JP2000037588A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent fall into washing tank of a little child by installing a cover action detect means to detect opening or closing of the cover that opens or closes the cover of a washing machine, an alarming means to inform the opening of the cover and changing the alarming signal with time passing from the alarm start. SOLUTION: While a washing course is set, a control device 59 keeps watch on if a switch 64 for cover lock is turned on. While the switch 64 is turned on, a triac 57 turns on sequently and an electric current passes through an electromagnet 47, a buzzer 68 buzzes in result. And, a cover locking display member 65 lights to inform the locking of the cover. A lock release member is moved to a stop release position by the electric current passing through the electromagnet 47, and the cover is locked at the locking position. After that, if the cover is opened without operation of a start/temporary stop switch, a cover switch 30 turns off and the operation is stopped, furthermore, the buzzer 68 becomes louder with time passing.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a washing machine with improved safety for infants.

[0002]

Conventionally, in a washing machine for both dehydration, when the lid is opened at the time of dehydration, there is a risk that a hand or the like may touch the inner tub during high-speed rotation. It is operated to stop the inner tank suddenly. On the other hand, when rinsing is easy, the agitator rotating in the inner tub rotates at a relatively low speed without rotating the inner tub, and the agitator is generally hard to reach in the inner tub. Because it is located at the bottom of the vehicle, it is judged that there is no danger, and driving can be continued as it is.

[0003] However, even in the case of washing or rinsing, which is judged to be non-hazardous, as described above, for example, if a table or the like is accidentally placed near the washing machine, the infant will It is conceivable that while falling up, opening the lid and looking into the inner tank, it falls into the tank.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to firstly prevent the infant from falling into the washing tub as much as possible, and secondly, to prevent the infant from falling into the washing tub. It is to provide a washing machine that can take safety measures immediately.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine including a main body having a washing tub therein, an entrance at a predetermined portion for taking in and out of the laundry into and out of the washing tub, and the main body. A cover for opening and closing the entrance, a cover opening and closing detecting means for detecting opening and closing of the cover, and a notifying means for performing a notification operation when the cover opening and closing detecting means detects the opening of the cover, Is characterized in that the mode of the notification operation is changed with the lapse of time from the start of the notification.

[0006] According to this configuration, when the lid is opened, the notification means notifies the user of the opening. The notification mode at this time changes with the passage of time. For example, in a notification using a buzzer, the volume gradually increases. Therefore, in a home with an infant, an adult notices the notification and goes to the washing machine. For this reason, the danger that an infant opens the lid and falls into the washing tub can be prevented. In addition, when the lid is opened to add laundry or the like, the lid can be closed while the buzzer sound volume is low, so that it is possible to minimize annoying feelings.

A washing machine according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a main body having a washing tub therein, a drain valve for opening and closing a drainage passage of the washing tub, an emergency operation unit, and a washing unit when the emergency operation unit is operated. A control means for stopping the operation and opening the drain valve when water is present in the washing tub is provided.

According to this configuration, when the emergency operation unit is operated, the washing operation is stopped, and when water is present in the washing tub, the drain valve is opened to drain water. For this reason, even if the infant falls into the washing tub, it can be prevented from being injured or drowning by touching the rotating stirring body.

A washing machine according to a third aspect of the present invention has a washing tub therein, a main body having an entrance at a predetermined portion for taking in and out of the laundry into and out of the washing tub, and a drain valve for opening and closing a drainage passage of the washing tub. A lid provided on the main body to open and close the entrance, a lock mechanism for locking the lid in a closed position, a lock release means for releasing the lid lock of the lock mechanism, an emergency operation unit, and the emergency operation Control means for causing the unlocking means to unlock when the section is operated, stopping the washing operation, and opening the drain valve when water is present in the washing tub. It is characterized by the following.

According to this configuration, since the lid is locked in the closed position, the danger of the infant opening the lid can be eliminated in the first place. In addition, if the emergency operation unit is operated, the lid can be freely opened, the washing operation is stopped, and the water in the washing tub is eliminated, so that the infant falls into the washing tub. In addition, it is possible to prevent injuries and drowning by touching the rotating stirring body.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the washing machine, the emergency operation unit is provided at a position away from an operation panel provided with an operation unit for inputting details of the washing operation and the like. This prevents the emergency operation unit from being operated by mistake.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the washing machine, when the emergency operation section is operated, the power is cut off after a predetermined emergency operation is completed. According to this, the power supply is cut off after a predetermined emergency operation is completed, such as stopping the washing operation and opening a drain valve to drain the water in the washing tub, and then performing an operation of turning off the power supply. No need. For this reason, when the operation of turning off the power is performed, another operation is performed by mistake and the washing machine is not unintentionally moved.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, when a predetermined amount or more of water is stored in the washing tub, the power is not turned off even when the power is turned off. It is characterized by the following. According to this, there is no possibility that the power supply will be cut off before the predetermined emergency operation is completed.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the drain valve is configured to open when the power is supplied, and when the power is turned off while the water is stored in the washing tub, the drain valve is opened. It is characterized in that the power supply is cut off after the water in the tank is drained. According to this, when water is stored in the washing tub, the power cannot be turned off, so the user turns off the power after draining the water in the washing tub. Therefore, there is no case where water is stored in the washing tub.

