CN117480296A

CN117480296A - Washing machine

Info

Publication number: CN117480296A
Application number: CN202280039624.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 大西胜司
Original assignee: Qingdao Haier Washing Machine Co Ltd; Haier Smart Home Co Ltd; Aqua Co Ltd
Current assignee: Qingdao Haier Washing Machine Co Ltd; Haier Smart Home Co Ltd; Aqua Co Ltd
Priority date: 2021-06-01
Filing date: 2022-05-31
Publication date: 2024-01-30
Also published as: WO2022253204A1; JP2022184539A

Abstract

A washing machine capable of improving safety of a cover locking device arranged on a cover of the washing machine is provided with: a cover which is provided in the case so as to be openable and closable; a cover locking device capable of switching between a locked state in which the cover is maintained in a closed state and an unlocked state in which the cover is openable; an operation unit; a password storage unit that stores a password input from the operation unit; an unlock code storage unit that stores an unlock code; and a control unit that maintains the cover locking device in a locked state when the password is input from the operation unit, and switches the cover locking device to an unlocked state when the password stored in the password storage unit or the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit is input from the operation unit in the locked state, and automatically updates the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit when the cover locking device is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state by inputting the unlock code.

Description

Washing machine

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a washing machine provided in a coin-operated laundry, for example.

Background

Coin-operated washrooms provided with a plurality of washing machines are generally used in an unmanned state. Users rarely wait from the start of washing to the end of drying, and most recover washed objects after the time of beating in other places. Thus, laundry may be stolen during a time of a burst in a place other than the coin-operated laundry room.

Therefore, it is considered to provide an anti-theft mechanism on the cover of the washing machine to prevent theft of laundry. The anti-theft mechanism comprises the following components: the portable electronic device is provided with an operation unit for a user, and locks the cover by inputting a password from a numeric keypad of the operation unit, and releases the lock of the cover when the user inputs the password (for example, patent document 1).

In order to unlock the cover, the user needs to input a password set by the user from the numeric keypad of the operation unit, but the user sometimes forgets the password. In this case, the user cannot release the lock of the cover, and cannot collect the washed laundry.

In this case, the manager of the washing machine may go directly to the installation site to unlock the cover, but the manager may be inconvenienced by the presence of the manager and a lot of time. In addition, during this period, the user has to wait for taking out the laundry, which is inconvenient in that it takes much time.

Assuming such a case, a scheme in which an administrator of the washing machine sets an unlock code to the washing machine may be considered. The unlock code is used to unlock the cover by inputting from the numeric keypad of the operation section in place of the password. Therefore, it is assumed that the user can unlock the cover by inquiring the manager of the washing machine for the unlock code and inputting the unlock code from the numeric keypad of the operation part in case the user forgets the set password. Therefore, the manager does not need to go to the coin-operated laundry, and convenience is improved.

However, in this case, the unlocking code set by the manager is disclosed to the third party, and the third party can unlock the cover at any time as in the manager unless the manager changes the setting of the unlocking code. As a result, the safety of the locking unit provided to the cover of the washing machine may be lowered.

Prior art literature

Patent literature

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open No. 2007-68701

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of preventing a safety of a locking unit provided to a cover of the washing machine from being lowered.

Solution for solving the problem

The washing machine of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a cover which is provided in the case so as to be openable and closable; a cover locking device capable of switching between a locked state in which the cover is maintained in a closed state and an unlocked state in which the cover is openable; an operation unit; a password storage unit that stores a password input from the operation unit; an unlock code storage unit that stores an unlock code; and a control unit that maintains the cover locking device in a locked state when a password is input from the operation unit, and switches the cover locking device to an unlocked state when a password stored in the password storage unit or an unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit is input from the operation unit in the locked state, and automatically updates the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit when the cover locking device is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state by inputting the unlock code.

Preferably, in the washing machine of the present invention, an update rule at the time of automatically updating the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit is set to be selectable from among a plurality of update rules.

