Washing system

Abstract

This invention provides a washing system capable of reducing the bias of laundry within the drum during spin-drying. The washing system of this embodiment includes a drum, a first detection unit, a determination unit, a second detection unit, a recording unit, and a control unit. The drum contains the laundry to be washed. The first detection unit detects at least one of the state of the drum or the state of the agitator. The determination unit determines whether spin-drying has failed based on the detection result of the first detection unit. The second detection unit detects the washing state. The recording unit records information relating the number of times the determination unit determines that spin-drying has failed, and the washing state detected by the second detection unit when the determination unit determines that spin-drying has failed. The control unit controls the water flow within the drum based on the information recorded by the recording unit and the washing state detected by the second detection unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a washing system. Background Technology

[0002] In washing machines, there is a tendency for laundry to shift during the spin cycle, such as during the spin-drying process. The goal is to reduce this shifting in the washing machine.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-008313

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-208858

[0007] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-177462 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a washing system that can reduce the offset of laundry in the rotating drum.

[0010] Methods used to solve problems

[0011] The washing system of this embodiment includes a rotating drum, a first detection unit, a determination unit, a second detection unit, a recording unit, and a control unit. The rotating drum contains the object to be washed. The first detection unit detects at least one of the state of the rotating drum or the state of the agitator. The determination unit determines whether dehydration has failed based on the detection result of the first detection unit. The second detection unit detects the washing state. The recording unit records information that correlates the number of times the determination unit determines that dehydration has failed with the washing state detected by the second detection unit when the determination unit determines that dehydration has failed. The control unit controls the water flow in the rotating drum based on the information recorded by the recording unit and the washing state detected by the second detection unit.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] The washing system according to the present invention can reduce the offset of the laundry in the drum during spin-drying. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a drive circuit in one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a control device according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a portion of the configuration of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of information TBL1 in one implementation method.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing flow of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0020] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0021] 1…House, 2…Washing lid, 3…Water tank, 4…Hanging rod, 5…Rotating drum, 6…Top cover, 7…Balance ring, 8…Agitator, 9…Washing machine motor, 11…Clutch mechanism, 12…Drain valve, 13…Drain hose, 14…Switching motor, 16…Control panel, 16a…Display unit, 16b…Operation input unit, 17…Vibration detection device, 18…Water supply valve, 19…Water level sensor, 20…Temperature acquisition device, 21…Rotation detection device, 22…Drive circuit, 22a…Rectifier circuit, 22b…Ripple removal circuit, 22c…Inverter, 23…Control device, 24…Tilting detection device, 100…Washing machine, 201…Receiver, 202…Detector, 203…Judgment unit, 204…Recording unit, 205…Control unit, 206…Storage unit. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The washing system of the embodiment will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be labeled with the same reference numerals. Furthermore, repeated descriptions of these components will sometimes be omitted. "Based on XX" means "at least based on XX," but may also include cases based on other elements besides XX. "Based on XX" is not limited to directly using XX, but may also include cases based on elements after calculation or processing of XX. "XX or YY" is not limited to either XX or YY, but may include both XX and YY. This is also true when three or more elements are selected. "XX" and "YY" are arbitrary elements (e.g., arbitrary information). Furthermore, "detection" is not limited to directly sensing the physical quantity of the object, but may also include directly or indirectly obtaining other physical quantities related to the physical quantity of the object, and inferring or determining the physical quantity of the object based on the obtained other physical quantities. Furthermore, "obtaining" is not limited to directly receiving the object itself, but may also include cases where the directly received object becomes an object through calculation or processing, etc.

[0023] The following describes several embodiments. The washing machine of these embodiments improves the offset of the laundry produced during spin-drying. The washing machine is a vertical type. The washing machine can also be a twin-tub type.

[0024] <Implementation Method>

[0025] (The overall structure of a washing machine)

[0026] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the overall configuration of a washing machine 100 according to one embodiment. The washing machine 100 includes, for example, a housing 1, a water tank 3 (an example of an outer tub), a hanging rod 4, a rotating drum 5, a balance ring 7, an agitator 8, a washing machine motor 9, a clutch mechanism 11, a drain valve 12, a drain hose 13, a switching motor 14, an operation panel 16, a vibration detection device 17 (an example of a first detection unit), a water supply valve 18, a water level sensor 19, a temperature acquisition device 20, a rotation detection device 21 (an example of a rotation position sensor), a drive circuit 22, a control device 23, and a tilt detection device 24. The washing machine 100 is an example of a washing system. The rotating drum 5 is an example of a washing tub.

[0027] The housing (outer casing) 1 includes a bottom wall, a top wall, a front wall, a rear wall, and left and right side walls. The housing 1 forms the exterior of the washing machine 100. The washing lid 2 is installed on the housing 1 in an openable and closable manner.

