JP4073147B2

JP4073147B2 - Washing machine

Info

Publication number: JP4073147B2
Application number: JP2000133715A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 健雄浦井; 充洋松本
Original assignee: Sharp Corp
Current assignee: Sharp Corp
Priority date: 2000-05-02
Filing date: 2000-05-02
Publication date: 2008-04-09
Anticipated expiration: 2020-05-02
Also published as: JP2001314688A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、洗濯機に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、洗い、すすぎ及び脱水の各工程をマイクロコンピュータの指令の下に、予め定められたプログラムに従って実行する洗濯機では、洗い工程若しくはすすぎ工程において、洗濯物の量に応じた適正な水位にまで洗濯兼脱水槽内に給水されるようになっている。
【０００３】
例えば、特公平２−４９１１７号公報には、洗濯兼脱水槽の底部一角に設けたエアートラップの圧力を検知して水位を設定する手段からの入力に基づき、設定水位以下の所定水位時に回転翼を始動するようにモータに指令する制御手段を備えた洗濯機が開示されている。
【０００４】
これによると、すすぎ工程前の給水時においては、脱水後であっても、槽内の洗濯物は多少なりとも洗濯液を含んでおり、設定水位に達する前に回転翼を回転させても、水量不足で布地を傷めることがない。従って、洗濯効果を低下させることなく、洗濯時間の短縮化が図られる。
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、このような従来の洗濯機では、洗濯兼脱水槽内に給水された水の圧力を検知して適正水位を定めるようになっているため、攪拌翼の回転により布地の如き洗濯物のつかり方や水面の波打ちによって誤差が生じやすく、従って水量を適切に設定するために、一定時間給水を停止して水面の波打ちを静めて安定してから水位を検知する必要があり、無駄な時間を費やしていた。
【０００６】
また、すすぎ工程における洗濯時間の短縮に対しては効果が期待できるものの、洗い工程ではそのような適量水位に給水される前から回転翼を回転させると、水に濡れていない乾いた洗濯物が回転する回転翼と接触し、その摩擦によって洗濯物を傷めてしまう恐れがある。
【０００７】
本発明は、上記従来の問題に鑑みてなされたものであり、洗濯物を傷めることなく、洗濯物の量に応じた適正水位に速やかに給水して洗い工程若しくはすすぎ工程における所要時間を短縮するとともに、適度な洗濯効果を得ることのできる洗濯機を提供することを目的とする。
【００１０】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的を達成するために本発明による洗濯機は、洗濯兼脱水槽と、該洗濯槽内に配設された回転翼と、前記洗濯兼脱水槽及び前記回転翼の駆動手段と、前記洗濯槽内への給水手段と、前記洗濯兼脱水槽内に収容された洗濯物の量を検知する布量検知手段と、前記洗濯兼脱水槽内に給水する水量を洗濯物の量に応じて設定する水量設定手段と、洗い工程若しくはすすぎ工程における給水時、前記駆動手段により前記洗濯兼脱水槽を所定の回転数で回転させた後、前記駆動手段の駆動を停止する動作を交互に繰り返し、前記駆動手段の駆動を停止して以降の単位時間あたりの前記洗濯兼脱水槽の回転数の前記所定の回転数からの変化量をその都度検出する回転数検出手段と、上記回転数の変化量が所定の値以下になったとき、前記給水を停止するよう前記駆動手段及び前記給水手段に指令する制御手段とを備えたことを特徴とする。
【００１１】
また本発明による洗濯機は、洗濯兼脱水槽と、該洗濯槽内に配設された回転翼と、前記洗濯兼脱水槽及び前記回転翼の駆動手段と、前記洗濯槽内への給水手段と、前記洗濯兼脱水槽内に収容された洗濯物の量を検知する布量検知手段と、前記洗濯兼脱水槽内に給水する水量を洗濯物の量に応じて設定する水量設定手段と、洗い工程若しくはすすぎ工程における給水時、前記駆動手段により前記洗濯兼脱水槽を所定の回転数で回転させた後、前記駆動手段の駆動を停止する動作を交互に繰り返し、前記駆動手段の駆動を停止して以降の単位時間あたりの前記洗濯兼脱水槽の回転数の前記所定の回転数からの変化量をその都度検出する回転数検出手段と、上記回転数の変化量から換算される値が所定の値以上になったとき、前記給水を停止するよう前記駆動手段及び前記給水手段に指令する制御手段とを備えたことを特徴とする。
【００１２】
上記の場合、前記回転数の変化量から換算される値を前記洗濯兼脱水槽内の洗濯物と水の合計重量とし、前記所定の値を前記布量検知手段により検知された洗濯物の量と前記水量設定手段により設定された水量との合計に相当する重量に決めることにより、前記回転数変化量から換算された洗濯物と給水中の水の合計重量が洗濯物の量と前記設定水量の合計に相当する重量と絶えず比較されるため、無駄なく確実に所定水量の給水を行える。
【００１３】
また上記の場合、前記回転数の変化量から換算される値を前記洗濯兼脱水槽内の水量とし、前記所定の値を前記水量設定手段により設定された水量に決めることにより、前記回転数変化量から換算された給水中の水量が前記設定水量とが絶えず比較されるため、無駄なく確実に所定水量の給水を行える。
【００１４】
また本発明による洗濯機は、洗濯兼脱水槽と、該洗濯槽内に配設された回転翼と、前記洗濯兼脱水槽及び前記回転翼の駆動手段と、前記洗濯槽内への給水手段と、前記洗濯兼脱水槽内に収容された洗濯物の量を検知する布量検知手段と、前記洗濯兼脱水槽内に給水する水量を洗濯物の量に応じて設定する水量設定手段と、洗い工程若しくはすすぎ工程における給水時、前記駆動手段により前記洗濯兼脱水槽を所定の回転数で回転させた後、前記駆動手段の駆動を停止する動作を交互に繰り返し、前記駆動手段の駆動を停止して以降の単位時間あたりの前記洗濯兼脱水槽の回転数の前記所定の回転数からの変化量をその都度検出する回転数検出手段と、上記回転数の変化量が所定の第１の変化量以下になるまで、給水及び前記駆動手段の駆動・制動の上記繰り返しを継続した後、更に前記駆動手段により前記洗濯兼脱水槽を所定の回転数で回転させた後、前記駆動手段の駆動を停止する動作を交互に繰り返したときの単位時間あたりの前記洗濯兼脱水槽の回転数の変化量を前記回転数検出手段によりその都度検出し、その回転数の変化量が所定の第２の変化量以下になるまで、給水及び前記駆動手段の駆動・制動の上記繰り返しを継続するよう前記給水手段及び前記駆動手段に指令する制御装置とを備えたことを特徴とする。
【００１５】
上記の場合、前記第１の変化量になるまでの前記駆動手段の上記駆動・制動の繰り返しを単一方向にて行い、一方、前記第２の変化量になるまでの前記駆動手段の上記駆動・制動の繰り返しを反転にて行うようにすれば、洗濯物に水をなじませながらの最適水量の給水が行える。
【００１６】
更に、前記洗濯兼脱水槽内の水位検知手段を備え、前記給水手段の停止後、水位検知手段によって水位を検知し、前記水量設定手段により定められた設定水位に達していれば、洗い工程若しくはすすぎ工程に移行し、逆に、前記設定水位に達していなければ、前記給水手段により設定水位まで給水することにより、前記設定水位までの給水をより確実なものとすることができる。
【００１９】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の実施の形態について図面を参照して説明する。図１は、本発明の１実施例である洗濯機の概略構成を示す側面断面図である。図１に示すように、箱形状の外槽１の内部には吊り棒２及び震動吸収バネ３を介して揺動自在に懸架された円筒状の水槽４が設けられている。
【００２０】
水槽４には、更に円筒状の洗濯兼脱水槽５が内装されており、その上端外周部にはバランサ６が周設されている。洗濯兼脱水槽５の側壁の上部には、水槽４に連通する多数の小孔５ａが一列に周設されている。また、バランサ６と洗濯兼脱水槽５間には、流路５ｂが設けられている。
【００２１】
洗い工程若しくはすすぎ工程中は、洗濯兼脱水槽５の内部に水を溜めて回転翼１５を回転させることにより生ずる渦水流に洗濯物を追従させて行い、排水は排水弁１３を開き、回転翼１５の周囲から下方に回り込み、排水孔５ｄから排水弁１３を経て外部に排出される。また、脱水時は、洗濯兼脱水槽５の高速回転により、洗濯物から飛散した洗濯液は内壁を上方に移動し、小孔５ａや流路５ｂより水槽４内へ吐出され、水槽４の内壁をつたって下方に移動し、排水弁１３を経て外部に排水される。
【００２２】
