JP2014236800A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine capable of displaying specific information about a washing operation which is predicted based on a weight detection result of clothes for each of a plurality of automatic operation courses to a user before starting the washing operation.SOLUTION: When a start switch for an automatic operation course is operated, operation control means of a washing machine: detects weight of clothes by weight detection means; predicts specific information according to a clothes weight detection result for each of a plurality of automatic operation courses by operating specific information prediction means; allows display means to display the plurality of automatic operation courses and the specific information predicted about each automatic operation course; and executes a designated automatic operation course on the basis of the fact that one of the automatic operation courses is designated by course designation means and that an operation start command is generated by start command generation means.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a washing machine.

  Conventionally, in a washing machine, a plurality of automatic operation courses are prepared when washing is performed fully automatically. When washing, the user selects one of the plurality of automatic driving courses and turns on the start switch. Then, the control unit of the washing machine automatically detects the weight of the clothes, and according to the detected weight, the driving time required in the selected automatic driving course is automatically predicted and displayed on the display. Thereafter, the selected automatic driving course is automatically started.

JP-A-7-39672 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-126075

  In the above-described washing machine, when the user designates the automatic driving course and operates the start switch, the weight of the clothes is detected, and specific information (the required driving time) about the automatic driving course is detected according to the weight detection result. ) Is predicted and displayed, and the automatic driving course is started as it is. Therefore, even if the predicted specific information does not meet the user's request, the automatic driving course is executed. Also, if this is to be resolved, it is necessary to immediately stop the operation in the automatic driving course, specify another automatic driving course, operate the start switch, and display the prediction information based on the weight detection again. There is. However, even in this case, there is a problem that the prediction information is not always close to the user's wish. As another method, there is a method in which the user manually changes the operation details (washing time, number of rinsings, dehydration time, water level, stirring intensity, etc.) so that the specific information desired by the user is obtained. There is also a problem that it is extremely difficult to set operation details.

  Therefore, before starting the washing operation, the user can display the specific information of the washing operation predicted based on the weight detection result of the clothing for each of the plurality of automatic driving courses, and the specific information desired by the user To provide a washing machine that can perform washing operation on an automatic driving course that suits the situation.

  The washing machine of the present embodiment includes a plurality of automatic driving courses as driving courses, driving control means capable of executing any one of the plurality of automatic driving courses, an automatic driving course start switch, and clothing Weight detection means for detecting the weight of the vehicle, specific information prediction means for predicting specific information about each automatic driving course for each of the plurality of automatic driving courses according to the weight detection result detected by the weight detecting means, and display means And a course designation means for designating one of the plurality of automatic driving courses, and a start command generating means for generating a driving start command, wherein the operation control means is operated with the start switch for the automatic driving course. And detecting the weight of the clothes by the weight detecting means, and operating the specific information predicting means for each of the plurality of automatic driving courses. Specific information is predicted according to the amount detection result, the plurality of automatic driving courses and the specific information predicted for each automatic driving course are displayed on the display unit, and any one of the automatic driving courses is displayed by the course specifying unit. The designated automatic driving course is executed based on the designation and the occurrence of the driving start command by the start command generating means.

Longitudinal side view of the washing machine according to the first embodiment Functional configuration block diagram Front view of the operation panel Flow chart showing control contents of control device Standard course time chart for standard weight Same time chart Time chart of the same speed course (A) is a figure which shows the operation required time estimated when a weight detection result is a standard weight, (b) is a figure which shows the operation required time estimated when a weight detection result is less than a standard weight, (c) Is a diagram showing the required operation time when the weight detection result exceeds the standard weight (A) is a diagram showing display items displayed when the weight detection result is a standard weight, (b) is a diagram showing display items displayed when the weight detection result is less than the standard weight, and (c) is a weight. Figure showing the display items displayed when the detection result exceeds the standard weight Figure showing an example of a display screen (1) (A) is a figure which shows an example of a display screen (the 2), (b) is a figure which shows the display screen after scrolling Figure showing an example of the display screen (Part 3) Functional configuration block diagram according to the second embodiment (A) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen (part 4), and (b) is a diagram showing a display screen after scrolling. (A) is a figure which shows the driving | operation end time estimated when a weight detection result is standard weight, (b) is a figure which shows the driving | running end time estimated when a weight detection result is less than standard weight, (c) Is a diagram showing the operation end time predicted when the weight detection result exceeds the standard weight The third embodiment is shown, (a) is a diagram showing the amount of water used predicted when the weight detection result is standard weight, (b) is the amount of water used predicted when the weight detection result is less than the standard weight. Figure, (c) is a diagram showing the amount of water used when the weight detection result exceeds the standard weight. (A) is a figure which shows an example of a display screen (the 5), (b) is a figure which shows the display screen after scrolling FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating a power consumption amount predicted when the weight detection result is a standard weight, and FIG. 4B is a power consumption amount predicted when the weight detection result is less than the standard weight. (C) is a figure which shows the power consumption estimated when a weight detection result exceeds a standard weight. (A) is a figure which shows an example of a display screen (the 6), (b) is a figure which shows the display screen after scrolling FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a running cost predicted when the weight detection result is a standard weight, and FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a running cost predicted when the weight detection result is less than the standard weight. Figure, (c) is a diagram showing the running cost predicted when the weight detection result exceeds the standard weight (A) is a figure which shows an example of a display screen (the 7), (b) is a figure which shows the display screen after scrolling The figure which shows 6th Embodiment and shows the relationship between the amount of used water and power consumption, and an energy-saving level (A) is a figure which shows the energy-saving level estimated when a weight detection result is standard weight, (b) is a figure which shows the energy-saving level estimated when a weight detection result is less than standard weight, (c) is weight The figure which shows the energy saving level which is predicted when the detection result exceeds the standard weight (A) is a figure which shows an example of a display screen (the 8), (b) is a figure which shows the display screen after scrolling FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen (No. 9), and FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a display screen after scrolling. FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen (part 10), FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen (part 11), and FIG. 8C is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen. (Part 12) FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen (No. 13), and FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating a display screen after scrolling. FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen (No. 14), and FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating a display screen after scrolling. FIG. 11 shows an eleventh embodiment, (a) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen (No. 15), and (b) is a diagram showing a display screen after scrolling.