The washing machine according to claim 8 is characterized in that the drain valve for discharging water in the washing tub is configured to open when the power is cut off. According to this configuration, after the washing operation is completed, the washing tub is not left with water stored therein.

[0016]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. The figure shows a fully automatic washing machine with dehydration. As shown in FIG. 1, the main body 1 is configured such that an outer box 3 having a top cover 2 disposed on an upper surface portion is installed on a pedestal 4. In the main body 1, an outer tub 5 is swingably supported by a plurality of suspension rods 6 via an elastic support mechanism 7. The inner tub 8 rotatably disposed in the outer tub 5 serves as both a washing tub and a dehydration tub, and a stirring body 9 is rotatably disposed at an inner bottom thereof. The inner tub 8 has a dewatering hole 10 formed only at the upper end portion of the peripheral wall, and water that is shaken off from the laundry during dehydration is used as the dewatering hole 1.
The water is released from 0 into the outer tank 5.

A drain passage 11 extending from the center to the rear side is provided at the inner bottom of the outer tank 5, and the end of the drain passage 11 on the center side communicates with the inner tank 8. The end on the rear side is a drain port 12. The drain port 12 is opened and closed by a drain valve 13, and a drain hose 14 is connected to the drain valve 13.

The drain valve 13 is electrically operated, and its valve body is
As is well known, the motor is opened and closed by a winding mechanism (not shown) using the valve motor 15 shown in FIG. 7 as a drive source, and when the valve motor 15 is energized and the wire of the winding mechanism is wound. When the valve element connected to the wire is opened against the resilience of a closing operation spring (not shown) and the valve motor 15 is turned off, the valve element resiliently operates the closing operation spring. To perform the closing operation.

When the drain valve 13 is opened, the inner tank 8 is opened.
The water inside is discharged to the outside through the drain passage 11 and the drain hose 14. An overflow outlet 16 for discharging water overflowing from the inner tank 8 is formed at the bottom of the outer tank 5, and the overflow outlet 16 is connected to a drain hose 14 through a hose (not shown). It is connected to. The water discharged from the dewatering hole 10 into the outer tub 5 during the dewatering operation is discharged from the overflow outlet 16 through the drain hose 14 to the outside. The outlet 12 is provided with an air trap 19, and a water level sensor 18 (see FIG. 7) composed of a pressure sensor is connected to the air trap 19 via an air pipe 19, and the water level sensor 18 controls the inner tank. 8 is configured to detect the water level.

At the outer bottom of the outer tub 5, there are provided a washing machine motor 20 and a driving mechanism 21 for washing operation and dehydration operation, and the rotating force of the washing machine motor 20 is transmitted via a belt transmission mechanism 22. The power is transmitted to the drive mechanism 21. As is well known, the drive mechanism 21 includes a clutch mechanism, a speed reduction mechanism, and a brake mechanism. Among these, the brake mechanism has a function of braking and stopping the inner tub 8, and the clutch mechanism transmits the rotation of the washing machine motor 20 to only the agitator 9 during washing, and the inner tub 5 during dehydration. And a function of switching to a state of transmission to both the stirring body 9.

As shown in FIG. 14, an operation panel 23 and a back cover 24 are provided at a front portion and a rear portion of the top cover 2, respectively. Top cover 2
, A space between the operation panel 23 and the back cover 24 is formed as a rectangular recess 25, and an entrance 26 for taking in and out laundry is formed at the center of the recess 25. Further, a lid 27 for opening and closing the entrance 26 is rotatably provided on the top cover 2.

The lid 27 is a two-fold type which is constituted by connecting a front lid part 28 and a rear lid part 29 rotatably.
Shafts (not shown) provided on the left and right sides of the rear end of the rear lid 29 are rotatably supported by the top cover 2.
When the entrance 26 is closed, the lid 27 is
5 and the front cover 2
When the user puts his hand on a handle 28a provided at the center of the handle 8 and pulls it up, the front cover 28 and the rear cover 29 rotate upward integrally to open the entrance 26. By operating the connecting portion between the front lid portion 28 and the rear lid portion 29 so as to bend in a mountain shape, the lid 27 can be folded into two as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. Has become. A cover switch 30 is provided in the top cover 2 as cover opening / closing detecting means for detecting opening / closing of the cover 27.