Preferably, in the washing machine of the present invention, when the cover locking device is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state by inputting the unlock code when the password stored in the password storage unit is the same as the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit, the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit is not automatically updated.

Effects of the invention

In the washing machine of the present invention, when the cover locking device is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state by inputting the unlocking code, the unlocking code is automatically updated, so that even when the manager discloses the unlocking code to a third party, the safety of the cover locking device provided to the cover of the washing machine can be prevented from being lowered.

In the washing machine of the invention, the manager can change the updating rule of the unlocking code, thereby improving the safety of the cover locking device arranged on the cover of the washing machine.

In the washing machine of the invention, the unlocking code set by the manager can be prevented from being updated accidentally when the password set by the user is consistent with the unlocking code set by the manager.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an operation portion of the washing machine 1 of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a control block diagram of the washing machine 1 of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for setting the unlock code.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for setting the update rule of the unlock code.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for setting the automatic cancel time.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of a process of the locking control of the cover 2A of the washing machine 1.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for starting lock control.

Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of lock control during operation.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of the password acceptance control.

Description of the reference numerals

1: a washing machine; 2: a case; 2A: a cover; 20: a cover locking device; 30: an operation unit; 50: a control unit (control unit); 51: a password storage unit (password storage means); 52: an unlock code storage unit (unlock code storage means).

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The washing machine 1 is a vertical washing machine, and includes a casing 2 as a main body of the washing machine, and a bottomed cylindrical outer tub 3 is suspended and supported by a plurality of suspending rods, not shown, inside the casing 2. An inner tub 5 having a plurality of water passage holes in the outer periphery thereof is supported on the inner shaft of the outer tub 3, and the inner tub 5 is rotatable about a support shaft 5a fixed to the bottom wall of the outer tub 3. At the bottom of the inner tub 5, stirring blades 6 are provided, and the stirring blades 6 are rotatable about an inner shaft 6a fitted to the support shaft 5 a.

The rotational driving force of the motor 10 mounted on the lower surface of the outer tub 2 is transmitted to the support shaft 5a and the inner shaft 6a via a transmission mechanism composed of a small pulley 11a, a large pulley 11b, a V-belt 11c, and the like fixed to the motor shaft 10a, and a power switching mechanism 13 including a clutch mechanism 12 and a torque motor 13a.

A water supply pipe 15 connected to an external faucet is disposed at the upper rear of the case 2, and when the water supply valve 15a is opened, water introduced through the water supply pipe 15 is injected into the tub 3. On the other hand, a drain pipe 16 is connected to the bottom of the outer tub 3, and the drain pipe 16 is opened and closed by a drain valve 16 a.

A cover 2A which can be opened and closed is provided at an inlet 2A of laundry opened on the upper surface of the casing 2. A cover locking device 20 for locking to prohibit the cover 2A from being opened is provided in front of the upper portion in the case 2. The cover locking device 20 can be switched between a locked state in which the cover 2A is maintained in a closed state and an unlocked state in which the cover 2A can be opened. Further, the cover locking device 20 can sense which of the closed state and the open state the cover 2A is in.

Further, an operation unit 30 is provided on the upper surface of the case 2. As shown in fig. 2, the operation unit 30 is a member for performing various operations on the washing machine 1, and is provided with a numeric keypad 31, a cover unlock key 32, and the like. Further, the operation unit 30 is provided with a cover lock LED (light emitting diode) 33 and an input LED34, and the cover lock LED33 is turned on when the cover lock device 20 is in the locked state, and the input LED34 is turned on when a password can be input.

The numeric keypad 31 is provided for a user to input a password, and includes a plurality of numeric keys 31a corresponding to numerals 0 to 9 and a setting key 31b operated after the password is input through the numeric keys 31 a. The numeric keypad 31 is also used when the manager of the washing machine 1 sets an unlock code, or when the user inputs an unlock code that is inquired to the manager when the user forgets the set password.

