JP2006180960A - Electric washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electric washing machine surely implementing washing and spin-drying operations. <P>SOLUTION: As for the opening/closing of a lid 20 opening/closing a clothes loading opening 17a, this electric washing machine urges a user to close the lid when detecting that the lid is open, and locks the lid for preventing the opening of the lid when detecting that the lid is closed and shifts to an operation control state. Unlocking of the lid in a personal protection lock is performed subject to input of a lid unlocking personal hidden key set by the user independently. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an electric washing machine.

  In an electric washing machine (including an electric washing / drying machine), the control device is configured using a microcomputer in which a control program is incorporated in advance, and is washed, rinsed, dehydrated (and dried) according to instructions input from the operation panel. Set the water supply and drainage automatically by controlling the solenoid valve for water supply and drainage, and rotate the stirring blade and / or washing and dewatering tank by controlling the drive device (motor and clutch mechanism) Control the washing, rinsing, and dehydration processes (and drying processes).

  At present, in an electric washing machine, the operation panel unit has a display unit (display element group) using light emitting elements typified by LEDs and the like, and setting and process start of washing, rinsing, dehydration process (and drying process), etc. / The switch group for performing the instruction input operation of the temporary stop, the user operates this according to the preference and sets the process (operation content) and consistently completes the entire process according to the setting. Can be executed. Further, in the electric washing machine having the reserved operation control function, the control device detects the amount of cloth put into the washing and dewatering tub by the cloth amount detection means, and the operation content and end time (set by the user) The operation start time (time) of the process is calculated based on (time). And based on this calculation result, it will be in a standby state by the time of a driving | operation start, and the driving | operation of a process is generally started automatically at the driving | running start time.

  In an electric washing machine equipped with such a reservation operation control function, the cloth amount is detected immediately after the start instruction of the reservation operation is input, and an appropriate amount of detergent corresponding to the detected cloth amount is displayed on the display unit. After prompting the person to put in an appropriate amount of the detergent, the operation standby control state is set, and the operation of a series of processes is started so as to end all processes at the reserved time.

  However, there are also electric washing machines that are configured not to start operation with the lid open, especially in the case of reserved operation, because the user is often in another place at the start of operation, If you accidentally forget to close the lid and leave the place, you will not realize that the operation will not start, and the process will not end at the reserved time.

  Therefore, as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 29996812, when opening of the lid is detected after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start switch operation for the reserved operation, there is a method for alerting the user by the notification means. is there. In addition, as started in Japanese Patent No. 3081099, an electric washing machine configured so that the washing process can be started without interruption by starting the washing process even when the lid is opened and informing the washing process. Has also been proposed.

  In addition, when the user adds laundry while in the standby state, an appropriate amount of detergent differs from the amount of cloth detected at the time of setting the reserved operation. Therefore, when opening / closing of the lid is detected in the standby state, it is assumed that there has been a change in the amount of laundry, and the amount of cloth is detected again, according to the amount of cloth detected at the time of the reserved operation setting. Japanese Patent No. 3038096 discloses an electric washing machine configured to display an appropriate additional amount of detergent when addition is required with respect to the amount of detergent.

Japanese Patent No. 29996812 Japanese Patent No. 3038096 Japanese Patent No. 3081099

  However, in the electric washing machine, as described above, particularly in the case of reserved operation, the user sets the reserved operation by putting the laundry in the washing and dehydrating tub, and operates the start switch. Often get away. For this reason, the user is often in a different place at the standby state and at the start of operation, and the lid may be left open by a mischief such as a child during that time. In addition, when multiple users, such as a family living together, share an electric washing machine, or when installed in an accommodation facility, etc., multiple users share a single electric washing machine Then, if a user other than the previous user does not realize that the user is already waiting in the reserved operation, the lid is opened to try a new laundry and left as it is. , The trouble that the reserved operation intended by the previous user is not executed occurs. In addition, even if the lid is closed, since the opening and closing of the lid is detected, the amount of laundry is considered to have changed, and the amount of cloth is detected again. There is.

  In addition, when the user performs a pause instruction input operation in the standby state, the start switch is operated again even if the lid is securely closed after opening the lid and adding laundry etc. If this is forgotten, the reserved operation will not be executed.

  Also, if the pause switch is accidentally pressed (input) in the standby state, similarly, the reserved operation is interrupted and the user does not notice this and does not operate the start switch again. In this case, there is a problem that the reserved operation is not executed while being interrupted.

  In general, a user often performs a reserved driving while going out or sleeping. Therefore, it is possible for a third party to easily open the lid even though the laundry is left in the washing and dehydrating tub. If a washing machine is installed, there is also a concern about security problems.

  Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide an electric washing machine that can reliably execute washing and dehydrating operations. Specifically, the lid opening and closing operation for preventing the lid opening operation can be performed in accordance with the user's intention to prevent the lid opening / closing operation by others.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an electric washing machine that can prevent the user from forgetting to close the lid and can reliably perform washing and dehydration operations.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an electric washing machine that can reliably execute a reserved operation set by a user. Specifically, the lid can be opened and closed by others by configuring so that the lid can be unlocked and unlocked according to the user's intention during the reserved operation (standby). In other words, it is possible to prevent the reserved washing and dehydrating operation from being left unexecuted due to forgetting to close the lid.

The present invention includes a lid that opens and closes a loading port for loading laundry into a washing and dewatering tub, lid open / closed state detecting means that detects an open / closed state of the lid, and locks the lid so that it cannot be opened and opens the lid A lid locking means for releasing the lock based on the instruction; a control device for controlling each step of washing, rinsing, dehydration, etc. and controlling the lid locking means; and an instruction input switch for inputting an instruction signal to the control device. In the equipped electric washing machine,
The controller is
Based on the instruction input from the instruction input switch, it is possible to set a lid unlocking personal hidden key specific to the operator,
When the operation input is instructed by the instruction input switch and the lid opening / closing state detecting means detects that the lid is closed, the lid is locked after the lid is locked by the lid locking means. Enter control state,
When the lid unlocking hidden key is set, the lid unlocking is released only when the lid unlocking personal hidden key is input,
When the lid unlocking personal hidden key is not set, the lid is unlocked when a key serving as a reference for unlocking the lid is input or when all the set processes are completed. And

The present invention also includes a lid that opens and closes a loading port for loading laundry into the washing and dewatering tub, lid open / closed state detection means that detects an open / closed state of the lid, and locks the lid so that it cannot be opened. A lid locking means for releasing the lock based on a lid opening instruction, a control device for controlling each step of washing, rinsing, dewatering, etc. and controlling the lid locking means, and an instruction input for inputting an instruction signal to the control device An electric switch having a reserved operation control function that sets a process end time based on an instruction input from the instruction input switch, obtains a time until the process start, and waits until the process start time. In the washing machine,
The controller is
Based on the instruction input from the instruction input switch, it is possible to set a lid unlocking personal hidden key specific to the operator,
When it is instructed by the instruction input switch and execution of the reserved operation control is started, after the lid opening / closing state detecting means detects that the lid is closed, the lid locking means locks the lid. Go to standby,
When the lid unlocking personal hidden key is set, the lid unlocking is released only when the lid unlocking personal hidden key is input,
When the lid unlocking personal hidden key is not set, the lid lock is released when the key serving as the reference for unlocking the lid is input or when all the set processes are completed. Features.

  When the control device enters operation control by an instruction input from the instruction input switch, when the lid open / close state detecting means detects that the lid is open, the lid open state notifying means It is characterized by notifying by.

  In addition, when the control device detects that the lid remains closed for a predetermined time after the transition to the lid lock state and the lid lock is released based on an instruction input, the lid lock means automatically The lid is locked to the operation control state again.

  In addition, when the control device detects that the lid has been opened after the lid is unlocked based on an instruction input after the transition to the lid locked state, the controller is automatically closed by the lid locking means. The lid is locked and the operation control state is entered again.

  Further, the control device invalidates the instruction to release the lid lock for a predetermined time when there are a plurality of times of the lid unlocking personal hidden key input different from the preset lid unlocking personal hidden key. It is characterized by.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the electric washing machine which can perform washing | cleaning and a spin-drying | dehydration operation reliably can be implement | achieved. This can be performed in accordance with the intention, and the lid opening / closing operation by others can be prevented.

  In addition, it is possible to prevent forgetting to close the lid and to execute washing and dehydration operations with certainty.

  Further, the reserved operation set by the user can be surely executed. Specifically, it is possible to perform lid locking and lid unlocking to prevent the lid opening operation during reserved operation (standby) according to the user's intention, thereby causing inconvenience due to the lid opening / closing operation by others. In addition, it is possible to prevent the reserved washing and dehydration operation from being left unexecuted due to forgetting to close the lid.

