JPH07144089A - Control method for fully automatic washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve judging accuracy for the quantity of washing in a fully automatic washing machine which judges the quantity of washing prior to a washing process and automatically sets a washing condition in accordance with a judged result. CONSTITUTION:The number H1 of rotating pulses of an agitator blade measured when a motor is rotated for fixed time at a detection setting water level is stored (S1, S2). The sum M of stored inertia coasting rotation of the agitator blade in washing last time is added on the number H1 of rotating pulses of the agitator blade as a correction value, and threshold values X1, Y1, and Z1 are decided again (S3). The threshold value X1, Y1, and Z1 are compared with the stored number A1 of inertia rotating pulses sequentially, and the washing condition is set (S4-S5). When the washing condition is set, the washing is performed according to the washing condition. At this time, the inertia rotating speed of the agitator blade is measured, and the sum M1 of inertial rotation of the agitator is stored so as to be used in judgement for the quantity of washing in the next washing operation (S11).

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention determines the amount of laundry in a washing tub based on the rotation state of a stirring blade that agitates the laundry stored in the tub within a predetermined time before the washing process. The present invention relates to a control method in a fully automatic washing machine that automatically sets a washing condition according to the determination result, and particularly to a method for determining the amount of laundry.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a fully automatic washing machine which automatically performs a series of washing operations including a washing step, a rinsing step and a dehydrating step. Generally, in a fully automatic washing machine, the amount of laundry stored in the washing tub is judged before the washing process, and the washing conditions such as water level and water flow are automatically determined according to this judgment. ing. That is, the washing operation is executed under the washing condition according to the amount of laundry in the washing tub.

As a method for determining the amount of laundry, a preset water level for detecting the amount of laundry (hereinafter referred to as "detection set water level". This water level is lower than the water level at the time of washing. ) Until the washing tub is filled with water, after rotating the stirring blade by the motor for a predetermined time,
There is a method of determining the amount of laundry by measuring the number of pulses generated during inertial rotation of the stirring blade at the detection set water level. Specifically, when the amount of laundry is large, the load applied to the stirring blade is large, so that the inertial rotation pulse of the stirring blade is small, while when the amount of laundry is small, the load applied to the stirring blade is small, The inertial rotation pulse of the stirring blade is increased. That is, when the number of pulses during stirring blade inertial rotation is small, it is determined that the amount of laundry is large, while when the number of pulses during inertial rotation of the stirring blade is large, it is determined that the amount of laundry is small.

The driving force of the motor is transmitted to the stirring blade via transmission means including a pulley belt and the like. In the washing and rinsing steps, the stirring blades are reversed at predetermined time intervals,
This is achieved by stirring the laundry in the tub and generating a water flow in the tub.

[0005]

In the conventional control method for a fully automatic washing machine, the amount of laundry is determined by measuring the number of pulses generated during inertial rotation of the stirring blade at the detected set water level. However, since the number of pulses during the inertial rotation of the stirring blade changes due to various external factors, an error occurs in the amount of laundry determined based on the number of pulses during rotation of the stirring blade. Judgment accuracy decreases.

The most important factor that changes the number of pulses generated during inertial rotation of the stirring blade is the pulley belt that transmits the driving force of the motor to the stirring blade according to the years of use, because the usage environment and the usage frequency differ for each product. It is thought that this is because the change in tension is not constant for each product. In other words, since the secular change in the tension of the pulley belt is not constant for each product, the torque of the stirring blade changes in a random manner, and the number of pulses generated during the inertial rotation of the stirring blade also changes accordingly. As a result, the accuracy of determining the amount of laundry decreases.

Therefore, in order to deal with the above, the applicant of the present invention, based on the inertial rotation speed of the stirring blade in advance during washing, changes the rotation speed of the stirring blade when the washing condition is set with respect to the secular change of the tension of the pulley belt. It was thought that if the correction data relating to (1) was determined proportionally and this correction data was used when the next washing condition was set, then there would be less variation in the determination of the amount of laundry.