The cover unlock key 32 is used when the user releases the lock state when the cover lock device 20 is in the lock state.

Fig. 3 is a control block diagram of the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in fig. 3, the control unit 50 of the washing machine 1 is constituted by, for example, a microcomputer, and includes: a CPU (Central Processing Unit: central processing unit), a ROM (read only memory) storing a program for controlling the operation of the washing machine 1, and a RAM (random access memory) temporarily storing data and the like used when executing the program. The operation of the washing machine 1 is controlled by the control unit 50.

The control unit 50 includes: a password storage unit 51, an unlock code storage unit 52, an update rule storage unit 53, and an automatic release time storage unit 54.

The password storage unit 51 stores a three-digit password when the user of the washing machine 1 inputs the password by operating the operation unit 30. The password stored in the password storage section 51 is cleared when the locked state of the cover locking device 20 is released by the user.

The unlock code storage unit 52 stores an unlock code preset by a manager of the washing machine 1 in case that the user forgets the set password. The unlocking code uses three digits as well as the password.

The update rule storage 53 stores an unlock code update rule preset by a manager of the washing machine 1. That is, in the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the lock state of the cover lock device 20 is released by the unlock code, the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit 52 is automatically updated according to the update rule.

In the present embodiment, any one of +0 (no update), +123, +456, and +789 may be selected as the update rule of the unlock code stored in the update rule storage 53. For example, when +123 is selected, the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit 52 is updated to a number obtained by adding 123 to the previous unlock code. When the number obtained by adding 123 to the previous unlock code is a four-digit number, the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit 52 is updated to the last three digits of the four-digit number.

The automatic release time storage section 54 stores an automatic release time preset by a manager of the washing machine 1. That is, in the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, after the operation is completed, the input LED34 indicating the state in which the password can be input starts to blink, and when the password is not input after the elapse of the automatic release time stored in the automatic release time storage unit 54, the lock state of the cover lock device 20 is automatically released. In the present embodiment, any one of 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 6 hours, 12 hours, and non-automatic release can be selected as the automatic release time set in the automatic release time storage unit 54.

The control unit 50 is connected to an operation unit 30 for performing various operation settings and the like, and to the cover locking device 20 for switching the cover 2A to the closed state or the open state.

Therefore, when the user inputs a password from the operation unit 30 at the start of the operation of the washing machine 1, the control unit 50 stores the password in the password storage unit 51 and switches the cover locking device 20 to the locked state.

When the user inputs a password from the operation unit 30 after the operation of the washing machine 1 is completed or when the lid unlocking key 32 of the operation unit 30 is operated, and the password matches the password stored in the password storage unit 51, the control unit 50 switches the lid locking device 20 from the locked state to the unlocked state.

When the user inputs the unlock code from the operation unit 30 in the locked state of the cover locking device 20 and the unlock code matches the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit 52, the control unit 50 switches the cover locking device 20 from the locked state to the unlocked state.

When the input LED34 indicating that the password can be input starts to blink after the operation of the washing machine 1 is completed and the password is not input yet after the automatic release time stored in the automatic release time storage unit 54 has elapsed, the control unit 50 switches the lid locking device 20 from the locked state to the unlocked state.

When the unlocking code is input from the operation unit 30 and the lid locking device 20 is unlocked in the locked state, the control unit 50 automatically updates the unlocking code stored in the unlocking code storage unit 52.

The control unit 50 turns on the cover lock LED33 when the cover lock device 20 is in the locked state, and turns on the input LED34 when the password can be input through the numeric keypad 31.

(setting of unlocking code)

The process of setting the unlock code by the manager of the washing machine 1 will be described with reference to fig. 4. The manager sets the unlock code after switching to the mode for setting the unlock code by operating the operation unit 30.

