JP4160786B2 - Washing and drying machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a vertical washer-dryer that achieves a reduction in drying time by finely controlling current consumption.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Currently, the AC voltage supplied to ordinary households is standardized to 100 V, so the easiest way to increase the power consumption of electrical equipment is to increase the current. However, this current is also standardized for 15 amperes (A) of ordinary household outlets, so if more current is required, electrical work such as providing dedicated wiring is required. End up. Therefore, in general home appliances, the power consumption (in this case, the current value) is suppressed to 15 A in order to avoid electrical work. The domestic washing / drying machine also keeps its power consumption within the capacity.
[0003]
In a thermal apparatus such as a washing dryer, the power consumption (in this case, the current value) is directly reflected in the drying time, so it is preferable to use a current that is full of the capacity (increase in the amount of heat generation). From the viewpoint of shortening the drying time by). However, the characteristics of PTC heaters used in washing / drying machines vary widely from product to product (± 6% as shown in FIG. 10). Even with the same PTC heater, the characteristics vary depending on the use conditions. Changes greatly (0.06 A / ° C). For example, since the resistance increases as the temperature increases, even if the power supply voltage (effective voltage) is the same, if the outside air temperature is low, the current value of the heater, which is not low, increases. Even if the outside air temperature is constant, a larger current flows as the power supply voltage (effective voltage) is lower.
[0004]
For this reason, in designing, such fluctuations have to be taken into account, and it has not been possible to use the full amount of power in the design.
[0005]
For example, an ordinary washing / drying machine is designed so that the power consumption is a predetermined value (1170 w) or less under the conditions of an outside air temperature of 20 ° C. and a power supply voltage of 100 v, as shown in FIG. This is determined from the viewpoint that the maximum current value within the assumed use conditions {outside air temperature 0 to 30 (° C.), power supply voltage 90 to 110 (v), PTC heater variation ± 6%} does not exceed 15 A. Is. Note that the maximum current within the range of the assumed use conditions is obtained at an outside air temperature of 0 ° C. and a power supply voltage of 90 v.
[0006]
Also, in the drying of the vertical washing dryer, unlike the drum type, the washing / dehydrating tank installed in the outer tub and the rotating body installed at the bottom of the washing / dehydrating tub are dried at several different speeds. In order to control at full current, the maximum current at different rotational speeds must be taken into account, and power consumption (1170w) is further reduced to 1 ampere (A) 100w under conditions of an outside air temperature of 20 ° C and a power supply voltage of 100v. It must be lowered (1070w). Therefore, if current control is not performed, the drying time is long under the conditions of the most frequently used outside temperature of 20 ° C. and the power supply voltage of 100 v.
[0007]
The PTC heater (Positibe Temperature Coefficent) is an oxide semiconductor ceramic mainly composed of barium titanate (BaTiO3), and its Curie point (resistance rapid change temperature) can be set to an arbitrary temperature depending on its material composition. . Currently, it is widely used for constant temperature heating elements, current control elements, temperature sensors and the like.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the above prior art, the drying time is long under the conditions of the frequently used outside temperature of 20 ° C. and the power supply voltage of 100 v. Therefore, it is important to shorten the drying time in a frequently used region (around 20 ° C. outside air), and a new drying method has been demanded.
[0009]
An object of the present invention is to provide a vertical washer / dryer which is intended to shorten the drying time by finely controlling the current.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention includes a washing / dehydrating / drying tub for storing an object to be dried, a driving device for rotating and driving a rotating body, a heating means for feeding hot air heated by a heater into the washing / dehydrating tub and heating the air, Current detection means for detecting a heater current value (excluding the heater current other than the heater current) and an ambient temperature in a vertical washer / dryer provided with a blowing means for sending air heated by the heating means to the washing / dehydrating and drying tank A temperature detecting means for detecting the power supply, a power supply voltage detecting means, and a rotation detecting means for a blower fan motor as a driving source of the blower means, and the ambient temperature at the start of operation so that the total current value does not exceed 15 (A), The number of rotations of the blower fan motor (the amount of blown air) is controlled so as to obtain a predetermined heater current value from the power supply voltage.
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a washing / drying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention in a longitudinal section.
[0012]
Reference numeral 1 denotes a frame constituting the outer shell. Reference numeral 2 denotes a washing and dewatering tub, which has a water passage hole 2a on the peripheral wall thereof, is provided with a fluid balancer 3 on the upper edge thereof, and is provided with a rotating body 4 rotatably inside the bottom. The rotating body 4 has a large diameter (preferably 90% or more of the diameter of the washing and dewatering tub 2) and is bent so that the peripheral edge is raised, and a water passage hole 4a is provided in a lower region. Reference numeral 5 denotes an outer tub containing the washing / dehydrating tub 2, and a driving device 6 is attached to the outside of the bottom portion by a steel plate mounting base 7, and the anti-vibration support device 8 is attached to the outer corner 1 from the four corners. Support to hang.
[0013]
The drive device 6 includes a drive motor, an electric operation clutch mechanism, and a planetary gear speed reduction mechanism, and rotates the rotating body 4 (stirring mode) while the washing / dehydrating tub 2 is stationary, and rotates with the washing / dehydrating tub 2. The body 4 is rotated in the opposite direction (washing mode), and the washing / dehydrating tub 2 and the rotating body 4 are integrally rotated in the same direction (dehydration / drying mode).
[0014]
The top cover 9 formed with the clothing input opening 9 a is fitted into the opening edge so as to cover the upper opening of the frame body 1, and is attached to the frame body 1 together with the front panel 10 and the back panel 11 with mounting screws.
