TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a drum type washing machine that includes a rotatable
drum inside an elastically supported accommodation tub and washes, rinses, and spins
or dries laundry inside the drum.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Both now and in the past, in a drum type washing machine, an unbalancing detecting
control for a spin cycle or a laundry movement amount detecting control for a laundry
cycle is conducted in order to detect and estimate a movement of a drum or a movement
of the laundry inside the drum during the laundry cycle. By changing a rotation speed
of the drum using the detection/estimation result, the unbalancing during the spin
cycle is controlled or the movement amount of the laundry during the laundry cycle
is controlled, so that the washing state is appropriately improved.
[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a semiconductor
acceleration sensor is attached to an accommodation tub of a drum, and a movement
of washing fabrics (laundry) is estimated on the basis of a variation amount 61 in
the output of the acceleration sensor and a variation amount 62 in the torque current
component of a motor as shown in Fig. 6. In accordance with the estimated movement
of the washing fabrics, control unit 63 changes a rotation speed of the motor that
rotates the drum.
[0004] However, in the configuration of the existing washing machine, it is difficult to
detect the movement of the washing fabrics and to appropriately control the rotation
speed of the drum for the purpose of achieving a washing operation having an excellent
cleaning performance. That is, since various vibrations may be applied to the accommodation
tub, it is difficult to accurately detect the movement of the fabrics by using a variation
amount of the output value of the simple acceleration sensor. For example, in addition
to the vibration caused by the movement of the fabrics, a vibration caused by the
motor or the cabinet may be applied to the accommodation tub. Further, different vibrations
are applied to the accommodation tub depending on the amount of fabrics, the weight
thereof, and the quality thereof. For this reason, it is difficult to highly precisely
detect the movement of the washing fabrics by using a variation in the magnitude of
the output value of the simple acceleration sensor.
[0005] Further, the same applies when detecting the movement of the washing fabrics by using
a current value representing the torque component of the motor. For example, when
the amount of water is large and the weight of fabrics formed of chemical fibers is
light during the laundry cycle, a correlation may not be present between the motor
torque and the agitating movement amount of the fabrics using baffles provided inside
the drum. For this reason, it is difficult to precisely estimate the movement of the
washing fabrics on the basis of the torque current component of the motor.
[0006] Patent document 2 relates to a washing machine which reduces vibrations at dewatering
and noises due to the vibrations. The washing machine includes: a receiving cylinder
supported in a case body; a rotary drum rotatably provided in the receiving cylinder;
a motor for rotating and operating the rotary drum; a control means for controlling
drive of the motor; a supporting means for supporting the receiving cylinder; a vibration
sensor for detecting vibration; and a vibration control means for inputting an output
signal of vibration detected by the vibration sensor to the control means as a motor
control signal.
Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 2006-346270
Patent Document 2: JP 2008 142231 A
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The invention is defined by the subject-matter of the independent claims. The dependent
claims are directed to advantageous embodiments.
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Advantageously, it is provided a washing machine having an excellent cleaning performance
and rotating a drum at a rotation speed optimal for a washing operation by highly
precisely detecting a washing state.
[0009] The washing machine includes: a drum for rotating laundry accommodated therein; an
accommodation tub for accommodating the drum; elastic suspending portions for allowing
an accommodation tub to be suspended from the upper side of a cabinet; an antivibration
damper for supporting the accommodation tub from the lower side of the cabinet; and
a motor for rotating the drum. The washing machine of the invention further includes:
a vibration detecting unit for detecting a vibration of the accommodation tub; a frequency
component calculating unit for calculating a frequency component from a vibration
detected by the vibration detecting unit; and a rotation speed control unit for changing
a rotation speed of the motor in accordance with the magnitude of the frequency component
calculated by the frequency component calculating unit. The elastic suspending portions
are located at the symmetrical positions with respect to a rotation axis of the drum
so as to allow the accommodation tub to be suspended therefrom, and the vibration
detecting unit detects a vibration of the accommodation tub in the front/rear direction.
Further, the rotation speed control unit changes a rotation speed of the motor in
accordance with the magnitude of the frequency component calculated from the vibration
in the front/rear direction.
[0010] The washing machine includes: a drum for rotating laundry accommodated therein; an
accommodation tub for accommodating the drum; elastic suspending portions for allowing
an accommodation tub to be suspended from the upper side of a cabinet; an antivibration
damper for supporting the accommodation tub from the lower side of the cabinet; and
a motor for rotating the drum. The washing machine of the invention further includes:
a vibration detecting unit for detecting a vibration of the accommodation tub; a frequency
component calculating unit for calculating a frequency component from a vibration
detected by the vibration detecting unit; and a rotation speed control unit for changes
a rotation speed of the motor in accordance with the magnitude of the frequency component
calculated by the frequency component calculating unit. The elastic suspending portion
is located at a position on a rotation axis of the drum so as to allow the accommodation
tub to be suspended therefrom, and the vibration detecting unit detects a vibration
of the accommodation tub in the left/right direction. Further, the rotation speed
control unit changes a rotation speed of the motor in accordance with the magnitude
of the frequency component calculated from the vibration in the left/right direction.
