KR100386225B1 - Electric washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

In order to prevent malfunction of the control device caused by noise of the inverter circuit or the DC voltage generating circuit generating the DC voltage of the inverter, a DC voltage generating circuit generating the DC voltage of the inverter circuit or the inverter is placed under the washing tank for washing machine control. The computer was placed separately from the circuit on the washing machine.

Description

Electric washing machine {ELECTRIC WASHING MACHINE}

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electric washer, and more particularly to an electric washer designed to reduce the influence of noise from an inverter circuit.

The electric washing machine generally includes a washing tank and a dehydration tank rotatably installed in an outer tank, a stirring vane rotatably installed at the bottom of the washing tank and the dehydrating tank, and an electric drive device for rotating and driving the washing tank and the dehydrating tank and the stirring vane. By selectively rotating the washing tank, the dehydration tank and the stirring vane by this electric drive device, the laundry in the washing tank and the dehydration tank is stirred to perform the washing step and the rinsing step. It is a configuration for centrifugal dehydration.

BACKGROUND ART [0002] In general, an induction motor is used as a power source, but in recent years, a structure in which power is supplied to an electric motor by an inverter circuit has been proposed. In addition, an electric washing machine has been proposed that can realize various washing and dewatering operations using a brushless electric motor as an electric motor. The washing machine of inverter control is disclosed by Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 9-121584, for example. The washing machine is generally controlled by a microcomputer.

The control of electric washing machines is becoming more and more advanced, and the contents of the control are complicated. The washing machine is provided with digital circuits such as microcomputers and inverters. Strong noise is generated from this inverter. It is necessary to prevent malfunction due to these noises.

One object of the present invention is to propose an electric washing machine with high safety.

Other objects are described in the description of the following embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a longitudinal side view showing an outline of a basic configuration of a fully automatic electric washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a longitudinal side view showing a specific configuration of an automatic washing machine which is an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal side view showing the internal structure of the electric drive device in the fully automatic electric washing machine which is one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view of a part of the electric drive device shown in FIG. 3, showing a state in which the washing tank and the dehydration tank are stopped and the stirring vanes are driven in rotation; FIG.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view of a part of the electric drive device shown in FIG. 3, illustrating a state in which a washing tank, a dehydration tank, and a stirring blade are driven to rotate; FIG.

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

7A and 7B are waveform diagrams of V / F constant control by sinusoidal PWM control.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart of the basic control processing of the washing, rinsing, and dehydration processes performed by the main microcomputer of the fully automatic electric washing machine.

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

10 is an explanatory diagram of a vector control of a motor in the case of dehydration operation of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

11 is a vector diagram in an operating state in which a deceleration force is generated in the motor 51;

12 is a vector diagram of a deceleration driving situation in which the rotational speed of the motor 51 is further lowered.

Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which the phase? Is recorded.

Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing brake control operation in one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 15 is a detailed view of a power supply circuit in one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 16 is a detailed view of a power supply circuit of the control device of one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing a corresponding operation in stopping supply of commercial power.

18 is a detailed circuit diagram of a DC voltage generator circuit 29a.

19 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the DC voltage generator circuit 29a.

Fig. 20 shows the arrangement of the main control unit 17 and the auxiliary control unit 29;

Fig. 21 is a view from above of a washing tank of a washing machine and a motor under the washing machine;

Figure 22 is a view from below of the bottom plate of the washing machine removed.

23 is a top view of the second control device 29. FIG.

24 is a side view of the second control device 29;

25 (a) and 25 (b) show the inside of the second control device 29;

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

1: outer frame (or frame member)

2: washing tank (or washing and dehydrating tank)

4: stirring blade

5: outer bird

6: electric drive unit

9a: clothing input opening

13: power switch

14: input switch group

15: display element group

16: water level sensor

17: first control unit (or main control unit)

17a: first microcomputer (or host microcomputer)

21: water supply solenoid valve

23: drain solenoid valve

29: second control device (or auxiliary control device)

29a: DC voltage generating circuit

29b: inverter circuit (or three-phase inverter circuit)

29g: Inverter Drive Circuit

29h: second microcomputer (or secondary microcomputer)

34: drive rotary shaft

47: engagement clutch mechanism

47a: electronic coil

51: motor (or brushless electric motor)

C: condenser

S1, S2: switching element

In the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, a computer for controlling the inverter circuit and the inverter is disposed under the washing tank, while a computer for controlling the washing machine is placed on the washing tank. This reduced the influence of noise.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 is a longitudinal side view of a washing machine showing an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a basic configuration of a fully automatic washing machine is shown as an example of a washing machine.

Reference numeral 1 denotes an outer frame of the washing machine, which is a frame member of the washing machine which encloses the circumference of the internal mechanism. Reference numeral 2 is a washing tank installed inside the outer frame of the washing machine, and specifically, a washing tank and a dehydration tank. The fluid balancer 3 is provided in the upper edge part of a washing tank (or a washing tank and a dehydration tank). A stirring blade 4 is rotatably provided inside the bottom of the washing tub (or washing tub and dewatering tub) 2. Reference numeral 5 is an outer tub, and a washing tub (or a washing tub and a dehydration tub) 2 is rotatably provided therein. The electric drive device 6 which has a motor (motor) is attached to the outer side of the bottom part of the outer tub 5 by the attachment base 7 made of steel plate, and the dustproof support device 8 is carried out from the four corners of the upper end of the outer frame 1. Suspension is supported by). The internal structure of the electric drive apparatus 6 is mentioned later.

The upper cover 9 provided with the clothing input opening 9a is provided on the washing tank (or washing tank and dewatering tank) 2. The upper cover 9 is fitted to the edge of the opening end thereof so as to cover the upper opening of the frame member 1, and together with the front panel 10 and the rear panel 11, the frame member (not shown) by an attachment screw (not shown). Attach to 1).

In front of the upper cover 9, the front panel box 12 formed below the front panel 10 has a power switch 13 and an input switch group 14 that is an operation switch, a display element group 15, and an outer tub. The water level sensor 16 which generates the water level signal according to the water level in (5), and the 1st control apparatus 17 which is a main control apparatus are incorporated. Although the input switch group 14 is abbreviate | omitted in illustration and description, the switch which sets the contamination degree (high pollution, standard contamination, less pollution) of laundry, the switch which sets dry mark garment washing, and the switch which sets duvet washing And a start switch. In addition, a switch for selecting the strength of the washing or rinsing water flow is provided, and a switch indicating the quality of the cloth is provided.

In the rear of the upper cover 9, a rear panel box 18 is formed which is formed below the rear panel 11. The rear panel box 18 incorporates a water supply solenoid valve 21 that connects the water inlet side to the faucet 19 and the water outlet side to the water inlet 20. The water inlet 20 is formed to be waterproof toward the opening of the washing tub (or washing tub and dewatering tub) 2. The rear panel box 18 is further provided with a pump for supplying water such as bath water to the washing tank (or washing tank and dewatering tank) 2 via a pump. The water from the water supply solenoid valve 21 is led to the water inlet 20 through a filter for removing metal ions. The clothing input opening 9a formed in the upper cover 9 is structured to be covered by the lid 22 so as to be openable and closeable.

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

Below the frame member 1, a base 27 made of synthetic resin having a leg 26 attached to four corners is mounted. In addition, the electric drive device 6 is covered with a cover 28 and is waterproof. This electric drive apparatus 6 is equipped with the drive electric motor, ie, a motor. In this embodiment, the brushless electric motor which is excellent in control performance is provided. The electric power feeding to this motor is performed by the 2nd control apparatus 29 which is an auxiliary control apparatus which incorporates an inverter circuit. According to the instruction from the said 1st control apparatus 17, the 2nd control apparatus 29 mentioned later comprises the structure which feeds a motor from the built-in inverter circuit. The 1st control apparatus 17 is arrange | positioned on the washing tank (or washing tank and dehydration tank) 2, and the electric drive apparatus 6. As shown in FIG.

On the other hand, the 2nd control apparatus 29 is provided under the washing tank (or washing tank and dehydration tank) 2. By such a configuration, protection from water and safety from high voltage can be ensured. That is, the microcomputer which performs control is provided in the 1st control apparatus 17, and is provided on the washing tank (or washing tank and dehydration tank) 2 which is easy to protect from water. In addition, since the second control device 29 has a DC voltage generating circuit for supplying a high voltage, the second control device 29 is disposed below the washing tank (or the washing tank and the dehydrating tank) 2 far from the position of the person. In this embodiment, it is provided on the base 27 made of synthetic resin, and the safety is further improved.

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional side view showing a specific configuration of this fully automatic washing machine, a part of which is expanded and shown. Since this automatic washing machine is basically the same structure as the fully automatic washing machine shown in FIG. 1, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the component corresponding to the component of the fully automatic washing machine shown in FIG. 1, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted. The electric drive apparatus 6 incorporates the brushless electric motor 51 as a drive power source.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal side view showing the internal configuration of the electric drive apparatus 6 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 and 5 are enlarged side views of part of FIG. The electric drive device 6 has a drive shaft of the washing tank, the dehydration tank 2 and the stirring blade 4 as the axial center, and engages the reduction gear mechanism with the clutch mechanism 47 in a vertical direction and a brushless electric motor of a reversible rotation type. 51) is arranged concentrically in series.

The reduction gear mechanism is fitted inside and outside by the ball bearings 33a and 33b inside the two-segment reduction mechanism outer cases 32a and 32b which are fitted to the attachment base 7 by the attachment screws 31 by fitting the coupling flanges. The drive shaft system 34 of the structure is supported. The drive rotary shaft system 34 includes a hollow outer rotary shaft system and an inner rotary shaft system disposed in the hollow.

The outer rotary shaft system is a rotary shaft system that directly transfers the rotation of the electric motor to the washing tank and the dehydration tank 2 to drive the washing tank and the dehydration tank 2. The outer rotary shaft system extends out of the outer case 32a from the inner side of the ball bearing 33a in the axial direction and penetrates the outer tank 5, and the outer output shaft portion 35a, which is a front end, is engaged with the washing tank and the dehydrating tank 2. Rotate it. In the state where the washing tank (or washing tank and dewatering tank) 2 rotates, the annular gear 35f, the planetary gear 36i, the carrier 36h, and the inner output shaft portion 36c rotate at the same time, and the stirring blade 4 Rotate at the same speed as the washing tank (or washing and dehydrating tank) (2). The tooth part 35b which engages with the engagement clutch mechanism 47 is formed in the cylinder part extended in the downward axial direction out of the outer case 32b. The outer input shaft portion 35d having the flange 35c formed at the inner end of the outer case 32b of the toothed portion 35b is mechanically coupled to the gear case portion 35e. Moreover, the annular gear 35f is being fixed to the inner periphery of the gear case part 35e. A plurality of planetary gears 36i are provided between the annular gear 35f and the sun gear 36f. The planetary gear 36i decelerates together with the annular gear 35f or the sun gear 36f and constitutes a deceleration mechanism for transmitting rotation. This deceleration mechanism is accommodated in the gear case part 35e.

