U.S. patent application number 15/736505 was filed with the patent office on 2018-07-05 for washing machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to AQUA CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is AQUA CO., LTD., Qingdao Haier Washing Machine Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Tomonari Kawaguchi.
Application Number | 20180187357 15/736505 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57544940 |
Filed Date | 2018-07-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180187357 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kawaguchi; Tomonari |
July 5, 2018 |
WASHING MACHINE
Abstract
The object of the present disclosure is to provide a washing
machine capable of detecting that washings in a washing drum are in
a state unsuitable for a dewatering process in a phase earlier than
the dewatering process. The washing machine includes: a washing
drum; a stirring component; a motor; and a microcomputer for
controlling water supply and drainage for the washing drum or
controlling a voltage applied to the motor to rotate the stirring
component. During a washing process, the microcomputer obtains an
index which indicates a size of resistance generated by the
washings in the washing drum to rotation of the stirring component.
When the index exceeds a specified threshold since the resistance
in the washing process is less than a specified resistance, the
microcomputer judges that the washings in the washing drum are in a
state unsuitable for the dewatering process.
Inventors: |
Kawaguchi; Tomonari; (Tokyo,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AQUA CO., LTD.
Qingdao Haier Washing Machine Co., Ltd. |
Tokyo
Shandong |
|
JP
CN |
|
|
Assignee: |
AQUA CO., LTD.
Tokyo
JP
Qingdao Haier Washing Machine Co., Ltd.
Shandong
CN
|
Family ID: |
57544940 |
Appl. No.: |
15/736505 |
Filed: |
June 14, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
June 14, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CN2016/085656 |
371 Date: |
December 14, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 35/006 20130101;
D06F 2202/065 20130101; D06F 37/14 20130101; D06F 39/087 20130101;
D06F 33/00 20130101; D06F 41/00 20130101; D06F 34/18 20200201 |
International
Class: |
D06F 33/02 20060101
D06F033/02; D06F 39/00 20060101 D06F039/00; D06F 39/08 20060101
D06F039/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 18, 2015 |
JP |
2015-122906 |
Claims
1. A washing machine, comprising: 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.
2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein 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.
3. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein 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.
4. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the washing
machine further comprises 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.
5. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein under a
condition that 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.
6. The washing machine according to claim 5, wherein the washing
drum is rotatable and the motor enable the washing drum to rotate,
and 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; and the washing machine
further comprises 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 during the washing
process.
7. The washing machine according to claim 5, wherein during the
washing process, when the index acquired by the acquirement unit
exceeds the specified threshold after the special drainage, 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.
8. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein 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.
9. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the washing
machine further comprises 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.
10. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the washing
machine further comprises 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.
11. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein under a
condition that 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.
12. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein under a
condition that 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.
13. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein under a
condition that 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.
14. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein during the
washing process, when the index acquired by the acquirement unit
exceeds the specified threshold after the special drainage, 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.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a washing machine.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In a washing machine described in the following patent
document 1, 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.
[0003] Current Technical Document
[0004] Patent Document [0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent
Publication No. 2006-68275 Problems to be solved in disclosure
[0006] Although a dewatering process of rotating the washing and
dewatering drum for dewatering the washings is performed after a
washing process of washing the washings in general washing
operation performed by the washing machine, 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.
SUMMARY
[0007] In view of this, the present disclosure achieves a technical
solution. 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.
[0008] In addition, 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.
Solution for Solving the Problems
[0009] In the present disclosure, 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.
[0010] In addition, in the present disclosure, 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.
[0011] In addition, in the present disclosure, 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.
[0012] In addition, in the present disclosure, 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.
[0013] In addition, in the present disclosure, under a condition
that 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.
[0014] In addition, in the present disclosure, 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.
[0015] In addition, in the present disclosure, during the washing
process, when the index acquired by the acquirement unit exceeds
the specified threshold after the special drainage, 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.
Effects of the Disclosure
[0016] Through the washing machine in the present disclosure,
during a washing process of a phase earlier than a dewatering
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. Thus, 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.
[0017] During the washing process, 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.
