JP3457820B2 - Electric washing machine - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electric washing machine equipped with communication means for communicating with external equipment.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional washing machine is equipped with various sensors such as a cloth amount sensor and a water level sensor to constantly monitor a running state, so that anyone can easily wash with a single button. There is.

Further, in order to cope with various usages by the user, a unique driving course can be set in addition to a standard driving course.

Further, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 156492/1985, there is a proposal of appropriate washing according to the type and amount of laundry by operating a remote control from an external device.

That is, by providing communication means for enabling communication between a microcomputer incorporated in the washing machine and an external computer, the washing, rinsing and dehydrating processes are executed based on a program input from the external computer. , It is possible to wash by a proper program that corresponds to the kind of laundry.

[0006] Specifically, the interface as a communication means communicates between the microprocessor incorporated in the washing machine and the external computer B. A standardized method such as RS-232C or GB-IB is preferably used as the data transfer method. On the other hand, a personal computer is used as the external computer B, and is configured to include a CPU, ROM, RAM, keyboard, display and interface. When a start command is issued from the external computer B, the process is executed based on the program stored in the RAM, and appropriate washing is performed according to the type and amount of laundry.

[0007]

However, even though the conventional electric washing machine is provided with various driving courses, it is practically impossible to make settings that satisfy all users. Further, as the number of driving courses increases, the operation becomes complicated with a limited number of key SWs, and on the contrary, it becomes inconvenient.

Further, the invention disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 60-156492 does not operate as a washing machine without a program operation from the external computer B, and the external computer B is always required. It didn't work.

Further, in the conventional electric washing machine, even if the service person goes to the site in response to the service call of the user, it may be difficult to identify the cause and it may cause trouble to the user.

The present invention is to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems. The washing machine is provided with a bidirectional communication means, and the data in the storage means inside the washing machine is rewritten with the data through the communication means. The purpose is to facilitate user customization.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a washing machine main body with communication means, and the control means rewrites the data in the storage means with the data input from the communication means. Make user customization easy.

By outputting the past operation history stored in the storage means from the washing machine body through the communication means,
A service person can easily find the cause of the abnormality on-site and repair it in a short time.

Further, the control means starts the input / output of data through the communication means only when the operation means is operated by a certain combination which is considered not to be usually used by the user. The malfunction of can be prevented.

Further, the control means starts the input / output of data through the communication means only when a specific data pattern is input from the communication means, thereby preventing a malfunction during use by the user and at the site. The work of the service person can be simplified.

[0015]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of an electric washing machine of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

<Basic Structure> The basic structure of the electric washing machine of the present invention is shown in the circuit diagram of FIG. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 4 denotes a control circuit, and the control circuit 4 is composed of a control unit 5 composed of a microcomputer and a storage means 6. The control means 5 normally or reversely rotates the motor 2 through the switch means 8 and executes a series of steps of washing, rinsing and dehydration. A series of washing steps is stored in the storage means 6, and the control means 5 takes out the contents and sequentially executes them. At the same time, the control means 5 writes in the storage means 6 the operating state of the washing machine, such as the executed washing course, the time required for washing, the contents of errors that occurred during the washing, and the like. Further, 7 is an operating means composed of a key switch group for inputting the operating conditions of the electric washing machine, and 9 is a displaying means for displaying the operating state, the operating time, the amount of water used, etc. of the electric washing machine. Reference numeral 10 is a communication unit that outputs the content stored in the storage unit 6 to the outside of the electric washing machine and that inputs data from an external device into the electric washing machine. Incidentally, 3 is a phase advancing capacitor, which causes the motor 2 to generate a starting torque.

<Operation> “Washing” of the electric washing machine having the above structure
The operation of the process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, when the washing process is started, the control means 5 rotates the motor 2 to the right in step S1 (motor R), holds it in the state of the motor R for 2 seconds in step S2, and after 2 seconds have passed. After shifting to step S3, the motor R is turned off, the motor 2 is rotated counterclockwise in step S4 (motor L), and in step S4, the state of the motor L is maintained for 2 seconds, and after 2 seconds, step S6 is performed. And the motor L is turned off in step S7, and the above operation is repeated until 3 minutes have passed after the washing process was started in step S7.
After a lapse of minutes, the process moves to the next step (dehydration step, etc.).

The motor R is a state in which the a side terminal of the switch means 8 shown in FIG. 1 is energized and the motor is rotating clockwise, and the motor L is the b side of the switch means 8 shown in FIG. The state where the side terminal is energized and the motor is rotating counterclockwise.

Since the pulsator is coupled to the motor 2 via the speed reducer, the motor R and the motor L are alternately rotated to generate a water flow which is normally inverted, thereby enabling washing. Also, the strength of the water flow is the part after 2 seconds (steps S2 and 5) shown in FIG. 2, and the washing time is the part after 3 minutes.
It is determined in (step S7). Usually, the above sequence is stored in the storage means 6.