Hereinafter, washing machines according to a plurality of embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
The washing machine according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. First, in FIG. 1, the washing machine of this embodiment is, for example, a drum type washing machine having a drying function. The outer box 1 of the drum type washing machine has a rectangular box shape, and a water tank 2 is disposed inside the outer box 1 in a state of being elastically supported via an elastic support mechanism 3. The aquarium 2 has a horizontal cylindrical shape in which the axial direction is the front-rear direction (left-right direction in FIG. 2), and in this case, the water tank 2 is disposed in an oblique axis state in which the axial direction rises forward. The rear surface of the water tank 2 is closed. Inside the water tank 2, a drum 4 which is a rotating tank is rotatably disposed. The drum 4 also has a horizontal-axis cylindrical shape with the rear surface side (left side in FIG. 2) closed, and is arranged coaxially with the water tank 2 (front-up oblique axis state). The drum 4 has a large number of small holes 5 serving as ventilation holes and dewatering holes on the peripheral wall and the rear wall, and also functions as a washing tub, a dewatering tub, and a drying tub.

  A clothing entrance 6 is formed at a substantially central portion of the front portion (right side in FIG. 1) of the outer box 1, and a door 7 for opening and closing the clothing entrance 6 is provided. The opening 8 on the front surface of the water tank 2 and the clothing entrance 6 are connected by an annular bellows 9 (only a part is shown in FIG. 1). The opening 10 on the front surface of the drum 4 communicates with the clothing entrance 6 through a bellows 9. Accordingly, clothes not shown are accommodated in the drum 4 through the clothes entrance 6 so as to be put in and out.

  A motor 11 is attached to a substantially central portion of the back surface of the water tank 2. The motor 11 is composed of, for example, a direct current brushless motor and is of an outer rotor type. The stator is fixed to the back portion of the water tank 2 and the rotor 12 is rotatably provided outside the stator. A rotating shaft 13 is provided at the center of the back portion of the drum 4, and a rear end portion of the rotating shaft 13 passes through the water tank 2 and is connected to the rotor 12. Accordingly, the drum 4 is directly rotated by the rotor 12 of the motor 11. The motor 11 constitutes a rotation driving unit for the drum 4.

  A drain valve 14 and a drain hose 15 are connected to the bottom of the water tank 2, and when the drain valve 14 is opened, water in the tank 2 is discharged outside the machine through the drain hose 15. A circulation pump 16 is disposed below the water tank 2. The circulation pump 16 sucks water in the water tank 2 through a water absorption hose 17 and pumps it through a water supply hose 18. A nozzle 19 at the tip of the water supply hose 18 faces the inside of the water tank 2 (inside the drum 4) from the opening 8 of the water tank 2, and the water pumped from the circulation pump 16 is discharged from the nozzle 19 into the drum 4. It has become so.

  A heat exchanger 21 that constitutes heat exchange means is disposed on the back of the water tank 2. This heat exchanger 21 has a hollow duct shape as a whole, and is disposed on one side (right side as viewed from the front) of the motor 11, and the lower part is an exhaust port formed in the lower rear part of the water tank 2. 22 communicates with the inside of the water tank 2.

  Above the water tank 2, a blower device 23 is disposed on the rear side, and a heating device 24 is disposed on the front side thereof. Among these, the blower 23 includes a fan casing 25, a blower blade 26 disposed in the fan casing 25, and a fan motor 27 (see FIG. 2) that rotationally drives the blower blade 26. Has been. A rear inlet of the fan casing 25 is connected to the upper portion of the heat exchanger 21 via a connection duct 28. The heating device 24 has a configuration in which a heater 30 as a heating means for generating hot air is provided inside the case 29, and the rear portion of the case 29 is connected to the discharge port at the front portion of the fan casing 25. The air supply duct 31 is connected to the front part of the. The air supply duct 31 has its tip end connected to the upper part of the water tank 2 and faces the water tank 2 (in the drum 4).

  Here, the heat exchanger 21 communicated with the inside of the water tank 2, the connection duct 28, the fan casing 25 of the blower 23, the case 29 of the heating device 24, and the air supply duct 31 constitute a circulation air passage 32. doing. The circulation air passage 32, the blower 23, and the heating device 24 constitute hot air supply means for supplying hot air into the drum 4 constituting the drying chamber.

  Above the water tank 2, a water injection case 34, a water level sensor 35, a water supply valve unit 36, and the like are further provided. Among these, although not shown in detail in the water injection case 34, the detergent case 34a with which a user takes in / out is provided. The water injection case 34 is connected to the water tank 2 via a connection hose 38. The water level sensor 35 is an air pressure that responds to changes in the water level in the water tank 2 via an air tube 39 piped from the lower part of the water tank 2, and thus in the drum 4 communicated with the water tank 2 through the small hole 5. It is detected by the change of.

