JP2021109035A - Washing machine and vibration detection device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a washing machine and a vibration detection device capable of detecting the intrusion of a child or a pet to the inside of the washing machine.SOLUTION: A washing machine 10 comprises: a weight sensor 101 detecting the weight of a washing tub; a control unit 102 determining the intrusion of a living organism based on the detection result of the weight sensor 101; and a notification unit (communication unit 105 or notification unit 106) notifying a user of abnormality when the control unit 102 has determined the presence of the intrusion of a living organism.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a washing machine and a vibration detection device.

Conventionally, some washing machines have a child lock function to prevent children and pets from entering (Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 9-217532

In a washing machine equipped with a conventional child lock function, it is necessary to set the child lock mode in advance in order to use the function. In addition, there was no preset setting for child lock mode, and there was no function to detect when a child or pet got inside.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine and a vibration detection device capable of detecting that a child or a pet has entered the inside.

In order to solve the above problems, the washing machine according to the first aspect of the present invention has a detection unit that detects the weight or vibration of the washing tub, and a washing machine based on the detection result of the detection unit. It is characterized by including a determination unit for determining biological invasion and a notification unit capable of giving an abnormality notification to the user when the determination unit determines that there is biological invasion.

According to the above configuration, the detection unit and the determination unit detect the invasion of organisms (entering children and pets) into the washing tub of the washing machine, and when the invasion of organisms is detected, the user is notified of the abnormality. Can be done.

Further, in the washing machine, the detection unit is a weight sensor that detects the weight of the washing tub, and the determination unit determines that there is biological invasion when the weight detected by the weight sensor suddenly increases. It can be configured.

According to the above configuration, in the biological intrusion detection when the weight sensor is used, the biological invasion into the washing tub can be detected separately from the laundry input.

Further, in the washing machine, the detection unit is a vibration sensor that detects vibration of the washing tub, and the determination unit invades a living body when vibration that does not converge and is not periodic is detected by the vibration sensor. It can be configured to be determined to be present.

According to the above configuration, in the biological intrusion detection when the vibration sensor is used, the biological invasion into the washing tub can be detected separately from the laundry input.

Further, in the washing machine, the detection unit detects the presence or absence of abnormal vibration exceeding the reference in the washing tub, and the determination unit determines the detection unit while the drive motor of the washing tub is stopped. When the abnormal vibration is continuously detected more than the number of times, it can be determined that there is a biological invasion.

According to the above configuration, in the biological intrusion detection when a detection unit (vibration detection switch or the like) for detecting the presence or absence of abnormal vibration is used, the biological invasion into the washing tub can be detected separately from the laundry loading. ..

Further, when the determination unit determines that there is biological invasion, the washing machine stops stirring or rotation if the washing tub is stirring or rotating, and drains water if water is contained in the washing tub. It can be configured to be possible. Alternatively, the washing machine may be configured so that when the determination unit determines that there is biological invasion, the washing machine can be drained if water is contained in the washing tub.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to ensure safety when a biological invasion into the washing tub is detected.

Further, in the washing machine, the notification unit may include a communication unit capable of notifying a predetermined communication terminal when the determination unit determines that there is a biological invasion.

According to the above configuration, when a biological invasion into the washing tub of a washing machine is detected, an abnormality can be notified to a predetermined communication terminal (such as a smartphone owned by the user).

Further, in order to solve the above problems, the vibration detection device according to the second aspect of the present invention is a vibration detection device that can be retrofitted to the washing machine, and is a detection unit that detects the weight or vibration of the washing machine. Based on the detection result of the detection unit, a determination unit for determining biological invasion of the washing machine into the washing tub and a determination unit for determining that there is biological invasion are notified to a predetermined communication terminal. It is characterized by having a communication unit capable of enabling it.

The washing machine and vibration detection device of the present invention detect biological invasion (entering of children and pets) into the washing tub of the washing machine by a detection unit and a determination unit, and when biological invasion is detected, the user is abnormal. It has the effect of being able to notify.

It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the washing machine which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the entry detection operation of the washing machine which concerns on Embodiment 1. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the washing machine which concerns on Embodiment 2. This is an example of vibration that occurs when laundry is put into the washing tub. This is an example of vibration that occurs when the washing tub is driven by a motor during stirring operation or dehydration operation. This is an example of vibration caused by children and pets entering the washing tub. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the washing machine which concerns on Embodiment 3. It is a flowchart which shows the main routine of the entry detection operation of the washing machine which concerns on Embodiment 3. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the biological invasion determination of the entry detection operation of the washing machine which concerns on Embodiment 3. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine during the dehydration operation of the entry detection operation of the washing machine which concerns on Embodiment 3. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine during the stirring operation of the entry detection operation of the washing machine which concerns on Embodiment 3.

