Clothing treatment machine

Abstract

To provide a clothing treatment machine capable of accurately controlling a control object of a microcomputer operating with a low-accuracy clock without using a high-accuracy oscillator.SOLUTION: A clothing treatment machine according to an embodiment comprises: a first microcomputer operating on the basis of a first oscillation signal output by a first oscillation device; and a second microcomputer operating on the basis of a second oscillation signal output by a second oscillation device having accuracy of an oscillation frequency lower than that of the first oscillation signal, wherein the second microcomputer is capable of communicating with the first microcomputer regardless of the accuracy of the oscillation frequency of the second oscillation signal, and the second microcomputer corrects control of a control object by the operation based on the second oscillation signal, on the basis of a difference between the oscillation frequency of the first oscillation signal and the oscillation frequency of the second oscillation signal with reference to the oscillation frequency of the first oscillation signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a clothes treating machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Microcomputers are used in laundry processing machines such as washing machines. However, in such laundry processing machines, depending on the accuracy of the oscillation signal used, the control of the controlled object performed by the microcomputer may not be as desired. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 07-177578 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a clothes treating machine that can accurately control the controlled object of a microcomputer that operates on a low-precision clock without using a high-precision oscillator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The clothing processing machine of one embodiment comprises a first microcomputer that operates based on a first oscillation signal output by a first oscillation device, and a second microcomputer that operates based on a second oscillation signal output by a second oscillation device having an oscillation frequency accuracy relatively lower than that of the first oscillation signal, the second microcomputer being capable of communicating with the first microcomputer regardless of the accuracy of the oscillation frequency of the second oscillation signal, and correcting the control of the controlled object by the operation based on the second oscillation signal based on the difference between the oscillation frequency of the first oscillation signal and the oscillation frequency of the second oscillation signal based on the oscillation frequency of the first oscillation signal. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of a laundry treatment machine according to one embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of an electric circuit that drives a drum motor according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration during communication between a microcomputer 50a and a microcomputer 50b according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow of a clothes processing machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of information transmitted from the microcomputer 50a to the microcomputer 50b. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a clock signal generated by a microcomputer 50a according to a first modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a dedicated line L between a microcomputer 50a and a microcomputer 50b. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of three-wire serial communication between a microcomputer 50a and a microcomputer 50b according to a second modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a clothes treating machine according to another embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration during communication between a microcomputer 50c and a microcomputer 50d according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, the clothes processing machine of the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to components having the same or similar functions. Then, duplicated descriptions of those components may be omitted. "Based on XX" means "based on at least XX" and may include the case of being based on another element in addition to XX. "Based on XX" is not limited to the case of using XX directly, but may also include the case of being based on XX that has been calculated or processed. "XX or YY" is not limited to either one of XX and YY, but may also include both XX and YY. This also applies to the case of three or more selective elements. "XX" and "YY" are any element (for example, any information). In this application, "washing machine" may also include a washer-dryer having a drying function. In this application, "acquisition" is not limited to the case of actively acquiring by transmitting a transmission request, but may also include the case of acquiring by passively receiving information transmitted from another device. In this application, "rotation speed" means the number of rotations per unit time. That is, "rotation speed" is used in a sense equivalent to "rotation speed".

[0008] <Embodiment> The clothes treating machine 1 of one embodiment is an electric device used mainly at home. The term "clothes treating machine" broadly refers to a device that performs some processing on clothes (for example, one or more of the following processing: washing, drying, removing wrinkles, strengthening creases, deodorizing, removing pollen, removing dust, or disinfecting). The clothes treating machine 1 is, for example, a washing machine, but also includes a closet-type dry cleaning machine. The clothes treating machine 1 is installed in the residence of a user U. The clothes treating machine 1 will be described below using a washer / dryer 1 as an example of the clothes treating machine 1.

[0009] (Overall configuration of a washer / dryer) FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of a clothes treating machine 1 according to an embodiment. The washer-dryer 1 is an example of a "washing machine". The washer-dryer 1 is, for example, a drum-type washer-dryer with a horizontal or oblique rotation axis. The washer-dryer 1 includes, for example, a housing (outer box) 11, a door 12, an operation unit PU, a water tub 13, a drum 14, a bellows 15, a drum motor 16, a first elastic support unit 17, a damper device 18, a water supply valve 21, a water supply case 22, a water supply pipe 23, a drain pipe 24, a hot air supply mechanism 30, and a control device 50 (see FIG. 3).

[0010] The housing 11 is formed to be generally rectangular and hollow, having a front plate, a rear plate, a left plate, a right plate, a bottom plate, and a top plate. The front plate of the housing 11 is provided with an entrance 11a which is a through hole. The door 12 is attached to the front plate of the housing 11. The door 12 is capable of opening and closing the entrance 11a.

[0011] The operation unit PU is provided, for example, on the upper front end of the housing 11. The operation unit PU includes a plurality of buttons or a touch panel, and accepts settings of the washing contents by the user. Settings of the washing contents include, for example, washing, washing and drying, and drying, and a standard course, a time-saving course (quick course), a delicate course (delicate wash course), and a quiet course for each of the washing, washing and drying, and drying. The time-saving course is a course that completes the washing operation in a shorter operation time than the standard course. The quiet course is a course that suppresses noise (i.e., suppresses vibration of the water tub 13 or drum 14) compared to the standard course.

