US20180187357A1 - Washing machine - Google Patents

Washing machine Download PDF

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Publication number
US20180187357A1
US20180187357A1 US15/736,505 US201615736505A US2018187357A1 US 20180187357 A1 US20180187357 A1 US 20180187357A1 US 201615736505 A US201615736505 A US 201615736505A US 2018187357 A1 US2018187357 A1 US 2018187357A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
washing
washings
washing drum
drum
stirring component
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US15/736,505
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English (en)
Inventor
Tomonari Kawaguchi
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Qingdao Haier Washing Machine Co Ltd
Aqua Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Qingdao Haier Washing Machine Co Ltd
Aqua Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Qingdao Haier Washing Machine Co Ltd, Aqua Co Ltd filed Critical Qingdao Haier Washing Machine Co Ltd
Assigned to AQUA CO., LTD., QINGDAO HAIER WASHING MACHINE CO., LTD. reassignment AQUA CO., LTD. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: KAWAGUCHI, TOMONARI
Publication of US20180187357A1 publication Critical patent/US20180187357A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F34/14—Arrangements for detecting or measuring specific parameters
    • D06F33/02—
    • D06F39/003—
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/08—Liquid supply or discharge arrangements
    • D06F39/087—Water level measuring or regulating devices
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/02—Characteristics of laundry or load
    • D06F2103/04—Quantity, e.g. weight or variation of weight
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/18—Washing liquid level
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/24—Spin speed; Drum movements
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/26—Imbalance; Noise level
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/02—Water supply
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/08—Draining of washing liquids
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/46—Drum speed; Actuation of motors, e.g. starting or interrupting
    • D06F2105/48—Drum speed
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/58—Indications or alarms to the control system or to the user
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/58—Indications or alarms to the control system or to the user
    • D06F2105/60—Audible signals
    • D06F2202/065—
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
    • D06F37/02—Rotary receptacles, e.g. drums
    • D06F37/12—Rotary receptacles, e.g. drums adapted for rotation or oscillation about a vertical axis
    • D06F37/14—Ribs or rubbing means forming part of the receptacle
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F41/00—Rinsing apparatus

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a washing machine.
  • stirring blades arranged at a bottom in a washing and dewatering drum are rotationally driven by a motor. Since the stirring blades are rotated in a state that water is supplied into the washing and dewatering drum to generate a water flow in the washing and dewatering drum, washings in the washing and dewatering drum are stirred by the water flow and then are washed.
  • a state of the washings in the washing and dewatering drum may affect the dewatering process. Specifically, when the washings in the washing and dewatering drum are gathered together, the washings may be abruptly dispersed during rotation of the washing and dewatering drum in the dewatering process, and then are biased inside the washing and dewatering drum. In this case, it is difficult to effectively dewater the washings, and vibration may be generated in the dewatering process.
  • An object of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine capable of detecting a state that washings in a washing drum are not suitable for a dewatering process in a phase earlier than the dewatering process.
  • Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine capable of eliminating a state that washings in a washing drum are not suitable for a dewatering process under a condition that the washings are in the state.
  • the washing machine includes: a washing drum for accommodating washings; a stirring component configured to face the washings from a lower side inside the washing drum and capable of rotating in a manner of stirring the washings in the washing drum; a motor for rotating the stirring component; an execution unit for executing water supply and drainage for the washing drum or controlling a voltage applied to the motor to rotate the stirring component, and for executing washing operation comprising a washing process for rotating the stirring component in a state that water is stored in the washing drum and a dewatering process after the washing process; a threshold setting unit for setting a specified threshold according to a size of a load of the washings in the washing drum; an acquirement unit for acquiring an index which indicates a size of resistance generated by the washings in the washing drum to rotation of the stirring component during the washing process; and a judgment unit for judging that the washings in the washing drum are in a state unsuitable for the dewatering process when the index exceeds the specified threshold since the resistance in the washing process is less than the specified resistance.
  • the acquirement unit calculates the index according to inertial rotation quantity of the motor after the execution unit stops applying the voltage to the motor during the rotation process of the stirring component.
  • the acquirement unit calculates the index according to a maximum rotating speed of the motor within a specified period in the rotation process of the stirring component.
  • the washing machine further includes a second acquirement unit for acquiring a second index which indicates a size of a load of the washings in the washing drum; and under a condition that the second index exceeds another threshold different from the specified threshold since the load is large enough to exceed the specified threshold, the judgment unit judges that the washings in the washing drum are in a state unsuitable for the dewatering process.
  • the execution unit executes special drainage of the washing drum during the washing process so that a water level in the washing drum is decreased to a specified water level.
  • the washing drum is rotatable and the motor enable the washing drum to rotate;
  • the execution unit controls the voltage applied to the motor during the dewatering process so as to rotate the washing drum; under a condition that the washings are biased in the washing drum during the dewatering process, the execution unit executes correction treatment for rotating the stirring component in a state that the water is stored in the washing drum to a set water level in order to correct a bias of the washings;
  • the washing machine further includes a setting unit for setting the set water level in the correction treatment after the washing process to be lower than a water level that the special drainage is not executed under a condition that special drainage is executed in the washing process.
  • the execution unit executes the special drainage again, and then executes at least one of treatment of strengthening a water flow in the washing drum and treatment of prolonging the washing process.
  • the execution unit controls a voltage applied to the motor to rotate the stirring component in a state that water is stored in the washing drum.
  • a water flow is generated in the washing drum. Since the washings are stirred through mechanical force generated by the rotating stirring component and the water flow to eliminate dirt from the washings, the washings can be clearly washed.
  • the acquirement unit acquires an index which indicates a size of resistance generated by the washings in the washing drum to rotation of the stirring component.
  • an index which indicates a size of resistance generated by the washings in the washing drum to rotation of the stirring component.
  • the washings in the washing drum can be detected in a state unsuitable for the dewatering process in the phase earlier than the dewatering process.
  • the inertial rotation quantity of the motor after the execution unit stops applying the voltage to the motor is increased with the decrease of the resistance generated by the washings to the rotation of the stirring component and is decreased with the increase of the resistance during the rotation process of the stirring component. Therefore, the index is calculated according to the inertial rotation quantity which is changed with the increase and the decrease of the resistance, thereby acquiring a correct index.
