washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine capable of reducing an operation time.SOLUTION: A washing machine of an embodiment has a water tank, a rotary tub, a motor, a detector, and a controller. The rotary tub is disposed in the water tank and stores clothing. The motor drives and rotates the rotary tub. The detector detects a value relating to the water tank or the rotary tub. The controller rotates the rotary tub according to a prescribed reference, subsequently stops the rotary tub, conducts a disentanglement operation, subsequently conducts a dewatering operation to rotate the rotary tub while supplying warm air into the rotary tub in a first state in which a detection result of the detector satisfies a prescribed condition during a prescribed dewatering operation. The controller conducts the dewatering operation to rotate the rotary tub while supplying the warm air into the rotary tub after the prescribed dewatering operation without stopping the rotary tub in a second state in which the detection result of the detector does not satisfy the prescribed condition during the prescribed dewatering operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to washing machines.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a washing machine capable of performing preheating dehydration in which dehydration is performed while supplying warm air into a rotating tub. By the way, further shortening of the operation time is expected for the washing machine.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of shortening the operation time.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The washing machine according to the embodiment includes a water tub, a rotating tub, a motor, a detection unit, and a control unit. The rotating tub is disposed in the water tub and clothes are accommodated therein. The motor rotationally drives the rotating tub. The detection unit detects a value related to the water tub or the rotating tub. The control unit The final dehydration process is performed immediately before the preheat dehydration process, which involves dehydration while supplying hot air. when the detection result of the detection unit is in a first state satisfying a predetermined condition during the execution of Proceed to the preheating and dewatering operation. of, rotates the rotating tub according to a predetermined reference, then stops the rotating tub, performs a loosening operation, and then Final dewatering operation when the detection result of the detection unit is in a second state not satisfying the predetermined condition during the execution of of stops And without performing any loosening movements of, Final dewatering operation following The process proceeds to the preheating and dewatering operation. The detection unit detects a value related to the vibration of the water tank or the rotating tank as the value. The predetermined condition is met when the vibration value exceeds a threshold.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] [Figure 1] A cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of the washing machine and dryer according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram showing a part of the drive system of the drive motor in the embodiment. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control device of the embodiment. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of the flow of a washing and drying operation in an embodiment. [Figure 5] A diagram illustrating the startup operation of the dehydration process in this embodiment. [Figure 6] A diagram illustrating the maximum rotational speed during the dewatering process in the embodiment. [Figure 7] A diagram illustrating the flow of operations when there is an imbalance exceeding a predetermined standard in the embodiment. [Figure 8] A diagram illustrating the operation flow when there is no imbalance exceeding a predetermined standard in the embodiment. [Figure 9] A flowchart showing the processing flow of the washing and drying machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] A diagram showing an example of the flow of a washing and drying operation in a modified embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The washing machine of the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Duplication of these components may be omitted. "Based on XX" means "based on at least XX," and may also include cases where it is based on another element in addition to XX. "Based on XX" is not limited to cases where XX is used directly, but may also include cases where XX has been calculated or processed. "XX or YY" is not limited to cases where either XX or YY is used, but may also include cases where both XX and YY are used. This is also true when there are three or more optional elements. "XX" and "YY" are arbitrary elements (e.g., arbitrary information). In this application, "washing machine" may also include a washer-dryer with a drying function. In this application, "rotational speed" means the number of rotations per unit time. That is, "rotational speed" is used in the same sense as "rotational velocity."

[0008] <1. Overall configuration of a washer-dryer> Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of the washing machine / dryer 100 according to the embodiment. The washing machine / dryer 100 is, for example, a top-loading washing machine / dryer. However, the washing machine / dryer 100 is not limited to a top-loading washing machine / dryer, and may also be a drum-type washing machine / dryer.

[0009] The washing and drying machine 100 includes, for example, a housing (outer box) 1, a lid 2, a water tank (outer tub) 3, a suspension rod 4, a rotating tub (washing tub) 5, a top cover 6, a balance ring 7, an agitator 8, a drive motor 9, a drive circuit 10, a clutch mechanism 11, a drain hose 12, a drain valve 13, a switching motor 14, an operation panel 16, a water supply valve 18, a water level sensor 19, a drying unit 20, a duct 21, and a control device 50.

[0010] The housing (outer casing) 1 includes a bottom wall, top wall, front wall, rear wall, and left and right side walls. The housing 1 forms the exterior of the washing machine 100. A lid 2 is attached to the housing 1 so that it can be opened and closed. The water tank 3 is located inside the housing 1. The bottom of the water tank 3 is closed. The water tank 3 is a cylindrical container with an open top. A drain port 3a is provided at the bottom of the water tank 3. The water tank 3 is elastically supported by being suspended via a vibration isolation device mainly composed of suspension rods 4 provided at the four corners inside the housing 1 and coil springs (not shown).

[0011] The rotating tub 5 serves as both a washing tub and a spin-drying tub. The rotating tub 5 is located inside the water tub 3 and contains clothes (laundry). Clothes are loaded and unloaded from the rotating tub 5 through an opening in the top cover 6 of the housing 1. The bottom of the rotating tub 5 is closed. The rotating tub 5 is a cylindrical container with an open top. Multiple dewatering holes 5a are provided in the peripheral wall of the rotating tub 5. The balance ring 7 is attached to the upper end of the rotating tub 5.

