tub 1. The detecting means 10 detects the water level by converting the water pressure of the connecting portion (trip point) 11 at the lower part of the outer tub 1 into an electrical frequency. The water supply valve (water supply means) 12 supplies water into the washing / dehydrating tub 2, and the drain valve 13 discharges the washing water in the outer tub 1.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 14 controls the operation of the power switching mechanism 6, the motor 7, the water supply valve 12, the drain valve 13, and the like, and sequentially controls a series of processes such as washing, rinsing and dehydration. It is comprised from the control means 15 etc. which consist of. The control means 15 inputs information from the input setting means 16 for setting the driving course and the like, and displays the information on the display means (notification means) 17 based on the information to notify the user, and the input setting means. When the operation start is set by 16, the data from the water level detection means 10 and the like are input, and the operation of the power switching mechanism 6, the water supply valve 12 and the drain valve 13 is controlled via the load driving means 18 to perform the washing operation. Do. At this time, the rotation control means 19 controls the rotation of the motor 7 by controlling the inverter circuit 22 via the drive circuit 21 based on the information from the rotation detection means 20.
[0021]
Although the motor 7 is a direct current brushless motor, although not shown, it is composed of a stator having a three-phase winding and a rotor having a two-pole permanent magnet disposed on the ring, and the stator constitutes a three-phase winding. The first winding 7a, the second winding 7b, and the third winding 7c are wound around an iron core provided with a slot.
[0022]
The inverter circuit 22 is composed of a switching element composed of a parallel circuit of a power transistor (IGBT) and a reverse conducting diode. A series circuit of a first switching element 22a and a second switching element 22b, a series circuit of a third switching element 22c and a fourth switching element 22d, and a fifth switching element 22e and a sixth switching element 22f A series circuit is configured, and the series circuit of each switching element is connected in parallel.
[0023]
Here, both ends of the series circuit of switching elements are input terminals, a DC power supply is connected, and output terminals are respectively connected to connection points of two switching elements constituting the series circuit of switching elements. The output terminal is connected to the U terminal, V terminal, and W terminal of the three-phase winding, and the U terminal, V terminal, and W terminal are connected by the combination of ON and OFF of the two switching elements constituting the series circuit of the switching element. The three states are positive voltage, zero voltage, and release, respectively.
[0024]
On / off of the switching element is controlled by the rotation control means 19 based on information from the three rotation detection means 20a, 20b, and 20c made of the Hall IC. The rotation detection means 20a, 20b, and 20c are disposed on the stator so as to face the permanent magnets of the rotor at an electrical angle of 120 degrees.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 3, during one rotation of the rotor, the three rotation detectors 20a, 20b, 20c each output a pulse at the timing shown in the figure. The rotation control means 19 detects the timing of the arrow shown in the figure (when the signal state of any of the three rotation detection means changes), and based on the signals of the rotation detection means 20a, 20b, 20c, By changing the ON / OFF state of the switching elements 22a to 22f, the U terminal, the V terminal, and the W terminal are set to three states of positive voltage, zero voltage, and release, and the first winding 7a and the second winding of the stator A current is applied to the winding 7b and the third winding 7c to create a magnetic field, and the rotor is rotated.
[0026]
The switching elements 22a, 22c, and 22e are each controlled by pulse width modulation (PWM). For example, the rotational speed of the rotor is controlled by controlling the energization ratio of high and low at a repetition frequency of 10 kHz. The rotation control means 19 detects the cycle each time the signal state of any of the three rotation detection means 20a, 20b, 20c changes, calculates the rotor rotation speed based on the cycle, and sets the rotation speed to the set rotation speed. In addition, the switching elements 22a, 22c, and 22e are PWM-controlled.