< step S1 >

In step S1, the control unit 50 accepts input of an unlock code input from the operation unit 30 by the administrator. After that, the process advances to step S2.

< step S2 >

In step S2, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the input of the unlock code has been completed. When the control unit 50 determines that the input of the unlock code is not completed, the process returns to step S1. When the control unit 50 determines that the input of the unlock code is completed, the process proceeds to step S3.

< step S3 >

In step S3, the control unit 50 stores the unlock code input in step S1 in the unlock code storage unit 52, and ends the process.

(setting of update rule of unlocking code)

The process of setting the update rule of the unlock code by the manager of the washing machine 1 will be described with reference to fig. 5. The manager sets the update rule of the unlock code after switching to the mode for setting the update rule of the unlock code by operating the operation unit 30.

< step S101 >

In step S101, the control unit 50 determines whether +0 is selected (not updated) as an update rule of the unlock code. When the control unit 50 determines that +0 is selected (not updated), the process proceeds to step S105. If the control unit 50 determines that +0 is not selected (not updated), the process proceeds to step S102.

< step S102 >)

In step S102, the control unit 50 determines whether or not a method of updating the previous unlock code 123 is selected as an update rule of the unlock code. When the control unit 50 determines that the method of updating by adding 123 is selected, the flow advances to step S105. If the control unit 50 determines that the method of updating the addition 123 is not selected, the flow advances to step S103.

< step S103 >)

In step S103, the control unit 50 determines whether or not a method of updating the previous unlock code addition 456 is selected as an update rule of the unlock code. When the control unit 50 determines that the method of updating by adding 456 is selected, the flow proceeds to step S105. If the control unit 50 determines that the method of updating by the addition 456 is not selected, the flow proceeds to step S104.

< step S104 >)

In step S104, the control unit 50 selects a method of updating the previous unlock code plus 789 as an update rule of the unlock code. After that, the process advances to step S105.

< step S105 >)

In step S105, the control unit 50 stores the update rule of the unlock code selected in each of steps S101 to S104 in the update rule storage unit 53, and ends the process.

(automatic release time setting)

The process of setting the automatic release time by the manager of the washing machine 1 will be described with reference to fig. 6. The manager sets the automatic release time after switching to the mode for setting the automatic release time by operating the operation unit 30.

< step S201 >

In step S201, the control unit 50 determines whether 30 minutes is selected as the time for automatic release of the lock state of the cap lock device 20. If the control unit 50 determines that 30 minutes has been selected, the process proceeds to step S206. If the control unit 50 determines that 30 minutes is not selected, the process proceeds to step S202.

< step S202 >)

In step S202, the control unit 50 determines whether 60 minutes is selected as the time for automatic release of the lock state of the cap lock device 20. When the control unit 50 determines that 60 minutes has been selected, the process proceeds to step S206. If the control unit 50 determines that 60 minutes is not selected, the process proceeds to step S203.

< step S203 >)

In step S203, the control unit 50 determines whether or not 6 hours have been selected as the time for automatic release of the lock state of the cover lock device 20. When the control unit 50 determines that 6 hours have been selected, the process proceeds to step S206. If the control unit 50 determines that 6 hours have not been selected, the process proceeds to step S204.

< step S204 >

In step S204, the control unit 50 determines whether or not 12 hours have been selected as the time for automatic release of the lock state of the cover lock device 20. When the control unit 50 determines that 12 hours has been selected, the process proceeds to step S206. If the control unit 50 determines that the selection is not made for 12 hours, the process proceeds to step S205.

< step S205 >

In step S205, the control unit 50 selects an infinite time (without automatically unlocking) as a time when the lock state of the cover lock device 20 is automatically unlocked. After that, the process advances to step S206.

< step S206 >

In step S206, the control unit 50 stores the automatic release time selected in each of steps S201 to S205 in the automatic release time storage unit 54, and ends the process.