[0012] Here, the water tank 3 vibrates in accordance with the vibration of the rotating tank 5. The water tank 3 is equipped with one or more (e.g., multiple) acceleration sensors 61 to detect the vibration of the water tank 3. In this embodiment, the water tank 3 is equipped with two acceleration sensors 61 (a first acceleration sensor 61A and a second acceleration sensor 61B). The first acceleration sensor 61A is provided at the upper end of the water tank 3 and detects vibration at the upper end of the water tank 3. The second acceleration sensor 61B is provided at the lower end of the water tank 3 and detects vibration at the lower end of the water tank 3. Note that the acceleration sensors 61 are not limited to being directly provided on the water tank 3, but may also be provided on a separate component connected to the water tank 3. In addition, another sensor that detects vibration of the water tank 3 or the rotating tank 5 may be provided instead of / in addition to the acceleration sensors 61. The acceleration sensor 61 is an example of a "sensor".

[0013] The agitator 8 is rotatably mounted at the bottom of the rotating tank 5. The agitator 8 generates water flow within the rotating tank 5 during washing and rinsing operations. The water flow within the rotating tank 5 can be changed by controlling the rotation of the agitator 8.

[0014] The drive motor 9 is a motor that rotationally drives the rotary tub 5. The drive motor 9 is provided below the water tank 3. A drive circuit 10 that supplies current to the drive motor 9 is connected to the drive motor 9. The drive motor 9 rotates in response to the current supplied from the drive circuit 10 under the control of a control device 50 described later.

[0015] The clutch mechanism 11 is provided below the water tank 3. The clutch mechanism 11 can switch between a state where only the agitator 8 is rotated by the drive motor 9 and a state where the agitator 8 and the rotary tub 5 are integrally rotated by the drive motor 9.

[0016] The drain hose 12 is connected to the drain port 3a via a drain valve 13. When the drain valve 13 is opened, the water stored in the rotary tub 5 and the water tank 3 is discharged to the outside of the washing and drying machine 100 through the drain hose 12.

[0017] The switching motor 14 switches the states of the clutch mechanism 11 and the drain valve 13 in conjunction with each other. For example, when the switching motor 14 opens the drain valve 13, it switches the clutch mechanism 11 to a state where the agitator 8 and the rotary tub 5 are integrally rotated by the drive motor 9. On the other hand, when the switching motor 14 closes the drain valve 13, it switches the clutch mechanism 11 to a state where only the agitator 8 is independently rotated by the drive motor 9. Note that the washing and drying machine 100 may include an electromagnetic solenoid instead of the switching motor 14 and use the electromagnetic solenoid to switch the states of the clutch mechanism 11 and the drain valve 13 in conjunction with each other.

[0018] The operation panel 16 is provided on the upper surface of the top cover 6. The operation 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 are a panel including buttons that can be pressed by the user and a display device, or a touch panel that can be operated by the user.

[0019] A water supply hose (not shown) connected to a water tap is connected to the water supply valve 18. When the water supply valve 18 switches from a closed state to an open state, tap water is supplied to the rotating tank 5 and then to the water tank 3 through the water inlet (not shown). A water level sensor 19 is installed in the water tank 3. The water level sensor 19 detects the water level in the water tank 3.

[0020] The drying unit 20 heats the air flowing through the duct 21 located inside the housing 1 to dry it (warm air), and supplies this warm air to the rotating drum 5 to dry the clothes inside the drum 5. The drying unit 20 includes, for example, a blower 20a and a heater 20b. The blower 20a rotates to draw air into the duct 21. The heater 20b raises the temperature of the air that has entered the duct 21. The drying unit 20 may also have a heat pump instead of the heater 20b.

[0021] <2. Electrical circuit configuration of the motor drive system> Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the drive system of the drive motor 9. The inverter circuit 132 is configured by connecting six IGBTs (semiconductor switching elements) 133a to 133f in a three-phase bridge configuration, and flywheel diodes 134a to 134f are connected between the collector and emitter of each IGBT 133a to 133f. The emitters of the IGBTs 133d, 133e, and 133f on the lower arm side are connected to ground via shunt resistors 135u, 135v, and 135w. Each connection point between the emitters of IGBTs 133d, 133e, and 133f and the shunt resistors 135u, 135v, and 135w is connected to the control circuit 111c via a level shift circuit 136. In this embodiment, the combination of the shunt resistors 135u, 135v, and 135w and the level shift circuit 136 constitutes an example of the current flowing through the current sensor 62 (see Figure 3).

[0022] The level shift circuit 136 includes an operational amplifier 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 overcurrent if the upper and lower arms of the inverter circuit 132 are short-circuited.

[0023] A drive power supply circuit 139 is connected to the input side of the inverter circuit 132. The drive power supply circuit 139 performs voltage doubler full-wave rectification of a 100V AC power supply 140 using a full-wave rectifier circuit 141 composed of a diode bridge and two capacitors 142a and 142b connected in series, and supplies a DC voltage to the inverter circuit 132. Each phase output terminal of the inverter circuit 132 is connected to the respective phase windings 9u, 9v, and 9w of the drive motor 9.

[0024] The control circuit 111c operates using power supply 145 as its power source and controls the six IGBTs 133a to 133f via PWM (Pulse Wide Modulation) through the drive circuit 144 and the high-voltage driver circuit 146. The drive circuit 144 operates using power supply 143 as its power source and converts the drive signal output by the control circuit 111c into a higher voltage drive signal, which is then applied 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 voltage-doubled full-wave rectified voltage, which is then applied to the gates of the IGBTs 133a, 133b, and 133c on the upper arm side. The control circuit 111c receives the output signal from the rotor position sensor 161 provided on the drive motor 9. The control circuit 111c generates a drive signal to drive the drive motor 9 using the output signal from the rotor position sensor 161 as a reference. The control circuit 111c is provided, for example, as part of the motor control unit 111, which will be described later.

[0025] The control circuit 111c detects the three-phase currents Iau~Iaw flowing through the windings 9u~9w of the drive motor 9 obtained via the level shift circuit 136, estimates the phase θ and rotational angular velocity ω of the secondary rotating magnetic field based on the detected current values, and calculates the excitation current component Id and the torque current component Iq (hereinafter referred to as "q-axis current") by performing orthogonal coordinate transformation and 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 drive motor 9. The q-axis current is an example of a "torque current". However, the term "torque current" as used herein is not limited to the q-axis current, but can be any current that increases in accordance with the motor load.