The present invention includes a lid that opens and closes a slot for loading laundry into a washing and dewatering tub, lid open / closed state detection means that detects an open / closed state of the lid, and locks the lid so that it cannot be opened and opens the lid A lid locking means for releasing the lock based on the instruction; a control device for controlling each step of washing, rinsing, dehydration, etc. and controlling the lid locking means; and an instruction input switch for inputting an instruction signal to the control device. An electric washing machine having a reserved operation control function that sets a process end time based on an instruction input from the instruction input switch, obtains a time until the process starts, and waits until the process start time In
The controller is
Based on the instruction input from the instruction input switch, it is possible to set a lid unlocking personal hidden key specific to the operator,
When the operation input is instructed by the instruction input switch and the lid opening / closing state detecting means detects that the lid is closed, the lid is locked after the lid is locked by the lid locking means. When the state is shifted to the control state, or when it is instructed by the instruction input switch and execution of the reserved operation control is started, the lid lock means is detected when the lid open / close state detection means detects that the lid is closed. After the lid is locked by the transition to the standby state,
When the lid unlocking hidden key is set, the lid unlocking is released only when the lid unlocking personal hidden key is input,
When the lid unlocking personal hidden key is not set, the lid lock is released when the key serving as a reference for unlocking the lid is input or when all the set processes are completed,
When the lid unlocking personal hidden key is set, the lid unlocking is released only when the lid unlocking personal hidden key is input,
When the lid unlocking personal hidden key is not set, the lid lock is released when the key serving as a reference for unlocking the lid is input or when all the set processes are completed,
Furthermore, when the operation control is entered by an instruction input from the instruction input switch, when the lid open / closed state detecting means detects that the lid is open, the lid open state notifying means informs it,
If it is detected that the lid remains closed for a predetermined time after the lid is unlocked based on an instruction input after the transition to the lid lock state, the lid is automatically locked by the lid lock means and again. Transition to operation control state,
When it is detected that the lid is opened after the lid is unlocked based on an instruction input after the transition to the lid locked state, the lid is automatically locked by the lid locking means and then again. Transition to operation control state,
When there are a plurality of times of lid unlocking personal hidden key input different from the preset lid unlocking personal hidden key, the lid unlocking instruction input is invalidated for a predetermined time.

  Hereinafter, the electric washing machine of Example 1 of this invention is demonstrated with reference to drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the electric washing machine according to the first embodiment. This electric washing machine has a configuration in which a synthetic resin outer tub 4 is suspended in a steel rod outer frame 1 by a suspension rod 2 and a vibration isolator 3 made of a coil spring or elastic rubber. The outer tub 4 is supported so as to be suspended from the upper four corners of the outer frame 1 by the four sets of the suspension rod 2 and the vibration isolator 3. A stainless steel washing and dewatering tub (hereinafter referred to as a washing tub) 5 is rotatably provided in the outer tub 4 for storing water to be washed. The washing tub 5 is provided with a number of dewatering holes 5a, and a rotary blade 6 is rotatably provided in the center bottom. In the washing and rinsing step, the washing tub 5 is stationary, and the rotary blade 6 is rotated clockwise (forward) and counterclockwise (reverse). In the dehydration process, the washing tub 5 and the rotary blade 6 are integrally rotated at a high speed in one direction. The rotary blade 6 and the washing tub 5 are rotationally driven by a driving device.

  The driving device includes a main motor 7 that is a three-phase induction motor for washing and dehydration driving, and a pulley 8 a and a belt 8 b for transmitting the rotational driving force of the main motor 7 to the washing tub 5 and / or the rotary blade 6. The transmission means 8 and the clutch device 9 that rotationally drives only the rotor blade 6 in the washing and rinsing process, and the laundry tub 5 and the rotor blade 6 in the dehydration process, and the clutch solenoid 9a that performs the switching operation. Is provided. Such a driving device is fixed to the bottom surface of the outer tub 4 using a steel plate support plate 10.

  In addition, the outer tub 4 drains the washing water in the outer tub 4 from the air trap 4a that connects the water level sensor tube 12 that transmits the water level (water pressure) in the outer tub 4 to the water level sensor 11 and the drain 4b. A drainage device 13 is provided. The drain electromagnetic valve 13 a provided in the drainage device 13 connects the inlet immediately after the drainage hole 4 b on the bottom surface of the outer tub 4, and the outlet opens into the drainage device 13.

  An abnormal overflow pipe 15 having an upper end opened on the side surface of the outer tub 4 is provided, and a lower end of the abnormal overflow pipe 15 is opened in the drainage device 13. The abnormal overflow pipe 15 is provided in case the washing water overflows from the outer tub 4 due to an abnormality in the water supply system, or when the washing water overflows from the outer tub 4 due to the movement of the laundry being washed. The overflowing washing water flows from the abnormal overflow pipe 15 into the drainage device 13 and is discharged out of the machine by the drainage hose 16.

  In the upper part of the outer frame 1, a loading port 17 a for loading laundry, a rear storage box 17 b for storing a water tap port 18, a water supply electromagnetic valve 19, and the like, and a front storage box for storing electrical components such as a control device A top cover 17 formed with 17c is provided.

  The insertion port 17a is covered with a synthetic resin lid 20 so as to be opened and closed. The lid 20 enables the closed lid 20 to be locked so as not to be opened by a lid lock lever 21 having an electromagnetic operation structure provided in the front storage box 17c. The open / closed state of the lid 20 is configured to be detectable by lid open / closed state detection means (described later) using a magnet relay or the like.