[0012] Water tub 13 is provided inside housing 11. Water tub 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a closed rear surface. Water tub 13 is arranged with a downward tilt toward the rear. The front surface of water tub 13 has an opening. When door 12 is in a closed state relative to entrance 11a, door 12 airtightly closes the opening on the front surface of water tub 13.

[0013] The water tub 13 has a rear end 13e1 and a front end 13e2 as both ends in the axial direction of the drum motor 16. The rear end 13e1 is the end closest to the drum motor 16 of the two ends in the axial direction. On the other hand, the front end 13e2 is the end located opposite the rear end 13e1 and is the end farthest from the drum motor 16 of the two ends in the axial direction. The "axial direction" is a direction that intersects with the radial and circumferential directions of the drum 14. The "axial direction" may also be referred to as the "rotation axis direction."

[0014] Drum 14 is disposed within water tub 13. Drum 14 is a storage chamber in which clothes (laundry) are stored. Drum 14 is cylindrical with a rear wall, and is supported rotatably within water tub 13. Drum 14 is configured to rotate about an inclined axis (central axis CL) that extends in the front-to-rear direction and is inclined slightly downward toward the rear from the horizontal. Drum 14 is an example of a "rotating tub." Drum 14 may also be referred to as a "washing tub."

[0015] The peripheral and rear walls of drum 14 are provided with a number of holes 14a for water and air passage. The inner surface of the peripheral wall of drum 14 is provided with a number of baffles 14b for agitating the laundry. The laundry in drum 14 is agitated by being caught by each baffle 14b while moving in the circumferential direction and then falling by gravity. The front of drum 14 is provided with a circular opening through which laundry is put in and taken out. The front of water tub 13 is provided with an inlet 13a connected to the opening of drum 14. Inlet 13a of water tub 13 and inlet 11a of housing 11 are connected via bellows 15.

[0016] Drum motor 16 is provided behind water tub 13. Drum motor 16 constitutes a drive mechanism of washer / dryer 1. Drum motor 16 is, for example, a direct drive motor. However, drum motor 16 may be another motor whose speed is controllable. The tip of rotating shaft 16a of drum motor 16 penetrates the back surface of water tub 13, protrudes into water tub 13, and is connected and fixed to the center of rear end portion 14e1 of drum 14. As a result, drum 14 is directly driven to rotate by drum motor 16. Drum 14 is continuously rotated in the forward direction (for example, clockwise when viewed from the front) in the dehydration operation. Drum 14 is repeatedly rotated forward and backward in the washing operation, rinsing operation, and drying operation. Drum motor 16 is an example of a "motor".

[0017] First elastic support part 17 includes, for example, a spring, and has elasticity. For example, first elastic support part 17 is disposed above water tub 13. An upper end part of first elastic support part 17 is connected to a top plate of housing 11. A lower end part of first elastic support part 17 is connected to an upper end part of water tub 13. First elastic support part 17 elastically supports water tub 13 from above.

[0018] The damper device 18 includes a spring 18a and a damping device 18b. The spring 18a has elasticity. The damping device 18b includes, for example, a hydraulic damper or a pneumatic damper consisting of a piston and a cylinder, and acts on the vibration to dampen the vibration in cooperation with the spring 18a. For example, the damper device 18 is disposed below the water tank 13. The lower end of the damper device 18 is connected to the bottom plate of the housing 11. The upper end of the damper device 18 is connected to the lower part of the water tank 13. The damping device 19 damps the vibration of the water tank 13.

[0019] Water tub 13 vibrates in accordance with the vibration of drum 14. Water tub 13 is provided with a vibration detection device 61 that detects the vibration of water tub 13. Vibration detection device 61 is, for example, a three-axis acceleration sensor that can detect acceleration on the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. Note that vibration detection device 61 may also be equipped with multiple acceleration sensors. Vibration detection device 61 detects imbalance of the clothes in drum 14. "Imbalance" refers to an unbalanced load state caused by uneven loading of clothes in drum 14.

[0020] Water supply valve 21 is fixed inside housing 11. The inlet of water supply valve 21 is connected to a water faucet via a hose (not shown). The outlet of water supply valve 21 is switched between an open state and a closed state by a circulation pump motor 71 (see FIG. 3). The outlet of water supply valve 21 is connected to water injection case 22. Water injection case 22 is connected to the inside of water tank 13 via a cylindrical water injection pipe 23. When water supply valve 21 is opened, water supplied from the water tap is supplied into water tank 13.

[0021] The water level sensor 63 (see FIG. 3) has an oscillator circuit. The oscillation frequency is configured to change depending on the water level in the water tank 13. The oscillation frequency is read by the microcomputer 50a. For example, the oscillation frequency may be read by detecting the number of low edge occurrences of the oscillation of the water level sensor 63 every 0.1 seconds, which is generated by multiplying the oscillator frequency of the timing reference of the microcomputer 50a.