Now, the top cover 2 which is the upper surface of the main body 1
A lock mechanism 31 for locking the lid 27 so that the lid 27 is not opened is provided on the front left side. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 13, in the lock mechanism 31, a lower surface is formed on the inner upper surface of the top cover 2.
A storage case portion 33 is provided, which is closed by the lock member 31 of the lock mechanism 31.
4 is slidably provided.

The lock member 34 has an engagement portion 35 at the distal end and a long hole 36 of the top cover 2 at the center of the upper surface.
And a knob 37 as an operation unit protruding from the camera.
A compression spring 38 as urging means is provided between the lock member 34 and the inner surface of the storage case portion 33, and the lock member 34 is always attached to the lock operation direction indicated by the arrow A by the compression spring 38. It is being rushed. The urging force of the compression spring 38 keeps the lock member 34 at a lock position where the engagement portion 35 projects into the recess 25.

The upper surface of the engagement portion 35 of the lock member 34 is formed as a slope 39 which is inclined downward toward the tip. When the front lid 28 is pushed downward to close the entrance 26 with the lid 27, the lower end of the left side surface of the front lid 28 comes into contact with the slope 39. When the front lid portion 28 comes into contact with the slope portion 39 and presses it downward, a component force is generated by the slope portion 39 to urge the lock member 34 in a direction opposite to the arrow A which is the unlocking (engagement) releasing direction. By
The lock member 34 slides in the direction indicated by the arrow A to a position where the lock member 34 slides against the left side surface of the front cover 28 against the elastic force of the compression spring 38.

An engagement hole 40 is formed in the left side surface of the front cover portion 28 as an engaged portion. The engagement hole 40 slides in the direction of the arrow A as described above to slide on the left side surface portion of the front cover portion 28. When the lid 27 reaches the closed position, the contacting lock member 34 slides in the direction of arrow A by the elastic force of the compression spring 38 to engage the engagement portion 35 with the engagement hole 40. This allows
The lid 27 is now locked in the closed position. And
When the knob 37 is operated to slide the lock member 34 to the unlock position in the direction indicated by the arrow A against the elastic force of the compression spring 38, the engagement portion 35 comes out of the engagement hole 40. When the cover 27 is rotated upward while the lock member 34 is held at the unlocked position by pressing the cover 37 in the direction indicated by the arrow A, the cover 27 can be opened.

An unlocking member 41 as unlocking means is provided in addition to the locking member 34 on the inner upper surface on the front left side of the top cover 2. As shown in FIG. 12, the lock releasing member 41 is slidably supported by a rail portion 42 integral with the top cover 2 in a direction intersecting the sliding direction of the lock member 34, for example, in a direction orthogonal to the sliding direction. At the center of the upper surface of the lock release member 41, a knob portion 44 as an operation portion projecting outward from a long hole 43 formed in the top cover 2 is provided so as to protrude. The left side is formed on the slope 45.

When the lock release member 41 is slid toward the lock member 34, the slope 45 at the tip comes into contact with the left edge of the stop hole 46 formed in the lock member 34. When the slope 45 contacts the left edge of the stop hole 46, a component force is generated by the slope 45 to urge the lock member 34 in the direction indicated by the arrow A. As a result, the lock member 34 reduces the elastic force of the compression spring 38. Engaging portion 35
Is slid to the unlocked position immersed in the top cover 2. When the lock member 34 slides to the unlock position, as shown in FIG. 9, the lock release member 41 locks the lock member 34 (the slope portion 45 is disengaged from the left edge of the stop hole 46), and the lock member 34 is locked. 34
Is held in the unlocked position against the elastic force of the compression spring 38.

It should be noted that the lock releasing member 41 is
4 is referred to as a stop release position (see FIGS. 11 and 12), and a position where the lock release member 41 has entered the stop hole 465 of the lock member 34 is a stop position (see FIGS. 10).

The movement of the lock release member 41 from the stop position to the stop release position is performed by an electromagnet device 47 as an electric drive source. The electromagnet device 47 includes a solenoid type coil disposed inside the top cover 2, and a movable core 48 attracted by the coil, and the movable core 48 is urged in a direction opposite to a direction in which the electromagnet is attracted. (Not shown). The movable core 48 is connected to the unlocking member 41. A stop release detection switch 49 as stop release detecting means shown in FIG. 7 is provided inside the top cover 2. Specifically, the lock release detection switch 49 detects whether the lock release member 41 is at a stop position for holding the lock member 34 at the lock release position or at the stop release position. The reed switch 41 is operated by the magnetic force of a permanent magnet (not shown) provided at 41.

