JP2008099942A - Laundry apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide laundry apparatus which effectively uses a flash memory area, improves reliability of backup data, such as a user's operation setting contents, and has an inexpensive circuit structure. <P>SOLUTION: The laundry apparatus includes a microcomputer 19 incorporating a flash memory 20. The flash memory 20 has a control program area 101 where a control program is written, and a backup data area 102 for writing backup data, such as operation conditions. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a laundry machine such as a fully automatic washing machine or a washing / drying machine.

  Conventionally, in a laundry machine such as a fully automatic washing machine or a washing / drying machine, a microcomputer is used to control driving of a pulsator and a washing / dehydrating tank. More specifically, various washing methods can be performed by changing the driving method of the pulsator and washing / dehydrating tub or by controlling the water supply / drainage according to the program written in the ROM (Read Only Memory) in the microcomputer. It has become.

  In the laundry machine, changeable data such as setting contents according to the user's preference is stored in a nonvolatile memory, and the data is retained even when the power is turned off. This nonvolatile memory is generally arranged outside the microcomputer.

  For example, the washing machine disclosed in JP-A-6-269591 stores the course in a nonvolatile memory outside the microcomputer simultaneously with the start of the course set by the user. Thereby, even if a power supply is interrupted during execution of the course, the washing machine prevents the course from disappearing.

  The washing machine disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-46781 stores a product operation program in a flash memory. As a result, the operation program of the product can be rewritten even after the washing machine is put on the market, so that the washing machine can always be used with the latest functions and the replacement period of the washing machine can be extended.

  However, since the washing machine disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-269591 has a configuration in which the nonvolatile memory is arranged outside the microcomputer, the reliability of the backup data stored in the nonvolatile memory cannot be improved, and There is a problem that the circuit configuration is not inexpensive.

  The washing machine disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-46781 is controlled based on a program stored in a flash memory, but the flash memory is used only for a device control program, and only when the control program is changed. The flash memory is rewritten.

Therefore, the washing machine disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-46781 usually has a problem that the area of the flash memory is not used effectively because the content of the flash memory is not rewritten when the user uses it.
JP-A-6-269591 JP 2001-46781 A

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a laundry device having an inexpensive circuit configuration that effectively uses the area of a flash memory, improves the reliability of backup data such as user operation setting contents, and the like.

In order to solve the above problems, the laundry machine of the present invention is
It has a microcomputer with built-in flash memory,
The above flash memory
A control program area in which the control program is written, and
And a backup data area in which backup data is written.

  According to the laundry machine configured as described above, the flash memory has the control program area in which the control program is written and the backup data area in which the backup data is written, so that the area of the flash memory can be used effectively. .

  Further, since the flash memory is built in the microcomputer, it is not necessary to use an external memory for storing backup data, and there is no need for data communication with the external memory. Reliability can be improved and an inexpensive circuit configuration can be realized.

In the laundry machine of one embodiment,
The control program area and the backup data area are composed of separate blocks.

  According to the laundry machine of the above embodiment, since the control program area and the backup data area are composed of separate blocks, it is possible to erase only the control program area or only the backup data area. .

  If a program for erasing the backup data area is written in the control program area, the backup data area can be erased by executing the control program.

  By the way, normally, in the flash memory, the number of erase guarantees, for example, 10,000 times is defined in the component specifications. If the number of erase guarantees is exceeded, the time for erasing the flash memory tends to become extremely long.

  Further, the flash memory cannot write data by overwriting in the area where data has been written once.

Therefore, in the laundry machine of one embodiment,
The backup data area has a plurality of records each composed of a plurality of data,
The microcomputer writes the backup data in the record and changes the record in which the backup data is written.

  According to the laundry machine of the above embodiment, the microcomputer writes backup data to the record and changes the record to which the backup data is written. Therefore, a plurality of backup data can be stored for one erase process of the flash memory. Writing becomes possible.

  As a result, the number of times the flash memory is erased can be reduced, so that the life of the flash memory can be extended.

In the laundry machine of one embodiment,
The microcomputer is
A process of reading the plurality of records in a predetermined order;
A process for determining that the record in which all of the plurality of data is data after completion of erasure as an empty record;
A process of writing the backup data in the record determined as the empty record is performed.