  An operation panel 22 is attached to the upper surface of the front storage box 17c, and a controller 23, which is a control device incorporating a microcomputer or the like, is provided below the operation panel 22. The water level sensor 11 that outputs a water level detection signal corresponding to the water level (water pressure) in the outer tub 4 is provided in the front storage box 17c.

  The operation panel 22 is provided with various indicators 24 composed of LEDs and the like, various instruction input switches 25 composed of touch switches, etc., and the user instructs the electric washing machine with the instruction input switch 25, Further, the operation state is configured to be confirmed by the sound of a buzzer built in the display 24 or the controller 23.

  FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of the control system. The controller 23 includes a rectifier diode bridge 28 connected to a general household AC power supply 26 via a noise absorbing filter circuit 27, and smoothing capacitors 29 a and 29 b are connected to the output ends of the diode bridge 28. To construct a DC power supply circuit. The DC power supply circuit is connected to an inverter circuit 30 composed mainly of six IGBTs 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, 30f, and an input line of the main motor 7 is connected to an output terminal of the inverter circuit 30. 7a, 7b, 7c are connected.

  The operation control unit 31 is configured by a microcomputer, an input / output circuit, and the like equipped with a control processing program. The operation control unit 31 controls the inverter circuit 30 via the main motor drive circuit 32, and inputs the input lines 7a, The rotation of the main motor 7 is controlled by disconnecting power to 7b and 7c. The rotation of the main motor 7 is detected by the rotation detection unit 7d and input to the operation control unit 31 to control the number of rotations (rotation speed) of the main motor 7 and the amount and quality of the cloth put into the washing tub 5 are detected. It is used as information for

  The operation control unit 31 includes, as other loads, a clutch solenoid 9a, a drain electromagnetic valve 13a, a water supply electromagnetic valve 19, a lid lock lever 21, and various indicators 25 provided on the operation panel 22 of the clutch device 9, The buzzer 33 and the like are controlled to execute the washing and dehydrating process.

  In addition to the signal from the rotation detection unit 7d, the operation control unit 31 performs various instruction input switches provided on the water level sensor 11 and the operation panel 22 in order to execute the washing and dehydration process control processing. 25, a drive circuit 35 constituted by a switching element such as a triac that inputs a signal from the lid open / close state detecting means 34 and feeds power to the clutch solenoid 9a, the drain electromagnetic valve 13a, the water supply electromagnetic valve 19, and the lid lock lever 21; 36, 37, and 38 are controlled, and the various displays 24 and buzzer 33 are directly controlled.

  FIG. 3 is a plan view showing various displays 24 and instruction input switches 25 arranged on the operation panel 22.

  The indicator 24 includes LEDs 24a, 24b, and 24c for displaying the “washing” time, LEDs 24d, 24e, and 24f for displaying the “rinse” times, and LEDs 24g and 24h for displaying the “dehydration” time. 24i, a 7 segment LED 24j for displaying the remaining time display of the process, an LED 24k for displaying the reserved operation state, and an LED 24m for displaying the lid lock state.

  The instruction input switch 25 includes an instruction input switch (washing) 25a for setting a washing process, an instruction input switch (rinsing) 25b for setting a rinsing process, and an instruction input switch (dehydrating) 25c for setting a dehydrating process. And an instruction input switch (reservation) 25d for setting the reserved operation, an instruction input switch (lock) 25e for locking the lid 20 to be unopenable, and an instruction input switch for instructing process start and pause (Start / Pause) 25f is provided.

  The display 24 and the instruction input switch 25 are connected to the operation control unit 31 and function as follows. Regarding the setting of the “washing” time, the setting time is changed to be sequentially updated every time the instruction input switch 25a is pressed, and the LEDs 24a, 24b, and 24c corresponding to the setting time are sequentially switched and turned on. Displays the set time. Similarly, the “rinse” count and “dehydration” time are set by changing the “rinse” count and “dehydration” time to be sequentially updated when the instruction input switches 25b and 25c are pressed. The LEDs 24d, 24e, 24f, 24g, 24h, and 24i corresponding to the set number and time are sequentially switched and turned on to display the set number and time.

  Also, when setting the reserved operation, if the instruction input switch 25d is pressed before the instruction input switch 25f for starting the process execution is pressed, the reservation setting mode is set, and the 7-segment LED 24j is set to the end of all the process operations. Displays the set time of. The set time is configured so that the time until the end of the operation can be arbitrarily set by sequentially changing each time the instruction input switch 25d is pressed. Thereafter, when the instruction input switch 25f is pressed, the set time for ending the reserved operation is determined, and after the process operation start time is calculated in the operation control unit 31 based on this, the standby state until the process operation start is started. Migrate to In the standby state, until the operation process such as “washing”, “rinsing”, “dehydration”, etc. is actually started, the “reserved” LED 24k indicating the standby state is turned on to set the reservation setting. It is configured so that the user can recognize that the vehicle is on standby, and all other LEDs are turned off to reduce power consumption during standby.