[0015]
A front panel box 12 formed between the top cover 9 and the front panel 10 includes a power switch 13, an operation panel 14 having an input switch group and a display element group, and a water level signal corresponding to the water level in the outer tub 5. The water level sensor 15 for generating the pressure and the control unit 16 are incorporated. These constitute a control device.
[0016]
A back panel box 17 formed between the top cover 9 and the back panel 11 incorporates a washing water supply means and a high-concentration detergent liquid generation means so as to be installed side by side.
[0017]
The washing water supply means is constituted by a main water supply electromagnetic valve 20 having a water inlet side connected to a faucet connection port 18 and a water outlet side connected to a water injection port 19.
[0018]
The high-concentration detergent liquid generating / supplying means supplies a small amount of detergent-dissolved water from the auxiliary water supply electromagnetic valve 22 to the detergent-dissolving container 21, and stirs the powdered detergent contained in the detergent-dissolving container 21 while stirring the detergent. Dissolve in dissolved water to produce a high concentration detergent solution. The detergent dissolution container 21 has an overflow portion (not shown) connected to the water supply port 19, and the generated high-concentration detergent solution is diluted with additional water supply (diluted water supply) to increase the amount of overflow from the overflow portion. Supply to the water inlet 19. The detergent dissolving water for producing the high concentration detergent liquid is set to a small amount so as not to overflow from the overflow portion of the detergent dissolving container 21, and is diluted to a detergent concentration preferable to be submerged in the laundry at the time of dilution water supply. In addition, the main water supply electromagnetic valve 20 is also opened to supply additional dilution water to the water inlet 19.
[0019]
When a finishing agent feeder is attached to the detergent dissolution container 21, an auxiliary water supply electromagnetic valve 22a for pouring out the finishing agent is provided.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 1, the hot air supply means heats the air sucked from the lower part 5 a of the outer tub 2 through the duct 27 by the heater 29 and blows it out from the outlet 30.
[0021]
The hot air circulation drying means is formed so as to extend vertically from the suction port 5a formed on the side wall near the bottom of the outer tub 5 along the outer wall surface on the rear side of the outer tub 5 in the vertical state. From a water-cooled dehumidifying duct 23 that dams washing water that has entered from the inside, a cooling sprinkler 24 that is located above the water-cooled dehumidifying duct 23 and supplies cooling water to the duct, and a water level of the outer tub 5 in the washing operation And a descending air duct 25 extending vertically toward the lower side of the outer tub 5 along the outer wall surface of the outer tub 5 and the lower airflow duct disposed in the lower space of the outer tub 5. A circulation fan 26 that sucks air from the air duct 25 and generates circulating air; a rising air duct 27 that extends vertically from the outlet of the circulation fan 26 along the outer wall surface of the outer tub 5; Installed on the outer tank upper cover 28 A heater (PTC heater) 29 for heating the circulated air to be fed from the serial rising air duct 27 comprises the outlet 30 blows toward the inside the washing and dewatering tank 2 a circulation air heated by the heater 29.
[0022]
A humidity sensor 40 and a first temperature sensor 41 as humidity detecting means are installed in the descending air duct 25, and a second temperature sensor 42 is installed in the air path on the downstream side of the heater 29. The third temperature sensor 66 is installed in the front.
[0023]
In addition, a lint collecting filter (not shown) is installed at the folded portion from the upper part of the water-cooled dehumidifying duct 23 to the descending air duct 25.
[0024]
The water-cooled dehumidifying duct 23, the descending air duct 25, and the ascending duct 27 are mounted side by side in the circumferential direction of the outer tub 5 on the outer wall surface on the rear side of the outer tub 5.
[0025]
And this warm air circulation drying means drains the washing water in the outer tub 5 after washing, spins the washing and dewatering tub 2 at a high speed and dehydrates, and then rotates the middle board at a low speed while rotating the middle board at a low speed. In the second half, by operating the circulation fan 26 while stirring, the cooling water sprinkling unit 24 is in the process of sucking out the humid air in the outer tub 5 and the washing / dehydrating tub 3 from the suction port 5a and ascending the water-cooled dehumidifying duct 23. The water-cooled dehumidification duct 23 is cooled by the cooling water supplied to the dehumidifying duct 23. Thereafter, the cooled and dehumidified air is drawn down into the circulation fan 26 by lowering the descending air duct 25, sent from the circulating fan 26 through the ascending duct 27 and the heater 29 to the outlet 30 and heated by the heater 29 for washing. It blows in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the washing / dehydrating tank 2 toward the vicinity of the inner wall surface in the cum / dehydrating tank 2. Thus, the circulating air blown into the washing / dehydrating tub 2 touches the laundry 38 in the washing / dehydrating tub 2 to dry the laundry 38.
[0026]
The clothing input opening 9 a formed in the upper surface cover 9 is configured to be opened and closed by the outer lid 31, and the opening 28 a formed in the outer tub upper cover 28 is configured to be opened and closed by the inner lid 32.
[0027]
A drain port 5 b formed at the bottom of the outer tub 5 is connected to a drain hose 34 via a drain electromagnetic valve 33. The air trap 5 c is connected to the water level sensor 15 through the air tube 35. At the lower end edge of the frame body 1, a base 37 made of synthetic resin with legs 36 attached to the four corners is attached.
[0028]
Reference numeral 38 denotes a laundry put in the washing and dewatering tub 2.
[0029]
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal side view showing a specific configuration of the above-described washing and drying machine. A part of the description overlapping that of FIG. 1 is omitted.
[0030]
The drive device 6 includes a drive motor 61, an electrically operated clutch mechanism 62, a planetary gear speed reduction mechanism 63, a center output shaft 64, and an outer output shaft 65. The drive device 6 is integrally assembled on the lower surface of the steel mounting base 7, and this attachment is performed. The base 7 is attached to the bottom surface of the outer tub 5 by screwing.