[0026] <3. Control device configuration> Next, the control device 50 will be described. The control device 50 is mainly composed of a computer consisting of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The control device 50 comprehensively controls the entire washer-dryer 100 and executes the washing operation, which includes the washing, rinsing, and spinning operations, as well as the subsequent drying operation (drying operation) performed by the washer-dryer 100.

[0027] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control device 50. In addition to the acceleration sensor 61 described above, a current sensor 62 is connected to the control device 50. The current sensor 62 measures the current flowing through the drive motor 9. For the sake of explanation, the current sensor 62 and the motor control unit 111 are shown separately in Figure 3. However, the current sensor 62 may be included in the motor control unit 111.

[0028] The control device 50 includes, for example, a vibration detection unit 51, a weight determination unit (fabric quantity determination unit) 52, a fabric quality determination unit 53, a dewatering operation determination unit 54, a control unit 55, a motor control unit 111, and a storage unit 59. All or part of these functional units are realized by a hardware processor such as a CPU executing a program (software). However, all or part of these functional units may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), PLD (Programmable Logic Device), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or discrete circuits, or by the cooperation of software and hardware. The motor control unit 111 may be provided as part of the control unit 55. The storage unit 59 is realized by one or more combinations of RAM, ROM, and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM).

[0029] <Vibration detection unit> The vibration detection unit 51 detects values ​​related to the vibration of the water tank 3 or the rotating tank 5 (hereinafter referred to as "vibration index values"). The vibration index values ​​include, for example, one or more of the following: a vibration index value based on the magnitude of the q-axis current calculated by the control circuit 111c (hereinafter referred to as "q-axis current index value"), a vibration index value based on the magnitude of acceleration detected by the first acceleration sensor 61A (hereinafter referred to as "first acceleration index value"), a vibration index value based on the magnitude of acceleration detected by the second acceleration sensor 61B (hereinafter referred to as "second acceleration index value"), and a vibration index value based on a combination of the magnitude of acceleration detected by the first acceleration sensor 61A and the magnitude of acceleration detected by the second acceleration sensor 61B (hereinafter referred to as "combined acceleration index value"). The q-axis current index value, the first acceleration index value, the second acceleration index value, and the combined acceleration index value may each be the magnitude of the q-axis current or acceleration itself, or they may be values ​​obtained by performing a pre-set calculation (for example, an calculation to find the average value or integral value) on the magnitude of the q-axis current or acceleration. The vibration detection unit 51 is an example of a "detection unit". The vibration detection value is an example of a "detection result by the detection unit".

[0030] <Weight determination section> The weight determination unit 52 determines the weight (amount of fabric) of the clothes contained in the rotating tank 5. The weight determination unit 52 determines the weight of the clothes by, for example, utilizing the fact that the load on the drive motor 9 changes depending on the weight of the clothes. For example, the weight determination unit 52 rotates the agitator 8 with the drive motor 9 while the clothes are contained in the rotating tank 5 before supplying water to the water tank 3, and determines the weight of the clothes based on the magnitude of the torque current flowing to the drive motor 9 (for example, the current value of the q-axis current).

[0031] <Fabric quality determination section> The fabric type determination unit 53 determines the fabric type of the clothes placed in the rotating tub 5. The fabric type determination unit 53 determines the fabric type by, for example, utilizing the fact that the load on the drive motor 9 changes depending on the difference in water absorption due to the fabric type. The fabric type determination unit 53 determines the fabric type by, for example, determining whether the laundry is mainly cotton or mainly synthetic fiber. The fabric type determination unit 53 determines the fabric type by, for example, a combination of two indicators: (1) the average value (or integral value) of the q-axis current while the rotating tub 5 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 rotating tub 5 during the washing operation.

[0032] <Dehydration operation determination section> The dewatering operation determination unit 54 makes a determination regarding how to proceed with the dewatering operation based on the vibration index value detected by the vibration detection unit 51 and a preset threshold. In this embodiment, the dewatering operation determination unit 54 determines whether to restart the dewatering operation or to determine the maximum rotational speed (maximum allowable rotational speed) to reach the rotating drum 5 during the dewatering operation, and the method for transitioning to preheat dewatering. The dewatering operation determination unit 54 is an example of a "determination unit". The processing of the dewatering operation determination unit 54 will be described in detail later.

[0033] <Department Head> The control unit 55 controls the entire washing machine 100. For example, the control unit 55 controls the spin-drying operation of the washing machine 100 based on the determination result of the spin-drying operation determination unit 54. For example, the control unit 55 controls the rotation of the rotating drum 5 by controlling the drive of the drive motor 9 via the motor control unit 111.

[0034] <Storage section> The memory unit 59 stores threshold information 59a. The threshold information 59a includes thresholds T1 to T5, which will be described later.

[0035] <4. Rotational control of the rotating tank> <4.1 Washing and Drying Cycle Flow> Figure 4 shows an example of the flow of a wash and dry cycle. In the example shown in Figure 4, for the sake of explanation, the "final spin-drying cycle" and the "preheat spin-drying cycle" will be explained separately. The wash and dry cycle includes, for example, "weight determination 1", "fabric type determination 1", "washing cycle", "spin-drying cycle 1", "shower rinse cycle", "spin-drying cycle 2", "soak rinse cycle", "final spin-drying cycle", "loosening cycle 1", "weight determination 2", "fabric type determination 2", "preheat spin-drying cycle", "loosening cycle 2", and "drying cycle" in this order. Hereafter, the "shower rinse cycle" and the "soak rinse cycle" will be collectively referred to as the "rinsing cycle".