[0011] According to this configuration, the washing machine determines the direction of
the vibration component caused by the vibration of the accommodation tub with the
movement of laundry depending on a difference in the support position of the accommodation
tub with respect to the cabinet. That is, the direction of the vibration component
used for the calculation of the calculation value in the frequency component calculating
unit is determined. Accordingly, the cleaning performance may be improved by highly
precisely detecting the movement of laundry inside the drum and controlling the rotation
of the drum so as to be appropriate for the washing of fabrics.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012]
Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a side surface of a washing
machine of a first embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view illustrating a support structure of the washing machine
of the first embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 3A is a graph illustrating an analysis result of a component in a front/rear
direction obtained from a vibration of an accommodation tub of the washing machine
of the first embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 3B is a graph illustrating an analysis result of a component in a left/right
direction obtained from the vibration of the accommodation tub of the washing machine
of the first embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 3C is a graph illustrating an analysis result of a component in an up/down direction
obtained from the vibration of the accommodation tub of the washing machine of the
first embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a washing state inside a drum of the
washing machine of the first embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 5 is a schematic plan view illustrating a support structure of a washing machine
of a second embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating control of a rotation speed of a motor of the existing
washing machine.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0013] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by referring
to the drawings, but the invention is not limited thereto.
(First embodiment)
[0014] A first embodiment of the invention will be described by referring to Fig. 1. Fig.
1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a side surface of a washing machine
of the first embodiment.
[0015] As shown in Fig. 1, the washing machine of the embodiment has a configuration in
which accommodation tub 2 having rotatable drum 1 is supported by cabinet 5 through
elastic suspending portion 3 and antivibration damper 4. Motor 6 is fixed to the bottom
portion of accommodation tub 2, and rotates drum 1 at a predetermined rotation speed
through belt 7.
[0016] Washing fabrics 9 as laundry input into drum 1 through fabric input/extraction opening
8 provided at the front surface of the washing machine are lifted upward by baffles
10 provided inside drum 1 in accordance with the rotation of drum 1, and are dropped
from the top portion of the drum to the bottom portion thereof. By movement energy
generated when the washing fabrics strike against the bottom portion of the drum,
the cleaning effect may be improved. A vibration of accommodation tub 2 generated
by the movement of washing fabrics 9 is detected by vibration detecting unit 11, and
the detection result is transmitted to frequency component calculating unit 12. Further,
the value calculated by frequency component calculating unit 12 is transmitted to
rotation speed control unit 13, and motor 6 is controlled by rotation speed control
unit 13 so as to rotate at a rotation speed at which appropriate striking washing
may be performed.
[0017] Here, it is preferable that the support position of antivibration damper 4 is located
on the perpendicular line or the substantially perpendicular line in relation to the
central point while drum 1 and accommodation tub 2 are combined with each other. This
is because the vibration of the bottom portion of the drum is large when washing fabrics
9 are dropped from the top portion of drum 1 and the bottom portion is continuously
impacted. For this reason, when the bottom portion of accommodation tub 2 is stabilized,
a signal detected by vibration detecting unit 11 does not include shaking except for
the movement of washing fabrics 9. Further, vibration detecting unit 11 of the embodiment
is configured as an acceleration sensor, and any one of a semiconductor acceleration
sensor, a piezoelectric acceleration sensor, and the like may be used as the acceleration
sensor.
[0018] Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view illustrating an example of a support structure of
the embodiment. In Fig. 2, central point 14 indicates the center when drum 1 and accommodation
tub 2 are combined with each other. Accommodation tub 2 is supported at two support
points 15 by elastic suspending portions 3. Central axis 16 indicates the rotation
axis of drum 1.
[0019] That is, in the embodiment, accommodation tub 2 is suspended at two positions symmetrical
to each other with respect to central axis 16 of drum 1 by elastic suspending portions
3. More specifically, elastic suspending portions 3 allow accommodation tub 2 to be
suspended from symmetrical positions with respect to a plane including central point
14 while drum 1 and accommodation tub 2 are combined with each other and extending
in the perpendicular direction so as to include central axis 16 of drum 1.
[0020] Like the embodiment, when elastic suspending portions 3 connecting the upper portions
of accommodation tub 2 and cabinet 5 are supported at the symmetrical positions or
the substantially symmetrical positions with respect to central point 14 on central
axis 16, the elastic suspending portions are suspended with a balance. For this reason,
a vibration is periodically generated in accordance with the movement of washing fabrics
9 inside drum 1. The vibration is detected by vibration detecting unit 11, and the
result thereof is transmitted to frequency component calculating unit 12 shown in
Fig. 1. Here, vibration detecting unit 11 detects at least one vibration component
in the up/down direction, the left/right direction, and the front/rear direction of
accommodation tub 2. The acceleration in the detected direction is transmitted to
frequency component calculating unit 12 as a signal value, and is used as an output
to rotation speed control unit 13.
