JP2011050675A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a safe and easy-to-use washing machine in which the laundry can be added and taken out by unlocking a lid without impairing safety. <P>SOLUTION: This washing machine comprises: a washing tub provided with an opening through which the laundry is put in and taken out; an electric motor for driving the washing tub to rotate; the lid for opening/closing the opening; a lid locking device for locking the lid in a closed state; an input setting means for inputting operation courses including washing, rinsing, and spin-drying operations; and a control device for controlling the rotary drive of the electric motor and the locking/unlocking operation of the lid locking device. This washing machine is also provided with a lid detection means which detects the opening/closing state of the lid. The washing operation includes a laundry volume detection process for detecting the volume of the laundry, as well as a washing process. The control device controls the locking/unlocking operation of the lid, so that in the washing process the lid locking device can keep the lid locked if the closed lid state is detected by the lid detection means, while in the laundry volume detection process the lid locking device can allow the lid to be in the unlocked state regardless of the detection of the lid closed or unclosed by the lid detection means during the washing process. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine including a lid lock device that locks a lid body that opens and closes an opening of a washing tub in a closed state.

  A washing machine provided with this lid locking device is described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-180960 (Patent Document 1).

  The washing machine shown in Patent Document 1 is safe because the lid that opens and closes the opening of the washing tub is locked in a closed state during operation and is not opened accidentally.

JP 2006-180960 A

  However, while the safety is enhanced, the lid is locked in the closed state, so that the lid cannot be opened after the washing operation is started, and the laundry cannot be added or taken out, which impairs usability. In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a safe and easy-to-use washing machine capable of adding and removing laundry by unlocking the lid so that safety is not lost. .

  The present invention relates to a washing tub having an opening for taking in and out the laundry to be washed, an electric motor for rotationally driving the washing tub, a lid for opening and closing the opening, and a lid locking device for locking the lid in a closed state. And an input setting means for inputting an operation course including washing, rinsing, and dehydration; and a control device for controlling drive rotation of the electric motor, locking and releasing of the lid locking device, A lid detecting means for detecting opening and closing is provided, and the washing operation includes a washing amount detecting process section and a washing process section for detecting a washing amount. In the washing process section, when the lid detecting means detects the lid closing, the lid lock In the washing amount detection process unit, the control unit is configured so that the lid detection unit is in the unlocked state regardless of whether the lid detection means detects that the lid is closed or not. control And wherein the Rukoto.

  According to the present invention, since the lid locking device is locked in the washing process section, it is safe. In the detection process section for detecting the amount of washing, the lid locking apparatus is unlocked, so that the laundry can be added or removed. Can provide a good washing machine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of an entire washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which concerns on the Example of this invention, and shows the lock release state of a lid | cover locking device. It is a figure which concerns on the Example of this invention and shows the locked state of a lid | cover locking device. It is a figure which concerns on the Example of this invention and shows a lid | cover detection means. It is a figure which concerns on the Example of this invention and shows a control block circuit. It is a figure which shows the operation panel which concerns on the Example of this invention and is provided with an input setting means. It is a figure which concerns on the Example of this invention, and shows the flow of the whole washing operation of the washing operation ranging from washing to final dehydration. It is a figure which concerns on the Example of this invention and is a figure which shows the flow of the lid | cover lock apparatus ranging from the washing amount detection process part to the washing process part in the driving | running | working of washing | cleaning which is the principal part of this invention.

  Hereinafter, examples according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, the outline of the washing machine will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 3.

  1, the outer casing of the washing machine includes an outer frame 1, an outer frame base 2 that supports the outer frame 1 from below, a top cover 3 provided on the outer frame 1, and a top cover. 3 has a lid 4 that can be freely opened and closed. The outer tub 5 is anti-vibrated and supported via an anti-vibration spring 21 on a hanging rod 7 that hangs from a corner support 8 provided inside the outer frame 1 on the upper side of the outer frame 1.

  The washing tub 9 is rotatably placed in the outer tub 5. A DC brushless motor as the electric motor 19 for washing and dehydrating is provided on the bottom lower surface of the outer tub 5. The electric motor 19 for washing and dewatering is firmly attached to the outer tub 5. A driving pulley 17 is fastened to the rotating main shaft of the washing / dehydrating motor 19.

  The stirring blade 11 is rotatably placed in the washing tub 9. The gear case 14 is fixed directly below the stirring blade 11 on the outer lower surface of the outer tub 5. The clutch provided at the lower part of the gear case 14 has a driven pulley 15. The rotation of the electric motor 19 is transmitted to the clutch through a belt that is stretched between the driven pulley 15 and the driving pulley 17, and is transmitted to the gear of the gear case 14.