[0036] "Weight determination 1" is an operation to determine the weight (amount of fabric) of the clothes for the washing and rinsing processes. Weight determination 1 is performed by the weight determination unit 52 based on the magnitude of the torque current flowing to the drive motor 9 (for example, the current value of the q-axis current) while the clothes are placed in the rotating tub 5 before water is supplied to the water tank 3, and the agitator 8 is rotated by the drive motor 9. The amount of water supplied for the washing and rinsing processes is determined based on the weight of the clothes determined in "Weight determination 1".

[0037] "Fabric type determination 1" is an operation to determine the fabric type of the garment for the washing and rinsing processes. "Fabric type determination 1" is performed, for example, in the middle of the "washing process". For example, when the rotating tub 5 is supplied with water and rotated, the fabric type detection unit 53 performs the determination based on the average value of the q-axis current flowing to the drive motor 9. The control content of the motor 9 during the washing and rinsing processes is determined based on the fabric type of the garment determined in "Fabric type determination 1".

[0038] The "washing process" includes the addition of detergent, water supply, rotation of the agitator 8 (washing operation), and drainage. The "spinning process 1" is a process that takes place after the "washing process" and before the "shower rinse process" by rotating the rotating tub 5 to partially dehydrate the clothes. The "shower rinse process" is a rinsing process in which the agitator 8 or rotating tub 5 is rotated while simultaneously supplying and draining water (i.e., while water is flowing). The "spinning process 2" is a process that takes place after the "shower rinse process" and before the "soak rinse process" by rotating the rotating tub 5 to partially dehydrate the clothes. The "soak rinse process" is a rinsing process in which the agitator 8 or rotating tub 5 is rotated with water stored in the water tank 3.

[0039] The "final dewatering process" is a process that takes place after the "soak rinse process" and before the "preheat dewatering process," in which the rotating tub 5 is rotated to dewater the clothes. The "loosening process 1" is performed after the "final dewatering process" and before the "preheat dewatering process." The "loosening process 1" is a process in which the drive motor 9 rotates the agitator 8 to loosen the clothes in the rotating tub 5. The loosening operation includes, for example, rotating the agitator 8 to peel off clothes that are stuck to the inner surface of the rotating tub 5.

[0040] "Weight determination 2" is an operation to re-detect the weight (amount of fabric) of the clothes for the drying process. Weight determination 2 is performed after the "final dewatering process" (more precisely, after the "loosening process 1") and before the "preheat dewatering process". Weight determination 2 is performed by the weight determination unit 52 based on the magnitude of the torque current flowing to the drive motor 9 (for example, the current value of the q-axis current) when the agitator 8 is rotated by the drive motor 9 with the clothes contained in the rotating tub 5. For example, weight determination 2 differs from gravity determination 1 in that it uses different index values ​​for determination. The control contents of the drying unit 20 and the drive motor 9 during the drying process are determined based on the weight of the clothes determined by "Weight determination 2".

[0041] "Fabric type determination 2" is an operation to re-detect the fabric type of the garment for the drying process. Fabric type determination 2 is performed after the "final dehydration process" (more specifically, after the "loosening process 1") and before the "preheat dehydration process". Fabric type determination 2 is performed by the fabric type determination unit 53 based on the average value of the q-axis current flowing through the drive motor 9, for example, when the agitator 8 or the rotating tank 5 is rotated by the drive motor 9 with the garment contained in the rotating tank 5. For example, fabric type determination 2 uses different index values ​​for determination compared to fabric type determination 1. The control contents of the drying unit 20 and the drive motor 9 during the drying process are determined based on the fabric type of the garment determined by "Fabric type determination 2".

[0042] The "preheat dehydration process" is a dehydration process performed before the drying process. The preheat dehydration process involves rotating the rotating drum 5 while supplying warm air to it via the duct 21 by the drying unit 20, thereby removing as much moisture as possible from the clothes. The duration of the preheat dehydration process is longer than, for example, the duration of dehydration process 1, dehydration process 2, or the final dehydration process.

[0043] "Loosening process 2" is a process in which the agitator 8 is rotated by the drive motor 9, similar to "loosening process 1," to loosen the clothes in the rotating tub 5. "Loosening process 1" is performed after the "preheating and dewatering process" and before the "drying process." The "drying process" is a process in which the drying unit 20 supplies hot air into the rotating tub 5 via the duct 21 to dry the clothes in the rotating tub 5.

[0044] <4.2 Control of the dehydration process> Next, we will explain the relationship between the dewatering process and the determination of the detection result of the vibration detection unit 51. The following explanation is basically the same for dewatering process 1, dewatering process 2, final dewatering, and preheat dewatering process.

[0045] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the startup operation of the dewatering process. During the startup of the dewatering process, the rotation speed of the rotating tub 5 is increased in a stepwise manner, and a determination operation using thresholds is performed at multiple rotation speeds (multiple speeds). For example, the control unit 55 first increases the rotation speed of the rotating tub 5 to a first rotation speed R1, and then fixes the rotation speed of the rotating tub 5 at the first rotation speed R1 for a certain period of time. After the state of the washing dryer 100 stabilizes, the dewatering operation determination unit 54 makes a first determination J1 regarding how to proceed with the dewatering operation based on the vibration index value detected by the vibration detection unit 51 and the threshold T1 set in correspondence with the first rotation speed R1.

[0046] For example, the dehydration operation determination unit 54 determines that the clothing imbalance is outside the acceptable range if the vibration index value detected by the vibration detection unit 51 in the first determination J1 exceeds the threshold T1. "Imbalance" refers to an uneven load state caused by the uneven distribution of clothing in the rotating tub 5. In this case, the control unit 55 performs a retry operation, which is a restart of the dehydration process. The retry operation attempts to resolve the clothing imbalance by stopping the rotation of the rotating tub 5, supplying water to the water tank 3, and rotating the rotating tub 5 to move the clothing. If a retry operation is performed, the dehydration process starts again from the beginning (i.e., from the first determination J1 at a lower rotation speed).