[0027]
The commercial power source 23 is connected to the inverter 22 via a DC power source conversion device including a diode bridge 24, a choke coil 25, and a smoothing capacitor 26. However, this is an example, and the configuration of the DC brushless motor 7, the configuration of the inverter 22, and the like are not limited thereto.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 4, the rotation control means 19 receives a signal from the rotation detection means 20 and detects the rotation speed of the motor 7, and a rotation speed setting that sets the rotation speed of the motor 7. Means 19b, a rotation speed comparison means 19c for comparing the rotation speed detected by the rotation speed setting means 19b and the rotation speed detection means 19a, a rotation speed change amount detection means 19d for detecting a change amount of the rotation speed, Based on inputs from the number comparison means 19c and the rotation speed change amount detection means 19d, an operation amount determination that determines the operation amount of the energization ratio of the switching elements 22a, 22c, and 22e in order to bring the rotation speed of the motor 7 closer to the set rotation speed. An energization ratio setting unit 19f that sets an energization ratio of the switching elements 22a, 22c, and 22e after being operated by the operation amount determination unit and the operation amount determination unit 19e and outputs the energization ratio to the drive circuit 21; Depending on the time elapsed from the start of the motor 7 is configured gradually increased switching elements 22a, 22c, and stores the current ratio of the 22e from the energization ratio storage means 19g for outputting to the driving circuit 21.
[0029]
The rotation control means 19 is energized until the number of times the signal state of any of the three rotation detection means 20a, 20b, and 20c changes up to three times, that is, until the motor 7 makes 1/2 rotation. The drive circuit 21 is driven by the output signal of the ratio storage means 19g and thereafter by the output signal of the energization ratio setting means 19f, thereby controlling the energization ratios of the switching elements 22a, 22c and 22e.
[0030]
FIG. 5 shows the state of rotation of the motor 7 during washing, with 1.6 seconds on and 1 second off so that the motor 7 is 600 r / min, that is, the stirring blade 3 is 100 r / min. , Forward and reverse are repeated.
[0031]
In the above configuration, by supplying water while gently rotating the washing and dewatering tub 2 (for example, 35 r / min), as shown in FIG. When the centrifugal force is applied, the central part is lowered a little to promote the circulation of the washing water, so that the solubility of the introduced detergent is improved and the washing performance in the subsequent process is improved.
[0032]
The above operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step 50, the control means 15 transmits the power of the motor 7 to the washing / dehydrating tub 2 by the power switching mechanism 6 in order to rotate the washing / dehydrating tub 2. In step 51, the rotational speed is set to N1 (for example, 35 r / min), and in step 52, the variable n is initialized to zero.
[0033]
In step 53, the start control of the motor 7 is performed, so that the washing and dewatering tub 2 is smoothly rotated and started. Subsequently, at step 54, it is determined whether or not the signal from the rotation detecting means 20 has changed. If there is a change, it is determined that the motor 7 is rotating and the routine proceeds to step 58 where the driving of the motor 7 is continued. If there is no change, it is determined that the motor 7 is locked, and the startup control is performed a maximum of four times until the lock of the motor 7 is released in step 55 and step 56. If the motor 7 still does not rotate, in step 57 The motor 7 is stopped and the routine proceeds to step 59.
[0034]
In steps 59 to 61, a signal from the water level detection means 10 is input, and the water supply valve 12 is turned on until the water level in the washing and dewatering tub 2 reaches a predetermined water level (for example, water column 250 mm).
[0035]
In step 62, the washing / dehydrating tub 2 is rotated at a predetermined water level, so that the water surface in the washing / dehydrating tub 2 is lowered at the center as shown in FIG. Is set to a rotation speed N2 (for example, 150 r / min) so that water is sprinkled into the washing and dewatering tub 2 over the height of the upper end of the washing and dewatering tub 2 at last. In 63, the variable n is initialized to 0.