  • the maximum rotating speed of the motor within the specified period in the rotation process of the stirring component is increased with the decrease of the resistance generated by the washings to the rotation of the stirring component and is decreased with the increase of the resistance. Therefore, the index is calculated according to the maximum rotating speed which is changed with the increase and the decrease of the resistance, thereby acquiring a correct index.
  • the washings are difficult to present a state unsuitable for the dewatering process. Therefore, under a proper condition that the second index exceeds another threshold since the load of the washings is large enough to exceed the specified load, it can be judged whether the washings are in a state unsuitable for the dewatering process.
  • the execution unit controls the voltage applied to the motor so that the washing drum rotates.
  • the centrifugal force acts on the washings in the washing drum, thereby dewatering the washings.
  • the execution unit executes correction treatment for rotating the stirring component in a state that the water is stored in the washing drum to a set water level.
  • the washings which become soft after being wetted are dispersed by the stirring component, so that the bias of the washings can be corrected.
  • the washings Under a condition that special drainage is executed in the washing process, during the dewatering process after the washing process, the washings sometimes are in a state unsuitable for continuing to perform the dewatering process since the washings are kept being gathered together. Therefore, the set water level in the correction treatment in this case is set to be lower than a water level that the special drainage is not executed.
  • the washings gathering together in the washing drum are located at a stirring component side and are easy to contact with the stirring component, the washings are easy to be dispersed by the stirring component. As a result, the state of the washings unsuitable for the dewatering process can be eliminated.
  • the special drainage is executed again. Then, since at least one of treatment of strengthening the water flow in the washing drum and treatment of prolonging the washing process is executed, the washings gathered together in the washing drum are easy to be dispersed through stirring. As a result, the state of the washings unsuitable for the dewatering process can be eliminated.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic longitudinal section right view illustrating a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical structure of a washing machine
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective diagram illustrating a washing drum of a washing machine
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective diagram illustrating a washing drum
  • FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a control action in a washing process
  • FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a relevant control action of detection of a load in a washing process
  • FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a relevant control action of detection of an inertial rotation state of a washing process
  • FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a control action in a first embodiment shown in a washing process
  • FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a control action in a second embodiment shown in a washing process
  • FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a relevant control action of detection of an accumulated value of a maximum rotating speed in a washing process
  • FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating a control action in a third embodiment shown in a washing process
  • FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a control action in a fourth embodiment shown in a washing process.
  • FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a relevant control action of correction treatment executed when a dewatering process is discontinued.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic longitudinal section right view illustrating a washing machine 1 of an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • An up-down direction in FIG. 1 is referred to as an up-down direction Z of the washing machine 1 .
  • a left-right direction in FIG. 1 is referred to as a front-rear direction Y of the washing machine 1 .
  • a direction perpendicular to a paper surface in FIG. 1 is referred as a left-right direction X.
  • the washing machine 1 is first briefly described.
  • an upper side in FIG. 1 is referred to as an upper side Z 1 and a lower side in FIG. 1 is referred to as a lower side Z 2 .
  • a horizontal direction H includes the left-right direction X and the front-rear direction Y.
  • the washing machine 1 also includes a washing and drying machine having a drying function, the washing machine 1 will be described by taking the washing machine which omits the drying function and only performs washing operation as an example.
  • the washing machine 1 includes a housing 2 , an outer drum, a washing drum 4 , a stirring component 5 , an electric motor 6 and a transferring mechanism 7 .
  • the housing 2 is made of, for example, metal, and has a box shape.
  • An upper surface 2 A of the housing 2 is formed by inclining relative to a horizontal direction H, for example, in a manner of extending toward the upper side Z 1 when getting closer to the rear side Y 2 .
  • An opening 8 is disposed on the upper surface 2 A for communicating the interior with the exterior of the housing 2 .
  • a door 9 is disposed on the upper surface 2 A for opening and closing the opening 8 .
  • An operation portion 10 A including a switch for example, and a display portion 10 B including a liquid crystal panel for example are disposed in a region around the opening 8 on the upper surface 2 A.
  • a display portion 10 B including a liquid crystal panel for example
  • the operation portion 10 A and the display portion 10 B are configured to be closer to the front side Y 1 than the opening 8 , but can also be configured, for example, to be closer to the right side X 2 than the opening 8 .
  • a user can freely select operation conditions of the washing operation or can give instructions such as washing operation starting or washing operation stopping to the washing machine 1 by operating the operation portion 10 A.
  • the display portion 10 B visibly displays information relevant to the washing operation.
  • the outer drum 3 is made of, for example, resin, and has a closed bottomed cylindrical shape.
  • the outer drum 3 includes: a circumferential wall 3 A which is of a substantially cylindrical shape and is configured in an inclination direction K of inclining to the front side Y 1 relative to the up-down direction Z; a bottom wall 3 B, which blocks a hollow portion of the circumferential wall 3 A from the lower side Z 2 ; and an annular wall 3 C, which is protruded toward a circle center of the circumferential wall 3 A while being around an entire end edge at an upper side Z 1 of the circumferential wall 3 A.
  • the inclination direction K not only is inclined relative to the up-down direction Z, but also is inclined relative to a horizontal direction H.
  • the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 3 A is exposed to the upper side Z 1 from an inner side of the annular wall 3 C.
  • the bottom wall 3 B is configured to be a circular plate shape which is orthogonal to the inclination direction K and obliquely extends relative to the horizontal direction H.
  • a through hole 3 D is disposed in a circle center position of the bottom wall 3 B for penetrating through the bottom wall 3 B.
  • the outer drum 3 can store water.
  • a box-shaped detergent storage chamber 11 is disposed at the upper side Z 1 of the outer drum 3 in the housing 2 .
  • the detergent storage chamber 11 is connected with a water supply path 13 connected with a faucet (not shown) from the upper side Z 1 and from the rear side Y 2 , so that the water is supplied into the outer drum 3 through the detergent storage chamber 11 from the water supply path 13 .
  • the water from the detergent storage chamber 11 can also be supplied into the outer drum 3 by flowing down in a manner of splashing water as shown by dotted arrows.