The inner rotating shaft system provided inside the outer rotating shaft system is a rotating shaft system which decelerates the rotation of the electric motor and transmits it to the stirring blade 4 to drive the stirring blade 4, and the sealing portion is formed in the outer output shaft portion 35a. (37), the metal bearings 38a and 38b, and the grip fixing wheel (push nut) 39 are provided in the watertight seal and the fall prevention state. The inner rotary shaft system protrudes from the distal end of the outer output shaft portion 35a into the washing tank and the dehydrating tank 2 and is attached by an attachment screw 36a to an outer end portion to which the stirring blade 4 is attached. The inner rotary shaft system includes an inner output shaft portion 36c, an inner input shaft portion 36g, and a planetary gear 36i. The inner output shaft portion 36c communicates with the gear case portion 35e from the inner side of the outer output shaft portion 35a and forms a structure that engages with the above-described planetary gear reduction mechanism, and the tooth portion 36b at the inner end portion thereof. Is formed. The inner input shaft portion 36g is supported by the ball bearings 40a and 40b inside the outer input shaft portion 35d. A fitting attachment portion 36d in which a rotor of a motor, that is, a motor, is fixed by a fixing screw 36e to an outer end portion of the inner input shaft portion 36g that extends from the outer end of the outer input shaft portion 35d to one side supporting state. Is formed. The sun gear 36f is formed in the inner end side part of the inner input shaft part 36g extended into the gear case part 35e. In the gear case portion 35e, the planetary gear 36i has a configuration in which the shaft is journalized to a carrier 36h fitted to the toothed portion 36b of the inner output shaft portion 36c. The planetary gear 36i rotates in engagement with the gears 35f and 36f to transmit rotational force to the carrier 36h. Since the planetary gear 36i rotates while the rotational speed of the gear 36i is decelerated, the rotational force is decelerated and transmitted.

The ball bearings 40a and 40b are attached in the outer ring press-fit state in the outer input shaft portion 35d so as to accurately support the inner input shaft portion 36g serving as the shaft of the motor, that is, the rotor of the brushless electric motor 51. Since the inner input shaft portion 36g supports the rotor of the brushless electric motor 51 in one side supporting state as will be described later, the bearing supporting the inner input shaft portion 36g has little loss and a large load in the radial direction. Representative ball bearings 40a and 40b of rolling bearings suitable for supporting the bearing were used. However, it can also be replaced by a roller bearing.

The brushless motor 51 opens the electric motor housing 43 attached in the insulated state by the attachment screw 42 through the insulating member 41 in the lower end surface of the outer case 32b, and opens it from the opening end part. The stator 52 is inserted and fixed so that it may be pinched by the some bending protrusion 43a and the bending claw 43b. The rotor 54 assembled to the stator 52 is attached to the rotor fitting attaching portion 36d formed on the inner input shaft portion 36g and attached to the fixing nut 46 screwed to the fixing screw 36e. By fixing.

More specifically, the brushless electric motor 51 in this embodiment forms the stator 52 by winding the stator winding 52b on the stator iron core 52a, and sets the stator iron core 52a to the motor housing 43. ) Is fixed so as to be sandwiched by the bending protrusion 43a and the bending hook 43b. The gap member 53 compensates for the difference in the axial dimension of the stator iron core 52a and the dimension between the bending projection 43a and the bending hook 43b.

The rotor 54 attaches the permanent magnet magnetic pole 54b to the outer circumference of the rotor iron core (yoke) 54a, and is connected to the inner input shaft portion by the attachment boss 54c made of insulating resin integrally molded therewith. 36g) to the motor rotor fitting portion 36d.

The engagement recessed part 54d which fits the engagement protrusion 47f formed in the sliding element 47c of the engagement clutch mechanism 47 is resin integrally with this attachment boss 54c on the upper surface of the attachment boss 54c. Mold. The attachment boss 54c is formed in such a size that it can be fitted to the motor rotor fitting portion 36d, and the rotor iron core 54a is exposed at the fastening end of the inner end side, and the fastening of the outer end side is performed. The metal ring 54e is embedded at the end.

In addition, the attachment boss 54c of the rotor can be formed short by using a dedicated inner input shaft portion which shortens the motor rotor fitting portion. The permanent magnet magnetic pole 54b is configured to protrude outward from the stator winding 52b, and the magnetic pole detection element 55 is provided opposite to the rotational trajectory of the protruding portion to detect the rotational position of the rotor 54. Configure to This magnetic pole detection element 55 is attached to the cover 48.

The brushless electric motor 51 detects the relative position of the pole 54b of the rotor 54 with respect to each phase of the stator winding 52b, and controls feeding to each phase of the stator winding 54b. Since the configuration is to be described, detailed description thereof will be omitted. The engagement clutch mechanism 47 engages the outer rotating shaft system 35 with the rotor 54 of the electric motor by engaging the outer rotating shaft system 35 so as to apply the rotating force of the forward and reverse rotations of the rotor 54 to the outer rotating shaft system 35. Rotate to transmit or release the engagement coupling to fix the outer rotation axis 35 to stop rotating.

In order to reduce the overall dimension of the axial direction of the electric drive apparatus 6, this engagement clutch mechanism 47 attaches the annular electromagnetic iron core 47b which contains the annular electromagnetic coil 47a to the said attachment screw 42. By attaching together to the inside of the motor housing 43, it is attached so that the outer input shaft part 35d may be wound up. The sliding element 47c made of an insulating resin coupled to the toothed portion 35b formed on the outer input shaft portion 35d in the axial direction is engaged with the rotor 54 by a coil spring 47d. Pushed down to engage with the uneven portion 54d, the engagement is released by pulling up the sliding element 47c against the pushing force of the coil spring 47d by the electromagnetic force of the electromagnetic coil 47a to release the engagement. Adsorbs to and stops rotating.

The sliding element 47c is formed by integrally resin molding an iron absorber 47e made of iron sucked by the electron iron core 47b, and engages with and engages the engagement protrusion 47f that fits into the engagement recessed portion 54d. ) Is integrally formed by resin molding.

When the adsorber 47e of the sliding element 47c is attracted to the electron iron core 47b, a plurality of radial shapes are provided on the adsorption surface of the electron iron core 47b so as to engage and fix the sliding element 47c to stop rotation. The locking fixing groove 47b1 is formed, and the absorber 47e is formed with a plurality of radial locking fixing protrusions 47e1 to be inserted into the locking fixing groove 47b1. The locking fixing groove 47b1 is formed so that the side wall surface to which the locking fixing protrusion 47e1 hangs and is fixed is inclined 1 to 2 degrees inwardly, and the locking fixing protrusion 47e1 is formed on the side wall surface of the locking fixing groove 47b1. By forming the side to be in contact so as to be inclined at an angle of 1 to 2 degrees in the direction of the tip portion, the component force in the fall prevention direction is generated during engagement.

The lower end of the motor housing 43 is fitted with a cover 48 to cover it. And the rotation detection element (potato element) 55 of a rotation detection sensor is attached to this cover 48, and this rotation detection element 55 is attached to the permanent magnet 54b of the rotor 54. As shown in FIG. It is installed facing the rotational track of.

Such an electric drive apparatus 6 attaches the attachment base 7 to the bottom outer side of the outer tub 5 by the attachment screw 50. In addition, the outer side of the electric drive device 6 is covered by the outer cover 28 attached with the electric drive device 6 by the attachment screw 50.

Power supply to this brushless electric motor 51 performs PWM (pulse width modulation) control and PAM (pulse voltage modulation) control by the 2nd control apparatus 29 according to the instruction | indication from the 1st control apparatus 17. FIG. PAM (pulse voltage modulation) control will be described later.

6 is a control device of the electric washing machine. This control device consists of a first control device 17 and a second control device 29, and Fig. 6 is a block diagram of its specific internal configuration. In this figure, the power switch (operation switch) 13, the first relay, or the second relay described above in FIG. 15 will be omitted in order to explain the configuration of the control relationship relating to the overall control. In addition, the power supply circuit demonstrated in FIG. 16 is abbreviate | omitted.

The first microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as the primary microcomputer) 17a and the second microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as the auxiliary microcomputer) 29h constitute a control circuit, and from the DC voltage generation circuit 29a described later, A first control signal for controlling the voltage value of the DC voltage supplied to the inverter circuit 29b is generated. Based on this first control signal, the terminal voltage of the capacitor C, that is, the supply voltage to the inverter circuit 29b is controlled. The control circuit generates a second control signal. The second control signal controls the operation of the inverter circuit 29b and the pulse width to the brushless electric motor 51. The direction of rotation (forward rotation and reverse rotation) of the brushless electric motor 51 is also controlled based on the second control signal.

In addition, illustration and description are abbreviate | omitted about the low voltage power supply circuit and the power switch 13 for operating the microcomputer and other circuits in the 1st control apparatus 17 and the 2nd control apparatus 29. As shown in FIG.

The 1st control apparatus 17 is comprised centering around the main microcomputer 17a, and the electric power supply to the electromagnetic coil 47a of the clutch mechanism 47 which meshes with the water supply solenoid valve 21 and the drain solenoid valve 23 is carried out. The drive circuits 17b to 17d constituted by the semiconductor AC switching elements FLS to be controlled are provided, and a line filter 17e for preventing high frequency noise from leaking into the commercial power supply circuit.

And the main microcomputer 17a receives the input signal from the input switch group 14 and the water level sensor 16 according to the control process program built in advance, and communicates with the 2nd control apparatus 29, and a display element The group 15, the drive circuits 17b to 17d, and the charge to the condenser, that is, the DC voltage control circuit 29c for controlling the terminal voltage of the condenser or the inverter circuit 29b for feeding the brushless electric motor 51, To control.

