JP2002000988A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine capable of notifying a user by voice of detailed information during washing process, a method for dealing with a matter during error generation, or the like. SOLUTION: The washing machine is provided with a voice output unit 37. By pushing a 'notifying key', information needed during washing operation or error generation is described by voice when it is needed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a washing machine for performing washing steps such as washing and rinsing.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, the progress of a washing machine has been displayed by using an LED, a buzzer, or the like to indicate a state such as during washing, rinsing, and occurrence of an error.
The user could not know what to do during the incident. Also, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.
In 89, as a countermeasure, an audio output device is provided in the main body of the washing machine, and a mounting portion of an external storage device in which audio data is stored is provided so as to make it easy for the user to understand the operation procedure and operation contents. The device is removable. It is described that the external storage device is attached when audio output is required, and that the external storage device is not attached when audio output is stopped. Therefore, it is necessary to attach or detach the external storage device depending on whether or not audio output is required, which is troublesome and troublesome.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The trouble of attaching and detaching the conventional external storage device is eliminated. Further, measures to be taken during washing, rinsing, etc. or during occurrence of an error are explained to the user by voice when necessary, so that the user's anxiety is eliminated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is provided with a voice output device for explaining information by voice during a washing process or during an error. When you need to explain the status of the "Notice key"
By pressing, the necessary information is explained by voice. As a result, the user can know how to cope during the washing process or during the occurrence of an error.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A fully automatic washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 is a side sectional view of a fully automatic washing machine, FIG. 2 is a plan view of an operation unit, FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit, and FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11 are flowcharts. The fully automatic washing machine 1 includes a box-shaped housing 2 having an opening on an upper surface, and an opening / closing upper lid 3 is attached to the opening. An operation panel 6 is arranged on the upper surface of the housing 2. The fully automatic washing machine is further provided with a suspension rod (not shown) with a spring.
An outer tank 4 suspended from the inner tank 5 and an inner tank 5 provided in the outer tank 4 are provided. The inner tub 5 can store laundry through the upper opening of the housing 2. Outer tub 4
Above is provided a detergent storage section 7 for storing a detergent used for washing. The other end of the water supply passage 8 whose one end protrudes from the upper surface of the housing 2 is connected to the detergent storage section 7. For example, a water supply hose 9 extending from a water tap (not shown) is connected to a portion of the water supply passage 8 protruding from the upper surface of the housing 2. In addition, a water supply valve 10 constituted by, for example, an electromagnetic valve is disposed in the middle of the water supply passage 8.
With this configuration, when the water supply valve 10 is opened, the tap water supplied from the unillustrated water tap to the detergent storage section 7 through the water supply hose 9 and the water supply path 8 is introduced into the detergent storage section 7. It flows into the inner tank 5 together with the detergent, and is stored in the outer tank 4.
At the bottom of the outer tub 4, a drain port 11 for discharging tap water stored in the outer tub 4 out of the housing 2 is formed.
The drain port 11 has a drain pipe 1 extending outside the housing 2.
2 are connected. A drain valve 13 composed of, for example, an electromagnetic valve is provided in the middle of the drain pipe 12. When the drain valve 13 is opened, the washing water stored in the outer tub 4 passes through the drain pipe 12. It is discharged out of the housing 2. Also,
An air trap 14 is provided at one corner of the bottom of the outer tank 4. The air trap 14 is connected to a water level sensor 15 provided above the housing 2 via an air hose 16. As the water level in the outer tank 4 rises,
The air in the hose 16 is compressed. The water level sensor 15
The water level in the outer tub 4 is detected by measuring the air pressure in the air hose 16. The inner tub 5 serves as both a washing tub and a dewatering tub, and a number of fine dewatering holes (small holes) 5a are formed around the inner tub 5. At the bottom of the inner tub 5, a pulsator 17 for stirring the washing water to generate a water flow is provided. Inner tank 5 and pulsator 1
Reference numeral 7 denotes an output shaft 1 of a bearing 18 provided below the outer tank 4.
By 9, it is supported so as to be able to rotate forward and backward. A motor 20 and a motor 20 for generating a driving force for rotating the inner tank 5 and the pulsator 17 are provided at the bottom of the housing 2.
And a transmission mechanism 21 for transmitting the rotational force of the above to the bearing portion 18. The transmission mechanism 21 includes a small pulley 23 fixed to the output shaft 22 of the motor 20, a large pulley 25 fixed to the lower end of the input shaft 24 of the bearing 18, and a small pulley 2.