In view of the above technical problems, the present invention measures the inertial rotation speed of a stirring blade during washing and uses the measurement result to determine the amount of laundry to determine the accuracy of the amount of laundry. It is an object of the present invention to provide a control method in a fully automatic washing machine that can improve the performance.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, a control method in a fully automatic washing machine according to the present invention is provided in a tub so as to be able to rotate forward and backward, and agitates laundry stored in the tub. A stirring blade, a motor for rotating the stirring blade,
It is equipped with a transmission means including a pulley belt that transmits the driving force of the motor to the stirring blade, and before the washing process, the stirring blade is rotated for a predetermined time to measure the rotation state of the stirring blade, and based on the measurement result. In a fully automatic washing machine that determines the amount of laundry in the washing tub and automatically sets the washing conditions according to the determination result, the inertial rotation speed of the stirring blade during washing and the pulley belt Set a data table showing the relationship between the aging change of tension and the correction amount of the rotation state of the stirring blade when the washing condition is set,
At the time of washing, by stirring the laundry in the tub by reversing the stirring blades at predetermined time intervals,
The inertial rotation speed of the stirring blade that occurs when a water flow is generated in the tank is measured, and the correction amount is read from the above data table based on the resulting inertial rotation speed of the stirring blade. It is characterized in that it is used when setting washing conditions.

[0010]

In the control method for the fully automatic washing machine described above, the inertial rotation speed of the stirring blade during the washing and the pulley are considered in advance in consideration of the variation in the accuracy of determining the amount of the laundry caused by the change in tension of the pulley belt over time. A data table is set which represents the relationship between the secular change of the belt tension and the correction amount of the rotation state of the stirring blade when the washing condition is set. And, at the time of washing, measure the inertial rotation speed of the stirring blade,
Based on the resulting inertial rotation speed of the stirring blade, the correction amount is read from the data table, and the read correction amount is used when the next washing condition is set, resulting in less variation in the determination of the amount of laundry. Therefore, the accuracy of determining the amount of laundry can be improved.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a simplified schematic configuration of a fully automatic washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
Similarly, it is a side view which notches and shows a part of fully automatic washing machine. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, this fully automatic washing machine has an outer tub 3 elastically suspended in a washing machine main body 1 via suspension rods 2, and a rotary shaft 4 on the outer tub 3. And a washing tub 5 which is internally and rotatably rotatable. Washing water is stored in the outer tub 3, and laundry is stored in the washing tub 5.

The washing machine body 1 is formed in a box shape having an opening on the upper surface. A control box 6 protruding from the upper surface is provided at the rear of the washing machine main body 1, and the surface of the control box 6 has an L indicator for displaying an operation state and the like.
An ED display 31 is provided. A water supply port 7 for supplying washing water into the outer tub 3 is provided above the rear part of the main body 1 of the washing machine.
Is provided. The water supply port 7 is connected to a water supply passage (not shown) via an electromagnetic water supply valve 29 (see FIG. 3) that controls the supply of washing water into the outer tub 3.

On the bottom of the outer tub 3, washing water is filled with the washing machine body 1.
A drainage port 8 for discharging to the outside is formed. The drainage port 8 is connected to a drainage channel 10 via an electromagnetic drain valve 9 that controls drainage of washing water from the outer tub 3 to the outside of the washing machine body 1. The drainage channel 10 is connected to the washing machine body. 1 is connected to a drain hose 11 extending outside. The drain valve 9 is driven by the solenoid 23. That is, when the solenoid 23 is excited, the drain valve 9 is opened.

An overflow port 12 is formed in the upper part of the outer tub 3 for draining overflowed washing water.
The wash water overflowed from the overflow port 12 is the overflow hose 13
To the drainage channel 10. An air trap 14 is provided at one corner of the bottom of the outer tub 3. Air trap 1
4 is connected to a water level sensor 15 in the control box 6 via a pressure hose 16. The water level sensor 15 detects a water level change in the outer tub 3 as a change in air pressure in the pressure hose 16.