When the washings in the washing drum are in a state unsuitable for
the dewatering process since the washings are gathered together, a
contact region between the washings and the stirring component
becomes narrow, so the resistance is decreased to be less than the
specified resistance. When the index exceeds the specified
threshold which is set according to the size of the load of the
washings since the resistance is less than the specified
resistance, the judgment unit judges that the washings in the
washing drum are in a state unsuitable for the dewatering
process.
[0018] As a result, 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.
[0019] In addition, through the present disclosure, 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.
[0020] In addition, through the present disclosure, 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.
[0021] In addition, through the present disclosure, under a
condition that the load of the washings in the washing drum is less
than the specified load, 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.
[0022] In addition, through the present disclosure, under a
condition of judging that the washings in the washing drum are in a
state unsuitable for the dewatering process, special drainage is
executed in the washing process so that the water level in the
washing drum is decreased to the specified water level. Thus, the
washings gathering together in the washing drum are easy to contact
with the stirring component since the washings are lowered with the
decrease of the water level, and therefore, 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.
[0023] In addition, through the present disclosure, during the
dewatering process, the execution unit controls the voltage applied
to the motor so that the washing drum rotates. Thus, the
centrifugal force acts on the washings in the washing drum, thereby
dewatering the washings.
[0024] 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. Thus, the washings which become soft after being
wetted are dispersed by the stirring component, so that the bias of
the washings can be corrected.
[0025] 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. Thus, since 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.
[0026] In addition, through the present disclosure, under a
condition that the index acquired after the special drainage
exceeds the specified threshold, i.e., under a condition that the
state of the washings unsuitable for the dewatering process is not
eliminated through the special drainage, 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic longitudinal section right view
illustrating a washing machine according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical
structure of a washing machine;
[0029] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective diagram illustrating a
washing drum of a washing machine;
[0030] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective diagram illustrating a
washing drum;
[0031] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a control action in a
washing process;
[0032] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a relevant control
action of detection of a load in a washing process;
[0033] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a relevant control
action of detection of an inertial rotation state of a washing
process;
[0034] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a control action in a
first embodiment shown in a washing process;
[0035] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a control action in a
second embodiment shown in a washing process;
[0036] 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;
[0037] FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating a control action in a
third embodiment shown in a washing process;
[0038] FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a control action in a
fourth embodiment shown in a washing process; and
[0039] FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a relevant control
action of correction treatment executed when a dewatering process
is discontinued.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0040] 1: washing machine; 4: washing drum; 5: stirring component;
6: motor; 30: microcomputer; c: inertial rotation amount; d:
inertial rotation amount; e: maximum rotating speed; f: maximum
rotating speed; A: detection value; C: detection value; D:
detection value; E: detection value; F: accumulated value of
maximum rotating speed; Q: washing; Z2: lower side.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] Embodiments of the present disclosure are specifically
described below with reference to drawings. 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. In the up-down direction Z, an upper side in FIG. 1 is
referred to as an upper side Z1 and a lower side in FIG. 1 is
referred to as a lower side Z2. In the front-rear direction Y, a
left side in FIG. 1 is referred to as a front side Y1 and a right
side in FIG. 1 is referred to as a rear side Y2. In the left-right
direction X, a side of the paper surface away from an observer in
FIG. 1 is referred as a left side X1, and a side of the paper
surface near the observer in FIG. 1 is referred as a right side X2.
A horizontal direction H includes the left-right direction X and
the front-rear direction Y.
[0042] Although 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.
[0043] The housing 2 is made of, for example, metal, and has a box
shape. An upper surface 2A 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 Z1 when getting closer to the rear
side Y2. An opening 8 is disposed on the upper surface 2A for
communicating the interior with the exterior of the housing 2. A
door 9 is disposed on the upper surface 2A for opening and closing
the opening 8. An operation portion 10A including a switch for
example, and a display portion 10B including a liquid crystal panel
for example are disposed in a region around the opening 8 on the
upper surface 2A. In FIG. 1, the operation portion 10A and the
display portion 10B are configured to be closer to the front side
Y1 than the opening 8, but can also be configured, for example, to
be closer to the right side X2 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 10A. The display portion 10B visibly displays
information relevant to the washing operation.
