JP2011078609A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

It is an object of the present invention to provide a washing machine that improves the reliability of a washing machine and vibration detection means and that prevents abnormal vibration that occurs during a washing operation.
A housing, an outer tub elastically supported by an elastic support within the housing, a rotatable washing / dehydrating tub disposed in the outer tub, and the washing / dehydrating tub A driving means for rotationally driving; a rotational speed detecting device for detecting the rotational speed of the washing and dewatering tub; a vibration detecting means attached to the outer tub; and an output signal of the vibration detecting means from the output signal of the outer tub. In the washing machine having a control device that discriminates the vibration state and the state of the elastic support and controls the rotation speed and rotation direction of the washing and dewatering tub based on the result, the vibration detection means may switch vibration detection sensitivity. It is possible to perform diagnosis of the vibration detection means based on the output of the vibration detection means.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine in which the state of the washing machine is accurately grasped by switching the sensitivity of the vibration detection means mounted on the washing machine and the reliability of the vibration detection means is improved.

  Inside the washing machine, an outer tub that is elastically supported and a washing / dehydrating tub for washing, rinsing, and dewatering the laundry are rotatably arranged. A driving means is provided on the bottom surface of the outer tub so that the washing / dehydrating tub can be driven to rotate. The dehydration operation is a process in which the washing / dehydration tub is rotated at a high speed to remove the water remaining in the clothes by centrifugal force. In this case, the washing machine greatly shakes at the resonance that occurs before reaching the high speed dehydration, which is uncomfortable for the user. Noise and vibration may be generated. One technique for reducing this is described in Patent Document 1.

  The prior art described in Patent Document 1 performs dehydration control by switching the sensitivity (amplification factor) of the vibration detection means.

JP 2005-296431 A

  In the prior art described in Patent Document 1, it is uncertain whether the sensitivity switching is normally performed, and even if it is not abnormal vibration, it may be detected as abnormal vibration.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that solves the above-mentioned problems, improves the reliability of the washing machine and vibration detection means, and prevents abnormal vibrations that occur during washing operation.

  A case, an outer tub elastically supported by an elastic support within the case, a rotatable washing / dehydrating tub disposed in the outer tub, and for rotating the washing / dehydrating tub Drive means, a rotational speed detection device for detecting the rotational speed of the washing and dewatering tub, vibration detection means attached to the outer tub, and the vibration state and elasticity of the outer tub from the output signal of the vibration detection means In the washing machine having a control device for determining the state of the support and controlling the number of rotations and the direction of rotation of the washing and dewatering tub based on the result, the vibration detecting means can switch the vibration detection sensitivity. The vibration detection means is diagnosed based on the output of the vibration detection means.

  According to the present invention, the vibration detection means can control the operation according to the dehydration behavior of the washing machine, and can also diagnose the vibration detection means. As a result, the reliability of the washing machine and the vibration detecting means can be improved, and the abnormal vibration generated during the washing operation can be prevented.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. It is a drum type washing-dryer internal structure figure explaining one Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the offset of the clothing which arises in one Example of this invention. It is a control circuit block diagram in one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the driving | operation operation | movement of the washing machine in one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the self-diagnosis A process in one Example of this invention. The positional relationship of an outer tank and a vibration detection means in one Example of this invention and the relationship between the vibration detection direction of a vibration detection means, and the gravity acceleration direction are shown. It is a flowchart which shows the self-diagnosis B process in one Example of this invention. It is a graph explaining the differential voltage in one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the inclination detection process in one Example of this invention. It is a figure showing the relationship between the inclination angle and differential voltage in one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the foreign material detection process in one Example of this invention. It is a determination graph figure of the foreign material detection process in one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement in the spin-drying | dehydration driving | operation in one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the self-diagnosis process C in one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the self-diagnosis process D in one Example of this invention.

  Hereinafter, examples of the present invention will be described by taking a drum-type washing and drying machine as an example.

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a drum type washing and drying machine. First, there is a housing 1, and a door 7 for taking in and out the laundry is provided on the front surface of the housing 1.

  A door opening / closing button 8 for opening and closing the door is provided on the upper right side of the door 7. There is a detergent tray 10 for putting detergent on the upper left side of the front surface, and an operation panel 9 for the user to select a washing process in the upper center of the front surface. There is a display panel 11 whose display is switched in conjunction with.

  On the upper right side of the front surface, there is a dry filter panel 12 that houses a filter that collects lint generated during the drying operation. There is a filter panel 17 that houses a filter for collecting yarn waste and foreign matter at the lower front portion, and a base 15 that supports the housing 1 at the lower portion.