When the electromagnet device 47 is energized,
The movable iron core 48 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow B to move the lock release member 41 to the stop release position. Electromagnet device 47
When the power is cut off, the movable iron core 48 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow B by a spring (not shown) to move the lock release member 41 to the stop position, and holds the lock member 33 at the lock release position.

FIG. 7 shows an electric circuit configuration of the washing machine. One of the pair of power supply lines 50 and 51 connected to a commercial AC power supply of 100 V is connected via a power supply switch circuit 52 to one of the power supply lines 50. One terminal of the valve motor 15, the forward rotation coil 20a and the reverse rotation coil 20b of the washing machine motor 20
, One terminal of the electromagnet device 47, and one terminal of an electromagnetic water supply valve 53 for supplying water to the inner tub 8, and the other power supply line 51 is connected to the other terminal of the valve motor 15, a washing machine motor. 20 forward rotation coil 20a and reverse rotation coil 2
0b, the other terminal of the electromagnet device 47, and the other terminal of the electromagnetic water valve 53, respectively.
58. Further, a control device 59 as a control means mainly composed of a microcomputer includes:
DC power is supplied from a constant voltage circuit 60 connected to the pair of power lines 50 and 51.

On the other hand, the operation section 23a of the operation panel 23 shown in FIG. 8 includes a power on / off switch 61, various switches 62 for inputting the contents of the washing operation and the like, and various indicators 6
3, a lid lock switch 64, and a lid lock indicator 65 composed of a light emitting diode or the like as a mode display portion located adjacent to the lid lock switch 64.
Is provided. The power-on / off switch 6
Reference numeral 1 includes a normally-open switch 61a and a normally-closed switch 61b that are interlocked with each other. The operation unit 2 of the operation panel 23
An emergency stop switch 66 as an emergency operation unit is provided at a position distant from 3a, for example, at the right rear of the top cover 2.

The controller 59 receives various signals from the water level sensor 18, lid switch 30, stop release detection switch 49, power on / off switch 61, various switches 62, lid lock switch 64, emergency stop switch 66, and the like. You. The control device 59 controls on / off of the various triacs 54 to 58 via the drive circuit 67 in accordance with the various input signals and the programs stored in advance in the memory, so that the normal / reverse rotation of the washing machine motor 20 and the valve motor are controlled. 15, the electromagnetic water supply valve 53 and the electromagnet device 47 are controlled, and the indicators 63 and 6 provided on the operation unit 23a.
5. Control the buzzer 68 as a notification means. In this case, the control device 59 has a nonvolatile memory 69 for storing a state when the emergency stop switch 66 is operated.

As the power switch circuit 52, a switch circuit composed of an electronic circuit as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-320583 is used. The schematic configuration is such that a relay coil 52b of a relay switch 52a that opens and closes a power supply line 50 is turned on and off by a transistor,
Thus, the power supply line 50 is opened and closed to turn on and off the power supply to the load side. The on / off control of the transistor is performed by the control device 59.
When receiving an on or off signal from the power on / off switch 61, the control device 59 cuts off power through the relay coil 52b and turns on and off the relay switch 52a (power switch) as described later.

The control device 59 controls the operation of the lid 2 during the washing operation.
When the button 7 is opened, a buzzer 68 as a notification means is sounded. At this time, the mode of the notification operation changes with the lapse of time from the start of the notification. The change in the form of the notification operation is that, in this embodiment, the volume of the buzzer 68 gradually increases with the passage of time as shown in FIG. 6A, but the passage of time as shown in FIG. In addition, the sounding frequency of the buzzer 68 is increased, and FIG.
As shown in (c), the period of sound generation may be gradually shortened as time elapses.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. First, FIG. 5 shows control contents relating to the lid lock. In FIG. 5, when the contents of the washing operation such as the washing course are set (step S).
1) The control device 59 is in a state of monitoring whether or not the lid lock switch 64 has been operated (step S2).

When the user operates the lid lock switch 64, the control device 59 turns "YES" in step S2, and turns on the triac 57 to energize the solenoid of the electromagnet device 47 in the next step S3. The buzzer 68 sounds and the lid lock indicator 65 is turned on to notify the lid lock (step S3).

When the electromagnet device 47 is energized, the movable core 48 is attracted in the direction of arrow B to move the lock release member 41 to the stop release position, so that the lock member 34 is moved to the lock position by the compression spring 38. . At this time, when the lid 27 is already at the position where the entrance 26 is closed, the lock member 34 is engaged with the engagement hole 35 and locks the lid 27 to the closed position. If the lid 27 is not yet closed, the lock member 34 engages with the engagement hole 35 to lock the lid 27 when the lid 27 is closed.