[Embodiment 1]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a washing machine 10 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 10 includes at least a weight sensor (detection unit) 101, a control unit (determination unit) 102, a drive motor 103, a drainage mechanism 104, a communication unit 105, and a notification unit 106. Further, the washing machine 10 may include a motion sensor 107.

The weight sensor 101 basically detects the weight of the laundry or the like put into the washing tub (not shown) of the washing machine 10. The output of the weight sensor 101 is sent to the control unit 102, and the control unit 102 can recognize the weight of the laundry when it is put into the washing tub.

The drive motor 103 is a motor for rotationally driving the washing tub and the stirring blades in the washing tub. The drainage mechanism 104 is a mechanism (for example, an electronic control valve) for draining the water in the washing tub. The communication unit 105 performs network communication with a cloud server or a communication terminal (for example, a smartphone) owned by the user. The notification unit 106 generates an alarm sound and an alarm display. The operation of the drive motor 103, the drainage mechanism 104, the communication unit 105, and the notification unit 106 is controlled by the control unit 102.

When a child or a pet enters the washing tub, the washing machine 10 according to the first embodiment can detect (detect the entry) based on the output of the weight sensor 101. Hereinafter, the entry detection operation of the washing machine 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the flowchart of FIG. 2, the washing machine 10 starts from the standby mode. The washing machine 10 in the standby mode is in a state in which operation buttons other than the power button do not accept operations by the user. That is, the washing machine 10 in the standby mode monitors whether or not the power of the washing machine 10 is turned on (whether or not the power button is pressed by the user) (S1).

Even while the washing machine 10 is not turned on and the standby mode is maintained (NO in S1), the weight sensor 101 and the control unit 102 are operating, and biological invasion into the washing tub (children, pets, etc.) Is being monitored (S2). Specifically, the control unit 102 (control microcomputer) is in a sleep state and is on standby, and the control unit 102 is put into an operating state based on a change in the output of the weight sensor 101 by a predetermined amount. Then, the control unit 102 determines the presence or absence of biological invasion based on the output of the weight sensor 101. Even when the washing machine 10 is in the standby mode, it is possible for the user to put the laundry into the washing tub, and the weight sensor 101 also detects the increase in weight by putting the laundry into the washing tub. Therefore, it is necessary for the control unit 102 to make a determination so that the input of the laundry is not erroneously detected as a biological invasion.

As an example of the determination, it can be determined that there is biological invasion when the detected weight suddenly increases. When the weight increases due to the addition of laundry, it is difficult to add a large amount of laundry to the washing tub at one time, and it is assumed that the laundry is added in stages, so the increase in weight does not become rapid. On the other hand, when a child or pet enters the washing tub, the detected weight increase becomes rapid. After shifting to the operating state, the control unit 102 compares the difference value of the weight per unit time with the threshold value while detecting the weight at short unit time intervals. If this difference value becomes larger than the threshold value, there is a sudden decrease in weight, and it can be determined that there is biological invasion. For example, if there is a sudden decrease in weight of 1 kg or more within 1 second, it can be determined that there is biological invasion. Further, the value of the weight sensor 101 when the control unit 102 transitions to the sleep state last time may be stored, and the difference value from the weight detected this time may be compared with the threshold value. When the washing machine 10 is in the standby mode and it is detected that the weight has increased by a predetermined value or more since the control unit 102 entered the sleep state last time, it can be determined that there is a biological invasion. For example, when the weight of the control unit 102 has increased by 1 kg or more since the previous transition to the sleep state, it can be determined that there is a biological invasion.

If no biological invasion into the washing tub is detected (NO in S2), the control unit 102 returns to the sleep state. On the other hand, in the washing machine 10 in the standby mode, when there is a sudden decrease in weight and it is detected that there is a biological invasion into the washing tub (YES in S2), the control unit 102 emits an alarm sound or an alarm screen from the notification unit 106. Is issued to notify the user of the abnormality, and the communication terminal of the user is notified of the occurrence of the abnormality via the communication unit 105 (S3). Further, after the step of S3, the washing machine 10 returns to the standby mode.