  The water supply valve unit 36 includes a common water inlet valve 36 and a heat exchanger water supply valve 41 and a common inlet 36 a so that the inlet 36 a is connected to a water faucet via a water hose (not shown). It has become. The outlet portion of the water supply valve 40 is connected to the water injection case 34 via a connection hose 42, and the outlet portion of the heat exchange water supply valve 41 is connected to the upper portion of the heat exchanger 21 via a connection hose 43. Has been.

  In this case, when the water supply valve 40 is opened, tap water is supplied into the water tank 2 and eventually into the drum 4 via the connection hose 42, the water injection case 34, and the connection hose 38. In addition, when the detergent is put into the detergent case 34 a of the water injection case 34, the detergent is also supplied into the water tank 2 and eventually into the drum 4 along with the water supply to the water tank 2. Further, when the heat exchange water supply valve 41 is opened, tap water is supplied into the heat exchanger 21 through the connection hose 43 and flows down in the heat exchanger 21, and heat exchange is performed on the flowing down water. Water vapor in the air passing through the inside of the vessel 21 is touched, cooled, and condensed to be dehumidified. The water flowing down in the heat exchanger 21 once enters the water tank 2 from the exhaust port 22 at the lower rear part of the water tank 2, and is discharged outside the apparatus through the drain valve 14 and the drain hose 15.

  An operation panel 47 is provided in the upper part of the front surface of the outer box 1 in the vicinity of the water injection case 34, and an operation circuit unit 48 is provided on the back side of the operation panel 47. As shown in FIG. 2, the operation panel 47 is provided with an operation unit 49 and a display unit 50. In addition, a control circuit unit 51 is provided at the lower part on the back side of the front surface of the outer box 1.

The display unit 50 of the operation panel 47 is composed of a color liquid crystal display, for example.
The operation unit 49 includes various operation switches and operation dials. The operation unit 49 includes a power switch 52 (power “on” switch 52 a and power “off” switch 52 b), a course switching switch group 53, a start / pause operation dial 54, a washing process switch 55, and a rinse process switch. 56, a dehydration stroke switch 57, and a drying stroke switch 58 are included.

  The course changeover switch group 53 is provided with a “washing” switch 53a with a “washing” indication, a “washing” switch 53b with a “washing” indication, and a “drying” indication. A “dry” switch 53c is included, each of which can be operated by a push switch, and has a lighting portion such as an LED indicating that it is operating next to each switch.

  The start / pause operation dial 54 can be pressed, and the start and pause can be switched by the press operation. Further, the start / pause operation dial 54 is configured to be rotatable and also functions as a dial. When it is rotated as a dial, it functions as an operation means for various selections / changes.

The “washing” switch 53a enables manual setting of an automatic operation course in which a washing process, a rinsing process, a dehydrating process, and a drying process are automatically performed.
As an automatic driving course performed in this embodiment, a standard course, a firm course, and a speed course are prepared when the driving form is a washing operation, respectively, and a standard when a driving form is a washing and drying operation, respectively. Course, firm course, speed course are prepared. However, other automatic driving courses include dry courses, memory courses, soft courses, blanket courses when the driving mode is washing, dry courses, memory courses, soft courses when the driving mode is washing and drying. A blanket course may be included.

Further, the “washing / drying” switch 53b enables manual setting of a washing / drying operation course in which a drying process is executed following the execution of the washing operation course. Further, the “dry” switch 53c enables manual setting of a single drying operation course.
The washing process switch 55 is a means for changing manual operation contents. When a course including a washing process is selected, the washing process execution time (agitation operation time), which is one of the operation contents, is selected. For the user to change directly.

The rinsing process switch 56 is also a manual operation content changing means, and when a course including a rinsing process is selected, the user directly changes the number of rinsing processes as another driving content. Is to do.
The dehydration process switch 57 is also a means for changing manual operation contents, and when a course including the dehydration process is selected, the execution time of the dehydration process, which is yet another operation content, is directly changed. Is for.

The drying process switch 58 is also a manual operation content changing means, and is used to directly change the time of the drying process, which is an operation content different from the above, when a course including the drying process is selected. is there.
Further, a touch panel input unit 50a (see FIG. 2) is formed on the surface of the display unit 50. An automatic start switch 50as as a start switch for an automatic driving course, course designation switches 50aA to 50aF as course designation means, It also has a function as a course start switch 50ak as a start command generating means.

  FIG. 2 schematically shows a functional configuration of the control system of the drum type washing machine described above. The control device 59 includes a microcomputer having a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The control device 59 is provided in the control circuit unit 51. The control device 59 has a function of controlling the overall operation of the washing / drying machine. The control device 59 functions as an operation control unit 59a, a weight detection unit 59b, and a specific information prediction unit 59c by a software configuration. In addition to signals from the operation unit 49, the water level sensor 35, and the touch panel input unit 50a, the control device 59 also receives signals from the rotation sensor 60, the current sensor 61, and the like. The rotation sensor 60 detects the rotation speed of the motor 11. The current sensor 61 detects a current flowing through the motor 11. Based on these input signals and a control program prepared in advance, the control device 59 includes the display unit 50, the buzzer 62, the water supply valve 40, the heat exchange water supply valve 41, the drain valve 14, the motor 11, the fan motor 27, the heater 30, It has a function of controlling the circulation pump 16 and the like.

Here, the standard course, the firm course, and the speed course when the driving mode is a washing operation, which are automatic driving courses, will be described.
As shown in FIG. 5, the standard course in the case where the operation mode is a washing operation executes a washing process, a first rinsing process (rinsing process), and a final dehydrating process (dehydrating process). In FIG. 5, the shaded area indicates a state where the corresponding device or operation is functioning.