外装１の上面には、洗濯物を出し入れするための開口部を開閉する外蓋７が取り付けられている。また、制御回路８は、洗濯モード、工程、残り時間等の情報を表示する表示部を兼ねる操作部９の各種スイッチ１０及び水位センサ１１からの入力に基づき、内蔵する複数のプログラムから適切なものを選択し、それに従って給水弁１２、排水弁１３、インバータ回路１４（図３参照）等を動作させ、洗い、脱水及びすすぎといった一連の洗濯工程が自動で実行される。
【００２３】
駆動手段は、洗濯兼脱水槽５及び回転翼１５の一方若しくは両方に後述するモータ２９の動力をクラッチ機構により伝達する動力伝達機構１６でなる。動力伝達機構１６は、図２に示すように、ボス２０により水槽４の外底部に取り付けられた上部支持部材１７と、その下方にネジ２１で同軸に固定された下部支持部材１８とからなる支持部材１９を備えている。
【００２４】
回転翼１５若しくは洗濯兼脱水槽５を駆動させるクラッチ切替は、移動体２２を電磁ソレノイド２３によって上下方向に移動させることにより、脱水シャフト２４又は回転翼シャフト２５の一方若しくは両方へロータ２６からの動力を伝達する。
【００２５】
このロータ２６にはロータマグネットが取り付けられており、その回転数はロータマグネットの磁力をホールＩＣ等により検出する回転数検出装置２７により検知されるようになっている。また、２９はＤＣブラシレスモータ（以下「モータ」という。）であり、前記ロータ２６と、コイルｕ，ｖ，ｗ（図３参照）を装着したステータ２９ａとから構成される。
【００２６】
モータ２９は、図３に示すように、ダイオードブリッジ３４、平滑用コンデンサ３５を介してＡＣ電源３６に接続されるインバータ回路１４と接続されている。インバータ回路１４は、駆動回路３０を介してモータ制御部３２とつながっており、モータ制御部３２からの指令に基づき、モータ２９の回転制御を行う。
【００２７】
また、制御手段３１は操作部９（図１）の入力操作に応じてモータ制御部３２に信号を送るとともに、負荷駆動手段３７を介して給水弁１２、排水弁１３等の制御を行う。モータ２９には回転検出装置２７（ホールセンサ等）が配され、前記ロータ２６（図２）の回転数を検出している。回転数検出装置２７の検出信号は、モータ制御部３２に入力され、これに基づきモータ制御部３２はモータ２９の回転制御を行う。３８は、洗濯物の量に応じて洗い若しくはすすぎのための適正水量を設定する水量設定手段である。
【００２８】
次に、以上のように構成された洗濯機の使用形態について説明する。
＜実施形態１＞
洗濯兼脱水槽５内に衣類の如き洗濯物を収容し、操作部９のスタート釦をＯＮにすると、モータ２９が短い時間に回転翼１５のみを駆動して停止する。このとき、モータ２９の出力に対して回転翼１５が受ける負荷が布量検知手段３９により検知され、洗濯物の重量に換算される。そして、この洗濯物の重量に応じた適正水量が水量設定手段３８により設定され、給水弁１２が開かれて給水が開始されるとともに、モータ制御部３２からの指令によりモータ２９が駆動して、洗濯兼脱水槽５を単一方向に回転させる。
【００２９】
給水弁１２から吐出した水は、洗濯兼脱水槽５の回転に追従する形で該槽５の内壁をつたう流れとなり、洗濯物を一様に濡らす。同時に、回転数検出装置２７によりモータ２９の回転数を監視する。モータ２９が洗濯兼脱水槽５を駆動しているとき、これらモータ２９及び洗濯兼脱水槽５はクラッチ機構により脱水シャフト２４を介して一体に回転するので、前記モータ２９の回転数は、洗濯兼脱水槽５の回転数と略等しくなる。
【００３０】
そして、洗濯兼脱水槽５が所定の回転数に達してから一定時間その回転数を維持した後、モータ２９の駆動を停止する。これにより、洗濯兼脱水槽５の回転数が時間の経過とともに低下していく。そして、前記回転検出装置２７により単位時間あたりの洗濯兼脱水槽５の回転数の変化を測定する。
【００３１】
このときの洗濯兼脱水槽５の回転数変化と洗濯物と水の合計重量との関係を図４に示すと、給水が進み洗濯物と水の合計重量の増加するに従い、回転慣性力も増加するため、単位時間あたりの回転数変化が減少する。即ち、給水が進んで水量が増加していくと、所定の回転数Ｎから単位時間ｔあたりの回転数変化量ΔＮが小さくなる。
【００３２】
この関係を利用して、モータ２９の回転数が所定の回転数Ｎに達した後、一定時間（例えば１秒間）一定回転数で回転させ、モータ制御部３２よりの信号でモータ２９のブレーキ制御（短絡制御）を行い、その洗濯兼脱水槽５の単位時間あたりの回転数変化を回転数検出装置２７で測定する。
【００３３】
この場合、図３に示すように、インバータ回路１４に接続されるモータ２９を構成するコイルｕ，ｖ，ｗのそれぞれへの通電を、モータ制御部３２によりコントロールし、モータ２９を回転駆動している状態からコイルｕ，ｖ，ｗを短絡するよう複数のスイッチング素子ｕ１〜ｗ２からなるインバータ回路１４を制御を行う。これにより、ロータ２６（図２）のロータマグネットと前記コイルｕ，ｖ，ｗとの間で逆起電力が発生し、ロータ２６を止める方向に磁界が発生し、モータ２９に制動をかける方式である。尚、この制動に伴うエネルギーはコイルより熱として放出される。
【００３４】
そして、図５に示すように、モータ２９の駆動・制動を所定の周期で交互に繰り返すようモータ制御部３２はインバータ回路１４に対して指令を発する。このようにモータ２９の駆動・制動の繰り返しの回数を重ねるうち、やがて前記回転数変化ΔＮ（図４）が、洗濯物の重量に応じて定まる適正水量まで洗濯兼脱水槽５内に給水されたと仮定して求まる所定の回転数変化以下になる時点がある。
【００３５】
このとき、洗濯兼脱水槽５内へのに給水が適正水位に達したものと制御手段３１により判断され、給水を停止するよう給水弁１２に指令が出される。これにより、洗濯兼脱水槽５を回転させ、洗い若しくはすすぎを行いながら、洗濯物の重量に応じて、洗い工程若しくはすすぎ工程に必要な水量を無駄なく確実に洗濯兼脱水槽５内に給水でき、時間、節水にも有利な洗濯機を実現できる。
【００３６】
ところで、洗濯兼脱水槽５の外周部に水があると、洗濯兼脱水槽５が回転する際に水の粘性抵抗の影響を受け、洗濯兼脱水槽５内の水量の増加によるモータ２９の制動時の回転数の変化がその都度ばらつき、回転数検出装置２７の検知精度が低下する。
【００３７】
しかしながら、図１に示す本発明に係る洗濯機のように、上部にしか脱水用の小孔５ａがない洗濯兼脱水槽５を用いた場合、洗い工程においては洗濯兼脱水槽５内の水がその外周部に漏れないため、洗濯兼脱水槽５のスムーズな回転を妨げる部分は、主に動力伝達機構１６のベアリング５１，５２及びオイルシール５３，５４ということになる。これらは必要に応じて潤滑油を差す等のメンテナンスで滑りをよくしておくことにより、洗濯兼脱水槽５の回転に対する抵抗力をある程度抑制できる。従って、洗濯物及び給水中の水を含む洗濯兼脱水槽５の全重量とモータ２９の制動時の回転数の変化が安定して得られ、回転検出装置２７による検知精度の再現性が充分に確保される。
【００３８】
＜第２の実施形態＞
本発明の第２の実施形態について説明する。本実施形態においても、上記第１の実施形態と同様、図５の如く、モータ２９の駆動・制動を交互に繰り返すようにこれを制御し、その都度、モータ２９、即ち洗濯兼脱水槽５の単位時間あたりの回転数変化ΔＮを回転検出装置２７により測定している。
【００３９】
そして、このΔＮの値を用いて洗濯兼脱水槽５内の洗濯物と水の合計重量Ｍを換算し、洗い工程に入る前に回転翼１５を回して検出した洗濯物の重量と、それに応じて水量設定手段３８により定められた適正水量との合計重量ｍを比較する。こうした比較を繰り返すうち、給水が進んでやがてＭ≧ｍの関係となる時点がある。尚、ｍは洗濯物の量によって決まる所定の値であることは、言うまでもない。
【００４０】
このとき、洗濯兼脱水槽５内へ給水が適正水位に達したものと本体制御部３１により判断され、給水を停止するよう給水弁１２に指令が出される。これにより、洗濯物の重量に応じて、洗い工程若しくはすすぎ工程に必要な水量を無駄なく確実に洗濯兼脱水槽５内に給水でき、節水にも有利な洗濯機を実現できる。
【００４１】
＜第３の実施形態＞
本発明の第３の実施形態について説明する。本実施形態においても、上記第１の実施形態と同様、図５の如く、モータ２９の駆動・制動を交互に繰り返すようにこれを制御し、その都度、モータ２９、即ち洗濯兼脱水槽５の単位時間あたりの回転数変化量ΔＮを回転数検出装置２７により測定している。
【００４２】
そして、このΔＮの値を用いて洗濯兼脱水槽５内の洗濯物と水の合計重量Ｍを換算し、更にこのＭから洗い工程に入る前に予め回転翼１５を回して検出した洗濯物の重量ｍ’を差し引くことにより、洗濯兼脱水槽５内に給水中の水の重量に相当する値Ｍ−ｍ’を求める。そして、このＭ−ｍ’の値を洗濯物の重量ｍ’に応じて水量設定手段３６により定められた適正水量（重量）ｍ’’と比較する。こうした比較を繰り返すうち、給水が進んでやがてＭ−ｍ’≧ｍ’’の関係となる時点がある。
【００４３】
このとき、洗濯兼脱水槽５内への給水が適正水位に達したものと本体制御部３１により判断され、給水を停止するよう給水弁１２に対して指令が出される。これにより、洗濯物の重量に応じて、水位検知による場合と同様の精度で洗い工程に必要な水量を無駄なく確実に洗濯兼脱水槽５内に給水でき、節水にも有利な洗濯機を実現できる。