The 2nd control apparatus 29 is equipped with the DC voltage generator circuit 29a and the three-phase inverter circuit 29b, and controls the electric power feeding to the brushless electric motor 51. As shown in FIG. That is, the magnitude and time of the pulse voltage or current supplied to the brushless electric motor 51 are controlled. The magnitude is a voltage value or a current value. In this embodiment, a voltage is applied and the electric current is supplied to the brushless electric motor 51 by this. The voltage is based on the voltage supplied from the capacitor C to the inverter circuit 29b, i.e., the time when the voltage is applied to the second signal applied to the inverter circuit 29b via the inverter drive circuit 29g. Controlled by The DC voltage supplied to the inverter circuit 29b is controlled by the first control signal from the auxiliary microcomputer 29h. The specific circuit which controls a DC voltage by a 1st control signal is equipped with the DC voltage control circuit 29c, the output voltage feedback resistor 29d, and the voltage control resistor 29e.

The DC voltage generator circuit 29a includes a full-wave rectifier diode bridge DB, which is a rectifier circuit that rectifies the commercial AC power supply from the outlet 1502 and outputs a DC voltage. This DC voltage generating circuit 29a has a boost converter circuit which is a kind of switching regulator which functions as a charging circuit of the capacitor C, and has electronic energy stored in the reactor L in the on-period of the switching element S1. The switching element S1 is turned off to be converted into a voltage and superimposed on the input voltage to supply the boosted voltage to the capacitor C to store the charge. In addition, the diode D1 stabilizes the direct current output voltage by preventing the reverse flow of the charge stored in the capacitor C. The boosting amount changes according to the on time ratio with respect to the on / off period of the switching element S1. The DC voltage obtained by full-wave rectification by the full-wave rectifying diode bridge DB is about 140V. The DC voltage generator 29a variably controls this full-wave rectified voltage in the range of an output voltage up to about 300V and outputs it. As the switching element S1, a semiconductor element having a function of turning off by magnetic force, such as IGBT or GTO, is suitable.

The DC voltage control circuit 29c which controls this DC voltage generator circuit 29a divides the output voltage of the DC voltage generator circuit 29a by the output voltage feedback resistor 29d and the voltage control resistor 29e, and returns it. With reference to the detection voltage, the on / off time ratio of the switching element S1 is controlled so that this detection voltage becomes a predetermined value. In this embodiment, the predetermined value of the said detection voltage was made into the value corresponded to the detection voltage obtained when it is a predetermined output voltage (155V in this embodiment). The supply voltage to the lowest inverter circuit 29b controlled by the second control signal from the auxiliary microcomputer 29h is about 155V in this embodiment. In consideration of gentle washing and the like, it is preferable that about 140V to 170V can be supplied as the lowest supply voltage.

The three-phase inverter circuit 29b has a three-phase bridge circuit constituted by the switching element S2 and the anti-parallel diode D2, and uses the output voltage of the DC voltage generator circuit 29a as an input to the brushless. Power is supplied to the stator windings 52b of the three phases in the electric motor 51. As the switching element S2, a semiconductor element having a function of turning off by magnetic force, such as IGBT or GTO, is suitable. Power supply by this three-phase inverter circuit 29b is performed by controlling the switching element S2 on / off by the inverter drive circuit 29g under the control of the auxiliary microcomputer 29h. In order to operate the brushless electric motor 51 quietly and efficiently, sine wave feeding is suitable. The three-phase inverter circuit 29g realizes sine wave feeding by sine wave PWM control, and suppresses generation of overload current by voltage suppression PWM control.

The sinusoidal PWM control includes a V constant sinusoidal PWM control method for keeping the effective value of the output voltage (V) constant and a V / F constant sinusoidal PWM control method for maintaining a constant relationship between the output voltage (V) and the frequency (F). There is this. The V constant sine wave PWM control method can realize power supply using the input voltage of the three-phase inverter circuit 29b to the maximum, and according to the V / F constant sine wave PWM control method, efficient power supply can be realized for the brushless motor 51. There is a number.

7A and 7B illustrate waveform diagrams of V / F constant control by sinusoidal PWM control. In order to make the V / F constant, as shown in Fig. 7A, the sinusoidal wave and the triangle wave are contrasted and the peak value of the sinusoidal wave is changed based on the triangle wave, as shown in Fig. 7B. By using the same pulse waveform example for the on / off control of the switching element S2 of the three-phase inverter circuit 29g, the sine wave approximation PWM control method can be realized.

A triangular wave is generated by the integrated timer pulse unit ITU of the auxiliary microcomputer 29h, and a sine wave is created as internal data of the auxiliary microcomputer 29h. The internal data of the sine wave for each frequency is not calculated for each time in order to increase the carrier frequency of the triangular wave (for example, 16 KHz), but the result of calculating the frequency for each frequency in advance is used as a table.

In the V constant sine wave PWM control, by setting the magnitude of the sine wave to be contrasted with the triangular wave to a constant value such that the maximum output voltage is obtained with respect to the input voltage, sine wave feeding using the input voltage to the maximum can be realized.

In Fig. 6, the auxiliary microcomputer 29h outputs the rotor 54 output from the position detection circuit 29f based on the detection signal from the magnetic pole detection element 55 in accordance with an instruction from the main microcomputer 17a. The inverter drive circuit 29g is controlled to feed the corresponding stator winding 52b with reference to the rotational position signal of, and the voltage control resistor 29e is also controlled to change the DC output voltage of the DC voltage generator circuit 29a. Run control. In addition, the current flowing through the winding of the motor 51 is detected by the current detection circuit 205.

As described above, the DC voltage control circuit 29c controls the DC voltage generating circuit 29a so that the detected voltage becomes a predetermined value (equivalent to 155V as the output voltage). Then, the circuit constant is set so that the detected voltage when all the control terminals of the voltage control resistor 29e are opened at the predetermined output voltage 155V becomes a predetermined value. Thus, the auxiliary microcomputer 29h puts all the control terminals of the voltage control resistor 29e in the open state, so that the DC voltage control circuit 29c can obtain the predetermined output voltage 155V so that the DC voltage variable circuit 29c can be obtained. ). When the output voltage is increased, the auxiliary microcomputer 29h shorts (connects) any control terminal of the voltage control resistor 29g to lower the detection voltage returned to the DC voltage control circuit 29c. In this way, the DC voltage control circuit 29c performs the control of raising the output voltage of the DC voltage generator circuit 29a so as to raise the lowered detection voltage to the predetermined detection voltage. In this embodiment, opening / closing control of the control terminal of the voltage control resistor 29e causes the output voltage of the DC voltage generator circuit 29a to be changed in multiple stages (for example, 155V, 185V, 190V, 210V, 230V, 270V). did. In this embodiment, the first control signal is indicated by which resistance of the voltage control resistor 29e is opened. That is, it is given as a bias voltage of the DC voltage control circuit 29c. Instead, the method of generating the first control signal as the digital signal may be used. Finally, the on / off time (or possibly the duty) of the semiconductor switch S1 may be controlled so that a desired voltage appears between the terminals of the capacitor C.

When the main microcomputer 17a instructs the washing start to be initiated by the input switch group 14, the washing machine and the dehydration mode are set manually or automatically based on the instruction input from the input switch group 14, and the set washing mode and The dehydration mode is performed. The washing mode is, for example, a detection step, a washing step, or a rinsing step as shown in FIG. The dehydration mode is a dehydration process.

Fig. 8 shows the control process executed by the main microcomputer 17a in the basic laundry dewatering mode.

In step 801, laundry amount or laundry quality is detected. This detection result is used for setting the water supply amount of the wash water and various conditions in the washing mode and the dewatering mode. First, when the laundry put into the washing tank and the dehydration tank 2 is in the dry state before water supply, it feeds to the brushless electric motor 51, rotates the stirring blade 4, and based on the load resistance value at that time, dry laundry The amount is detected (s1 in Fig. 9). The detection of the load resistance value is performed by detecting the rotation speed when the rotation speed of the brushless electric motor 51 becomes stable. When the amount of laundry is large, the load resistance is increased and the rotational speed is lowered. Thus, by obtaining a relationship between the rotational speed and the load resistance (dry laundry amount) in advance, the amount of dry laundry can be detected from the rotational speed at this time. The detection result of this dry laundry amount is used in this embodiment to determine the washing water supply amount.

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

The laundry quality is detected based on the difference between the detection result of the first wet laundry amount and the detection result of the second wet laundry amount, and used to determine conditions in the washing and dehydration mode. The DC output voltage of the DC voltage generating circuit 29a at the time of feeding the brushless electric motor 51 to rotate the stirring blade 4 in the detection of this laundry quantity or quality is the lowest of this DC voltage generating circuit 29a. The output voltage v1 (t1 to t2 in FIG. 9 set to 155V in this embodiment) was set. The lower one of the DC output voltage to the inverter circuit 29b at this time is advantageous for increasing the detection accuracy.

As a cause, the electric drive device 6 at the time of these detections pressurizes the electromagnetic coil 47a of the engagement clutch mechanism 47, and attracts the adsorber 47e electromagnetically, so that the sliding element 47c may be coil spring 47d. ), The engaging projection 47f of the sliding element 47c is separated from the engaging convex portion 45c3 of the rotor 45 of the electric motor, and the adsorbent 47e is adsorbed on the electromagnetic core 47b. Thus, by engaging the locking fixing protrusion 47e1 and the locking fixing groove 47b1, the hook fixing protrusion 47e1 and the locking fixing groove 47b1 are engaged so as to suppress rotation of the outer rotary shaft system 35 (washing tank and dewatering tank 2). In this state, power is supplied to the stator coils 52b of the brushless electric motor 51 to rotate the rotor 54, and after decelerating from the inner input shaft portion 36g via the planetary gear 36i, the inner output shaft portion 36c. ) To rotate the stirring blade (4).

During the detection operation and until the next washing process (t1 to t2), as shown in FIG. 9M, the output voltage of the DC voltage generating circuit 29a is maintained at the predetermined voltage v1. It is better to keep above the minimum voltage v1.

In step 802, the washing water level is determined according to the detected dry laundry amount, and water is supplied to the determined washing water level. In step 803, the washing process (t2 to t3 in Fig. 9) is executed by setting the washing mode according to the laundry quality and the degree of contamination. The washing mode is prepared as a variety of washing mode control programs configured by combining the washing strength (the stirring strength by the stirring blade 4 or the washing tank and the dehydrating tank 2, which means the strength of the washing water) and the washing time. Based on the laundry quality detection result and the degree of contamination input from the input switch group 14, one is selected and executed automatically or based on an instruction input from the input switch group 14. This may input the strength and weakness of washing water flow.