Thereafter, the control device 59 monitors whether or not the lid lock switch 64 has been operated again within a predetermined time for a predetermined time (“NO” in step S4 and “NO” in step S5 repeatedly). ). Then, if the lid lock switch 64 is operated again before the lapse of the predetermined time, the control device 59 determines “YES” in step S4, and proceeds to step S6.

In step S6, the control device 59 sets the lid 2
In order to release the lock of the lock 7, the triac 57 is turned off to turn off the electromagnet device 47, and
8, the lid lock indicator 65 is turned off, and the release of the lid lock is notified. When the electromagnet device 47 is turned off in step S6, the lock release member 41 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow B and the lock member 34 is forcibly moved in the direction indicated by the arrow A, so that the lock of the lid 27 is released. . Thereafter, the control device 59 returns to the original step S2, and enters a state of monitoring whether or not the lid lock switch 64 has been operated.

On the other hand, when the predetermined time has elapsed without the lid lock switch 64 being operated again, the control device 59
In step S5, the result is "YSE", and then the process proceeds to step S7 in which it is determined whether or not the lid 27 is locked by the lock member 34. Here, if the lock release member 41 has moved to the stop release position, the lock member 34 moves to the lock position and locks the lid 27.
At 7, it is determined whether or not the lid 27 is locked based on whether or not the stop release detection switch 49 is performing the detection (ON) operation. Then, if the stop release detection switch 49 is not performing the detection (ON) operation, the control device 59 determines “NO” in step S7, displays an error on the display 63, and ends.

When the stop release detecting switch 49 is performing the detecting operation, the control device 59 determines in step S7 that "YE
S ", and then proceeds to step S9 for determining whether or not the start / pause switch 62a among the various switches 62 has been operated. When the user operates the start / pause switch 62a, the control device 59 determines "YES" in step S9, turns on the triac 58 in the next step S10, and opens the electromagnetic water supply valve 53 to open. Water supply, and step S1
The operation proceeds to step 1 to perform a washing operation including washing, rinsing, and dehydration.

In this washing operation, in order to open the lid 27, the lid 27 must be opened while the lock member 33 is held at the unlocked position against the elastic force of the compression spring 38. Such operations are impossible for infants,
The danger that an infant opens the lid 27 can be eliminated.

When the washing operation is completed, the control device 59
In order to unlock the lid 27, the electromagnet device 47 is turned off, the unlocking member 41 is moved to the stop position, the buzzer 68 sounds, and the lid lock indicator 65 is turned off to notify the lid unlock. (Step S12), returning to the original step S1.

Incidentally, the lid 27 may be opened during the washing operation. The control in this case will be described with reference to FIG. When entering the lid opening routine shown in FIG. 1, the control device 59 determines whether or not the start / pause switch 62a has been operated, and if the start / pause switch 62a has not been operated, the lid switch 30 is the lid 27
The operation of judging whether or not the opening has been detected is repeated at predetermined time intervals ("NO" in step SA1, step SA2
And "NO" to return).

The lid 2 is provided for the user to add laundry.
When the start / pause switch 62a is operated in order to open No. 7, the control device 59 determines in step SA1 that "YE
S ", the buzzer 68 is sounded for a short time in the next step SA3, then the washing operation is stopped (the drain valve 13 is closed) in step SA4, and the electromagnet device 47 is turned off to close the cover by the lock member 34. Unlock at 27,
Then, it is again monitored whether or not the start / pause switch 62a has been operated (step SA5).

After this, the user opens the lid 27 to put in additional laundry, closes the lid 27, and starts / restarts again.
When the pause switch 62a is operated, the control device 59
Is "YES" in step SA5, the buzzer 68 is sounded for a short time in the next step SA6, the washing operation is restarted, the electromagnet device 47 is energized, the lid 27 is locked by the lock member 34, and the process proceeds to step SA1. Return.

On the other hand, the start / pause switch 62a
The cover 27 may be opened for some reason without being operated. Then, since the lid switch 30 is turned off to detect the opening of the lid 27, the control device 59 turns to "NO" in step SA1, "YES" in step SA2, and proceeds to step SA7. And the control device 5
In step SA7, the washing operation is stopped in step SA7 (the drain valve 13 is closed), and then the buzzer 68 is sounded until the lid 27 is closed (step SA8, and in step SA9 "N").
O "). At this time, the control device 59 controls the sounding mode of the buzzer 68 so that the volume gradually increases with the passage of time.