[0022] In the case where the clothes treating machine 1 is a drum type washing machine or a vertical type washing machine described later, in both cases, the oscillation frequency of the water level sensor 63 is input to the microcomputer 50a equipped with a highly accurate oscillator 60a (e.g., a crystal oscillator) and the frequency is counted. Therefore, there is no need to correct the oscillation frequency of the water level sensor 63. However, as another embodiment, if the oscillation frequency of the water level sensor 63 is input to a microcomputer (e.g., the microcomputer 50b) having an oscillator (oscillator, oscillation circuit, etc.) with relatively low accuracy compared to the highly accurate oscillator 60a, an error occurs in the oscillation frequency of the oscillator with respect to the desired oscillation frequency (e.g., an ideal oscillation frequency or an oscillation frequency within a predetermined range from the ideal oscillation frequency), which affects the quality of the washing (for example, if the amount of water supplied is increased due to the error, the water bill will be high, and conversely, if the amount of water supplied is small, the laundry will not be immersed in the washing liquid, resulting in poor washing). Therefore, it is possible to adjust the water level to the correct level using a method similar to the method for correcting the rotation speed of the motor described in the present invention (drum motor 16, motor 16 that rotates pulsator 201 described later, etc.).

[0023] Drain outlet 13b is provided at the bottom of water tub 13. The upper end of drain pipe 24 is connected to drain outlet 13b. Drain pipe 24 is provided with a drain valve (not shown). The drain valve is switched between an open state and a closed state by drain valve solenoid 72 (see FIG. 3). When the drain valve is opened, the wash water in water tub 13 is discharged from drain pipe 24.

[0024] An exhaust port 13c for discharging air from within water tub 13 is provided at the top of the front part of water tub 13. An air inlet 13d for supplying dry air into water tub 13 is provided at the top of the rear part of water tub 13. A hot air supply mechanism 30 is provided inside housing 11 for circulating and supplying dry air (hot air) into drum 14 to perform a laundry drying operation.

[0025] The hot air supply mechanism 30 includes, for example, a circulation air duct 31, a heat pump 32, and a blower fan 33. The heat pump 32 constitutes a part of a refrigeration cycle in which a compressor 41, a condenser 42, a throttling device (not shown), and an evaporator 43 are connected in a cycle by piping. The condenser 42 and the evaporator 43 are disposed in the circulation air duct 31. The heat pump 32 dehumidifies and heats the air passing through the circulation air duct 31 to generate dry air. The blower fan 33 circulates the air discharged from the exhaust port 13c through the circulation air duct 31, and supplies the air dehumidified and heated by the heat pump 32 from the intake port 13d through the water tank 13 into the drum 14. The heat pump 32 is an example of a "heating device" that heats the air passing through the circulation air duct 31. The heating device may be a heater (such as an electric heater) instead of the heat pump 32.

[0026] (Electric circuit configuration of motor drive system) FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of an electric circuit that drives drum motor 16 in one embodiment. Note that FIG. 2 also shows microcomputer 50a, which will be described later. FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a drive system (motor control unit 111) of drum motor 16 of washer / dryer 1. Inverter circuit 132 is configured by connecting six IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors) 133a-133f in a three-phase bridge configuration, and flywheel diodes 134a-134f are connected between the collector and emitter of each of IGBTs 133a-133f. The emitters of IGBTs 133d, 133e, and 133f on the lower arm side are connected to ground via shunt resistors 135u, 135v, and 135w. Connection points between the emitters of the IGBTs 133d, 133e, 133f and the shunt resistors 135u, 135v, 135w are connected to a microcomputer 50a (described later) via a level shift circuit 136. In this embodiment, a combination of the shunt resistors 135u, 135v, 135w and the level shift circuit 136 constitutes an example of a current sensor 62 (see FIG. 3).

[0027] The level shift circuit 136 includes an operational amplifier and the like, and generates a signal by amplifying the terminal voltages of the shunt resistors 135u, 135v, and 135w, and applies a bias so that the output range of the generated signal falls within the positive side. The overcurrent comparison circuit 138 detects an overcurrent when the upper and lower arms of the inverter circuit 132 are short-circuited.

[0028] A driving power supply circuit 139 is connected to the input side of the inverter circuit 132. The driving power supply circuit 139 performs voltage-doubler full-wave rectification on a 100V AC power supply 140 using a full-wave rectifier circuit 141 formed of a diode bridge and two capacitors 142a, 142b connected in series, and supplies a DC voltage of about 280V to the inverter circuit 132. Each phase output terminal of the inverter circuit 132 is connected to each phase winding 16u, 16v, 16w of the drum motor 16.

[0029] The microcomputer 50a operates using the power supply 145 as a power source, and performs PWM (Pulse Wide Modulation) control of the six IGBTs 133a to 133f via the drive circuit 144 and the high-voltage driver circuit 146. The drive circuit 144 operates using the power supply 143 as a power source, and converts the drive signal output by the microcomputer 50a into a drive signal with a higher voltage and applies it to the gates of the IGBTs 133d, 133e, and 133f on the lower arm side. The high-voltage driver circuit 146 converts the output of the drive circuit 144 into a voltage higher than the double-voltage full-wave rectified voltage and applies it to the gates of the IGBTs 133a, 133b, and 133c on the upper arm side. The output signal of the rotor position sensor 161 provided on the drum motor 16 is input to the microcomputer 50a. The microcomputer 50a generates a drive signal for driving the drum motor 16 based on the output signal of the rotor position sensor 161.

