JP2000271390A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine installed in each home for which a part requiring a periodical inspection is inspected when the periodical inspection is required, the inspection and treatment is performed in a stage before resulting in a fault, the service life is prolonged as a result and waste is reduced. SOLUTION: In this washing machine where a water tank is hung freely swingably inside an outer box, and where a spinning tub provided with a rotary blade on its bottom part is disposed freely rotatably inside the water tank and all the processes of washing, rinsing and dehydrating automatically advance corresponding to a course set to a controller, the controller 18 is provided with an E2PROM 18c as a storage means for storing the integrated value of the number of times of course operations and a time display part 16 to be a display means for performing display for urging the periodical inspection by output from the storage means when the number of times of the course operations reaches a prescribed value is provided.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a washing machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, a one-tank type fully automatic washing machine is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6, a water tank 3 is provided in the outer box 1 via the vibration isolator 2.
The washing and dewatering tub 5 is rotatably arranged in the water tub 3, and a rotating wing 4 fixed to the rotating shaft 6 a with a screw is provided at the bottom of the water tub 3. A motor 6 serves as a driving mechanism to which the rotating shaft 6a is connected below the bottom of the motor.
A mechanism unit 7 such as a speed reduction mechanism such as a clutch and a clutch is attached. In the figure, reference numeral 8 denotes a drain hose.

As shown in FIG. 4, a start / pause switch 12, for example, a start / pause switch 12 is provided on an operation panel 10 provided in front of a top cover 9 provided above the outer box 1. In addition to the power switch 13, the operation switches 15 for setting the contents of washing include a water level switch for setting the water level, a washing switch for setting the contents of washing, a rinsing switch, a dehydrating switch, and a reservation switch for setting the operation start time. A course switch 1 for selecting a desired course from a plurality of preset courses
4. A bath water switch is provided to select the use of bath water.

[0004] A water level display section, a display section of the washing time, a display section of the number of times of rinsing, a display section of the dehydration time, a display section of the remaining operation time, a reservation time, etc. , A course display unit, and a bath water display unit for displaying a process of using bath water. Of these, the time display section 16 has two segments 17 arranged side by side in the form of a combination of seven segments 17 of light emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged side by side so that a two-digit numerical value can be displayed.

[0005] In such a washing machine, a control device using a microcomputer provided below the operation panel 10 automatically performs all the washing processes in accordance with the washing contents set by operating the switch from the operation switch 15. The power switch 13 is turned on to start washing, and a desired one of a plurality of courses preset in the control device is selected by the course switch 14, or the water level switch is used to start washing. The water level is set, the washing contents are set by the washing switch, the rinsing switch, and the dehydrating switch. When bath water is used, the bath water switch is turned on and the start / stop switch 12 is turned on.

The control device outputs water to a water supply valve to start water supply, or outputs water to a pump motor to start water supply to bath water in response to the input of an ON signal of a start / pause switch 12, and to start supplying water to a motor 6 or a mechanism. 7 and drive it to rotate the rotor 4 for washing, rinsing and dewatering operation,
The water is output to the drain valve drive unit, the drain valve is opened, and the washing water in the washing and dewatering tub 5 and the water tub 3 is discharged from the drain hose 8 to the outside of the machine. In this case, when the course operation is selected by the course switch 14, all steps of washing, rinsing, and dehydration automatically proceed according to certain contents set in the control device in advance.

In recent years, it has been desired to reuse materials for the purpose of reducing waste and effectively using materials. In such a washing machine, materials and parts of the washing machine to be discarded are also required. It is considered to be recycled.

[0008]

Although it is an effective means to recycle materials and parts as described above in order to reduce waste, if the period during which products can be used as a pre-stage can be extended. As a result, waste can be further reduced. Incidentally, at present, the life of home electric appliances such as a washing machine is generally assumed to be seven years, but it is possible to further extend the life depending on the method of use.

For this purpose, for example, it is conceivable that a service person or the like regularly visits the home of the user and performs a periodic inspection. However, this does not mean that the number of operations of the washing machine in each home is known. It is impossible to do it at the right time.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art, and to inspect a washing machine installed in each home at a time when a periodic inspection is required. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a washing machine capable of performing inspection and treatment at a stage prior to failure, thereby extending the life of the product and reducing waste.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention firstly provides a washing and dewatering tub having a water tub swingably supported in an outer case and a rotary blade provided on a bottom portion. In a washing machine in which all processes of washing, rinsing, and dewatering are automatically performed according to a course set in the control device, the integrated value of the number of course operations is stored in the control device. Storage means for performing a periodic inspection when the number of course operations reaches a predetermined number by providing display means for prompting a periodic inspection based on an output from the storage means when the number of course operations reaches a predetermined value. Is automatically displayed, and the user is requested to perform an inspection. Therefore, even if a failure has not occurred, the inspection can be performed at a stage before the failure by performing an inspection, the failure can be prevented beforehand, the life of the washing machine can be extended, and the generation of waste can be reduced.