【００４４】
また、本実施形態では、洗い工程の給水時を例として説明したが、すすぎ工程の給水時でも同様の給水制御は可能である。また、洗い及びすすぎ用脱水が終わって湿った洗濯物の重量を再度検出して適正水量を設定すると、脱水状態の違いによって洗濯物の水分の吸収量がその都度異なっても、過不足なく必要充分量の水を給水してすすぎを行えるため、すすぎ水の節水にも役立つ。
【００４５】
＜第４の実施形態＞
本発明の第４の実施形態について図６及び図７を参照して説明する。上記のように回転翼１５を駆動して洗濯兼脱水槽５内に収容した洗濯物の量を検知して洗い工程を開始すると、洗濯物の量に応じた適正水量が決定され、給水弁１２が開いて洗濯兼脱水槽５内への給水が開始される。
【００４６】
（ｉ）第１の給水工程
このとき、モータ２９の駆動・制動を交互に繰り返すようモータ制御部３２からの信号が駆動回路３０に出力される。これに基づきモータ２９が単一方向に回転駆動され、脱水シャフト２４を介して洗濯兼脱水槽５をモータ２９と同一方向に回転させる。よって、給水弁１２より吐出した水は、洗濯兼脱水槽５の底部近傍に落下し、洗濯兼脱水槽５の回転に追従する形で該槽５の内壁をつたって上昇し、洗濯物を均一に濡らす。また、同時に回転検出装置２７によりモータ２９の回転数、即ち洗濯兼脱水槽５の回転数を監視する。
【００４７】
モータ２９の回転制御は、その回転数が所定の回転数に達してから一定時間その回転数を維持した後、モータ２９の駆動を停止する動作を交互に繰り返すようモータ制御部３２から駆動回路３０を介してインバータ回路１４を制御することにより行える。
【００４８】
このようにして繰り返されるモータ２９の駆動・制動のたび、洗濯兼脱水槽５の回転数が前記所定の回転数から時間とともに減少していく期間があるが、その都度、前記回転数検出装置２７により単位時間あたりの回転数変化ΔＮが測定される。当然のことながら給水が進むと、洗濯兼脱水槽５の重量の増加に伴う回転慣性力の増加によってΔＮの値は小さくなる。
【００４９】
そして、そのΔＮの値と所定の第１の変化量Δｎ１とが比較され、やがてΔＮ≦Δｎ１となった時点で、洗濯物の量の検知によって決められた前記適正水量に満たない（洗い時の２／３〜３／４の程度）所定の水量に達したものとみなされ、第１の給水工程が終了する。このような給水によって、洗濯物への水の浸透が促進される。
【００５０】
（ii）第２の給水工程
更に給水を継続しながら、モータ制御部３２からの信号に基づき、今度は、モータ２９の回転方向が交互に反転するよう該モータ２９を駆動し、脱水シャフト２４を介して洗濯兼脱水槽５をモータ２９とともに反転駆動させる。
【００５１】
モータ２９の反転制御は、モータ２９の回転数が所定の回転数に達してから一定時間その回転数を維持した後、モータ２９に逆方向の回転力を与えるよう駆動回路３０を介してインバータ回路１４を制御することにより行える。
【００５２】
このようにして繰り返されるモータ２９の反転のたび、洗濯兼脱水槽５の回転数が前記所定の回転数から減少していく期間があるが、その都度、前記回転検出装置２７により単位時間あたりの回転数変化ΔＮ’が測定される。当然のことながら給水が進むと、洗濯兼脱水槽５の重量の増加に伴う回転慣性力の増加によってΔＮ’の値は小さくなる。
【００５３】
そして、そのΔＮ’の値と所定の第２の変化量Δｎ２とが比較され、やがてΔＮ’≦Δｎ２となった時点で、洗濯物の量の検知によって決められた前記適正水量に達したものとみなされ、給水及びモータ２９の駆動を停止するよう給水弁１２及び駆動回路３０に制御手段から指令が出され、第２の給水工程が終了する。これにより、給水弁１２より吐出した水は、洗濯兼脱水槽５の回転に追従する形で交互に反転しながら該槽５内に流れこむため、洗濯物への水の浸透が更に促進されるなじませ水流となる。
【００５４】
尚、本実施形態では、上記第２の給水工程において、常にモータ２９を所定の回転数に立ち上げるよう制御する場合について説明したが、給水が進み水位が上昇するに従い、洗濯兼脱水槽５を高速で回転するよう適宜変更してもよい。この場合は、洗濯兼脱水槽５内に収容された洗濯物を傷めることなく、該洗濯物への水の上記なじませの効果の向上が図られる。
【００５５】
また、上記第２の給水工程において、洗濯兼脱水槽５の反転に伴う回転慣性力により洗濯物が激しく揺さぶられるために洗濯物の片寄りが起こることがあるが、このような片寄りがあると、水や洗濯物と洗濯兼脱水槽５とにそれぞれ与えられる回転慣性力の相対的な違いにより、回転検出装置２７によるモータ２９の回転数検出に少なからず誤差が生ずる恐れがある。そこで、給水時、所定の時間間隔（例えば３０秒に一回）でモータ２９を所定の回転数に維持する時間を延長（約３秒）したり、反転の周期を長くしたり、前記所定の回転数を低く設定しておく等して、回転検出装置２７の検出精度の劣化を抑えるようにするのが好ましい。
【００５６】
＜第５の実施形態＞
本発明の第５の実施形態について説明する。上記第２の給水工程の終了後、上述したように洗濯兼脱水槽５の回転が停止されるとともに、給水弁１２が閉じられ給水がストップするとともに、洗濯兼脱水槽５の回転は停止されるが、このとき、図７に示すように、水位センサ１１（図１）により水位を検知することにより、洗濯物の量によって定まる適正水位に達している否かが判断され、適正水位に達していれば、洗い工程若しくはすすぎ工程に移行し、逆に、適正水位に達していなければ、給水弁１２を再度開いて、適正水位まで給水を行う。
【００５７】
これにより、洗い工程若しくはすすぎ行程において、洗濯物の量に応じて定まる適正水位までの給水を更に確実なものとすることができ、従って、上記給水工程で水量が不足していても、その不足分を後から補うことができ、節水が図られるとともに、洗濯物に対する洗い若しくはすすぎの効果を高めることができる。
【００５８】
＜第６の実施形態＞
本発明の第６の実施形態について説明する。洗濯機を長期にわたって使用していると、洗い工程に入る前、回転翼１５に掛かる負荷を利用した洗濯物の量の検知段階において、洗濯物がない無負荷状態の基準値となるゼロ点に狂いが生じて正確な洗濯物の量の検出ができなくなる恐れがある。そこで、使用者が洗い工程に入る前に必要に応じて回転翼１５からの負荷検知信号のゼロ点の補正釦（図示せず）を押してこれを補正したり、洗い、すすぎ及び脱水の全工程終了後、定期的に自動補正を行うようにするとよい。
【００５９】
尚、本発明の上記各実施形態では、洗い工程若しくはすすぎ工程のいずれかにおいて、上述したような洗濯兼脱水槽５を回転させながら給水弁１２から給水を行う場合について説明したが、両工程共にこうした給水方法を実行してもよい。この場合は、洗濯時間やすすぎ時間の短縮が図られ、一連の洗濯工程に要する時間を短縮することができるとともに、洗いやすすぎ性能の劣化を防止できる。
【００６０】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように本発明によると、洗い工程若しくはすすぎ工程に入る前、駆動手段により回転駆動される洗濯兼脱水槽内に収容された布量検知手段により検知された洗濯物の量に応じて適正水量を設定した後、給水する際に洗濯兼脱水槽の駆動・制動を交互に繰り返しながら、制動時に減少する回転数変化を回転検出手段により検出し、その変化量が所定の値より低くなった時点で、適正水量まで給水を行えたものと判断し、給水及び洗濯兼脱水槽の駆動を停止するようにしたので、洗濯物に給水される水をなじませながら必要な量の水を無駄なく確実に給水でき、節水にも有利な洗濯機を実現できる。
【００６１】
また、給水工程を２段階に分け、第１の給水工程では、洗濯兼脱水槽を駆動・停止を交互に繰り返しながら、制動時に減少する回転数変化を回転数検出手段により検出し、その変化量が所定の第１の変化量より低くなるまで、適正水量に満たないある水位まで洗濯兼脱水槽内に給水し、次いで第２の給水工程で洗濯兼脱水槽の反転駆動を繰り返しながら給水を続け、その回転数変化量が第２の変化量以下になった時点で、適正水量まで給水を行えたものと判断し、給水及び洗濯兼脱水槽の駆動を停止するようにしたので、給水される水を洗濯物に均一になじませながら必要な量の水を無駄なく確実に給水でき、節水にも有利な洗濯機を実現できる。
【００６２】
また、水位検知手段により、上記第２の給水工程終了後、適正水位に達しているか否かを判定させ、上記給水工程おいて給水した水位が前記適正水位より低い場合は、再び給水するようにしたので、更に過不足なく確実に給水できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明に係る洗濯機の概略断面図である。
【図２】図１の要部拡大図である。
【図３】本発明に係る洗濯機の構成を示すブロック図である。
【図４】その洗濯機の給水時における単位時間あたりの洗濯兼脱水槽の回転数の変化の一例を示す説明図である。
【図５】本発明の第１の実施形態に係る給水工程における洗濯兼脱水槽の回転数変化の検出方式の一例の説明図である。
【図６】本発明の第４の実施形態に係る給水工程における洗濯兼脱水槽の回転数変化の検出方式の一例の説明図である。