[0030] The microcomputer 50a detects the three-phase currents Iau-Iaw flowing through the windings 16u-16w of the drum motor 16 obtained through the level shift circuit 136, estimates the phase θ and rotational angular velocity ω of the rotating magnetic field on the secondary side based on the detected current values, and calculates the excitation current component Id and the torque current component Iq (hereinafter referred to as the "q-axis current") by performing an orthogonal coordinate transformation and a dq (direct-quadrature) coordinate transformation on the three-phase currents Iau-Iaw. The q-axis current is a current component that increases in proportion to the motor torque acting on the drum motor 16. The q-axis current is an example of a "torque current". However, the "torque current" in this specification is not limited to the q-axis current, and may be any current that increases according to the load of the motor. The microcomputer 50a identifies the motor torque acting on the drum motor 16 from the q-axis current.

[0031] (Control device configuration) Next, the control device 50 will be described. The control device 50 is mainly configured as a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The control device 50 comprehensively controls the entire washer / dryer 1, and executes a washing operation including a washing operation, a rinsing operation, and a spin-drying operation by the washer / dryer 1, and a subsequent drying operation (drying operation). The control device 50 includes a microcomputer 50a and a microcomputer 50b. Each of the microcomputer 50a and the microcomputer 50b includes a microprocessor as a CPU. The microcomputer 50a and the microcomputer 50b may be configured on the same board.

[0032] The microcomputer 50a communicates with the microcomputer 50b. This communication is performed at least when the washer / dryer 1 is started. A communication method used for communication between the microcomputers 50a and 50b is, for example, UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter). The communication between the microcomputers 50a and 50b can be performed without depending on either the accuracy of the oscillation frequency of the oscillator 60a (to be described later) or the accuracy of the oscillation frequency of the oscillator circuit 60b (to be described later).

[0033] Also, for example, the microcomputer 50a operates according to a clock signal generated based on the oscillation of the oscillator 60a. The oscillator 60a is, for example, a crystal oscillator. The accuracy of the oscillation frequency of the oscillator 60a is, for example, 30 ppm. The microcomputer 50a controls at least the drum motor 16 and the circulation pump motor 71.

[0034] Also, for example, the microcomputer 50b operates according to a clock signal generated based on the oscillation by the oscillator circuit 60b. The oscillator circuit 60b is an oscillator circuit built in the microcomputer 50b. The accuracy of the oscillation frequency of the oscillator circuit 60b is relatively low compared to the accuracy of the oscillation frequency of the oscillator 60a. The accuracy of the oscillation frequency of the oscillator circuit 60b is, for example, 15000 ppm. The microcomputer 50b controls at least the compressor 41 and the blower fan 33. Since the accuracy of the oscillation frequency of the oscillator circuit 60b is low, the operation of the compressor 41 and the blower fan 33 controlled by the microcomputer 50b deviates from the desired operation. Therefore, the microcomputer 50b corrects the control of the compressor 41 and the blower fan 33 based on the oscillation of the oscillator 60a, which has a relatively high accuracy of the oscillation frequency compared to the oscillator circuit 60. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration during communication between the microcomputer 50a and the microcomputer 50b according to an embodiment. Fig. 4 shows a configuration in which the microcomputer 50a and the microcomputer 50b communicate with each other using the UART communication method. As shown in Fig. 4, the microcomputer 50a is connected to an oscillator 60a and a water level sensor 63. The process in which the microcomputer 50b corrects the control of the compressor 41 and the blower fan 33 based on the oscillation of the oscillator 60a, which has a relatively high accuracy of oscillation frequency compared to the oscillation circuit 60, will be described in detail later.

[0035] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the control device 50 according to an embodiment. The above-mentioned operation unit PU, vibration detection device 61, current sensor 62, and water level sensor 63 are connected to the control device 50. The current sensor 62 measures the current flowing through the drum motor 16. For ease of explanation, the current sensor 62 and the motor control unit 111 are shown separately in Fig. 3. However, the current sensor 62 may be included in the motor control unit 111.

[0036] The control device 50 has, for example, a weight detection section (cloth amount detection section) 51, a cloth type detection section 52, a first setting section 53, a spin-drying operation determination section 54, a control section 55, a second setting section 56, a preheat spin-drying determination section 57, a sticking determination section 58, a motor control section 111, and a memory section 59. All or a part of these functional sections are realized by a microprocessor (hardware processor) operating as a CPU in the above-mentioned microcomputer 50a or microcomputer 50b executing a program (software).

[0037] However, the microcomputer 50a controls the circulation pump motor 71 and the drum motor 16 via the motor control unit 111. The microcomputer 50b controls the blower fan 33 and the compressor 41 of the heat pump 32. The other functional units may be entirely or partially performed by the microcomputer 50a or the microcomputer 50b, or may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), a FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a discrete circuit, or may be realized by cooperation between software and hardware. The motor control unit 111 may be provided as a part of the control unit 55. The storage unit 59 is realized by, for example, one or a combination of RAM, ROM, and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM).

[0038] Weight detection unit 51 determines the weight of the clothes (amount of fabric) by utilizing, for example, the change in the load on drum motor 16 depending on the weight of the clothes. For example, before water is supplied to water tub 13, weight detection unit 51 rotates drum 14 using drum motor 16 with clothes contained in drum 14, and detects the weight of the clothes based on the magnitude of the torque current flowing through drum motor 16 (for example, the current value of the q-axis current).

