JPH04105694A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To automatically control an operation so as to meet the quality of cloth and to improve manageabilty by detecting the quality of cloth of the accommodated laundry based on variation in detected rotating speed output from a rotating speed detecting means during washing operation. CONSTITUTION:The normal rotation and the opposite rotation of a rotating tank 3 are respectively performed 16 times at the set rotating speed of a motor 5 and for the set time period of opposite rotation of the motor 5. The rotating speed is detected by a rotating speed detecting means 18. A control circuit 14 calculates respective difference between the rotating steed of a first time and that of a second time in the normal rotation, the second time and a third time,... 15th time and 16th time, and respective difference between the rotating speed of a first time and that of a second time,..., 15th time and 16th time. The control circuit 14 also calculates the sum of the differences in the rotating speed and obtains a value as K. In the case of 'high' water level, it is decided that the quality of cloth is 'stiff', when K is smaller than 120, and the cloth is mainly composed of cotton, when K is larger than 85 and equal to or smaller than 120. Then, the intensity of water jet, washing time, rinsing time and dehydrating time or the like suitable for the quality of cloth are set so that a washing operation, a rinsing operation and a dehydrating operation are carried out.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Object of the Invention] (Industrial Application Field) The present invention relates to a washing machine equipped with a motor that drives an agitator provided in a washing tub.

(Prior Art) This type of washing machine, for example, a dehydrating washing machine, is conventionally equipped with a capacity sensor that detects the volume of laundry stored in a washing tub and a dirt sensor that detects the degree of dirt in the water. ing. In this configuration, when a sensor operation course is selected, the washing operation time, rinsing operation time, spin-driving operation time, etc. are automatically set according to the laundry volume and water stains detected by each of the above sensors. Settings are made to control the execution of the operation.

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) In the above conventional configuration, when the sensor operation course is selected,
Regarding the water flow during the washing operation, "standard" is set and executed. In this case 1. When the fabric of the laundry is normal, the "standard" water flow is sufficient, but when the fabric is stiff like jeans, the "standard" water flow is sufficient.
When using a water stream, the water stream may be weak for the fabric type, resulting in insufficient cleaning. Further, in the case of a flexible fabric such as lingerie, if the "standard" water flow is used, the water flow is strong against the fabric and may cause damage to the fabric. In such a case, the user has to manually select and set the water flow according to the fabric quality, which is not convenient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that can automatically detect the fabric quality of laundry stored in a washing tub, eliminates the need for manual operation by the user, and improves usability. be. Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that can carry out washing operations suitable for the fabric quality and further prevent fabric damage and insufficient washing.

[Structure of the Invention] (Means for Solving the Problem) The washing machine of the present invention is equipped with a motor that drives an agitator provided in a washing tub, in which the rotational speed of the motor is controlled. Fabric quality detection, which includes a rotational speed detection means for detecting, and detects the fabric quality of the laundry stored in the washing tub based on fluctuations in the detected rotational speed output from the rotational speed detection means during washing operation. The apparatus is characterized in that a means is provided, and a control means is provided for controlling the operation according to the cloth quality detected by the cloth quality detection means.

In this case, the control means may control the water flow during the washing operation to be changed according to the cloth quality detected by the cloth quality detection means.

Further, the control means may control the rotational speed of the motor to decrease over time from the start of the washing operation to the end of the washing operation according to the cloth quality detected by the cloth quality detection means.

(Function) Laundry that is stiff and heavy for its volume, such as jeans, sinks to the bottom of the washing tub more easily than laundry that is flexible and light for its volume, such as lingerie.
This places a larger load on the stirring body. For this reason, if the stirrer is rough, the rotational speed of the agitator, that is, the rotational speed of the motor, tends to fluctuate. In addition, the negative parts (sleeves, hems, etc.) of items such as jeans may come into contact with the blades of the agitator during the washing operation, and this also tends to cause the rotational speed of the motor to fluctuate. On the other hand, things like lingerie,
Since it floats to the top of the washing tank, fluctuations in the rotational speed of the motor are less likely to occur. The present invention has been made by paying attention to such circumstances.

That is, according to the means of the present invention, based on the fluctuation in the detected rotational speed of the motor output from the rotational speed detection means,
The fabric quality of the laundry stored in the washing tub is automatically detected. Since the operation is automatically controlled in accordance with the detected fabric quality, manual operation by the user is not required, unlike in the past.

Since the water flow during the washing operation is changed according to the fabric quality detected by the fabric quality detection means, the washing operation can be performed in accordance with the fabric quality, and damage to the fabric and insufficient washing can be prevented.

In addition, since the rotation speed of the motor is controlled to decrease over time from the start of the washing operation to the end of the washing operation according to the fabric quality detected by the fabric quality detection means, it is possible to prevent fabric damage and , it is possible to carry out a washing operation that is more suitable for the fabric quality.