In this embodiment, the washing strength is divided into strong washing (large washing) (A), standard washing (B), medium washing (small load washing) (C), and mild washing (D). Depending on the degree, two types of washing strength (washing water flow) divided into two kinds of washing strength (A1 to D1) for standard with high contamination and washing strength (A2 to D2) with low contamination and more fine washing strength (laundry) Water flow) (E) or large-sized products such as dry-strength (washing water) divisions (F) or duvets, for which the washing and dehydrating tanks (2) suitable for washing the shape of the dry mark clothing or delicate clothing are not broken. Washing strength (washing water stream) division G which rotates the washing tank and dehydration tank 2 suitable for washing | cleaning to one direction gently was prepared. The voltage v2 of the capacitor of FIG. 9 is selected by the strength of washing. When the current is strong, the voltage v2 is made higher than when the current is weak. In addition, as shown by the broken line, it may be hardened to v10 and then lowered to v11. In this way, the intensity of the water flow can be reduced, and the torque at the start of rotation can be increased.

In the operation of the washing strength division which rotates the stirring blade 4 forward and reverse, the electromagnetic coil 47a of the engagement clutch mechanism 47 is pressed and the sliding element 47c is pulled up, and the sliding element 47c and the rotor are rotated. (45) is released, the absorber (47e) is attracted to the electromagnetic iron core (47b) to engage the locking fixing protrusion (47e1) to the locking fixing groove (47b1) to rotate the outer input shaft portion (35d) to stop the washing tank. The dehydration tank 2 is stopped, and the rotor 45 is fed to the stator coil 52b so that the rotor 45 is rotated forward and backward, thereby rotating the inner input shaft portion 36g, the planetary gear 36i, and the inner output shaft portion ( Transfer to stirring blade 4 via 36c). Feeding from the inverter to the motor 51 is temporarily stopped between the forward rotation and the reverse rotation of the stirring blade 4, but the output voltage of the DC voltage generating circuit 29a does not fall to zero but is maintained at v1 or more in FIG. do. In this embodiment, t2 to t3 are maintained at a set value based on the result of the t1 to t2 detection process. This makes it easy to secure starting torque.

In the washing strength division in which the washing tank and the dehydrating tank 2 are rotated forward and backward, the electromagnetic coil 47a of the engagement clutch mechanism 47 is released, and the sliding element 47c is pushed down by the coil spring 47d to slide it. The engaging projection 47f of the element 47c is fitted into the engaging convex and concave portion 54d of the rotor 54 to be engaged with the rotor 54, and the stator is rotated forward and backward. By feeding the coil 52b, this rotation is transmitted to the washing tank and the dehydration tank 2 via the outer input shaft part 36d, the gear case part 35e, and the outer output shaft part 35a. At this time, since the planetary gear mechanism loses the deceleration function, the stirring blade 4 rotates integrally in synchronization with the washing tank and the dehydration tank 2. In this case, efficiency can be improved by making the voltage of a condenser higher than the operation | movement of the washing | cleaning intensity division which reversely rotates the stirring blade 4. Since the supply voltage to the brushless electric motor 51 can be made high, even if the rotation speed of the brushless electric motor 51 becomes high, there exists an effect which can supply an electric current. While the power supply from the three-phase inverter circuit 29b to the brushless electric motor 51 is temporarily stopped between the forward rotation and the reverse rotation of the washing tank and the dehydration tank 2, the output voltage of the DC voltage generating circuit 29a is zero. It stays above v1 of FIG. 9 without going down. In this embodiment, t2 to t3 are maintained at a set value based on the result of the t1 to t2 detection process. This makes it easy to secure starting torque.

In the washing strength division in which the washing tank and the dehydrating tank 2 are continuously rotated in one direction, the stator coil 52b is configured to continuously rotate the brushless electric motor 51 in one direction in a connected state in which the engagement clutch mechanism 47 is engaged. To feed). The output voltage of the DC voltage generating circuit 29a in this state is made higher than that at the forward and reverse rotation of the stirring blade 4 unless there is a large difference in the amount of wash water. Moreover, it is made higher than the operation | movement of the washing strength division which makes the washing tank and the dehydration tank 2 rotate forward and backward.

The washing strength (washing water flow) changes depending on the output torque of the brushless electric motor 51 and the rotation time limit (on / off time ratio of feeding). The intensity (large and small) of the output torque of the brushless electric motor 51 is a voltage suppression (peak value) of the high and low control of the DC output voltage of the DC voltage generator circuit 29a and the PWM control of the three-phase inverter circuit 29b. Can be achieved by control. In addition, the rotation time limit can be controlled by a control program set in advance.

For example, in the strong washing | cleaning A1 with a lot of pollution, the DC output voltage of the DC voltage generator circuit 29a is set to a fixed value of 210V, and it feeds to the brushless electric motor 51 by the three-phase inverter circuit 29b. (Sinusoidal PWM) and the forward and reverse rotation time limits of the pause are 1.4 seconds (forward rotation feed) /0.9 seconds (pause) /1.4 seconds (reverse rotation feed) /0.9 seconds (pause). Repeat this. Similarly, in the standard washing B1 with a lot of contamination, the DC output voltage of the DC voltage generating circuit 29a is set to a constant value of 230 V, and the electric power feeding to the brushless electric motor 51 by the three-phase inverter circuit 29b and Repeat the pause at 1.1 seconds (feed) /0.9 seconds (pause). In addition, in the intermediate washing C1 with a lot of contamination, the DC output voltage of the DC voltage generating circuit 29a is set to a constant value of 190V, and the electric power feeding to the brushless electric motor 51 by the three-phase inverter circuit 29b and Repeat the pause at 0.8 seconds (feeding) /1.0 seconds (pause). Moreover, in the weak washing | cleaning D1 with many contaminations, the DC output voltage of the DC voltage generator circuit 29a is set to the constant value of 190V, and it feeds to the brushless electric motor 51 by the three-phase inverter circuit 29b, and Repeat the pause for 0.5 seconds (feed) /0.7 seconds (pause).

On the other hand, in strong washing | cleaning A2 with little contamination, the DC output voltage of the DC voltage generator circuit 29a is set to 210V, and electric power feeding to the brushless electric motor 51 by the three-phase inverter circuit 29b is performed for 0.3 second. And start with a large output torque. Then, the DC output voltage of the DC voltage generator circuit 29a is lowered to 185 V, and power is supplied for 1.1 seconds to continue the rotation with a small output torque. To repeat. In addition, in the standard washing (B2) with less contamination, the DC output voltage of the DC voltage generating circuit 29a is set to 210V, and the power supply to the brushless electric motor 51 by the three-phase inverter circuit 29b is executed for 0.3 seconds. Starting with a large output torque, and then adding voltage limit PWM control to the sinusoidal PWM control of the three-phase inverter circuit 29b, the power supply in which the peak value of the sinusoidal voltage supplied to the brushless electric motor 51 becomes 140V is 1.5 seconds. It executes rotation as a small output torque, and after that, control which rests for 1.0 second is repeated in a forward and reverse rotation direction. In the intermediate washing (C2) with less contamination, the DC output voltage of the DC voltage generator circuit 29a is set to 210V and power is supplied to the brushless electric motor 51 by the three-phase inverter circuit 29b for 0.3 seconds. Starting with a large output torque, and then adding voltage limit PWM control to the sinusoidal PWM control of the three-phase inverter circuit 29b, the power supply in which the peak value of the sinusoidal voltage supplied to the brushless motor 51 becomes 115V is 1.5 seconds. It executes rotation as a small output torque, and after that, control which rests for 1.0 second is repeated in a forward and reverse rotation direction. In the weak washing (D2) with less contamination, the DC output voltage of the DC voltage generator circuit 29a is set to 210V, and the power supply to the brushless electric motor 51 by the three-phase inverter circuit 29b is executed for 0.3 seconds. By starting with a large output torque, and then adding voltage limit PWM control to the sinusoidal PWM control of the three-phase inverter circuit 29b, the power supply in which the peak value of the sinusoidal voltage supplied to the brushless motor 51 becomes 90V is 1.5 seconds. It executes rotation as a small output torque, and after that, control which rests for 1.0 second is repeated in a forward and reverse rotation direction.

Thus, according to the control which reduces a voltage in the middle of the electric power feeding to the brushless electric motor 51, the stirring blade 4 is started to rotate reliably with a large torque, and after that, the stirring force acting on a laundry is made small, and laundry damage is carried out. The effect of alleviating is obtained.

In the fine washing section E, the DC output voltage of the DC voltage generating circuit 29a is set to a constant value of 190 V, and power supply to the brushless electric motor 51 by the three-phase inverter circuit 29b and rest stop. Repeat for 0.5 sec (feed) /1.0 sec (pause).

In addition, in the washing strength division F for rotating the washing tank and the dehydration tank 2 forward and backward, for example, the sine wave by the three-phase inverter circuit 29b is set by setting the DC output voltage of the DC voltage generating circuit 29a to 155V. By adding the voltage limit PWM control to the PWM control, the feed is performed for 6 seconds so that the peak value of the sine wave voltage supplied to the brushless motor 51 is 80V, and the rotation is continued slowly as a small output torque, and then 3.0 seconds. Jaw rotation washing (F1) which repeats control to stop in forward / reverse rotation direction, bath rotation washing (F2) which feeds for 4 seconds and rests for 3 seconds, and bath rotation washing (F3) which feeds for 3 seconds and rests for 2 seconds (F3) ).

In addition, in the washing strength division G which continuously rotates the washing tank and the dehydrating tank 2 in one direction, for example, the DC output voltage of the DC voltage generating circuit 29a is set to 155V and the three-phase inverter circuit 29b is used. By adding the voltage limit PWM control to the sinusoidal PWM control by the power supply, the power supply is executed for 6 seconds so that the peak value of the sinusoidal voltage supplied to the brushless motor 51 becomes 35V, and the rotation is continued as a small output torque. Then, the coarse rotation washing | cleaning which repeats control to rest for 6.0 second in one direction was prepared.

Then, the washing mode was set in each of seven levels for each contamination degree by combining the pollution degree, the washing strength and the washing time described above, and one of them was selected and executed. When automatic selection is inputted by the input switch group 14, the degree of contamination (high pollution, standard, low) and laundry quality set according to the setting or contamination detection according to the instruction input from the input switch group 14 Automatic selection is made based on the detection result, and when manual selection is input from the input switch group 14, manual selection is made based on the instruction input.

The first washing mode group M1 is a washing mode group of laundry with a lot of contamination. For example, the first washing mode group M1 washes for 15 minutes in the strong washing A1, and the washing for 12 minutes in the strong washing A1. Washing mode (M13) for 12 minutes in mode (M12), standard washing (B1), washing mode (M14) for washing for 10 minutes in standard washing (B1), and washing for 8 minutes in intermediate washing (C1) Seven steps of washing mode (M15), washing mode (M16) for washing for 6 minutes in mild washing (D1), and washing mode (M17) for washing for 6 minutes in micro washing (E) were prepared.