3 and a belt 26 spanned over a large pulley 25. The rotational force of the motor 20 is transmitted to the large pulley 25 via the small pulley 23 and the belt 26, and further transmitted to the bearing 18 via the input shaft 24. The bearing 18 has a built-in clutch (not shown) so that the inner tank 5 and the pulsator 17 can be driven individually, and the output shaft 19 of the bearing 18 is constituted by a double shaft. ing. For example, at the time of washing and rinsing, the driving force of the motor 20 is transmitted to the pulsator 17 via the bearing 18, and the pulsator 17 is rotated forward and backward. During dehydration, the motor 2
0 is transmitted to both the inner tub 5 and the pulsator 17, the inner tub 5 and the pulsator 17 are rotated in one direction at high speed, and the laundry in the inner tub 5 is dewatered by centrifugal force. You. In addition, a safety switch 30 is provided which is activated when the outer tub 4 shakes greatly during opening / closing or dehydration of the upper lid 3. As shown in FIG. 2, the operation panel 6 has water level, washing, rinsing,
A key input unit 29 having a setting switch for dehydration and the like, a course selection switch, a start / pause switch, a power on / off switch and the like is provided. Further, a display section 28 for indicating a washing time, a number of times of rinsing, and a dehydrating time and an "information key" 31 are provided. Next, a block diagram showing a configuration of the control circuit of FIG. 3 will be described. The washing operation including each step of washing, rinsing, dehydration and the like is executed under the control of a microcomputer 27 (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer). The microcomputer 27 receives a signal input from the water level detection circuit 32 of the water level sensor 15 and the operation panel 6.
Signals from the key input circuit 33 of the key input section 29, the door input circuit 34 of the upper lid 3, and the like are input. The microcomputer 27 opens and closes the water supply valve 10, opens and closes the drain valve 13, drives and stops the washing motor 20, switches the rotation direction, and turns on the LED based on a control program based on the input signals. Circuit 35, buzzer to notify at the end of the stroke
The output circuit 36 and the audio output device 37 are controlled. Also,
The power supply circuit 42 and a reset circuit 41 for resetting the control unit when the power switch is turned on are connected. The voice output device 37 includes a ROM 38 in which a large amount of various voice data is stored, a voice synthesis circuit 39, and a voice alarm 40.
It is composed of When the microcomputer 27 issues a voice generation command to the voice synthesis circuit 39 by pressing the "notification key" 31, the voice data is transferred from the ROM 38 to the voice synthesis circuit 39, and voice synthesis processing is performed to generate voice. Vessel 40
Output more sound. Next, a flow chart of the audio output processing of FIG. 4 will be described. The above “Information Key” 31
If is not pressed (NO in step S1), the process is not performed, and if pressed (YES in step S1), it is determined whether an error has occurred. If an error has occurred (YES in step S2), the flow of the voice output process shown in FIG.
It will be a chart. Next, if no error has occurred (NO in step S2), it is determined whether the start switch has been pressed, and if not (NO in step S3), the voice output content becomes the F1 output. F1 output content: Select the course and press the start switch. Next, if the start switch has been pressed (YES in step S3),
It is determined whether the load amount detection is completed. If the load amount detection is not completed (NO in step S4), the sound output content is F2
Output. F2 output content: Checking the amount of clothing.
Next, if the load amount detection has been completed (Y in step S4)
ES), judge whether washing is completed. If the washing is not completed (NO in step S5), the flow of the voice output process shown in FIG.
It will be a chart. Next, if washing is completed (step S
5 is YES), it is determined whether the rinsing is completed. If the rinsing is not completed (NO in step S6), the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is performed. If rinsing is completed (YE in step S6)
S), it is determined whether the final dehydration is completed. If the final dehydration is not completed (NO in step S7), the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 is performed. If the final dehydration is completed (YES in step S7), the audio output content becomes the F6 output. F
6 Output content: Waiting for completion. Next, the flow chart of the "error" audio output processing shown in FIG. 5 will be described. If the upper lid 3 is open (YES in step S8),
The audio output content is E4. E4 output contents: Close the top cover 3 because it is open. Next, if the upper cover 3 is not open (NO in step S8), it is determined whether there is a water supply error. If it is a water supply error (YES in step S9),
The audio output content becomes the E1 output. E1 output content: Open the faucet. Next, if it is not a water supply error (NO in step S9), it is determined whether there is a drainage error. Drainage error
If (YES in step S10), the audio output content becomes the E2 output. E2 output content: Is the drainage position too high? If it is not a drainage error (step S1)
0 and NO), the audio output content becomes E0 output. E0 output content: Repair and inspection are required. Next, a flow chart of the sound output processing of "washing" shown in FIG. 6 will be described. If water is supplied (YES in step S11), the sound output content will be F31 output. F31 output content: Water supply during washing process. If the water is not supplied (step S
11 is NO), the audio output content becomes the F32 output. F3
2 Output content: Washing in the washing process. Next, the "rinse" flowchart shown in FIG. 7 will be described. If it is the first rinsing (YES in step S12), rinsing 1
To the first rinse (N in step S12)
O), proceed to rinse 2 Rinse 1 and rinse 2 are the flow charts of the audio output processing shown in FIGS. The audio output process of rinse 1 will be described. If water is supplied (YES in step S13), the audio output content will be F411 output. Output contents of F411: Rinse stroke 1
It is the second water supply. Next, if water is not being supplied (NO in step S13), it is determined whether rinsing is being performed. If rinsing is being performed (YES in step S14), the audio output content is output as F412. Output contents of F412: Rinse stroke 1
During the second rinse. Next, if it is not during rinsing (NO in step S14), it is determined whether it is during drainage. If draining is in progress (YES in step S15), the audio output content will be F413 output. Output contents of F413: rinse process 1
It is draining the second time. If it is not during drainage (NO in step S15), the audio output content is output as F414.