[0021] Frequency component calculating unit 12 calculates the magnitude (Fourier amplitude
spectrum and power spectrum) of the frequency component by performing discrete Fourier
transform (DFT) or fast Fourier transform (FFT) on the transmitted acceleration value.
The rotation speed of the drum is increased or decreased by rotation speed control
unit 13 on the basis of the magnitude of the specific frequency component or the magnitude
of the sum of the frequency components calculated in frequency component calculating
unit 12, so that the cleaning performance of cleaning the laundry may be improved.
[0022] Here, in the support structure shown in Fig. 2, the vibration having a specific period
and generated from accommodation tub 2 when the movement of washing fabrics 9 is in
the striking washing state which effectively separates dirt therefrom during the washing
operation is alleviated by elastic suspending portions 3 in the left/right direction,
and is alleviated by antivibration damper 4 in the up/down direction. For this reason,
the frequency component may not be accurately detected. Accordingly, in this case,
the vibration in the front/rear direction reflects the movement of washing fabrics
9 moving inside drum 1 while having the least alleviation. Therefore, in the embodiment,
it is sufficient to provide the acceleration sensor of vibration detecting unit 11
capable of detecting the vibration in the front/rear direction. However, a configuration
may be adopted in which the vibrations in three axes (the front/rear direction, the
left/right direction, and the up/down direction) may be detected, and only the vibration
in the front/rear direction is used.
[0023] As in the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, Figs. 3A to 3C illustrate an analysis result
in which the vibration of accommodation tub 2 is divided by the component in each
direction while elastic suspending portions 3 connecting the upper portions of accommodation
tub 2 and cabinet 5 are supported at the symmetrical positions with respect to central
point 14 on central axis 16. In Figs. 3A to 3C, the cleaning performance was evaluated
on the assumption that the rotation speed of drum 1 was set to 45 rpm and the weight
of washing fabrics 9 was set to 2.0 kg. Fig. 3A is a graph illustrating the analysis
result of the component in the front/rear direction obtained from the vibration of
accommodation tub 2, Fig. 3B is a graph illustrating the analysis result of the component
in the left/right direction, and Fig. 3C is a graph illustrating the analysis result
of the component in the up/down direction.
[0024] Further, the frequency peak as an index controlling the rotation speed to improve
the cleaning performance will be described by referring to Fig. 4. The circle of Fig.
4 indicates an opening of drum 1, the bottom surface is set to 0°, and the top portion
is set to 180°. Regarding 90° and 270°, the directions may be switched to each other
since the drum also rotates in the reverse direction. Here, in order to improve the
cleaning performance, the striking washing (locus b) may be optimally used which lifts
washing fabrics 9 upward by baffles 10 (refer to Fig. 1), and drops the washing fabrics
from the top portion of the drum. The case where washing fabrics 9 move while being
adhered to drum 1 (locus c) or washing fabrics 9 rotate in a rolling manner at the
bottom portion of drum 1 (locus a) is not appropriate for improving the cleaning performance.
[0025] The cleaning performance may be optimally improved when the laundry is dropped from
the position between 90° and 180° in Fig. 4 so as to collide with the surface of drum
1 at the bottom portion. For this reason, in the embodiment, the frequency component
corresponding to the rotation speed different from the rotation speed of drum 1 is
detected, and the rotation speed of drum 1 is controlled in accordance with the magnitude
thereof. Specifically, in the washing machine of the embodiment, a large variation
of the frequency component of the rotation speed is detected in the range between
the rotation speed obtained by multiplying the rotation speed of drum 1 by the number
obtained by adding one to the number of baffles 10 and the rotation speed obtained
by multiplying the rotation speed of drum 1 by the number obtained by subtracting
one from the number of baffles 10. In the embodiment, the rotation speed of drum 1
is set to 45 rpm, and three baffles 10 are provided. Accordingly, the amplitude component
(amplitude spectrum) having the frequency of 45x2/60=1.5 Hz to 45×4/60=3.0 Hz is mainly
used as a calculation value necessary for the control of the rotation speed.
[0026] As apparently understood from the result of Figs. 3A to 3C, in the results of the
left/right direction (Fig. 3B) and the up/down direction (Fig. 3C) except for the
front/rear direction (Fig. 3A), generally many peaks are observed in a range except
for the frequency range (1.5 Hz to 3.0 Hz). That is, since a variation of the frequency
component caused by the specific movement of washing fabrics 9 is mixed with many
peaks as shown in the frequency analysis results in the left/right direction and the
up/down direction, the variation of the frequency component may not be observed. Accordingly,
it is difficult to detect the fabric state using such patterns of the frequencies,
and to control the rotation speed of drum 1 on the basis of the result. However, according
to the frequency analysis result in the front/rear direction, a large variation of
the frequency component may be observed. Therefore, the rotation speed of drum 1 may
be easily controlled on the basis of the result.