[0028] A water tank 3 is disposed inside the housing 1. The bottom of the water tank 3 is closed. The upper surface of the water tank 3 is formed into an open cylindrical container shape. A drain outlet 3a is provided at the bottom of the water tank 3. The water tank 3 is elastically supported by suspension via a vibration damping device, which is mainly composed of hanging rods 4 located at the four corners inside the housing 1 and helical springs (not shown).

[0029] The rotating drum 5 serves as both a washing drum and a spin-drying drum. It is located inside the water-holding drum 3. Laundry items (an example of the objects being washed) are placed in and removed from the rotating drum 5 through the laundry inlet / outlet on the top cover 6 of the housing 1. The bottom of the rotating drum 5 is closed. The upper surface of the rotating drum 5 is formed as an open cylindrical container. Multiple spin-drying holes 5a are provided on the peripheral wall of the rotating drum 5. Each spin-drying hole 5a penetrates the peripheral wall of the rotating drum 5 in the thickness direction, allowing communication between the inside and outside of the rotating drum 5. A balancing ring 7 is installed at the upper end of the rotating drum 5.

[0030] The agitator 8 is rotatably disposed at the bottom of the rotating drum 5. The agitator 8 generates the water flow in the rotating drum 5 during washing and rinsing. That is, by controlling the rotation of the agitator 8, the water flow in the rotating drum 5 can be changed.

[0031] The washing machine motor 9 is an electric motor used for washing and spin-drying. The washing machine motor 9 is located below the water tank 3. Under the control of the control device 23 (described later), the washing machine motor 9 rotates according to the current supplied from the drive circuit 22. The washing machine motor 9 causes the drum 5 to rotate. The washing machine motor 9 is, for example, a three-phase DC brushless motor of the external rotor type.

[0032] The clutch mechanism 11 is located below the water tank 3. The clutch mechanism 11 is driven by the washing machine motor 9. The clutch mechanism 11 switches between a state in which only the agitator 8 rotates and a state in which the agitator 8 rotates together with the rotating drum 5.

[0033] The drain outlet 3a is located at the bottom of the water tank 3. The drain hose 13 is connected to the drain outlet 3a via the drain valve 12. When the drain valve 12 is opened, the water in the rotating drum 5 and the water tank 3 is discharged to the outside of the washing machine 100 through the drain hose 13.

[0034] A switching motor 14 is located below the water tank 3. The switching motor 14 switches the states of the clutch mechanism 11 and the drain valve 12 in a coordinated manner. For example, when the drain valve 12 is open, the switching motor 14 switches the clutch mechanism 11 such that the agitator 8 and the drum 5 rotate as a unit via the washing machine motor 9. Conversely, when the drain valve 12 is closed, the switching motor 14 switches the clutch mechanism 11 such that only the agitator 8 rotates independently via the washing machine motor 9. Alternatively, the washing machine 100 may replace the switching motor 14 with an electromagnetic solenoid, which is used to switch the states of the clutch mechanism 11 and the drain valve 12 in a coordinated manner.

[0035] The control panel 16 is located on the upper surface of the top cover 6. The control panel 16 includes a display unit 16a and an operation input unit 16b. For example, the display unit 16a and the operation input unit 16b may be a panel with buttons and a display device that the user can press, or a touch panel that the user can operate. By operating the control panel 16, the user can select the washing program and start the wash cycle. Examples of washing programs include standard programs, quick wash programs, fashion garment programs (delicate wash programs), in-room drying programs, and stubborn stain programs. For each washing program, the amount of water injected into the drum 5 during washing, the water flow in the drum 5 during rinsing, and the content of the washing cycle differ. Furthermore, the control panel 16 displays the washing cycle, the remaining time until the end of the cycle, and the set water level. The control panel 16 is an example of a report unit.

[0036] Vibration detection device 17 detects the vibration of the water tank 3 (in other words, the vibration of the rotating drum 5). Vibration detection device 17 is, for example, an accelerometer. When vibration detection device 17 is an accelerometer, it is installed on the water tank 3 (e.g., on the outer surface of the water tank 3). The accelerometer detects the acceleration corresponding to the vibration of the water tank 3 (in other words, the vibration of the rotating drum 5). The acceleration detected by the accelerometer changes according to the vibration of the water tank 3. Therefore, by determining the change in acceleration detected by the accelerometer, the magnitude of the vibration of the water tank 3 can be determined. Alternatively, instead of directly detecting the vibration of the water tank 3 by installing the accelerometer on the water tank 3, the vibration of the water tank 3 can be indirectly detected by installing it on the housing 1 or other components within the housing 1 (e.g., the hanger 4, etc.). If there is a misalignment of the laundry inside the rotating drum 5, the accelerometer detects abnormal vibration caused by this misalignment. That is, if the acceleration detected by the accelerometer exceeds a threshold and abnormal vibration is detected, it is determined that there is a misalignment of the laundry. However, the vibration detection device 17 is not limited to an accelerometer. For example, the vibration detection device 17 can also infer the change in the rotational speed of the washing machine motor 9 based on the change in the value of the current flowing through the drive circuit 22 (described later), which causes the washing machine motor 9 to rotate, and infer vibration based on the change in its rotational speed. Furthermore, this vibration inference is based on the idea that when there is no bias in the laundry in the water tank 3, the rotational speed of the washing machine motor 9 is approximately constant; conversely, when there is bias in the laundry in the water tank 3 and the water tank 3 vibrates, the rotational speed of the washing machine motor 9 fluctuates.