  Further, when the instruction input switch 25e is pressed, the “lock” setting mode is set, and the lid lock lever 21 is caused to function to lock the lid 20 so that it cannot be opened during the entire process and the lid lock setting state is set. The “locking” LED 25m to be displayed is turned on. The lid lock at this time is a standard lock, and the lid lock is released when the instruction input switch 25f or the instruction input switch 25e is pressed or the entire process is completed. When any of the other instruction input switches 25 is pressed simultaneously with the pressing of the instruction input switch 25e, the personal protection lock is set using these as the cover unlocking personal hidden key. The personal protection lock is not released when the instruction input switches 25e and 25f are pressed or when all the processes are completed, and the cover lock release personal hidden key (the other instruction input switch 25 pressed simultaneously with the pressing of the instruction input switch 25e) is released. Cancel only when is entered.

  Even when the lid 20 is not locked, the standard lock is automatically set when the reserved operation is set.

  After completing such initial setting, when the instruction input switch 25f for starting execution of the process is pressed, the microcomputer of the operation control unit 31 executes the control processing program stored in advance to obtain the setting contents. The operation control of the following process is started. Then, when the operation control of the process is started, for example, during the progress of the “washing” process, the LEDs 24a to 24c corresponding to the set “washing” time are blinked to display the current process, The LEDs 24d to 24f are blinked during the “rinsing” process, and the LEDs 24g to 24i are blinked during the “dehydration” process, so that the user can check the progress of the process.

  When the instruction input switch 25f for performing a temporary stop during the process is pressed, the progress of the process in progress is interrupted. Thereafter, the interrupted state is maintained until the instruction input switch 25f is pressed again (when the instruction input switch 25f is pressed again, the progress of the interrupted process is resumed).

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation control process executed by the operation control unit 31 of the controller 23 in the electric washing machine of the first embodiment.

Step S1
When the power switch (not shown) is turned on and the controller 23 is in an operating state, the control process is started.

Step S2
The display 24 of the operation panel 22 is turned on (initial setting state). In the first embodiment, the initial setting state is a preset “standard” course, in which “washing” is set for 9 minutes, “rinsing” twice, and “dehydration” is set for 3 minutes. The LEDs 24b, 24e, and 24h are turned on. In addition, “reservation” and “lock” are not set. The contents of the initial setting can be changed by pressing the instruction input switch 25.

Step S3
The process branches to a process for monitoring the instruction input from the instruction input switch 25 and changing the initial setting contents.

Step S4
The initial setting content is changed in accordance with an instruction input from the instruction input switch 25, and a control process for displaying the changed setting content on the display 24 is executed. If there is an instruction input from the “wash” instruction input switch 25a, the “rinse” instruction input switch 25b, the “dehydration” instruction input switch 25c, the “reservation” instruction input switch 25d, or the “lock” instruction input switch 25e, the setting described above is performed. The setting contents are changed in the changing manner, and the LEDs 24a to 24m corresponding to the changed contents are lit and displayed.

  The personal protection lock (unique lid unlocking private hidden key for unlocking the lid lock) is set by storing the type of the switch 25 that has been input within a predetermined time and the continuous input time. As the storage means for storing the lid unlocking personal hidden key, it is convenient to use a nonvolatile memory that stores the setting contents even after the power is shut off. The lid unlocking personal hidden key may be simultaneously pressed by a plurality of operation switches. In addition, since the instruction input operation for releasing does not always need to be constant, the setting content of the unique lid unlocking personal hidden key may be changed every time it is used. When the setting is completed, the buzzer 33 is sounded to inform the user. If the switch 25 is not operated for instruction input within a predetermined time, it is assumed that there is no need to set a unique cover unlocking personal hidden key, and a preset standard start / pause switch 25f or instruction input switch 25e. The lid is unlocked by the operation of. Here, it is assumed that the instruction input operation of the reservation setting switch 25d is continuously performed for 3 seconds is set as a unique lid unlocking personal hidden key.

Step S5
The process branches after monitoring the instruction input from the “start / pause” instruction input switch 25f.

Step S6
When it is confirmed that the “start / pause” instruction input switch 25f has been pressed, the set contents are confirmed, and the amount of laundry put in the washing and dewatering tub 5 is detected. The cloth amount of the laundry is detected by operating the main motor 7 to rotationally drive the rotary blade 6 and confirming the rotation state of the main motor 7 at that time by a detection signal from the rotation detection unit 7d.

Step S7
The optimum amount of detergent for washing the detected amount of laundry is calculated and displayed by the 7-segment LED 24j on the operation panel 22. For example, when the calculated amount of detergent is equivalent to 1.2 measuring cups, as shown in FIG. 4 (a), “1.2” is displayed on the 7-segment LED 24j, and the optimum amount of detergent is displayed. Prompt the user to input

Step S8
The process branches after confirming whether or not the reserved operation is included in the setting contents determined in step S5. When the reserved operation is not set, the process proceeds to the washing process (step S16).