Washing process: This consists of a water supply operation and a stirring operation.
Water supply operation: This is to supply water into the water tank 2 by opening the water supply valve 40 to a water level equivalent to 35 L (liter), and to rotate the drum 4 intermittently at 50 rpm. At this time, the intermittent mode of the drum 4 is 20-second drive (motor 11 energized) and 10-second stop (motor 11 de-energized). Water is supplied into the water tank 2 by this water supply, and at the initial stage of water supply, the detergent is supplied into the water tank 2 (in the drum 4) by the water supply. In this water supply operation, the laundry is supplied with water while so-called tapping washing (the drum 4 is raised to a substantially intermediate height by the rotation of the drum 4 and then dropped) by the rotation of the drum 4.

    Stirring operation: The stirring operation in this washing process corresponds to a washing operation. In this stirring operation, the motor 11 is energized for 20 seconds at 50 rpm and is turned off for 10 seconds alternately. The execution time of this stirring operation is 20 minutes, and the drum 4 is intermittently rotated by the intermittent operation of the motor 11. The laundry inside the drum 4 is agitated by the intermittent rotation of the drum 4. Therefore, the motor 11 functions as a drive source for stirring the laundry in the washing process and the next first rinsing process. Furthermore, the circulation pump 16 is repeatedly driven (energized) for 5 seconds and stopped (disconnected) for 5 seconds. Thus, the laundry is beaten and washed by the drum 4 in the water storage state, and the water in the water tub 2 is intermittently sprinkled onto the laundry from above by the circulation pump 16.

First rinsing process: This consists of a draining operation, a dehydration 1 operation, a water supply operation, and a stirring operation.
Drain operation: Drain by opening the drain valve 14.
Dehydration 1 operation: This dehydration 1 operation corresponds to an intermediate dehydration operation. In this dehydration 1 operation, the drum 4 is rotated at a high speed up to 1500 rpm while the drain valve 14 is opened. Do this for 1 minute. Thereby, the water containing the detergent in the laundry is dehydrated.

Water supply operation: In this operation, the water supply valve 40 is opened to supply water into the water tank 2 to a water level equivalent to 35 L (liter), and the drum 4 is continuously rotated at 100 rpm. The laundry is stuck to the inner surface of the rotary drum 4 and rotated by the centrifugal force generated by the rotation.
Stirring operation: The stirring operation in this rinsing process corresponds to a rinsing operation. In this stirring operation, an operation with the same operation content as the stirring operation in the washing process is performed for 2 minutes. As a result, the laundry is beaten and washed by the drum 4 in the water storage state, and the water in the water tank 2 is intermittently sprinkled on the laundry from above by the intermittent operation of the circulation pump 16.

Final dehydration process: This consists of a draining operation and a dehydrating operation.
Draining operation: This is the same as the draining operation in the first rinsing process.
Dehydration operation: The drum 4 is rotated at a high speed up to 1000 rpm with the drain valve 14 open. Do this for 4 minutes. Thereby, the laundry is dehydrated.

  Next, the course will be described with reference to FIG. This firm course differs from the standard course in that the execution time of the stirring operation of the washing process is increased to 25 minutes, and the second rinsing process is provided in addition to the first rinsing process as the rinsing process.

Second rinsing process: This is different from the first rinsing process in that the number of rotations of the drum 4 in the water supply operation is 50 rpm and the amount of water supply is 30 L. For other operation contents, the first rinsing process is performed. Is the same. The dehydration 2 operation in the second rinsing process corresponds to an intermediate dehydration operation.
Next, the speed course will be described with reference to FIG. This speed course is different from the standard course in that the water supply amount in the washing process is 30 L, the stirring operation time is 15 minutes, and the water supply amount in the first rinsing process is 30 L.

  The execution time (stirring operation time) of the standard course, firm course, and speed course in the above washing operation and the amount of water supply are set assuming that the weight of the clothes is a standard weight (for example, Jh [kg]). ing. And, when the weight of clothing is heavier than the standard weight Jh, the running time and water supply amount of each course are set longer according to the weight, and the water supply amount is also set larger Is done. When the weight of the garment is lighter than the standard weight Jh, the operation time is set to be shorter and the water supply amount is set to be smaller according to the weight.

In addition, the standard course, the solid course, and the speed course in the washing and drying operation are courses obtained by adding the drying operation in the required time corresponding to each course to the standard course, the solid course, and the speed course in the washing operation, respectively.
In the drying operation, the drum 4 is driven to rotate by the motor 11, the blower device 23 and the heating device 24 are driven, and the heat exchange water supply valve 41 is opened. As a result, the warm air returns to the fan casing 25 through the air supply duct 31, the water tank 2, and consequently the drum 4, the exhaust port 22, the heat exchanger 21, and the connection duct 28 as indicated by an arrow A in FIG. 1. Then, it is repeatedly heated by the heater 30 and supplied into the water tank 2 (in the drum 4). The warm air is dehumidified in the heat exchanger 21. Thereby, the clothes in the drum 4 are dried.

The control contents of the control device 59 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This flowchart starts when the power “on” switch 52 a of the power switch 52 is turned on.
When the user stores clothes in the water tank 2 and presses (turns on) the operation dial 54 for start / pause, it is determined as “YES” in step S10, and the process proceeds to step S12. In this step S12, as shown in FIG. 10, an “automatic start” display unit for starting operation with a fully automatic driving course is set on the display unit 50 as an initial screen, and a driving course is set based on manual operation. Display the “Manual Start” display.

  In this case, the touch panel input unit 50a causes the input area of the “auto start” display unit to function as an auto start switch 50as as an automatic driving course start switch, and the auto start switch 50as (“auto start” display unit). When is touched, the touch panel input unit 50a outputs a start switch signal. The touch panel input unit 50a causes the input area of the “manual start” display unit to function as a manual start switch 50am. When the manual start switch 50am is touched (turned on) (determined in step S16), an operation by manual setting is executed (step S18).