[0037] Water supply valve 18 is connected to a water supply hose (not shown) connected to a tap in the water supply pipe. By switching water supply valve 18 from a closed state to an open state, tap water is supplied through the inlet (not shown) to the rotating drum 5, and then to the water tank 3. A water level sensor 19 is located in the water tank 3. The water level sensor 19 detects the water level in the water tank 3.

[0038] The temperature acquisition device 20 acquires the ambient temperature of the washing machine 100. When the temperature acquisition device 20 is a temperature sensor, it is located on the outer surface of the housing 1. However, the temperature acquisition device 20 is not limited to a temperature sensor. For example, the temperature acquisition device 20 may also acquire the air temperature shown in a weather forecast for the area where the washing machine 100 is located via, for example, a communication network.

[0039] The rotation detection device 21 detects the rotational speed of the washing machine motor 9. The rotation detection device 21 is, for example, a position sensor such as a magnetic sensor (e.g., a Hall element, Hall IC (Integrated Circuit)). When the rotation detection device 21 is a magnetic sensor, the current rotor position is inferred from the outputs of the three magnetic sensors, and the rotation of the washing machine motor 9 is controlled based on this position. The rotational speed of the washing machine motor 9 during washing varies depending on the fabric type of the laundry. That is, the fabric type can be determined by the rotational speed of the washing machine motor 9. Alternatively, the rotation detection device 21 can also infer the rotational speed of the washing machine motor 9 based on the current flowing through the drive circuit 22 (described later), which is the value of the current causing the washing machine motor 9 to rotate.

[0040] The tilt detection device 24 detects the tilt of the floor on which the washing machine 100 is placed (i.e., the tilt of the washing machine 100 itself relative to the horizontal). The tilt detection device 24 is, for example, a gyroscope sensor. The tilt detection device 24 is, for example, located on the inner side of the bottom wall of the housing 1.

[0041] (Construction of the drive circuit)

[0042] The drive circuit 22 supplies current to the washing machine motor 9 that corresponds to the control performed by the control device 23. Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the drive circuit 22. The drive circuit 22 is, for example,... Figure 2 The circuit shown is a drive circuit 22, which includes an inductor L, a rectifier circuit 22a, a ripple removal circuit 22b, an inverter 22c, and a current detection circuit Rs.

[0043] Inductor L limits the current. Rectifier circuit 22a generates DC voltage based on commercial AC voltage. Rectifier circuit 22a is, for example, a bridge circuit composed of four diodes. Ripple removal circuit 22b reduces the ripple in the rectified DC voltage. Ripple removal circuit 22b is, for example, a capacitor. Through this ripple removal circuit 22b, the amplitude variation of the voltage output by rectifier circuit 22a is reduced. The voltage output by rectifier circuit 22a is input to inverter 22c.

[0044] Inverter 22c generates an AC voltage to drive the washing machine motor 9 based on the input DC voltage. For example, as... Figure 2As shown, inverter 22c is a bridge circuit composed of six switching elements. In the bridge circuit, the switching elements on the power supply side are paired with the switching elements on the ground side, providing three pairs of switching elements. Examples of switching elements include semiconductor devices such as IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors) and MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors).

[0045] The resistor circuit Rs has three shunt resistors. Each shunt resistor is located on a current path corresponding to one of the three phases of the washing machine motor 9. Each shunt resistor is used to detect the current flowing through these paths. By dividing the voltage across each shunt resistor by its resistance value, the current flowing through each of the three phases can be determined. In the case where the switching element is an IGBT, each shunt resistor of the resistor circuit Rs is located between the emitter terminal of the IGBT on the ground side and the ground terminal. During the period when the IGBT on the ground side is in the ON state, a current of the same magnitude as the current flowing through the windings of the washing machine motor 9 is generated. Therefore, positive and negative voltages are generated in each shunt resistor.