[0044] 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 3A which is of a substantially cylindrical
shape and is configured in an inclination direction K of inclining
to the front side Y1 relative to the up-down direction Z; a bottom
wall 3B, which blocks a hollow portion of the circumferential wall
3A from the lower side Z2; and an annular wall 3C, which is
protruded toward a circle center of the circumferential wall 3A
while being around an entire end edge at an upper side Z1 of the
circumferential wall 3A. 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 3A is exposed to the upper side Z1 from an
inner side of the annular wall 3C. The bottom wall 3B 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 3D is disposed in a circle center
position of the bottom wall 3B for penetrating through the bottom
wall 3B.
[0045] The outer drum 3 can store water. For example, a box-shaped
detergent storage chamber 11 is disposed at the upper side Z1 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 Z1 and from the rear side Y2, 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.
[0046] 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. 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. On the other hand, 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.
[0047] The outer drum 3 is connected with a drainage path 18 from
the lower side Z2. 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.
[0048] 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 4A disposed along the inclination direction K
and a bottom wall 4B for blocking the hollow portion of the
circumferential wall 4A from the lower side Z2.
[0049] An inner circumferential surface of the circumferential wall
4A is the inner circumferential surface of the washing drum 4. An
upper end portion of the inner circumferential surface of the
circumferential wall 4A is an inlet/outlet 21 for exposing the
hollow portion of the circumferential wall 4A to the upper side Z1.
The inlet/outlet 21 is opposed to an inner side region of the
annular wall 3C of the outer drum 3 from the lower side Z2 and is
communicated with the opening 8 of the housing 2 from the lower
side Z2. 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.
[0050] 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 (not shown) are formed in the
circumferential wall 4A and the bottom wall 4B 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. In addition, the water flowing out of the detergent storage
chamber 11 is directly supplied into the washing drum 4 from the
upper side Z1 through the inlet/outlet 21 of the washing drum
4.
[0051] The bottom wall 4B of the washing drum 4 forms a circular
plate shape extending substantially parallel to the bottom wall 3B
of the outer drum 3 at intervals at the upper side Z1. A through
hole 4C penetrating through the bottom wall 4B is formed in a
circle center position of the bottom wall 4B being identical to the
central axis 20. A tubular supporting shaft 22 is disposed on the
bottom wall 4B for surrounding the through hole 4C and extending
toward the lower side Z2 along the central axis 20. The supporting
shaft 22 is inserted into the through hole 3D of the bottom wall 3B
of the outer drum 3. A lower end portion of the supporting shaft 22
is located closer to the lower side Z2 than the bottom wall 3B.
[0052] 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 4B at a
lower portion in the washing drum 4. A plurality of radially
configured blades 5A 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 Z2. The washings Q are located on the upper
surface of the stirring component 5 when the washings being stored
in the washing drum 4. In other words, the stirring component 5 in
the washing drum 4 is configured to face the washings Q from the
lower side Z2. A rotating shaft 23 is disposed in the stirring
component 5 for extending from its circle center to the lower side
Z2 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 Z2 than the bottom wall 3B of the outer drum 3.
[0053] In the present embodiment, the motor 6 is composed of a
variable frequency motor. The motor 6 is disposed at the lower side
Z2 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.
[0054] When the driving force from the motor 6 is transferred to
the supporting shaft 22 and the rotating shaft 23, the washing drum
4 and the stirring component 5 are rotated about the central axis
20. Rotating directions of the washing drum 4 and the stirring
component 5 is identical to a circumferential direction S of the
washing drum 4.
[0055] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical
structure of the washing machine 1. As shown in FIG. 2, 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).
[0056] 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 10A and the display portion 10B 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.
[0057] 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.
[0058] 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. In
the present embodiment, to facilitate description, 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.
[0059] In addition, the microcomputer 30 can control the rotation
direction of the motor 6. Therefore, the motor 6 can be rotated
forward or backward. In the present embodiment, 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 Z1; 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 Z1.
[0060] As described above, when the user operates the operation
portion 10A to select the operation conditions of the washing
operation for example, the microcomputer 30 receives the selection.