Next, the update rule of the unlock code set by the manager of the washing machine 1 and the control of the washing machine 1 after the automatic release time will be described. The case where the method of updating the previous unlock code lock 123 is set as the update rule of the unlock code and the automatic release time is set to 12 hours will be described.

(Lock control)

The locking control of the cover 2A during operation of the washing machine 1 will be described with reference to fig. 7.

< step S301 >)

In step S301, the control unit 50 detects that the user inputs laundry into the washing and dehydrating tub 3 and closes the cover 2A.

< step S302 >)

In step S302, the control unit 50 repeatedly determines whether or not a fee corresponding to the operation set by the user is charged. If the control unit 50 determines that the fee corresponding to the operation has been charged, the process proceeds to step S303.

< step S303 >

In step S303, the control unit 50 starts the operation of the washing machine 1.

< step S304 >)

In step S304, the control unit 50 performs start lock control. After that, the process advances to step S305. The start lock control will be described in detail later.

< step S305 >

In step S305, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the operation of the washing machine 1 has ended. When the control unit 50 determines that the operation of the washing machine 1 is not completed, the process proceeds to step S306. When the control unit 50 determines that the washing operation of the washing machine 1 has ended, the flow proceeds to step S307.

< step S306 >

In step S306, the control unit 50 performs an operation lock control. After that, the process returns to step S305. The lock control during operation will be described in detail later.

< step S307 >

In step S307, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the cover lock flag is present (whether or not the cover 2A is not locked by the password). When the control unit 50 determines that the cover-free lock flag is not present, the process ends. When the control unit 50 determines that the cover lock flag is present (the cover 2A is locked by the password), the process proceeds to step S308.

< step S308 >)

In step S308, the control unit 50 performs password reception control. After that, the process advances to step S309. The control of the password acceptance will be described in detail later.

< step S309 >

In step S309, the control unit 50 determines whether or not a password input completion flag (whether or not the password input by the user matches the password stored in the password storage unit 51) is present. When the control unit 50 determines that the input completion flag is present, the process proceeds to step S310. When the control unit 50 determines that the input completion flag is not entered (the password entered by the user does not match the password stored in the password storage unit 51), the process proceeds to step S312.

< step S310 >

In step S310, the control unit 50 clears the password set by the user and stored in the password storage unit 51. After that, the process advances to step S311.

< step S311 >

In step S311, the control unit 50 switches the cover lock device 20 from the locked state to the unlocked state, turns off the cover lock LED33, and ends the process.

< step S312 >)

In step S312, the control unit 50 determines whether or not 12 hours set as the automatic release time have elapsed after the operation of the washing machine 1 is completed. If the control unit 50 determines that 12 hours have elapsed, the process proceeds to step S310. When the control unit 50 determines that 12 hours have not elapsed, the process returns to step S308.

(start lock control)

The processing of the start lock control of step S304 described above will be described with reference to fig. 8.

< step S401 >

In step S401, the control unit 50 determines whether 60 seconds have elapsed from the start of operation. The washing machine 1 is preset to accept input of a password within 60 seconds after the start of operation. If the control unit 50 determines that 60 seconds have not elapsed since the start of operation, the process proceeds to step S402. When the control unit 50 determines that 60 seconds have elapsed from the start of operation, the process proceeds to step S406.

< step S402 >)

In step S402, the control unit 50 blinks the input LED34, and indicates that the password can be input, and accepts the input of the password.

< step S403 >

In step S403, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the input of the password is completed. When the control unit 50 determines that the input of the password is completed, the flow advances to step S404. When the control unit 50 determines that the input of the password is not completed, the process returns to step S401.

< step S404 >

In step S404, the control unit 50 stores the password input by the user in the password storage unit 51. After that, the process advances to step S405.

< step S405 >

In step S405, the control unit 50 sets the cover locking device 20 to the cover locking state, turns on the cover locking LED33, and ends the process.