[0039] The fabric type detection unit 52 determines the fabric type by, for example, utilizing the fact that the load on the drum motor 16 changes due to differences in water absorbency caused by different fabric types. The fabric type detection unit 52 determines the fabric type by, for example, determining whether the laundry is mainly cotton-based or mainly synthetic fiber-based. The fabric type detection unit 52 detects the fabric type by a combination of two indexes, for example, (1) the average value (or integral value) of the q-axis current while the drum 14 is rotating at a constant speed during the washing operation, and (2) the average value of the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the q-axis current during one rotation of the drum 14 during the washing operation.

[0040] The first setting unit 53 sets a threshold value used for determining the detection result of the vibration detection device 61 (the detection result of the vibration of the water tank 13).

[0041] The dehydration operation determination unit 54 makes a determination regarding the rotation control of the drum 14 based on the detection result of the vibration detection device 61 and a threshold value. For example, the dehydration operation determination unit 54 makes a determination regarding the rotation control of the drum 14 based on the threshold value changed by the first setting unit 53. For example, the dehydration operation determination unit 54 makes a determination regarding the manner of proceeding with the dehydration operation as a determination regarding the rotation control of the drum 14.

[0042] In this embodiment, the dehydration operation determination unit 54 determines, as a method of proceeding with the dehydration operation, whether to restart the dehydration operation or the ultimate rotation speed of the drum 14 in the dehydration operation (the maximum allowable rotation speed).

[0043] Control unit 55 controls the entire washer-dryer 1. For example, control unit 55 controls the washing operation of washer-dryer 1 in the washing process based on the detection result of the weight of the clothes (cloth amount) by weight detection unit 51. For example, control unit 55 controls the rinsing operation of washer-dryer 1 in the rinsing process based on the detection result of the fabric type by fabric type detection unit 52. For example, control unit 55 controls the spin-drying operation of washer-dryer 1 based on the determination result of spin-drying operation determination unit 54. For example, control unit 55 controls the drive of drum motor 16 to control the rotation of drum 14.

[0044] Furthermore, for example, control unit 55 controls the preheat dehydration of washer / dryer 1 based on the determination result of preheat dehydration determination unit 57. Furthermore, for example, control unit 55 controls the operation of washer / dryer 1 based on the determination result of sticking determination unit 58. Specifically, control unit 55 controls the operation of washer / dryer 1 to detach clothes from drum 14, such as by pouring water, during dehydration, until the clothes no longer stick to drum 14. Furthermore, for example, control unit 55 controls the operation of washer / dryer 1 to switch to drying operation upon completion of the washing operation.

[0045] The second setting unit 56 sets a predetermined threshold value used by the sticking determination unit 58 to determine whether or not clothes are sticking to the drum 14 after the dehydration process in the preheat dehydration. For example, the second setting unit 56 stores, in a reference destination in the memory unit 59 of the sticking determination unit 58, a predetermined threshold value TH1 that the sticking determination unit 58 compares with the starting torque, which is the motor torque determined based on the q-axis current calculated by the microcomputer 50a when the drum motor 16 is started from a stopped state.

[0046] The preheat dehydration determination unit 57 makes a determination regarding the rotation control of the drum 14 based on the detection result of the vibration detection device 61 and a threshold value. For example, the preheat dehydration determination unit 57 makes a determination regarding the rotation control of the drum 14 based on the threshold value changed by the first setting unit 53. For example, the preheat dehydration determination unit 57 makes a determination regarding the manner of proceeding with the preheat dehydration as a determination regarding the rotation control of the drum 14.

[0047] In this embodiment, preheat dehydration determination unit 57 determines, as a method for proceeding with preheat dehydration, whether to redo preheat dehydration or the ultimate rotation speed (maximum permissible rotation speed) of drum 14 in preheat dehydration.

[0048] The sticking determination unit 58 determines whether or not the starting torque in the operation of rotating the drum 14 from a state in which the drum motor 16 is stopped after the dehydration process in the preheat dehydration exceeds a predetermined threshold value TH1. For example, the sticking determination unit 58 acquires the motor torque acting on the drum motor 16, which the microcomputer 50a identifies from the q-axis current, from the microcomputer 50a. The sticking determination unit 58 also reads out the predetermined threshold value TH1 set by the second setting unit 56 (i.e., the predetermined threshold value TH1 stored in the storage unit 59) from the storage unit 59. The sticking determination unit 58 compares the acquired motor torque with the predetermined threshold value TH1. If the motor torque is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value, the sticking determination unit 58 determines that the clothes are stuck to the drum 14. If the motor torque exceeds the predetermined threshold value, the sticking determination unit 58 determines that the clothes are not stuck to the drum 14.

[0049] (Storage part) Storage unit 59 stores various information necessary for the processing performed by control device 50. For example, storage unit 59 stores thresholds T1a-T5a and thresholds T1b-T5b (described later) used in the determination made by dehydration operation determination unit 54. Storage unit 59 also stores thresholds T6a and T6b used in the determination made by preheat dehydration determination unit 57. Storage unit 59 also stores a predetermined threshold TH1 used in the determination made by sticking determination unit 58.

[0050] The above-mentioned processing performed by the clothes treating machine 1 is merely an example, and the processing performed by the clothes treating machine 1 is not limited to the above-mentioned processing. For example, the clothes treating machine 1 may perform the processing described below.