[0047] On the other hand, the dehydration operation determination unit 54 determines that the imbalance of the clothes is within an acceptable range if the vibration index value detected by the vibration detection unit 51 in the first determination J1 is less than or equal to the threshold T1. In this case, the control unit 55 increases the rotation speed of the rotating tub 5 to a second rotation speed R2, which is higher than the first rotation speed R1, and then fixes the rotation speed of the rotating tub 5 at the second rotation speed R2 for a certain period of time. After the state of the washing machine 100 has stabilized, the dehydration operation determination unit 54 makes a second determination J2 regarding how to proceed with the dehydration operation based on the vibration index value detected by the vibration detection unit 51 at the second rotation speed R2 and the threshold T2 set in accordance with the second rotation speed R2.

[0048] The content of the second judgment J2 is the same as that of the first judgment J1. That is, the dewatering operation judgment unit 54 determines that the clothing imbalance is outside the acceptable range if the vibration index value detected by the vibration detection unit 51 at the second rotation speed R2 exceeds the second threshold T2. In this case, the control unit 55 performs a retry operation and starts the dewatering process from the beginning. On the other hand, the dewatering operation judgment unit 54 determines that the clothing imbalance is within the acceptable range if the vibration index value detected by the vibration detection unit 51 at the second rotation speed R2 is less than or equal to the threshold T2. In this case, the control unit 55 increases the rotation speed of the rotating drum 5 to the third rotation speed R3, which is higher than the second rotation speed R2. Then, the third judgment J3 is performed at the third rotation speed R3 using the third threshold T3.

[0049] Similarly, if the vibration index value detected by the vibration detection unit 51 at the third rotation speed R3 is less than or equal to the threshold T3, then a fourth determination J4 is performed using the fourth threshold T4 at the fourth rotation speed R4, which is faster than the third rotation speed R3. If, in the fourth determination J4, the vibration index value detected by the vibration detection unit 51 at the fourth rotation speed R4 is less than or equal to the threshold T4, then a fifth determination J5 is performed using the fifth threshold T5 at the fifth rotation speed R5, which is faster than the fourth rotation speed R4.

[0050] Here, the content of the third judgment J3 is, for example, a determination of whether or not a retry operation is necessary, similar to the first judgment J1 or the second judgment J2. On the other hand, the fourth judgment J4 and the fifth judgment J5 are determinations to determine the maximum rotational speed (maximum acceptable rotational speed) to be reached during the dewatering process in progress.

[0051] For example, in the fourth determination J4, if the vibration index value detected by the vibration detection unit 51 at the fourth rotation speed R4 exceeds the threshold T4, the dehydration operation determination unit 54 determines that the clothing imbalance is outside the acceptable range. In this case, the control unit 55 stops increasing the rotation speed of the rotating tub 5 beyond the fourth rotation speed R4. That is, it fixes the maximum rotation speed in the dehydration process to the fourth rotation speed R4, which is lower than the target rotation speed RM. On the other hand, in the fourth determination J4, if the vibration index value detected by the vibration detection unit 51 at the fourth rotation speed R4 is less than or equal to the threshold T4, the dehydration operation determination unit 54 determines that the clothing imbalance is within the acceptable range. In this case, the control unit 55 increases the rotation speed of the rotating tub 5 beyond the fourth rotation speed R4 to the fifth rotation speed R5.

[0052] Then, in the fifth determination J5, if the vibration index value detected by the vibration detection unit 51 at the fifth rotation speed R5 exceeds the threshold T5, the dehydration operation determination unit 54 determines that the clothing imbalance is outside the acceptable range. In this case, the control unit 55 stops increasing the rotation speed of the spinning tub 5 beyond the fifth rotation speed R5. That is, it fixes the maximum rotation speed in the dehydration process at the fifth rotation speed R5, which is lower than the target rotation speed RM. On the other hand, in the fifth determination J5, if the vibration index value detected by the vibration detection unit 51 at the fifth rotation speed R5 is less than or equal to the threshold T5, the dehydration operation determination unit 54 determines that the clothing imbalance is within the acceptable range. In this case, the control unit 55 increases the rotation speed of the spinning tub 5 beyond the fifth rotation speed R5 to the target rotation speed RM. In this case, the target rotation speed RM becomes the maximum rotation speed in the dehydration operation.

[0053] Figure 6 illustrates the maximum rotational speed of the rotating drum 5 during dewatering process 1, dewatering process 2, and the preheat dewatering process. As described above, the rotational speed of the rotating drum 5 is increased in a stepwise manner during the start-up of the dewatering process. Therefore, the maximum rotational speed differs in each dewatering process depending on the size of the imbalance in the rotating drum 5.

[0054] <4.3 Special control for time reduction> Next, we will explain the special control measures used to reduce processing time.

[0055] (If an imbalance exceeding a specified standard exists) Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the flow of operations when there is an unbalance exceeding a predetermined standard. In this embodiment, the control unit 55 determines that the first state is occurring if, for example, in the determination of unbalance in the final dewatering process (for example, the determination of either the fourth or fifth determination J4, J5), the vibration index value detected by the vibration detection unit 51 exceeds a predetermined threshold (for example, thresholds T4, T5). The vibration index value detected by the vibration detection unit 51 exceeding the thresholds T4, T5 is an example of "when the detection result of the detection unit satisfies the predetermined conditions."