【図７】上記場合の給水工程の流れを示すフローチャートである。
【符号の説明】
１外槽
２吊り棒
４水槽
５洗濯兼脱水槽
６バランサ
７外蓋
９操作部
１１水位センサ
１２給水弁
１３排水弁
１４インバータ回路
１５回転翼
１６動力伝達機構
１９支持部材
２４脱水シャフト
２５回転翼シャフト
２６ロータ
２７回転数検出装置
２９モータ
３０駆動回路
３１制御手段
３２モータ制御部
３８水量設定手段
３９布量検知手段[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a washing machine.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventional washing machines that perform washing, rinsing, and dehydration processes in accordance with a predetermined program under the direction of a microcomputer, in a washing process or a rinsing process, to an appropriate water level according to the amount of laundry. Water is supplied into the washing and dewatering tank.
[0003]
For example, Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 2-49117 discloses a rotating blade at a predetermined water level below a set water level based on an input from a means for setting the water level by detecting the pressure of an air trap provided at the bottom corner of the washing and dewatering tub. A washing machine having control means for instructing a motor to start the machine is disclosed.
[0004]
According to this, at the time of water supply before the rinsing process, even after dehydration, the laundry in the tub contains some washing liquid, and even if the rotor blades are rotated before reaching the set water level, The fabric will not be damaged due to lack of water. Therefore, the washing time can be shortened without reducing the washing effect.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in such a conventional washing machine, the pressure of the water supplied into the washing and dewatering tub is detected to determine an appropriate water level, so that the laundry like a cloth is caught by the rotation of the stirring blade. Therefore, in order to set the water volume appropriately, it is necessary to stop the water supply for a certain period of time and calm the water surface to stabilize the water level before detecting the water level. Was spending.
[0006]
In addition, although an effect can be expected for shortening the washing time in the rinsing process, if the rotating blades are rotated before being supplied to such an appropriate amount of water in the washing process, dry laundry that is not wet with water is obtained. There is a risk of damaging the laundry due to contact with rotating rotor blades and friction.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and without damaging the laundry, quickly supplies water to an appropriate water level according to the amount of laundry to shorten the time required for the washing process or the rinsing process. In addition, an object is to provide a washing machine capable of obtaining an appropriate washing effect.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  To achieve the above objectiveThe washing machine according to the present invention includes a washing / dehydrating tub, a rotating blade disposed in the washing tub, a driving unit for the washing / dehydrating tub and the rotating wing, and a water supply unit to the washing tub. Cloth amount detecting means for detecting the amount of laundry accommodated in the washing / dehydrating tub, water amount setting means for setting the amount of water supplied to the washing / dehydrating tub according to the amount of laundry, and a washing step Or at the time of water supply in the rinsing process, after rotating the washing and dewatering tub at a predetermined rotational speed by the driving means, the operation of stopping the driving of the driving means is repeated alternately,After the drive of the drive means is stopped,A rotation number detecting means for detecting a change amount from the predetermined rotation number of the rotation number of the washing and dewatering tub per unit time, and when the change amount of the rotation number is equal to or less than a predetermined value, The drive means and the control means for commanding the water supply means to stop water supply are provided.