The microcomputer 30 visibly displays necessary information to the
user through the display portion 10B. 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.
[0061] 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.
[0062] The microcomputer 30 controls the opening and closing of the
water supply valve 14, the softener supply valve 16 and the drain
valve 19. Thus, 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.
[0063] Next, the washing operation performed by the microcomputer
30 in the washing machine 1 will be described. 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. It should be noted that the user
can use tap water only and can also use bath water as needed in the
washing operation.
[0064] It will be described later in detail that in the washing
process, 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. At this moment, the washing drum 4 is in a static
state. The washings Q in the washing drum 4 are stirred by
contacting with the blades 5A 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. In this way, 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. In addition, 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.
[0065] In the rinsing process after the washing process, the
microcomputer 30 rotates the stirring component 5 in a state that
water is restored in the washing drum 4. Thus the washings Q in the
washing drum 4 are stirred by the blades 5A 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.
[0066] In the dewatering 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. In the dewatering process, 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.
[0067] 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. Then, 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. Thus, since 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.
[0068] FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are schematic perspective diagrams
illustrating a washing drum 4. In FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, to facilitate
description, the washing drum 4 is shown by dotted lines, the
stirring component 5 is shown by dot dash lines, and 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. As shown in FIG. 3, the substantially
cylindrical washings Q along the circumferential wall 4A of the
washing drum 4 are in the state suitable for the dewatering
process. In this case, 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 4A 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.
[0069] On the other hand, 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 4A. 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.
[0070] 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.
[0071] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a control action in a
washing process. With reference to FIG. 5, the microcomputer 30
detects the load of the washings Q in the washing drum 4 as the
washing process starts (step S1).
[0072] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a relevant control
action of detection of a load. With reference to FIG. 6, as the
detection of the load starts, 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 S101). 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 S101. 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 S101 is referred as "inertial
rotation amount a".
[0073] Next, 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 S102). The inertial
rotation amount of the motor 6 in the backward direction during
detection of the load as step S102 is referred as "inertial
rotation amount b".
[0074] Then, the microcomputer 30 uses a value obtained by adding
the inertial rotation amount a measured in step S101 and the
inertial rotation amount b measured in step S102 as a detection
value A (step S103). The larger the load of the washings Q is, the
smaller the inertial rotation amount of the stirring component 5
loading heavy washings Q and the inertial rotation amount of the
motor 6 connected with the stirring component 5 are, and therefore,
the smaller the detection value A is. 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. In other words, the detection value A is an
example that indicates an index of the size of the load. It should
be noted that a sequence of step S101 and step S102 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.
[0075] Returning to FIG. 5, in step S1, 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. After step S1, the microcomputer 30 supplies
water into the washing drum 4 to a specified water level (step S2),
and starts rotation of the stirring component 5 (step S3). 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.
[0076] In the washing process of the washings Q, the microcomputer
30 performs the detection of the inertial rotation state for many
times, for example, three times (step S4 to step S6). FIG. 7 is a
flow chart illustrating a relevant control action of detection of
the inertial rotation state. With reference to FIG. 7, as the
detection of the inertial rotation state starts, 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 S201). It should be noted that the
specified time herein is the same as the time of forward rotation
performed by the stirring component 5 for cleaning the washings Q.
In other words, detection of the inertial rotation state is
performed as a link of forward rotation of the stirring component 5
for cleaning. The inertial rotation amount of the motor 6 in
forward direction during detection of the inertial rotation state
as step S201 is referred as "inertial rotation amount c".
[0077] Next, 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 (step S202).
It should be noted that the specified time herein is the same as
the time of backward rotation performed by the stirring component 5
for cleaning the washings Q. In other words, 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 S202 is referred as "inertial
rotation amount d". It should be noted that a sequence of step S201
and step S202 can also be reversed.
[0078] Then, the microcomputer 30, when step S201 and step S202 are
repeatedly performed for many times, for example, 16 times (step
S203: Yes), 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 S204). The smaller the resistance to the rotation of the
stirring component 5 due to the washings Q in the washing drum 4
(hereinafter referred to as "resistance") is, the larger the
inertial rotation amount is, and therefore, the larger the
detection value is. On the other hand, the larger the resistance
is, the smaller the inertial rotation amount is, and therefore, the
smaller the detection value is. In this way, 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.