  • a water supply valve 14 is disposed in the water supply path 13 for opening and closing for a purpose of starting or stopping water supply.
  • the detergent storage chamber 11 is further connected with a branch path 15 which is branched from a portion of the water supply path 13 closer to an upstream side of the faucet than the water supply valve 14 .
  • the water flows into the branch path 15 from the water supply path 13 and then is supplied into the outer drum 3 through the detergent storage chamber 11 from the branch path 15 .
  • a softener supply valve 16 is disposed in the branch path 15 for opening and closing for a purpose of starting or stopping the water supply.
  • the interior of the detergent storage chamber 11 is divided into a first region (not shown) for accommodating a softener and a second region (not shown) without accommodating the softener.
  • the softener supply valve 16 When the softener supply valve 16 is opened, the water flowing from the water supply path 13 into the branch path 15 passes through the first region of the detergent storage chamber 11 and then is supplied into the outer drum 3 . Thus, the softener in the detergent storage chamber 11 is mixed with the water and is supplied into the outer drum 3 .
  • the water supply valve 14 when the water supply valve 14 is opened, the water directly flowing from the water supply path 13 passes through the second region of the detergent storage chamber 11 and then is supplied into the outer drum 3 . In this case, the water without mixing with the softener is supplied into the outer drum 3 .
  • the outer drum 3 is connected with a drainage path 18 from the lower side Z 2 .
  • the water in the outer drum 3 is discharged out of the washing machine from the drainage path 18 .
  • a drain valve 19 is disposed in the drainage path 18 for opening and closing for a purpose of starting or stopping drainage.
  • the washing drum 4 is made of, for example, metal, and has a central axis 20 extending toward the inclination direction K.
  • the washing drum 4 forms a closed bottomed cylindrical shape and is smaller than the outer drum 3 , and can accommodate the washings Q therein.
  • the washing drum 4 has a substantially cylindrical circumferential wall 4 A disposed along the inclination direction K and a bottom wall 4 B for blocking the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 4 A from the lower side Z 2 .
  • An inner circumferential surface of the circumferential wall 4 A is the inner circumferential surface of the washing drum 4 .
  • An upper end portion of the inner circumferential surface of the circumferential wall 4 A is an inlet/outlet 21 for exposing the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 4 A to the upper side Z 1 .
  • the inlet/outlet 21 is opposed to an inner side region of the annular wall 3 C of the outer drum 3 from the lower side Z 2 and is communicated with the opening 8 of the housing 2 from the lower side Z 2 .
  • the user of the washing machine 1 takes the washings Q into and out of the washing drum 4 through the opened opening 8 and the inlet/outlet 21 .
  • the washing drum 4 is coaxially accommodated in the outer drum 3 and is obliquely configured relative to the up-down direction Z and the horizontal direction H.
  • the washing drum 4 accommodated in the outer drum 3 can be rotated about the central axis 20 .
  • a plurality of through holes are formed in the circumferential wall 4 A and the bottom wall 4 B of the washing drum 4 .
  • the water in the outer drum 3 can flow between the outer drum 3 and the washing drum 4 through the through holes. Therefore, a water level in the outer drum 3 is the same as that in the washing drum 4 .
  • the water flowing out of the detergent storage chamber 11 is directly supplied into the washing drum 4 from the upper side Z 1 through the inlet/outlet 21 of the washing drum 4 .
  • the bottom wall 4 B of the washing drum 4 forms a circular plate shape extending substantially parallel to the bottom wall 3 B of the outer drum 3 at intervals at the upper side Z 1 .
  • a through hole 4 C penetrating through the bottom wall 4 B is formed in a circle center position of the bottom wall 4 B being identical to the central axis 20 .
  • a tubular supporting shaft 22 is disposed on the bottom wall 4 B for surrounding the through hole 4 C and extending toward the lower side Z 2 along the central axis 20 .
  • the supporting shaft 22 is inserted into the through hole 3 D of the bottom wall 3 B of the outer drum 3 .
  • a lower end portion of the supporting shaft 22 is located closer to the lower side Z 2 than the bottom wall 3 B.
  • the stirring component 5 i.e., an impeller, forms a disc shape centering on the central axis 20 , and is configured to be concentric with the washing drum 4 along the bottom wall 4 B at a lower portion in the washing drum 4 .
  • a plurality of radially configured blades 5 A are disposed on the upper surface of the stirring component 5 facing the inlet/outlet 21 of the washing drum 4 from the lower side Z 2 .
  • the washings Q are located on the upper surface of the stirring component 5 when the washings being stored in the washing drum 4 .
  • the stirring component 5 in the washing drum 4 is configured to face the washings Q from the lower side Z 2 .
  • a rotating shaft 23 is disposed in the stirring component 5 for extending from its circle center to the lower side Z 2 along the central axis 20 .
  • the rotating shaft 23 is inserted into the hollow portion of the supporting shaft 22 .
  • the lower end portion of the rotating shaft 23 is located closer to the lower side Z 2 than the bottom wall 3 B of the outer drum 3 .
  • the motor 6 is composed of a variable frequency motor.
  • the motor 6 is disposed at the lower side Z 2 of the outer drum 3 in the housing 2 .
  • the motor 6 has an output shaft 24 which rotates centering on the central axis 20 .
  • the transferring mechanism 7 is disposed between a lower end portion of each of the supporting shaft 22 and the rotating shaft 23 and an upper end portion of the output shaft 24 .
  • the transferring mechanism 7 selectively transfers the driving force outputted from the output shaft 24 by the motor 6 to one or both of the supporting shaft 22 and the rotating shaft 23 .
  • a well-known transferring mechanism can be used as the transferring mechanism 7 .
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical structure of the washing machine 1 .
  • the washing machine 1 includes an execution unit, a threshold value setting unit, an acquirement unit, a judgment unit, a second acquirement unit and a microcomputer 30 serving as a setting unit.
  • the microcomputer 30 includes a memory portion such as a CPU, an ROM and an RAM, and is disposed in the housing 2 (see FIG. 1 ).
  • the washing machine 1 further includes a water level sensor 31 , a rotation sensor 32 and a buzzer 33 .