[0011]
  The washing machine according to the present invention includes a washing / dehydrating tub, a rotary blade disposed in the washing tub, a driving unit for the washing / dehydrating tub and the rotary wing, and a water supply unit to the laundry tub. A cloth amount detecting means for detecting the amount of laundry contained in the washing / dehydrating tub, a water amount setting means for setting the amount of water supplied to the washing / dehydrating tub according to the amount of laundry, and a washing During the water supply in the process or the rinsing process, after rotating the washing and dewatering tub at a predetermined number of rotations by the driving means, the operation of stopping the driving of the driving means is repeated alternately,After the drive of the drive means is stopped,Rotational speed detection means for detecting the amount of change from the predetermined rotational speed of the washing / dehydrating tub per unit time each time, and the value converted from the rotational speed change amount is a predetermined value or more When it becomes, it has the control means which commands the said drive means and the said water supply means to stop the said water supply.
[0012]
In the above case, the value converted from the amount of change in the number of rotations is the total weight of the laundry and water in the washing and dewatering tub, and the predetermined value is the amount of laundry detected by the cloth amount detection means. And the water amount set by the water amount setting means, the total weight of the laundry and the water in the feed water converted from the rotational speed change amount is the amount of the laundry and the set water amount. Therefore, a predetermined amount of water can be reliably supplied without waste.
[0013]
Further, in the above case, the value converted from the amount of change in the rotation number is set as the amount of water in the washing and dewatering tub, and the predetermined value is determined as the amount of water set by the water amount setting means, thereby changing the rotation number. Since the amount of water in the feed water converted from the amount is constantly compared with the set amount of water, it is possible to reliably supply a predetermined amount of water without waste.
[0014]
  The washing machine according to the present invention includes a washing / dehydrating tub, a rotary blade disposed in the washing tub, a driving unit for the washing / dehydrating tub and the rotary wing, and a water supply unit to the laundry tub. A cloth amount detecting means for detecting the amount of laundry contained in the washing / dehydrating tub, a water amount setting means for setting the amount of water supplied to the washing / dehydrating tub according to the amount of laundry, and a washing During the water supply in the process or the rinsing process, after rotating the washing and dewatering tub at a predetermined number of rotations by the driving means, the operation of stopping the driving of the driving means is repeated alternately,After the drive of the drive means is stopped,Rotational speed detection means for detecting the amount of change of the rotational speed of the washing and dewatering tub per unit time from the predetermined rotational speed each time, and the rotational speed change amount is equal to or less than the predetermined first change amount Until the water supply and the driving / braking of the driving means are repeated until the washing and dewatering tub is further rotated at a predetermined rotational speed by the driving means, and the driving of the driving means is stopped. The amount of change in the number of rotations of the washing and dewatering tub per unit time when it is alternately repeated is detected each time by the number of rotations detecting means, and the amount of change in the number of rotations is equal to or less than a predetermined second amount of change. And a controller for instructing the water supply means and the drive means to continue the above-described repetition of water supply and driving / braking of the drive means.
[0015]
In the above case, the driving / braking of the driving means until the first amount of change is repeated in a single direction, while the driving of the driving means until the second amount of change is achieved. -If the braking is repeated by reversal, the optimum amount of water can be supplied while water is being applied to the laundry.
[0016]
Further, the water level detecting means in the washing and dewatering tub is provided, and after the water supply means is stopped, the water level is detected by the water level detecting means, and if the water level has reached the set water level determined by the water amount setting means, the washing step or On the contrary, if the set water level is not reached, the water supply up to the set water level can be ensured by supplying water to the set water level by the water supply means.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a cylindrical water tank 4 is provided inside a box-shaped outer tank 1 so as to be swingably suspended via a suspension rod 2 and a vibration absorbing spring 3.
[0020]
The water tank 4 is further provided with a cylindrical washing / dehydrating tank 5, and a balancer 6 is provided on the outer periphery of the upper end of the water tank 4. A large number of small holes 5 a communicating with the water tub 4 are arranged in a row at the upper part of the side wall of the washing and dewatering tub 5. A flow path 5 b is provided between the balancer 6 and the washing and dewatering tub 5.
[0021]
During the washing step or the rinsing step, water is stored in the washing and dewatering tub 5 and the laundry is made to follow the swirl flow generated by rotating the rotary blade 15, and the drainage is opened by opening the drain valve 13. 15, it goes down from the periphery of 15, and is discharged to the outside through the drain valve 13 from the drain hole 5 d. At the time of dehydration, the washing liquid splashed from the laundry moves upward on the inner wall due to the high-speed rotation of the washing / dehydrating tank 5 and is discharged into the water tank 4 through the small holes 5a and the flow paths 5b. , And move downward and drain through the drain valve 13 to the outside.
[0022]
An outer lid 7 that opens and closes an opening for taking in and out the laundry is attached to the upper surface of the exterior 1. In addition, the control circuit 8 is suitable from a plurality of built-in programs based on inputs from the various switches 10 and the water level sensor 11 of the operation unit 9 that also serves as a display unit for displaying information such as the washing mode, process, and remaining time. The water supply valve 12, the drain valve 13, the inverter circuit 14 (see FIG. 3) and the like are operated accordingly, and a series of washing steps such as washing, dehydration and rinsing are automatically executed.
[0023]
  The driving means is the washing and dewatering tub 5 androtationThe power transmission mechanism 16 transmits the power of a motor 29 described later to one or both of the blades 15 by a clutch mechanism. As shown in FIG. 2, the power transmission mechanism 16 is supported by an upper support member 17 attached to the outer bottom portion of the water tank 4 by a boss 20 and a lower support member 18 fixed coaxially with a screw 21 below the boss 20. A member 19 is provided.
[0024]
  rotationIn clutch switching for driving the blade 15 or the washing / dehydrating tub 5, the power from the rotor 26 is applied to one or both of the dewatering shaft 24 and the rotary blade shaft 25 by moving the moving body 22 in the vertical direction by the electromagnetic solenoid 23. introduce.
[0025]
A rotor magnet is attached to the rotor 26, and the rotational speed thereof is detected by a rotational speed detector 27 that detects the magnetic force of the rotor magnet by a Hall IC or the like. Reference numeral 29 denotes a DC brushless motor (hereinafter referred to as “motor”), which includes the rotor 26 and a stator 29a on which coils u, v, and w (see FIG. 3) are mounted.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 3, the motor 29 is connected to the inverter circuit 14 connected to the AC power source 36 via the diode bridge 34 and the smoothing capacitor 35. The inverter circuit 14 is connected to the motor control unit 32 via the drive circuit 30, and performs rotation control of the motor 29 based on a command from the motor control unit 32.
[0027]
The control unit 31 sends a signal to the motor control unit 32 in response to an input operation of the operation unit 9 (FIG. 1), and controls the water supply valve 12, the drain valve 13, and the like via the load driving unit 37. The motor 29 is provided with a rotation detection device 27 (Hall sensor or the like), and detects the number of rotations of the rotor 26 (FIG. 2). The detection signal of the rotation speed detection device 27 is input to the motor control unit 32, and the motor control unit 32 controls the rotation of the motor 29 based on this signal. 38 is a water amount setting means for setting an appropriate amount of water for washing or rinsing according to the amount of laundry.
[0028]
Next, a usage pattern of the washing machine configured as described above will be described.
<Embodiment 1>
When laundry such as clothes is stored in the washing and dewatering tub 5 and the start button of the operation unit 9 is turned on, the motor 29 drives and stops only the rotary blade 15 in a short time. At this time, the load received by the rotary blade 15 with respect to the output of the motor 29 is detected by the cloth amount detection means 39 and converted into the weight of the laundry. Then, an appropriate amount of water according to the weight of the laundry is set by the water amount setting means 38, the water supply valve 12 is opened and water supply is started, and the motor 29 is driven by a command from the motor control unit 32, The washing and dewatering tub 5 is rotated in a single direction.
[0029]
The water discharged from the water supply valve 12 flows along the inner wall of the tub 5 following the rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 5, and wets the laundry uniformly. At the same time, the rotational speed of the motor 29 is monitored by the rotational speed detection device 27. When the motor 29 is driving the washing / dehydrating tub 5, the motor 29 and the washing / dehydrating tub 5 rotate together via the dehydrating shaft 24 by the clutch mechanism. It becomes substantially equal to the rotation speed of the dewatering tank 5.