[0046] (Composition of the control device)

[0047] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device 23. Figure 4 This diagram shows a portion of the configuration of the washing machine 100. The control device 23 includes, for example, a receiving unit 201, a detection unit 202 (an example of a first detection unit and an example of a second detection unit), a judgment unit 203, a recording unit 204, a control unit 205, and a storage unit 206. The control device 23 is a device that, based on information received from the operation panel 16, vibration detection device 17, water level sensor 19, temperature acquisition device 20, rotation detection device 21, drive circuit 22, and tilt detection device 24, controls the drain valve 12, the switching motor 14, and the water supply valve 18, and controls the washing machine motor 9 (see reference 200) by controlling the drive circuit 22. Figure 4 ).

[0048] These functional units are implemented, for example, by executing programs (software) using a hardware processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) mounted on the control device 23. However, some or all of the aforementioned functional units can be implemented using hardware (including the circuitry) such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), PLD (Programmable Logic Device), and FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or through a combination of software and hardware.

[0049] The receiving unit 201 generates signals corresponding to the user's operations on the control panel 16. Specifically, the signals generated by the receiving unit 201 indicate the washing program selected by the user. Additionally, the signals generated by the receiving unit 201 indicate the material of the floor on which the washing machine 100 is placed.

[0050] The detection unit 202 detects at least one of the states of the rotating drum 5 or the agitator 8. Specifically, the detection unit 202 determines the state of the rotating drum 5 as the acceleration detected by an acceleration sensor located on the outside of the water tank 3 (e.g., the outer surface of the water tank 3). In addition, the detection unit 202 infers the change in the rotational speed of the washing machine motor 9 (i.e., the state of the agitator) based on the change in the value of the current flowing through the resistor circuit Rs of the drive circuit 22.

[0051] In addition, the inspection unit 202 inspects the washing status. Examples of washing status include the washing program, the weight of the laundry, the fabric of the laundry, the ambient temperature of the washing machine 100, the inclination of the floor on which the washing machine 100 is placed, and the material of the floor on which the washing machine 100 is placed.

[0052] For example, the detection unit 202 detects the washing operation program by determining the operating program represented by the signal generated by the receiving unit 201. Furthermore, in the first detection operation described later, the detection unit 202 detects the weight of the laundry based on at least one of the current value flowing through the shunt resistor of the resistance circuit Rs obtained during the acceleration of the rotation drive of the drum 5, or the change in the rotational speed of the washing machine motor 9. Since the current value flowing through the shunt resistor of the resistance circuit Rs obtained during the acceleration of the rotation drive of the drum 5 and the change in the rotational speed of the washing machine motor 9 are related to the weight of the laundry, this detection can be performed. Additionally, the detection unit 202 detects the fabric type of the laundry based on at least one of the change in the current value flowing through the shunt resistor of the resistance circuit Rs, or the difference between the water supply and the water level (i.e., water volume) indicated by the water level sensor 19. For example, if the change in the current value flowing through the shunt resistor of the resistance circuit Rs is large, the detection unit 202 determines that the fabric is easily absorbent; if the current value is small, it determines that the fabric is difficult to absorb water. Furthermore, if the difference between the water supply and the water level indicated by the water level sensor 19 is greater than a threshold, the detection unit 202 determines that the fabric is easily absorbent; if the difference is less than the threshold, it determines that the fabric is difficult to absorb water. Additionally, the detection unit 202 detects the ambient temperature of the washing machine 100 by determining the temperature obtained by the temperature acquisition device 20. Furthermore, the detection unit 202 detects the inclination of the floor on which the washing machine 100 is placed by determining the inclination detected by the inclination detection device 24. Finally, the detection unit 202 detects the material of the floor on which the washing machine 100 is placed by determining the material of the floor indicated by the signal generated by the receiving unit 201.

[0053] Based on the detection results of the detection unit 202, the determination unit 203 determines whether the spin-drying process has failed. For example, if the determination unit 203 determines that the vibration detected by the acceleration sensor detected by the detection unit 202 exceeds a threshold, it determines that the laundry is misaligned, i.e., the spin-drying process has failed. Additionally, if the determination unit 203 determines that the change in the rotational speed of the washing machine motor 9 detected by the detection unit 202 exceeds a threshold, it also determines that the laundry is misaligned, i.e., the spin-drying process has failed.

[0054] The recording unit 204 records in the storage unit 206 the number of times the determination unit 203 determined that dehydration had failed, and the information TBL1 that establishes a correlation between the determination unit 203's determination that dehydration had failed and the washing status detected by the detection unit 202 when the determination unit 203 determined that dehydration had failed. Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of information TBL1 recorded by the recording unit 204 in the storage unit 206. For example, as shown... Figure 5As shown, in the case of washing #1, the recording unit 204 establishes an association between washing state 1, the number of spin-drying failures 3, the control parameters (parameters 1 to 3) used when spin-drying failed, and the control parameters (parameter 4) used when spin-drying was successful, and records them in the storage unit 206. Washing state 1 is represented by the following parameters: the running program is running program 1, the weight of the laundry is weight 1, the fabric type of the laundry is fabric 1, the ambient temperature of the washing machine 100 is temperature 1, the inclination of the floor on which the washing machine 100 is placed is inclination 1, and the material of the floor on which the washing machine 100 is placed is material 1. In addition, the control parameters used for the first time ( Figure 5 Parameters 1, 5, and 8 are standard control parameters predetermined for each washing state.