  • the water level sensor 31 , the rotation sensor 32 and the buzzer 33 as well as the above operation portion 10 A and the display portion 10 B are electrically connected with the microcomputer 30 .
  • the motor 6 , the transferring mechanism 7 , the water supply valve 14 , the softener supply valve 16 and the drain valve 19 are electrically connected with the microcomputer 30 through, for example, a driving circuit 34 .
  • the water level sensor 31 is used for detecting water levels of the outer drum 3 and the washing drum 4 . Detection results of the water level sensor 31 are inputted into the microcomputer 30 in real time.
  • the rotation sensor 32 is used for reading the rotating speed of the motor 6 , strictly for reading the rotating speed of the output shaft 24 of the motor 6 , and is composed of, for example, a plurality of Hall ICs (not shown) which output pulses when the output shaft 24 rotates at a specified rotating angle each time.
  • the rotating speed read by the rotation sensor 32 is inputted into the microcomputer 30 in real time.
  • the microcomputer 30 controls the voltage applied to the motor 6 , specifically, a duty ratio of a voltage applied to the motor 6 according to the inputted rotating speed, to control the rotation of the motor 6 in such a manner that the motor 6 is rotated at a desired rotating speed.
  • the rotating speed of the motor 6 is the same as the rotating speed of each of the washing drum 4 and the stirring component 5 .
  • the microcomputer 30 can control the rotation direction of the motor 6 . Therefore, the motor 6 can be rotated forward or backward.
  • the rotation direction of the output shaft 24 of the motor 6 is identical to the rotation direction of each of the washing drum 4 and the stirring component 5 . For example, when the motor 6 is rotated forward, the washing drum 4 and the stirring component 5 are rotated in a clockwise direction as observed from the upper side Z 1 ; and when the motor 6 is rotated backward, the washing drum 4 and the stirring component 5 are rotated in a counterclockwise direction observed from the upper side Z 1 .
  • the microcomputer 30 receives the selection.
  • the microcomputer 30 visibly displays necessary information to the user through the display portion 10 B.
  • the microcomputer 30 informs the user of, for example, the start and the end of the washing operation by a predetermined sound emitted from the buzzer 33 .
  • the microcomputer 30 switches a transferring target of the driving force of the motor 6 to one or both of the supporting shaft 22 and the rotating shaft 23 by controlling the transferring mechanism 7 . Under a condition that the transferring target of the driving force of the motor 6 is the supporting shaft 22 , the microcomputer 30 controls the voltage applied to the motor 6 so that the washing drum 4 is rotated or stopped. Under a condition that the transferring target of the driving force of the motor 6 is the rotating shaft 23 , the microcomputer 30 controls the voltage applied to the motor 6 so that the stirring component 5 is rotated or stopped.
  • the microcomputer 30 controls the opening and closing of the water supply valve 14 , the softener supply valve 16 and the drain valve 19 .
  • the microcomputer 30 can supply the water to the washing drum 4 by opening the water supply valve 14 , can supply the softener to the washing drum 4 by opening the softener supply valve 16 , and can drain the washing drum 4 by opening the drain valve 19 .
  • the microcomputer 30 can store water into the washing drum 4 by opening the water supply valve 14 in a state that the drain valve 19 is closed.
  • the washing operation includes a washing process of washing the washings Q, a rinsing process of rinsing the washings Q after the washing process, and a dewatering process of dewatering the washings Q at the end of the washing operation.
  • the user can use tap water only and can also use bath water as needed in the washing operation.
  • the microcomputer 30 rotates the stirring component 5 in a state that the water is stored in the washing drum 4 to a specified water level.
  • the washing drum 4 is in a static state.
  • the washings Q in the washing drum 4 are stirred by contacting with the blades 5 A of the rotating stirring component 5 or moving along with a water flow generated in the washing drum 4 by the rotating stirring component 5 .
  • the washings Q are stirred by mechanical force generated by the rotating stirring component 5 and the water flow so as to eliminate dirt from the washings Q, cleaning the washings Q.
  • the dirt on the washings Q in the washing drum 4 is decomposed through detergents thrown into the washing drum 4 . In this way, the washings Q in the washing drum 4 can also be cleaned.
  • the microcomputer 30 rotates the stirring component 5 in a state that water is restored in the washing drum 4 .
  • the washings Q in the washing drum 4 are stirred by the blades 5 A of the rotating stirring component 5 in a state that the washings Q are immersed in the water, so that the washings Q are rinsed.
  • the washing drum 4 and the stirring component 5 can also rotate together in the rinsing process.
  • the microcomputer 30 rotates the washing drum 4 in a state that the drain valve 19 is opened. At this moment, the stirring component 5 can also rotate together with the washing drum 4 .
  • the microcomputer 30 rotates the motor 6 at low constant speed of 120 rpm after accelerating the rotating speed of the motor 6 to a first rotating speed of 120 rpm from 0 rpm for example in a state that the drain valve 19 is opened.
  • the first rotating speed is higher than a rotating speed (e.g., 50 rpm to 60 rpm) at which the washing drum 4 generates transverse resonance, and is lower than a rotating speed (e.g., 200 rpm to 220 rpm) at which the washing drum 4 generates longitudinal resonance.
  • the microcomputer 30 After rotation at the constant speed of 120 rpm, the microcomputer 30 rotates the motor 6 at medium constant speed of 240 rpm after accelerating the rotating speed of the motor 6 to a second rotating speed of 240 rpm from 120 rpm.
  • the second rotating speed is slightly higher than the rotating speed at which the washing drum 4 generates longitudinal resonance.
  • the microcomputer 30 rotates the motor 6 at maximum constant speed after accelerating the rotating speed of the motor 6 to a maximum rotating speed of 800 rpm from 240 rpm.
  • the washing drum 4 rotates at high speed, the washings Q are dewatered through the centrifugal force acting on the washings Q in the washing drum 4 . Water that leaks from the washings Q through dewatering is discharged out of the machine from the drainage path 18 of the outer drum 3 .
  • the dewatering process is ended, and thus the washing operation is ended.
  • FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are schematic perspective diagrams illustrating a washing drum 4 .
  • the washing drum 4 is shown by dotted lines
  • the stirring component 5 is shown by dot dash lines
  • the washings Q are shown by solid lines.