[0036]
In step 64, the start control of the motor 7 is performed, so that the washing and dewatering tub 2 is smoothly rotated and started. Subsequently, at step 65, it is determined whether or not the signal from the rotation detecting means 20 has changed, and if there is a change, it is determined that the motor 7 is rotating and the routine proceeds to step 66, where the motor 7 is continuously driven and thereafter. If there is no change, it is determined that the motor 7 is locked, and start control is performed up to four times until the motor 7 is unlocked in Step 67 and Step 68, and the motor 7 still rotates. If not, the motor 7 is stopped at step 69 and the routine proceeds to step 70, where it is determined that the power switching mechanism 6, the motor 7, etc. are out of order, and the display means 17 displays for example "H51" to the user. Inform about device malfunction.
[0037]
Thus, according to the present embodiment, when supplying water while rotating the washing and dehydrating tub 2 at a low speed, when a large amount of laundry is put in, the rotation of the washing and dehydrating tub 2 is stopped when an overload state is detected. By doing so, the laundry is not rubbed against the inner lid 9 and the like, the laundry is not damaged, and the water of the laundry is reduced by supplying water, and the washing and dewatering tub 2 is rotated. However, the laundry is not rubbed against the inner lid 9 or the like, and the operation can be continued without being in an unsafe state.
[0038]
Also, if the locked state of the motor 7 is detected when the washing / dehydrating tub 2 is rotated at the rotation speed N2 after the water level in the washing / dehydrating tub 2 reaches a predetermined water level, the laundry and the inner lid 9 are rubbed. It can be distinguished from the locked state by matching, and the user can be notified by judging that the motor 7 or the speed reduction mechanism / clutch 6 is malfunctioning.
[0039]
(Example 2)
As shown in FIG. 8, the current detection means 27 comprises a resistor 27a for detecting the input current of the inverter 22, and a current detection circuit 27b that amplifies the voltage across the resistor 27a and transmits it to the control means 15 '. ing. The control unit 15 ′ detects that the motor 7 is in an overload state when the input signal from the current detection unit 27 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value when the rotation of the motor 7 is started. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.
[0040]
The operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The contents are obtained by changing the lock detection method of the motor 7 from the first embodiment. Specifically, step 54 and step 65 in FIG. 7 are replaced with step 79 and step 90 in FIG. When the signal from 27 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it can be determined that the motor 7 is locked.
[0041]
As described above, when the motor 7 starts rotating, the overload state is detected when the input signal from the current detection means 27 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. It is possible to distinguish between a locked state caused by rubbing 9 and a locked state caused by a failure of the motor 7, the speed reduction mechanism / clutch 6, and the like, and the safety of the washing machine can be improved without damaging the laundry.
[0042]
(Example 3)
The control means 15 shown in FIG. 2 detects the water level in the washing / dehydrating tub 2 by stopping the rotation of the motor 7 every predetermined time when supplying water while rotating the washing / dehydrating tub 2. Yes. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.
[0043]
The operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step 100, the control means 15 transmits the power of the motor 7 to the washing / dehydrating tub 2 by the power switching mechanism 6 in order to rotate the washing / dehydrating tub 2. In step 101, the rotational speed is set to N1 (for example, 35 r / min) and rotationally driven. In step 102, the water supply valve 12 is turned on to start water supply.
[0044]
In Step 103 to Step 109, the timer 1 is cleared every minute. If the timer 1 is less than 2 seconds, the motor 7 is stopped. If the timer 1 is 2 seconds or more, the motor 7 is driven. The rotation of the motor 7 is stopped for 2 seconds every minute, and the signal from the water level detection means 10 is input to determine the water level. If the predetermined water level is reached in step 108, the water supply valve 12 is turned off in step 110, and the next process is performed in step 111.
[0045]
Thus, when the water level is detected by supplying water while rotating the washing and dewatering tub 2, even if an inverter is used to drive the motor 7, by stopping the rotational driving of the motor 7 every predetermined time, The problem that the correct water level cannot be detected due to the switching noise generated, and the water overflows outside the machine without being supplied with water.
[0046]
Note that the time setting of the timer 1 is not limited to the present embodiment.