[0079] Returning to FIG. 5, the microcomputer 30 acquires a
detection value B in the first detection of the inertial rotation
state in step S4, acquires a detection value C in the second
detection of the inertial rotation state in step S5, and acquires a
detection value D in the third detection of the inertial rotation
state in step S6. When 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), by narrowing a
contact region between the washings Q and the stirring component 5,
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.
[0080] Therefore, under the condition that the load is large to the
extent that the detection value A is lower than the first threshold
value, 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 S7). 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.
[0081] In the washing process, 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 S7: 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 S8). 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.
[0082] Especially, 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 S7. In addition, 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. When
considering that dry washings and wet washings are mixed together
under a condition of detection of the load, 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 S7.
[0083] In addition, under a condition that the extent that the load
of the washings Q in the washing drum 4 is less than the specified
load is the extent that the detection value A is not lower than the
first threshold value, the washings Q are difficult to become the
state unsuitable for the dewatering process. Therefore, in step S7,
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.
[0084] The microcomputer 30 stops the stirring component 5 and
executes special drainage (step S8) 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. As 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. After
special drainage, the microcomputer 30 restarts the rotation of the
stirring component 5, to continue to clean the washings Q (step
S9). Thus, 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.
As a result, 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.
[0085] Regarding to the treatment after step S9 in the washing
process, first to fourth embodiments below can be illustrated. In a
first embodiment shown in FIG. 8, 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 S10). It should be noted that
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 S7: No). Therefore, the microcomputer 30 does
not perform the treatments of step S8 and step S9, but rotates the
stirring component 5 by following step S3, thereby continuing to
operate (step S10). Then, when an end time is reached, 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 S1 to step S7 is
executed within approximately former 5 minutes and the treatment
from step S8 to step S10 is executed within approximately latter 5
minutes.
[0086] 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. In a second embodiment shown in FIG. 9, 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 S9, and executes detection of an accumulated value of the
maximum rotating speed (step S11). The microcomputer 30 acquires a
detection value E according to a flow described in FIG. 7 in the
detection of the inertial rotation state.
[0087] FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a relevant control
action of detection of the accumulated value of the maximum
rotating speed. With reference to FIG. 10, as the detection of the
accumulated value of the maximum rotating speed starts, 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 S301). It
should be noted that the specified time herein is the same as the
time of forward rotation performed by the stirring component 5 for
cleaning the washings Q. In other words, 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 S301 is referred as "a maximum
rotating speed e".
[0088] Next, 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 S302). It should be noted that the specified time
herein is the same as the time of backward rotation performed by
the stirring component 5 for cleaning the washings Q. In other
words, 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 S302 is
called as "a maximum rotating speed f". It should be noted that a
sequence of step S301 and step S302 can also be reversed.
[0089] Then, the microcomputer 30, when step S301 and step S302 are
repeatedly performed for many times, for example, 16 times (step
S303: Yes), 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 S304).
The smaller the resistance is, the larger the maximum rotating
speeds e and f are, and therefore, the larger the accumulated value
F of the maximum rotating speed is. On the other hand, the larger
the resistance is, the lower the maximum rotating speeds e and f
are, and therefore, the smaller the accumulated value F of the
maximum rotating speed is. In this way, 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.
[0090] By returning to FIG. 9, 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 S11.
[0091] Therefore, 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 S12) no matter whether a first special drainage is
executed (step S8). 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.
[0092] After first special drainage (step S8), 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 S12: 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. Therefore, 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 S12.
[0093] According to a condition of judging that the washings Q are
in the state unsuitable for the next dewatering process, 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 S13). Where, in 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.
After the second special drainage, the microcomputer 30 restarts
the rotation of the stirring component 5, to continue to clean the
washings Q (step S14). At this moment, 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 S14).
[0094] Then, the microcomputer 30 continues to operate until the
end time (step S10). 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
S7: No), the microcomputer 30 does not perform the treatments of
step S8, step S9 and steps S11-S14, but follows step S3 so that the
stirring component 5 rotates, thereby continuing to operate (step
S10). Then, when the end time is reached, the microcomputer 30 ends
the washing process.