The second washing mode group M2 is a washing mode group of standard contaminated laundry. For example, the second washing mode group M2 is a washing mode M21 for washing for 10 minutes in strong washing A1 and a washing mode for 6 minutes in strong washing A1. (M22), washing mode (M23) washing for 6 minutes in standard washing (B1), washing mode (M24) washing for 5 minutes in standard washing (B1), washing washing for 5 minutes in intermediate washing (C1) 7 steps of the mode M25, the washing mode M26 which wash | cleans for 4 minutes in the weak washing | cleaning (D1), and the washing mode M27 which wash | cleans for 3 minutes in the micro washing | cleaning (E) were prepared.

The third washing mode group M3 is a washing mode group of less contaminated laundry in which each washing mode is configured by combining a plurality of washing intensities. For example, the third washing mode group M3 is washed for 5 minutes in the strong washing (A2), and then the coarse rotation washing In the washing mode (M31) and the strong washing (A2) which wash for 1 minute and 30 seconds in (F2), and further wash for 4 minutes in the standard washing (B2), and for 1 minute and 30 seconds in the coarse washing (F2) Washing mode for 4 minutes, then for 1 minute and 30 seconds in coarse laundry (F2), 3 minutes in standard laundry (B2), and 1 minute and 30 seconds for coarse laundry (F2) M32) and 4 minutes of washing in standard laundry (B2), then 1 minute 30 seconds of washing in coarse rotation laundry (F2), 3 minutes of washing in standard washing (B2), and then 3 times in coarse washing (F2). Laundry mode (M33) for 1 minute and 30 seconds in the middle, and 4 minutes in the intermediate washing (C2), and then Washing mode (M34) for 1 minute and 30 seconds in rotary washing (F2), 3 minutes in standard washing (B2), and 1 minute and 30 seconds in co-rotating washing (F2), and intermediate washing (C2). ) For 4 minutes, then for 1 minute and 30 seconds in co-rotating laundry (F1), then for 2 minutes in standard laundry (B2), and for 1 minute and 30 seconds in co-rotating laundry (F1). Wash for 4 minutes in mode (M35) and light wash (D2), then wash for 1 minute and 30 seconds in coarse wash (F1), and then wash for 2 minutes in light wash (D2) and coarse wash ( F1) in the washing mode (M36) for 1 minute and 30 seconds, and for 2 minutes in the weak washing (D2), then in the coarse washing (F1) for 1 minute and 30 seconds, and further in the weak washing (D2). Washing for 1 minute and 7 steps of washing mode (M36) which wash | clean for 1 minute and 30 second in coarse rotation washing | cleaning (F1) were prepared.

Since each of these washing modes is a control specification in a washing process using cold water such as tap water, the washing process using hot water such as water remaining after bathing can be changed to relatively weak washing strength and short washing time.

The washing process is selectively determined by the main microcomputer 17a according to the laundry quality detection result or the washing mode set by the input switch group 14, and according to the mode control program, the DC voltage generating circuit 29a and 3 This is performed by controlling the engagement clutch mechanism 47 with the phase inverter circuit 29b. An example of the supply voltage from the DC voltage generator circuit 29a to the inverter circuit 29b in the washing step is as shown in FIG. 9M.

In step 804, a rinsing process is executed (t3 to t13 in Fig. 9). This rinsing step may be performed in combination with a water rinsing operation and a stay rinsing operation. In addition, in order to improve rinsing efficiency, a short time of weak dehydration (rinse dehydration) operation may be combined at the time of drainage. In addition, it is also effective to use a water rinsing operation to accelerate the discharge of the contaminated washing water by pouring water while rotating the washing tank and the dehydrating tank 2 during rinsing.

This rinsing dehydration operation controls the dehydration force to vary depending on the quality of the laundry and the degree of contamination. For example, for standard laundry with high pollution, the rotation speed of the washing tank and the dehydration tank 2 is dehydrated at 900 rpm, but the method of increasing the rotation speed and the operating time (total time from starting) are determined by the quality of the laundry. Make it changeable. Specifically, the first rinse dehydration mode which is operated for 4 minutes to rise relatively slowly, the second rinse dehydration mode which is operated for 2 minutes and 40 seconds to rise relatively rapidly, and the middle speed region 200 to 330 rpm are further raised The third rinse dehydration mode operated for 2 minutes and 30 seconds so as to increase the medium speed region more rapidly, the fourth rinse dehydration mode operated for 2 minutes and 20 seconds so as to raise the low speed region (0 to 130 rpm) and the middle speed region relatively slowly The fifth rinse dehydration mode which operates for 3 minutes and 10 second, and the 6th rinse dehydration mode which operate for 2 minutes and 30 second so that a medium speed area | region becomes gentle and other areas rise comparatively sharply were prepared.

In addition, the rinsing dehydration mode of the laundry with less contamination is configured to change the rotational speed of the washing tank and the dehydration tank 2 slightly lower (about 800 rpm).

Each of these rinsing dewatering modes is linked to each washing mode in the washing step so that one of them is selected and executed.

The control of the rise characteristic of the rotational speed is controlled by the auxiliary microcomputer 29h according to the instruction from the main microcomputer 17a and the direct current output voltage of the DC voltage generator circuit 29a and the three-phase inverter circuit 29b. This is accomplished by changing the output torque of the brushless electric motor 51. The auxiliary microcomputer 29h controls the DC voltage generating circuit 29a to output a relatively high constant voltage (250 V or more (in this embodiment, 270 V)) to enable high torque output of the brushless electric motor 51. Then, the rotational speed feedback control is performed on the three-phase inverter circuit 29b so that the rising characteristic of the rotational speed becomes the characteristics as described above. Since the washing tank and the dehydration tank 2 are driven to be at the same rotational speed as the rotational speed of the brushless electric motor 51, the rotational speed of the brushless electric motor 51 is based on the rotational position signal output from the position detection circuit 29f. By recognizing and controlling the speed of the brushless electric motor 51, the rotation speed control of the washing tank and the dehydration tank 2 can be realized. It is preferable that the supply voltage from the DC voltage generator circuit 29a to the inverter circuit 29b in the dehydration operation first applies a voltage of 200V or more to t4. Alternatively, during the dehydration operation, the voltage of the capacitor is maintained at a value higher than the voltage v0, and the rising characteristic of the rotational speed of the brushless motor 51 is controlled by the control of the three-phase inverter circuit 29b. It is preferable. Here, the voltage v0 is the lowest capacitor voltage v1 in the state where the DC voltage generating circuit 29a is outputting the DC voltage in the rinsing process (t3 to t13 in FIG. 9), and the highest capacitor in the rinsing process. When the voltage is set to v2, it is represented as v0 = v1 + (v2-v1) / 2.

In step 805, the dehydration process after a rinsing process, ie, the final dewatering processes t13 to t14, is executed. This dewatering process is controlled to change the dewatering power in accordance with the quality of the laundry and the degree of contamination, similar to the washing process and the rinsing process described above. Dehydration after rinsing greatly affects the occurrence of wrinkles in the laundry. Therefore, it is desirable to control dehydration so that wrinkles are generated as little as possible. The dewatering force is determined by the rotational speed and the driving time of the washing tank and the dehydrating tank 2. In order to enable the dehydration operation with less wrinkle generation, in this embodiment, the several dehydration mode which can be selectively performed according to the laundry quality was prepared.

In this embodiment, each dewatering mode was configured by setting the rotational speed of the washing tank and the dehydrating tank 2 to 900 rpm, and changing the ascending method and the operating time (total time from starting).

The dehydration mode (dehydration mode after the rinsing process) is a first dehydration mode in which the low speed region (0 to 130 rpm) is gradually increased and then relatively rapidly increased for 9 minutes, and the second dehydration mode is operated for 8 minutes. Similar to the dehydration mode, the third dehydration mode which operates in the same manner for 7 minutes and the fourth dehydration mode in which the low speed region (0 to 130 rpm) is relatively rapidly increased and operated for 6 minutes, and the fifth dehydration which operates in the same manner for 5 minutes Similarly to the mode, a sixth dehydration mode in which the vehicle is driven up for 4 minutes and a seventh dehydration mode in which the vehicle is raised up for 3 minutes are prepared.

Similar to the rotational speed control in the rinsing and dehydration step described above, the rotational speed control in this dewatering mode is also relatively high constant voltage (250 V or more, in order to enable high torque output of the brushless motor 51). The DC voltage generating circuit 29a is controlled to output 270V), and the rotation speed feedback control is performed on the three-phase inverter circuit 29b so that the rising characteristic of the rotating speed becomes the above-described characteristic.

The main microcomputer 17a controls the display element group 15 to display the set state and the process progress state in each of these steps, and when the abnormality occurs or when the washing is finished, a buzzer sounds to inform.

In order to obtain various optimum rotational speed characteristics as described above by the relatively small brushless electric motor 51, when a relatively strong rotational driving force or high rotational speed is required, the DC output voltage [condenser of the DC voltage generating circuit 29a is required. The terminal voltage of (C) is increased to maintain a constant value of a relatively high voltage, and when a relatively weak rotational driving force or a low rotational speed is required, the DC output voltage of the DC voltage generating circuit 29a is kept at a relatively low constant value. The voltage suppression PWM control was performed by the three-phase inverter circuit 29b in the held state. In the dehydration operation, it is preferable that the voltage supplied from the DC voltage generator circuit 29a to the inverter circuit 29b, that is, the voltage v6 of FIG. Alternatively, during the dehydration operation in the dehydration step, it is preferable to maintain the voltage of the condenser at a value higher than the voltage v0 and to control the rising characteristic of the rotational speed of the brushless motor by the control of the inverter circuit. Here, the voltage v0 is the lowest capacitor voltage in the state in which the DC voltage generating circuit 29a is outputting the DC voltage in the rinsing step or the dehydration step (t3 to t14 in FIG. 9) in the v1 and the rinsing step. When v2 is the highest capacitor voltage, it is expressed as v0 = v1 + (v2-v1) / 2.

Fig. 9 shows an outline of the control characteristics of the direct current output voltage (terminal voltage of capacitor C) of the direct current voltage generator circuit 29a suitable for such operation control. In the drawing, t1 is when the power switch of the washing machine is turned on. From this point in time, the DC voltage generator circuit 29a starts supplying the predetermined DC voltage. Further, the DC voltage generator circuit 29a maintains the supply of the predetermined DC voltage until the power is cut off at t15. By doing in this way, starting in each operation can be made smooth. Moreover, the output of the DC voltage generator circuit 29a can be supplied to another operation apparatus or a drive apparatus, and can also supply to the control apparatus.