[0047]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the washing and dewatering tub provided rotatably in the outer tub, the cover body provided on the upper portion of the outer tub, and the cover body An inner lid that covers the upper part of the washing and dehydrating tub, a stirring blade that is rotatably provided at the inner bottom of the washing and dehydrating tub, water supply means for supplying water into the washing and dehydrating tub, and the washing and dehydrating tub A motor for driving the water tank and the stirring blade, a water level detecting means for detecting the water level in the washing and dewatering tank, an output signal from the water level detecting means, and controlling the water supply means and the motor for washing, Control means for sequentially controlling each process of rinsing and dehydration, the control means rotating the washing and dewatering tub while the inner lid is closed at the time of water supply at the start of the washing process to perform the water supply, the motor at this time is If it is detected that the load condition, the from and to perform water supply only the rotation of the washing and dewatering tank is stopped, when the water while rotating the washing and dewatering tank from the starting stage of the water supply stroke at a low speed, the laundry When an overload condition is detected when a lot of items are put in, the rotation of the washing and dewatering tank is stopped, so that the laundry is not rubbed on the inner lid, etc., and the laundry is not damaged, and By supplying water, the cloth size of the laundry is reduced, and even if the washing and dewatering tub is rotated, the laundry will not be rubbed against the inner lid, etc., and operation can be continued without being in an unsafe state. .
[0048]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the rotation detection means for detecting the rotation of the motor is provided, and the control means is in an overload state when the input signal from the rotation detection means does not change. Since the detection is performed, the safety of the washing machine can be improved without damaging the laundry with a simple configuration.
[0049]
Further, according to the invention described in claim 3, comprising a current detecting means for detecting a current flowing through the motor, the control means, the input signal from the current sensing means during rotation start of the motor is equal to or higher than a predetermined value In this case, since the overload state is detected, it is possible to improve the safety of the washing machine without damaging the laundry with a simple configuration .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partially block circuit diagram of the washing machine. FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing an operation of an inverter of the washing machine. FIG. 4 is a block circuit diagram of rotation control means of the washing machine. FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing rotation of the motor of the washing machine. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state of a water supply stroke of the washing machine. Flowchart of the washing machine [FIG. 8] FIG. 9 is a partially block diagram of the washing machine of the second embodiment of the present invention. [FIG. 9] Flow chart of operation of the washing machine [FIG. 10] Third embodiment of the present invention Flowchart of Example Washing Machine [FIG. 11] Longitudinal Section of Conventional Washing Machine [Explanation of Symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Outer tub 2 Washing / dehydration tub 3 Stirring blade 7 Motor 10 Water level detection means 12 Water supply valve (water supply means)
15 Control means

Claims (3)

A washing and dewatering tub rotatably provided in the outer tub, a cover body provided on the upper part of the outer tub, an inner lid provided on the cover body and covering the upper part of the washing and dewatering tub, A stirring blade provided rotatably at the inner bottom of the dewatering tank, a water supply means for supplying water into the washing / dehydrating tank, a motor for driving the washing / dehydrating tank and the stirring blade, A water level detecting means for detecting a water level; and a control means for controlling the water supply means and the motor by inputting an output signal from the water level detecting means and sequentially controlling each step of washing, rinsing and dehydration, In the water supply at the start of the washing process, the water is supplied while rotating the washing and dewatering tub while the inner lid is closed , and at this time, the motor is detected as being overloaded. If you, the washing and dewatering tank of Washing machine to perform the water supply only the rolling stops. Comprising a rotation detecting means for detecting the rotation of the motor, the control means, the washing machine according to claim 1, wherein which is adapted to detect that the overload state when the input signal from the rotation detecting means is not changed. A current detecting means for detecting a current flowing through the motor, the control means, so that the input signal from the current sensing means during rotation start of the motor is detected as overloaded when the predetermined value or more The washing machine according to claim 1 .

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