In the above, the strength of the water flow and the washing time are experimentally determined by the manufacturer, but a stronger water flow or a longer washing time is required in the market. In such a case, it is possible to change the value of 2 seconds in steps S2 and 5 of FIG. 2 or the value of 3 minutes in step S7. In the present invention, as will be described later, by rewriting the above sequence stored in the storage unit 6 with new data input through the communication means 10, that is, a new sequence, it is possible to change the operation to meet the user's request.

Further, by making it possible to output the past operation history stored in the storage means to the outside through the communication means, the service engineer can confirm the past operation state on site by using the user frame, etc. Can be done quickly and accurately, and on-site repairs will be faster, so the time that the user waits can be shortened.

<Transition to Data Transmission / Reception Mode> The transition operation to the data transmission / reception mode in the electric washing machine of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 3, during normal use by the user, first, the power is turned on / off, and then the start key is pressed, or a unique course is set and then the start key is pressed. In this embodiment, power is turned on /
After inputting the OFF key, in step S1, in addition to the simultaneous pressing of the Wash key, Rinse key and Dehydration key, which are not normally pressed at the same time, check whether 4 keys including power ON / OFF have been pressed simultaneously. If it is determined that the four keys are simultaneously pressed, the process proceeds to step S2. If the four keys are not simultaneously pressed, the normal mode is performed.

Further, in step S2, it is judged whether or not two keys, that is, the end sound ON / OFF key and the power ON / OFF key are pressed simultaneously, and only when the two keys are pressed simultaneously, If the data transmission / reception mode is entered and two keys are not pressed simultaneously, the normal operation mode is entered. In this way, 2 shown in step S1 and step S2
Since the shift to the data transmission / reception mode is controlled by the heavy key input, it is unlikely that a malfunction such as a shift to the data transmission / reception mode is made by mistake in normal use on the user side.

Input of data through the communication means 10 is performed only when the operation means 7 is operated with a certain specific combination which the user normally does not use as described above.
By starting the output, it is possible to prevent a malfunction when the user uses it.

<Transmission Data Pattern> A transmission data pattern in the electric washing machine of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 4, A is a reader unit, B is a manufacturer code,
Model name data, C is the data body, and D is the trailer section. When the data pattern of FIG. 4 transmitted from the external device is read by the control means 5 through the communication means 10, the control means 5 recognizes from the manufacturer code and the model name data B that the communication is for itself. The following data body C is decoded, and if a data input command is input, data is input, and if a data output command is output, data is output.

Since the above operation is performed only with the communication data, it is not necessary to operate the operation means 7 on the electric washing machine side in the data transmission / reception mode. Further, by starting the input / output of data through the communication means only when a specific data pattern (reader unit A) is input from the communication means, it is possible to prevent malfunctions during use by the user, and
The work of the service person on site can be simplified.

<Infrared communication means> A case where infrared rays are used as the communication means of the electric washing machine of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The description of the same parts as those in FIG. 1 will be omitted. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 11 is an infrared transmitting / receiving unit, and 12 is an infrared emission L for transmission.
ED, 13 are infrared ray emitting LEDs for reception. Infrared data from an external device is received by the infrared emitting LED 13 for reception, detected, amplified, and waveform-shaped by the infrared transmission / reception unit 11, and then transmitted to the control unit 5 and decoded there. Also,
The data in the storage means 6 is transmitted to the infrared transmission / reception means 11 through the control means 5, modulated therein and output to the external device outside the washing machine main body through the transmission infrared light emitting LED 12.

By providing the infrared transmitting / receiving section as the communication means as described above, the infrared transmitting / receiving section can be arranged in the same place as the display means, and there is no need for special means for waterproofing and mechanical protection, which are usually problems. Can be realized.

<Radio Wave Communication Means> A case where radio waves are used as communication means of the electric washing machine of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
The description of the same parts as those in FIG. 1 will be omitted. In FIG. 6, 14 is a radio wave transmitting / receiving unit, and 15 is an antenna. The radio wave data transmitted from the external device is received by the antenna 15, demodulated and waveform-shaped by the radio wave transmitting / receiving unit 14, and transmitted to the control means 5. The control means 5 decodes the data and determines the next operation. Further, the data in the storage means 6 is transmitted to the radio wave transmission / reception section 14 through the control means 5, modulated therein and transmitted from the antenna 15 as an aerial radio wave to be transmitted to an external device.

By providing the radio wave transmitting / receiving section as the communication means as described above, it is possible to eliminate communication failure in an environment such as outdoors, where strong ambient light is strong.

<Magnetic Communication Means> A case where magnetism is used as the communication means of the electric washing machine of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
The description of the same parts as those in FIG. 1 will be omitted. In FIG. 7, 16 is a magnetic coupling transmitting / receiving unit, and 17 is a transmitting / receiving coil. The magnetic data from the external device is induced as an electromotive force in the transmission / reception coil 17 and detected / amplified / waveform-shaped in the magnetic coupling transmission / reception unit 16 and transmitted to the control means 5. Control means 5
Decrypts the data and determines the next action. Further, the internal data of the storage unit 6 is transmitted to the magnetic coupling transmission / reception unit 16 through the control unit 5, modulated there, and then output from the washing machine body to the outside through the transmission / reception coil 17.