Secondly, the display urging the periodic inspection is performed when the power switch is turned on at the time of starting the washing.
If the power switch is turned on to start washing when the number of course operations has reached a predetermined value, a message prompting periodic inspection is automatically performed. Attention can be assured.

Third, the display urging the periodic inspection is indicated by a symbol display by lighting a 7-segment light emitting diode (LED), and the display contents are displayed on a name plate.
The display for prompting the periodic inspection can be shared with the time display section for displaying the reservation time and the like, and there is no need to separately provide a special display section. Also, a 7-segment light emitting diode (LED)
In order to make the display by lighting of, even if the display urging the periodic inspection is indicated by a symbol, the display content is described on the name plate, so that the display content can be read by reading this.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a flowchart of an operation of a periodic inspection display showing an embodiment of the washing machine of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view of an operation panel which is a main part of the washing machine. Has already been described, so that the detailed description is omitted here.

In the washing machine of the present invention, a control device 18 using a microcomputer or the like is provided below the operation panel 10 provided on the top cover 9. As shown in the control block diagram of FIG.
It comprises a PU 18b, an E ² PROM 18c as a sequentially rewritable nonvolatile memory, and an output circuit 18d.

The input panel 18a includes an operation panel 10
Output from input means by a start / pause switch 12 and other various operation switches 15 and the like, and a motor 6
Output from the pulse generator 19 for detecting the rotation of
The output from the water level sensor 20 is introduced.

From the output circuit 18d of the control device 18, a time display section 16 on the operation panel 10, display means 21 including various other display sections, a water supply valve 22, a drain valve drive unit 23, and a drive means 24 for the motor 6 are provided. The output is introduced to the clutch switching means 25.

In the washing operation, a start / pause switch 12 on the operation panel 10 and other various operation switches 1
5 to the input circuit 18a from the input means through the output circuit 18d to the water supply valve 22, the drain valve drive unit 23, the drive means 24 of the motor 6, and the clutch switching means 25, thereby providing these mechanisms. Is driven, and all the processes of water supply, washing, rinsing, and dehydration automatically proceed according to the washing content for each of a plurality of operation courses preset in the control device 18 and the washing content set by the operation switch 15.

During the period of use of the washing machine, if the course switch 14 is pressed and the course operation is selected as the operation content from the beginning of use after the purchase of the washing machine to the present, the operation from the course switch 14 is started. Based on the output, the number of operations is stored in the E ² PROM 18c and integrated. On the other hand, in the storage unit of the control device 18, the number of times of course driving that requires periodic inspection of the washing machine is set in advance.

The items that require periodic inspection have contents that are known to cause deterioration, loosening, and the like depending on the number of operations and aging. For example, whether grease replenishment is necessary, whether the tension of the belt connecting the motor and the mechanism is appropriate,
And so on.

When the number of times of the course operation that requires the periodic inspection of the washing machine has been reached, a display prompting the inspection is displayed. The display means is a time display section 16 provided on the operation panel 11. As in the conventional case, the time display section 16 is composed of seven segments 17 of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged in a daisy manner as one unit so that a two-digit numerical value can be displayed. .

The display prompting the periodic inspection is indicated by a symbol such as "U8" by turning on the light emitting diodes (LEDs) of the seven segments 17, for example.
Is set, and a nameplate is attached in the vicinity, and the contents of the treatment are described as display contents.

Next, an operation for displaying a message prompting periodic inspection is shown in FIG.
Will be described. When the user turns on the power switch 13 at the start of washing (step (a)), the controller 18 receives the input from the power switch 13 and reads out the number of course operations accumulated and stored in the E ² PROM 18c by the CPU 18b. [Step (b)], the number of times is compared with a predetermined number of course operations stored in the storage unit, and if the result of the comparison is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of course operations [Step (c)], the controller 1
At 8, it is determined that periodic inspection is necessary, and the output is output from the output circuit 18 d to the time display unit 16.

The segment 17 of the time display section 16
Is illuminated with a symbol such as "U8" to indicate that periodic inspection is required [step (d)]. The user sees this display, contacts the service technician, receives an inspection, and has the user take action.