[0055] The control unit 205 performs a first detection action to detect the weight of the laundry contained in the drum 5. For example, the control unit 205 performs the first detection action before washing or drying begins (e.g., before water is supplied to the washing machine 100, or immediately after the start button of the washing machine 100 is pressed). The first detection action is an action that drives the drum 5 to rotate with a relatively large acceleration and a relatively large deceleration, excluding constant speed rotation.

[0056] Furthermore, if the spin-drying process does not fail, the control unit 205 controls the drain valve 12, the switching motor 14, and the water supply valve 18 based on standard control parameters for the washing state, and controls the washing machine motor 9 via the control drive circuit 22. Thus, the control unit 205 executes the washing operation of the washing machine 100, which consists of a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a spin-drying cycle, corresponding to the washing program specified by the user.

[0057] Furthermore, if the determination unit 203 determines that the dehydration has failed, the control unit 205 controls the water flow in the drum 5 based on the information TBL1 recorded by the recording unit 204 in the storage unit 206 and the washing status detected by the detection unit 202. For example, if the washing status detected by the detection unit 202 is... Figure 5 In the washing state 1 shown, when the determination unit 203 determines that spin-drying has failed, the control unit 205 returns to the water supply process, changes the control parameter from parameter 1 to parameter 2, and performs water supply and rinsing again. Parameter 2 is a parameter that controls the water flow in the drum to improve the bias of the laundry compared to parameter 1. When rinsing ends, the determination unit 203 determines whether spin-drying has failed. If the determination unit 203 determines that spin-drying has failed, it returns to the water supply process, changes the control parameter from parameter 2 to parameter 3, and performs water supply and rinsing again. Parameter 3 is a parameter that controls the water flow in the drum to improve the bias of the laundry compared to parameter 2. This change of control parameters and determination of whether spin-drying has failed continues until spin-drying is determined to be successful.

[0058] Furthermore, the control parameters are parameters that control the water flow within the drum in a way that improves the bias of the laundry. As the number of failed spin cycles increases, the control unit 205 increases the degree of change in the water flow within the drum 5. Three specific examples of controlling the water flow within the drum 5 in a way that improves the bias of the laundry can be listed below. First, the control unit 205 increases the degree of change from the reference value of the water flow (i.e., the state of the water flow when using standard control parameters) by extending the rotation time of the washing machine motor 9, which rotates the agitator 8 that changes the water flow within the drum 5. This is based on the idea that extending the rotation time of the washing machine motor 9 generates friction between the agitator 8 and the laundry, loosening the laundry and improving the bias of the laundry. Second, the control unit 205 increases the degree of change in the water flow by shortening the time from forward to reverse rotation and the time from reverse to forward rotation during the rotation of the washing machine motor 9, which rotates the agitator 8 that changes the water flow within the drum 5. This is based on the idea that by increasing the number of times the rotation direction of the washing machine motor 9 changes per unit time, friction is generated between the agitator 8 and the laundry, causing the laundry to loosen and improving the load distribution. Thirdly, the control unit 205 increases the degree of water flow change by increasing the rotation speed of the washing machine motor 9, which rotates the agitator 8 to change the water flow within the drum 5. This is based on the idea that by increasing the rotation speed of the washing machine motor 9, friction is generated between the agitator 8 and the laundry, causing the laundry to loosen and improving the load distribution.

[0059] The storage unit 206 stores various information required for the processing performed by the control device 23. For example, the storage unit 206 stores control parameters used for each washing state, which are represented by combinations of washing operation program, weight of laundry, fabric type of laundry, ambient temperature of washing machine 100, inclination of floor on which washing machine 100 is placed, and material of floor on which washing machine 100 is placed.

[0060] (The process performed by the washing machine)

[0061] Next, the processing performed by the washing machine 100 according to one embodiment will be described. Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing flow of a washing machine 100 according to one embodiment. Here, for Figure 6 The processing flow of the washing machine 100 shown is explained.

[0062] The user selects the washing program using the control panel 16. Additionally, the user selects the material of the floor on which the washing machine 100 will be placed using the control panel 16. Furthermore, the timing and sequence of selecting the washing program and the floor material can be arbitrary.

[0063] The receiving unit 201 generates a signal corresponding to the operation performed by the user on the operation panel 16 (step S1). Specifically, the receiving unit 201 generates a signal indicating the washing program selected by the user and a signal indicating the material of the floor on which the washing machine 100 is placed.