The condenser voltage at the time of rotationally driving the stirring blade 4 (t1 to t2) to detect the amount of laundry or the quality of laundry is the lowest voltage v1 of the voltage control range of the DC voltage generating circuit 29a (in this embodiment) Set to 155V) and keep it constant. Then, the stirring blade 4 is subjected to rotational drive at a relatively low rotational speed n1 three times (dry laundry amount detection s1, first wet laundry amount detection s2, and second wet laundry amount detection). .

In the washing steps t2 to t3, the capacitor voltage is boosted to a relatively high voltage v2 and maintained at a constant value. The rotation speed n2 of the stirring blade 4 in this washing process becomes higher than at the time of a detection operation. And, in order to vary depending on the quality of the laundry and the degree of contamination, it is changed as v10, v11 as necessary. In this embodiment, it set to 185V-230V. By using such a high voltage, drive control of various stirring strengths becomes easy.

In the rinsing step, at the time of drainage (t3 to t4), the condenser voltage is returned to the minimum voltage v1, and the highest voltage (t4 to t5) is dehydrated by rotating the washing tank and the dehydration tank 2 to spin the washing water. v3) to maintain a constant value. At this time, the washing tank and the dehydration tank 2 are driven at a high rotational speed n3. In order to smoothly accelerate and control the washing tank and the dehydration tank 2, it may be stepped up stepwise via the intermediate voltage v12 as needed. In this embodiment, the highest voltage v3 was set to 270V. Such high voltage is suitable for driving control of the washing tank and the dehydration tank 2 having a large inertia load.

Thereafter, when water rinsing is performed while rotating the washing tank and the dehydrating tank 2 (t6 to t7), the capacitor voltage is kept at a constant value of the highest value v4, and the washing tank and dewatering is performed by the three-phase inverter circuit 29b. Control is performed to slowly rotate the tank 2 and the stirring blades 4.

When the stirrer blade 4 is slowly rotated (n5, n6) and rinsed (t8 to t10), the capacitor voltage is returned to the minimum voltage v1, and the voltage is increased to a high voltage v13 as necessary.

In the next dehydration t11 to t12, the voltage is raised to the maximum value v5 in order to rotate the stirring blade 4 and the washing and dehydrating tank 2 at high speed n7.

The control as described above is repeated N times between t12 and t13.

In the dehydration step after the rinsing step, i.e., the final dewatering steps t13 to t14, the voltage is increased to the maximum value v6 in order to rotate the stirring blade 4 and the washing and dehydrating tank 2 at high speed (n8).

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

In the above-described embodiment, a brushless motor is used as the drive motor, but other types of motors may be used. It is also possible to change the three-phase inverter circuit to other inverter circuits.

As described above, in the present embodiment, since the commercial AC voltage is rectified and stepped up to supply power to the inverter driven motor in the electric drive device, efficient washing or dehydration is performed by the small electric motor by effectively utilizing the output characteristics of the electric motor. The process can be realized.

Therefore, a delicate washing and dewatering process can be realized according to the quantity, quality, contaminant form of laundry, etc., and an electric washing machine capable of various washing and dewatering operations can be provided.

10 is an explanatory diagram of vector control of a motor 51 (in this figure, a brushless motor) taking, for example, a dehydration operation of a washing machine. In the figure, the real axis in the complex number plane in the state which considered the equivalent circuit of the motor 51 is shown by the d-axis and the virtual axis by the q-axis. In addition, Vi represents a vector of the voltage supplied from the inverter circuit 29b to the motor 51 and displays its phase as δ. The voltage Vi is an alternating voltage shown in Fig. 7A. The current Im (vector) indicates the current flowing in the motor 51. Current Im is measured, for example, at resistor 205. E0 is the induced voltage of the motor 51, and the voltage V1 is the voltage vector r of the resistance component r of the motor by the induced voltage E0 and the motor current Im as shown in the figure. Im) and the vector sum of the voltage vector (ωr.L.Im) by the reactance component of the motor.

In order to efficiently generate the torque of the motor 51, it is preferable that the vector of the current Im comes on the q axis. Therefore, in order to efficiently raise the rotation speed of the dehydration tank 2 of the washing machine in the dehydration operation, the voltage Vi and the phase δ of the voltage Vi are controlled to bring the vector of the motor current Im on the q-axis. Although the dehydration operation has been described as an example, in order to generate torque efficiently by rotating the stirring blades 4 and the dehydration tank 2 in other operations, the control may be performed in the same manner. Further, ω r is the rotational angular velocity, and the induced voltage E0 increases in proportion to the rotation speed of the motor, that is, ω r.

Next, the deceleration operation will be described using the brake control after the washing tank is rotated at high speed in the dehydration operation as an example. FIG. 11 is a vector diagram showing an operating state when decelerating force is generated in the motor 51. FIG. As a deceleration state, the state in which the dehydration tank 2 rotates at high speed can be considered here, for example. Since the dehydration tank 2 in which the laundry is put has a large mass, the dewatering tank rotating at high speed has high kinetic energy. In order to decelerate this dewatering tank rapidly, it is necessary to rapidly consume the kinetic energy. In the control method illustrated in Fig. 11, the motor consumes heat generated by the motor. Since the washing machine uses water from the beginning, if the heat of the motor is escaped around the motor such as the washing machine main body, the heat energy can be easily absorbed, and it does not cause a high temperature state that causes an abnormality. That is, the washing machine can sufficiently absorb the thermal energy even if it exchanges heat for temporary energy such as deceleration of the dehydration tank.

In the method of controlling the supply voltage to the inverter as in the present embodiment, when the motor is rotating at high speed or the motor load is large as in the dehydration operation, the terminal voltage of the condenser C, that is, the supply to the inverter circuit 29b is supplied. Considering that the voltage is set high. In this case, when the induced voltage E0 of the motor 51 is returned to the power supply side and the induced voltage E0 is consumed, the voltage of the inverter circuit 29b or the terminal voltage of the capacitor C becomes high, and It is necessary to increase the withstand voltage. Moreover, when the power supply voltage of another apparatus is generated using the voltage of the capacitor | condenser C, the countermeasure to avoid the bad influence to those apparatuses is needed. From these, it is preferable to reduce the return of the induced voltage E0 to the power supply side and to suppress the increase of the voltage as much as possible. In consideration of these problems, the present embodiment consumes as much heat as possible and suppresses the return of generated energy to the inverter on the power supply side.

In Fig. 11, to decelerate the motor 51, it is necessary to consume electric power based on the induced voltage E0 as described above. For this reason, the voltage Vi and the phase δ supplied from the inverter circuit 29b to the motor 51 are controlled so that the q-axis component Vq of the voltage Vi is close to the induced voltage E0. It is in the state which becomes in reverse phase. Since the voltage Vi can be estimated from the rotational speed ωr of the motor (i.e., N) and the induced voltage E0 based thereon, the value of the voltage Vi is determined in advance based on these, and the deceleration operation is performed. Supplies this predetermined voltage (Vi).

The voltage Vi is a voltage supplied to the motor 51 under PWM control by the inverter as described above. For example, in deceleration in dewatering operation, as shown in Fig. 9, the voltage supplied from the capacitor C to the inverter is lower than the voltage (V6 in Fig. 9) when the motor for dewatering is being accelerated (Fig. 9). 9 is controlled by V1). For PWM control of the inverter, the phase δ and the voltage Vi are next determined such that the q-axis component of the voltage Vi becomes negative E0 (vector). Based on this, the inverter circuit is controlled. That is, the control pulse of FIG. 7B is generated to control the inverter, and the voltage Vi having the phase δ (the AC voltage waveform shown in FIG. 7A) is supplied to the motor.

However, if the voltage Vi is constantly controlled, the motor current Im may be abnormally high. Therefore, it is preferable that the voltage Vi is not constant. For example, if the motor current Im is measured and cannot be directly measured, the voltage Vi is controlled by estimating Im from the measured current or considering the measured current value as Im. That is, when the measurement Im is larger than the predetermined value, the voltage Vi is decreased, and when the measurement Im is smaller, the voltage Vi is increased.

Fig. 13 shows the data state of the memory which stores a predetermined value of the phase δ. N is a rotational speed of the motor 51, and is table | surface to 1000 rpm by 100 rpm, for example. The division of the table is determined by the control precision. If the control accuracy is reduced by roughly dividing, the difference between the induced voltage E0 and the q-axis component Vq of the voltage Vi becomes large, and the effect of voltage rise or deceleration control between terminals of the motor is difficult to be achieved. Receives. Although it is ideal to set the voltage Vq to the same voltage as the induced voltage E0 (the vector is reversed), it is difficult in reality. Therefore, it is preferable to control the range of 75% to 125% with respect to the induced voltage E0. In addition, although the rotational speeds N and ωr of the motor may be different strictly, there is no problem even if N is equal to ωr and controlled. Phases δ1 to δ10 represent values of the phase δ using the rotational speed N of the motor 51 as a variable. When the rotational speed N of the motor 51 is determined, the induced voltage E0 is determined, and the voltage Vi and the phase δ are determined. If the phase δ is recorded as data in advance, the data is read out. Deceleration control can be performed. That is, when the inverter is controlled using the recorded phase δ, the component Vq of the voltage Vi becomes close to the magnitude of the induced voltage E0.

FIG. 12 shows a vector diagram in a state further decelerated from the state of FIG. The difference from Fig. 11 is that the induced voltage E0 is reduced. Since the induced voltage E0 is proportional to the rotational speed of the motor, when the rotational speed of the motor decreases, the induced voltage E0 naturally becomes small. When the motor current Im is made small, the energy consumption is reduced, and the brake is not heard. Therefore, the voltage Vi is determined so that Im flows.

11 and 12, when the voltage of the voltage Vq is made smaller than the voltage of the induced voltage E0 by the control of the phase δ, the brake force is increased and the speed can be reduced quickly. However, the return of power from the motor to the power supply side, that is, the voltage of the DC supply terminal on the inverter side (voltage of the capacitor C) increases. On the other hand, if the voltage Vq is made larger than the induced voltage E0, the rise of the DC voltage can be suppressed, but the brake force is lowered. Therefore, by controlling the phase δ and optimally selecting the magnitude relationship between the induced voltage E0 and the voltage Vq, the relationship between the brake force and the generated voltage can be optimally selected.