[0056] In one example, in the final dewatering step, the third judgment J3 may also be used not as a judgment for retry operation, but as a judgment for determining the maximum rotation speed. Furthermore, in the stepped rise of the dewatering operation, the thresholds T3 to T5 used in the third to fifth judgments J3 to J5 may be set smaller than the thresholds T3 to T5 used in dewatering step 1 or dewatering step 2, so that unbalance is detected at lower rotation speeds.

[0057] If the control unit 55 determines that the first state is in effect, it sets the maximum rotation speed of the rotating tub 5 for the final dewatering stroke to a lower value. For example, the control unit 55 fixes the maximum rotation speed of the rotating tub 5 to a rotation speed Ra that is lower than rotation speed R4. Rotation speed Ra is, for example, a low rotation speed that prevents clothes from sticking to the inner surface of the rotating tub 5. Rotation speed Ra is, for example, a rotation speed lower than the minimum rotation speed R4 fixed in dewatering stroke 1 or dewatering stroke 2. Rotation speed Ra is, for example, a rotation speed lower than rotation speed R3. Rotation speed Ra is an example of a "second rotation speed".

[0058] The rotation speed Ra may be a fixed value, or it may be changed based on the weight of the garment determined in weight determination 1, or the fabric type determined in fabric type determination 1. The final dewatering process is an example of a "predetermined dewatering process." Performing the final dewatering process at rotation speed Ra is an example of "rotating the drum according to predetermined standards."

[0059] Furthermore, if the control unit 55 determines that the first state is in effect, it performs the final dewatering process for a shorter time than the predetermined time, thus ending the final dewatering process earlier. The "predetermined time" is, for example, "the time required to achieve the dewatering rate attained at the normal rotation speed." The "normal rotation speed" may be defined as the target rotation speed RM, or as rotation speed R5 or rotation speed R4. Here, when performing the dewatering process at rotation speed Ra, in order to achieve the same dewatering rate as when performing the dewatering process at the "normal rotation speed," the dewatering process needs to be performed for a longer period of time compared to when performing the dewatering process at the "normal rotation speed." However, in this embodiment, if the control unit 55 determines that the first state is in effect, it does not aim for the same dewatering rate as when performing the dewatering process at the "normal rotation speed," but ends the final dewatering process earlier, even if it results in a lower dewatering rate. This suppresses the inefficient dewatering process from being performed for a long time in situations where an imbalance of a predetermined standard or higher exists, allowing the loosening process 1 to be performed earlier, reducing the imbalance, and enabling the preheat dewatering process to begin earlier.

[0060] Note that the "specified time" is not limited to the above example. For example, the "specified time" may be the time during which the dewatering process is performed at the target rotation speed RM after it is determined to be in the second state, or it may be the time during which the dewatering process is performed at rotation speed R5 or rotation speed R4 after it is determined to be in the second state. In this case as well, it is possible to suppress the dewatering process from being performed for a long time in an unbalance that exceeds a specified standard, and to perform the loosening process 1 earlier, reduce the unbalance, and then proceed to the preheat dewatering process earlier.

[0061] Furthermore, if the control unit 55 determines that the first state is present, it stops the rotating drum 5 after the final dewatering process, performs the loosening process 1, and then performs the preheat dewatering process. In other words, if there is an imbalance exceeding a predetermined standard, the control unit separates the "final dewatering process" and the "preheat dewatering process." That is, as shown in Figures 4 and 7, the control unit 55 performs the "final dewatering process," "loosening process 1," "weight determination 2," "fabric quality determination 2," "preheat dewatering process," "loosening process 2," and "drying process" in this order.

[0062] Furthermore, if the control unit 55 determines that the first state is present, after the preheating and dewatering process, it performs a loosening operation for a first time T1 as the loosening process 2.

[0063] (If there is no imbalance exceeding a specified standard) Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the operation flow when there is no imbalance exceeding a predetermined standard. In this embodiment, the control unit 55 determines that the state is second if, in all of the first to fifth determinations J1 to J5 in the final dewatering process, the vibration index value detected by the vibration detection unit 51 does not exceed the threshold T1 to T5.

[0064] In this embodiment, if the control unit 55 determines that the second state is in place, it starts air drying from the middle of the final dewatering process (for example, from the point at which it is determined that the second state is in place). That is, the control unit 55 drives the blower 20a of the drying unit 20 during the final dewatering process and performs the dewatering operation while supplying air from the blower 20a into the rotating tank 5.

[0065] In this embodiment, if the control unit 55 determines that the second state is in effect, it performs a preheat dewatering process immediately following the final dewatering process without stopping the rotating tank 5 after the final dewatering process. That is, while performing the dewatering operation of the final dewatering process, it starts supplying hot air into the rotating tank 5 by the drying unit 20, and proceeds directly from the final dewatering process to the preheat dewatering process. In this case, the loosening process 1, weight determination 2, and fabric quality determination 2 are not performed between the final dewatering process and the preheat dewatering process. The control unit performs the preheat dewatering process and the drying process based on the weight determined by weight determination 1 and the fabric quality determined by fabric quality determination 1.

[0066] If the control unit 55 determines that the second state is in effect, it performs the final dewatering step and the subsequent preheat dewatering step at rotation speed RM, which is the maximum rotation speed for the dewatering operation. Rotation speed RM is an example of the "first rotation speed".

[0067] If the control unit 55 determines that the second state is present, it performs a loosening operation for a second time T2 as a loosening process after the preheating and dewatering process. The second time T2 is longer than the first time T1 described above. In other words, by making the loosening process longer after the preheating and dewatering process, the clothes are sufficiently loosened before moving on to the drying process, since the loosening process 1 is omitted.