  In addition, there are leg portions 16 at the four corners of the base 15 and are in contact with the floor. From the side surface of the base 15, a drainage hose 14 serving as a flow path for flowing wastewater generated by washing into the drainage groove is disposed.

  On the side surface of the housing 1, a handle 13 used for installing a drum-type washing and drying machine is provided.

  FIG. 2 is a simplified illustration of the internal structure of a drum-type washing and drying machine. There is a case 1 of a drum type washing and drying machine, and an outer tub 2 elastically supported by suspension springs 18 and 19 which are elastic supports, and a suspension 22 is provided therein.

  A washing / dehydrating tub 3 for washing, rinsing and dewatering clothes is attached inside the outer tub 2 in a rotatable state.

  The washing / dehydrating tub 3 is rotationally driven by a driving means 4 composed of a motor, and can perform the aforementioned washing, rinsing and dehydration.

  When washing, rinsing, and dehydrating, the washing / dehydrating tub 3 is driven to rotate, so that the outer tub 2 containing the washing / dehydrating tub 3 swings as the washing / dehydrating tub 3 rotates.

  This is because the clothes in the washing / dehydrating tub 3 contained in the outer tub 2 are offset as shown in FIG.

  Rotating the washing / dehydrating tub 3 containing the offset clothing causes the rotating body to be in a mass unbalanced state, which causes vibration due to mass unbalance, that is, unbalanced vibration.

  Since the unbalanced vibration is transmitted to the outer tub 2 containing the washing / dehydrating tub 3 and is shaken, the outer tub 2 is not easily touched between the housing 1 and the outer tub 2 even if the outer tub 2 is swung. A space is provided.

  Further, the lower part of the outer tub 2 is provided with holes for removing detergent water and water, and a drain hose 14 is connected via a drain valve 21.

  The drainage hose 14 has a role of flowing unnecessary detergent water / water into the drainage groove, and the drainage valve 21 is a valve in the drainage valve 21 when the detergent water / water in the outer tub 2 is unnecessary. Opens and plays a role in promoting detergent water and water drainage.

  The drain valve 21 is controlled by the control device 6 equipped with the microcomputer 60, and can open and close the valve as required (FIG. 4).

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the control device 6 on which the microcomputer 60 is mounted and its peripheral components.

  The control device 6 collectively controls the display panel circuit 55 that controls the display content of the display panel 11, the motor control circuit 54 that controls the driving means 4 including the motor 53, the drain valve 21, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the washing machine starts operation, the washing operation is performed first, and then the rinsing operation is performed. After that, it moves to dehydration operation.

  Dehydration operation will be described.

  In the dehydration operation, first, the valve in the drain valve 21 is opened to drain the water accumulated in the outer tub 2. After completing the necessary drainage activity, the washing and dewatering tub 3 containing the moisture-containing clothes is rotated at a low speed.

  This is to prevent a phenomenon in which clothes containing moisture stick to the inside of the washing and dewatering tub 3 due to the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 3.

  The water-containing clothing that has just finished rinsing operation is often present at a distance, and if the washing and dewatering tub 3 is driven at high speed, it may cause unacceptable vibration and noise. It is necessary to disperse clothes in the washing and dewatering tank 3 to some extent.

  The vibration detecting means 5 of the present embodiment is mainly composed of a triaxial acceleration sensor 51, which will be described. The triaxial acceleration sensor 51 has three axes, an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis. The three axes maintain a right angle, detect acceleration in three directions, and output a voltage.

  The relationship between the vibration acceleration detection direction of the three-axis acceleration sensor 51 and the drum-type washing / drying machine will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the X-axis direction of the three-axis acceleration sensor 51 corresponds to the left-right direction of the drum-type washing and drying machine when the washing machine body is viewed from the front.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the Y-axis direction of the three-axis acceleration sensor 51 corresponds to the front-rear direction of the drum-type washing and drying machine when the washing machine body is viewed from the front.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the Z-axis direction of the three-axis acceleration sensor 51 corresponds to the vertical direction of the drum-type washing and drying machine when the washing machine body is viewed from the front.

  Next, applied acceleration and output voltage in the X, Y, and Z axis directions of the triaxial acceleration sensor 51 will be described.

The triaxial acceleration sensor 51 is based on MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems), and outputs a voltage of 0.66 V with respect to an applied acceleration of 1 g (≈9.8 m / s ² ).