When the lid 27 is closed, the lid switch 30 is turned on to detect that the lid 27 is closed.
In step SA9, "YES" is determined in step SA9, and step S9 is performed.
The process returns to A10 and returns. Therefore, the buzzer 68
Is stopped when the lid 27 is closed, and the washing operation is restarted.

If the lid 27 has not been closed, the volume of the buzzer 68 gradually increases with the lapse of time (does not exceed the set maximum volume), and it is notified that the lid 27 is kept open. . For this reason, when the infant or the like has mischievously opened the lid 27, the buzzer 68 can be used to notify the occurrence of an emergency due to the alarm sound. Can be done.

For example, the control in the case where the user operates the emergency stop switch 66 when the occurrence of an emergency is recognized by the above-mentioned buzzer 68 will be described with reference to FIG. When the emergency stop switch 66 is operated, the control device 59 determines "YES" in step SB1, stops the washing operation in the next step SB2, and turns off the electromagnet device 47 to turn off the lid by the lock member 34. 27 and the valve motor 15 is energized to discharge the drain valve 1
Release 3. Then, the control device 59 writes the operating state when the emergency stop switch 66 is operated in the next step SB3, for example, the washing course, the process, the presence or absence of water in the inner tub 8, and the like in the nonvolatile memory 69.

Next, the control device 59 returns to step SB4
Then, it is determined whether or not the water level sensor 18 detects that there is water in the inner tank 8 that is equal to or higher than a reset water level (a water level at which the stirrer 9 is hidden). Then, when the reset water level or more is detected, the control device 59 proceeds to step SB until the water level in the inner tank 8 becomes lower than the reset water level.
When the water level in the inner tank 8 becomes lower than the reset water level, the process proceeds from step SB4 to step SB5, and the power switch circuit 52 is controlled so that the relay switch 52a is turned off, and the power is supplied. The line 50 is opened (power is turned off), and the end is reached.

As described above, when the emergency stop switch 66 is operated, the washing operation is stopped, and the drain valve 13 is opened to discharge the water in the inner tub 8. For this reason,
Even if the infant opens the lid 27, since the stirring body 9 is stopped, there is no risk of injury or drowning by touching the rotating stirring body 9.

In this case, the power is not turned off simultaneously with the operation of the emergency stop switch 66 (the relay switch 52a is turned off), but the relay switch 52a is turned on until the water level in the inner tank 8 becomes equal to or lower than the reset water level. Since the drain valve 13 is maintained as it is, the drain valve 13 is not closed due to a power failure. Therefore, the water in the inner tub 8 can be reliably discharged until the water level becomes equal to or lower than the reset water level, in other words, the water level at which the infant does not drown.

In some cases, the lock of the lid 27 is released by manually operating the lock release member 41 instead of the lid lock switch 64. The control contents in this case are shown in FIG.
Shown in When entering the routine of FIG. 3, the control device 59 determines whether or not the lid 27 is unlocked and the lid 27 is opened in step SC1. If “NO”, the process returns.

Now, when the user manually operates the unlocking member 41 to move it in the direction opposite to the arrow B, the locking member 34
Is moved in the direction opposite to the arrow A by the unlocking member 41 to unlock the lid 27 and open the lid 27.

Then, the stop release detection switch 49 is set to the cover 2
7 is detected (movement of the unlocking member 41 in the direction indicated by the arrow B) and the lid switch 30 detects that the lid 27 is open.
And the process goes to step SC2 to turn off the electromagnet device 47 to hold the unlocking member 41 at the stop position (hold the lock member 34 at the unlocking position) and to turn the lid lock indicator 65 on. Turns off.

Next, the controller 59 sets the emergency stop switch 6
Then, the process proceeds to Step SC3 for determining whether or not the emergency stop switch 66 has been operated, and if the emergency stop switch 66 has not been operated, “NO” is determined in the step SC3 and the process proceeds to a step SC3.
Then, the operation proceeds to 4, and the washing operation is stopped while the drain valve 13 is closed.

Thereafter, the control device 59 proceeds to step SC5 to determine whether or not the start / pause switch 62a has been operated. If "NO" here, the process returns to step SC3. SC5
And "NO" is repeated in step SC3.

Then, it is assumed that the user closes the lid 27 by putting additional laundry into the inner tub 8 and operates the start / pause switch 62a. Then, the control device 59
Determines “YES” in step SC5, makes the buzzer 68 sound for a short time in the next step SC6, and energizes the electromagnet device 47 to move the lock release member 41 to the stop release position. Lock
In addition, the lid lock indicator 65 is turned on, and the process returns.