[0051] (Processing performed by a clothes processing machine) The processing performed by the clothes treating machine 1 will be described below. Here, the processing performed by the microcomputer 50b in the clothes treating machine 1 to correct the control of the compressor 41 and the blower fan 33 based on the oscillation of the oscillator 60a, which has a relatively high oscillation frequency accuracy compared to the oscillation circuit 60, will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow of the clothes treating machine 1 according to an embodiment. Here, the processing performed by the microcomputer 50b of the clothes treating machine 1 shown in FIG. 5 will be described. Note that the microcomputers 50a and 50b have the configuration shown in FIG. 4 and communicate using the UART communication method.

[0052] When the user U turns on the power supply of the clothes treating machine 1, the microcomputer 50a and the microcomputer 50b start communication in the clothes treating machine 1 by the UART communication method. The microcomputer 50a generates a clock signal with a predetermined period (for example, one period is 20 ms) from the oscillation signal output by the oscillator 60a. Then, the microcomputer 50a transmits information to the microcomputer 50b for each period (i.e., 20 ms) of the generated clock signal in accordance with a packet format defined by the UART communication method. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of information transmitted from the microcomputer 50a to the microcomputer 50b. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the microcomputer 50a transmits to the microcomputer 50b, in the order of transmission / reception discrimination information (information indicating reception for the microcomputer 50b in this case), the first data, the second data, the third data, the fourth data, the bit inversion of the first data, the bit inversion of the second data, the bit inversion of the third data, the bit inversion of the fourth data, and the checksum information, for each period of the clock signal. Each of the transmit / receive distinction information, the first data, the second data, the third data, the fourth data, the bit inversion of the first data, the bit inversion of the second data, the bit inversion of the third data, the bit inversion of the fourth data, and the checksum information is 1 byte long.

[0053] The microcomputer 50b receives data from the microcomputer 50a. During this period (i.e., during one period of 20 ms), the microcomputer 50b counts the oscillation signal output by the oscillation circuit 60b. The microcomputer 50b determines whether the received data is transmission / reception information indicating reception (step S1). When the microcomputer 50b determines that the received data is not transmission / reception information indicating reception (NO in step S1), the process returns to step S1. When the microcomputer 50b determines that the received data is transmission / reception information indicating reception (YES in step S1), the microcomputer 50b writes the count number (corresponding to the timing in FIG. 5) of the oscillation signal output by the oscillation circuit 60b (for example, the storage unit 59) (step S2).

[0054] The microcomputer 50b receives the next data from the microcomputer 50a. During this period (i.e., during one period of 20 ms), the microcomputer 50b counts the oscillation signal output by the oscillation circuit 60b. The microcomputer 50b judges whether the received data is first data of an appropriate bit length (step S3). When the microcomputer 50b judges that the received data is not first data of an appropriate bit length (NO in step S3), the process returns to step S3. When the microcomputer 50b judges that the received data is first data of an appropriate bit length (YES in step S3), the microcomputer 50b receives the next data from the microcomputer 50a. During this period (i.e., during one period of 20 ms), the microcomputer 50b counts the oscillation signal output by the oscillation circuit 60b. The microcomputer 50b similarly judges whether the received data is second data of an appropriate bit length by the process in step S3. Then, each time the microcomputer 50b judges YES in the processing of step S3, it writes the count number of the oscillation signal output by the oscillator circuit 60b (corresponding to the timing in Figure 5) to (for example, memory unit 59) (step S4), receives the next data, and similarly judges YES in the processing of step S3 for the third data, the fourth data, the bit inversion of the first data, the bit inversion of the second data, the bit inversion of the third data, and the bit inversion of the fourth data, and continues the processing until it writes the count number to (for example, memory unit 59) in the processing of step S4.

[0055] When the microcomputer 50b judges YES in the process of step S3 for the bit inversion of the fourth data, it receives data from the microcomputer 50a. During this period (i.e., during one period of 20 ms), the microcomputer 50b counts the oscillation signal output by the oscillation circuit 60b. The microcomputer 50b judges whether the received data is checksum information or not (step S5). When the microcomputer 50b judges that the received data is not checksum information (NO in step S5), it returns to the process of step S3. When the microcomputer 50b judges that the received data is checksum information (YES in step S5), it writes the count number of the oscillation signal output by the oscillation circuit 60b (corresponding to the timing in FIG. 5) to (for example, the storage unit 59).

[0056] After turning on the power of the clothes treating machine 1, the user U sets, for example, a washing / drying operation via the operation unit PU. The control device 50 executes the washing operation according to this setting. Then, when the washing operation is completed, and before starting the drying operation, the microcomputer 50b determines whether the count number counted each time data is received from the microcomputer 50a is an inappropriate value (i.e., whether the count number is outside the appropriate range (corresponding to including a timing abnormality in FIG. 5) (step S6).

[0057] For example, the microcomputer 50b identifies the difference by comparing the number of counts that should be counted during one period of 20 ms when the oscillation accuracy of the oscillator circuit 60b is accurate with an average value of two or more of the counted numbers (or any one of the counted numbers). Then, the microcomputer 50b determines whether the identified difference is within a predetermined difference range. If the microcomputer 50b determines that the identified difference is not within the predetermined difference range, it determines that the count is inappropriate (including a timing abnormality). If the microcomputer 50b determines that the identified difference is within the predetermined difference range, it determines that the count is appropriate (including no timing abnormality).