  • the washings Q in the washing drum 4 have a state suitable for the dewatering process and a state unsuitable for the dewatering process.
  • the substantially cylindrical washings Q along the circumferential wall 4 A of the washing drum 4 are in the state suitable for the dewatering process.
  • the washings Q are in a state of balanced distribution in the washing drum 4 in such a manner that a spacing 40 between the substantially cylindrical washings Q and the circumferential wall 4 A is decreased throughout an entire region of the circumferential direction S and an entire region of an inclined direction K. If the dewatering process is started while the washings Q are in this state, since the washing drum 4 can smoothly accelerate to a maximum rotating speed without vibrating and the centrifugal force effectively acts on the washings Q, the dewatering process can be efficiently executed.
  • the washings Q gathered together as shown in FIG. 4 are in the state unsuitable for the dewatering process. Specifically, a large gap 41 is generated between both side portions of the washings Q in the inclined direction K and the circumferential wall 4 A. If the dewatering process is started when the washings Q are in this state, during the acceleration of the washing drum 4 , for example, during medium-speed rotation from 120 rpm to 240 rpm, the washings Q gathered together sometimes are abruptly dispersed towards an unexpected direction and are biased inside the washing drum 4 . Since the washing drum 4 cannot stably rotate when the washings Q are in a biased state, the centrifugal force is difficult to effectively act on the washings Q to dewater and great vibration may be generated during dewatering.
  • the washings Q have a trend of gathering together in an initial phase of washing operation, i.e., in the washing process, due to various factors. Therefore, the washing machine 1 is configured to detect in the washing process that the washings Q in the washing drum 4 are in the state unsuitable for the dewatering process and to realize the elimination of the state.
  • FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a control action in a washing process.
  • the microcomputer 30 detects the load of the washings Q in the washing drum 4 as the washing process starts (step S 1 ).
  • FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a relevant control action of detection of a load.
  • the microcomputer 30 applies the voltage to the motor 6 to rotationally drive the stirring component 5 in a forward direction at low speed for a specified time, and then stops applying the voltage to the motor 6 to stop driving the motor 6 (step S 101 ). Then, since the stirring component 5 and the motor 6 rotate with an inertia, the microcomputer 30 measures the inertial rotation amount of the motor 6 in step S 101 .
  • the inertial rotation amount is, for example, a total number of pulses outputted by the Hall IC (not shown) of the rotating sensor 32 during the inertial rotation of the motor 6 .
  • the inertial rotation amount herein is the inertial rotation amount of the motor 6 as well as the inertial rotation amount of the stirring component 5 .
  • the inertial rotation amount of the motor 6 in the forward direction during detection of the load as step S 101 is referred as “inertial rotation amount a”.
  • step S 102 the microcomputer 30 stops driving the motor 6 after rotationally driving the stirring component 5 backward at low speed only for a specified time, so as to measure the inertial rotation amount of the motor 6 at this moment (step S 102 ).
  • the inertial rotation amount of the motor 6 in the backward direction during detection of the load as step S 102 is referred as “inertial rotation amount b”.
  • the microcomputer 30 uses a value obtained by adding the inertial rotation amount a measured in step S 101 and the inertial rotation amount b measured in step S 102 as a detection value A (step S 103 ).
  • the smaller the load of the washings Q is, the larger the inertial rotation amount of the stirring component 5 loading light washings Q and the inertial rotation amount of the motor 6 are, and therefore, the larger the detection value A is.
  • the detection value A is an example that indicates an index of the size of the load.
  • step S 101 and step S 102 can also be reversed, the inertial rotation amounts a and b can also be measured repeatedly, and the value obtained by adding the inertial rotation amounts a and b totally is used as the detection value A.
  • the microcomputer 30 that acquires the detection value A sets a specified threshold value according to the size of the obtained detection value A, i.e., according to the size of the load of the washings Q in the washing drum 4 .
  • the specified threshold value herein refers to a second threshold value, a third threshold value, a fourth threshold value, a fifth threshold value, a sixth threshold value and a seventh threshold value described below which are predetermined according to the size of the load and stored in a memory portion of the microcomputer 30 .
  • the microcomputer 30 supplies water into the washing drum 4 to a specified water level (step S 2 ), and starts rotation of the stirring component 5 (step S 3 ).
  • the rotating stirring component 5 strictly rotates in a manner of alternate repetition of forward and reverse rotations. Thus, the washings Q are cleaned as mentioned above.
  • FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a relevant control action of detection of the inertial rotation state.
  • the microcomputer 30 stops driving the motor 6 after rotationally driving the stirring component 5 forward only for the specified time in a state that the water in the washing drum 4 is stored to the specified water level, so as to measure the inertial rotation amount of the motor 6 at this moment (step S 201 ).
  • the specified time herein is the same as the time of forward rotation performed by the stirring component 5 for cleaning the washings Q.
  • inertial rotation amount c The inertial rotation amount of the motor 6 in forward direction during detection of the inertial rotation state as step S 201 is referred as “inertial rotation amount c”.
  • step S 202 the microcomputer 30 stops driving of the motor 6 after rotationally driving the stirring component 5 backward only for the specified time in a state that the water in the washing drum 4 is stored to the specified water level, so as to measure the inertial rotation amount of the motor 6 at this moment.
  • the specified time herein is the same as the time of backward rotation performed by the stirring component 5 for cleaning the washings Q.
  • detection of the inertial rotation state is performed as a link of backward rotation of the stirring component 5 for cleaning.
  • the inertial rotation amount of the motor 6 in backward direction during detection of the inertial rotation state as step S 202 is referred as “inertial rotation amount d”.
  • step S 201 and step S 202 can also be reversed.
  • step S 204 uses a value obtained by adding the inertial rotation amount c and the inertial rotation amount d for a total of 16 times as a detection value for detection of the inertial rotation state (step S 204 ).
  • the larger the resistance is, the smaller the inertial rotation amount is, and therefore, the smaller the detection value is.
  • the detection value is an index that indicates the size of the resistance, i.e., is an example of the index that indicates a rotation state of the stirring component 5 .
  • the microcomputer 30 calculates the detection value according to the inertial rotation quantity of the motor 6 after the voltage is not applied to the motor 6 in the rotation process of the stirring component 5 .