When the start / pause switch 62a is not operated and the emergency stop switch 66 is operated,
The control device 59 makes "YES" in step SC3 and shifts to step SC7, in which the washing operation is stopped and the buzzer 68 is sounded.
7, the lock is released from the lock member 34 to the lid 27, and the valve motor 15 is energized to open the drain valve 13. Then, the control device 59 writes the operating state when the emergency stop switch 66 is operated in the next step SC8, for example, the washing course, the stroke, the presence or absence of water in the inner tub 8, and the like in the nonvolatile memory 69.

Next, the control device 59 proceeds to step SC9.
Then, it is determined whether or not the water level sensor 18 detects that there is water above the reset water level in the inner tank 8.
And, when the reset water level or more is detected,
The control device 59 keeps the content of the execution in step SC7 as it is until the water level in the inner tank 8 becomes lower than the reset water level, and shifts from step SC9 to step SC10 when the water level in the inner tank 8 becomes lower than the reset water level. Then, the power supply switch circuit 52 is controlled so that the relay switch 52a is turned off, and the power supply line 50 is opened (power supply is turned off), and the operation ends. In the above, the buzzer 68 is controlled so that the sound volume increases with time.

When the washing operation is completed, the user turns off the power-on / off switch 61 to turn off the power. The control contents of the control device 59 at this time will be described with reference to FIG. When the power on / off switch 61 is turned off, the control device 59 turns to “YES” in step SD1, and in the next step SD2, the water level sensor 18 detects that there is water in the inner tank 8 that is higher than the reset water level. It is determined whether or not. When the water level detected by the water level sensor 18 is lower than the reset water level, the control device 59 turns to "NO" in step SD2, resets a flag described later in next step SD3, and turns on the power switch circuit 5 in next step SD4.
2 so that the relay switch 52a is turned off, that is, the power line 50 is opened (power is turned off);
Returns.

If the water level sensor 18 has detected the reset water level or higher, the control device 59 proceeds to step S
"YES" in D2, the process proceeds to step SD5, and it is determined whether the flag is set. here,
Since the flag has not been set yet, the result is "NO", and in the next step SD6, the buzzer 68 is sounded to notify that water is stored in the inner tank 8, and the step SD6 is executed.
At 7, the drain valve 13 is opened to discharge the water in the inner tank 8.

Thereafter, the control device 59 determines in step SD8
The power on / off switch 61 is turned off again, or the start / pause switch 62a
It is determined whether or not has been turned on. Here, buzzer 6
When the user wants to stop the ringing of the sound, the user turns off the power on / off switch 61 again, or
The temporary stop switch 62a is operated.

Then, the control device 59 determines in step SD8
Is determined to be "YES", the flag is set, the buzzer 68 is stopped, and the process returns to step SD2. Then, the control device 59 determines “YES” in step SD2, “YES” in step SD5 until the water level in the inner tank 8 becomes lower than the reset water level, step SD7, and step SD8.
Is repeatedly executed. When the water level in the inner tank 8 becomes lower than the reset water level, the control device 59 determines “N” in step SD2.
In step SD3, the flag is reset. In step SD4, the power switch circuit 52 is controlled so that the relay switch 52a is turned off.
Is opened to return.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show another embodiment of the present invention, which is different from the above-described embodiment in that the drain valve 70 is configured to be opened when the power is cut off. That is, a valve body 73 that opens and closes a valve port 72 is provided in a valve case 71 of the drain valve 70 so as to be movable in the left-right direction in the figure. The valve body 73 is connected to a relay member 74 slidably supported by the valve case 71 via a connection line 75, and the relay member 74 is connected to a wire 76 wound by the valve motor 15.

The valve body 73 is always in a state where the valve port 72 is open due to the balance between the compression spring 77 and the tension spring 78 (when the valve motor 15 is turned off). When the valve motor 15 is energized and the wire 76 is pulled in the direction of arrow C, the valve body 73 moves in the direction of arrow D against the elastic force of the tension spring 78, and the valve port 72
To close. When the valve motor 15 is turned off, the valve body 73
Moves in the direction indicated by the arrow D to the position where it is balanced with the elastic force of the compression spring 77 by the elastic force of the tension spring 78, and opens the valve port 72.

In such a configuration, when washing is completed, the relay switch 52a is turned off and the power is cut off, the drain valve 70 is opened, so that water is stored in the inner tub 8. However, the water is automatically drained, and the danger when the infant or the like opens the lid 27 can be reduced.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above and shown in the drawings, but can be extended or modified as follows. The lock member 34 may be directly moved to the lock position and the unlock position by the electromagnet device 47. In FIG. 1, regardless of whether or not the start / pause switch 62a is operated,
When is opened, the buzzer 68 may be configured so that its volume gradually increases. In this case, as long as the laundry is added, the work can be completed before the sound becomes so loud, so that the user does not feel troublesome.
The present invention may be applied to not only a washing machine for both dehydration but also a two-tub washing machine.