[0058] When the microcomputer 50b determines that the count number is appropriate (no timing abnormality is included) (NO in step S6), it corrects the control of the compressor 41 and the blower fan 33 based on the identified difference (step S7, which corresponds to correcting the compressor / fan rotation speed based on the received timing in FIG. 5). For example, if the count number counted each time data is received from the microcomputer 50a is greater than the number of counts that should be counted in one cycle of 20 ms when the oscillation accuracy of the oscillation circuit 60b is accurate, the oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit 60b is higher than the desired oscillation frequency. Therefore, if the microcomputer 50b controls the compressor 41 and the blower fan 33 based on the oscillation of the oscillation circuit 60b, the rotation speed will be faster than the desired rotation speed. Therefore, in this case, the microcomputer 50b controls the compressor 41 and the blower fan 33 so that the rotation speed is lowered (i.e., so that the rotation speed is equivalent to that when controlled with an oscillation frequency that results in the number of counts that should be counted in one cycle of 20 ms). Also, for example, if the count number counted each time data is received from the microcomputer 50a is less than the number of counts that should be counted in one cycle of 20 ms when the oscillation accuracy of the oscillation circuit 60b is accurate, the oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit 60b is lower than the desired oscillation frequency. Therefore, if the microcomputer 50b controls the compressor 41 and the blower fan 33 based on the oscillation of the oscillation circuit 60b, the rotation speed will be slower than the desired rotation speed. Therefore, in this case, the microcomputer 50b controls the compressor 41 and the blower fan 33 so that the rotation speed increases (i.e., so that the rotation speed becomes equivalent to the case where the compressor 41 and the blower fan 33 are controlled at an oscillation frequency that results in the number of counts that should be counted in one cycle of 20 ms).

[0059] Then, the microcomputer 50b judges whether or not to end the process (step S8). For example, if the operation unit PU has a function of accepting an instruction to end the process, and the user U operates the operation unit PU to end the process, the microcomputer 50b judges to end the process (YES in step S8) and ends the process. Also, for example, if the operation unit PU has a function of accepting an instruction to end the process, and the operation unit PU has not received an operation to end the process from the user U, the microcomputer 50b returns to the process of step S1.

[0060] Moreover, when the microcomputer 50b determines that the count number is inappropriate (including a timing abnormality) (YES in step S6), the microcomputer 50b proceeds to the process of step S8.

[0061] By carrying out the processes in steps S1 to S8 described above, the clothes treating machine 1 is able to appropriately control the compressor 41 (and consequently the heat pump 32) and the blower fan 33 during the drying operation.

[0062] During the drying operation, the temperature inside the clothes treating machine 1 gradually rises, and the oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit 60b is also affected by this, drifting, and changing the rotation speed of the compressor 41 and the blower fan 33. For this reason, the oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit 60b may be corrected periodically (for example, every 5 minutes).

[0063] (advantage) The clothing treatment machine 1 (an example of a clothing treatment machine) comprises a microcomputer 50a (an example of a first microcomputer) that operates based on a first oscillation signal output by an oscillator 60a (an example of a first oscillation device), and a microcomputer 50b (an example of a second microcomputer) that operates based on a second oscillation signal output by an oscillator circuit 60b (an example of a second oscillation device) having an oscillation frequency with relatively low accuracy compared to the first oscillation signal, the microcomputer 50b (an example of a second microcomputer) being capable of communicating with the microcomputer 50a (an example of a first microcomputer) regardless of the accuracy of the oscillation frequency of the second oscillation signal, and correcting the control of a compressor 41 (an example of a controlled object) and a blower fan 33 (an example of a controlled object) by the operation based on the second oscillation signal based on the difference between the oscillation frequency of the first oscillation signal and the oscillation frequency of the second oscillation signal, based on the oscillation frequency of the first oscillation signal as a reference.

[0064] This laundry processing machine 1 allows the use of a low-precision oscillator circuit 60b, which can be integrated into the microcomputer 50b together with the processing circuit. The controlled object of the microcomputer 50b, which operates on a low-precision clock, can be controlled with high precision without using a high-precision oscillator.

[0065] <First Modification of the Embodiment> In the clothes treating machine 1 of the above embodiment, the communication between the microcomputer 50a and the microcomputer 50b has been described as being performed by the UART communication method. However, in the clothes treating machine 1 of the first modified embodiment, the microcomputer 50a generates a clock signal with a predetermined period (for example, one period is 20 ms) from the oscillation signal output by the oscillator 60a. Then, the microcomputer 50a may transmit the generated clock signal to the microcomputer 50b via a dedicated line L between the microcomputer 50a and the microcomputer 50b every one period (i.e., 20 ms). FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a clock signal generated by the microcomputer 50a of the first modified embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the dedicated line L between the microcomputer 50a and the microcomputer 50b. For example, the microcomputer 50a may generate the clock signal shown in FIG. 7 and transmit the clock signal to the microcomputer 50b via the dedicated line L shown in FIG. 8.

[0066] In the first modified embodiment, the microcomputer 50b counts the oscillation signal output by the oscillation circuit 60b during one cycle, which is defined as one falling edge of the clock signal (for example, the clock signal shown in FIG. 7) received from the microcomputer 50a. The microcomputer 50b then uses the count thus obtained to correct the control of the controlled object in the same manner as the microcomputer 50b in the clothes treating machine 1 of the above-described embodiment.