[0027] As shown in the description above, in the washing condition that the weight of washing
fabrics 9 shown in Figs. 3A to 3C is set to 2.0 kg and the rotation speed of the drum
is set to 45 rpm, the fabric striking washing is conducted in the condition that the
frequency is 1.5 Hz to 3.0 Hz. When the frequency is less than 1.5 Hz, washing fabrics
9 rotate in a rolling manner at the bottom portion. When the frequency is more than
3.0 Hz, washing fabrics 9 are adhered to drum 1.
[0028] Here, for each component in the vibration direction, the total amount of the peak
value for each specific frequency interval (for example, 0.15 Hz) in each frequency
range was calculated as the ratio with respect to the total amount of the peak value
for each specific frequency interval (for example, 0.15 Hz in the same manner as above)
in the entire frequency range. As a result, when the vibration direction was the front/rear
direction, the striking washing state was 48%, the rolling state was 16%, and the
adhered state was 36%. When the vibration direction was the left/right direction,
the striking washing state was 35%, the rolling state was 33%, and the adhered state
was 32%. When the vibration direction was the up/down direction, the striking washing
state was 36%, the rolling state was 39%, and the adhered state was 25%.
[0029] By using the result, the vibration component in the front/rear direction may most
largely reflect the striking washing state, and be apparently distinguished from the
signals in the other ranges. Accordingly, even when the value changes with time, it
may be determined that the vibration component in the front/rear direction corresponds
to the movement change of the fabrics inside the drum.
[0030] In the control of the rotation speed of drum 1 of the embodiment, it is controlled
as above so that the amplitude spectrum of the frequency component caused by the striking
washing becomes larger. When there are many components of the frequency (that is,
the frequency range larger than 3.0 Hz) longer than the frequency component range
(for example, 1.5 Hz to 3.0 Hz when the rotation speed of the drum is 45 rpm) caused
by the striking washing, it is thought that the rotation speed of the drum is fast,
and washing fabrics 9 rotate while being adhered to the wall surface of drum 1 without
being dropped from the top portion of drum 1. Accordingly, it is predicted that the
frequency of the vibration applied to drum 1 is small. For this reason, the rotation
speed of drum 1 is controlled to become slower so that washing fabrics 9 are dropped
from the wall surface of drum 1.
[0031] On the contrary, when there are many components of the frequency (that is, the frequency
range smaller than 1.5 Hz) shorter than the frequency component range caused by the
striking washing, it is thought that the rotation speed of drum 1 is slow, and wet
washing fabrics 9 are not sufficiently lifted upward by baffles 10 due to their weight,
so that washing fabrics 9 rotate in a rolling manner in accordance with the rotation
of drum 1 at the bottom portion of drum 1. Accordingly, it is predicted that the washing
fabrics cause vibration several times in drum 1 in a short time. For this reason,
the rotation speed of drum 1 is controlled to become faster so that washing fabrics
9 are sufficiently lifted upward by baffles 10 in accordance with the movement of
drum 1.
[0032] In this way, when the rotation speed of drum 1 is controlled, the striking washing
dropping washing fabrics 9 from the high position and improving the cleaning performance
may be performed.
[0033] As described above, the washing machine of the embodiment includes: drum 1 for rotating
laundry accommodated therein; accommodation tub 2 for accommodating drum 1; elastic
suspending portions 3 for allowing accommodation tub 2 to be suspended from the upper
side of cabinet 5; antivibration damper 4 for supporting accommodation tub 2 from
the lower side of cabinet 5; motor 6 for rotating drum 1; vibration detecting unit
11 for detecting a vibration of accommodation tub 2; frequency component calculating
unit 12 for calculating a frequency component from a vibration detected by vibration
detecting unit 11; and rotation speed control unit 13 for changing a rotation speed
of motor 6 in accordance with the magnitude of the frequency component calculated
by frequency component calculating unit 12, wherein elastic suspending portions 3
are located at the symmetrical positions with respect to rotation axis 16 of drum
1 so as to allow accommodation tub 2 to be suspended therefrom, wherein vibration
detecting unit 11 detects a vibration of accommodation tub 2 in the front/rear direction,
and wherein rotation speed control unit 13 changes a rotation speed of motor 6 in
accordance with the magnitude of the frequency component calculated from the vibration
in the front/rear direction.
[0034] According to this configuration, the fabrics are rotated in accordance with the rotation
of drum 1, and the fabrics are lifted upward and dropped from the upper position.
Here, a vibration is generated when the fabrics collide with the lower position of
the drum. Elastic suspending portions 3 are located at the symmetrical positions with
respect to rotation axis 16 of accommodation tub 2, and allow accommodation tub 2
to be suspended therefrom. For this reason, the movement of the accommodation tub
in the left/right direction is alleviated by the elastic force of elastic suspending
portions 3, and becomes a vibration not involved with the movement of the fabrics.
Further, the movement of accommodation tub 2 in the up/down direction is also alleviated
by an elastic force or a damping force of antivibration damper 4 in the same manner.
However, the vibration of accommodation tub 2 in the front/rear direction may be sufficiently
detected without being alleviated by elastic suspending portions 3 or antivibration
damper 4.