[0068] <4.4 Special control for lightly weighted clothing> In this embodiment, if the weight of the clothes in the rotating tub 5 (for example, the weight determined by weight determination 1) is below a preset threshold, the control unit 55 will not stop the rotating tub 5 and will proceed with the preheating dewatering process following the final dewatering process, even if it is in the first state. "Even if it is in the first state" is not limited to cases where it is determined to be in the first state, and it is not necessary to determine whether it is in the first or second state; it is sufficient if it is determined that the weight of the clothes is below the threshold. The threshold is set, for example, to correspond to the weight when the clothes are light enough that a loosening operation is not required.

[0069] As shown in Figure 8, if the weight of the clothes in the rotating tub 5 is below a preset threshold, the control unit 55 performs the final dewatering process and the subsequent preheat dewatering process at a rotation speed lower than the rotation speed RM described above (for example, rotation speed R4).

[0070] <5. Processing Flow> Next, I will explain the processing flow. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the washing and drying machine 100. First, when the final dewatering process begins, the control unit 55 determines whether or not an unbalance exceeding a predetermined standard exists (S101). The determination of whether or not an unbalance exceeding a predetermined standard exists can be made using, for example, determinations J3 to J5, as described above. However, the determination of whether or not an unbalance exceeding a predetermined standard exists is not limited to the above example and may be made based on other determination criteria.

[0071] Next, if an imbalance exceeding a predetermined standard exists (S101: YES), the control unit 55 determines whether the weight of the clothing is below a threshold based on the weight determined in the determination operation 1 (S102). If the weight of the clothing is greater than the threshold, the control unit 55 performs the final dewatering process at a low rotation speed according to a predetermined standard (S103). In this case, after the final dewatering process, the control unit 55 performs the loosening process 1, weight determination 2, and fabric quality determination 2 (S104). Next, the control unit 55 performs the preheat dewatering process (S105), then the control unit 55 performs the loosening process 2 (S106), and then the drying process (S107).

[0072] On the other hand, if there is no imbalance exceeding a predetermined standard (S102: NO), or if there is an imbalance exceeding a predetermined standard but the weight of the clothes is below the above threshold (S102: YES), the control unit 55 performs the final dewatering process and the preheat dewatering process consecutively (S111). In this case, after the preheat dewatering process, the control unit 55 performs a longer loosening operation (S112) and then performs the drying process (S107).

[0073] <6. Advantages> As a comparative example, let's consider a washer-dryer that, regardless of whether there is an imbalance, stops the rotating tub 5 after the final spin-drying cycle and performs a loosening cycle, weight determination, and fabric quality determination. In such a washer-dryer, even if the imbalance is below a predetermined standard during the final spin-drying cycle, an imbalance may occur during the subsequent loosening cycle, weight determination, or fabric quality determination. If an imbalance occurs during the loosening cycle, weight determination, or fabric quality determination, it may result in a retry operation during the startup of the preheat spin-drying cycle, or a reduction in the maximum rotation speed of the preheat spin-drying cycle. These factors make it difficult to shorten the operating time of the washer-dryer.

[0074] Therefore, in this embodiment, if the vibration detection unit 51 detects a first state during the execution of the final dewatering process that satisfies a predetermined condition, the control unit 55 rotates the rotating tub 5 according to a predetermined standard, then stops the rotating tub 5, performs a loosening operation, and then performs a preheat dewatering process. On the other hand, if the vibration detection unit 51 detects a second state during the execution of the final dewatering process that does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the control unit 55 does not stop the rotating tub 5 and performs a preheat dewatering process following the final dewatering process. With this configuration, if it is determined that the imbalance in the final dewatering process is below a predetermined standard, the rotating tub 5 is not stopped and a preheat dewatering process is performed following the final dewatering process.

[0075] With this configuration, since processes such as loosening, weight determination, and fabric type determination that can cause imbalance are not performed after the final spin-drying process, it is possible to suppress retry operations during the startup of the preheat spin-drying process and the reduction in the maximum rotation speed of the preheat spin-drying process. In addition, by running the final spin-drying process and the preheat spin-drying process consecutively without stopping the rotating drum 5, the startup time for one cycle can be shortened compared to when startup operations are performed separately for the final spin-drying process and the preheat spin-drying process. As a result, the operating time of the wash-and-dry cycle can be shortened.

[0076] For example, if the washer-dryer 100 is a top-loading washer-dryer, the spin-drying operation is performed with the rotating tub 5 and agitator 8 rotating together by the clutch mechanism 11, while the loosening operation is performed with the agitator 8 rotating independently. Therefore, if a loosening step exists between the final spin-drying step and the preheat spin-drying step, the clutch mechanism 11 needs to be switched twice, before and after the loosening step. Switching the clutch mechanism 11 is a relatively time-consuming operation because it is performed while detecting the meshing state of the gears. Therefore, if the loosening step between the final spin-drying step and the preheat spin-drying step is omitted, the switching of the clutch mechanism 11 becomes unnecessary. From this perspective as well, if the preheat spin-drying step is performed immediately after the final spin-drying step, the operating time of the washer-dryer can be shortened.

[0077] In this embodiment, if the control unit 55 determines that the second state is present, it rotates the rotary tub 5 at a first rotational speed as the final dewatering step, and then performs a preheat dewatering step. On the other hand, if the control unit 55 determines that the first state is present, it rotates the rotary tub 5 at a second rotational speed lower than the first rotational speed as the final dewatering step, then stops the rotary tub 5, and then performs a preheat dewatering step. With this configuration, if there is an imbalance greater than a predetermined standard in the final dewatering step, the clothes will stick to the inner surface of the rotary tub 5, making it difficult to loosen them properly. Therefore, in the final dewatering step, the dewatering is ended early at a low rotational speed that prevents the clothes from sticking. Then, the loosening operation can be performed properly, and the preheat dewatering step can be entered. This allows the drying step to be performed in a state that makes it easier to dry the clothes, and further reduces the operating time of the wash and dry operation.