A large number of fine dehydration holes (not shown) are formed on the peripheral surface of the washing tub 5. The bottom of the washing tub 5 is internally and rotatably equipped with a stirring blade 17 for stirring the laundry and stirring the washing water to generate a water flow.
A balance ring 13 is fitted on the top of the washing tub 5. A bearing case 20 for transmitting the driving force from the motor 19 to the stirring blade 17 and the washing tub 5 is provided at the bottom of the washing machine body 1. Since the bearing case 20 has a conventionally known structure, description of its internal structure is omitted. A pulley 40 is attached to the tip of the drive shaft of the bearing case 20 so as to be coaxially rotatable.
An endless pulley belt 22 is wound between the and the output shaft of the motor 19. The driving force of the motor 19 is transmitted to the pulley 40 of the bearing case 20 via the pulley belt 22. Rotational force from the bearing case 20 is transmitted to the washing tub 5 via the rotating shaft 4 and the rotating shaft 4
It is transmitted to the stirring blade 17 by the inner shaft 21 fitted inside.
Specifically, in the washing and rinsing steps, the stirring force is applied to the inner shaft 21 and the stirring blade 17 is inverted. As a result, the laundry in the washing tub 5 is stirred and a water flow is generated in the washing tub 5. In the dehydration process, the rotating shaft 4 is given a rotational force to rotate the washing tub 5. As a result, the moisture impregnated in the laundry in the washing tub 5 is discharged from the dehydration hole.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical construction of the fully automatic washing machine. Referring to the figure, a series of washing operations including a washing step, a rinsing step and a dehydrating step are executed under the control of the microcomputer 33. The microcomputer 33 functions as a control unit or the like of the operation of each unit of the washing machine, includes a CPU, a data RAM, a program ROM, and the like, and controls according to a program stored in the ROM in advance.

The microcomputer 33 is provided with input keys 25, a water level sensor 15, an upper lid switch 26 for detecting the opening / closing of the upper lid 24 (see FIG. 1), a thermistor 34 for measuring the ambient temperature, and a rotation pulse for the stirring blade 17. The respective output signals from the clock oscillation circuit 27 which supplies the operation clock to the proximity sensor 36 and the microcomputer 33 to be taken out are given.

Further, the microcomputer 33 has a drive circuit 28 for driving the motor 19, the drain valve 9 and the water supply valve 29, a buzzer circuit 30 for sounding a buzzer (not shown) to give a process end notification or an abnormality notification, and an LED display. The device 31 and the power supply circuit 32 are connected. Then, the microcomputer 33, based on the output signals from the input key 25, the water level sensor 15, the upper lid switch 26, the thermistor 34, the proximity sensor 36, and the clock oscillation circuit 27,
The drive of the motor 19, the drain valve 9, and the water supply valve 29 is controlled via the drive circuit 28, and the buzzer circuit 30 and the LED
The display 31 and the power supply circuit 32 are controlled.

4 and 5 are flow charts for explaining a series of washing operations including a washing step, a rinsing step and a dehydrating step. FIG. 4 shows a flow chart when the user purchases the fully automatic washing machine and performs the first washing, and FIG. 5 shows a flow chart when performing the second washing. In the microcomputer 33,
A data table representing the relationship between the inertial rotation speed of the stirring blade 17 during washing, the secular change in tension of the pulley belt 22, and the correction amount of the inertial rotation speed of the stirring blade 17 when the washing condition is set is set in advance. . In this embodiment, as the correction amount of the inertial rotation speed of the stirring blade 17 at the time of setting the washing condition, the inertial rotation speed of the stirring blade 17 at the time of setting the washing condition and the total number of inertial rotations of the stirring blade 17 at the time of washing are added. A threshold value is proportionally determined with respect to the value, and this threshold value is used when the washing condition is automatically set prior to the washing process.

Referring to FIG. 4, during the first washing,
When a predetermined amount of laundry is put into the washing tub 5 and the start button is pressed, water supply is started. That is, the water supply valve 29 is opened, and the wash water is supplied into the outer tub 3. When the water supply is started, the amount of laundry in the washing tub 5 is determined and the washing condition is automatically set according to the determination result before the washing process (steps F1 to F5).