When the power button is pressed by the user and the washing machine 10 is turned on (YES in S1), the washing machine 10 shifts to the operation mode (S4). Even in the washing machine 10 in operation, the lid may be opened during washing to stop the operation, and when a child enters the stopped washing machine 10 and the lid is closed, the operation may be resumed. Therefore, even in the washing machine 10 in the operation mode, the control unit 102 monitors the invasion of organisms into the washing tub (S5). In the operation mode, the washing tub and the stirring blade may rotate, and the weight may fluctuate due to this rotation, but the weight fluctuation caused by the rotation of the washing tub and the stirring blade is abrupt. Must not be. Therefore, even in the operation mode, it can be determined that there is a biological invasion when the detected weight suddenly increases, as in the case of monitoring in the standby mode.

In the washing machine 10 in the operation mode, when there is a sudden decrease in weight and it is detected that there is a biological invasion into the washing tub (YES in S5), the control unit 102 issues an alarm sound or an alarm screen from the notification unit 106. In addition to notifying the user of the abnormality, the communication terminal of the user is notified of the occurrence of the abnormality via the communication unit 105 (S6), and the operation of the washing machine 10 is immediately terminated (forced termination) (S8). Further, when the invasion of organisms into the washing tub is detected and the operation of the washing machine 10 is terminated, the control unit 102 may control the drainage mechanism 104 to drain the water in the washing tub.

If NO in S5, the end determination of the set washing course is performed (S7), and if it is not completed, the process returns to S5, and if it is completed, the operation is normally terminated (S8). After the operation is normally completed, the washing machine 10 shifts to the standby mode again.

Further, when the washing machine 10 includes the motion sensor 107, the detection result of the motion sensor 107 may be combined with the control when the biological invasion into the washing tub is detected. Here, the motion sensor 107 is a sensor that detects whether or not there is a person in the vicinity of the washing machine 10 (such as the front of the washing machine 10).

For example, even if the weight sensor 101 detects that there is a biological invasion into the washing tub, if the motion sensor 107 detects a person at the same time, the user is near the washing machine 10. It is possible to take immediate action, and in S3 and S6 of FIG. 2, it is considered that the notification to the communication terminal of the user may be omitted. Therefore, when it is detected that there is a biological invasion in the steps S2 and S5 of FIG. 2, it is subsequently determined whether or not a human is detected by the motion sensor 107, and if there is no human detection, the steps S3 and S6. In, the notification unit 107 issues an alarm sound or an alarm screen and notifies the communication terminal of the user of the occurrence of an abnormality, and if a person is detected, the notification of the occurrence of the abnormality is omitted to the communication terminal of the user in S3 and S6. May be good. The alarm sound and the alarm screen from the notification unit 106 shall be stopped when a stop operation is input by the user or when a predetermined time elapses, and when there is no stop operation by the user before the predetermined time elapses. It is preferable that the user notifies the communication terminal of the user of the occurrence of an abnormality even when a person is detected. As a result, even if a person is detected by the motion sensor 106, if it is a child or the like and an appropriate response cannot be taken, the user can be notified by communication.

Further, in the step of S6, if there is no detection of a person, the drainage in the washing tub may be performed, and if there is a detection of a person, the drainage in the washing tub may not be performed.

[Embodiment 2]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the washing machine 11 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the washing machine 11 has a configuration in which a vibration sensor (detection unit) 111 is provided instead of the weight sensor 101 in the washing machine 10 of FIG. However, the washing machine 11 is not limited to a configuration that does not include the weight sensor 101.

The vibration sensor 111 is a sensor that detects the vibration of the washing tub, and basically detects when the vibration during operation becomes too large due to the bias (weight imbalance) of the laundry in the washing tub. Is what you do. The type of sensor in the vibration sensor 111 is not particularly limited, but an acceleration sensor, a pressure sensor, a weight sensor, a mechanical sensor by moving a pendulum or a ball, a pressure sensor, and the like can be used. The output of the vibration sensor 111 is sent to the control unit 102, and the control unit 102 can recognize the vibration level (vibration intensity) in the washing tub.

When a child or a pet enters the washing tub, the washing machine 11 according to the second embodiment can detect (detect the entry) based on the output of the vibration sensor 111. The entry detection operation of the washing machine 11 is basically the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. However, the method for determining biological invasion in S2 and S5 is different from that of the washing machine 10 of the first embodiment.