  According to the laundry machine of the above-described embodiment, when writing the backup data, a plurality of records are read sequentially from, for example, the head address in the backup data area. At this time, if all the data in the same record is data after completion of erasure, the record is determined as an empty record, and the backup data is written in the record.

  Therefore, the backup data can be reliably written to the record.

In the laundry machine of one embodiment,
The microcomputer is
A process of reading the plurality of records in a predetermined order;
A process for determining that the record in which all of the plurality of data is data after completion of erasure as an empty record;
A process of determining a record read immediately before the record determined as the empty record as the latest record;
A process of reading the backup data stored in the record determined to be the latest record is performed.

  According to the laundry machine of the above-described embodiment, when the backup data is read, a plurality of records are read sequentially from, for example, the head address of the backup data area. At this time, when all the data in the same record is data after completion of the erase, the record is determined as an empty record, and the record read immediately before the record determined to be an empty record is determined as the latest record. Then, the backup data stored in the record determined as the latest record is read out.

  Therefore, even if there are a plurality of backup data, the latest backup data can be reliably read out.

In the laundry machine of one embodiment,
The microcomputer is
A process for determining whether or not the entire backup data area has been used;
When it is determined that the entire backup data area is used, a process of erasing the backup data area is performed.

  According to the laundry machine of the above embodiment, when the entire backup data area is used, the backup data area is erased. Therefore, the erase data is repeatedly used for the number of times guaranteed for the flash memory to use the backup data area. Can always handle the latest backup data.

In the laundry machine of one embodiment,
The backup data area consists of at least two blocks,
The microcomputer is
A process for determining whether or not the entire backup data area has been used;
When it is determined that the entire backup data area is used, a process of erasing blocks other than the block storing the latest backup data is performed.

  According to the laundry machine of the above embodiment, since the backup data area is composed of at least two blocks, the erase process can be performed only on a part of the backup data area, and the part to be erased and the part not to be erased. The independence of the backup data can be increased, and the reliability of the backup data can be increased.

  In addition, when all of the backup data area is used, blocks other than the block storing the latest data are erased, so that the time required for the erase process can be shortened compared with erasing the entire backup data area. It is possible to improve the reliability of the backup data by holding the latest backup data without erasing it.

In the laundry machine of one embodiment,
The microcomputer is
A process of determining whether or not a write error of the backup data has occurred when writing the backup data to the record;
When it is determined that a backup data write error has occurred, a process of rewriting the backup data in a record other than the record in which the backup data has been written is performed.

  According to the laundry machine of the above embodiment, even when a backup data write error is detected due to a failure of a part of the backup data area or the like when the backup data is written, other than the record in which the backup data is written. Since the backup data writing process is performed again on the record, the reliability of the backup data writing process can be improved.

In the laundry machine of one embodiment,
The microcomputer is
A process for determining whether or not the time elapsed since the start of writing the backup data has exceeded a predetermined time;
When it is determined that the time exceeds the predetermined time, a process of rewriting the backup data in a record other than the record in which the backup data has been written is performed.

  According to the laundry machine of the above embodiment, when the backup data write timeout is detected due to a failure of a part of the backup data area or the like when the backup data is written, other than the record in which the backup data is written. Since the backup data writing process is performed again on the record, the reliability of the backup data writing process can be improved.

In the laundry machine of one embodiment,
The microcomputer is
A process for determining whether an erase error has occurred in the backup data area when erasing the backup data area; and
If it is determined that the erase error has occurred, the backup data area is erased again.

  According to the laundry machine of the above embodiment, when it is determined that the erase error has occurred, the backup data area is erased again. That is, when the erase error is detected, the erase process is retried. Even in the case of failure, the reliability of the erase process can be improved.

In the laundry machine of one embodiment,
The microcomputer is
A process for determining whether an erase error has occurred in the backup data area when erasing the backup data area; and
When the number of occurrences of the erase error reaches a predetermined number, the erase of the backup data area is stopped and the backup data is set to a predetermined initial value.

  According to the laundry machine of the above embodiment, when the backup data area cannot be erased due to a failure of the flash memory or the like, the erase process is stopped halfway when the number of erase errors reaches a predetermined number, so the process is infinite. There is no fear of entering the loop.

  In addition, even if the backup data becomes incompletely erased due to the failure of the erase process, the backup data operates as a predetermined initial value, so that the device does not operate with abnormal data, and the erase process In addition, the reliability of the reading process can be improved.