Specifically, when the washing water is accumulated in the outer tub 3 up to the detection water level for judging the amount of laundry, the motor 19
Is reversed at a predetermined output for a fixed time, and then the motor 19
Is stopped (step F1). Then, the microcomputer 33 measures the number of pulses generated during inertial rotation of the stirring blade 17 at the detection set water level based on the output signal from the proximity sensor 36. The measured inertial rotation pulse number N of the stirring blade 17 is stored in the microcomputer 33 (step F2). At this time, since the washing operation has not been performed once, the threshold values X, Y, Z (where X>Y> Z) for the number N of inertial rotation pulses are read from the database. Then, the read threshold values X, Y, and Z are sequentially compared with the stored rotation pulse number A, and the washing condition is set based on the comparison result (steps F3 to F5). That is, first, the rotation pulse number N is compared with the threshold value Z (step F3). Here, if A <Z, it is determined that the amount of laundry is large, and the high water level is set according to the determination result. On the other hand, N ≧ Z
If so, the rotation pulse number A is compared with the threshold value Y (step F4). Here, if N <Y, the amount of laundry is determined to be medium, and the medium water level is set according to the determination result. On the other hand, if N ≧ Y, the rotation pulse number N and the threshold value X are compared (step F5). Where N <
If it is X, it is determined that the amount of laundry is small, and the low water level is set according to the determination result. On the other hand, if N ≧ X, it is determined that the amount of laundry is very small, and a small amount of water level is set according to the determination result.

When the washing condition is set based on the amount of laundry, the washing operation is performed according to the set washing condition (steps F6 to F10). Specifically, when it is determined that the amount of laundry is large (step F3), water is supplied to a high water level (step F6), and when it is determined that the amount of laundry is medium (step F4). ), Water is supplied to the intermediate water level (step F7), and when it is determined that the amount of laundry is small (step F5), water is supplied to the low water level (step F8), and it is determined that the amount of laundry is very small. If so (step F5), water is supplied up to the small water level (step F9).

When the washing water is collected in the outer tub 3 up to a water level set based on the amount of laundry, the stirring blade 17 is reversed at a predetermined time interval to wash with a water flow suitable for each set water level. Operation (washing and rinsing operation) is performed. At this time, based on the output signal from the proximity sensor 36, the microcomputer 33 causes the stirring blade 1 to be washed.
The inertial rotation of 7 is measured, and the total number M of the measured inertial rotations of the stirring blades 17 is stored in the microcomputer 33 as a correction value used when determining the amount of laundry in the next washing operation (step). F10). Then, the operation is ended.

Referring to FIG. 5, when the second washing is performed,
Before the washing process, the amount of laundry depends on the judgment result.
If you want to set the washing conditions automatically,
The total number M of inertial rotations of the stirring blade 17 measured by
Be done. (Steps S1 to S6). Specifically, the detection setting
At the water level, the stirring blade 17 is reversed by the motor 19 for a certain time.
The number N of inertial rotation pulses of the stirring blade 17 measured when₁Is
It is stored in the microcomputer 33 (step S
1, S2). The rotation pulse number N of the stirring blade 17
₁The stirring blade that was already remembered during the previous washing
The total number M of inertial rotations of 17 is added as a correction value, and the threshold
Is decided again. That is, the inertial rotation speed A of the stirring blade 17₁
And the total number of inertial rotations of the stirring blade 17 during the previous washing
Threshold value X for the sum of M and₁, Y₁, Z₁(However
Then X₁> Y₁> Z₁) Is read from the database
It This read threshold X₁, Y₁, Z₁And memory
Number of rotation pulses N₁And are compared sequentially, and this ratio
The second washing condition is set based on the comparison result.
S4 to S6). That is, first, the rotation pulse number N₁age
Threshold Z₁And are compared (step S4). here,
N₁<Z₁If so, it is determined that the amount of laundry is large, and
A high water level is set according to the judgment result. On the other hand, N ₁≧ Z
₁If so, the rotation pulse number N₁And threshold Y₁Compared with
(Step S5). Where N₁<Y₁If
The amount of laundry is determined to be medium, and the amount of laundry is determined to be medium.
The water level is set. On the other hand, N₁≧ Y₁If so,
Ruth number N₁And threshold X₁And are compared (step S
6). Where N₁<X₁If so, the amount of laundry is small
It is judged that the low water level is set according to the judgment result.
It On the other hand, N₁≧ X₁Then the amount of laundry is very small
It is judged that there is not, and a small amount of water level is set according to the judgment result.
To be done.