[0078] In this embodiment, if the control unit 55 determines that the first state is in effect, it performs a loosening operation for a first time T1 after the preheating and dewatering process. On the other hand, if the control unit 55 determines that the second state is in effect, it performs a loosening operation for a second time T2, which is longer than the first time T1, after the preheating and dewatering process. With this configuration, in the second state, where the loosening operation between the final dewatering process and the preheating and dewatering process is omitted, a sufficient loosening operation is performed after the preheating and dewatering process, allowing the clothes to be dried in an easily manageable state during the drying process. This makes it possible to further shorten the operating time of the wash and dry cycle.

[0079] In this embodiment, when the control unit 55 determines that the second state is present, it performs air drying by supplying air into the rotating tub 5 from the middle of the final dewatering process. With this configuration, the preheat dewatering process can be entered with a higher dewatering rate. This makes it possible to further shorten the operating time of the wash-drying operation.

[0080] In this embodiment, if the weight of the clothes is below a threshold, the control unit 55 will not stop the rotating tub 5 even in the first state described above, and will perform a preheating and dewatering process following the final dewatering process. With this configuration, if there is so little clothing that a loosening operation is not necessary, or if there is so little clothing that the clothes stick to the inner surface of the rotating tub 5 and the agitator 8 does not come into contact with it, it is possible to avoid stopping the rotating tub 5 after the final dewatering process and performing a loosening operation. This makes it possible to further shorten the operating time of the washing and drying operation.

[0081] (modified version) Next, a modified example of the embodiment will be described. Figure 10 shows an example of the flow of a washing and drying operation in a modified embodiment. In this modified embodiment, weight determination 2 and fabric type determination 2 are performed after the "soak and rinse" process and before the "final spin-drying process". With this configuration, even if there is no imbalance exceeding a predetermined standard and the preheat spin-drying process is performed following the final spin-drying process, weight determination 2 and fabric type determination 2 can be performed to control the preheat spin-drying process and the drying process. This improves the accuracy of the control of the preheat spin-drying process and the drying process.

[0082] Although embodiments and variations have been described above, the embodiments and variations are not limited to the examples described above. Each configuration, process, threshold, etc., can be modified and applied as appropriate.

[0083] According to at least one embodiment described above, the washing machine has a control unit that, when the detection result of the detection unit satisfies a predetermined condition during the execution of a predetermined dehydration operation, rotates the rotating drum according to a predetermined standard, then stops the rotating drum, performs a loosening operation, and then performs a dehydration operation in which the rotating drum is rotated while supplying hot air into the rotating drum; and when the detection result of the detection unit does not satisfy a predetermined condition during the execution of the predetermined dehydration operation, it has a control unit that does not stop the rotating drum and performs a dehydration operation in which the rotating drum is rotated while supplying hot air into the rotating drum following the predetermined dehydration operation. With such a configuration, the operating time can be shortened.

[0084] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, 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 and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1...Housing, 3...Water tank, 5...Rotating drum, 50...Control device, 51...Vibration detection unit (detection unit), 52...Weight determination unit, 53...Fabric type determination unit, 54...Dehydration operation determination unit, 55...Control unit, 61...Accelerometer, 62...Current sensor, 100...Washer dryer (washing machine).

Claims

1. A fish tank and A rotating tank is placed inside the aforementioned water tank and contains clothing, A motor for rotating the aforementioned rotating tank, A detection unit for detecting values ​​related to the water tank or the rotating tank, If, during the execution of the final dewatering operation, which is performed immediately before the preheat dewatering operation in which hot air is supplied while dewatering, the detection result of the detection unit is in a first state that satisfies predetermined conditions, the rotating drum is rotated according to predetermined standards, the rotating drum is stopped, a loosening operation is performed, and then the preheat dewatering operation is initiated. If, during the execution of the final dewatering operation, the detection result of the detection unit is in a second state that does not satisfy the predetermined conditions, the control unit proceeds to the preheat dewatering operation following the final dewatering operation without stopping the rotating drum or performing the loosening operation. Equipped with, The detection unit detects a value related to the vibration of the water tank or the rotating tank as the value, The aforementioned predetermined condition is met when the value related to the vibration exceeds a threshold. washing machine.

2. The control unit, If the first state is in place, the rotating drum is stopped, the loosening operation is performed, the weight of the clothing is determined, and then the preheating and dewatering operation is performed. In the second state described above, after the start of the final dewatering operation, the weight determination operation is not performed, and the process proceeds to the preheat dewatering operation following the final dewatering operation. The washing machine according to claim 1.

3. The control unit, If the first state is in place, the rotating drum is stopped, the loosening operation is performed, the fabric quality of the clothing is determined, and then the preheating and dewatering operation is performed. In the second state, after the start of the final dewatering operation, the fabric quality determination operation is not performed, and the process proceeds to the preheat dewatering operation following the final dewatering operation. The washing machine according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The control unit, In the second state described above, the final dewatering operation involves rotating the drum at a first rotational speed, and then proceeding to the preheat dewatering operation. If the first state is in place, the rotating tank is rotated at a second rotational speed lower than the first rotational speed, as a predetermined standard, and then the rotating tank is stopped. The washing machine according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. The control unit, If the first state is present, after the preheating and dewatering operation, a loosening operation is performed for a period of time of 1 hour. In the second state, after the preheating and dewatering operation, a loosening operation is performed for a second time that is longer than the first time. The washing machine according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. When the control unit is in the second state, it performs air drying by supplying air into the rotating tank from the middle of the final dewatering operation. The washing machine according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. If the weight of the clothing is below a threshold, the control unit proceeds to the preheating and dewatering operation following the final dewatering operation, even if the first state is in place, without stopping the rotating drum. The washing machine according to claim 1 or claim 2.

Images