  • the microcomputer 30 acquires a detection value B in the first detection of the inertial rotation state in step S 4 , acquires a detection value C in the second detection of the inertial rotation state in step S 5 , and acquires a detection value D in the third detection of the inertial rotation state in step S 6 .
  • the washings Q in the washing drum 4 are in a state unsuitable for the dewatering process since the washings Q are gathered together (with reference to FIG. 4 )
  • the resistance is decreased to be less than the specified resistance such that the stirring component 5 smoothly rotates. Therefore, the detection value for the detection of the inertial rotation state is increased over time according to a sequence of the detection value B, the detection value C and the detection value D.
  • the microcomputer 30 judges whether an extent that the resistance is small to be below the specified resistance reaches an extent that a summing value of the detection value C and the detection value D exceeds the third threshold value no matter whether the resistance is large to the extent that the detection value B is lower than the second threshold value (step S 7 ).
  • the first threshold value, the second threshold value and the third threshold value are respectively different specified threshold values. For example, under a condition that the first threshold value is 200, the second threshold value is 2000 and the third threshold value is 5000.
  • step S 7 Under a condition that the load is large to be above the specified load so that the detection value A is lower than the first threshold value, when the resistance is lower than the specified resistance so that the summing value of the detection value C and the detection value D exceeds the third threshold value (step S 7 : Yes), the microcomputer 30 judges that the washings Q in the washing drum 4 are gathered together and are in the state unsuitable for the dewatering process (step S 8 ). As a result, the washings Q in the washing drum 4 can be detected in the state unsuitable for the dewatering process in the washing process in a phase earlier than the dewatering process.
  • the above inertial rotation amount is increased with the decrease of the resistance, and is decreased with the increase of the resistance. Therefore, in the detection of the inertial rotation state, the detection values B-D are calculated according to the inertial rotation quantity which is changed with the increase and the decrease of the resistance like this, thereby acquiring the detection values B-D as correct indexes suitable for judgment in step S 7 .
  • the difference between the detection of the load the detection of the inertial rotation state lies in that the inertial rotation amounts a and b are measured before water supply during the detection of the load while the inertial rotation amounts c and d are measured after water supply during the detection of the inertial rotation state.
  • the inertial rotation amounts c and d for detection of the inertial rotation state executed in a state that all the washings are uniformly wetted are reliable values when the judgment in step S 7 .
  • step S 7 under a proper condition that the load of the washings Q is large enough to exceed the specified load so that the second index referred as the detection value A exceeds the first threshold, it can be judged whether the washings Q are in the state unsuitable for the dewatering process.
  • the microcomputer 30 stops the stirring component 5 and executes special drainage (step S 8 ) under a condition of judging that the washings Q in the washing drum 4 are gathered together to be in the state unsuitable for the dewatering process.
  • special drainage the microcomputer 30 discharges part of water in the washing drum 4 out of the machine, so that the water level in the washing drum 4 is reduced to the specified water level.
  • the microcomputer 30 restarts the rotation of the stirring component 5 , to continue to clean the washings Q (step S 9 ).
  • the washings Q gathering together in the washing drum 4 are easy to contact with the stirring component 5 since the washings Q are lowered with the decrease of buoyancy as the water level is reduced, and therefore, the washings Q are easy to be dispersed by restarting the rotation of the stirring component 5 .
  • the state of the washings Q unsuitable for the dewatering process can be eliminated. As long as the washings Q become the state suitable for the dewatering process, washing operation can smoothly move to the dewatering process.
  • step S 10 the microcomputer 30 enables the stirring component 5 to continue to rotate from the start of the washing process to the end of a specified time, such as 10 minutes, thereby continuing to operate (step S 10 ).
  • a specified time such as 10 minutes
  • step S 10 the washings Q are in the state suitable for the dewatering process when the resistance is hardly decreased so that a summing value of the detection value C and the detection value D is below the third threshold value (step S 7 : No). Therefore, the microcomputer 30 does not perform the treatments of step S 8 and step S 9 , but rotates the stirring component 5 by following step S 3 , thereby continuing to operate (step S 10 ).
  • the microcomputer 30 ends the washing process. It should be noted that under a condition that the washing process is performed for 10 minutes, for example, the treatment from step S 1 to step S 7 is executed within approximately former 5 minutes and the treatment from step S 8 to step S 10 is executed within approximately latter 5 minutes.
  • FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a control action of a second embodiment. It should be noted that in FIG. 9 and all drawings following FIG. 9 , identical step numbers are given to the treatment steps identical with the treatment steps in FIG. 5 to FIG. 8 , and detailed description about these treatment steps is omitted.
  • the microcomputer 30 re-executes the detection of the inertial rotation state in a state of restarting the rotation of the stirring component 5 in step S 9 , and executes detection of an accumulated value of the maximum rotating speed (step S 11 ).
  • the microcomputer 30 acquires a detection value E according to a flow described in FIG. 7 in the detection of the inertial rotation state.
  • FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a relevant control action of detection of the accumulated value of the maximum rotating speed.
  • the microcomputer 30 measures the maximum rotating speed of the motor 6 when the stirring component 5 only is rotationally driven forward for the specified time in a state that the water in the washing drum 4 is stored to the specified water level (step S 301 ).
  • the specified time herein is the same as the time of forward rotation performed by the stirring component 5 for cleaning the washings Q.
  • detection of the accumulated value of the maximum rotating speed is performed as a link of forward rotation of the stirring component 5 for cleaning.
  • the maximum rotating speed under the condition that the motor 6 forward rotates during detection of the accumulated value of the maximum rotating speed as step S 301 is referred as “a maximum rotating speed e”.
  • the microcomputer 30 measures the maximum rotating speed of the motor 6 when the stirring component 5 only is rotationally driven backward for the specified time in a state that the water in the washing drum 4 is stored to the specified water level (step S 302 ).
  • the specified time herein is the same as the time of backward rotation performed by the stirring component 5 for cleaning the washings Q.
  • detection of the accumulated value of the maximum rotating speed is performed as a link of backward rotation of the stirring component 5 for cleaning.
  • the maximum rotating speed under the condition that the motor 6 backward rotates during detection of the accumulated value of the maximum rotating speed as step S 302 is called as “a maximum rotating speed f”.