[0030]
Then, after the washing and dewatering tub 5 reaches a predetermined rotation number, the rotation number is maintained for a certain time, and then the driving of the motor 29 is stopped. Thereby, the rotation speed of the washing and dewatering tub 5 decreases with time. And the change of the rotation speed of the washing and dewatering tub 5 per unit time is measured by the rotation detecting device 27.
[0031]
FIG. 4 shows the relationship between the change in the rotational speed of the washing and dewatering tub 5 and the total weight of the laundry and water at this time. As the water supply advances and the total weight of the laundry and water increases, the rotational inertia force also increases. Therefore, the change in the number of revolutions per unit time is reduced. That is, as water supply advances and the amount of water increases, the rotational speed change amount ΔN per unit time t decreases from the predetermined rotational speed N.
[0032]
Using this relationship, after the rotation speed of the motor 29 reaches a predetermined rotation speed N, the motor 29 is rotated at a constant rotation speed for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second), and the brake control of the motor 29 is performed by a signal from the motor control unit 32. (Short-circuit control) is performed, and the rotational speed change per unit time of the washing and dewatering tub 5 is measured by the rotational speed detection device 27.
[0033]
In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, the energization of each of the coils u, v, and w constituting the motor 29 connected to the inverter circuit 14 is controlled by the motor control unit 32, and the motor 29 is rotationally driven. The inverter circuit 14 composed of a plurality of switching elements u1 to w2 is controlled so as to short-circuit the coils u, v, and w from the state where they are present. As a result, a counter electromotive force is generated between the rotor magnet of the rotor 26 (FIG. 2) and the coils u, v, and w, a magnetic field is generated in a direction to stop the rotor 26, and the motor 29 is braked. is there. The energy accompanying this braking is released as heat from the coil.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 5, the motor control unit 32 issues a command to the inverter circuit 14 so as to alternately repeat driving and braking of the motor 29 at a predetermined cycle. In this way, while the number of times of driving / braking of the motor 29 is repeated, the rotation speed change ΔN (FIG. 4) is eventually supplied into the washing and dewatering tub 5 to an appropriate amount of water determined according to the weight of the laundry. There is a point in time when the rotation speed is less than or equal to a predetermined rotation speed change.
[0035]
At this time, it is determined by the control means 31 that the water supply has reached an appropriate water level into the washing and dewatering tub 5, and a command is issued to the water supply valve 12 to stop the water supply. As a result, the washing and dewatering tub 5 can be rotated and washed or rinsed, and the amount of water required for the washing or rinsing step can be reliably supplied to the washing and dehydration tub 5 without waste according to the weight of the laundry. It is possible to realize a washing machine advantageous in terms of time and water saving.
[0036]
By the way, if there is water on the outer periphery of the washing / dehydrating tub 5, the rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub 5 is affected by the viscous resistance of the water, and the motor 29 is braked by an increase in the amount of water in the washing / dehydrating tub 5 The change in the rotational speed at that time varies each time, and the detection accuracy of the rotational speed detection device 27 decreases.
[0037]
However, when the washing and dehydrating tub 5 having the small holes 5a for dehydration only at the upper portion is used as in the washing machine according to the present invention shown in FIG. 1, water in the washing and dehydrating tub 5 is removed in the washing step. Since the outer periphery does not leak, the portions that prevent smooth rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 5 are mainly the bearings 51 and 52 and the oil seals 53 and 54 of the power transmission mechanism 16. These can suppress resistance to the rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 5 to some extent by improving slipping by maintenance such as inserting lubricating oil as necessary. Accordingly, the total weight of the washing and dewatering tub 5 including the laundry and water in the water supply and the change in the rotational speed at the time of braking of the motor 29 can be stably obtained, and the reproducibility of the detection accuracy by the rotation detection device 27 is sufficient. Secured.
[0038]
<Second Embodiment>
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Also in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the motor 29 is controlled to be alternately driven and braked, and each time the motor 29, that is, the washing and dewatering tub 5 is controlled. A rotation speed change ΔN per unit time is measured by the rotation detector 27.
[0039]
Then, the total weight M of the laundry and water in the washing and dewatering tub 5 is converted using the value of ΔN, and the weight of the laundry detected by turning the rotary blade 15 before entering the washing step, and accordingly The total weight m is compared with the appropriate water amount determined by the water amount setting means 38. While repeating such comparison, there is a point in time when the water supply advances and the relationship of M ≧ m is reached. Needless to say, m is a predetermined value determined by the amount of laundry.
[0040]
At this time, the main body control unit 31 determines that the water supply has reached an appropriate water level into the washing and dewatering tub 5, and issues a command to the water supply valve 12 to stop the water supply. Thereby, according to the weight of the laundry, the amount of water required for the washing process or the rinsing process can be reliably supplied into the washing and dewatering tank 5 without waste, and a washing machine advantageous for water saving can be realized.
[0041]
<Third Embodiment>
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Also in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the motor 29 is controlled to be alternately driven and braked, and each time the motor 29, that is, the washing and dewatering tub 5 is controlled. The rotational speed change amount ΔN per unit time is measured by the rotational speed detection device 27.
[0042]
Then, the total weight M of the laundry and water in the washing and dewatering tub 5 is converted using the value of ΔN, and the laundry detected by rotating the rotor 15 in advance before entering the washing step from this M. By subtracting the weight m ′, a value M−m ′ corresponding to the weight of water in the washing and dewatering tub 5 is obtained. Then, the value of M-m ′ is compared with an appropriate water amount (weight) m ″ determined by the water amount setting means 36 according to the weight m ′ of the laundry. While repeating such comparison, there is a point in time when the water supply advances and the relationship of M−m ′ ≧ m ″ is reached.
[0043]
At this time, the main body control unit 31 determines that the water supply into the washing and dewatering tub 5 has reached an appropriate water level, and issues a command to the water supply valve 12 to stop the water supply. As a result, according to the weight of the laundry, the amount of water necessary for the washing process can be reliably supplied without waste to the washing and dewatering tub 5 with the same accuracy as in the case of water level detection, and a washing machine advantageous for water saving is realized. it can.
[0044]
Moreover, although this embodiment demonstrated as an example the time of water supply of a washing process, the same water supply control is possible also at the time of water supply of a rinse process. In addition, if the proper amount of water is set by detecting the weight of the wet laundry again after washing and rinsing dehydration, even if the amount of moisture absorbed in the laundry varies depending on the dehydration state, it is necessary without excess or deficiency. Since a sufficient amount of water can be supplied for rinsing, it is also useful for saving rinsing water.
[0045]
<Fourth Embodiment>
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. When the rotary blade 15 is driven as described above to detect the amount of laundry stored in the washing and dewatering tub 5 and the washing process is started, an appropriate amount of water corresponding to the amount of laundry is determined, and the water supply valve 12 Is opened and water supply into the washing and dewatering tub 5 is started.
[0046]
(I) 1st water supply process
At this time, a signal from the motor control unit 32 is output to the drive circuit 30 so as to alternately drive and brake the motor 29. Based on this, the motor 29 is rotationally driven in a single direction, and the washing and dewatering tub 5 is rotated in the same direction as the motor 29 via the dewatering shaft 24. Therefore, the water discharged from the water supply valve 12 falls near the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub 5 and rises along the inner wall of the washing and dewatering tub 5 so as to follow the rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 5. Wet. At the same time, the rotation detection device 27 monitors the rotation speed of the motor 29, that is, the rotation speed of the washing and dewatering tub 5.
[0047]
The rotation control of the motor 29 is performed by the drive circuit 30 from the motor control unit 32 so as to alternately repeat the operation of stopping the drive of the motor 29 after maintaining the rotation number for a predetermined time after the rotation number reaches a predetermined rotation number. This can be done by controlling the inverter circuit 14 via
[0048]
Each time the motor 29 is repeatedly driven and braked in this manner, there is a period in which the rotational speed of the washing and dewatering tub 5 decreases from the predetermined rotational speed with time. Is used to measure the rotational speed change ΔN per unit time. As a matter of course, when the water supply proceeds, the value of ΔN becomes smaller due to the increase of the rotational inertia force accompanying the increase of the weight of the washing and dewatering tub 5.