[0064] The detection unit 202 detects the ambient temperature of the washing machine 100 by determining the temperature obtained by the temperature acquisition device 20 (step S2). In addition, the detection unit 202 detects the inclination of the floor on which the washing machine 100 is placed by determining the inclination detected by the inclination detection device 24 (step S3).

[0065] The control unit 205 performs a first detection operation (step S4) to detect the weight of the laundry contained in the drum 5 based on the signal generated by the receiving unit 201. The first detection operation is an action that drives the drum 5 to rotate with a relatively large acceleration and a relatively large deceleration, excluding constant-speed rotation. While the control unit 205 performs this operation, the detection unit 202 detects the weight of the laundry in the first detection operation (step S5). This detection can be based on at least one of the current value flowing through the shunt resistor of the resistor circuit Rs obtained during the acceleration of the drum 5's rotational drive, or the change in the rotational speed of the washing machine motor 9.

[0066] The control unit 205 controls the water supply valve 18 to supply water to the drum 5. Then, the control unit 205 controls the washing machine motor 9 to rotate. At this time, the detection unit 202 detects the fabric texture of the laundry based on the change in the current value flowing through the shunt resistor of the resistor circuit Rs (step S7). If the detected fabric texture is different from the fabric texture envisioned when determining the standard control parameters, the parameters are changed to the parameters for the fabric texture that meets the standard control parameters. Alternatively, the detection unit 202 can also detect the fabric texture of the laundry based on the difference between the water supply volume and the water level (i.e., water volume) indicated by the water level sensor 19 during water supply.

[0067] The control unit 205 controls the drain valve 12, the switching motor 14, and the water supply valve 18 in a manner corresponding to the washing operation program indicated by the signal generated by the receiving unit 201, and controls the washing machine motor 9 via the control drive circuit 22 (step S6). During this washing cycle, standard control parameters are used to store a water volume in the water tank 3 corresponding to the weight of the laundry detected in step S3. Furthermore, the washing cycle (i.e., the washing action) is performed by causing the agitator 8 to rotate forward and reverse along with the detergent.

[0068] Then, the control unit 205 ends the washing cycle (step S8). The control unit 205 controls the drain valve 12 to drain the water in the water tank 3. Then, the control unit 205 controls the water supply valve 18 to supply water to the water tank 3, controls the washing machine motor 9 to rotate the drum 5, and controls the drain valve 12 to drain the water in the water tank 3, thereby performing the rinsing cycle (i.e., performing the rinsing action) (step S9).

[0069] When the water in the water tank 3 becomes empty, the control unit 205 switches the clutch mechanism 11 and starts the spin-drying cycle (i.e., starts spin-drying operation) using standard control parameters (step S10). The detection unit 202 detects at least one of the states of the rotating drum 5 or the agitator 8 (step S11). For example, the detection unit 202 determines the state of the rotating drum 5 as the acceleration detected by an acceleration sensor located on the outside of the water tank 3 (e.g., the outer surface of the water tank 3). Alternatively, the detection unit 202 can also infer the change in the rotational speed of the washing machine motor 9 (i.e., the state of the agitator) based on the change in the value of the current flowing through the resistor circuit Rs of the drive circuit 22.

[0070] Based on the detection results of the detection unit 202, the determination unit 203 determines whether the spin-drying has failed (step S12). For example, if the determination unit 203 determines that the vibration detected by the acceleration sensor detected by the detection unit 202 exceeds a threshold, it determines that the laundry is misaligned, i.e., the spin-drying has failed. Alternatively, the determination unit 203 may also determine that the laundry is misaligned, i.e., the spin-drying has failed, if the change in the rotational speed of the washing machine motor 9 detected by the detection unit 202 exceeds a threshold.

[0071] If the determination unit 203 determines that the spin-drying process has not failed (no in step S12), the control unit 205 ends the spin-drying cycle. Then, the control unit 205 controls the drain valve 12, the switching motor 14, and the water supply valve 18 in such a way that the control parameters used in this stage are used to perform the next spin-drying cycle, and controls the washing machine motor 9 by controlling the drive circuit 22 (step S13).

[0072] If the determination unit 203 determines that dehydration has failed (yes in step S12), the recording unit 204 records in the storage unit 206 the number of times the determination unit 203 determined that dehydration had failed, and the washing status detected by the detection unit 202 when the determination unit 203 determined that dehydration had failed, establishing an associated information TBL1 (step S14). Based on the information TBL1 recorded by the recording unit 204 in the storage unit 206 and the washing status detected by the detection unit 202, the control unit 205 controls the water flow in the drum 5 (step S15). For example, if the washing status detected by the detection unit 202 is... Figure 5 In the washing state 1 shown, when the determination unit 203 determines that spin-drying has failed, the control unit 205 returns to the water supply process, changes the control parameter from parameter 1 to parameter 2, and performs water supply and rinsing again. Parameter 2 is a parameter that controls the water flow in the drum to improve the bias of the laundry compared to parameter 1. When rinsing ends, the determination unit 203 determines whether spin-drying has failed. If the determination unit 203 determines that spin-drying has failed, it returns to the water supply process, changes the control parameter from parameter 2 to parameter 3, and performs water supply and rinsing again. Parameter 3 is a parameter that controls the water flow in the drum to improve the bias of the laundry compared to parameter 2. This change of control parameters and determination of whether spin-drying has failed continues until spin-drying is determined to be successful.