  In a state where no acceleration is applied (0 g), the offset voltage (reference voltage) V = 1.65V. The vibration detection means 5 is attached to the lower part of the outer tub 3 as shown in FIG. 7A, and the outer tub 3 is elastically supported inside the housing 1. The outer tub 3 is elastically supported in an inclined state from the installation surface of the washing machine. As shown in FIG. 7B, the vibration detection means 5 is arranged so that the vibration detection direction is perpendicular to the installation surface of the washing machine. Therefore, when the outer tub 3 is stationary, the gravitational acceleration 1g is applied as shown in FIG. The vibration detection means 5 determines whether the applied voltage is positive or negative depending on the acceleration application direction. In FIG. 7B, the applied voltage due to the gravitational acceleration 1g is subtracted from the offset voltage. Therefore, the Z-axis output voltage is 1.65−0.66 = 0.99V. Since no gravitational acceleration is applied to the X and Y axes, an offset voltage of 1.65 V is output.

  Further, the triaxial acceleration sensor 51 used in the present embodiment can be switched to output a voltage of 0.22 V with respect to 1 g of applied acceleration. Hereinafter, this is referred to as vibration detection sensitivity switching. Also, 0.66 (V / g) is called high sensitivity, and 0.22 (V / g) is called low sensitivity. The vibration detection sensitivity can be switched arbitrarily according to an instruction from the control device 6.

  However, it is not limited to this specification.

  In the present embodiment, the vibration detecting means 5 is provided in the outer tub 2 because vibration acceleration generated from the washing and dewatering tub 3 is transmitted.

  Therefore, the vibration detection means 5 should just be installed in the location where the vibration acceleration of the washing and dewatering tub 3 is transmitted directly or indirectly.

  The signal output from the vibration detecting means 5 passes through the filter circuit 52 and is taken into the control device 6 as shown in the block diagram of FIG.

  In this embodiment, when the power of the washing machine is turned on (S101), the self-diagnosis unit 61 proceeds to self-diagnosis process A (S201).

In the self-diagnosis process A, the output voltage V _A1 of the vibration detecting means 5 is taken into the control device 6 (S202). Next, the captured V _A1 is compared with the self-diagnosis determination lower limit threshold Vsc and the self-diagnosis upper limit threshold Vso (S203). If the comparison result is within the determination value, the process proceeds to the self-diagnosis process B (S206).

  When the determination value is exceeded, it is determined as a failure (S204), the operation is stopped, and the user is notified (S205).

  When the value falls below the self-diagnosis determination lower limit threshold Vsc, it is determined that the signal line is disconnected. When the self-diagnosis upper limit threshold Vso is exceeded, it is determined that the internal circuit has failed.

  The self-diagnosis process B is for determining whether the vibration detection sensitivity switching of the vibration detection means 5 is operating normally. As described above, since the gravitational acceleration 1g is applied in the Z-axis direction of the triaxial acceleration sensor 51 under the mounting conditions of the embodiment, the triaxial acceleration sensor 51 outputs a voltage corresponding to the applied acceleration 1g.

At the time of low sensitivity, sensitivity = 0.22 (V / g), and since it is subtracted from the offset voltage depending on the mounting direction, 1.65−0.22 = 1.43V is output. To get this as a low-sensitivity output voltage V _BL (S302).

At the time of high sensitivity, sensitivity is 0.66 (V / g), and 1.65−0.66 = 0.99V is output because it is subtracted from the offset voltage depending on the mounting direction. This is acquired as the high sensitivity output voltage V _BH (S303).

Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the vibration detection sensitivity switching is operating normally by obtaining the differential voltage between the high sensitivity output voltage V _BH and the low sensitivity output voltage V _BL (S304).

  The offset voltage is known to vary depending on the vibration detecting means 5, but the influence of the offset voltage can be eliminated by obtaining the above-described difference.

It is also possible to determine whether the vibration detection sensitivity switching is operating normally by calculating the sum of the high sensitivity output voltage V _BH and the low sensitivity output voltage V _BL .

  The difference derived by the above method is compared with a determination threshold value (S304).

As a result of the comparison, if it is within the self-diagnosis determination lower limit threshold V _SS and the self-diagnosis determination upper limit threshold V _SD , the inclination detection unit 63 proceeds to the washing machine inclination installation detection process (S401).

Washing machine inclined mounting detection process (S401) is carried out to obtain the differential voltage V _BS at the beginning (S402). The differential voltage V _BS is the difference between the high sensitivity output voltage V _BH and the low sensitivity output voltage V _BL used in (S304) (FIG. 9).