[0049]
Then, the value of ΔN is compared with the predetermined first change amount Δn1, and when ΔN ≦ Δn1 is eventually reached, the appropriate amount of water determined by detecting the amount of laundry is not reached (at the time of washing) It is considered that the predetermined amount of water has been reached, and the first water supply process is completed. Such water supply promotes the penetration of water into the laundry.
[0050]
(Ii) Second water supply process
While continuing the water supply, based on the signal from the motor control unit 32, this time, the motor 29 is driven so that the rotation direction of the motor 29 is alternately reversed, and the washing and dewatering tub 5 is moved via the dewatering shaft 24. The motor 29 is reversely driven.
[0051]
Inversion control of the motor 29 is performed by an inverter circuit via the drive circuit 30 so as to apply a reverse rotational force to the motor 29 after maintaining the rotational speed for a certain time after the rotational speed of the motor 29 reaches a predetermined rotational speed. This can be done by controlling 14.
[0052]
Each time the motor 29 is repeatedly reversed in this way, there is a period in which the rotation speed of the washing and dewatering tub 5 decreases from the predetermined rotation speed. The rotational speed change ΔN ′ is measured. As a matter of course, when the water supply proceeds, the value of ΔN ′ decreases due to an increase in the rotational inertia force accompanying an increase in the weight of the washing and dewatering tub 5.
[0053]
Then, the value of ΔN ′ is compared with a predetermined second change amount Δn2, and when the amount of ΔN ′ ≦ Δn2 is reached, the appropriate amount of water determined by detecting the amount of laundry is reached. Therefore, a command is issued from the control means to the water supply valve 12 and the drive circuit 30 to stop the water supply and the drive of the motor 29, and the second water supply process ends. As a result, the water discharged from the water supply valve 12 flows into the tub 5 while reversing alternately in a manner that follows the rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 5, thereby further promoting the penetration of water into the laundry. It becomes a water flow.
[0054]
In the present embodiment, the case where the motor 29 is always controlled to start up at a predetermined number of revolutions in the second water supply step has been described. However, as the water supply advances and the water level rises, the washing and dewatering tub 5 is changed. You may change suitably so that it may rotate at high speed. In this case, it is possible to improve the effect of the above-mentioned acclimation of water to the laundry without damaging the laundry stored in the washing and dewatering tub 5.
[0055]
Further, in the second water supply step, the laundry may be shaken violently due to the rotational inertia force accompanying the reversal of the washing and dewatering tub 5, and thus the laundry may be offset. In addition, due to the relative difference between the rotational inertia forces applied to water and laundry and the washing / dehydrating tub 5, there is a risk that the rotation detection device 27 detects the number of rotations of the motor 29 in some way. Therefore, at the time of water supply, the time for maintaining the motor 29 at a predetermined number of rotations at a predetermined time interval (for example, once every 30 seconds) is extended (about 3 seconds), the reversal cycle is lengthened, It is preferable to suppress the deterioration of the detection accuracy of the rotation detection device 27 by setting the rotation number low.
[0056]
<Fifth Embodiment>
A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. After completion of the second water supply step, the rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 5 is stopped as described above, the water supply valve 12 is closed to stop water supply, and the rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 5 is stopped. However, at this time, as shown in FIG. 7, by detecting the water level by the water level sensor 11 (FIG. 1), it is determined whether or not the proper water level determined by the amount of laundry has been reached, and the proper water level has been reached. Then, the process proceeds to the washing process or the rinsing process. Conversely, if the water level has not reached the appropriate water level, the water supply valve 12 is opened again to supply water to the appropriate water level.
[0057]
Thereby, in the washing process or the rinsing process, it is possible to further ensure the water supply to the appropriate water level determined according to the amount of the laundry, so even if the water amount is insufficient in the water supply process, the lack thereof Minutes can be supplemented later, saving water and increasing the effect of washing or rinsing on the laundry.
[0058]
<Sixth Embodiment>
A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. If the washing machine has been used for a long period of time, before entering the washing process, at the stage of detecting the amount of laundry using the load applied to the rotary blade 15, the zero point becomes the reference value for the no-load state without the laundry. There is a risk that it becomes impossible to accurately detect the amount of laundry due to an error. Therefore, before the user enters the washing process, a zero point correction button (not shown) of the load detection signal from the rotary blade 15 is pressed as necessary to correct this, or all processes of washing, rinsing and dehydration are performed. It is advisable to perform automatic correction periodically after completion.
[0059]
In the above embodiments of the present invention, the case where water is supplied from the water supply valve 12 while rotating the washing and dewatering tub 5 as described above in either the washing step or the rinsing step has been described. Such a water supply method may be executed. In this case, the washing time and the rinsing time can be shortened, the time required for a series of washing steps can be shortened, and deterioration of the washing and rinsing performance can be prevented.
[0060]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, before entering the washing step or the rinsing step, according to the amount of laundry detected by the cloth amount detecting means accommodated in the washing and dewatering tub rotated by the driving means. After setting the appropriate amount of water, the rotation detection means detects the change in the number of rotations that decreases during braking, while alternately driving and braking the washing and dewatering tub when water is supplied, and the amount of change becomes lower than the predetermined value. At that time, it was judged that water could be supplied up to the proper amount of water, and the water supply and washing / dehydration tub were stopped, so the necessary amount of water was wasted while using the water supplied to the laundry. A washing machine that can reliably supply water and is advantageous for saving water can be realized.
[0061]
Further, the water supply process is divided into two stages. In the first water supply process, while the washing and dewatering tub is alternately driven and stopped, the rotational speed decrease that is reduced during braking is detected by the rotational speed detection means, and the amount of change is detected. Until the water level becomes lower than the predetermined first change amount, water is supplied into the washing / dehydrating tub to a water level that is less than the appropriate amount of water, and then the water supply is continued while repeating the inversion driving of the washing / dehydrating tub in the second water supply step. When the rotational speed change amount becomes equal to or less than the second change amount, it is determined that the water has been supplied up to the appropriate amount of water, and the drive of the water supply and washing / dehydration tub is stopped. It is possible to reliably supply the required amount of water without waste while evenly blending water into the laundry, and a washing machine advantageous for water saving can be realized.
[0062]
In addition, the water level detection means determines whether or not the appropriate water level has been reached after the end of the second water supply process. If the water level supplied in the water supply process is lower than the appropriate water level, water is supplied again. As a result, water can be reliably supplied without excess or deficiency.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a washing machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a washing machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a change in the number of rotations of the washing and dewatering tank per unit time when the washing machine is supplied with water.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a method for detecting a change in the number of rotations of the washing and dewatering tub in the water supply process according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a detection method of a change in the number of rotations of a washing and dewatering tub in a water supply process according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of a water supply process in the above case.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Outer tank
2 Hanging rod
4 Aquarium
5 washing and dewatering tank
6 Balancer
7 outer lid
9 Operation part
11 Water level sensor
12 Water supply valve
13 Drain valve
14 Inverter circuit
15 rotor blades
16 Power transmission mechanism
19 Support member
24 Dewatering shaft
25 Rotor shaft
26 Rotor
27 Speed detector
29 Motor
30 Drive circuit
31 Control means
32 Motor controller
38 Water volume setting means
39 Cloth amount detection means

Claims

洗濯兼脱水槽と、該洗濯兼脱水槽内に配設された回転翼と、前記洗濯兼脱水槽及び前記回転翼の駆動手段と、前記洗濯槽内への給水手段と、前記洗濯兼脱水槽内に収容された洗濯物の量を検知する布量検知手段と、前記洗濯兼脱水槽内に給水する水量を洗濯物の量に応じて設定する水量設定手段と、洗い工程若しくはすすぎ工程における給水時、前記駆動手段により前記洗濯兼脱水槽を所定の回転数で回転させた後、前記駆動手段の駆動を停止する動作を交互に繰り返し、前記駆動手段の駆動を停止して以降の単位時間あたりの前記洗濯兼脱水槽の回転数の前記所定の回転数からの変化量をその都度検出する回転数検出手段と、上記回転数の変化量が所定の値以下になったとき、前記給水を停止するよう前記駆動手段及び前記給水手段に指令する制御手段とを備えたことを特徴とする洗濯機。Washing and dewatering tub, rotating blades disposed in the washing and dewatering tub, means for driving the washing and dewatering tub and the rotating wings, means for supplying water into the washing tub, and the washing and dewatering tub Cloth amount detecting means for detecting the amount of laundry contained in the interior, water amount setting means for setting the amount of water supplied into the washing and dewatering tub according to the amount of laundry, and water supply in the washing step or rinsing step When the washing and dewatering tub is rotated at a predetermined rotation speed by the driving means, an operation of stopping the driving of the driving means is repeated alternately, and the driving of the driving means is stopped per unit time thereafter. A rotation speed detecting means for detecting a change amount of the rotation speed of the washing / dehydrating tub from the predetermined rotation speed each time, and when the change amount of the rotation speed becomes a predetermined value or less, the water supply is stopped. Command the drive means and the water supply means to Washing machine, characterized in that a control unit that.