[0073] Furthermore, the timing for executing step S14 is when the running program executed by the washing machine 100 is the initially selected running program. If the washing machine 100 executes a previously executed running program again, since it is known that there is a possibility of repeated spin-drying, the timing for executing step S14 is between steps S8 and S9, thereby avoiding repeated spin-drying.

[0074] (advantage)

[0075] The washing machine 100 according to one embodiment has been described above. In the washing machine 100, the detection unit 202 detects at least one of the states of the drum 5 or the agitator 8. The determination unit 203 determines whether spin-drying has failed based on the detection result of the detection unit 202. The detection unit 202 detects the washing state. The recording unit 204 records the number of times the determination unit 203 determines that spin-drying has failed, and establishes information relating the washing state detected by the detection unit 202 when the determination unit 203 determines that spin-drying has failed. The control unit 205 controls the water flow in the drum 5 based on the information recorded by the recording unit 204 and the washing state detected by the detection unit 202. With this washing machine 100, the bias of the laundry in the drum during spin-drying can be reduced.

[0076] Additionally, in the washing machine 100, the vibration detection device 17 is an acceleration sensor. This washing machine 100 can reduce the misalignment of the laundry within the drum during spin-drying.

[0077] Furthermore, in the washing machine 100, the recording unit 204 records in the storage unit 206 the number of times the determination unit 203 determines that spin-drying has failed, and establishes a correlation between the information TBL1 and the washing status detected by the detection unit 202 when the determination unit 203 determines that spin-drying has failed. Through this washing machine 100, the pattern of spin-drying failure can be identified, and measures can be taken to improve the bias of the laundry during the next spin-drying process.

[0078] Furthermore, in the washing machine 100, the determination unit 203 determines that the laundry is misaligned, i.e., the spin-drying process has failed, when it determines that the vibration detected by the acceleration sensor detected by the detection unit 202 exceeds a threshold. This washing machine 100 can generate new water flow even when the number of failed spin-drying attempts exceeds a threshold, thus further improving the misalignment of the laundry.

[0079] Furthermore, in the washing machine 100, the control unit 205 increases the degree of change in water flow within the drum 5 as the number of spin-drying failures increases. Through this washing machine 100, as the number of spin-drying failures increases, the corrective force of the water flow within the drum 5 on the bias of the laundry increases, further improving its bias.

[0080] Furthermore, in the washing machine 100, the control unit 205 extends the rotation time of the washing machine motor 9, which rotates the agitator 8 that alters the water flow within the drum 5. With this washing machine 100, the corrective force for the bias of the laundry is increased, further improving its bias.

[0081] Furthermore, in the washing machine 100, the control unit 205 increases the degree of water flow change by shortening the time from forward to reverse rotation and the time from reverse to forward rotation in the washing machine motor 9, which rotates the agitator 8 that changes the water flow in the rotating drum 5. With this washing machine 100, the corrective force for the bias of the laundry is increased, further improving its bias.

[0082] Furthermore, in the washing machine 100, the control unit 205 increases the degree of water flow alteration per unit time by increasing the rotation speed of the washing machine motor 9, which rotates the agitator 8 that alters the water flow within the drum 5. Through this washing machine 100, the corrective force for the bias of the laundry is increased, further improving its bias.

[0083] Furthermore, in the washing machine 100, if the ambient temperature is high, the vibration damper softens, and the damper's ability to suppress vibrations of the drum 5 decreases. The control unit 205, taking into account the ambient temperature of the washing machine 100, uses control parameters designed for greater vibration to change the water flow. As a result, the washing machine 100 increases the corrective force for the offset of the laundry, thus improving its offset.

[0084] <First variation of the implementation>

[0085] In the washing machine 100 of the above embodiment, the process of returning to the water supply when spin-drying fails and changing the water flow during the next spin-drying cycle has been described. However, in the washing machine 100 of the first variation of the embodiment, the control unit 205 can also use control parameters that generate a water flow that reduces the bias of the laundry during spin-drying during the washing process. With this washing machine 100, the process return is reduced, and the bias of the laundry can be improved more efficiently.