[0035] Accordingly, the vibration of accommodation tub 2 moving along with the movement
of the fabrics inside drum 1 may be highly precisely detected. Therefore, the washing
machine may be obtained which has an excellent cleaning performance and maintains
the optimal striking washing state during a laundry cycle by controlling the rotation
speed when the optimal striking washing is not sufficiently performed during the laundry
cycle or the fabrics are rotated while being adhered to the drum.
(Second embodiment)
[0036] Next, a second embodiment of the invention will be described. Fig. 5 is a schematic
plan view illustrating a support structure of the second embodiment of the invention.
The same reference numeral will be given to the same component as that of the first
embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.
[0037] Unlike the first embodiment, the embodiment has a configuration in which elastic
suspending portion 3 connecting the upper portions of accommodation tub 2 and cabinet
5 is supported at support point 15 on central axis 16 or substantially central axis
16 including central point 14 as shown in Fig. 5. In this case, the elastic suspending
portion is maintained in a suspended state with a balance together with antivibration
damper 4 supporting the lower portion of accommodation tub 2. For this reason, a periodical
vibration is generated in accordance with the movement of washing fabrics 9 inside
drum 1. The other configurations of the washing machine are the same as those of the
first embodiment.
[0038] The vibration is detected by vibration detecting unit 11, and the result thereof
is transmitted to frequency component calculating unit 12 of Fig. 1. Here, vibration
detecting unit 11 detects at least one vibration component in the up/down direction,
the left/right direction, and the front/rear direction of accommodation tub 2. The
acceleration in the detected direction is transmitted to frequency component calculating
unit 12 as a signal value, and is used as an output to rotation speed control unit
13. Frequency component calculating unit 12 calculates the magnitude (Fourier amplitude
spectrum and power spectrum) of the frequency component by performing discrete Fourier
transform (DFT) or fast Fourier transform (FFT) on the transmitted acceleration value.
The rotation speed of the drum is increased or decreased by rotation speed control
unit 13 on the basis of the magnitude of the calculated specific frequency component
or the magnitude of the sum of the frequency components, so that the cleaning performance
of cleaning washing fabrics 9 may be improved.
[0039] In the embodiment, elastic suspending portion 3 allows accommodation tub 2 to be
suspended from a position on rotation axis 16 of drum 1 as shown in Fig. 5. More specifically,
elastic suspending portion 3 allows accommodation tub 2 to be suspended from a position
on a plane extending in the perpendicular direction so as to include rotation axis
16 of drum 1. Here, the number of the support positions of elastic suspending portion
3 may be one as shown in Fig. 5 or may be two positions in the front/rear direction
on the plane. The number of the support positions is not particularly limited.
[0040] Here, in the support structure of the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the vibration having
a specific period and generated from accommodation tub 2 when the movement of washing
fabrics 9 is in the striking washing state which effectively separates dirt therefrom
during the washing operation is alleviated by elastic suspending portions 3 in the
front/rear direction, and is alleviated by antivibration damper 4 in the up/down direction.
For this reason, in this case, the vibration in the left/right direction is reflected
without the alleviation of the movement of washing fabrics 9 moving inside drum 1.
Therefore, in the embodiment, it is sufficient to provide the acceleration sensor
of vibration detecting unit 11 capable of detecting the vibration in the left/right
direction. However, a configuration may be adopted in which the vibrations in three
axes (the front/rear direction, the left/right direction, and the up/down direction)
may be detected, and only the vibration in the left/right direction is used.
[0041] Further, even when washing fabrics 9 rotate along with drum 1 during the laundry
cycle and are dropped from the upper portion of the drum or rotate in a rolling manner,
in fact, the vibrations in both the up/down direction and the left/right direction
become relatively larger than the vibration in the front/rear direction with respect
to central axis 16 of drum 1. For this reason, it is advantageous to detect the vibration
in the left/right direction when detecting the movement of washing fabrics 9 in drum
1. Accordingly, in the support structure shown in Fig. 5, the cleaning performance
may be improved by controlling the rotation speed of the drum in the same manner as
the first embodiment on the basis of the vibration component in the left/right direction
of accommodation tub 2.
[0042] That is, when there are many components of the frequency longer than the frequency
component range caused by the striking washing, the rotation speed of drum 1 is controlled
to become slower so that washing fabrics 9 are dropped from the wall surface of drum
1.
[0043] On the contrary, when there are many components of the frequency shorter than the
frequency component range caused by the striking washing, the rotation speed of drum
1 is controlled to become faster so that washing fabrics 9 are sufficiently lifted
upward by baffles 10 along with the movement of drum 1.
[0044] In this way, when the rotation speed of drum 1 is controlled, the striking washing
dropping washing fabrics 9 from the high position and improving the cleaning performance
may be performed.