  Here, the number of erasure errors may be the number of integrations since the shipment of the laundry device, or may be the number of retries during the retry operation.

In the laundry machine of one embodiment,
The microcomputer is
A process for determining whether an erase error has occurred in the backup data area when erasing the backup data area; and
When the number of occurrences of the erase error reaches a predetermined number, the erase of the backup data area is stopped, and an error display indicating that the number of times has reached the predetermined number is performed.

  According to the laundry machine of the above embodiment, when the backup data area cannot be erased due to the failure of the flash memory, when the number of erase errors reaches a predetermined number, the erase process is stopped halfway and an error is displayed. As a result, the device does not operate using abnormal data, and the user does not face a dangerous state.

  In addition, even if important data for product operation is stored in the above backup data, and the backup data becomes incompletely erased due to the failure of the erase process, there is a concern that the device will operate with abnormal data. There is no.

  Here, the number of erasure errors may be the number of integrations since the shipment of the laundry device, or may be the number of retries during the retry operation.

In the laundry machine of one embodiment,
The microcomputer is
A process of erasing the backup data area when the power is turned on,
When the power is turned off, the backup data is written in the backup data area.

  According to the laundry machine of the above embodiment, the erase process of the flash memory can be executed only in units of blocks. For this reason, generally, the erase process of the flash memory takes a longer time than the write process.

  Therefore, the backup data area is erased when the power is turned on, and the backup data is written to the backup data area when the power is turned off, so that the erase process can be surely performed when the device is turned on. Even if the supply of power to the laundry machine is unexpectedly interrupted due to an instantaneous power failure or the like, the writing process can be performed reliably.

In the laundry machine of one embodiment,
Each of the plurality of records is provided with a checksum for guaranteeing the data.

  According to the laundry machine of the above embodiment, each of the plurality of records is provided with a checksum for guaranteeing the data. Therefore, when the backup data write to the record fails or the record is written to the record. It is possible to discriminate illegal data such as when reading of the backed-up backup data fails, and to improve the reliability of the record data.

In the laundry machine of one embodiment,
The microcomputer invalidates a user operation during erasure of the backup data area.

  According to the laundry machine of the above embodiment, even when, for example, the power-off key is pressed during the erase process of the backup data area, the user operation is invalidated during the erase of the backup data area. Thus, the erase process can be performed reliably.

  For example, when the power off key is accepted, the process is given the highest priority.However, if the power off key is accepted with the highest priority during the erase process, the erase process is interrupted, resulting in an incomplete erase state of the backup data. There is a risk that it becomes illegal data.

  When the power off key is pressed, the power of the device may be turned off after performing the erase process.

  According to the laundry device of the present invention, in a laundry device having a microcomputer with built-in flash memory, the flash memory area is effectively used, the reliability of backup data such as the user's operation setting contents is increased, and an inexpensive circuit is provided. A configuration can be realized.

  Hereinafter, the laundry machine of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the illustrated embodiments. However, each of the following embodiments is an example embodying the present invention and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a laundry machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The laundry machine includes an outer box 1. A door 15 for taking in and out the laundry is provided at the center of the front surface of the outer box 1. In addition, an operation unit 17 is provided in the upper part of the front surface of the outer box 1.

  A control unit 18 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) is attached to the back side of the operation unit 17. The control unit 18 executes a washing process, a rinsing process, a dehydrating process, and a drying process in a continuous or a plurality of processes or a single process based on an input from the operation unit 17.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the laundry machine.

  The laundry machine includes a water tank 2 disposed in the outer box 1 and a drum 3 that is rotatably supported in the water tank 2 by a horizontal shaft 3a.

  The water tank 2 is suspended by a spring (not shown) in the outer box 1 to absorb vibration during operation, so that washing water and rinsing water can be stored and washing water and rinsing water can be discharged. It has become. The washing water is water used in the washing process, and is water for removing dirt from the laundry.

  A circulation duct 7 is disposed outside the water tank 2. In the circulation duct 7, the water-cooled heat exchanger 30, a cooling water supply valve 31 for supplying cooling water to the water-cooled heat exchanger 30, and the air passing through the water-cooled heat exchanger 30 are supplied. A heating heater 5 for heating and a blower 6 for circulating hot air during the drying process are installed.

  The washing water and the rinsing water are supplied from the supply port 8 into the water tank 2. That is, the supply port 8 injects washing water and rinsing water into the water tank 2.