Step S9
If the reserved operation is set, the required time from the start to the end of the washing process operation is calculated based on the cloth amount detected in step S6 without immediately starting the washing process, and the set reserved time The process start time is calculated so that all processes are completed.

Step S10
The detection signal from the lid open / close state detection means 34 is monitored, and the process branches according to the open / close state of the lid 20.

Step S11
In a state where the lid 20 is not closed, a process for monitoring forgetting to close the lid is executed. The monitoring process for forgetting to close the lid will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

Step S1101 (see FIG. 6 below)
In order to notify the user that the lid 20 is open, the LED of the display 24 of the operation panel 22 is turned on for display. The lighting display for the notification is performed by, for example, blinking the LED 24k indicating “being reserved” on the operation panel 22 shown in FIG. Alternatively, a dedicated LED (not shown) indicating that the lid is open may be provided on the operation panel 22 so that it is lit.

Step S1102
The user counts how long the lid 20 remains open from step S7 onward, since the detergent 20 is introduced and the lid 20 is closed using the appropriate amount of detergent displayed in step S7 as a guide. To do. Then, with the duration of the state in which the lid 20 is open as t1, a comparison with a predetermined time t set in advance in the operation control unit 31 is performed, and the processing branches based on the comparison result. The predetermined time t here is preferably within a time period until the user can put in the detergent and leave the place, and is preferably set in a range of about 10 to 30 seconds. . If lid opening continuation time t1 is less than predetermined time, it will return to step S10.

Step S1103
If the state in which the lid 20 remains open reaches a preset time t (t1 ≧ t), it is determined that the user has forgotten to close the lid 20 and, for example, as shown in FIG. , “E1” is displayed on the 7-segment LED 24j to indicate that an error has occurred, warn the user that the lid 20 has been forgotten to be closed, and prompt the user to close the lid 20. Alternatively, the buzzer 33 is sounded so as to be noticed even if the user leaves the place.

Step S1104
The detection signal from the lid open / close state detection means 34 is monitored and the process branches. If the lid 20 remains open, the process returns to step S1103 to branch to continue the error display by the LED 24j or the error sounding by the buzzer 33.

Step S1105
When it is detected that the lid 20 is closed, the error display and the alarm sound are terminated, and the process returns to step S10.

Step S12 (refer to FIG. 4 below)
The lid lock lever 21 is operated to lock the lid 20 so as not to open.

Step S13
Operation standby control until the washing process is started is executed. In this operation standby control, the LED 24k indicating “reserved” on the operation panel 22 shown in FIG. 3 is turned on, and other display LEDs are turned off to reduce power consumption during standby, and to the user. Is in a state in which it is possible to confirm that it is waiting for operation in the reservation setting.

Step S14
The processing branches after counting the time elapsed until the start of the washing process.

Step S15
During this operation standby, the user may perform an operation of releasing the lid lock and opening the lid 20 to add laundry, etc., so the lid lock release control process is executed. The lid lock release control process is executed by an interrupt process when the start / pause switch 25f or the lock switch 25e is pressed even during the control process other than step S15. The lid lock release control process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

Step S1501 (refer to FIG. 7 below)
The process branches after monitoring the pressing of the start / pause switch 25f or the lock switch 25e on the operation panel 19. After the start, the start / pause switch 25f functions as a pause instruction input switch function, and the lock switch 25e functions as a lid lock release instruction input switch function. Hereinafter, the pressing of the temporary stop switch 25f will be described as an example.

Step S1502
When the temporary stop switch 25f is pressed, the operation standby control state is temporarily stopped and the lid lock lever 21 is operated to move to a process for releasing the lock of the lid 20, and it is confirmed whether or not the personal protection lock is set. To branch the process.

Step S1503
When the personal protection lock is not set, the lid lock lever 21 is operated to unlock the lid 20.

Step S1504
The single lighting display state of the LED 24k representing “reserved” is changed. For example, by making a change to add a display such as blinking the time until the washing process starts on the 7-segment LED 24j, the user is informed that the lid 20 is unlocked and is in a paused state. Close.

Step S1505
The detection signal from the lid open / close state detecting means 34 is monitored to detect whether the lid 20 has been opened, and the process is branched.

Step S1506
When the lid 20 is opened, for example, by blinking the LED 24k indicating “reserved”, it is informed that the lid 20 is open.

Step S1507
The elapsed time after the lid 20 is opened during the temporary stop is t2, and how long the lid 20 is kept open is counted and compared with a predetermined time t ′ set in advance. The process branches after monitoring whether or not the lid 20 is closed.