[0045] As described above, the washing machine of the embodiment includes: drum 1 for rotating
laundry accommodated therein; accommodation tub 2 for accommodating drum 1; elastic
suspending portion 3 for allowing accommodation tub 2 to be suspended from the upper
side of cabinet 5; antivibration damper 4 for supporting accommodation tub 2 from
the lower side of cabinet 5; motor 6 for rotating drum 1; vibration detecting unit
11 for detecting a vibration of accommodation tub 2; frequency component calculating
unit 12 for calculating a frequency component from a vibration detected by vibration
detecting unit 11; and rotation speed control unit 13 for changing a rotation speed
of motor 6 in accordance with the magnitude of the frequency component calculated
by frequency component calculating unit 12, wherein elastic suspending portion 3 is
located at a position on rotation axis 16 of drum 1 so as to allow accommodation tub
2 to be suspended therefrom, wherein vibration detecting unit 11 detects a vibration
of accommodation tub 2 in the left/right direction, and wherein rotation speed control
unit 13 changes a rotation speed of motor 6 in accordance with the magnitude of the
frequency component calculated from the vibration in the left/right direction.
[0046] According to this configuration, the fabrics are rotated in accordance with the rotation
of drum 1, and the fabrics are lifted upward and dropped from the upper position.
Here, a vibration is generated when the fabrics collide with the lower position of
drum 1. Elastic suspending portion 3 is located at the position on rotation axis 16
of accommodation tub 2, and allows accommodation tub 2 to be suspended therefrom.
For this reason, the movement of accommodation tub 2 in the front/rear direction is
alleviated by the elastic force of elastic suspending portion 3, and becomes a vibration
not involved with the movement of the fabrics. Further, the movement of accommodation
tub 2 in the up/down direction is also alleviated by an elastic force or a damping
force of antivibration damper 4 in the same manner. However, the vibration of accommodation
tub 2 in the left/right direction may be sufficiently detected without being alleviated
by elastic suspending portion 3 or antivibration damper 4.
[0047] Accordingly, the vibration of accommodation tub 2 moving along with the movement
of the fabrics inside drum 1 may be highly precisely detected. Therefore, the washing
machine may be obtained which has an excellent cleaning performance and maintains
the optimal striking washing state during a laundry cycle by controlling the rotation
speed when the optimal striking washing is not sufficiently performed during the laundry
cycle or the fabrics are rotated while being adhered to drum 1.
[0048] As described above, the washing machine of the invention determines the direction
of the vibration component caused by the vibration of the accommodation tub with the
movement of the laundry depending on a difference in the support position of the accommodation
tub with respect to the cabinet. That is, the direction of the vibration component
used for the calculation of the calculation value in the frequency component calculating
unit is determined. Accordingly, the cleaning performance may be improved by highly
precisely detecting the movement of laundry inside the drum and controlling the rotation
of the drum so as to be appropriate for the washing of fabrics.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0049] As described above, the washing machine of the invention may improve the cleaning
performance by controlling the rotation speed of the drum to be optimal for the washing
state of the fabrics. The washing machine may be widely applied to not only a home
washing machine, but also a professional washing machine or a drying machine.
DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS AND SIGNS
[0050]
- 1:
- DRUM
- 2:
- ACCOMMODATION TUB
- 3:
- PLASTIC SUSPENDING PORTION
- 4:
- ANTIVIBRATION DAMPER
- 5:
- CABINET
- 6:
- MOTOR
- 7:
- BELT
- 8:
- FABRIC INPUT/EXTRACTION OPENING
- 9:
- WASHING FABRIC (LAUNDRY)
- 10:
- BAFFLE
- 11:
- VIBRATION DETECTING UNIT
- 12:
- FREQUENCY COMPONENT CALCULATING UNIT
- 13:
- ROTATION SPEED CONTROL UNIT
- 14:
- CENTRAL POINT
- 15:
- SUPPORT POINT
- 16:
- CENTRAL AXIS (ROTATION AXIS)
1. A washing machine comprising:
a drum (1) for rotating laundry (9) accommodated therein;
an accommodation tub (2) for accommodating the drum (1);
an elastic suspending portions (3) for allowing the accommodation tub (2) to be suspended
from the upper side of a cabinet (5);
an antivibration damper (4) for supporting the accommodation tub (2) from the lower
side of the cabinet (5);
a motor (6) for rotating the drum (1);
a vibration detecting unit (11) for detecting a vibration of the accommodation tub
(2);
characterized by:
a frequency component calculating unit (12) for calculating a frequency component
from a vibration detected by the vibration detecting unit (11); and
a rotation speed control unit (13) for changing a rotation speed of the motor (6)
in accordance with the magnitude of the frequency component calculated by the frequency
component calculating unit (12),
wherein the elastic suspending portions (3) are located at two positions (15) symmetrical
to each other with respect to the rotation axis (16) of the drum (1) so as to allow
the accommodation tub (2) to be suspended therefrom,
wherein the vibration detecting unit (11) detects a vibration of the accommodation
tub (2) in the front/rear direction, and
wherein the rotation speed control unit (13) changes a rotation speed of the motor
(6) in accordance with the magnitude of the frequency component calculated from the
vibration in the front/rear direction.
2. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the elastic suspending portions (3) allow
the accommodation tub (2) to be suspended from symmetrical positions (15) with respect
to a plane including a central point (14) while the drum (1) and the accommodation
tub (2) are combined with each other and extending in the perpendicular direction
so as to include the rotation axis (16) of the drum (1).
3. A washing machine comprising:
a drum (1) for rotating laundry (9) accommodated therein;
an accommodation tub (2) for accommodating the drum (1);
an elastic suspending portion (3) for allowing the accommodation tub (2) to be suspended
from the upper side of a cabinet (5);
an antivibration damper (4) for supporting the accommodation tub (2) from the lower
side of the cabinet (5);
a motor (6) for rotating the drum (1);
a vibration detecting unit (11) for detecting a vibration of the accommodation tub
(2);
characterized by:
a frequency component calculating unit (12) for calculating a frequency component
from a vibration detected by the vibration detecting unit (11); and
a rotation speed control unit (13) for changing a rotation speed of the motor (6)
in accordance with the magnitude of the frequency component calculated by the frequency
component calculating unit (12),
wherein the elastic suspending portion (3) is located at a position (15) on the rotation
axis (16) of the drum (1) so as to allow the accommodation tub (2) to be suspended
therefrom,
wherein the vibration detecting unit (11) detects a vibration of the accommodation
tub (2) in the left/right direction, and
wherein the rotation speed control unit (13) changes a rotation speed of the motor
(6) in accordance with the magnitude of the frequency component calculated from the
vibration in the left/right direction.
4. The washing machine of claim 3, wherein the elastic suspending portion (3) allows
the accommodation tub (2) to be suspended from a position on a plane extending in
the perpendicular direction so as to include the rotation axis (16) of the drum (1).
1. Waschmaschine, die Folgendes umfasst:
eine Trommel (1) zum Drehen von darin aufgenommener Wäsche (9);
einen Aufnahmebottich (2) zum Aufnehmen der Trommel (1);
elastische Aufhängeabschnitte (3), damit der Aufnahmebottich (2) an der oberen Seite
eines Gehäuses (5) aufgehängt werden kann;
ein Schwingungsdämpfungselement (4) zum Halten des Aufnahmebottichs (2) von der unteren
Seite des Gehäuses (5);
einen Motor (6) zum Drehen der Trommel (1);
eine Schwingungsdetektionseinheit (11) zum Detektieren einer Schwingung des Aufnahmebottichs
(2);
gekennzeichnet durch:
eine Frequenzkomponenten-Berechnungseinheit (12) zum Berechnen einer Frequenzkomponente
einer Schwingung, die durch die Schwingungsdetektionseinheit (11) detektiert wurde; und
eine Drehzahl-Steuerungseinheit (13) zum Ändern einer Drehzahl des Motors (6) in Übereinstimmung
mit dem Betrag der Frequenzkomponente, die durch die Frequenzkomponenten-Berechnungseinheit (12) berechnet wurde,
wobei die elastischen Aufhängeabschnitte (3) an zwei Positionen (15) symmetrisch zueinander
in Bezug auf die Drehachse (16) der Trommel (1) so angeordnet sind, dass der Aufnahmebottich
(2) daran aufgehängt werden kann,
wobei die Schwingungsdetektionseinheit (11) eine Schwingung des Aufnahmebottichs (2)
in Vorwärts- bzw. Rückwärtsrichtung detektiert, und
wobei die Drehzahl-Steuerungseinheit (13) eine Drehzahl des Motors (6) in Übereinstimmung
mit dem Betrag der Frequenzkomponente, die von der Schwingung in die Vorwärts- bzw.
Rückwärtsrichtung berechnet wurde, ändert.
2. Waschmaschine nach Anspruch 1, wobei die elastischen Aufhängeabschnitte (3) ermöglichen,
dass der Aufnahmebottich (2) an symmetrischen Positionen (15) in Bezug auf eine Ebene,
die einen zentralen Punkt (14) umfasst, aufgehängt wird, wobei die Trommel (1) und
der Aufnahmebottich (2) miteinander kombiniert sind und sich so in senkrechter Richtung
erstrecken, dass die Drehachse (16) der Trommel (1) einbezogen ist.