  Below the water tank 2, a drain pump 10 for discharging the wash water and rinse water in the water tank 2 to the outside of the outer box 1, and a pipe (not shown) for collecting the wash water and rinse water in the water tank 2. And a circulation pump 9 for returning to the supply port 8 again. In the piping path between the circulation pump 9 and the water tank 2, a lint filter 11 that can be attached and detached from the lower front portion of the outer box 1 is provided.

  Above the water tank 2, a water supply valve 12 for supplying tap water or water from the water pump 32 (see FIG. 3) into the water tank 2 is installed.

  A water level sensor 14 for detecting the water level in the water tank 2 is installed behind the water tank 2.

  A sealing packing 16 is interposed between the water tank 2 and the door 15. Thereby, it is possible to prevent washing water and rinsing water in the water tank 2 from coming out of the water tank 2.

  The drum 3 has a large number of small holes 4 for allowing water to be supplied during washing, drainage during dehydration, and warm air during drying to pass through the entire peripheral wall. The drum 3 is rotationally driven together with the horizontal shaft 3 a by a drum driving motor 13.

  FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the control unit 18 and a device driven by the control unit 18.

  The control unit 18 includes a microcomputer 19, and the microcomputer 19 includes a control program area 101 in which a control program is written, and a backup data area 102 that holds backup data such as operation conditions. Yes. The control unit 18 performs various controls according to the control program.

  The microcomputer 19 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 28 and a timer 52 in addition to the flash memory 20. The microcomputer 19 is connected to the reset circuit 26 and the power supply circuit 53. The reset circuit 26 can initialize the microcomputer 19. The counting unit 27 counts the operation time, and the RAM 28 temporarily holds the time counted by the counting unit 27.

  The CPU 51 includes a control unit 54 and a calculation unit 55, and the control unit 54 extracts and executes instructions stored in the ROM 54. The arithmetic unit 55 performs operations such as binary addition, logical operation, increase / decrease, and comparison with respect to data input from various input devices and the RAM 53 based on a control signal given from the control unit 54 at the instruction execution stage. I do. Therefore, the ROM 54 stores in advance means for operating various devices, conditions set for various determinations, rules for processing various information, and the like.

  Further, the microcomputer 19 receives signals from the input key circuit 21 and the state detection circuit 22.

  The state detection circuit 22 includes a plurality of sensors such as the water level sensor 14 and a circuit that converts signals from these sensors into digital signals.

  The signal output from the microcomputer 19 is input to a display device 23 made of liquid crystal or the like, a buzzer 24, and a load driving circuit 25. This buzzer 24 sounds at the end of washing or when there is an abnormality.

  The load drive circuit 25 drives the drying heater 5, the blower 6, the drainage pump 10, the circulation pump 9, the water supply valve 12, the drum drive motor 13, the cooling water supply valve 31, and the boiling water pump 32.

  FIG. 4 shows an input key layout of the operation unit 17.

  The operation unit 17 includes a washing manual key 33 for setting the operation content of the washing process, a rinsing manual key 34 for setting the operation content of the rinsing process, and a dehydration manual key 35 for selecting the operation content of the dehydration process. , Drying manual key 36 for selecting the operation content of the drying process, course key 37 for selecting the course, power key 38, start key 39 for starting / pausing the operation of the laundry machine, and setting the washing time A reservation key 40 for performing the operation and a bath water key 41 for selecting use of bath water are included.

  By operating the course key 37, the standard course for normal washing, the blanket course for washing blankets, the speed course for easy washing when the laundry is lightly soiled, and the user can change the setting arbitrarily. The desired course can be selected from the four courses with the Nagare Family Course. The setting contents of the above-mentioned family course are backed up in the backup data area 102 (see FIG. 3).

  FIG. 5 shows a memory layout of the microcomputer 19.

  The memory of the microcomputer 19 includes an SFR (peripheral function control register), a RAM 28 and a flash memory 20. The flash memory 20 is provided with a device control program area 101 and a backup data area 102 for user operation setting contents and the like.

  According to the laundry machine configured as described above, since the flash memory 20 has the control program area 101 and the backup data area 102, the area of the flash memory 20 can be used effectively.

  Further, since the flash memory 20 is built in the microcomputer 19, it is not necessary to use an external memory for storing backup data, and there is no need for data communication with the external memory. Data reliability can be improved and an inexpensive circuit configuration can be realized.