Output contents of F414: During the first dehydration of the rinsing process. Next, the audio output processing of Rinse 2 will be described. If water is supplied (YES in step S16), the audio output content will be F421 output. Output contents of F421: rinse process 2
It is the second water supply. Next, if water is not being supplied (NO in step S16), it is determined whether rinsing is being performed. If rinsing is being performed (YES in step S17), the audio output content is output as F422. Output contents of F422: rinse process 2
During the second rinse. Next, if it is not during rinsing (NO in step S17), it is determined whether or not draining is being performed. If draining is in progress (YES in step S18), the audio output content will be F423 output. Output contents of F423: rinse process 2
It is draining the second time. If it is not during drainage (NO in step S18), the audio output content will be F424 output.
Output content of F424: During the second dehydration of the rinsing process. Next, a flow chart of the audio output processing of the final dehydration shown in FIG. 10 will be described. If draining is in progress (step S1
9 is YES), the audio output content becomes the F51 output. F5
1 Output content: During the final dewatering process. If not draining (NO in step S19), the sound output content is F52
Output. F52 output: Dehydration in final dehydration process. Next, as another embodiment, a configuration in which a predetermined description corresponding to the error is sequentially generated as a voice based on the error display will be described with reference to a voice routine of FIG. Display 2
8 when there is an error display (YE in step S20)
S), based on the error display, the user can select "Notice key"
31 is operated. If the voice notification mode is set based on the "notification key" 31 (YE in step S21)
S), the user is notified of the error message at that time by voice (YES in step S21). The contents of the predetermined audio notification for the error are described above. Although the present invention has been described with reference to a fully automatic washing machine as an example, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to a two-tub washing machine, a drum washing machine, and the like.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, during washing,
By pressing the “Notification key” during rinsing or during an error, what is being done during the above operation process,
The user can be informed by voice about the action to be taken. Therefore, anxiety of the user can be eliminated. According to the second aspect of the present invention, if an error occurrence is displayed on the display section of the control panel, the user can be notified of the predetermined explanation by voice by pressing the "notice key". Therefore, it is possible to immediately deal with the error.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a fully automatic washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an operation panel of the fully automatic washing machine.

FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the fully automatic washing machine.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the fully automatic washing machine.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the fully automatic washing machine.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the fully automatic washing machine.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the fully automatic washing machine.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the fully automatic washing machine.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the fully automatic washing machine.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the fully automatic washing machine.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a fully automatic washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Fully automatic washing machine 6 Operation panel 27 Microcomputer 28 Display part 29 Key input part 31 Information key 37 Voice output device 40 Voice alarm

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A key input unit having an operation information setting key for inputting and setting washing operation information, a display unit for displaying washing operation information and the like, and a washing operation from the key input unit. In a washing machine having a microcomputer which performs a washing operation control based on information and performs a display control on the display unit, a predetermined value based on the contents of the progress of the washing operation and the contents of an error at the time of occurrence of the error. An audio output device for giving an audio notification of the description of the above, and a specific key arranged in the key input section for instructing an audio output by the audio output device are provided, and the micro computer is provided with the specific key. A washing machine characterized in that a predetermined explanation is sounded by the sound output device based on the operation of-. 2. The microcomputer displays an error on the display unit when an error occurs, and when the specific key is operated based on the display, the microcomputer displays the error. 2. The sound output device notifies a predetermined explanation based on the sound by a sound.
The washing machine as described.