[0031]
The drive motor 61 is a reversible rotation type electric motor of a plurality of stages or continuously variable transmission. In this embodiment, the rotational speed for rotating the rotating body 4 while the washing / dehydrating tub 2 is stationary at the time of detection, and the rotational speed for rotating the washing / dehydrating tank 2 and the rotating body 4 integrally during wet water supply. A rotational speed at which the washing and dewatering tub 2 and / or the rotating body 4 repeats normal rotation and reverse rotation when the high-concentration detergent solution is dropped on the laundry and submerged, and the sun of the planetary gear reduction mechanism during washing The rotation speed for rotating the gear, the rotation speed for rotating the washing / dehydrating tub 2 and the rotating body 4 integrally at 950 rpm at the time of dehydration, and 700 rpm for the washing / dehydrating tub 2 and the rotating body 4 at the time of hot air drying. The rotation speed was set to rotate at 330 rpm, 100 rpm, and 35 rpm, and the rotating body 4 was rotated independently.
[0032]
The planetary gear speed reduction mechanism 63 has a configuration in which a carrier supporting the planetary gear is coupled to the center output shaft 64, an internal gear is coupled to the outer output shaft 65, and a sun gear is directly coupled to the drive motor 61.
[0033]
The electric operation clutch mechanism 62 selectively sets the stirring mode, the washing mode, and the dehydration / drying mode by operating the operation lever 62b by the electric operation device 62a. In the agitation mode, the rotational force of the drive motor 61 is output to the planetary gear reduction mechanism 63 and the center output in a state where the stationary force is applied to the washing and dewatering tub 2 by engaging the internal gear of the planetary gear reduction mechanism 63 with the stationary member. This is transmitted to the rotating body 4 through the shaft 64 to rotate the rotating body 4 to execute cloth amount detection and cloth quality detection based on the load acting on the rotating body 4. In the washing mode, the sun gear is rotated by the drive motor 61 with the internal gear of the planetary gear speed reduction mechanism 63 being free to rotate, whereby the rotational force of the drive motor 61 is applied to both the central output shaft 64 and the outer output shaft 65. Transmission is performed in the opposite direction, and the washing and dewatering tub 2 and the rotating body 4 are repeatedly rotated forward and backward in the opposite direction to execute washing. In the dehydration / drying mode, the internal gear of the planetary gear speed reduction mechanism 62 is connected to the drive motor 61, and the sun gear and the internal gear are integrally rotated by the drive motor 61, and the center output shaft 64 and the outer output shaft are driven. 65 is rotated in the same direction, the washing and dewatering tub 2 and the rotating body 4 are rotated at a low speed in the same direction to perform wet water supply, are rotated at a high speed to perform centrifugal dehydration, and are rotated at various speeds to warm air. It is the structure which performs drying.
[0034]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the vertical washing / drying machine.
[0035]
The control unit 16 that receives power via the power switch 13 is configured with a microcomputer 16a as the center, and includes a power supply circuit 16b, a driving device 6, a main water supply electromagnetic valve 20, an auxiliary water supply electromagnetic valve 22, a detergent agitation motor 39, and waste water. The drive circuit 16c which has the semiconductor alternating current switching element (FLS) group for controlling the electric power feeding to the solenoid valve 33, the circulation fan 26, the heater 29, and the cooling water spray solenoid valve 24a is provided.
[0036]
The drive motor 61 of the drive device 6 has a stator winding 61a and a rotation sensor 61b, and the electric operation clutch mechanism 62 has an electric operation machine 62a and a position sensor 62c for detecting the operation position.
[0037]
The drive circuit 16c includes two semiconductor AC switching elements (FLS) 16c1 and 16c2 for forward / reverse rotation control with respect to power supply control to the stator winding 61a of the drive motor 61 in the drive device 6. FLS16c1 is a semiconductor switching element for forward rotation power supply control, and FLS16c2 is a semiconductor AC switching element for reverse rotation power supply control. In this embodiment, the rotational speed control of the drive motor 61 is configured such that power is supplied to the stator winding 61a by phase control using the FLS 16c1 and 16c2, but an inverter-driven brushless motor is used. The configuration can be configured to be performed by PWM control or PAM control. Further, the driving device 6 includes an FLS 16c3 for controlling power supply to the electric operating machine 62a of the electric operating clutch mechanism 62.
[0038]
Further, the drive circuit 16c includes FLSs 16c4 to 16c10 for controlling power supply to the main water supply electromagnetic valve 20, the water supply electromagnetic valve 22, the detergent stirring motor 39, the drainage electromagnetic valve 33, the circulation fan 26, the heater 29, and the cooling water spraying electromagnetic valve 24aa. Prepare. The drive circuit 16c controls the conduction state of the FLS 16c1 to FLS 16c10 in accordance with an instruction from the microcomputer 16a, and performs power feeding control to the subordinate load.
[0039]
The microcomputer 16a further includes a rotation sensor 61b of the drive motor 61, a position sensor 62c of the electric operation clutch mechanism 62, a water level sensor 15 for detecting the washing water level in the outer tub 5, a humidity sensor 40, first, second and second. By connecting to the third temperature sensors 41, 42, 66, the unbalance detection sensor 43, and the operation panel 14, and executing a control processing program incorporated in advance, the input switch group 14a, the water level sensor 15 and the rotation of the operation panel 14 are rotated. By detecting signals from the sensor 61b, the position sensor 62c, the humidity sensor 39, the first, second and third temperature sensors 41, 42, 66 and the unbalance detection sensor 43 and controlling the drive circuit 16c, the detection and high Concentrated detergent solution generation, laundry wetness, high concentration detergent solution generation and supply (soaking), washing, rinsing, dehydration and hot air drying Run the operation and displays the progress by controlling the display element group 14b of the operation panel 14. Here, the unbalance detection sensor 43 causes the washing / dehydration tub 2 (outer tub 5) to move according to the unbalance of the distribution of the laundry 38 in the washing / dehydration tub 2 when the washing / dehydration tub 2 is rotated. It is a sensor that detects a large fluctuation above a predetermined value.