  In the above embodiment, the control program area 101 and the backup data area 102 are arranged in the same block. However, as shown in FIG. 6, they may be arranged in separate blocks as erase blocks.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the backup data area 102 may be divided into a plurality of records each composed of a plurality of data. For example, if the backup data area 102 has a total of 256 bytes and 32 bytes of data are required for one backup, dividing this into 8 records results in 32 bytes per record. be able to.

  When the backup data is written for the first time in such a divided state, the backup data is written in the area of record 0, and when the backup data is written next, the backup data such as operation conditions is written in the area of record 1. .

  That is, the record is changed and used when the backup data is written.

  Further, when writing the backup data, a record in the backup data area 102 is read, and if all the data in the same record is “FF (data after completion of erasure)”, the record is determined as an empty record. The backup data is written in the record determined to be an empty record.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, first, in step S8-1, initial setting of the write address is performed. In the initial setting, the address of the first record in the backup data area 102 is set.

  Next, in step S8-2, it is determined whether or not all searches for all records in the data block have been completed. That is, in step S8-2, it is determined whether or not all data in the same record is “FF” in all records of the data block.

  If it is determined in step S8-2 that all data in the same record are not “FF” in all records of the data block, that is, if it is determined that there is no empty record, steps S8-6 and S8-7 are sequentially performed. Then, the process proceeds to step S8-5. In step S8-5, backup data writing processing is performed.

  In step S8-6, the erase process is performed on all records in the data block.

  In step S8-7, the write address is set in the first record.

  If it is determined in step S8-2 that there is no empty record, the backup data writing process may be terminated without performing steps S8-6, S8-7, and S8-5.

  Further, when the backup data writing process is terminated without performing steps S8-6, S8-7, and S8-5, it is displayed on the display device 23 that there is no empty record, and all records in the data block are displayed. The user may be allowed to select whether or not to perform the erase process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8-2 that there is at least one record in which all data is “FF” in all records of the data block, that is, if it is determined that there is an empty record, the process proceeds to step S8-3. .

  In step S8-3, it is determined whether or not all data in the record of the write address is “FF”.

  If it is determined in step S8-3 that all data in the record at the write address is “FF”, that is, if it is determined that the record at the write address is an empty record, the process proceeds to step S8-5.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8-3 that all the data in the record at the write address is not “FF”, that is, if it is determined that the record at the write address is not an empty record, the process proceeds to step S8-4. After updating the address, the process returns to step S8-2.

  The processing in steps S8-3, S8-4, and S8-5 will be described with reference to FIG. 9. First, since all data in the record 0 is not “FF”, the write address is updated.

  Next, since all data in the record 1 is not “FF”, the write address is updated.

  Next, since all data in the same record is “FF”, the record 2 is determined to be an empty record, and the backup data is written in the record 2.

  When reading the backup data, the record in the backup data area 102 is read, and when all the data in the same record is “FF”, it is determined as an empty record, and the latest data is stored in the previous record. Read as a record that has been recorded.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, first, the read address is initially set in step S10-1. In the initial setting, the address of the first record in the backup data area is set.

  Next, in step S10-2, it is determined whether or not all searches for all records in the data block have been completed. That is, in step S10-2, it is determined whether or not all the data in the same record is “FF (data after completion of erasure)” in all the records of the data block.

  If it is determined in step S10-2 that all the data in the same record are not “FF” in all records of the data block, that is, if it is determined that there is no empty record, the process of step S10-9 is performed. Proceed to step S10-6. In step S10-9, the last record is regarded as a record in which the latest data is stored, and the read address is set to the address of the last record.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S10-2 that there is at least one record in which all data is “FF” in all records of the data block, that is, if it is determined that there is an empty record, the process proceeds to step S10-3.

  In step S10-3, it is determined whether all data in the read address record is “FF”.

  If it is determined in step S10-3 that all data in the read address record is “FF”, that is, if it is determined that the read address record is an empty record, the process of step S10-5 is performed. Then, it progresses to step S10-6. In step S10-5, the record one record before is regarded as the record in which the latest data is stored, and the read address is decremented.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S10-3 that all the data in the read address record is not “FF”, that is, if it is determined that the read address record is not an empty record, the process proceeds to step S10-4. After updating the address, the process returns to step S10-2.

  In step S10-6, the backup data written in the record at the read address is read.