< step S406 >)

In step S406, the control unit 50 turns off the cover lock LED33 when the cover lock device 20 is in the cover unlock state (no cover lock flag is set), and ends the process.

(Lock control during operation)

The processing of the lock control during the operation of step S306 described above will be described with reference to fig. 9.

< step S501 >

In step S501, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the cover lock flag is present (whether or not the cover 2A is not locked by the password). When the control unit 50 determines that the cover-free lock flag is not present, the process ends. When the control unit 50 determines that the cover lock flag is present (the cover 2A is locked by the password), the process proceeds to step S502.

< step S502 >)

In step S502, the control unit 50 maintains the cover locking device 20 in the cover locked state, maintains the lighting of the cover locking LED33, and ends the process. After that, the process advances to step S503.

< step S503 >)

In step S503, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the cover unlock key 32 is operated. When the control unit 50 determines that the cover unlock key 32 is not operated, the process ends. When the control unit 50 determines that the cover unlock key 32 is operated, the process proceeds to step S504.

< step S504 >

In step S504, the control unit 50 performs password reception control. After that, the process advances to step S505. The control of the password acceptance will be described in detail later.

< step S505 >)

In step S505, the control unit 50 determines whether or not a password input completion flag (whether or not the input password matches the password stored in the password storage unit 51) is present. When the control unit 50 determines that the input completion flag is present, the flow advances to step S506. When the control unit 50 determines that the input completion flag is not entered (the entered password does not match the password stored in the password storage unit 51), the process proceeds to step S510.

< step S506 >

In step S506, the control unit 50 switches the cover lock device 20 from the cover lock state to the cover unlock state, and turns off the cover lock LED 33. After that, the process advances to step S507.

< step S507 >

In step S507, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the cover 2A has been opened. When the control unit 50 determines that the cover 2A has been opened, the process proceeds to step S508. When the control unit 50 determines that the cover 2A is not opened, the process proceeds to step S511.

< step S508 >

In step S508, the control unit 50 repeatedly determines whether or not the cover 2A is closed. When the control unit 50 determines that the cover 2A is closed, the process proceeds to step S509.

< step S509 >

In step S509, the control unit 50 switches the cover locking device 20 from the cover unlocked state to the cover locked state, turns on the cover locking LED33, and ends the process.

< step S510 >

In step S510, the control unit 50 determines whether or not 30 seconds have elapsed. The washing machine 1 is preset to: in step S503, the entry of the password is received within 30 seconds after the cover unlock key 32 is operated. When the control unit 50 determines that 30 seconds have not elapsed, the process returns to step S504. If the control unit 50 determines that 30 seconds have elapsed, the flow proceeds to step S509.

< step S511 >

In step S511, the control unit 50 determines whether 30 seconds have elapsed. The washing machine 1 is preset to: in step S506, when the inner lid 2A is not opened 30 seconds after the lid locking device 20 is switched to the lid unlock state, the lid locking device 20 is switched to the lid lock state. When the control unit 50 determines that 30 seconds have not elapsed, the process returns to step S507. If the control unit 50 determines that 30 seconds have elapsed, the flow proceeds to step S509.

(acceptance control of password)

The above-described processing of the password acceptance control of step S308 will be described with reference to fig. 10.

< step S601 >

In step S601, the control unit 50 blinks the input LED34 to indicate that the password can be input, and accepts the input of the password. After that, the process advances to step S602.

< step S602 >)

In step S602, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the password input in step S601 matches the password stored in the password storage unit 51. When the control unit 50 determines that the password stored in the password storage unit 51 matches the password, the process proceeds to step S605. When the control unit 50 determines that the password stored in the password storage unit 51 does not match, the process proceeds to step S603.

< step S603 >

In step S603, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the password input in step S601 matches the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit 52. When the control unit 50 determines that the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit 52 does not match the unlock code, the process ends. When the control unit 50 determines that the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit 52 matches the unlock code, the flow proceeds to step S604.