(Example) Hereinafter, a first example of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

First, in FIG. 2, a water receptacle N12 is provided inside the outer box 1 of the dehydrating and washing machine, and a rotating tank 3 for dehydrating and washing, which is a washing cypress, is arranged inside this water receptacle N12. ing.

A large-diameter stirring body 4 is provided at the inner bottom of the rotating tank 3. At the outer bottom of the water receiving tank 2, a motor 5 consisting of, for example, a three-phase DC brushless morph is disposed, and an m structure 6 equipped with a speed reduction mechanism and the like is disposed. The mechanism section 6 decelerates the rotation of the motor 5 and transmits it to the stirring body 4 during washing operation, and transmits the rotation of the motor 5 to the rotating tank 3 and the stirring body 4 during dehydration. Further, a drain valve 7 is provided in the drain channel from the water receiving tank 2.

An air trap 8 is formed at the bottom of the water receiving tank 2, and a water level sensor 10 (see FIG. 3) is connected to this air trap S via an air tube 9. Further, an upper cover 11 is provided on the upper part of the outer box 1, and a control device 12 for controlling washing, rinsing, and dewatering operations is provided at the front inside the upper cover 11. On the other hand, a rotational speed control device 13 that drives the motor 5 to rotate and controls its rotational speed is disposed at the rear upper part of the outer box 1.

Now, in FIG. 3 showing the electrical configuration, the control circuit 14
is a control means and has the functionality of the above-mentioned control device 12 and rotational speed control device 13, and also has the function of cloth quality detection means. The control circuit 14 includes, for example, a microcomputer, and stores programs for controlling washing, rinsing, and dewatering operations in an internal memory. The control circuit 14 receives human input signals from various switches 15 provided on an operation panel (not shown), a water level detection signal from the water level sensor 10, and a position detection signal from a position detection element 5a, for example, a Hall element, built in the motor 5. It is designed to receive. The control circuit 14 drives a display 16 provided on the operation panel, and drives the drain valve 7, water supply valve 17, and motor 5 via drive circuits 18-20.

Here, when driving the motor 5, the drive coil of the motor 5 is energized at appropriate timing based on the position detection signal from the position detection element 5a, and the position detection signal from the position detection element 5a is From signal to motor 5
The number of rotations per unit time, that is, the rotation speed is detected, and the applied voltage is adjusted to obtain the required rotation speed.

In this case, the position detection element 5a and the control circuit 14 constitute a rotational speed detection means 18.

Next, the operation of the above structure will be explained with reference also to FIGS. 1, 4, 5, and 6.

As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4, when the standard course (sensor operation course) is selected and washing is started, the volume of the laundry stored in the rotary tub 3 is first detected (step S1). The water level, washing time, number of rinses, spin-drying time, etc. corresponding to the capacity are set. Note that the configuration for detecting the capacity of the laundry is a well-known configuration (for example, a configuration that detects the current flowing through the motor when the laundry is stirred at a certain set water level and detects the capacity based on the detected value). is used. And now the set water level is "high"
If it is the water level, proceed to rYESJ in step s2, and after supplying water to the "high" water level (steps S3 and S4)
, the washing operation is started. At the beginning of this washing operation, the fabric quality of the laundry is detected. Specifically, the preset rotational speed of the motor 5 and the reversal time of the motor 5 (defined by the on time of the motor 5 during normal rotation and reversal, and the off time of the motor 5 between normal rotation and reversal) (time limit), the rotary tank 3 is rotated forward and reversed 16 times each, 32 times (steps S5 and S6). In this case, for example, increase the rotation speed to 11
5 r p m s reversal timer on for 1°3 seconds, 0.5
Drive off for seconds. At this time, if the laundry is jeans, for example, the actual rotational speed of the motor 5 varies as shown in FIG.

That is, the first rotation speed of forward rotation is 90 rpm, and the first rotation speed of reverse rotation is 90 rpm.
The rotation speed for the first rotation is 85 rpm, the rotation speed for the second rotation is 80 rpm for the forward rotation, and the rotation speed for the second rotation for the reverse rotation is 80 rpm.
rpm, the third rotation speed of forward rotation is 9Q rpm, and the rotation speed of third rotation of reverse rotation is 90 rpm.

・・・・・・・・・The 16th rotation speed of normal rotation is 8O
rpm.

The rotation speed of the 16th reversal is 90 rpm.