  After performing the reading process in step S10-6, it is determined in step S10-7 whether or not the entire backup data area 102 is used.

  If it is determined in step S10-7 that the entire backup data area 102 is not used, the process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S10-7 that the entire backup data area 102 is used, the process of step S10-8 is performed and the process ends. In step S10-8, erase processing is performed. When this erasure process is completed, all the data in the backup data area 102 becomes “FF”, and the data can be written again.

  The processing in steps S10-3, S10-4, S10-5, and S10-6 will be described with reference to FIG. 9. Since all data in the record 0 is not “FF”, the write address is updated.

  Next, since all data of the record 1 is not “FF”, the write address is updated.

  Next, since all data in the record 2 is “FF”, the address is decremented, the record 1 one record before is regarded as the record in which the latest data is stored, and the backup data of the record 1 is read.

  The backup data area 102 may have a record 0 shown in FIG. For example, when there are 32 bytes per record, record 0 uses addresses “00” to “1E” as the actual data area and address “1F” as the checksum area. A checksum is set according to the contents of actual data from addresses “00” to “1E”. For example, the checksum setting method is an exclusive OR of all data from addresses “00” to “1E”. Thus, in order to improve the reliability of record data, a checksum may be provided for each record.

  The backup data area 102 may have two blocks as shown in FIG. More specifically, the backup data area 102 is divided into two blocks, block A and block B, as erase blocks.

  As described above, since the backup data area 102 includes the block A and the block B, it is possible to perform processing even when it is desired to erase only the block A or only block B. It is also possible to erase both the block A and the block B.

  For example, if backup data that is frequently changed is placed in the block A and the backup data that is not changed by the user is placed in the block B, a normal user can be obtained. By erasing only the block A at the time of use, the reliability of the backup data of the block B can be improved.

  When the backup data area 102 includes the block A and the block B, as shown in FIG. 13A, the read address may be checked after the read process in step S13-1.

  That is, after performing the reading process of step S13-1, it may be determined whether or not the record on which the reading process has been performed is the last record of block A in step S13-2.

  If it is determined in step S13-2 that the record subjected to the read process is the final record of block A, the process proceeds to step S13-4, and after the erase process of block B is performed, the check of the read address is completed. To do.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13-2 that the record that has been read is not the last record in block A, the process proceeds to the next step S13-3.

  When the process proceeds to step S13-3, it is determined whether the record on which the reading process has been performed is the last record of the block B.

  If it is determined in step S13-3 that the record subjected to the read process is the final record of block B, the process proceeds to step S13-5, the erase process of block A is performed, and the check of the read address is completed. To do.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13-3 that the record subjected to the read process is not the last record in block B, the check of the read address is terminated.

  In this way, if all the records are used in one of the block A and the block B, the other of the block A and the block B is erased.

  Further, the block A and the block B may have a memory arrangement as shown in FIG. 13B.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, a write error may be detected after the backup data write processing is performed in step S14-1.

  That is, after the backup data write process is performed in step S14-1, it is determined in step S14-2 whether a write error due to a partial failure or the like of the flash memory 20 has occurred.

  If it is determined in step S14-2 that a write error due to a partial failure or the like of the flash memory 20 has occurred, the process returns to step S14-1 after performing the process of step S14-3. In step S14-3, the write address is incremented. As a result, it is possible to write again to the record next to the record that has been written.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S14-2 that a write error due to a partial failure or the like of the flash memory 20 has not occurred, the detection of the write error is terminated.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the write timeout may be counted after the backup data writing process is performed in step S15-1.

  That is, after the backup data write process is performed in step S15-1, it is determined in step S15-2 whether a write timeout has occurred due to a partial failure of the flash memory 20, or the like.

  If it is determined in step S15-2 that a write timeout has occurred due to a partial failure or the like of the flash memory 20, the process returns to step S15-1 after performing the process of step S15-3. In step S15-3, the write address is incremented. As a result, it is possible to write again to the record next to the record that has been written.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S15-2 that a write timeout has not occurred due to a partial failure of the flash memory 20, the detection of the write timeout is terminated.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 16, an erase error may be detected after the backup data is erased in step S16-1.

  That is, after erasing the backup data in step S16-1, it is determined in step S16-2 whether an erase error due to a failure of the flash memory 20 has occurred.