[0040]
The input switch group 14a of the operation panel 14 includes a course setting switch for setting the type of operation (washing / drying) to be executed and a mode setting switch for setting the execution method of washing and drying according to the laundry (dry matter). . The course setting switch is equipped with a setting switch for selectively setting the washing / drying course, washing course, and drying course, and the mode setting switch includes the standard mode, shirt mode, blanket mode, fresh drying mode, dry mode, and finish. A switch is provided to selectively set the mode and accessory drying mode.
[0041]
Here, the washing / drying course is a course that consistently executes the operation from washing to drying, the washing course is a course that carries out the operation from washing to centrifugal dehydration, and the drying course is washing and dehydrating. It is a course that performs only the laundry drying operation. In addition, the standard mode is a mode in which the operation of each course is executed as standard, and the shirt mode is a mode in which each course is executed for laundry that is prone to wrinkles, such as a shirt or a blouse. The mode is a mode in which each course is executed for a bulky laundry such as a blanket, and the raw drying mode is a mode in which a course until drying for a short time is performed to the extent that the laundry basket is stretched. The dry mode is a mode in which each course is executed for laundry with a dry mark, the finishing mode is a mode in which a drying course for finishing is executed for laundry that is dry, and the accessory drying mode is In this mode, a drying course is performed for laundry that is anxious to lose its shape, such as clothes and hats.
[0042]
Next, each operation will be described.
[0043]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of each operation executed by the microcomputer 16 a in the control unit 16.
[0044]
The microcomputer 16a executes the following control process when the power switch 13 is turned on.
[0045]
Step 401
The laundry clothes 38 is put into the washing / dehydrating tub 2, the input switch group 14a of the operation panel 14 is operated to perform initial setting, and when the washing / drying start button switch is pressed, automatic control processing of each operation is started. .
[0046]
In the initial setting, the course and mode are selected and set. Here, the operation control when the washing / drying course is set is illustrated.
[0047]
Step 402
Perform pre-processing for drying operation control. The outside temperature is detected by the third temperature sensor 66, and although not shown, the power supply voltage is detected and stored in the microcomputer 16a until the drying process is started.
[0048]
Thereafter, drying control is performed using this data. For example, the case of the detected outside air temperature (20 ° C.) and the power supply voltage (100 v) will be described as an example. As shown in FIG. 9, the circulation fan 26 rotates at a constant rotation control of 4000 rpm for 10 minutes after the start of the drying operation, and thereafter 7 enters the current control region, and as shown in FIGS. 7 and 13, the circulation fan 26 is controlled to rotate based on the heater current limit 13.3 amperes (A) and the current limit taking into account the offset current shown in FIG. Is done. The rotation range is controlled to rotate within the upper limit of 4750 rpm and the lower limit of 3200 rpm in FIG.
[0049]
Step 403
A detection control process of the amount of cloth of the laundry 38 is performed. This cloth amount detection is performed by controlling the electric operation clutch mechanism 62 of the drive device 6 to the agitation mode in the dry cloth state before water supply, energizing the drive motor 61 for a short time to rotationally drive the rotating body 4, and This is detected based on the deceleration characteristics in inertial rotation. Based on the detection result (cloth amount of the laundry), the amount of washing water and the amount of detergent for generating washing water having a preferable detergent concentration are calculated and determined, and this amount of detergent is displayed by the display element group 14b. An amount of powder synthetic detergent is put into the detergent dissolution vessel 21.
[0050]
Step 404
The electric operation clutch mechanism 62 of the drive device 6 is controlled to the dehydration / drying mode, the drive motor 61 is operated at a low speed, and the main water supply electromagnetic valve 20 is opened while the washing / dehydration tub 2 and the rotating body 4 are rotated at a low speed, thereby making tap water. Is directly supplied to the water inlet 19 to spray the tap water on the laundry 38 in the washing and dewatering tub 2. The laundry 38 absorbs the dispersed tap water and wets it, reducing the bulk. The amount of tap water sprayed at this time is controlled according to the amount of the laundry 38 detected by the detection operation, and is decreased when the amount of the laundry 38 is small, and is increased as it increases. The amount of tap water sprayed on the laundry 38 is, for example, about 4 L (liter) when the amount of the laundry 38 is less than 4 kg, and 10 L when the amount is 4 kg to 8 kg. This amount of water supply is controlled by the valve opening time of the main water supply electromagnetic valve 20.
[0051]
Then, if necessary, the tap water is left in a wet state for a predetermined time so as to sufficiently penetrate the laundry 38. This stationary time is controlled according to the amount of laundry 38 and the amount of tap water sprayed. During the stationary time for sufficiently spreading the sprayed tap water into the laundry 38, the washing / dehydrating tank 2 may be stopped. Rotate at speed.