The relationship between the brake force and the direct current voltage is controlled by controlling the phase δ so that the magnitude of the induced voltage E0 and the voltage Vq becomes equal as described above. Can be controlled. As another method, since the DC voltage is less likely to become a high voltage in a state in which the rotational speed of the motor is low, in order to increase the brake force at a low speed, the voltage Vq is controlled to be smaller than the induced voltage E0. You may also For example, if the maximum rotational speed is 1000 rpm, the phase (δ) is set so that the induced voltage (E0) is slightly larger than the voltage (Vq) at least 500 rpm, which is at least half of the maximum rotation speed, or 300 rpm or less, which is about one third. To control. For example, the brake force can be increased by setting the ratio (organic voltage E0 / voltage Vq) to 1 or more and 1.25. ① and ② may be combined in such a manner that the control of ① is performed at high speed and the control of ② is made at low speed.

14 is a flowchart showing operation of brake control. In step S142, the rotor position and rotation speed N of the motor 51 are detected based on the output of the sensor 55. In step S144, the current Im of the motor 51 is detected. The voltage Vi is determined in step S146 so that this current Im does not become unusually high. As described above, the voltage Vi is determined in step S146 by lowering the voltage Vi when Im is greater than the predetermined value and increasing the voltage Vi when the current Im is lower than the predetermined value. Next, the phase δ is determined in step S148. For example, the phase δ is calculated such that the q-axis component of the voltage Vi is equal in magnitude to the induced voltage E0 (the vector is reversed). The fact that the voltage Vq is equal in magnitude to the induced voltage E0 is one control condition, and other conditions may be considered as described above. In order to simplify the operation, it is possible to read and determine a value which takes the above conditions into consideration. At this time, for example, the rotational speed N can be used as a variable. In step S150, the pulse of Fig. 7B is supplied to the inverter based on the voltage Vi and the phase δ, and the motor 51 ).

According to the above embodiment, it is possible to control the generated voltage from the motor so as not to exceed a dangerous value while controlling the brake force. As a result, the voltage breakdown voltage of the inverter and other circuit components can be suppressed to be relatively low. This results in cost reduction and improved reliability.

The motor generates heat, but the washing machine has an environment that absorbs heat, so it can absorb heat. For this reason, generation | occurrence | production of a high DC voltage can be suppressed and it leads to the improvement of reliability. In addition, the reliability of the voltage can be improved in the washing machine in which water is used.

FIG. 15 shows a detailed circuit of the power supply portion of FIG. When the power switch 13 of the operation panel shown in Fig. 1 is operated, the fuse 1504, the resistor 1508, the NO terminal and the C terminal of the power switch 13, and the noise-cut line filter from the power outlet 1502. 17e, a closed circuit composed of one input terminal of the DC voltage generator circuit 1512, the other input terminal of the DC voltage generator circuit 1512, the other terminal of the line filter, and the power outlet 1502 is generated. AC voltage, which is a commercial power supply, is supplied to the voltage generation circuit 1512. The DC voltage generator circuit 1512 outputs a power supply voltage (5V in this embodiment) of the main microcomputer 17a. The main microcomputer 17a operates by supplying the power supply voltage from the DC voltage generating circuit 1512, and the main microcomputer 17a operates the first relay 1520 and the second relay 1522, and connects them, respectively. It is in a state. The first relay 1520 constitutes a parallel circuit with respect to the circuit of the terminal NO and the terminal C of the power switch 13. The first relay 1520 and the second relay 1522 have a front end and a rear end in electrical connection with the line filter 17e. Since the second relay 1522 is located at the rear end of the line filter 17e, noise can be suppressed from going to the front end of the line filter 17e even when various devices operate simultaneously due to the connection of the second relay 1522.

The circuit of the terminal NO and the terminal C is connected by the operation of the power switch 13, but when the operation of the power switch 13 is completed, the terminal C and the terminal NC are connected, and the main micro The high level signal is supplied to the input terminal 1548 of the computer 17a. Next, when the power supply switch 13 is operated again, the terminal NC is in an open state, and the input terminal 1548 of the main microcomputer 17a is at a low level. The washing machine operates by first shutting off the second relay 1522 and then falling behind to block the first relay 1520 from the state change of the input signal of the input terminal 1548. Stop.

In this embodiment, the main microcomputer 17a is first operated by the operation of the power switch 13, and then to the inverter circuit 29b, the DC voltage generator circuit 29a, and other operation devices or drive devices (actuators). To supply power. The reason is that there is a risk of malfunction if the inverter circuit, the DC voltage generator circuit 29a, the actuators 21, 23 or 47a, and the inverter drive circuit 29g start operation simultaneously with the control microcomputer. Moreover, the inverter circuit which drives the motor of a washing machine is driven by DC voltage. This DC voltage is charged in a capacitor (corresponding to C in this embodiment) and supplied from this capacitor. The input impedance of this DC voltage generator circuit is low at the time of power supply operation, and there is a possibility of temporarily lowering the power supply voltage. The power supply voltage supplied to the main microcomputer 17a becomes unstable and has a possibility of delaying the operation of the main microcomputer 17a. These can be prevented by delaying the connection of the second relay 1522.

In the present embodiment, the lines 1532 and 1534 are internal power supply lines and are connected to the input ends of the DC voltage generator circuit 29a of FIG. Therefore, an alternating voltage is supplied from the internal power supply lines 1532 and 1534 to the rectifier circuit DB of the DC voltage generating circuit 29a. By operating the power switch 13, the internal power line 1532 is connected to the power outlet 1502, but the internal power line 1534 is not connected to the power outlet 1502 until the second relay 1522 operates. Do not. When the second relay 1522 is driven to be connected by the microcomputer output 1544, the internal power line 1534 is connected to the power outlet 1502, and the DC voltage generator circuit 29a or the inverter circuit 29b, Auxiliary microcomputer 29h, inverter drive circuit 29g, position detection circuit 29f, DC voltage control circuit 29c, water supply solenoid valve 21, drain solenoid valve 23, solenoid valve of clutch ( 47a), the lock mechanism (not shown) of the cover of the washing machine, etc. are also supplied with power after the second relay 1522 operates. In the inverter circuit 29b and the inverter drive circuit 29g, a charging current flows to the capacitor or the like of the circuit when the power is turned on. For this reason, there is a possibility that the power supply voltage temporarily decreases and becomes unstable. It is dangerous if power is supplied to the inverter and its inverter drive circuit 29g and the control circuit is unstable. For this purpose, the main microcomputer 17a is first operated normally, and then power is supplied to the inverter circuit 29b, the inverter drive circuit 29g, and other solenoid valves.

A DC voltage generator circuit 29a is connected to the internal power lines 1532 and 1534, and a capacitor C is connected to the DC voltage generator circuit 29a. For this reason, it may be considered that the charging current of the condenser C is large and, conversely, the resistance value is temporarily lowered, thereby temporarily lowering the power supply voltage. In this embodiment, the terminal voltage of the capacitor C is changed by the operation of the washing machine, but the capacitor C is required on the input side of the inverter even in simple PWM control that is not changed. Therefore, it is preferable to start charging the capacitor C after operating the main microcomputer 17a. In particular, when the water supply solenoid valve 21 which controls tap water malfunctions, it will supply water to a washing tank, and it will be impossible to detect the quantity and quality of laundry shown in FIG. For this reason, the water supply solenoid valve 21 may supply power after operating the main microcomputer 17a. 6 or 15, reference numerals 17b, 17c, and 17d denote triacs, and operate as signals of the output 1546 of the main microcomputer 17a.

In addition, a capacitor C is provided at a supply terminal of a DC voltage (5V in the present embodiment) of the DC voltage generator circuit 1512, and the operation of the second relay 1522 after the main microcomputer 17a is operated. Therefore, even if the power supply voltage temporarily drops for the above reason, the operation of the main microcomputer 17a does not become disturbed.

The delay from the operation of the main microcomputer 17a to the supply of power to the actuators 2, 23, 47c, the DC voltage generator circuit 29a, and the like is preferably 50 msec or more, preferably 100 msec or more. .

In addition, when the washing machine completes the operation by the operation of the power switch 13, the first relay 1520 is shut off after the second relay 1522 is shut off. Also in this case, it is preferable to cut off the first relay 1520 after the voltage of the capacitor C decreases. The supply DC voltage of each actuator and inverter drive circuit is 15V, and the DC power supply circuit which supplies this 15V works even if input voltage falls to about 25V. Therefore, for example, when the voltage of the capacitor C is reduced to about 25V, the first relay 1520 is cut off to further improve safety.

The DC voltage generator circuit 1512 has a second output terminal 1518 for supplying power to the relay in addition to the first output terminal for supplying the power supply voltage of the main microcomputer 17a, and the first relay 1520 or the second. Power is supplied to the relay 1522 from this terminal.

The main microcomputer 17a is provided with a power supply terminal 1524. This power supply terminal is supplied with a power supply voltage for the main microcomputer 17a from the 5V power output terminal 1624 of the power supply voltage generation circuit 1604 of the second power supply voltage generation circuits 1602 and 1604 shown in FIG. .

The circuit of Fig. 16 operates as follows. The supply voltage to the inverter circuit 29b which is the output of the DC voltage generator 29a is supplied to the capacitor 1614 via the diode 1612. The voltage of the capacitor 1614 is used as a power source for the second power supply voltage generating circuits 1602 and 1604. In this embodiment, the power supply voltage generating circuits 1602 and 1604 are connected in series rather than in parallel with the capacitor C. Although parallel connection may be sufficient, the serial connection is hard to be influenced by the noise by the switching operation of the inverter circuit 29b. That is, the power supply voltage generating circuit 1602, which is the first stage of the series connection, generates a 15V voltage used to operate the actuator. The power supply voltage generation circuit 1604 outputs a power supply (5V power supply) for operating digital circuits such as the main microcomputer 17a and the auxiliary microcomputer 29h.

In the above embodiment, an electric washing machine including a washing tank for washing laundry, a stirring blade rotatably provided inside the washing tank, a motor for rotating the stirring blade, and performing a washing step and a rinsing step, A DC voltage generator circuit for rectifying a voltage to generate a DC voltage, an inverter circuit for receiving a DC voltage from the DC voltage generator circuit and feeding power to the motor, and a control circuit for controlling the inverter circuit; The control circuit has a microcomputer, and has an operation switch for turning the power on and off of the washing machine, and starting the operation of the microcomputer first by the operation of the operation switch, and operating the direct current by the operation of the microcomputer. Electric washer to power the voltage generating circuit and the inverter circuit Because the configuration, the reliability is improved. In the electric washer, the reliability of the electric washer is further improved by supplying power to the DC voltage generating circuit and the inverter circuit by delaying 50 msec or more after supplying the power voltage to the microcomputer.