Step S1508
When the state in which the lid 20 remains open reaches the predetermined time t ′ (t2 ≧ t ′), it is determined that the user has forgotten to close the lid 20, and for example, as shown in FIG. “E1” is displayed on the 7-segment LED 24j to indicate that an error has occurred, and informs the user that he has forgotten to close the lid 20 and prompts the user to close the lid 20. In addition, the buzzer 33 is sounded so as to be noticed even if the user leaves the place.

Step S1509
The detection signal output from the lid open / close state detection means 34 is monitored and the process branches.

Step S1510
When it is confirmed that the lid 20 is closed, it is determined that the user has released the paused state, and the lid lock lever 21 is operated to lock the lid 20 so that it does not open.

Step S1511
The error display and report sound are finished, and the process returns to step S14.

Step S1512
In a state where it is detected in step S1505 that the lid 20 remains closed, the process branches after monitoring that the pause switch 25f is pressed again. When the temporary stop switch 25f is pressed, the process proceeds to step S1510.

Step S1513
If there is an instruction input to pause, but the lid 20 remains closed, it can be determined that no laundry has been added. Alternatively, there is a possibility that the temporary stop switch 25f is accidentally touched during operation standby. In such a case, there is a possibility that the temporary stop switch 25f is input unintentionally and the temporary stop state is entered. Therefore, the temporary stop switch 25f is then pressed again to input a restart instruction. There is little possibility that the operation will be performed. Accordingly, when the pause switch 25f is not pressed again, if the elapsed time from the input operation of the pause (step S1501) is t3, the duration of the pause state is counted. It is monitored whether or not the pause switch 25f is pressed within the set predetermined time t ". When the state in which the lid 20 remains closed after the instruction to pause is input reaches the predetermined time t" ( At t3 ≧ t ″), the process proceeds to step S1510, the lid lock lever 21 is automatically operated to lock the lid 20 so that it does not open, and then the process shifts to the operation standby state (step S14) again.

Step S1514
When the personal protection lock is set, the key input is monitored and the process is branched to confirm the hidden key input.

Step S1515
Check the contents of the input key and branch the process. If it is confirmed that the input key matches the hidden key, the process proceeds to step S1503. If the input key does not match, the process proceeds to step S1517.

Step S1516
The elapsed time t4 until the key input is counted, and when the non-input time reaches a predetermined time t ′ ″ set in advance, it is considered that there is a key input that does not match the hidden key, and the process proceeds to step S1517. .

Step S1517
Counts the number of erroneous (mismatch) inputs within a predetermined time for the hidden key input.

Step S1518
The process branches after monitoring whether the number of erroneous inputs n has reached a predetermined number n0 set in advance.

Step S1519
When the number n of erroneous inputs reaches a predetermined number n0 set in advance, it is determined that the operation is performed by a person other than the true user, and an error display and sounding are performed.

Step S1520
A setting process for invalidating the lid unlocking operation input for a predetermined time is performed.

Step S1521
The count value of the number of erroneous inputs n is cleared to zero and the process proceeds to step S1511.

Step S16 (refer to FIG. 5 below)
When it is time to start the washing process, the operation control of the washing process is started. And it transfers to a rinse process and a dehydration process one by one.

Step S17
Complete all processes. In this termination process, the lid lock is released except when the personal protection lock is set. When the personal protection lock is set, the lid lock is continued and the cover lock is confirmed after confirming the contents of the hidden key input in the same manner as the process for releasing the lid lock (steps S1514 to S1521). A control process for canceling is executed.

  According to such an electric washing machine, by setting the lid lock, the lid 20 is locked in the closed state during the operation standby state to the process end state, so that the user leaves the place. In the meantime, the lid 20 can be prevented from being opened and closed due to a child's mischief. In addition, even an electric washing machine installed in an accommodation facility or the like shared by a plurality of users may accidentally open the lid 20 without noticing that another user is in a driving standby state. Problems can be prevented.

  In addition, if the user forgets to close the lid 20 and leaves the place, a trouble that does not shift to the operation standby control state occurs, but the lid 20 is in an opened state immediately after displaying an appropriate amount of detergent. Is displayed so that the user is reminded not to forget to close the lid 20, and after a predetermined time has elapsed after the lid 20 has been opened, a display indicating an error has occurred. By doing so, the user is warned that he / she has forgotten to close the lid 20 and is prompted to close the lid 20, and the user who has left the place is notified by a buzzer. In addition, since it is made to be noticed, it is possible to prevent problems such as continuation of reservation operation interruption due to forgetting to close the lid 20.

  In addition, the lid 20 is unlocked even in the operation standby state, so that the laundry can be added. When the lid 20 is opened after unlocking the lid 20, the user is cautioned not to forget to close the lid 20, and then automatically when the lid 20 is closed. In order to shift to the operation standby control state again after the lid 20 is locked, the reserved operation control is surely restarted without requiring the restart switch operation even after the temporary stop. Can do.