洗濯兼脱水槽と、該洗濯兼脱水槽内に配設された回転翼と、前記洗濯兼脱水槽及び前記回転翼の駆動手段と、前記洗濯槽内への給水手段と、前記洗濯兼脱水槽内に収容された洗濯物の量を検知する布量検知手段と、前記洗濯兼脱水槽内に給水する水量を洗濯物の量に応じて設定する水量設定手段と、洗い工程若しくはすすぎ工程における給水時、前記駆動手段により前記洗濯兼脱水槽を所定の回転数で回転させた後、前記駆動手段の駆動を停止する動作を交互に繰り返し、前記駆動手段の駆動を停止して以降の単位時間あたりの前記洗濯兼脱水槽の回転数の前記所定の回転数からの変化量をその都度検出する回転数検出手段と、上記回転数の変化量から換算される値が所定の値以上になったとき、前記給水を停止するよう前記駆動手段及び前記給水手段に指令する制御手段とを備えたことを特徴とする洗濯機。Washing and dewatering tub, rotating blades disposed in the washing and dewatering tub, means for driving the washing and dewatering tub and the rotating wings, means for supplying water into the washing tub, and the washing and dewatering tub Cloth amount detecting means for detecting the amount of laundry contained in the interior, water amount setting means for setting the amount of water supplied into the washing and dewatering tub according to the amount of laundry, and water supply in the washing step or rinsing step When the washing and dewatering tub is rotated at a predetermined rotation speed by the driving means, an operation of stopping the driving of the driving means is repeated alternately, and the driving of the driving means is stopped per unit time thereafter. A rotation number detecting means for detecting a change amount of the rotation number of the washing / dehydrating tub from the predetermined rotation number each time, and a value converted from the change amount of the rotation number becomes a predetermined value or more The drive means and the front to stop the water supply Washing machine, characterized in that a control means for instructing the water supply means.

前記回転数の変化量から換算される値が前記洗濯兼脱水槽内の洗濯物と水の合計重量であり、前記所定の値が前記布量検知手段により検知された洗濯物の量と前記水量設定手段により設定された水量との合計に相当する重量であることを特徴とする請求項２に記載の洗濯機。The value converted from the amount of change in the rotational speed is the total weight of the laundry and water in the washing and dewatering tub, and the predetermined value is the amount of laundry and the amount of water detected by the cloth amount detection means. The washing machine according to claim 2 , wherein the weight is equivalent to the total amount of water set by the setting means.

前記回転数の変化量から換算される値が前記洗濯兼脱水槽内の水量であり、前記所定の値が前記水量設定手段により設定された水量であることを特徴とする請求項２に記載の洗濯機。The value to be converted from the rotational speed of the change amount is the amount of water is the washing and dewatering in the aquarium, according to claim 2 in which said predetermined value is characterized in that it is a water set by the water amount setting means Washing machine.

洗濯兼脱水槽と、該洗濯槽兼脱水槽内に配設された回転翼と、前記洗濯兼脱水槽及び前記回転翼の駆動手段と、前記洗濯槽内への給水手段と、前記洗濯兼脱水槽内に収容された洗濯物の量を検知する布量検知手段と、前記洗濯兼脱水槽内に給水する水量を洗濯物の量に応じて設定する水量設定手段と、洗い工程若しくはすすぎ工程における給水時、前記駆動手段により前記洗濯兼脱水槽を所定の回転数で回転させた後、前記駆動手段の駆動を停止する動作を交互に繰り返し、前記駆動手段の駆動を停止して以降の単位時間あたりの前記洗濯兼脱水槽の回転数の前記所定の回転数からの変化量をその都度検出する回転数検出手段と、上記回転数の変化量が所定の第１の変化量以下になるまで、給水及び前記駆動手段の駆動・制動の上記繰り返しを継続した後、更に前記駆動手段により前記洗濯兼脱水槽を所定の回転数で回転させた後、前記駆動手段の駆動を停止する動作を交互に繰り返したときの単位時間あたりの前記洗濯兼脱水槽の回転数の変化量を前記回転数検出手段によりその都度検出し、その回転数の変化量が所定の第２の変化量以下になるまで、給水及び前記駆動手段の駆動・制動の上記繰り返しを継続するよう前記給水手段及び前記駆動手段に指令する制御装置とを備えたことを特徴とする洗濯機。Washing and dewatering tub, rotating blades disposed in the washing and dewatering tub, driving means for the washing and dewatering tub and the rotating wing, means for supplying water into the washing tub, and washing and dewatering In the cloth amount detecting means for detecting the amount of laundry stored in the tub, the water amount setting means for setting the amount of water supplied into the washing and dewatering tub according to the amount of laundry, and the washing step or the rinsing step When water is supplied, after the washing and dewatering tub is rotated at a predetermined number of rotations by the driving means, an operation of stopping the driving of the driving means is repeated alternately, and unit time after the driving of the driving means is stopped. A rotation number detecting means for detecting a change amount from the predetermined rotation number of the rotation number of the washing and dewatering tub per time, and until a change amount of the rotation number is equal to or less than a predetermined first change amount, Repeating of water supply and driving / braking of the driving means After the continuation, the washing and dewatering tub per unit time when the operation of stopping the driving of the driving means is alternately repeated after the washing and dewatering tub is further rotated at a predetermined rotational speed by the driving means. The amount of change in the number of revolutions is detected each time by the number of revolutions detecting means, and the above-described repetition of water supply and driving / braking of the driving means is performed until the amount of change in the number of revolutions is equal to or less than a predetermined second change amount. A washing machine comprising: a controller for instructing the water supply means and the driving means to continue.

前記第１の変化量になるまでの前記駆動手段の上記駆動・制動の繰り返しを単一方向にて行い、一方、前記第２の変化量になるまでの前記駆動手段の上記駆動・制動の繰り返しを反転にて行うようにしたことを特徴とする請求項５に記載の洗濯機。The driving / braking of the driving unit until the first amount of change is repeated in a single direction, while the driving / braking of the driving unit is repeated until the second amount of change. The washing machine according to claim 5 , wherein the washing is performed by reversal.

更に、前記洗濯兼脱水槽内の水位検知手段を備え、前記給水手段の停止後、水位検知手段によって水位を検知し、前記水量設定手段により定められた設定水位に達していれば、洗い工程若しくはすすぎ工程に移行し、逆に、前記設定水位に達していなければ、前記給水手段により設定水位まで給水することを特徴とする請求項１〜請求項６のいずれかに記載の洗濯機。Further, the water level detecting means in the washing and dewatering tub is provided, and after the water supply means is stopped, the water level is detected by the water level detecting means, and if the water level has reached the set water level determined by the water amount setting means, proceeds to rinsing process, conversely, does not reach the said predetermined water level, the washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the feed water up to a set water level by the water supply means.