[0095] In a third embodiment shown in FIG. 11, 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 S9 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
S11). 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 S12: Yes), the microcomputer 30
stops the stirring component 5 to execute the second special
drainage (step S13).
[0096] Then, after the second special drainage, the microcomputer
30 restarts the rotation of the stirring component 5, to continue
to clean the washings (step S15). At this moment, unlike the step
S14 in the second embodiment, the microcomputer 30 prolongs the
washing process by setting the delay of the end time of the washing
process (step S15). The delay time is, for example, 2 minutes under
a condition of performing the washing process for 10 minutes like
above.
[0097] Then, the microcomputer 30 continues to operate until the
delayed end time (step S10). 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 S7: No), the microcomputer 30 does not
perform the treatments of step S8, step S9, steps S11-S13 and step
S15, but follows step S3 so that the stirring component 5 rotates,
thereby continuing to operate until the usual end time before delay
(step S10). Then, when the end time is reached, the microcomputer
30 ends the washing process.
[0098] In a fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 12, 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 S9 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
S11). 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 S12: Yes), the microcomputer 30
stops the stirring component 5 to execute the second special
drainage (step S13).
[0099] Then, after the second special drainage, the microcomputer
30 restarts the rotation of the stirring component 5, to continue
to clean the washings (step S16). At this moment, the microcomputer
30 sets the delay of the end time of the washing process as step
S15 in the third embodiment, and continues to clean the washings in
a state of strengthening the water flow in the washing drum 4 (step
S16) as step S14 in the second embodiment.
[0100] Then, the microcomputer 30 continues to operate until the
delayed end time (step S10). 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 S7: No), the microcomputer 30 does not
perform the treatments of step S8, step S9, steps S11-S13 and step
S16, but follows step S3 so that the stirring component 5 rotates.
Thus, the microcomputer 30 continues to operate until the usual end
time before delay (step S10) 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.
[0101] In the second embodiment to the fourth embodiment, under a
condition that the state of the washings Q unsuitable for the
dewatering process is not eliminated through the first special
drainage, after the special drainage is executed again through step
S13, 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 S14-S16.
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 S13, and therefore, the washings Q are easy to be dispersed by
restarting the rotating stirring component 5. In addition, the
washings Q are also easy to be dispersed by the strong water flow
in the washing drum 4. In addition, since the above mechanical
force sufficiently acts on the washings Q along with the
prolongation of the washing process, 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.
[0102] In the dewatering process after the washing process, 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. At this moment, when 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. When
the phenomena are generated in the dewatering process, 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.
[0103] Specifically, the microcomputer 30 firstly confirms (step
S21) whether special drainage (step S8) 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.
[0104] Under a condition of not performing the special drainage in
this washing operation (step S21: 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 S22). 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 S23). 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 S24).
Thus, the correction treatment is ended. After the correction
treatment, the dewatering process is restarted.
[0105] On the other hand, under a condition that the special
drainage is executed in the washing process of this washing
operation (step S21: 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
S25). 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 S22). Then, the stirring component
5 rotates for the specified time (step S23). Thus, 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. When the
specified time elapses, the microcomputer 30 executes the drainage
of the washing drum 4 (step S24) and ends the correction
treatment.
[0106] The present disclosure is not limited to embodiment
described above, and various changes can be made within a scope in
appended claims.
[0107] For example, in above step S7 (with reference to FIG. 5),
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. Specifically, in step S7, 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
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.
Moreover, 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
S7: 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.
[0108] Further, in step S7, 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 S7, 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.
Moreover, 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 S7: 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.
[0109] In addition, in above embodiments, during special drainage
in steps S8 and S13, the rotation of the stirring component 5 is
stopped. However, the rotation of the stirring component 5 may
continue to rotate until the end time.
[0110] In addition, in above embodiments, 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. Alternatively, 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.
[0111] In addition, although the final dewatering process finally
executed in the washing operation is described with respect to the
dewatering process in above embodiments, 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.
[0112] In addition, in the washing machine 1, 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.
* * * * *