  The stirring blade 11 is fastened to the inner output shaft of the gear case 14, and the washing tub 9 is fastened to the outer output shaft.

  The drive rotation of the electric motor 19 for washing and dewatering is switched by a clutch (rotation transmission switching means). The rotation of the electric motor 19 is transmitted to the stirring blade 11 or the washing tub 9 and the stirring blade 11 by switching the clutch (rotation transmission switching means).

  The laundry in the washing tub 9 is washed by the stirring rotation of the stirring blade 11. The laundry in the washing tub 9 is centrifugally dehydrated at a high speed in the washing tub 9.

  When the laundry is dewatered, the electric motor 19 rotates at a high speed, and centrifugal dewatering is performed from the dewatering hole 3 a provided in the body of the washing tub 9. Since the washing tub 9 is provided with the balancer 10 on the upper part, the abnormal vibration at the time of centrifugal dehydration when the imbalance occurs due to the deviation of the laundry is alleviated.

  The lid 4 opens and closes an opening provided in the upper part of the washing tub 9. Since the lid 4 that is closed during washing or dehydration is locked by a lid locking device described later, the lid 4 cannot be opened. When the laundry is put in and out of the washing tub 9, the lid 4 can be opened because the lock of the lid lock device is released.

  The control board 27 is provided on the top cover 3. An operation panel 36 is provided on the surface of the control board 27. The operation panel 36 is provided with input setting means, a power switch and the like which will be described later.

  The water level sensor 38 is provided on the back side of the top cover 3. The water level sensor 38 communicates with the air chamber of the air trap 14 through the pressure tube 26. The level of the washing water stored in the outer tub 5 is detected by the water level sensor 38 by the change of the water pressure, and the water level information is provided to the control board 27 to control the water supply.

  The water injection case 25 is connected to the water supply hose 31 via the water supply electromagnetic valve 6. The water supply hose 31 is connected to a tap for supplying tap water. The tap water is poured into the washing tub 9 through the water pouring case 25 when the water supply electromagnetic valve 6 is opened.

  The outer tank cover 13 is provided on the upper part of the outer tank 5. Even if the tap water flowing out from the water injection case 25 deviates to the outside of the washing tub 9, it is guided by the outer tub cover 13 and flows out of the machine so as not to wet the floor surface. Is poured into the washing tub 9.

  The drainage electromagnetic valve 22 is provided in a drainage hose 23 that communicates with a drainage port provided at the bottom of the outer tub 5. Water used for washing and rinsing is drained outside the machine through the drainage hose 23 when the drainage solenoid valve 22 is opened.

  The lid lock device and the lid detection switch, which are the main parts of the present invention, will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the lid locking device will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the lid locking device is provided inside the front side of the top cover 3. The lid locking device includes a base plate 100, a solenoid 101, a lock plunger 102, and a biasing spring (not shown). The base plate 100 is fixed to the support boss 103 of the top cover 3 with fixing screws 105.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the solenoid 101 is energized, the lock plunger 102 is attracted to the solenoid 101 against the biasing spring. When energization of the solenoid 101 is stopped,
As shown in FIG. 3, the lock plunger 102 protrudes from the solenoid 101 by the force of the biasing spring.

  The lid body 4 has a stop hole 104 through which a lock plunger enters and exits from a hanging wall portion 106 that falls to the front side. As shown in FIG. 3, when the energization of the solenoid 101 is stopped, the lock plunger 102 protrudes from the solenoid 101 and is inserted into the stop hole 104, so that the closed lid 4 is locked. Become.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the solenoid 101 is energized, and the lock plunger 102 is pulled by the solenoid 101 and comes out of the stop hole 104, so that the lock of the lid 4 is unlocked.

  The lid detection switch will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the lid detection switch as lid detection means for detecting opening and closing of the lid body 4 includes an open / close sensor 110 and a magnet 111. The open / close sensor 110 is provided inside the front cover 3. The magnet 111 is provided on the inner side of the hanging wall portion 103 formed so as to fall on the front side of the lid body 4. The magnet 111 and the open / close sensor 110 are provided so as to face each other when the lid 4 is closed.

  When the lid 4 is closed, the open / close sensor 110 detects the magnetic force of the magnet 111 and the lid 4 is closed to detect the closure of the lid. When the lid body 4 is opened, the open / close sensor 110 does not sense the magnetic force of the magnet 111, so the opening of the lid body is detected.