  When the auto start switch 50as is touched (turned on), the process proceeds to step S20. In step S20, clothing weight detection is performed (weight detection means 59b). In this weight detection, the drum 4 is rapidly rotated to, for example, 170 rpm by the motor 11, the current value flowing through the motor 11 during the rapid rotation is detected by the current sensor 61, and the detected current value (q corresponding to the torque component) is detected. The weight of the clothing is detected based on the axial current value. Depending on the detected current, the weight of the garment may be a standard weight Jh (for example, a weight range of 3 kg or more and less than 5 kg is referred to as a standard weight Jh), a standard weight Jh (less than 3 kg), or a standard weight Jh (greater than 5 kg). Divided into stage weight rank.

  In the next step S30, the specific information in each driving course is predicted according to the detected weight category. In this case, each prediction value is shown in FIGS. FIG. 8A shows a predicted result of the required driving time as specific information when the weight detection result of the garment is the standard weight Jh. FIG. 8B shows a predicted result of the required operation time as specific information when the weight detection result of the garment is less than the standard weight Jh, and FIG. 8C shows the result of weight detection of the garment. Is a predicted result of the required operation time as specific information in the case where is more than the standard weight Jh.

  For example, when the weight detection result of the clothes is the standard weight Jh (in the case of FIG. 8A), the required driving time is predicted to be “30 minutes” in the standard course of the washing operation. Moreover, in the solid course of washing driving, the driving time is predicted to be “40 minutes”. Further, in the speed course of the washing operation, the required operation time is predicted to be “25 minutes”. Similarly, when the weight detection result of the garment is the standard weight Jh, in the standard course of the washing / drying operation, the required operation time is predicted to be “120 minutes”. In addition, in the solid course of washing and drying operation, the required driving time is predicted to be “160 minutes”. In the speed course of the washing and drying operation, the required operation time is predicted to be “95 minutes”. Note that this prediction result is a guide and may differ slightly in actual operation.

In the next step S32, the amount of detergent used in each automatic operation course is predicted.
In the next step S40, each driving course and the specific information corresponding to each driving course, in this case, the required driving time are displayed on the display unit 50 (see FIG. 11A). In FIG. 11A, the character display portion of “washing / drying setting” is a display portion indicating whether the operation mode is the washing operation or the washing / drying operation, and the character display portion of “course” is automatically displayed. It is a display part which shows a driving course name. In addition, the character display portion of “operation time” is a display portion indicating the required operation time.

  Here, assuming that the weight detection result of the clothes is the standard weight Jh, items to be displayed on the display unit 50 include (A) to (F) in FIG. The display content of the display item (A) is that the driving form is a washing operation, the driving course is a standard course, and the driving time is 30 minutes. Hereinafter, the display contents of the display items (B) to (F) are as shown in FIG. When the clothing weight detection result is less than Jh, the display items are as shown in FIG. 9B, and when the clothing weight detection result exceeds Jh, the display items are as shown in FIG. As shown in c).

  In this case, it is difficult to display all of the display items (A) to (F) on the display unit 50 because of the display area of the display unit 50. In FIG. Items (A) to (C) are displayed.

  When the user scrolls the touch panel input unit 50a, for example, in the downward direction (this is determined to be scrolling in step S50), the control device 59 sequentially moves the display items downward and displays the display items that have not been displayed. Display sequentially (see step S60, FIG. 11B). When the user performs a scroll operation on the touch panel input unit 50a in the upward direction, the control device 59 performs control so that the display transition is the reverse of the above in step S60. Further, in FIG. 11A, the “other” character display area constitutes an “other display” switch 50at in the touch panel input section 50a, and this “other display” instead of the scroll operation. When the switch 50at is turned on (it is determined that the “other display” switch is turned on in step S50), the control device 59 displays an undisplayed display item in step S60 described above.

  11A and 11B described above, the area indicating the display item (A) in the touch panel input unit 50a constitutes a course specifying switch 50aA as a course specifying unit. In 50a, the area indicating the display item (B) constitutes a course designation switch 50aB as course designation means, and the area showing the display item (C) constitutes a course designation switch 50aC as course designation means. D) constitutes a course designation switch 50aD serving as a course designation means, the area representing the display item (E) constitutes a course designation switch 50aE serving as a course designation means, and the area representing the display item (F) is A course designation switch 50aF, which is a course designation means, is constructed.

Here, for example, when the course designation switch 50aA is turned on (touched), the control device 59 determines in step S70 that a driving course has been designated, proceeds to step S75, and displays the display screen as shown in FIG. Change to the screen.
In this case, the display content of the display item (A) is displayed on this display screen, and the letters “detergent amount is XX cup. Press the start switch after charging.”, “Start”, “return” Is displayed. In the touch panel input unit 50a, the area portion displaying the “start” constitutes a course start switch 50ak as a start command generating means, and the area portion displaying the “return” is a return for returning to the previous screen. A switch 50ar is configured.

When the course start switch 50ak is turned on, the control device 59 determines in step S80 that an operation start command has been generated by turning on the course start switch 50ak, and proceeds to step S90. In step S90, driving is started on the designated driving course. After this, if the operation end condition predetermined in the operation course is satisfied (determined in step S100), the operation is ended in step S110.
The start command generation means is not limited to the course start switch 50ak. For example, the control device 59 automatically performs the designated automatic operation after a predetermined time has elapsed since the automatic operation course was designated. A driving start command may be generated for the course.