When the second washing condition is set based on the amount of laundry, the washing operation is performed according to the set washing condition (steps S7 to S11). Specifically, when it is determined that the amount of laundry is large (step S4), water is supplied to a high water level (step S7), and when it is determined that the amount of laundry is medium (step S5). ), When it is determined that the water level is low (step S8) and the amount of laundry is small (step S6), the water level is low (step S9) and the amount of laundry is very low. If so (step S6), a small amount of water is supplied (step S10).

When the washing water is stored in the outer tub 3 up to the water level set based on the amount of laundry, the stirring blade 17 is reversed to carry out the washing operation with a water flow suitable for each set water level. At this time, the inertial rotation speed of the stirring blade 17 is measured,
The total number M ₁ of inertial rotations of the stirring blade 17 is used as a correction value used when determining the amount of laundry in the next washing operation.
It is stored in the microcomputer 33 (step S1).
1).

In the third and subsequent washings, when the washing condition is automatically set according to the judgment result of the amount of laundry,
Total inertial rotation M of the stirring blade 17 measured during the previous washing
_The washing condition is automatically set by using _1, and washing is performed according to this washing condition. In the above fully automatic washing machine,
In consideration of the variation in the accuracy of determination of the amount of laundry caused by the change in tension of the pulley belt over time, the inertial rotation speed of the stirring blade 17 at the time of setting the washing conditions and the total number of inertial rotations of the stirring blade 17 during washing and Based on the added value of, the laundry amount determination threshold value is determined proportionally, the total number of inertial rotations of the stirring blades 17 during washing is measured and stored, and the inertial rotations of the stirring blades 17 at the time of washing condition setting are stored. Since the total number of inertial rotations of the stirring blades 17 during the previous washing is added to the number, and a new threshold value is selected again from the above predetermined threshold values to set the washing condition, the result is Variation in the determination of the amount of laundry is reduced, and the accuracy of determining the amount of laundry can be improved. Thus, as a result of improving the accuracy of determining the amount of laundry, it can be used for determining the quality of laundry in the future, and the accuracy of determining the quality of laundry can be improved.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and it goes without saying that many modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the method of selecting the threshold value based on the added value of the inertial rotation speed of the stirring blade 17 at the time of setting the washing condition and the total number of inertial rotations of the stirring blade during the washing is described. Even if the method of selecting the threshold value based on only the total number of inertial rotations of the stirring blade 17 in (3) is adopted, the object of the present invention can be sufficiently achieved.

[0029]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, when the washing conditions are automatically set based on the amount of laundry, there is little variation in the determination of the amount of laundry, and the amount of laundry is There is an excellent effect that the determination accuracy of can be improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a simplified schematic configuration of a fully automatic washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view showing a partially cutaway view of the fully automatic washing machine.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a fully automatic washing machine.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a washing operation when a user purchases a fully automatic washing machine and first performs washing.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explaining a washing operation when performing the second washing.

[Explanation of symbols]

 5 Washing tub 17 Stirring blade 19 Motor 22 Pulley belt 33 Microcomputer

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A stirrer provided inside the tub so as to be able to rotate forward and backward, for stirring the laundry contained in the tub, a motor for rotating the stirrer, and a pulley for transmitting the driving force of the motor to the stirrer. It is equipped with a transmission means including a belt, and before the washing process, the stirring blade is rotated for a predetermined time to measure the rotation state of the stirring blade, and based on the measurement result, the amount of laundry in the washing tub can be determined. In a fully automatic washing machine that makes a judgment and automatically sets the washing condition according to the judgment result, the inertial rotation speed of the stirring blade during washing, the secular change of the tension of the pulley belt, and the washing condition setting The data table showing the relationship with the correction amount of the rotation state of the stirring blade in is set in advance, and at the time of washing, the stirring blade is inverted at a predetermined time interval to stir the laundry in the tub and
The inertial rotation speed of the stirring blade that occurs when a water flow is generated in the tank is measured, and the correction amount is read from the above data table based on the resulting inertial rotation speed of the stirring blade. Control method in a fully automatic washing machine, characterized in that it is used when setting the washing conditions of.