[0072]

As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained. The invention of claim 1 is
When the lid is opened, the notification means performs a notification operation, and the notification mode changes over time, for example, a buzzer notifies the volume so as to gradually increase the volume. The risk of opening and falling into the washing tub can be minimized. In addition, when the lid is opened to add laundry or the like, the lid can be closed while the buzzer sound volume is low, so that it is possible to minimize annoying feelings.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, when the emergency operation section is operated, the washing operation is stopped, and when water is present in the washing tub, the drain valve is opened to drain water. Even if it falls, it is possible to prevent injuries and drowning by touching the rotating agitator.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the lid can be locked in the closed position to eliminate the danger of the infant opening the lid, and in an emergency, the lid can be opened freely.
Since the washing operation is stopped and drainage is performed, even if the infant falls into the washing tub, injury or drowning by touching the rotating stirring body can be prevented.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the emergency operation section is provided at a position away from the operation panel, there is no possibility of accidental operation. According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the power supply is cut off after the predetermined emergency operation is completed, the washing machine is not unintentionally operated afterwards. According to the invention of claim 6, there is no possibility that the power supply is cut off before the predetermined emergency operation is completed. According to the seventh and eighth aspects of the present invention, after the washing operation is completed, the water is not stored in the washing tub and left.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart 2

FIG. 3 is a flowchart 3

FIG. 4 is a flowchart No. 4

FIG. 5 is a flowchart 5

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a change in a buzzer notification mode.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an electric circuit.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged plan view of an operation panel.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a lock mechanism shown in an unlocked state.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a lock mechanism shown in a locked state.

FIG. 12 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II in FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the upper half of the washing machine.

FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional side view of a washing machine.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of a drain valve according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the drain valve shown in a state different from that of FIG. 16;

[Explanation of symbols]

In the figure, 1 is a main body, 8 is an inner tub (washing tub), 13 is a drain valve (drain valve mechanism), 18 is a water level sensor, 23 is an operation panel, 26 is an entrance, 27 is a lid, and 30 is a lid switch (lid). Open / close detection means), 31 is a lid lock mechanism, 34 is a lock member, 41 is a lock release member (lock release means), 47 is an electromagnet device, 49 is a lock release detection switch, 59 is a control device, and 64 is a lid lock switch. , 65 is a lid lock indicator, 66 is an emergency stop switch (emergency operation unit), 68 is a buzzer (notification means), and 70 is a drain valve.

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A main body having a washing tub provided therein and having an entrance at a predetermined position for taking in and out of the laundry into and out of the washing tub, a lid provided on the main body and opening and closing the entrance, and A cover opening / closing detecting means for detecting opening / closing; and a notifying means for performing a notifying operation when the lid opening / closing detecting means detects the opening of the lid, wherein the notifying means changes the form of the notifying operation from the start of the notifying. A washing machine characterized by being configured to change over time. 2. A main body having a washing tub therein, a drain valve for opening and closing a drain of the washing tub, an emergency operation unit, and when the emergency operation unit is operated, the washing operation is stopped. A washing machine comprising: a control unit for opening the drain valve when water is present in the washing tub. 3. A main body having a washing tub provided therein and having an entrance at a predetermined location for taking in and out of the laundry into and out of the washing tub, a drain valve for opening and closing a drainage passage of the washing tub, A lid for opening and closing the entrance, a lock mechanism for locking the lid in a closed position, a lock releasing means for releasing the lid lock of the lock mechanism, an emergency operation unit, and when the emergency operation unit is operated. , While unlocking the unlocking means, stopping the washing operation,
And a control means for opening the drain valve when water is present in the washing tub. 4. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the emergency operation unit is provided at a position distant from an operation panel provided with an operation unit for inputting contents of the washing operation and the like. Machine. 5. The control unit according to claim 2, wherein when the emergency operation unit is operated, the power supply is turned off after a predetermined emergency operation is completed. Washing machine. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a predetermined amount or more of water is stored in the washing tub, the power is not turned off even when an operation of turning off the power is performed. Item 6. The washing machine according to any one of Items 2 to 5. 7. The drain valve is configured to open when energized, and drains water from the washing tub when an operation of turning off the power while the water is stored in the washing tub is performed. The washing machine according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the power is turned off after the washing is performed. 8. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the drain valve for discharging water in the washing tub is configured to open when the power is cut off.