  In the embodiment described above, when the automatic start switch 50as, which is an automatic driving course start switch, is operated, the operation control means 59a operates the weight detection means 59b to detect the weight of the clothes. Then, the operation control unit 59a operates the specific information predicting unit 59c to predict the required driving time as the specific information according to the clothing weight detection result for each of the plurality of automatic driving courses, and displays the plurality of times on the display unit 50. The automatic driving course and the required driving time predicted for each automatic driving course are displayed. Based on the fact that one of the automatic driving courses is specified by the course specifying switches 50aA to 50aF as the course specifying means and the driving start command is generated by the course start switch 50ak as the start command generating means. Run a driving course.

  According to this, when the user operates the automatic start switch 50as, the specific information is predicted and displayed for each of the plurality of automatic driving courses according to the weight detection result of the clothing. Specific information can be known for each automatic driving course (time required for driving in the first embodiment). Therefore, if the user designates and starts an automatic driving course with specific information close to his / her preference from among the plurality of specific information, the user can perform washing or washing / drying driving on the automatic driving course suitable for his / her desire. Can be executed.

In the first embodiment, since the required driving time is predicted as the specific information, the user can select the automatic driving course with reference to the predicted required driving time.
(Second Embodiment)
13 to 15 show the second embodiment, and the following points are different from the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the control device 59 further includes a clock means 59d. Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the display unit 50 includes time display means 50t for displaying the current time by the clock means 59d. In the second embodiment, the specific information to be handled is the driving end time of each automatic driving course. The operation end time is calculated by adding the required operation time to the current time. FIG. 15 shows an example of the driving end time in each course according to the weight detection result of the clothes.

  According to the second embodiment, since the driving end time is predicted and displayed for each of a plurality of automatic driving courses as specific information according to the weight detection result of the clothes, the user can It is possible to know the driving end time and to select the automatic driving course with reference to the driving end time.

Further, according to the second embodiment, since the current time is displayed by the time display means 50t, it is possible to easily predict the remaining operation time by using the current time and the operation end time.
(Third embodiment)
16 and 17 show a third embodiment, and the following points are different from the first embodiment. In the third embodiment, the amount of water used is predicted as specific information. For example, when the weight detection result of the clothes is the standard weight Jh, as shown in FIG. 16A, the water usage amount is predicted to be “70 L” in the standard course of the washing operation and the standard course of the washing and drying operation. Further, in the solid course of washing operation and the solid course of washing and drying operation, the amount of water used is predicted to be “100 L”. Further, in the speed course of the washing operation and the speed course of the washing and drying operation, the amount of water used is predicted to be “60 L”. A display example in this case is as shown in FIG.

Moreover, when the weight detection result of clothing is less than Jh, the amount of water used for each course is predicted as shown in FIG. Moreover, when the weight detection result of clothing exceeds Jh, the amount of water used for each course is predicted as shown in FIG.
According to the third embodiment, the amount of water used is predicted and displayed for each of the plurality of automatic driving courses as the specific information according to the weight detection result of the clothing. The amount of water used can be known, and the automatic operation course can be selected with reference to the amount of water used.

(Fourth embodiment)
18 and 19 show the fourth embodiment, and the following points are different from the first embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the power consumption is predicted as the specific information. For example, when the weight detection result of the clothing is the standard weight Jh, as shown in FIG. 18A, the power consumption amount is predicted to be “80 Wh” in the standard course of the washing operation. In addition, in the solid course of washing operation, the power consumption is predicted to be “90 Wh”. Further, in the speed course of the washing operation, the power consumption is predicted to be “70 Wh”. In the standard course of washing and drying operation, the power consumption is predicted to be “450 Wh”. In addition, the power consumption is predicted to be “550 Wh” in the solid course of the washing and drying operation. In the speed course of the washing and drying operation, the power consumption is predicted to be “380 Wh”. A display example in this case is as shown in FIG.

Moreover, when the weight detection result of clothing is less than Jh, the power consumption of each course is predicted as shown in FIG. When the clothing weight detection result exceeds Jh, the power consumption amount of each course is predicted as shown in FIG.
According to the fourth embodiment, the power consumption amount is predicted and displayed for each of a plurality of automatic driving courses as specific information according to the weight detection result of the clothing. It is possible to know the power consumption amount and to select the automatic driving course with reference to the power consumption amount.

(Fifth embodiment)
20 and 21 show a fifth embodiment, and the following points are different from the first embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, the running cost is predicted as the specific information. As shown in FIG. 20A, for example, when the weight detection result of the clothing is the standard weight Jh, the running cost is predicted to be “15 yen” in the standard course of the washing operation. In addition, the running cost is predicted to be “20 yen” for a solid course of washing operation. In the speed course of washing operation, the running cost is predicted to be “10 yen”. In the standard course of washing and drying operation, the running cost is predicted to be “85 yen”. In addition, in the solid course of washing and drying operation, the running cost is predicted to be “100 yen”. In the speed course of washing and drying operation, the running cost is predicted to be “80 yen”.

Further, when the clothing weight detection result is less than Jh, the running cost of each course is predicted as shown in FIG. Moreover, when the weight detection result of clothing is more than Jh, the running cost of each course is predicted as shown in FIG.
According to the fifth embodiment, since the running cost is predicted and displayed for each of the plurality of automatic driving courses as the specific information according to the weight detection result of the clothing, the user is provided for each of the plurality of automatic driving courses. The running cost can be known, and the automatic driving course can be selected with reference to the running cost.