  • a sequence of step S 301 and step S 302 can also be reversed.
  • step S 304 use a value obtained by adding the maximum rotating speed e and the maximum rotating speed f for a total of 16 times as the accumulated value F of the maximum rotating speed (step S 304 ).
  • the accumulated value F of the maximum rotating speed is an example of an index that indicates a size of the resistance.
  • the microcomputer 30 calculates the accumulated value F of the maximum rotating speed according to the maximum rotating speed of the motor 6 within a specified period in the rotation process of the stirring component 5 .
  • the microcomputer 30 acquires the detection value E through the detection of the inertial rotation state, and detects and acquires the accumulated value F of the maximum rotating speed through the accumulated value of the maximum rotating speed in step S 11 .
  • the microcomputer 30 confirms whether the resistance is small to such a degree that the detection value E exceeds the fourth threshold value or a degree that the accumulated value F of the maximum rotating speed exceeds the fifth threshold value (step S 12 ) no matter whether a first special drainage is executed (step S 8 ).
  • the fourth threshold value and the fifth threshold value are different specified threshold values, and both are specified threshold values which are also different from the first threshold value, the second threshold value and the third threshold value. For example, under a condition that the first threshold value is 200 as mentioned above, the fourth threshold value is 18000 and the fifth threshold value is 1200.
  • step S 8 After first special drainage (step S 8 ), when the detection value E exceeds the fourth threshold value or the accumulated value F of the maximum rotating speed exceeds the fifth threshold value (step S 12 : Yes) since the resistance is smaller than the specified resistance, the microcomputer 30 judges that the washings Q in the washing drum 4 are in the state unsuitable for the next dewatering process since the washings Q are not dispersed. As a result, the washings Q in the washing drum 4 can be detected in the state unsuitable for the dewatering process in the washing process in a phase earlier than the dewatering process. Especially, the above maximum rotating speed of the motor 6 is increased with the decrease of the resistance, and is decreased with the increase of the resistance.
  • the accumulated value F of the maximum rotating speed is calculated according to the maximum rotating speed which is changed with the increase and the decrease of the resistance in this way, thereby acquiring the accumulated value F of the maximum rotating speed as correct indexes suitable for judgment in step S 12 .
  • the microcomputer 30 stops the stirring component 5 , and executes a second special drainage so that a water level in the washing drum 4 is lowered (step S 13 ).
  • the second special drainage the water level in the washing drum 4 is lowered to a specified water level lower than the water level of the first special drainage.
  • the microcomputer 30 restarts the rotation of the stirring component 5 , to continue to clean the washings Q (step S 14 ).
  • the microcomputer 30 prolongs the respective rotation times of forward rotation and backward rotation of the stirring component 5 , for example, from current 1.8 seconds to 2.1 seconds, thereby continuing to clean the washings Q in a state of strengthening a water flow in the washing drum 4 (step S 14 ).
  • step S 10 the microcomputer 30 continues to operate until the end time. It should be noted that when the resistance is hardly decreased so that the summing value of the detection value C and the detection value D exceeds the third threshold value (step S 7 : No), the microcomputer 30 does not perform the treatments of step S 8 , step S 9 and steps S 11 -S 14 , but follows step S 3 so that the stirring component 5 rotates, thereby continuing to operate (step S 10 ). Then, when the end time is reached, the microcomputer 30 ends the washing process.
  • the microcomputer 30 re-executes the detection of the inertial rotation state in a state of restarting the rotation state of the stirring component 5 in step S 9 to acquire the detection value E, and executes the detection of the accumulated value of the maximum rotating speed to acquire the accumulated value F of the maximum rotating speed (step S 11 ).
  • the microcomputer 30 stops the stirring component 5 to execute the second special drainage (step S 13 ).
  • the microcomputer 30 restarts the rotation of the stirring component 5 , to continue to clean the washings (step S 15 ).
  • the microcomputer 30 prolongs the washing process by setting the delay of the end time of the washing process (step S 15 ).
  • the delay time is, for example, 2 minutes under a condition of performing the washing process for 10 minutes like above.
  • step S 10 the microcomputer 30 continues to operate until the delayed end time.
  • step S 10 the microcomputer 30 does not perform the treatments of step S 8 , step S 9 , steps S 11 -S 13 and step S 15 , but follows step S 3 so that the stirring component 5 rotates, thereby continuing to operate until the usual end time before delay (step S 10 ). Then, when the end time is reached, the microcomputer 30 ends the washing process.
  • the microcomputer 30 re-executes the detection of the inertial rotation state in a state of restarting the rotation state of the stirring component 5 in step S 9 to acquire the detection value E, and executes the detection of the accumulated value of the maximum rotating speed to acquire the accumulated value F of the maximum rotating speed (step S 11 ).
  • the microcomputer 30 stops the stirring component 5 to execute the second special drainage (step S 13 ).
  • step S 16 the microcomputer 30 restarts the rotation of the stirring component 5 , to continue to clean the washings.
  • the microcomputer 30 sets the delay of the end time of the washing process as step S 15 in the third embodiment, and continues to clean the washings in a state of strengthening the water flow in the washing drum 4 (step S 16 ) as step S 14 in the second embodiment.
  • step S 10 the microcomputer 30 continues to operate until the delayed end time (step S 10 ). It should be noted that when since the resistance is hardly decreased so that the summing value of the detection value C and the detection value D exceeds the third threshold value (step S 7 : No), the microcomputer 30 does not perform the treatments of step S 8 , step S 9 , steps S 11 -S 13 and step S 16 , but follows step S 3 so that the stirring component 5 rotates. Thus, the microcomputer 30 continues to operate until the usual end time before delay (step S 10 ) in a state that the water flow in the washing drum 4 keeps a usual state. Then, when the end time is reached, the microcomputer 30 ends the washing process.
  • the microcomputer 30 at least executes at least one of treatment of strengthening a water flow in the washing drum 4 and treatment of prolonging the washing process in steps S 14 -S 16 . Therefore, the washings Q gathering together in the washing drum 4 are easier to contact with the stirring component 5 compared with the first special drainage since the washings Q are lowered with the decrease of the water level in the second special drainage in step S 13 , and therefore, the washings Q are easy to be dispersed by restarting the rotating stirring component 5 .