The differential voltage V _BS is compared with the inclined installation determination threshold V _KS. (S403) When the inclination installation determination threshold value _VKS is below, it is determined that the washing machine is installed at an inclination. (S404) Then, the operation is stopped and the user is notified (S405).

The graph shown in FIG. 11 shows the relationship between the difference between the high sensitivity output voltage V _BH and the low sensitivity output voltage V _BL and the tilt angle.

  In this embodiment, an inclination angle of 2 degrees is set as a threshold value, and when the angle exceeds 2 degrees, the user is notified that the washing machine is inclined. As a result, it is possible to prevent abnormal vibrations caused by the tilting of the washing machine during the dehydrating operation.

  If it is determined that the washing machine is correctly installed, the foreign object detection unit 62 proceeds to the foreign object detection process (S501).

The foreign matter detection process is for determining whether there is any foreign matter inside the washing and dewatering tub 3. The output voltage V _IB of the vibration detecting means 5 is acquired while rotating the washing and dewatering tub 3 at a low speed (S502) (S503). The reason for rotating at a low speed is to prevent foreign matter from sticking to the washing and dewatering tub 3 by centrifugal force.

The output voltage V _IB waveform when there is no foreign matter in the washing and dewatering tub 3 is a flat waveform as shown in FIG.

The output voltage V _IB waveform when there is a foreign substance in the washing and dewatering tub 3 becomes a steep waveform as shown in FIG. The output voltage V _IB compared to the foreign matter determination threshold V _SI (S504) determines that foreign matter useful if it exceeds the foreign matter determination threshold V _SI to (S505), stops the operation, notifies the user (S506).

  In this embodiment, a threshold voltage is set for foreign object determination, but it is also effective to use a crest factor (peak value / executed value) within a certain time.

  If no foreign matter is detected in the above process, the process proceeds to a washing operation (S601). The self-diagnosis process B (S201) may be performed during the washing operation.

  After completion of the washing operation, vibration detection sensitivity switching control for controlling the rinsing operation / dehydration operation while switching the vibration detection sensitivity of the vibration detection means 5 is started (S650).

  In this embodiment, the vibration detection sensitivity is switched according to the number of rotations of the washing / dehydrating tub 3. However, it is also effective to switch the vibration detection sensitivity according to the output voltage of the vibration detection means 5.

  The self-diagnosis process C (S806) is to detect whether an abnormality has occurred in the vibration detection means 5 during operation in each of the rinsing operation and the dehydration operation.

  Here, the operation during the dehydration operation will be described as an example.

The dehydrating operation is started (S801), and when the rotational speed of the washing / dehydrating tub 3 during the dehydrating operation reaches 110 r / min, (S802) the rotational speed variation K ₁ (rpm) of the washing / dehydrating tub 3 is calculated. (S803). The rotational speed and rotational speed fluctuation of the washing / dehydrating tub 3 are obtained using the rotational speed detection device 32.

  The rotation speed fluctuation will be described. The rotational speed variation indicates how much difference is generated with respect to the rotational speed to be operated by the control device 6, and means a state where the rotational speed varies from 108 to 112 rpm at 110 rpm. The rotation speed fluctuation is 4 rpm.

  The reason why the rotational speed fluctuation occurs will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3A shows a state in which clothes are biased in the washing and dewatering tub 3. This state is defined as an unbalanced state. When unbalance occurs in the rotating body, unbalance vibration occurs. When the inside of the washing / dehydrating tub 3 is rotationally driven in an unbalanced state, as shown in FIG. 3B, the rotational speed of the washing / dehydrating tub 3 is accelerated when the garment is lowered along with the rotation direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 3C, the rotational speed of the washing and dewatering tub 3 is lowered when trying to lift the side of the clothing along with the rotational direction. For this reason, the rotation speed of the washing and dewatering tub 3 varies.

  The rotational speed variation increases as the unbalance amount increases.

Self-diagnosis processing C is performed when the engine speed fluctuation K ₁ as compared to the rotational speed variation threshold Ks (S804) large (S806).

  When the rotational fluctuation exceeds a threshold value (= when the rotational speed fluctuation is large), it indicates that a certain degree of imbalance has occurred in the washing and dewatering tub 3. Therefore, the washing / dehydrating tub 3 is in an unbalanced vibration state, and the outer tub 3 containing the washing / dehydrating tub 3 is also in a vibrating state. The vibration detection means 5 generates an output corresponding to this vibration.