[0086] <Second variation of the implementation>

[0087] In the washing machine 100 of the above embodiment, the process of returning to water supply when spin-drying fails and changing the water flow during the next spin-drying cycle has been described. However, in the washing machine 100 of the second variation of the embodiment, the control unit 205 can also use control parameters that have previously improved the bias of the laundry in the first spin-drying cycle for new laundry. Specifically, it includes a determination unit that determines at least one washing state (i.e., a combination of washing operation program, weight of laundry, fabric type of laundry, ambient temperature of washing machine 100, inclination of the floor on which washing machine 100 is placed, and material of the floor on which washing machine 100 is placed) in the information TBL1 recorded by the recording unit 204. Then, the control unit 205 can control the water flow in the drum 5 simply based on the content determined by the determination unit. With this washing machine 100, control parameters that are less likely to cause bias in the laundry can be applied from the first cycle for the same washing state. Therefore, the number of processing cycles is reduced, and the bias of the laundry can be improved efficiently.

[0088] <Third variation of the implementation>

[0089] In the washing machine 100 of the above embodiment, the method of changing the water flow in the drum 5 according to the increase in the number of failed spin-drying operations has been described. However, in the washing machine 100 of the third variation of the embodiment, the increase in the probability of failed spin-drying can be used instead of the increase in the number of failed spin-drying operations. With this washing machine 100, similar to the water flow change according to the increase in the number of failed spin-drying operations, the water flow can be changed as the probability of failed spin-drying operations increases, which can improve the bias of the laundry. Probability is an example of proportion.

[0090] Several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these embodiments are provided as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope or spirit of the invention, as well as in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims.

Claims

1. A washing system, wherein, have: A rotating drum is used to hold items to be washed. The first detection unit detects at least one of the states of the rotating drum or the stirring body. The determination unit determines whether dehydration has failed based on the detection results of the first detection unit. The second inspection section checks the washing status; The recording unit records the number of times the determination unit determines that the dehydration has failed, and establishes a correlation between the washing status detected by the second detection unit when the determination unit determines that the dehydration has failed; as well as The control unit, based on the information recorded by the recording unit and the washing status detected by the second detection unit, controls the water flow in the rotating drum. The control unit increases the degree of water flow variation by shortening the time from forward to reverse rotation and the time from reverse to forward rotation during the rotation of the motor that causes the agitator to change the water flow. If the number of times the dehydration has failed is determined to be a predetermined number, or if the number of times the dehydration has failed is determined to be a predetermined proportion or more relative to the number of washes, the control unit controls the water flow. The control unit increases the degree to which the water flow changes from the baseline value as the number of times the dehydration is determined to have failed increases, or as the proportion increases.

2. A washing system, wherein, have: A rotating drum is used to hold items to be washed. The first detection unit detects at least one of the states of the rotating drum or the stirring body. The determination unit determines whether dehydration has failed based on the detection results of the first detection unit. The second inspection section checks the washing status; The recording unit records the number of times the determination unit determines that the dehydration has failed, and establishes a correlation between the washing status detected by the second detection unit when the determination unit determines that the dehydration has failed; as well as The control unit, based on the information recorded by the recording unit and the washing status detected by the second detection unit, controls the water flow in the rotating drum. The control unit increases the degree of water flow alteration by increasing the rotational speed per unit time of the motor that rotates the agitator that alters the water flow. If the number of times the dehydration has failed is determined to be a predetermined number, or if the number of times the dehydration has failed is determined to be a predetermined proportion or more relative to the number of washes, the control unit controls the water flow. The control unit increases the degree to which the water flow changes from the baseline value as the number of times the dehydration is determined to have failed increases, or as the proportion increases.

3. The washing system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first detection unit includes an acceleration sensor, which is disposed on an outer barrel that supports the rotating drum for free rotation and houses the rotating drum inside.

4. The washing system as described in claim 3, wherein, If the determination unit determines that the vibration indicated by the acceleration sensor exceeds the threshold, it determines that the dehydration has failed.

5. The washing system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first detection unit includes a rotational position sensor that detects the rotational speed of the motor that causes the agitator that changes the water flow to rotate.

6. The washing system as described in claim 5, wherein, If the determination unit determines that the change in the rotational speed of the motor detected by the rotational position sensor exceeds a threshold, it determines that the dehydration has failed.

7. The washing system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The control unit increases the degree to which the water flow changes from the reference value by extending the rotation time of the motor that rotates the agitator that alters the water flow.

8. The washing system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The control unit controls the water flow in the rotating drum during the washing process.

9. The washing system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The washing status includes at least one of the following: the washing operation mode, the weight of the object, the fabric of the object, the inclination of the floor on which the washing system is placed, or the material of the floor on which the washing system is placed.

10. The washing system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The washing status includes the ambient temperature of the washing system.

11. The washing system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The washing system includes a determining unit that determines at least one washing status from the information recorded by the recording unit. The control unit controls the water flow based on the content determined by the determination unit.

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