[0052]
Step 405
A small amount of tap water (detergent-dissolving water) that does not overflow into the detergent dissolution container 21 by opening the auxiliary water supply electromagnetic valve 22 is supplied, and the powder in the detergent dissolution container 21 that is added to generate washing water with a preferred detergent concentration. A high-concentration detergent solution is produced by dissolving a synthetic detergent with a small amount of detergent-dissolving water while stirring with a rotating body. The amount of the detergent-dissolving water is set to a suitable amount of water that does not overflow from the overflow portion of the detergent-dissolving container 21 and that dissolves the powder-synthetic detergent well while stirring the powder-synthetic detergent with a rotating body.
[0053]
Step 406
The electric operation clutch mechanism 62 of the drive device 6 is controlled to the dehydration / drying mode, the drive motor 61 is operated at a low speed, and the auxiliary water supply electromagnetic valve 22 is opened while rotating the washing / dehydration tub 2 and the rotating body 4 at a low speed. Diluted water is supplied to the detergent dissolution container 21 to dilute the high-concentration detergent liquid and overflow the overflow portion to send it to the water inlet 19 and open the main water supply electromagnetic valve 20 to supply water to the water inlet 19 to supply the high-concentration detergent liquid. Is diluted into a preferred high-concentration detergent solution and descends on the laundry 38 in the washing and dewatering tub 2 to be immersed in the laundry 38.
[0054]
The high-concentration detergent solution submerged in the laundry 38 increases the cleaning power by causing the chemical high cleaning power to act on the laundry 38, so that the mechanical force applied to the laundry 38 during the washing operation is reduced. It is possible to reduce fabric damage and fabric entanglement.
[0055]
Synthetic powder detergents include a surfactant that removes dirt, an alkali agent that assists the active agent, a builder such as a zeolite, an enzyme, an anti-redeposition agent, and an additive such as a fluorescent brightening agent. Zeolite functions to suppress the decrease in the amount of effective surfactant in the wash water by removing (softening) the metal ions contained in tap water and suppressing the formation of metal soap. In the washing water produced by dissolving the powder synthetic detergent in a large amount of tap water, the amount of zeolite is insufficient and the effective surfactant is greatly reduced. However, a high concentration detergent solution (for example, a detergent concentration 10 times the detergent concentration of washing water) produced by dissolving a synthetic powder detergent with a small amount of tap water (detergent dissolving water) has a small amount of metal ions. Thus, the zeolite can function sufficiently and the decrease in the effective surfactant can be suppressed to a very small amount (about 2%). Therefore, when such a detergent solution of high concentration is applied to the laundry and submerged, the detergent solution penetrates the laundry (dirty clothing) at a high speed (about four times faster than the washing water) and quickly becomes dirty. The surface active agent promotes emulsification and dispersion of soil, the alkali material promotes swelling and saponification of oil soil, and the enzyme exerts detergency to decompose fat and protein soil.
[0056]
Step 407
This is a time for accelerating the penetration of the high-concentration detergent liquid that has fallen on the laundry 38 into the laundry 38 and can be omitted.
[0057]
Step 408
The main water supply electromagnetic valve 20 and the auxiliary water supply electromagnetic valve 22 are opened to start supplying tap water (wash water). The washing water is supplied up to the amount of water determined in step 402, but is interrupted in order to detect the cloth amount (packing value) and the cloth quality of the laundry 38 during the water supply. This interrupted water level is a water level suitable for detecting the amount and quality of the compress set in advance in the microcomputer 16a.
[0058]
Step 409
Detecting the amount of poultice and the quality of the fabric to correct the amount of washing water supplied and determine control constants for washing, rinsing, dewatering and drying operations. In this cloth quality detection, water supply is interrupted at a predetermined low water level, the electric operation clutch mechanism 62 of the drive device 6 is controlled to the detection mode, the drive motor 61 is energized for a short time, and the rotating body 4 is driven to rotate. The first deceleration characteristic (packet amount) in inertial rotation at the time of extinction is detected, and then the water supply is resumed to supply the washing water to a predetermined high water level, and then the water supply is interrupted to drive the drive motor of the drive device 6 61 is energized for a short time to rotate the rotating body 4 to detect a second deceleration characteristic in inertial rotation at the time of deactivation, and washing is performed based on the difference between the first attenuation characteristic and the second attenuation characteristic. The cloth quality of the object 38 is detected. This cloth quality detection control is omitted when it becomes unnecessary by the initial setting. Then, depending on the cloth quality, the time and water flow (strength of mechanical stirring) in the washing and rinsing operations and the control constant in the drying operation are determined.
[0059]
Step 410
Tap water is supplied up to the amount of water determined in step 402. With this water supply, the washing water is further diluted with a high-concentration detergent solution to obtain a detergent concentration preferable for washing. As a result, the laundry 38 is immersed in the washing water having a predetermined detergent concentration in the washing / dehydrating tub 2, and the washing / dehydrating tub 2 and the rotating body 4 are rotated to apply mechanical washing power to the laundry 38. It is in a state suitable for acting.
[0060]
Step 411
The drive device 6 is controlled to perform the washing operation of the washing water flow and washing time set in step 408. In this washing operation, the drive device 6 controls the electric operation clutch mechanism 62 to the washing mode, and repeats the forward / reverse operation of the drive motor 61 to repeat the washing / dehydrating tub 2 and the rotating body 4 in opposite directions. A mechanical cleaning force is applied to the laundry 38 by rotating. The machine (stirring) force acting on the laundry 38 adjusts the ON-OFF time limit of the forward / reverse rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub 2 and the rotating body 4, adjusts the rotation speed, and adjusts the washing (stirring) time. It can be controlled by doing.
[0061]
Since this washing and drying machine uses the high chemical cleaning power of the high-concentration detergent solution, the laundry 38 is more easily cleaned than the conventional cleaning system even with a small mechanical (stirring) power. As a result, the damage and entanglement of the laundry 38 can be reduced.