  In addition, even if the lid remains closed for a certain period of time even after the pause switch 25f is pressed in the operation standby control state, the pause switch 25f is not pressed again, Since the lid 20 is automatically locked and then shifted to the operation standby control state again, the user accidentally presses the temporary stop switch 25f in the operation standby control state. Even in this case, the reserved operation control can be reliably continued.

  In addition, if the instruction input for releasing the lid lock is a common instruction input operation for any user, there is a problem that anyone can release the lid lock and release the lid 20. In the embodiment, by setting the personal protection lock, the lid is released only by the instruction input operation of the lid unlocking personal hidden key uniquely set by the user (pressing this reservation setting switch 23e continuously for 3 seconds or more). 20 can be unlocked, it is difficult for others to open the lid 20 in a state where the personal protection lock is set, and the lid 20 is opened by a mischief such as a child or another user. Can be prevented.

It is a vertical side view of the electric washing machine in Example 1 of this invention. It is a circuit block diagram of the control apparatus in the electric washing machine of Example 1 of this invention. It is a top view of the operation panel of the electric washing machine of Example 1 of this invention. It is a top view which shows an example of the lighting display state of the operation panel of Example 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart of the control processing which the operation control part of the control apparatus in the electric washing machine of Example 1 of this invention performs. It is a flowchart of the lid closing forgetting monitoring process which the operation control part of the control apparatus in the electric washing machine in Example 1 of this invention performs. It is a flowchart of the lid lock release control process which the operation control part of the control apparatus in the electric washing machine in Example 1 of this invention performs.

Explanation of symbols

5 ... Washing / dehydrating tub, 17a ... Loading port, 20 ... Lid, 21 ... Lid lock lever, 22 ... Operation panel, 23 ... Controller, 24 ... Display, 24a-24m ... LED, 25 (25a-25f) ... Instruction Input switch, 31... Operation control unit, 33... Buzzer, 34.

Claims (6)

A lid that opens and closes a slot for loading laundry into the washing and dewatering tub; a lid open / closed state detecting means that detects the open / closed state of the lid; Electric laundry comprising a lid lock means for releasing the lock, a control device for controlling each step of washing, rinsing, dehydration and the like and controlling the lid lock means, and an instruction input switch for inputting an instruction signal to the control device In the machine
The controller is
Based on the instruction input from the instruction input switch, it is possible to set a lid unlocking personal hidden key specific to the operator,
When the operation input is instructed by the instruction input switch and the lid opening / closing state detecting means detects that the lid is closed, the lid is locked after the lid is locked by the lid locking means. Enter control state,
When the lid unlocking hidden key is set, the lid unlocking is released only when the lid unlocking personal hidden key is input,
When the lid unlocking personal hidden key is not set, the lid is unlocked when a key serving as a reference for unlocking the lid is input or when all the set processes are completed. And electric washing machine. A lid that opens and closes a slot for loading laundry into the washing and dewatering tub; a lid open / closed state detecting means that detects an open / closed state of the lid; A lid lock means for releasing the lock; a control device for controlling each step of washing, rinsing, dehydration, etc. and controlling the lid lock means; and an instruction input switch for inputting an instruction signal to the control device. In the electric washing machine having a reserved operation control function for setting a process end time based on an instruction input from the instruction input switch to obtain a time until the process start and waiting until this process start time,
The controller is
Based on the instruction input from the instruction input switch, it is possible to set a lid unlocking personal hidden key specific to the operator,
When it is instructed by the instruction input switch and execution of the reserved operation control is started, after the lid opening / closing state detecting means detects that the lid is closed, the lid locking means locks the lid. Go to standby,
When the lid unlocking personal hidden key is set, the lid unlocking is released only when the lid unlocking personal hidden key is input,
When the lid unlocking personal hidden key is not set, the lid lock is released when the key serving as the reference for unlocking the lid is input or when all the set processes are completed. Features an electric washing machine.   In claim 1 or 2, when the control device enters operation control by an instruction input from the instruction input switch, when the lid opening / closing state detecting means detects that the lid is open, An electric washing machine that is notified by a lid open state notification means.   The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device detects that the lid remains closed for a predetermined time in a state where the lid lock is released based on an instruction input after transition to the lid lock state. The electric washing machine is characterized in that the lid is automatically locked by the lid locking means and the operation control state is entered again.   In the first aspect of the present invention, when the control device detects that the lid is closed after being opened in a state where the lid is unlocked based on an instruction input after transitioning to the lid locked state. The electric washing machine is characterized in that the lid is automatically locked by the lid locking means and the operation control state is shifted again. 6. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device releases the lid lock for a predetermined time when there are a plurality of times of a lid lock release personal hidden key input different from a preset lid lock release personal hidden key. An electric washing machine characterized by invalidating the instruction input.

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