[0067] (advantage) Since a clock signal dedicated to timing detection is communicated via a dedicated line L between the microcomputers 50a and 50b, the accuracy of the count can be improved by the clothes processing machine 1. As a result, the clothes processing machine 1 can perform more accurate correction.

[0068] <Second Modification of the Embodiment> In the clothes processing machine 1 of the above embodiment, the communication between the microcomputer 50a and the microcomputer 50b has been described as being performed by the UART communication method. However, in the clothes processing machine 1 of the second modified embodiment, the communication between the microcomputer 50a and the microcomputer 50b may be three-wire serial communication or the like. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of three-wire serial communication between the microcomputer 50a and the microcomputer 50b of the second modified embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the microcomputer 50a of the second modified embodiment transmits a communication clock to the microcomputer 50b, and data is transmitted and received in synchronization with the communication clock. In this case, the communication between the microcomputer 50a and the microcomputer 50b can be performed regardless of the accuracy of the oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit 60b.

[0069] In the second modification of the embodiment, the microcomputer 50b counts the oscillation signal output by the oscillator circuit 60b during one cycle, which is defined as one falling edge of the communication clock received from the microcomputer 50a. The microcomputer 50b then uses the count thus obtained to correct the control of the controlled object in the same manner as the microcomputer 50b in the clothes treating machine 1 of the above embodiment.

[0070] (advantage) Similar to the case where a clock signal dedicated to timing detection is communicated between the microcomputers 50a and 50b via the dedicated line L, the communication clock can be transmitted from the microcomputer 50a to the microcomputer 50b via the dedicated line. As a result, the clothes processing machine 1 can perform correct correction.

[0071] <Another embodiment> The clothes treating machine 1 in the above embodiment has been described as being a drum type washer-dryer. However, the clothes treating machine 1 is not limited to a drum type washer-dryer. The clothes treating machine 1 in another embodiment may be a vertical type fully automatic washing machine or a vertical type washer-dryer. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the clothes treating machine 1 in another embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration when the microcomputer 50c and the microcomputer 50d in one embodiment communicate with each other. The clothes treating machine 1 shown in FIG. 10 is a vertical type washer-dryer. As shown in FIG. 11, the clothes treating machine 1 includes a motor 16, a microcomputer 50c, a microcomputer 50d, an oscillator 60a, and a water level sensor 63.

[0072] The motor 16 rotates the pulsator 201. The microcomputer 50c controls the display and key operations in the clothes treating machine 1. The microcomputer 50d controls the motor 16. Communication is performed between the microcomputers 50c and 50d by UART. The oscillator 60a and the water level sensor 63 are connected to the microcomputer 50d. The motor 16 is connected to the microcomputer 50.

[0073] In the clothing processing machine 1 of the other embodiment, communication between the microcomputer 50c and the microcomputer 50d is possible in the same manner as in the clothing processing machine 1 of the embodiment. Therefore, the microcomputer 50c and the microcomputer 50d perform the same processing as the microcomputers 50a and 50b, and the microcomputer 50d can correct the control of the controlled object in the same manner as the microcomputer 50b.

[0074] (advantage) In the clothes treating machine 1 of another embodiment, the same correction as that of the clothes treating machine 1 of the embodiment can be realized.

[0075] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1... washer / dryer (washing machine), 13... water tub, 14... drum (rotating tub), 16... drum motor (motor), 17... first elastic support part, 18... second elastic support part, 19... damping device, 53... first setting part, 54... spin-drying operation determination part, 55... control part, 56... second setting part, 57... pre-heat spin-drying determination part, 58... sticking determination part, 61... acceleration sensor, 201... pulsator.

Claims

1. a first microcomputer that operates based on a first oscillation signal output by a first oscillation device; a second microcomputer that operates based on a second oscillation signal output by a second oscillator having an oscillation frequency with a relatively low accuracy compared to the first oscillation signal, the second microcomputer being capable of communicating with the first microcomputer regardless of the accuracy of the oscillation frequency of the second oscillation signal, and correcting the control of the controlled object by the operation based on the second oscillation signal based on a difference between the oscillation frequency of the first oscillation signal and the oscillation frequency of the second oscillation signal, the oscillation frequency of the first oscillation signal being taken as a reference; A clothes treatment machine comprising:

2. The second microcomputer is correcting the control of the controlled object based on a count number of the second oscillation signal in a period determined based on the first oscillation signal; The clothes treating machine according to claim 1.

3. The first microcomputer transmitting a signal indicating a period determined based on the first oscillation signal to the second microcomputer via a dedicated line; The second microcomputer is correcting the control of the controlled object based on a count number of the second oscillation signal in a period determined based on the first oscillation signal indicated by the received signal; The clothes treating machine according to claim 1.

4. There are a plurality of periods determined based on the first oscillation signal, The second microcomputer is correcting control of the controlled object based on a count number of the second oscillation signal in a plurality of periods determined based on the first oscillation signal; The laundry treatment machine according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The second microcomputer is When the count number of the second oscillation signal is outside a predetermined range, the control of the controlled object is not corrected. The clothes treating machine according to claim 1.

6. The first microcomputer and the second microcomputer Constructed on the same substrate, The clothes treating machine according to claim 1.

7. The second oscillator device is integrated in the second microcomputer; The clothes treating machine according to claim 1.

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