< step S604 >)

In step S604, the control unit 50 adds 123 to the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit 52 to update the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit 52. After that, the process advances to step S605.

< step S605 >

In step S605, the control unit 50 sets a password input completion flag to end the process. The input completion flag indicates that the password input by the user matches the password stored in the password storage unit 51 or that the unlock code input by the user matches the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit 52.

In the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, each time the user inputs the unlock code to switch the cover lock device 20 from the locked state to the unlocked state, the unlock code preset by the manager is automatically updated, and the number of updates is stored in the control unit 50. Therefore, the manager can grasp the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit 52 based on the update times stored in the control unit 50 and the update rule of the unlock code preset by the manager. If the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit 52 is not known, the administrator may set the unlock code again.

The washing machine 1 of the present embodiment includes: a cover 2A provided in the case 2 so as to be openable and closable; the cover locking device 20 is switchable between a locked state in which the cover 2A is maintained in a closed state and an unlocked state in which the cover 2A is openable; an operation unit 30; a password storage unit 51 that stores the password input from the operation unit 30 as password storage means; an unlock code storage unit 52 for storing an unlock code of the unlock code as a storage means; and a control unit 50 as control means for maintaining the lid locking device 20 in the locked state when the password is input from the operation unit 30, for switching the lid locking device 20 to the unlocked state when the password stored in the password storage unit 51 or the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit 52 is input from the operation unit 30 in the locked state, and for automatically updating the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit 52 when the lid locking device 20 is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state by inputting the unlock code.

As a result, in the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, since the unlock code is automatically updated when the lid lock device 20 is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state by inputting the unlock code, even when the manager discloses the unlock code to a third party, the security of the lid lock device 20 provided to the lid 2A of the washing machine 1 can be prevented from being lowered.

In the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, the update rule at the time of automatically updating the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit 52 is set to be selectable from among a plurality of update rules.

In this way, in the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, the manager can improve the security of the cover locking device 20 provided to the cover 2A of the washing machine 1 by changing the update rule of the unlock code.

In the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the lid locking device 20 is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state by inputting the unlock code when the password stored in the password storage unit 51 is the same as the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit 52, the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit 52 is not automatically updated.

Thus, in the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, the unlocking code set by the manager can be prevented from being accidentally updated when the password set by the user matches the unlocking code set by the manager.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the specific configurations of the respective parts are not limited to the above embodiments.

For example, in the above embodiment, an example of the update method of the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit 52 is shown, but the update method of the unlock code is arbitrary.

In the above embodiment, the description has been made of the case where the washing machine 1 is a vertical washing machine, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The washing machine of the present invention may be a drum washing machine. The present invention is applicable to a drum washing machine having a drum that is rotatable about a horizontal axis or a tilt axis that is tilted with respect to a horizontal direction, and a cover locking device that can achieve a locked state in which a cover is maintained in a closed state or an unlocked state in which the cover can be opened.

Claims

A washing machine is characterized by comprising:

a cover which is provided in the case so as to be openable and closable;

a cover locking device capable of switching between a locked state in which the cover is maintained in a closed state and an unlocked state in which the cover is openable;

an operation unit;

a password storage unit that stores a password input from the operation unit;

an unlock code storage unit that stores an unlock code; and

a control unit that maintains the cover locking device in a locked state when a password is input from the operation unit, and switches the cover locking device to an unlocked state when a password stored in the password storage unit or an unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit is input from the operation unit in the locked state,

when the cover locking device is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state by inputting the unlocking code, the unlocking code stored in the unlocking code storage unit is automatically updated.
A washing machine as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that,

the update rule when automatically updating the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit is set to be selectable from among a plurality of update rules.
A washing machine as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that,

when the cover locking device is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state by inputting the unlocking code under the condition that the password stored in the password storage unit is the same as the unlocking code stored in the unlocking code storage unit, the unlocking code stored in the unlocking code storage unit is not automatically updated.