  If it is determined in step S16-2 that an erase error has occurred due to a failure or the like of the flash memory 20, the process returns to step S16-1. As a result, the erase process can be performed again on the block for which the erase process has failed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S16-2 that an erase error has not occurred due to a failure or the like of the flash memory 20, the detection of the erase error is terminated.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 17, an erase error may be detected after the backup data is erased in step S17-1.

  That is, after erasing the backup data in step S17-1, it is determined in step S17-2 whether an erase error due to a failure of the flash memory 20 has occurred.

  If it is determined in step S17-2 that an erase error has occurred due to failure of the flash memory 20, etc., the process proceeds to step S17-3.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S17-2 that no erase error has occurred due to a failure or the like of the flash memory 20, the detection of the erase error is terminated.

  When the process proceeds to step S17-3, it is determined whether or not the number of erase errors is a predetermined Nth.

  If it is determined in step S17-3 that the number of erase errors is not the predetermined Nth, the process returns to step S17-1. As a result, the erase process can be performed again on the block for which the erase process has failed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S17-3 that the number of erase errors is the predetermined Nth, the process proceeds to step S17-4, where a predetermined initial value is adopted for the backup data, and then an erase error is detected. End detection.

  In the process of step S17-4, for example, when the data of “my family course” that stores the setting contents according to the user's preference is included in the backup data, the washing time “15 minutes”, Predetermined initial values such as the number of times of rinsing “2 times” and the dehydration time “9 minutes” are adopted.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 18, an erase error may be detected after the backup data is erased in step S18-1.

  That is, after erasing the backup data in step S18-1, it is determined in step S18-2 whether an erase error due to a failure of the flash memory 20 has occurred.

  If it is determined in step S18-2 that an erase error has occurred due to failure of the flash memory 20, etc., the process proceeds to step S18-3.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S18-2 that no erase error has occurred due to a failure or the like of the flash memory 20, the detection of the erase error is terminated.

  When the process proceeds to step S18-3, it is determined whether or not the number of erase errors is a predetermined Nth.

  If it is determined in step S18-3 that the number of erase errors is not the predetermined Nth, the process returns to step S18-1. As a result, the erase process can be performed again on the block for which the erase process has failed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S18-3 that the number of erase errors is the predetermined Nth, the process proceeds to step S18-4, where an error is displayed on the display device 23, and an erase error occurs in the backup data to the user. After notifying that this has been done, the erase error detection is terminated.

  Further, the microcomputer 19 may perform processing as shown in FIG. 19 from when the laundry machine is turned on until it is turned off.

  That is, first, when the power of the laundry machine is turned on in step S19-1, the microcomputer 19 is initialized in step S19-2. In this initial setting, all outputs are turned off, I / O (input / output) setting, RAM clearing, and the like are performed.

  Next, a backup data read process is performed in step S19-3. When the read process is completed, it is determined in step S19-4 whether an erase process is necessary because all records are used. .

  If it is determined in step S19-4 that the erase process is necessary, the process proceeds to step S19-5, where the erase process is performed on the backup data area 102, and it is determined that the erase process is not necessary. Then, it progresses to step S19-6.

  Next, when the operation of the laundry machine starts in step S19-6, washing and drying operations such as washing, rinsing, dehydration, and drying are performed in step S19-7. After the operation is completed, the backup data is stored in step S19-8. Write processing. When the writing process is completed, the power is turned off in step S19-9.

  While the erase process is being performed in step S19-5, for example, even if a power off key is received, the power off process may be performed after the erase process is completed.

  The above embodiment should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above-described embodiment but by the scope of claims, and includes all modifications and variations within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of claims.