[0062]
Step 412
The drain electromagnetic valve 33 is opened to drain the wash water out of the machine.
[0063]
Step 413
The main water supply electromagnetic valve 20 and the auxiliary water supply electromagnetic valve 22 are opened to supply rinsing water (tap water) to a set amount of water. If necessary, the auxiliary water supply electromagnetic valve 22a is opened to mix the finishing agent.
[0064]
Step 414
The drive device 6 is controlled to execute the rinsing operation.
[0065]
Step 415
The drain electromagnetic valve 33 is opened to drain the rinse water out of the machine.
[0066]
Step 416
While the drain electromagnetic valve 33 is kept open, the electric operation clutch mechanism 62 of the driving device 6 is controlled to the dehydrating / drying mode, and the driving motor 61 is operated at a high speed, whereby the washing / dehydrating tub 2 and the rotating body 4 are integrated. By rotating at a high speed of 950 rpm, the moisture of the laundry 38 is centrifugally dehydrated. In the state where the centrifugal dehydration is finished, the laundry 38 is pressed against the side wall of the washing and dewatering tub 2 and is attached to the side wall surface.
[0067]
Step 417
The electric operation clutch mechanism 62 of the driving device 6 is controlled to the dewatering / drying mode, the driving motor 61 is operated to rotate the washing / dehydrating tub 2 and the rotating body 4, and the circulation fan 26 is operated to rotate the inside of the outer tub 5. Air is sucked out from the suction port 5a, cooled and dehumidified by the cooling water supplied from the cooling sprinkler 24 into the water-cooled dehumidifying duct 23 when passing through the water-cooled dehumidifying duct 23, and sucked into the circulation fan 26 through the descending air duct 25. From the circulation fan 26, the air is sent to the outlet 30 through the ascending air duct 27 and the heater 29, and is heated by the heater 29 toward the vicinity of the inner wall surface in the washing / dehydrating tub 2 in the rotation direction of the washing / dehydrating tub 2. On the other hand, circulating air blown in the opposite direction is generated, and the laundry in the washing and dewatering tub 2 is dried.
[0068]
This warm air drying operation will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.
[0069]
In this hot air drying operation, as described above, the washing / dehydrating tub 2 and the rotating body 4 are rotated according to a predetermined time schedule based on the outside air temperature and the power supply voltage detected in Step 402 at the start of operation. Then, the circulation fan 26 is operated to circulate the air in the washing and dewatering tub 2 (outer tub 5) through the ducts 23, 25, and 27, and the circulated air is water-cooled and dehumidified by water spraying from the cooling water spraying section 24. This is executed by heating the dehumidified circulating air with the heater 29, depending on the set mode, the amount of the laundry 38, the humidity of the circulating air (dryness of the laundry 38), the temperature, and the unbalance detection result. The rotation control of the washing and dewatering tub 2 and the rotating body 4, the operation control of the circulation fan 26, the heat generation control of the heater 29, and the watering control of the cooling watering unit 24 are executed.
[0070]
The rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 2 in the warm air drying operation sets 700 rpm as a high speed rotation speed, 300 rpm as a semi-high speed, 100 rpm as a low speed rotation speed, and 35 rpm as an ultra-low speed rotation speed. The specific values of these rotational speeds are not limited to these values, and can be changed as necessary. For example, it is preferable to change according to the amount of cloth and the quality of cloth.
The first drying operation in which the washing and dewatering tub 2 is rotated at a high rotational speed is suitable for promoting centrifugal dehydration and heat drying of the laundry 38 in the initial heating stage in the initial stage of the drying operation. In this initial heating stage, water-cooled dehumidification of the circulating air is not performed. In the second drying operation in which the washing / dehydrating tub 2 is rotated at a quasi-high speed rotation speed, the circulating air is uniformly blown into the washing / dehydrating tub 2 and touches the laundry 38 in the subsequent water-cooled dehumidifying / drying stage. It is suitable for making. The rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub 2 at an ultra-low speed is suitable for blowing and circulating air while slowly rotating the laundry 38 in the shirt mode, the blanket mode, the dry mode, and the accessory drying mode. . The swing of the washing / dehydrating tub 2 (outer tub 5) due to the imbalance of the laundry 38 becomes larger as the rotational speed of the washing / dehydrating tub 2 is higher. When the shake is detected in the low speed rotation, the speed control is performed so that the speed is changed to the ultra low speed rotation speed, so that the hot air drying is continued while reducing the inconvenience (vibration and noise) due to the shake. When the rotational speed is decreased by detecting the shake, the drying time is extended to the required dryness.
[0071]
If clogging occurs in the hot air circulation path (particularly the lint collecting filter), the air volume of the circulating air is reduced and the drying efficiency is lowered. This clogging detection is performed by monitoring the temperature difference between the circulating air before and after the heater 29 (detected temperatures of the first and second temperature sensors 41 and 42) or by monitoring the current consumption of the heater 29. To do. The temperature difference of the circulating air becomes larger when the yarn waste collecting filter is clogged and the air volume of the circulating air is reduced, and the current consumption of the heater 29 uses the PTC heater. Detecting the degree of clogging of the lint collecting filter by monitoring the temperature difference of the circulating air or the current consumption of the heater 29 because the air volume of the circulating air decreases due to clogging. Can do.
[0072]
In addition, an excessive increase in the temperature of the air in the washing / dehydrating tub 2 may damage the laundry 38 and the components of the washing / drying machine, particularly the resin molded parts, in an overheated state. In order to prevent such overheating, the amount of power supplied to the heater 29 is reduced when the temperature of the circulating air (temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 41) blown from the outlet 30 into the washing and dewatering tub 2 reaches 106 ° C. To control.