  The lid detection switch may be a switch whose on / off contact is turned on / off according to the opening / closing operation of the lid.

  Moreover, the cover body 4 is provided with 112 at the lower end of the drooping wall portion 103 to ease a collision when the cover body 4 is closed.

  The control circuit of the washing machine will be described with reference to the control block circuit shown in FIG.

  The control circuit is provided in the control board 27 shown in FIG.

  The control circuit (control device) includes a control unit unit 61, an input circuit unit 70, and an output drive circuit unit 71 made of a microcomputer. The control unit 61 includes a CPU 62 (central control unit), a timer 63, a memory 64, an output port 65, and an input port 66. The CPU 62 includes a calculation unit 62a and a control unit 62b. The memory 64 has a RAM 64a and a ROM 64b.

  The input circuit unit 70 includes a power switch 37, a water level sensor 38, an IC Hall element 74, a lid opening / closing sensor 75 (corresponding to the lid detecting switch constituted by the opening / closing sensor 110 and the magnet 111), a fully automatic selection key 76, a manual A setting key 77, a cloth amount sensor 78, and a lid lock operation key 79 are connected. Information signals of various switches and sensors are input to the input circuit unit 70, and information is transmitted to the control unit unit 61 through the input circuit unit 70.

  The output drive circuit unit 71 includes a DC brushless motor that is an electric motor 19 for washing and dehydration, a water supply electromagnetic valve 6, a drainage electromagnetic valve 22, a lid lock solenoid 79 (corresponding to the solenoid 101 described above) of the lid lock device, and an end buzzer. 80 is connected. Various electric devices including the DC brushless motor and the drain electromagnetic valve 22 are operated by the electric power supplied through the output drive circuit unit 71 under the control of the control unit 61 (control means).

  The operation panel will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  As described above, the operation panel 36 is provided on the top cover 3 and includes an input setting unit. The switches as input setting means are a power switch 37, an energy saving switch 130, and a washing course selection switch 131 from the right end. Also, from the left end are a washing switch 132, a rinse switch 133, a dehydration switch 134, a dehydration speed switch 135, and a water level selection switch 136. The center is a start / pause switch 137.

  The washing course selection switch 131 corresponds to the fully automatic selection key 76 described above with reference to FIG. The washing switch 132, the rinse switch 133, the dehydration switch 134, the dehydration speed switch 135, and the water level selection switch 136 correspond to the manual setting key 77 described above with reference to FIG.

  The lid lock, which is the main part of the present invention, is a start / pause switch 137, a washing switch 132, and a lid lock display unit 138.

  When the start / pause switch 137 is pressed, the lid locking device is in the unlocked state. The washing switch 132 is a switch for setting the washing time of the washing operation. When the washing switch 132 is pressed, the lid lock device is in a locked state. It is also possible to stop the combined use and provide a switch dedicated to the lid lock.

  Further, even if the washing switch 132 is pressed in a washing amount detection process section in a washing operation described later, the lid locking device is not locked. Regardless of whether the lid is opened or closed, the washing amount detection process section controls the control device so that the lid lock device is not locked.

  The lid lock display unit 138 indicates a locked state in which the lid locking device is locked by flashing lights. Further, although not shown in the figure, a display unit, a sound generation unit, and a buzzer for notifying a lid opening error warning that prompts the user to close the lid are provided.

  The overall flow of the washing operation will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7, the washing operation includes a washing operation 200, drainage 212, dehydration (1) 213,
This flow is a flow of water supply 214, rinse (1) 215, drainage 216, dewatering (2) 217, water supply 218, rinse (2) 219, drainage 220, and final dewatering 221.

  The lid lock according to the main part of the present invention relates to the lid lock in the washing operation 200. The washing operation 200 includes a washing amount detection process unit 210 and a washing process unit 211 that measure and detect the amount of laundry.

  The washing amount detection process unit 210 prevents the lid from being locked. The lid is not locked in the washing amount detection process section, and the lid can be opened to add or remove the laundry, which is convenient. The washing process unit 211 cannot be opened because the lid is locked. The locked lid that closes the opening of the washing tub containing the washing water is safe because it cannot be opened.

  This will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the washing amount detection routine is a washing amount detection process unit 210, and the operation control routine is a washing process unit 211.

  First, the washing amount detection process unit 210 will be described.

  In the initial state (step 300), the lid is closed. In step 301, the lid is opened, the laundry is put in (step 302), and the power switch 37 is turned on (step 303). The manual setting key 77 and the fully automatic washing key 76 are pressed to select a washing course (step 304).