These rotational speeds are detected by the rotational speed detection means 18. Here, the control circuit 14 determines the difference in rotation speed between the first normal rotation and the second normal rotation, the difference in the rotation speed between the second normal rotation and the third normal rotation, etc. ...Difference in rotational speed between the 15th forward rotation and the 16th forward rotation, difference in rotational speed between the 1st reversal and the 2nd reversal, etc.
Calculate the difference in rotational speed between the 15th reversal and the 16th reversal, and calculate the sum of these rotational speed differences,
Let that value be K. In this case, it becomes K-135. Here, if the laundry is lingerie, detect each rotation speed in the same way and calculate K to find K-4.
It becomes 0. This is because laundry that is stiff and heavy relative to its volume, such as jeans, sinks to the bottom of the rotating tub 3 more easily than laundry that is flexible and light relative to its volume, such as lingerie. This is because the load on the stirring body 4 becomes larger. Therefore, if the stirrer is rough, the rotational speed of the stirring body 4, that is, the rotational speed of the motor 5, tends to fluctuate. In addition, parts of items such as jeans (sleeves, hems, etc.) may come into contact with the blades of the agitator 4 during the washing operation, and from this point of view as well, the rotational speed of the motor 5 is likely to fluctuate. On the other hand, items such as lingerie tend to float above the rotating tub 3, making it difficult for the rotational speed of the motor 5 to fluctuate. Therefore, in the case of a "high" water level, if K>120, it is determined that the fabric quality of the laundry is "stiff" (step S7), and if 120≧K>85, the fabric quality is "cotton percentage". If 85≧K〉65, it is determined that the fabric quality is “contains a large proportion of synthetic fibers” (Step 5ll),
If it is 65≧, it is determined that the fabric is "flexible" like lingerie, and the water flow strength, washing time, rinsing time, spin-drying time, etc. are set as appropriate for the detected fabric quality. (Step S8. 810, 512, 513
), execute washing operation, rinsing operation, and dehydration operation (
Step 514). In addition, the table in Figure 5 indicates whether the water level is "high" or "high".
, "Medium", "Low", and "Small amount", the specific values of K for determining fabric quality are shown below. Also, in the table of Figure 6,
Specific values of the rotational speed and reversal time limit of the motor 5 when detecting fabric quality are shown for each of the cases where the water level is "high", "medium", "low", and "a small amount", and for each of the above water levels. To,
Specific values of the rotational speed and reversal time of the motor 5, as well as washing time, rinsing time, and dehydration time are shown as the water flow strength suitable for the detected fabric quality.

According to this embodiment having such a configuration, the fabric quality of the laundry stored in the rotary tub 3 is automatically detected based on the fluctuation in the detected rotational speed output from the rotational speed detection means 18. Since the operation is automatically controlled according to the detected fabric quality, manual operation by the user is not required, unlike in the past, and usability can be improved. Since the water flow is automatically set appropriately according to the quality of the cloth, it is possible to carry out a washing operation that is suitable for the quality of the cloth, and unlike the conventional method, damage to the cloth and insufficient washing can be prevented.

Incidentally, in the above embodiment, when detecting the fabric quality, normal rotation and reverse rotation are performed a total of 32 times, but the number is not limited to this, and the number may be set as appropriate. In addition, although we have added all the winter clothes with forward rotation speed and the winter clothes with reverse rotation speed, we added only the winter clothes with forward rotation speed or only the winter clothes with reverse rotation speed. It's okay. Furthermore, although the fabric quality is divided into four types, it goes without saying that it may be divided into 2.3 types or 5 or more types.

FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of the present invention, and the differences from the j@1 embodiment will be explained. In this second example,
The fabric quality of laundry is detected in the same manner as in the first embodiment. However, in this case, the fabric quality is classified into three types: "stiff", "normal", and "supple". The water flow during the washing operation is changed according to these three types of cloth quality. Specifically, as shown in the table of FIG. 7, the rotational speed of the motor and the reversal time period of the motor are changed depending on the quality of the fabric and the capacity of the laundry. For example, if the fabric is "flexible" and the capacity is small.
(1kg), set the motor rotation speed to 145r.
pm, the reversal time is 0.8 seconds on, 1°2 seconds off,
This generates a so-called stirring water flow. Also,
When the fabric is stiff and has a large capacity (5 kg), the motor rotation speed is set to 5 Or p m %, and the reversal time is set to 5 seconds on and 1 second off, thereby generating a so-called swirling water flow. .

According to this second embodiment, the rotational speed of the motor and the reversal time period are changed to change the water flow during the washing operation according to the quality of the fabric and the volume of the laundry, so the reversal time period is changed. Compared to the conventional configuration in which only a single washing machine is used, detailed operation control is executed, and as a result, uniform cleaning performance can be obtained regardless of fabric quality and capacity, and damage to the fabric can be prevented as much as possible.