  For example, the present invention can be used in a washing machine such as a so-called oblique drum washing machine or a vertical washing machine.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a laundry machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the laundry machine. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the control unit of the laundry machine and a device driven by the control unit. FIG. 4 is an input key layout diagram of the operation unit of the laundry machine. FIG. 5 is a memory layout diagram of the microcomputer of the laundry machine. FIG. 6 is another memory layout diagram of the microcomputer of the laundry machine. FIG. 7 is a memory layout diagram of backup data of the laundry machine. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the processing of the microcomputer. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing backup data of the laundry machine. FIG. 10 is another flowchart of the processing of the microcomputer. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another backup data of the laundry machine. FIG. 12 is a layout diagram of record data of the laundry machine. FIG. 13A is another flowchart of the processing of the microcomputer. FIG. 13B is a layout diagram of other record data of the laundry machine. FIG. 14 is another flowchart of the processing of the microcomputer. FIG. 15 is another flowchart of the processing of the microcomputer. FIG. 16 is another flowchart of the processing of the microcomputer. FIG. 17 is another flowchart of the processing of the microcomputer. FIG. 18 is another flowchart of the processing of the microcomputer. FIG. 19 is another flowchart of the processing of the microcomputer.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Outer box 2 Water tank 3 Drum 4 Small hole 5 Drying heater 6 Blower 7 Circulation duct 8 Supply port 9 Circulation pump 10 Drainage pump 11 Waste thread filter 12 Water supply valve 13 Drum drive motor 14 Water level sensor 15 Door 16 Sealing Packing 17 operation unit 18 control unit 19 microcomputer 20 flash memory 21 input key circuit 22 state detection circuit 23 display device 24 buzzer 25 load drive circuit 26 reset circuit 27 count unit 28 RAM
30 Water-cooled heat exchanger 31 Cooling water supply valve 32 Bath water pump 33 Washing manual key 34 Rinse manual key 35 Dehydration manual key 36 Drying manual key 37 Koskey 38 Power key 39 Start key 40 Reservation key 41 Bath water key

Claims (13)

It has a microcomputer with built-in flash memory,
The above flash memory
A control program area in which the control program is written, and
A laundry device having a backup data area in which backup data is written. In the laundry machine according to claim 1,
The laundry machine, wherein the control program area and the backup data area are composed of separate blocks. In the laundry machine according to claim 1,
The backup data area has a plurality of records each composed of a plurality of data,
The laundry machine, wherein the microcomputer writes the backup data to the record and changes the record to which the backup data is written. In the laundry machine according to claim 3,
The microcomputer is
A process of reading the plurality of records in a predetermined order;
A process for determining that the record in which all of the plurality of data is data after completion of erasure as an empty record;
A laundry machine that performs a process of writing the backup data in the record determined to be the empty record. In the laundry machine according to claim 3,
The microcomputer is
A process of reading the plurality of records in a predetermined order;
A process for determining that the record in which all of the plurality of data is data after completion of erasure as an empty record;
A process of determining a record read immediately before the record determined as the empty record as the latest record;
A laundry machine that performs a process of reading the backup data stored in the record determined to be the latest record. In the laundry machine according to claim 2,
The microcomputer is
A process for determining whether or not the entire backup data area has been used;
A laundry machine characterized by performing a process of erasing the backup data area when it is determined that the entire backup data area is used. In the laundry machine according to claim 2,
The backup data area consists of at least two blocks,
The microcomputer is
A process for determining whether or not the entire backup data area has been used;
When it is determined that all of the backup data area is used, the laundry device performs a process of erasing blocks other than the block storing the latest backup data. In the laundry machine according to claim 3,
The microcomputer is
A process of determining whether or not a write error of the backup data has occurred when writing the backup data to the record;
When it is determined that a backup data write error has occurred, a laundry device is characterized in that the backup data is rewritten in a record other than the record in which the backup data was written. In the laundry machine according to claim 3,
The microcomputer is
A process for determining whether or not the time elapsed since the start of writing the backup data has exceeded a predetermined time;
When it is determined that the time exceeds a predetermined time, the laundry device performs a process of rewriting the backup data in a record other than the record in which the backup data has been written. In the laundry machine according to claim 6,
The microcomputer is
A process for determining whether an erase error has occurred in the backup data area when erasing the backup data area; and
When it is determined that the erase error has occurred, the laundry device performs a process of erasing the backup data area again. In the laundry machine according to claim 6,
The microcomputer is
A process for determining whether an erase error has occurred in the backup data area when erasing the backup data area; and
A laundry machine characterized in that, when the number of occurrences of the erase error reaches a predetermined number, the erase of the backup data area is stopped and the backup data is set to a predetermined initial value. In the laundry machine according to claim 6,
The microcomputer is
A process for determining whether an erase error has occurred in the backup data area when erasing the backup data area; and
When the number of occurrences of the erasure error reaches a predetermined number of times, the erasing of the backup data area is stopped, and an error display indicating that the number of times has reached the predetermined number of times is performed. machine. In the laundry machine according to claim 2,
The microcomputer is
A process of erasing the backup data area when the power is turned on,
A laundry machine that performs a process of writing the backup data in the backup data area when the power is turned off.

Images