(Sixth embodiment)
22 to 24 show a sixth embodiment, which differs from the first embodiment in the following points. In the sixth embodiment, the energy saving level is predicted as the specific information. As shown in FIG. 22, the energy saving level is divided into five stages, and the evaluation “5” (5 symbols ☆) is the best, and the evaluation “4” (4 symbols ☆), “3” ”(Three symbols ☆),“ 2 ”(three symbols ☆), and“ 1 ”(one symbol ☆). As shown in FIG. 22, the energy saving level is better as the amount of water used is smaller and the amount of power consumption is smaller.

  As shown in FIG. 23A, when the weight detection result of the clothes is the standard weight Jh, the energy saving level is predicted to be “5” in the standard course of the washing operation. In addition, the energy saving level is predicted to be “4” in the solid course of washing operation. In the speed course of washing operation, the energy saving level is predicted to be “5”. In the standard course of washing and drying operation, the energy saving level is predicted to be “2”. In addition, the energy saving level is predicted to be “2” in the solid course of washing and drying operation. In the speed course of washing and drying operation, the energy saving level is predicted to be “4”.

When the weight detection result of the clothing is less than Jh, the energy saving level in each automatic driving course is predicted as shown in FIG. Further, when the weight detection result of the clothing exceeds Jh, the energy saving level in each automatic driving course is predicted as shown in FIG.
According to the sixth embodiment, since the energy saving level is predicted and displayed for each of the plurality of automatic driving courses as the specific information according to the weight detection result of the clothing, the user can display the information for each of the plurality of automatic driving courses. The energy saving level can be known, and the automatic driving course can be selected with reference to the energy saving level.

(Seventh embodiment)
FIG. 25 shows a seventh embodiment, which differs from the first embodiment in the following points. In the seventh embodiment, as the specific information, a plurality of types of specific information are prepared for each automatic driving course. In this case, the specific information includes the required operation time and the energy saving level. This energy saving level has been described in the sixth embodiment.

  According to the seventh embodiment, plural types of specific information can be displayed, and the user can select an automatic driving course with reference to favorite specific information. In addition, as multiple types of specific information, it is not restricted to the said operation required time and an energy-saving level, Any one of multiple types of water consumption, power consumption, and running cost may be sufficient.

(Eighth embodiment)
FIG. 26 shows an eighth embodiment, which differs from the first embodiment in the following points. In the eighth embodiment, as the specific information that can be predicted, there are a plurality of types of specific information. In this case, there are required operation time, amount of water used, power consumption, running cost, and energy saving level. Further, specific information selection means (described later) is provided.

  In FIG. 26A, when the automatic start switch 50as is turned on, the control device 59 changes the display screen of the display unit 50 to the display screen of FIG. On this display screen, characters of “operating time” (meaning required operating time), “amount of water used”, “power consumption”, “running cost”, “energy saving level”, and “confirmed” are displayed. In the touch panel input unit 50a, the “operation time” display area constitutes the required operation time selection switch 50w1 as the specific information selection means, and the “use water amount” display area constitutes the use water amount selection switch 50w2 as the specific information selection means. The “power consumption” display area constitutes a power consumption selection switch 50w3 as specific information selection means, and the “running cost” display area constitutes a running cost selection switch 50w4 as specific information selection means. The “level” display area constitutes an energy saving level selection switch 50w5 as specific information selection means.

Each of these switches 50w1 to 50w5 selects the corresponding specific information by the first on operation, and cancels the selection by the second on operation.
Further, the “determined” display area in the touch panel input unit 50a constitutes the determinate switch 50w6. When the switch is turned on, the selection state by the respective switches 50w1 to 50w5 is definite and the screen is changed to FIG. . FIG. 26C shows a case where, for example, the required operation time is selected by the required operation time selection switch 50w1, the energy saving level is selected by the energy saving level selection switch 50w5, and then the confirmation switch 50w6 is turned on. In this case, the required operation time and the energy saving level are selected and displayed as specific information to be displayed. FIG. 26C corresponds to FIG.

  According to the eighth embodiment, each of the switches 50w1 to 50w5 serving as specific information selecting means is provided so that the user can select one or more types of specific information desired to be displayed. Since the specific information selected by ~ 50w5 is displayed on the display unit 50, the user can know the specific information desired by the user, and is predicted according to the clothing weight detection result. An automatic driving course can be selected with reference to specific information.

(Ninth embodiment)
FIG. 27 shows a ninth embodiment. In this ninth embodiment, priorities are set for specific information predicted for a plurality of automatic driving courses, and the display form of the specific information differs depending on the priorities. This is different from the seventh embodiment.
That is, in the ninth embodiment, as the specific information, among the required operation time and the energy saving level, for example, with respect to the energy saving level, the level “5” and others are prioritized. Then, the display form of the energy saving level of “5” is highlighted so that the display symbol ☆ is a thick line, and the display forms of other energy saving levels are set so that the display symbol ☆ is a thin line. .

  According to the ninth embodiment, the priority order is set for the energy saving level which is the specific information predicted according to the weight detection result of the clothing, and the display form of the energy saving level is changed according to the priority order. The user can easily recognize specific information with high priority, and can select an automatic driving course with reference to the specific information with high priority.

  In the ninth embodiment, the priority order is set for the energy saving level, but the priority order may be set for other specific information. In the ninth embodiment, a plurality of types of specific information are displayed. However, as shown in the first embodiment, one type of specific information may be displayed. Further, regarding the display form, other methods such as changing the display color may be used.

(10th Embodiment)
FIG. 28 shows the tenth embodiment, which differs from the ninth embodiment in the following points. In the tenth embodiment, when the control device 59 displays a plurality of automatic driving courses and specific information predicted for each automatic driving course on the display unit 50, a recommended automatic driving course is set and the recommended automatic driving course is set. The display form of the driving course is differentiated from other automatic driving courses.