This periodic inspection is not performed after a failure has occurred, but is performed not by a serviceman but by the user himself, when the washing machine has been used a predetermined number of times before the failure occurs. This makes it possible to extend the life of the washing machine.

After the display for prompting the periodic inspection is performed,
Further, by pressing a specific switch provided on the operation panel 10, it is also possible to specifically display a specific location requiring treatment.

[0027]

As described above, in the washing machine of the present invention, first, a washing and dewatering tub having a water tub swingably supported in an outer box and a rotating blade provided on the bottom is provided in the water tub. Arranged rotatably, wash according to the course set in the control device,
Rinsing, in a washing machine in which all the steps of dehydration automatically proceed, a storage means for storing an integrated value of the number of course operations is provided in the control device, and when the number of course operations reaches a predetermined value,
By providing a display means for performing a display prompting a periodic inspection by the output from the storage means, when the number of times of course operation reaches a predetermined number, a display prompting the periodic inspection is automatically performed,
Attention is drawn to ask the user for an inspection.
Therefore, even if a failure has not occurred, by performing an inspection, it is possible to take measures before the failure, and prevent the failure before it occurs.
The life of the washing machine can be extended and the generation of waste can be reduced.

Secondly, the display urging the periodic inspection is performed when the power switch is turned on at the start of washing.
If the power switch is turned on to start washing when the number of course operations has reached a predetermined value, a message prompting periodic inspection is automatically displayed. Can be surely triggered.

Third, the display urging the periodic inspection is indicated by a symbol display by lighting a 7-segment light emitting diode (LED), and the display contents are displayed on a name plate.
The display for prompting the periodic inspection can be shared with the time display section for displaying the reservation time and the like, and there is no need to separately provide a special display section. Also, a 7-segment light emitting diode (LED)
In order to make the display by lighting of, even if the display urging the periodic inspection is indicated by a symbol, the display content is described on the name plate, so that the display content can be read by reading this.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart of an operation of a periodic inspection display showing an embodiment of a washing machine of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram showing an embodiment of the washing machine of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a periodic inspection display showing the embodiment of the washing machine of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view of an operation panel showing the embodiment of the washing machine of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an overall perspective view of the washing machine.

FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional side view of the washing machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: outer box, 2: anti-vibration device, 3:
... water tank, 4 ... rotor blade, 5 ... washing and dewatering tank,
6 ... motor, 6a ... rotary shaft, 7 ... mechanical part, 8 ... drain hose, 9 ... top cover,
10 ... operation panel, 12 ... start /
Pause switch, 13 power switch, 14 course switch, 15 operation switch, 16 time display section, 17 segment, 18 control device,
18a: input circuit, 18b: CPU, 18c
... E ² PROM, 18d ... output circuit, 19 ... pulse generator, 20 ... water level sensor, 21 ... display means, 22 ... water supply valve, 23 ... drain valve drive unit, 24 ... motor drive means, 25 ...
Clutch switching means

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Yuichi Hasebe 1-1-1 Yamate, Funabashi-shi, Chiba Prefecture Inside Nippon Steel Corporation (72) Inventor Masanobu Yatsu 1-1-1 Yamate, Funabashi-shi, Chiba Japan (72) Inventor Junji Miyoshi 1-1-1 Yamate, Funabashi-shi, Chiba Japan Incorporated Steel Corporation (72) Inventor Kunio Inose 1-1-1, Yamate, Funabashi-shi, Chiba Nihon-ken (72) Inventor Takeshi Sugino 1-1-1, Yamate, Funabashi-shi, Chiba F-term (reference) 3B155 AA10 BA11 CB06 JB01 JB13 JB24 KB02 LC34 MA01 MA02 MA06 MA08 MA10

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A washing and dewatering tank having a water tank swingably suspended in an outer box and a washing and dewatering tank provided with a rotary wing at a bottom portion is rotatably disposed in the water tank, and is provided on a course set in a control device. Therefore, in a washing machine in which all steps of washing, rinsing, and dehydration automatically proceed, the control device is provided with storage means for storing an integrated value of the number of course operations, and when the number of course operations reaches a predetermined value, the storage means A washing machine characterized by comprising a display means for displaying a message prompting a periodic inspection based on an output from the washing machine. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the display urging the regular inspection is performed when the power switch is turned on at the start of washing. 3. The display for prompting the periodic inspection is indicated by a symbol display by lighting of a seven-segment light emitting diode (LED), and the display content is displayed on a name plate. A washing machine according to claim 1.