  When the start / pause switch 137 is pressed (step 305), the washing amount is automatically detected and the washing amount measurement display is performed (step 306). In this washing amount detection process section, since no water is supplied to the washing tub, the amount of laundry in a dry cloth state is detected.

  The lid is not locked when the washing amount detection process section is changed. When the lid is closed, the control circuit (control device) controls the lid lock device to be in the unlocked state even when the lid detection switch as the lid detection means detects the closure of the lid. That is, in the washing amount detection process unit, the control device controls the lid lock device to be in the unlocked state regardless of whether the lid detection switch is closed or opened.

  For this reason, until the laundry amount detection process section is finished, the lid can be opened at any time to add or remove the laundry, which is convenient. Since the washing amount is detected with the dry cloth not supplied with water, there is no water in the washing tub, and it is not unsafe even if the lid can be opened freely.

  When the washing amount measurement display in step 306 is performed and the process proceeds to the washing process unit 211, it is confirmed in step 307 whether the lid is open. This confirmation is made by the control device reading the signal from the lid detection switch. When it is confirmed that the lid is closed, the lid locking device is operated to be locked by the control of the control device (step 308). As shown in FIG. 3, the lock plunger 102 protrudes and is inserted into the blind hole 104, and is locked, so that the lid is locked.

When the lid is locked in step 308, water supply is started (step 309), the washing water is accumulated in the washing tub, and the washing operation is performed. When the lid detection switch detects that the lid is open in step 307, the process waits for 5 seconds (predetermined time T1) in step 310.

  When the lid is opened for 5 seconds, a lid open error warning is notified in step 311 to inform the user that the lid remains open. This notification prompts the user to close the lid. Subsequent to the lid opening error warning, whether or not the lid is closed in step 312 is sequentially checked, and when the lid is closed, the process proceeds to the previous step 308.

  When it is confirmed in step 312 that the lid is not closed, in step 313, the passage of 3 minutes (predetermined time T2) is awaited. If 3 minutes have passed without the lid being closed even after the lid opening error warning, the process returns to the initial state (step 300) in step 313.

  As described above, when the process proceeds to the washing process unit 211, the opening / closing of the lid is sequentially detected by the lid detection switch. When the lid is closed, the lid locking device is locked, and water is supplied to the washing tub while the lid is in a locked state, so that safety is ensured.

  If the lid is not closed after a predetermined time (5 seconds) after entering the washing process unit 211, a lid opening error warning is issued to prompt the lid to be closed (step 311). Then, while continuing the lid opening error warning, if it is not closed even after a predetermined time T2 (3 minutes), it returns to the initial state (step 300). After moving to the washing process section 211, it is safe because no washing operation including water supply is performed unless the lid is closed. Also, a lid opening error warning prompts the user to close the lid and returns to the initial state when the lid does not close even after a predetermined time has elapsed. It is a safety measure that also takes into account.

  When it is convenient to add or remove laundry after the start of water supply (step 309), the start / pause switch 137 is pressed (step 314). Thereby, it will be in the unlocked state in which the lock | rock of the cover body was cancelled | released (step 315).

  Open the lid and add or remove laundry. In this way, even after moving to a washing operation such as water supply, it is possible to meet the demands for adding and removing laundry by improving the usability without sacrificing safety by stepping on the unlocking of the lid. Can be achieved.

  In some cases, the lid cannot be opened even though the start / pause switch 137 is pressed in step 314. This may occur when the start / pause switch 137 is accidentally pressed or misunderstood. At this time, by pressing the washing switch 132, the lid locking device is locked, and the lid is locked, so that the washing operation is resumed.

  When the laundry is added or removed, the lid is closed when the lid is closed, and the laundry operation is resumed. For this resumption, it is checked in step 136 whether the lid is open. When the lid is closed, the lid locking device is operated to lock the lid (step 317).

  If it is desired to open the lid again after the lid is locked in step 317, the start / pause switch 137 is pushed (step 318), and the process proceeds to the previous step 315, where the lid is unlocked. When the start / pause switch 137 is not pressed, the washing operation is resumed under the previously set conditions (step 319).

  If the lid remains open in step 316, a predetermined time T3 (10 seconds) has elapsed (step 320). Then, until the elapse of 5 seconds (predetermined time T4), it is measured in step 321. When 5 seconds (predetermined time T4) has passed, in step 322, a lid open error alarm indicating that the lid is still open is notified. Prompt the user to close the lid.