At this time, the output voltage V _c1 from the vibration detection means 5 is acquired (S807). The acquired V _c1 is compared with the threshold voltage V _cs (S808), and when the output voltage V _c1 is lower than the threshold voltage V _cs , it is determined that the vibration detecting means 5 is out of order (S809). Then, the dehydration operation is stopped and notified (S810).

The acquired V _c1 is compared with the threshold voltage V _cs (S808), and when the output voltage V _c1 exceeds the threshold voltage V _cs , the dehydrating operation is continued (S811).

  Next, the self-diagnosis D process (S812) when the rotational speed fluctuation is small in (S804) will be described.

  If it is determined that the rotational speed fluctuation is small (= the unbalance in the washing and dewatering tub 3 is small), the unbalance vibration is small and the acceleration applied to the vibration detection means 5 is almost 0 g. The output voltage changes near the offset voltage. Accordingly, self-diagnosis can be performed by determining that the offset voltage of the output obtained from the vibration detection means 5 is within the specified range.

First, the output voltage V _D1 of the vibration detection means 5 is acquired (S813). The output voltage V _D1 is compared with the self-diagnosis determination upper limit threshold value V _DJ and the self-diagnosis determination lower limit threshold value V _DK (S814), and when the output voltage V _D1 exceeds the self-diagnosis determination upper limit threshold value V _DJ or If it is below V _DK , it is determined that the vibration detecting means 5 is out of order (S815). In that case, the dehydration operation is stopped and notified (S816).

If the output voltage V _D1 is within the range between the self-diagnosis determination upper limit threshold value V _DJ and the self-diagnosis determination lower limit threshold value V _DK , the dehydration operation is continued (S811).

  According to the above-described embodiment, the reliability of the washing machine can be improved by the self-diagnosis of the vibration detecting means 5. Further, the foreign matter in the washing and dewatering tub 3 can be detected from the output voltage of the vibration detecting means 5.

  Furthermore, abnormal vibration during the dehydration operation can be prevented by detecting the inclined installation of the washing machine from the output voltage of the vibration detection means 5.

  It is possible to provide a drum-type washing and drying machine that reduces vibration and noise by performing operation control using vibration detection sensitivity switching.

  In this embodiment, the drum type washing and drying machine is taken as an example. However, washing machines having other structures can be similarly implemented.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Case 2 Outer tub 3 Washing / dehydration tub 4 Drive means 5 Vibration detection means 6 Control device 7 Door 8 Door open / close button 9 Operation panel 10 Detergent tray 11 Display panel 12 Filter panel 13 for drying 13 Drain hose 15 Base 16 Leg Section 17 Filter panel 18, 19 Suspension spring 21 Drain valve 22 Suspension 23 Unbalance 51 Acceleration sensor 52 Filter circuit 53 Motor 54 Motor control circuit 55 Display panel circuit 56 AC power supply 57 Power supply circuit 60 Microcomputer 61 Self-diagnosis means 62 Foreign matter detection means 63 Inclination detection means

Claims (5)

A case, an outer tub elastically supported by an elastic support within the case, a rotatable washing / dehydrating tub disposed in the outer tub, and for rotating the washing / dehydrating tub Drive means, a rotation speed detection device for detecting the rotation speed of the washing and dewatering tub, vibration detection means attached to the outer tub, and the vibration state and elasticity of the outer tub from the output signal of the vibration detection means In the washing machine having a control device that determines the state of the support and controls the rotation speed and rotation direction of the washing and dewatering tub based on the result,
A washing machine characterized in that the vibration detection means can switch vibration detection sensitivity and diagnoses the vibration detection means based on the output of the vibration detection means. In claim 1,
The washing machine is characterized in that the vibration detection means performs self-diagnosis of the vibration detection means from the output signal of the vibration detection means when the output of the rotation speed detection device fluctuates at a certain value or more. In claim 1,
The washing machine characterized in that the vibration detection means switches the vibration detection sensitivity during operation, and performs self-diagnosis of the vibration detection means based on outputs before and after vibration detection sensitivity switching. . In claim 1,
The vibration detection means sets the vibration detection sensitivity to a high sensitivity when the rotation speed of the washing and dehydrating tub is low, and reduces the vibration detection sensitivity to a low sensitivity when the rotation speed of the washing and dehydration tub is high. Washing machine characterized by setting to. In claim 1,
The washing machine is characterized in that the vibration detection means switches the vibration detection sensitivity to high sensitivity during a washing operation and detects foreign matter in the washing and dewatering tub.

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