By providing the magnetic coupling transmitting / receiving section as the communication means as described above, it becomes possible to perform communication that is less likely to be affected by ambient light or magnetic noise.

<Telephone line communication means> A case where a telephone line is used as the communication means of the electric washing machine of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 8, reference numeral 18 denotes a modular jack transmitting / receiving unit, which is equipped with a modular jack normally used for telephones. Modular jacks are usually connected to external devices through twisted pair cables, and in recent years LA
It forms the basis of N lines. A cable from an external device or a cable from a telephone line is connected to the modular jack transmission / reception unit 18, and bidirectional data communication is normally realized by the TCP / IP protocol.

As described above, by providing the wired transmission / reception section using the modular jack as the communication means, it is possible to perform high-speed communication which is not affected by ambient light, has a high resistance to electrical noise, and is capable of connecting a telephone line in the future. It is possible to use remote fault diagnosis and upgrade the version of the control program using the telephone line.

<Storage Means> Next, FIG. 9 shows the case of using the E 2 PROM as the storage means of the electric washing machine of the present invention, and FIG. 10 shows the case of using the flash memory as the storage means.

In FIG. 9, reference numeral 6'denotes a storage means using an E2PROM for storing a control program and an operation history of the washing machine. E2PRO is stored in the memory of past driving history.
By adopting M, the stored contents can be protected in the event of a power failure.
In FIG. 10, 6 ″ is a storage means using a flash memory. By adopting a flash memory for the storage section of the past operation history, the storage content is protected at the time of power failure and at the same time, it is possible to cope with future large-scale programs. It will be possible.

With the above construction, the electric washing machine of the present invention can rewrite the data in the storage means with the data inputted from the communication means, so that the washing machine operation can be customized at the user's house to a state close to the user's request. It is possible to deal with a specific user in a short time.
In addition, when an effective control method is proposed after the sale, version up work can be performed at the user's home without moving the set of the electric washing machine. Further, when a more effective control method is invented after the product is released, the sequence can be rewritten in the field, so that there is an advantage that the user can use the new function without purchasing a new one.

[0038]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a communication means for communicating with an external device is provided, and the input from the external device is performed through the communication means.
Data for controlling the motor operation of the operating process
Control of the operation process stored in advance in the storage means by
The program can be rewritten.

According to the second or third aspect , since the past driving history stored in the storage means can be output through the communication means, the complaint service in the field becomes quick and accurate.

According to the fourth aspect , since the data communication is started only when the operation means is operated in the operation pattern which is not normally used, it is possible to prevent the malfunction during the use by the user.

According to the fifth aspect , since the data communication is started only when the specific data pattern is received through the communication means, it is possible to prevent the malfunction when the user uses it.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing an embodiment of an electric washing machine of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a washing process.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a transition operation to a communication mode.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a transmission data pattern.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram including an infrared transmission / reception unit as transmission means.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram including a radio wave transmission / reception unit as transmission means.

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram provided with a magnetic coupling transmission / reception unit as transmission means.

FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram including a modular jack transmission / reception unit as transmission means.

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram including an E 2 PROM as a storage unit.

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram including a flash memory as a storage unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Commercial power supply 2 motor 3 Phase advance capacitors 4 control circuit 5 Control means 6 storage means 7 Operation means 8 switch means 9 Display means 10 Communication means 11 Infrared transmitter / receiver 12 Infrared LED for transmission 13 Infrared LED for reception 14 Radio wave transceiver 15 antenna 16 Magnetically coupled transceiver 17 Transmit / receive coil 18 Modular jack transceiver 6'E2 PROM 6 ″ flash memory

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. A storage unit for storing an operation process such as washing, rinsing, dehydration or the like, or a past operation history, a control unit for controlling the operation of each process according to the contents of the storage unit, and an interactive device bidirectionally. and a communication means for performing data communication, the control means, the external device through said communication means
For controlling the motor operation of the operation process inputted Ri
An electric washing machine comprising: means for rewriting a control program for the operation process stored in advance in the storage means according to the new data described above. 2. An operating process such as washing, rinsing, dehydration, or the like.
Storage means for storing past driving history, and the storage means
Control means to control the operation of each process depending on the content and external machine
And a communication means for performing bidirectional data communication with the device,
The control means uses the data input through the communication means.
Rewriting the above operation process stored in the storage means
And means, said control means, an electric washing machine and outputs a past operation history stored in the storage means, the external device via the communication means. 3. The electric washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the control means outputs the past operation history stored in the storage means to an external device through the communication means. 4. An input means comprising a plurality of input keys, wherein the control means bidirectionally starts data communication through the communication means only when a specific combination of input keys is operated. The electric washing machine according to claim 1 or 2. 5. The control unit starts bidirectional data communication through the communication unit only when a specific data pattern is input from the communication unit. Electric washing machine.