That is, the control device 59 stores which automatic driving course the user has selected for the automatic driving course associated with the specific information in the past, together with the specific information at that time, and the specific information of this time is Other automatic driving courses, such as setting the recommended automatic driving course as the recommended automatic driving course when it is the same as the past specific information and highlighting the display form of the recommended automatic driving course, for example Differentiate from the display form.
In addition, as a standard of recommendation, when the user has registered in advance which specific driving information and which automatic driving course to use, and the specific information predicted this time matches the registered specific information Alternatively, a registered automatic driving course linked with the specific information may be set as a recommended automatic driving course.

(Eleventh embodiment)
FIG. 29 shows the eleventh embodiment, which differs from the first embodiment in the following points. That is, in the tenth embodiment, the amount of detergent used is predicted according to the clothing weight detection result for each of the plurality of automatic driving courses, as in the first embodiment, but as shown in FIG. The amount of detergent used for each automatic driving course is displayed. According to this, the amount of detergent used in each automatic driving course can be compared, and can be used as a reference for selection of the automatic driving course.
In each of the above-described embodiments, a washing machine having a drying function is illustrated, but a washing machine having no drying function may be used. Further, the present invention is not limited to the drum type washing machine, and can be applied to a vertical washing machine including a water tank, a rotating tank and a pulsator.

  According to the configuration of the embodiment described above, a plurality of automatic driving courses are provided as the automatic driving course, the driving control means capable of executing any one of the plurality of automatic driving courses, and the automatic driving course start A switch, weight detection means for detecting the weight of clothing, and specific information prediction means for predicting specific information for each of the plurality of automatic driving courses according to a weight detection result detected by the weight detecting means. And a display means, a course designating means for designating any of the plurality of automatic driving courses, and a start command generating means for generating an operation start command. When the automatic operation course start switch is operated, the operation control means detects the weight of clothing by the weight detection means, and operates the specific information prediction means to each of the plurality of automatic operation courses. Specific information is predicted according to the clothing weight detection result, the plurality of automatic driving courses and specific information predicted for each automatic driving course are displayed on the display means, and any one of the automatic driving courses is displayed by the course specifying means. The designated automatic driving course is executed based on the designation and the occurrence of the driving start command by the start command generating means.

  According to this, if the user operates the start switch for the automatic driving course, the specific information is predicted and displayed for each of the plurality of automatic driving courses according to the weight detection result of the clothing. Specific information can be found for each of a plurality of automatic driving courses. Therefore, if the user designates an automatic driving course with specific information close to his / her preference from the plurality of specific information and starts the automatic driving course, the user performs washing in the automatic driving course suitable for his / her desire. Operation or washing / drying operation can be performed.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

  In the drawings, 1 is an outer box of the washing machine according to the embodiment, 2 is a water tub, 4 is a drum, 50 is a display unit (display means), 50a is a touch panel input unit, 50as is an automatic start switch (start switch for automatic operation course). , 50aA to 50aF are course designation switches (course designation means), 50ak is a course start switch (start command generation means), 50w1 is a required operation time selection switch (specific information selection means), and 50w2 is a use water amount selection switch (specific information selection). Means), 50w3 is a power consumption amount selection switch (specific information selection means), 50w4 is a running cost selection switch (specific information selection means), 50w5 is an energy saving level selection switch (specific information selection means), 59 is a control device, 59a is Operation control means, 59b is a weight detection means, and 59c is a specific information prediction means.

Claims (13)

Driving control means comprising a plurality of automatic driving courses as driving courses and capable of executing any one of the plurality of automatic driving courses;
Start switch for automatic driving course,
A weight detection means for detecting the weight of the clothing;
Specific information predicting means for predicting specific information about each automatic driving course for each of the plurality of automatic driving courses according to the weight detection result detected by the weight detecting means;
Display means;
Course specifying means for specifying any of the plurality of automatic driving courses;
A start command generating means for generating an operation start command,
When the start switch for the automatic driving course is operated, the driving control means detects the weight of the clothes by the weight detecting means, and operates the specific information predicting means to operate the clothing for each of the plurality of automatic driving courses. Specific information is predicted according to the weight detection result, the display means displays the plurality of automatic driving courses and the specific information predicted for each automatic driving course, and any one of the automatic driving courses is displayed by the course specifying means. A washing machine that executes the designated automatic operation course based on the fact that the operation start command is generated by the start command generation means.   The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the specific information is a time required for driving each automatic driving course. Furthermore, it has a clock means,
The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the specific information is a driving end time of each automatic driving course.   The washing machine according to claim 3, further comprising time display means for displaying a current time by the clock means.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the specific information is an amount of water used in each automatic driving course.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the specific information is a power consumption amount of each automatic driving course.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the specific information is a running cost of each automatic driving course.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the specific information is an energy saving level of each automatic driving course.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the specific information includes a plurality of types of specific information for each automatic driving course. Of the plurality of types of specific information, comprising a specific information selection means for selecting one or more types of specific information that the user wants to display,
The washing machine according to claim 9, wherein the operation control means causes the display means to display the specific information selected by the specific information selection means.   The washing machine according to claim 9 or 10, wherein a priority is set for specific information predicted for each of a plurality of automatic driving courses, and the display form of the specific information is varied depending on the priority.   The driving control means sets the most recommended automatic driving course when displaying the plurality of automatic driving courses and specific information predicted for each automatic driving course on the display means, and sets the recommended automatic driving course. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the display form is distinguished from the display form of another automatic driving course. The operation control means further predicts the amount of detergent used according to the clothing weight detection result for each of the plurality of automatic driving courses, and displays the amount of detergent used for each of the plurality of automatic driving courses on the display means. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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