  • the washings Q are also easy to be dispersed by the strong water flow in the washing drum 4 .
  • the washings Q are easy to be dispersed. As a result, the state of the washings Q unsuitable for the dewatering process can be eliminated.
  • the microcomputer 30 in a state of opening the drain valve 19 , as mentioned above, accelerates the rotating speed of the motor 6 in three phases including a first rotating speed of 120 rpm, a second rotating speed of 240 rpm and a third rotating speed of 800 rpm, so that the washing drum 4 is rotated.
  • a first rotating speed of 120 rpm a second rotating speed of 240 rpm
  • a third rotating speed of 800 rpm so that the washing drum 4 is rotated.
  • the washings Q in the washing drum 4 are in a state of being biased, it may occur a phenomenon that a duty ratio of a voltage applied to the motor 6 is very difficult to decrease or a phenomenon that the rotating speed of the motor 6 is very difficult to increase.
  • the microcomputer 30 judges the bias of the washings Q in the washing drum 4 , i.e., so-called imbalance. Under a condition that the bias of the washings Q is above the specified bias, the microcomputer 30 discontinues the dewatering process and executes correction treatment shown in FIG. 13 to correct the bias of the washings Q.
  • the microcomputer 30 firstly confirms (step S 21 ) whether special drainage (step S 8 ) is executed in this washing operation.
  • An execution history of the special drainage is stored in a memory portion (not shown) of the microcomputer 30 .
  • step S 21 Under a condition of not performing the special drainage in this washing operation (step S 21 : No), the microcomputer 30 supplies water into the washing drum 4 so that the water is stored to a predetermined usual set water level (step S 22 ). In a state that the water is stored in the washing drum 4 to the set water level, the microcomputer 30 rotates the stirring component 5 for the specified time (step S 23 ). Thus, since the washings Q which become soft after being wetted are dispersed by the stirring component 5 , the bias of the washings Q can be corrected. When the specified time herein elapses, the microcomputer 30 opens the drain valve 19 to execute drainage of the washing drum 4 (step S 24 ). Thus, the correction treatment is ended. After the correction treatment, the dewatering process is restarted.
  • step S 21 under a condition that the special drainage is executed in the washing process of this washing operation (step S 21 : Yes), in the dewatering process after the washing process, the washings Q may be in the state unsuitable for the dewatering process since the washings Q are kept being gathered together and biased. Therefore, the microcomputer 30 sets a set water level for storing water into the washing drum 4 in the correction treatment after the washing process to be lower than the usual water level that the special drainage is not executed (step S 25 ). Then, the microcomputer 30 supplies water into the washing drum 4 , so that the water is stored to the set water level lower than the usual water level (step S 22 ). Then, the stirring component 5 rotates for the specified time (step S 23 ).
  • the washings Q gathering together in the washing drum 4 are easy to decline towards a stirring component 5 side and contact with the stirring component 5 during the correction treatment since buoyancy is weakened. Therefore, the washings Q are easy to be dispersed by the stirring component 5 . As a result, the state of the washings Q unsuitable for the dewatering process can be eliminated.
  • the microcomputer 30 executes the drainage of the washing drum 4 (step S 24 ) and ends the correction treatment.
  • step S 7 the summing value of the detection value C and the detection value D may not be used, but one of the detection value C and the detection value D is only used.
  • the microcomputer 30 confirms whether the resistance is small to the extent that the detection value C or D is higher than the specified sixth threshold value no matter whether the resistance is large to the extent that the detection value B is lower than the second threshold value.
  • step S 7 when the detection value A exceeds the first threshold value since the load is large enough to exceed the specified load and the detection value C or D exceeds the sixth threshold value since the resistance is less than the specified resistance (step S 7 : Yes), the microcomputer 30 judges that the washings Q in the washing drum 4 are in the state unsuitable for the dewatering process since the washings Q are gathered together.
  • step S 7 judgment can be made based on the accumulated value F of the maximum rotating speed, not based on the detection value C, the detection value D and the summing value of the detection value C and the detection value D. Specifically, in step S 7 , under a condition that the load is large to the extent that the detection value A is lower than the first threshold value, the microcomputer 30 confirms whether the resistance is small to the extent that the accumulated value F of the maximum rotating speed is higher than the specified seventh threshold value no matter whether the resistance is large to the extent that the detection value B is lower than the second threshold value.
  • step S 7 when the detection value A exceeds the first threshold value since the load is large enough to exceed the specified load and the accumulated value F of the maximum rotating speed exceeds the seventh threshold value since the resistance is less than the specified resistance (step S 7 : Yes), the microcomputer 30 judges that the washings Q in the washing drum 4 are in the state unsuitable for the dewatering process since the washings Q are gathered together.
  • the detection of the load, the detection of the inertial rotation state and the detection of the accumulated value of the maximum rotating speed are executed according to the inertial rotation state and the maximum rotating speed of the motor 6 measured by the rotation sensor 32 .
  • a special sensor for measuring the rotation state of the stirring component 5 can be additionally provided, and the detection of the load, the detection of the inertial rotation state and the detection of the accumulated value of the maximum rotating speed are executed according to the inertial rotation state and the maximum rotating speed of the stirring component 5 measured by the sensor.
  • the dewatering process can also be executed as the intermediate dewatering process immediately after the washing process, and correction treatment shown in FIG. 13 can also be executed in the intermediate dewatering process.
  • central axes 20 of the outer drum 3 and the washing drum 4 are configured to extend towards the inclination direction K (with reference to FIG. 1 ), but can also be configured to extend towards the up-down direction Z.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Control Of Washing Machine And Dryer (AREA)
  • Main Body Construction Of Washing Machines And Laundry Dryers (AREA)
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CN107614779B (zh) 2020-03-17
CN107614779A (zh) 2018-01-19
KR20180017179A (ko) 2018-02-20
WO2016202230A1 (zh) 2016-12-22
JP6594673B2 (ja) 2019-10-23
EP3312331A1 (de) 2018-04-25
KR102005302B1 (ko) 2019-07-30
JP2017006249A (ja) 2017-01-12

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