  Whether or not the lid is closed is sequentially checked in step 323 while prompting the lid to be closed by the lid opening error alarm in step 322. When the lid is closed, the lid locking device is locked in step 317 to lock the lid. Conversely, if the lid is not closed and remains open, and if the predetermined time T3 (10 seconds) has elapsed in step 320, it is checked in step 324 whether there is washing water in the washing tub.

  If it is determined in step 324 that there is washing water at the specified water level, the water is forcibly drained (step 325). The elapse of a predetermined time T5 (T minutes) expected for the washing water in the washing tub to drain is measured (step 326). When the predetermined time T5 (T minutes) has passed in step 326, the initial state (step 300) is restored.

  If it is determined in step 324 that the wash water is below the specified water level, a lid opening error warning is issued in step 327 to prompt the user to close the lid. Then, in step 328, whether or not the lid is closed is sequentially checked while warning the lid opening error. When the lid is closed, the lid locking device is locked in step 317 to lock the lid.

  The lid is not closed, and a predetermined time T6 (3 minutes) has elapsed (step 329). If the lid is not closed even after the elapse of the predetermined time T6 (3 minutes), the initial state (step 300) is restored.

  After the water is supplied to the washing tub in the washing process unit 211 in this way, when the lid is not closed and remains open, a lid opening error warning is issued to prompt the user to close the lid. When a predetermined time elapses after the lid open error warning is reached, the water level in the washing tub is checked and the washing water is drained to the initial state when the water level impairs safety. For this reason, even if the lid is left open, the washing water in the washing tub is drained, so safety is maintained.

  In addition, as mentioned above, closing the lid is prompted with a lid opening error warning, and when the lid is not closed even after a predetermined time has elapsed, it is returned to the initial state. In contrast, it is a safety measure that also considers usability.

  The unlocking of the lid locking device by the start / pause switch 137 functions in the washing operation, and the unlocking by the start / pause switch 137 does not function in the subsequent steps including the dehydration 213. Since the lid is not unlocked during dehydration 213, it is safe. Further, after the washing operation is completed, since the addition and removal of the laundry are not normally performed, the usability is not impaired.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 5 ... Outer tub 9 ... Washing tub 6 ... Water supply solenoid valve 3a ... Dehydration hole 19 ... Electric motor 22 ... Drainage solenoid valve 61 ... Control unit part 4 ... Cover body 101 ... Solenoid of lid lock device 102 ... Lock plunger of lid lock device DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 106 ... Drooping wall part 104 ... Stop hole where a lock plunger goes in and out 110 ... Opening / closing sensor of a lid detection switch 111 ... Magnet of a lid detection switch 200 ... Washing operation 210 ... Washing amount detection process part 211 ... Washing process part

Claims (8)

A washing tub with an opening for taking in and out the laundry to be washed;
An electric motor for rotationally driving the washing tub;
A lid for opening and closing the opening;
A lid locking device for locking the lid in a closed state;
Input setting means for inputting an operation course including washing, rinsing and dehydration;
In the washing machine having a control device that controls the drive rotation of the electric motor, the lock of the lid lock device, and the release operation,
Providing a lid detecting means for detecting opening and closing of the lid;
The washing operation includes a washing amount detection process unit and a washing process unit for detecting the washing amount,
When the lid detecting means detects that the lid is closed in the washing process section, the lid locking device is locked, and in the washing amount detection process section, the lid detecting means detects whether the lid is closed or opened. The washing machine is characterized in that the lid lock device is controlled by the control device so as to be unlocked. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein
The washing machine is characterized in that in the washing quantity detection step, washing quantity detection is performed to measure dry cloth laundry without supplying water. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein
In the washing process section, if the lid closing detection by the lid detecting means is not performed even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the lid opening error warning is notified by the control of the control device that the lid remains open. A washing machine characterized by that. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein
In the washing process unit, when the detection of the lid closing by the lid detection unit is not performed even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the control device performs control to return to the initial state of the washing amount detection process unit. Washing machine. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein
The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the input setting means is provided with an instruction function for releasing the lock state and releasing the lock when the washing process unit is in a locked state of the lid lock device. The washing machine according to claim 5,
After the washing process section has changed and water has been supplied, the lid setting device is released by the input setting means and the lid body is opened. If it is not performed, the controller controls the electromagnetic drain valve to open in order to drain the washing water in the washing tub. The washing machine according to claim 6,
The washing machine is characterized in that the control device performs control to return to the initial state of the detection process section when a certain time has passed since the drainage. The washing machine according to claim 5,
After the lid lock device is released and the lid body is opened, the control device shifts to the operation course already set by the input setting means when the lid detection means detects the lid closing. A washing machine characterized by performing control.

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