In the above embodiment, an electric washing machine including a washing tank for washing laundry, a stirring blade rotatably provided inside the washing tank, a motor for rotating the stirring blade, and performing a washing step and a rinsing step, A DC voltage generating circuit for rectifying a voltage to generate a DC voltage, an inverter circuit for receiving a DC voltage from the DC voltage generating circuit and feeding power to the motor, a control circuit for controlling a washing machine, and driving the inverter circuit. And an inverter drive circuit for the control circuit, the control circuit having a microcomputer and a power supply circuit for supplying power to the microcomputer, and an operation switch for turning the power supply to and from the washing machine. And a first relay for inserting and disconnecting one of the power lines from the outlet; A second relay for inserting and breaking the other end of the power line from the cent; and connecting a DC voltage generating circuit and a power supply circuit for supplying power to the inverter driving circuit at the rear ends of the first relay and the second relay, The first relay is first connected by operating the operation switch to operate the power supply circuit of the microcomputer, and the second relay is connected by the operation of the microcomputer, and the power is supplied to the DC voltage generating circuit and the inverter circuit. Since it is configured to operate the power supply circuit for supplying the power, the reliability of the electric washing machine is improved. In the electric washing machine, when the power source of the washing machine is cut off based on the operation of the operation switch, the second relay is turned off by the operation of the microcomputer, and then the first relay is turned off. Since it is comprised, the reliability of an electric washing machine improves further.

In Fig. 16, the power source voltage generating circuits 1602 and 1604 are operated based on the voltage from the capacitor C which is the supply voltage to the inverter circuit 29b. For this reason, even when the supply of commercial power is cut off during operation, the microcomputers 17a and 29h operate correctly in the state where the motor 51 is rotating, and the inverter drive circuit 29g, the position detection circuit 29f, and the like. The detection circuit (including various sensors) can maintain operation and ensure safety.

When the supply of the commercial power supply is cut off, for example, a child unplugs the outlet during selection. If it becomes uncontrollable by the interruption of the power supply during washing or dehydration of the washing machine, it is very dangerous. As a dangerous example, there is a problem that the dehydration tank during high-speed rotation does not stop when the power is cut off during dehydration operation. In this embodiment, by using the return of the induced voltage by the rotation of the motor to the power supply side via the inverter circuit 29b, the voltage is supplied to the power supply voltage generating circuits 1602 and 1604, thereby including a control circuit. Power can be supplied to the required circuitry to maintain control. In the description here, it is explained that the induced voltage caused by the rotation of the motor is returned to the power supply side via the inverter circuit 29b, but it is preferable to return to the power supply side from the motor. Since the energy consumption of the condenser C can be suppressed even if it is not returned, for example, the stored energy of the condenser C can be used, and the washing machine can maintain control even after the commercial power supply is cut off, thereby improving safety. In addition, by controlling the opening and closing of the lid of the dehydration tank, the washing machine can be kept in a controlled state until the rotation of the motor 51 is lowered, and the opening and closing of the lid of the dehydration tank can be held in a controlled state, that is, the safety is maintained. There is a number.

Fig. 17 shows a flowchart of the corresponding operation when the supply of commercial power is stopped. Steps 801 to 805 have been described with reference to Fig. 8, and description thereof will be omitted. In the rinsing operation or the dehydration operation, the high speed operation of the dehydration tank is performed. In this state, it is necessary to control the state in which the power supply of the washing machine is stopped. The auxiliary microcomputer 29h monitors for interruption of the power supply of the washing machine in step 1702, and executes step 1704 when the auxiliary microcomputer 29h blocks. The voltage of the capacitor C of FIG. 6 is detected, and the rotational speed of the motor 51 is detected in step 1706. Based on these detection results, the brake is applied at step 1710. If the motor is almost stopped, it is detected in step 1708 to stop the control operation. The brake control in step 1710 is as described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

According to this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6, the control device is composed of a main control device 17 and an auxiliary control device 29. The auxiliary control device 29 has an auxiliary microcomputer, that is, a control computer 29h of the DC voltage generator circuit 29a and the inverter circuit 29b. Control to electrically brake the motor 51 is possible if the auxiliary microcomputer 29h maintains operation. Thus, the power supply voltage generation circuits 1602 and 1604 of FIG. 16 supply the power supply voltage to at least the auxiliary microcomputer 29h and the inverter drive circuit.

18 is a detailed circuit diagram of the DC voltage generator circuit 29a of FIG. The capacitor C is composed of two series capacitors 1802 and 1804, and resistors 1812 and 1814 are provided in parallel in the capacitors 1802 and 1804, respectively. By connecting these capacitors 1802 and 1804 in series, the withstand voltage of each capacitor is suppressed low. In addition, series resistors 1812 and 1814 are provided to make the voltages applied to the capacitors 1802 and 1804 as equal as possible.

The voltage control resistor 29e measures the charging voltage which is the terminal voltage of the capacitors 1802 and 1804 at the voltage dividing point Q of the resistors 1822 and 1824, and if the voltage VQ is lower than the reference voltage, the DC voltage control is performed. The circuit 29c is configured to lengthen the charging time of the reactor L (Fig. 6) and to increase the energy when the switching element S1 is turned off. When the resistance of the voltage dividing point Q is lowered, the voltage VQ at the voltage dividing point Q decreases, the charging time of the reactor L becomes long, and the charging voltages of the capacitors 1802 and 1804 increase. Therefore, when the resistance value of the voltage dividing point Q is controlled by the auxiliary microcomputer 29h, the charging voltage of the capacitors 1802 and 1804 can be controlled, and the supply voltage to the inverter circuit 29b can be controlled.

A total of six resistors 1826 and one resistor 1828 are connected in series to the divided point Q, and a resistor 1828 is connected to each connection point. This embodiment has described the case of controlling to 6 bits, and by 8 bits, the same configuration can be increased. When the output terminals D0 to D5 of the auxiliary microcomputer 29h are all at a high level, the resistance value of the voltage dividing point Q is the highest, and the charging voltages of the capacitors 1802 and 1804 at this time are the lowest. When the voltage at this time is referred to as the reference low voltage VQ0 and the output terminal D5 is set at the low level, the voltage VD5 is increased. In this embodiment, the reference low voltage VQ0 is set to 140V to 170V as described in FIG. More specifically, it is set to 155V. In addition, the voltage VD5 is set to 80V. Therefore, when the output terminal D5 is set at the low level, the charging voltages of the capacitors 1802 and 1804 become 235V, which is 155 + 80. When the output terminal D4 is set at the low level, the voltages of the capacitors 1802 and 1804 rise to the voltage VD4. The voltage VD4 becomes half of the voltage VD5, which in this embodiment is 40V. When the similar output terminal D3 to output terminal D0 are set at the low level, the terminal voltages of the capacitors 1802 and 1804 increase by the voltages VD3 to VD0 shown in FIG. Therefore, if the output terminal D5 to the output terminal D0 are all at a low level, the terminal voltages of the capacitors 1802 and 1804 become 302.5V of 155 + 80 + 40 + 20 + 10 + 5 + 2.5. As described above, the voltage between the highest voltage (302.5 V in this embodiment) and the reference low voltage VQ0 (155 V in this embodiment) can be accurately controlled by the auxiliary microcomputer 29h.

Next, arrangement | positioning of the main control apparatus 17 and the auxiliary control apparatus 29 of FIG. 6 is demonstrated. 20 shows the arrangement of the main control unit 17 and the auxiliary control unit 29. The main control unit 17 is provided next to the clothing input opening 9a on the washing tank 2. On the other hand, the auxiliary control apparatus 29 is further provided below the motor provided under the washing tank. This is because the noise-producing DC voltage generator circuit 29a or inverter circuit 29b should be placed as close to the motor 51 as possible, and the DC voltage generator circuit 29a that generates high voltage should be placed close to the motor 51. This is because the high voltage generating circuit and the operation panel are separated from each other.

The utility voltage is delivered to the main control device 17 from the outlet 1502 to the power cord 2002. The main control unit 17 is provided with a line filter 17e, first and second relays 1520 and 1522, a power supply circuit 1512, other main microcomputer 17a, and the like. The circuit which shows the 2nd control apparatus 29 (secondary control apparatus 29) of FIG. 6 is accommodated in the 1st control apparatus 17 (main control apparatus 17).

Fig. 21 is a view from above of a washing tank of a washing machine and a motor under the washing machine. The 2nd control apparatus 29 is attached below one side of a washing machine. This position is below the motor. Fig. 22 is a view of the bottom plate of the washing machine taken from the reverse side and viewed from below. The second auxiliary control device 29 is attached to the mounting table 2202. The second control device 29 has a heat dissipation fin 2204, and the heat dissipation fin 2204 is provided below the second control device 29. The reason for having the heat dissipation fin 2204 below is as follows. That is, the washing machine handles water and is placed in a place with high moisture. Therefore, it is conceivable that water adheres around the second control device 29, so that the water quickly falls down. If there is a pin on top of it, water may get into the pin and be difficult to remove.

23 is a view of the control device 29 from above, and FIG. 24 is a side view thereof. The pin 2204 is provided on the lower surface opposite to FIG. Fig. 23 and Fig. 24 accurately show the dimensional relationship, and have a rectangular shape for easy storage. In addition, in order to protect the wiring from water, four types of wiring are bundled together as shown at 2302 to enter and exit from the case of the control device 29. The wiring 2302 includes a 100V power supply line 2304 from the first control device 17 and a communication line 2306 for control. In addition, there is a wiring 2308 for supplying a voltage to the winding of the motor 51 and a connection line 2310 with the hall element 55.

The side of the upper case of the second control device 29 is shown in FIG. 25A and the internal circuit board from which the upper case is removed is shown in FIG. 25B. The switching elements S1 of the inverter circuit 29b and the direct current voltage generator circuit 29a are respectively provided on both side surfaces of the substrate. The capacitors 1812 and 1814 constituting the capacitor C are provided in parallel with the heat radiation fins of the switching element S1.

According to the configuration of the present invention described above, an electric washing machine having high safety can be provided.

Claims (1)

An electric washing machine having a washing tank for washing laundry, a stirring blade rotatably provided inside the washing tank, a motor for rotating the stirring blade, and performing a washing process and a rinsing process, A DC voltage generating circuit for rectifying an AC voltage to generate a DC voltage, an inverter circuit for receiving a DC voltage from the DC voltage generating circuit and feeding power to the motor, and a first control device for controlling the operation of the washing machine; And a second control device for controlling the inverter circuit, And the first control device is disposed above the washing tank, and the second control device, the DC voltage generating circuit, and the inverter circuit are disposed below the washing tank.