[0073]
Further, during the hot air drying, the hot air keeps hitting the laundry 38, and the local (surface portion) drying of the laundry 38 is promoted to prevent the temperature of the portion from rising locally. In order to achieve this, it is desirable that the laundry 38 is replaced (inverted) or loosened according to the degree of progress of drying so that the warm air uniformly touches the laundry 38. It is desirable that the stirring for the replacement (inversion) and the unraveling of the laundry 38 be performed with a stirring force in accordance with the amount of the laundry 38 and the progress of drying (dryness and operating time). The strength of the stirring force can be changed depending on the rotation speed and the rotation time of the rotating body 4.
[0074]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the hot air drying control in the standard mode, and shows a first control routine.
[0075]
Step 501
When this hot air drying operation is started, an operation timer for executing the time schedule is started.
[0076]
Step 502
A branch to a control routine according to the amount of the laundry 38 is performed. Here, the cloth amount of the laundry 38 employs the cloth amount detected at the time of washing and branches depending on whether it is 2 kg or more, which is a reference value for determining the amount of the laundry. When the amount of cloth is large, the process proceeds to step 503.
[0077]
Step 503
While monitoring the detection signal of the rotation sensor 26a, the circulation fan 26 is controlled (turned on) to rotate at 4000 rpm.
[0078]
Step 504
Electric power is supplied to the heater 29 so as to generate heat in the strong heat generation mode, and heating is performed while circulating air in the washing and dewatering tub 2.
[0079]
Step 505
The drive device 6 is controlled (turned on) so that the washing and dewatering tub 2 and the rotating body 4 are rotated at a high rotational speed of 700 rpm.
[0080]
Step 506
The detection signal of the humidity sensor 40 is monitored, and a predetermined reference dryness (here, the resistance value of the humidity sensor 40 is 20 kΩ = corresponding to the state where the dryness of the laundry 38 has progressed to 95%) is detected. To branch control.
[0081]
Step 507
When the dryness of the laundry 38 has not progressed to the standard dryness, the drying operation is performed for a predetermined time (the laundry and dewatering tub 2 is rotated at a high rotational speed to promote centrifugal dehydration and heat drying of the laundry 38. This is a suitable time, and here the current state is continued until 10 minutes have passed since the start of the drying operation.
Step 508
When the drying operation time has passed 10 minutes, the rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub 2 is stopped and stopped, and the laundry 38 is repeatedly rotated in the forward and reverse directions to agitate and replace the laundry 38 (reversal) 0.6 seconds. The drive device 6 is controlled so that ON and OFF for 2 seconds are performed several times. The stirring force by the rotating body 4 for this replacement is set according to the amount of the laundry 38, and since the amount of cloth is large in this control routine, the stirring force by the rotating body 4 is made relatively strong.
[0082]
Step 509
The circulation fan 26 is rotated within the upper limit of 4750 rpm and the lower limit of 3200 rpm shown in FIG. 6 from the outside air temperature (eg, 20 ° C.) and the power supply voltage (eg, 100 v) detected in step 402. As shown in FIG. 7, the heater current limit is 13.3 amperes (A). Therefore, here, the lower limit is temporarily lowered by 3200 rpm.
[0083]
Step 510
From step 508 to step 519, since the washing / dehydrating tub 2 has a high rotational speed of 700 rpm, the current sensor 29a is set so that the heater current becomes 12.3 amperes (A) in consideration of the offset current of 1 ampere (A) from FIG. The rotation of the circulation fan 26 is controlled while monitoring.
[0084]
Step 511
The driving device 6 is controlled so that the washing / dehydrating tub 2 and the rotating body 4 are rotated at a high rotational speed of 700 rpm.
[0085]
Step 512
The detection signal of the humidity sensor 40 is monitored, and a predetermined reference dryness (here, the resistance value of the humidity sensor 40 is 20 kΩ = corresponding to the state where the dryness of the laundry 38 has progressed to 95%) is detected. To branch control.
[0086]
Step 513
It is determined whether or not the drying operation has passed a predetermined time (15 minutes).
[0087]
Step 514
When the drying operation has passed a predetermined time (15 minutes), cooling water is supplied from the cooling water sprinkling unit 24 into the water cooling / dehumidifying duct 23 to start water cooling / dehumidification (water cooling / dehumidification drying) of the circulating air. 24a is controlled to open (ON).
[0088]
Step 515
As in step 508, the drive device 6 is controlled so that the laundry 38 is stirred and replaced (reversed) for 0.6 seconds ON and 2 seconds OFF several times.
[0089]
Step 516
As in step 510, since the washing and dewatering tub 2 is at a high rotational speed of 700 rpm, the upper limit of the circulation fan 26 is set so that the heater current limit is 12.3 amperes (A) in consideration of the offset current of 1 ampere (A) from FIG. The rotation is controlled within 4750 rpm and the lower limit of 3200 rpm.
[0090]
Step 517
As in step 511, the driving device 6 is controlled so that the washing and dewatering tub 2 and the rotating body 4 are rotated at a high rotational speed of 700 rpm.
[0091]
Step 518
As in step 512, the detection signal of the humidity sensor 40 is monitored, and it corresponds to a predetermined reference dryness (in this case, the resistance value of the humidity sensor 40 is 20 kΩ = the dryness of the laundry 38 has progressed to 95%). Control) and control branches.
[0092]
Step 519
It is determined whether or not the drying operation has passed a predetermined time (20 minutes).
[0093]
Step 520
As in step 515, the drive device 6 is controlled so that the laundry 38 is stirred and replaced (reversed) for 0.6 seconds ON and 2 seconds OFF several times.