3. Waschmaschine, die Folgendes umfasst:
eine Trommel (1) zum Drehen von darin aufgenommener Wäsche (9);
einen Aufnahmebottich (2) zum Aufnehmen der Trommel (1);
einen elastischen Aufhängeabschnitt (3), damit der Aufnahmebottich (2) an der oberen
Seite eines Gehäuses (5) aufgehängt werden kann;
ein Schwingungsdämpfungselement (4) zum Halten des Aufnahmebottichs (2) von der unteren
Seite des Gehäuses (5);
einen Motor (6) zum Drehen der Trommel (1);
eine Schwingungsdetektionseinheit (11) zum Detektieren einer Schwingung des Aufnahmebottichs
(2);
gekennzeichnet durch:
eine Frequenzkomponenten-Berechnungseinheit (12) zum Berechnen einer Frequenzkomponente
einer Schwingung, die durch die Schwingungsdetektionseinheit (11) detektiert wurde; und
eine Drehzahl-Steuerungseinheit (13) zum Ändern einer Drehzahl des Motors (6) in Übereinstimmung
mit dem Betrag der Frequenzkomponente, die durch die Frequenzkomponenten-Berechnungseinheit (12) berechnet wurde,
wobei der elastische Aufhängeabschnitt (3) an einer Positionen (15) an der Drehachse
(16) der Trommel (1) so angeordnet ist, dass der Aufnahmebottich (2) daran aufgehängt
werden kann,
wobei die Schwingungsdetektionseinheit (11) eine Schwingung des Aufnahmebottichs (2)
in Links- bzw. Rechtsrichtung detektiert und
wobei die Drehzahl-Steuerungseinheit (13) eine Drehzahl des Motors (6) in Übereinstimmung
mit dem Betrag der Frequenzkomponente, die von der Schwingung in Links- bzw. Rechtsrichtung
berechnet wurde, ändert.
4. Waschmaschine nach Anspruch 3, wobei es der elastische Aufhängeabschnitt (3) ermöglicht,
dass der Aufnahmebottich (2) von einer Position auf einer Ebene, die sich in senkrechter
Richtung erstreckt, so aufgehängt werden kann, dass die Drehachse (16) der Trommel
(1) einbezogen ist.
1. Lave-linge comportant :
un tambour (1) pour mettre en rotation le linge (9) qu'il contient;
un cylindre de réception (2) pour recevoir le tambour (1) ;
des parties de suspension élastique (3) permettant la suspension du cylindre de réception
(2) au côté supérieur d'un carter (5) ;
un amortisseur anti-vibrations (4) pour supporter le cylindre de réception (2) sur
le côté inférieur du carter (5) ;
un moteur (6) pour mettre en rotation le tambour (1) ;
une unité de détection de vibrations (11) pour détecter une vibration du cylindre
de réception (2) ;
caractérisé par :
une unité de calcul de composante de fréquence (12) pour calculer une composante de
fréquence à partir d'une vibration détectée par l'unité de détection de vibration
(11) ; et
une unité de commande de vitesse de rotation (13) pour modifier une vitesse de rotation
du moteur (6) conformément à la magnitude de la composante de fréquence calculée par
l'unité de calcul de composante de fréquence (12),
où les parties de suspension élastique (3) sont situées à deux positions (15) symétriques
par rapport à l'axe de rotation (16) du tambour (1) de manière à pouvoir y suspendre
le cylindre de réception (2),
où l'unité de détection de vibrations (11) détecte une vibration du cylindre de réception
(2) dans la direction avant/arrière, et
où l'unité de commande de vitesse de rotation (13) modifie une vitesse de rotation
du moteur (6) conformément à la magnitude de la composante de fréquence calculée à
partir de la vibration dans la direction avant/arrière.
2. Lave-linge selon la revendication 1, où les parties de suspension élastique (3) permettent
de suspendre le cylindre de réception (2) à partir de positions (15) symétriques par
rapport à un plan comprenant un point central (14) quand le tambour (1) et le cylindre
de réception (2) sont combinés et s'étendent dans la direction perpendiculaire de
manière à inclure l'axe de rotation (16) du tambour (1).
3. Lave-linge comportant :
un tambour (1) pour mettre en rotation le linge (9) qu'il contient;
une cylindre de réception (2) pour recevoir le tambour (1) ;
une partie de suspension élastique (3) permettant la suspension du cylindre de réception
(2) au côté supérieur d'un carter (5) ;
un amortisseur anti-vibrations (4) pour supporter le cylindre de réception (2) sur
le côté inférieur du carter (5) ;
un moteur (6) pour mettre en rotation le tambour (1) ;
une unité de détection de vibrations (11) pour détecter une vibration du cylindre
de réception (2) ;
caractérisé par
une unité de calcul de composante de fréquence (12) pour calculer une composante de
fréquence à partir d'une vibration détectée par l'unité de détection de vibration
(11) ; et
une unité de commande de vitesse de rotation (13) pour modifier une vitesse de rotation
du moteur (6) conformément à la magnitude de la composante de fréquence calculée par
l'unité de calcul de composante de fréquence (12),
où la partie de suspension élastique (3) est située à une position (15) sur l'axe
de rotation (16) du tambour (1) de manière à pouvoir y suspendre le cylindre de réception
(2),
où l'unité de détection de vibrations (11) détecte une vibration du cylindre de réception
(2) dans la direction gauche/droite, et
où l'unité de commande de vitesse de rotation (13) modifie une vitesse de rotation
du moteur (6) conformément à la magnitude de la composante de fréquence calculée à
partir de la vibration dans la direction gauche/droite.
4. Lave-linge selon la revendication 3, où la partie de suspension élastique (3) permet
de suspendre le cylindre de réception (2) à partir d'une position dans un plan s'étendant
dans la direction perpendiculaire de manière à inclure l'axe de rotation (16) du tambour
(1).