FIGS. 8 to 10 show a third embodiment of the present invention, and differences from the second embodiment will be explained. In this third embodiment, the fabric quality of the laundry is detected in the same manner as in the second embodiment, and the fabric quality is classified into three types: "stiff,""Unormal," and "flexible."

For example, when executing a washing operation for 55 minutes, when the fabric quality is "normal", the rotation speed of the motor is set to 145 rpm for the first 5 minutes, and for 5 to 10 minutes, as shown in Figure 8. is the rotational speed of the motor 130 r p
m, and 1100 rpm for 10 to 15 minutes. In this way, the rotational speed of the motor is gradually lowered from the start of the washing operation to the end of the washing operation, so that even if washing operations are performed for a long time, it is difficult for the fabric to get tangled and cause fabric damage. can be prevented. Further, when the fabric quality is "stiff", as shown in FIG. 9, the rotational speed of the motor is set to 145 rpm for 10 minutes after the start, and 130 rpm for 10 to 15 minutes. Furthermore, when the fabric quality is "flexible", as shown in No. 1011, the rotation speed of the motor is set to 145 rpm for 3 minutes after the start, the rotation speed of the motor is set to 13 Or pm for 3 to 6 minutes, and the rotation speed is set to 13 Or pm for 6 to 10 minutes. is 115 rpm, the motor rotation speed is 1100 rpm for 10-13 minutes, and 85 rpm for 13-15 minutes.
The rotation speed is reduced in multiple stages.

According to this third embodiment, the rotational speed of the motor is gradually lowered over time from the start of the washing operation to the end of the washing operation in accordance with the fabric quality detected by the fabric quality detection means. This makes it difficult for the fabric to get tangled and to prevent fabric damage even if the washing operation is performed for a long time.In particular, it is possible to obtain uniform washing performance regardless of the fabric quality. It can be prevented.

In the above embodiment, the washing time was set to 15 minutes, but this time may be set as appropriate.

[Effects of the Invention] Since the present invention is as explained above, the following effects can be obtained.

In the washing machine according to claim 1, the fabric quality of the laundry stored in the washing tub is detected based on the fluctuation in the detected rotational speed output from the rotational speed detection means during the washing operation. The operation is automatically controlled in accordance with the detected fabric quality, eliminating the need for manual operation by the user and improving usability.

In the washing machine according to the second aspect, the water flow during the washing operation is changed according to the fabric quality detected by the fabric quality detection means, so that the washing operation can be performed in accordance with the fabric quality, and the fabric damage can be prevented. It is possible to prevent this and obtain uniform cleaning performance.

In the washing machine according to claim 3, the rotational speed of the motor is controlled to decrease over time from the start of the washing operation to the end of the washing operation according to the fabric quality detected by the fabric quality detection means. It is possible to prevent fabric tangles and prevent fabric damage, and to obtain uniform cleaning performance regardless of fabric quality.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 to 6 show an embodiment of the present invention,
Figure 1 is a graph showing fluctuations in motor rotation speed, Figure 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the washing machine, Figure 3 is an electrical configuration diagram, Figure 4 is a flowchart, and Figure 5 is a diagram for determining fabric quality. Figure 6 shows the relationship between the water level and the specific values of the motor rotational speed and reversal time when detecting fabric quality, and the relationship between the water level and the detected fabric quality. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a table showing the relationship between specific values of suitable motor rotational speed, reversal time, washing time, rinsing time, and spin-drying time, and water level. Further, FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of the present invention, and is a table showing the relationship between the rotational speed of the motor and the reversal time of energization/disconnection depending on the fabric quality and the laundry volume. It is. FIGS. 8 to 10 show a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a graph showing changes over time in the rotational speed of the motor when the fabric quality is "normal", and FIG. 10 is a graph showing the change over time in the rotational speed of the motor when the cloth quality is "stiff", and FIG. 10 is a graph showing the change over time in the rotational speed of the motor when the cloth quality is "flexible". In the drawings, 3 is a rotating tank (washing tank), 4 is an agitator, 5 is a motor, 14 is a control circuit (fabric quality detection means, fishing control means), and 8 is a rotational speed detection means.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. In a washing machine equipped with a motor that drives an agitator provided in a washing tank, a rotation speed detection means for detecting the rotation speed of the motor, and a rotation speed detection means for detecting the rotation speed during washing operation. cloth quality detection means for detecting the cloth quality of the laundry stored in the washing tub based on fluctuations in the detected rotational speed output from the means; and an operation according to the cloth quality detected by the cloth quality detection means. A washing machine characterized by being provided with a control means for controlling. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the control means changes the water flow during the washing operation according to the fabric quality detected by the fabric quality detection means. 3. The control means lowers the rotational speed of the motor over time from the start of the washing operation to the end of the washing operation in accordance with the fabric quality detected by the fabric quality detection means. washing machine.