[0094]
Step 521
The driving device 6 is controlled so that the washing / dehydrating tub 2 and the rotating body 4 are rotated from here at a semi-high speed rotation speed of 300 rpm.
[0095]
Step 522
From step 521 to step 525, the washing and dewatering tub 2 is quasi-high-speed rotation speed of 300 rpm, so that the circulation fan 26 takes the heater current limit to 13.3 amperes (A) considering the offset current 0 amperes (A) from FIG. The rotation is controlled.
[0096]
Step 523
As in step 518, the detection signal of the humidity sensor 40 is monitored, and it corresponds to a predetermined reference dryness (here, the resistance value of the humidity sensor 40 is 20 kΩ = the dryness of the laundry 38 has progressed to 95%). Control) and control branches.
[0097]
Step 524
Stirring and washing / dehydrating tank rotation are repeated every 4 minutes from the stirring in step 520, and 80 minutes have elapsed from the detection of sensor resistance in step 522 or the start of operation.
[0098]
Step 525
It is determined whether 80 minutes have elapsed since the start of operation.
[0099]
Step 526
From here, continuous stirring is repeated. With the washing / dehydrating tub 2 still, the rotating body 4 is turned ON for 0.6 seconds (stirring mode) and stopped for 1.5 seconds.
[0100]
Step 527
In order to repeat the continuous stirring from step 526, considering the offset current 0.3 ampere (A) from FIG. 8, the circulation fan 26 has an upper limit of 4750 rpm and a lower limit of 3200 rpm so that the heater current limit becomes 13.0 ampere (A). The rotation is controlled at.
[0101]
Step 528
The detection signal of the humidity sensor 40 is monitored, and a predetermined reference dryness (here, the resistance value of the humidity sensor 40 is 30 kΩ = corresponding to the state where the dryness of the laundry 38 has progressed to 105%) is detected. To branch control.
[0102]
Step 529
This predetermined time is a time when water-cooled dehumidification drying is desirable, and is set to 240 minutes here.
[0103]
Step 530
In step 528, it is detected that the dryness has advanced to the standard dryness, or when the drying operation in step 529 has passed a predetermined time (240 minutes), the end operation is executed. In this end operation, the heat generation of the heater 29 is stopped (turned off), and the driving device 6 is controlled so as to repeat replacement (reversal) and loosening of the laundry 38 for a predetermined time (here, 10 minutes is set). Thereafter, the driving device 6, the circulation fan 26, and the cooling water spray solenoid valve 24a are stopped (turned off), and the process is ended.
[0104]
【The invention's effect】
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to use power consumption (in this case, electric current value) capacity | capacitance as much as possible, and can provide the vertical type washing-drying machine which aimed at 50% shortening of drying time conventionally.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a washing / drying machine as an embodiment of the present invention in a longitudinal section.
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal side view showing a specific configuration of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the washing / drying machine shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;
4 is a flowchart of washing / dehydrating and drying operations executed by a microcomputer in the control unit shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a control routine for hot air drying control in a standard mode.
FIG. 6 shows an upper limit and a lower limit of the rotational speed of the circulation fan during current control of the drying operation from the outside air temperature and power supply voltage when the power is turned on.
FIG. 7 shows a limit current value at the time of current control of the drying operation from the outside air temperature and power supply voltage when the power is turned on.
FIG. 8 shows an offset current value (a current corresponding to the operation of the washing and dewatering tub 2 and the rotating body 4 of the driving device 6 from the outside air temperature and power supply voltage when the power is turned on to the limit current value during the current control of the drying operation. Limit a negative offset in Figure 7.)
FIG. 9 is a time chart showing constant rotation control up to 10 minutes from the start of drying and constant current control after 10 minutes.
FIG. 10 shows a heater maximum use capacity in a vertical washer / dryer using a PTC heater when current control or the like by rotation control of the blower is not employed (20 ° C., 100 v: 900 w).
FIG. 11 shows the maximum heater capacity when a vertical washing / drying machine using a PTC heater adopts a washing / dehydrating tub and an offset current of 1 A (100 w) of a rotating body (20 ° C., 100 v: 1000 w).
FIG. 12 shows the maximum capacity of the heater when the current control based on the rotation control of the blower and the offset current 1A (100 w) of the washing / dehydrating tub and the rotating body are adopted in the vertical washing dryer using the PTC heater (20 C, at 100 v: 1330 w).
FIG. 13 shows a relationship between a heater limit current and an offset current when the washing and dewatering tub is rotationally dried.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Washing and dewatering tank, 4 ... Rotating body, 6 ... Drive apparatus, 23 ... Water cooling dehumidification duct, 24 ... Cooling water spray part, 24a ... Cooling water spray solenoid valve, 26 ... Circulation fan, 26a ... Rotation sensor, 29 ... Heater, 29a ... current sensor, 40 ... humidity sensor, 41, 42, 66 ... temperature sensor, 61 ... drive motor.

Claims (1)

A washing / dehydrating tub installed in the outer tub, a rotating body installed at the bottom of the washing / dehydrating tub, a driving device for rotationally driving the washing / dehydrating tub and the rotating body, and hot air heated by a heater A washing and drying machine provided with a drying means for feeding into the dehydration tub and drying an object to be dried in the washing and dehydration tub;
The heater is a PTC heater whose resistance value changes in accordance with the amount of air sent by the blowing means, and includes a heater current detection device that detects a heater current value applied to the washing / drying machine when the washing / drying machine dries. The vertical laundry dryer is characterized in that the heater current specified value at the time of rotational driving drying of the washing and dehydrating tub is different from that at the time of rotating body driving drying so that the total current value falls within a specified range.

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