In the washing machine 11, the control unit 102 determines the presence or absence of biological invasion based on the output of the vibration sensor 111, but the vibration sensor 111 also detects the vibration of the washing tub even when the laundry is thrown in. Therefore, in S2 and S5, it is necessary for the control unit 102 to make a determination so that the loading of the laundry is not erroneously detected as a biological invasion.

FIG. 4A is an example of vibration (output of the vibration sensor 111) generated when laundry is put into the washing tub. FIG. 4B is an example of vibration generated when the washing tub is driven by a motor during a stirring operation or a dehydration operation. FIG. 4C is an example of vibration caused by a child or pet entering the washing tub.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the vibration when the laundry is thrown has a large amplitude at the beginning, and the amplitude is attenuated and converges with time. Therefore, if the control unit 102 converges with the passage of time and no new vibration is generated within a predetermined time thereafter, it can be determined that the vibration is caused by the laundry being put in.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the vibration when the washing tub is driven by the motor becomes a periodic vibration without converging with the passage of time. Therefore, the control unit 102 can determine that the periodic vibration that does not converge is the vibration generated by the motor driving of the washing tub.

Then, as shown in FIG. 4C, the vibration when a child or a pet enters the washing tub does not converge with the passage of time and does not become a periodic vibration. That is, when a child or pet enters the washing tub, irregular or intermittent vibration occurs. Therefore, the control unit 102 can determine that the vibration that does not converge and is not periodic is the vibration generated by the entry of a child or pet into the washing tub.

To determine whether or not the detected vibrations are periodic, for example, after detecting the vibrations exceeding a predetermined threshold value A, the vibrations exceeding the same threshold value A are counted at least twice, and the time difference between these vibrations is determined. If is within ΔT, it can be regarded as periodic vibration (otherwise it is not periodic vibration). Alternatively, after detecting the vibration exceeding the threshold value A, the vibrations exceeding the same threshold value A are counted at least twice, and if the deviation from the average value is within a certain value for each time difference between these vibrations, the periodic vibration. It can be considered (otherwise it is not a periodic vibration). If the rotation speed of the washing tub is known in advance because the drive motor 103 is driven synchronously, the rotation speed of the washing tub can be detected, etc., the time difference between vibrations is a predetermined value from the rotation cycle of the washing tub. If the distance is more than that, it can be determined that the vibration is not caused by the motor drive. Further, regarding the threshold value A, since the fluctuation width of the vibration changes depending on the rotation speed of the drive motor 103, the threshold value A may be changed according to the rotation speed.

Since the step of S2 is the determination of the invasion of organisms while the washing machine 11 is in the standby mode, the vibration that may occur is the vibration of FIG. 4A or FIG. 4C. Then, when the control unit 102 determines that the detected vibration is the vibration shown in FIG. 4C, the control unit 102 shifts the process to S3 assuming that there is a biological invasion. That is, if the vibration exceeding the threshold A is not detected first and the vibration exceeding the next threshold A is not detected within a predetermined time, the vibration of FIG. 4A, that is, when the laundry is put into the washing tub, occurs. If it is determined to be vibration and a vibration exceeding the next threshold value A is detected within a predetermined time, it is determined to be the vibration of FIG. 4C, that is, the vibration when an organism invades. The predetermined time may be a time interval such that the user can continuously put in the laundry, for example, 3 seconds or more.

Since the step of S5 is the determination of the invasion of organisms while the washing machine 11 is in the operation mode, the vibrations that may occur are the vibrations of FIGS. 4A, 4B or 4C. In this case, in addition to the determination in the step of S2, it is determined whether or not the vibration is the above-mentioned periodic vibration. When the control unit 102 determines that the detected vibration is the vibration shown in FIG. 4C, the control unit 102 shifts the process to S6 assuming that there is a biological invasion.

Further, when the washing machine 11 includes the motion sensor 107, the detection result of the motion sensor 107 may be combined with the control when the biological invasion into the washing tub is detected. The control when the motion sensor 107 is used can be performed in the same manner as the control of the washing machine 10 described above.

[Embodiment 3]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the washing machine 12 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the washing machine 12 has a configuration in which a vibration detection switch (detection unit) 121 is provided instead of the vibration sensor 111 in the washing machine 10 of FIG.

The vibration detection switch 121 basically detects when the vibration during operation becomes too large due to the bias (weight imbalance) of the laundry in the washing tub. The vibration detection switch 121 can detect abnormal vibration (vibration exceeding the reference) of the washing machine via a vibration detection lever arranged close to the washing tub. Specifically, when the washing tub vibrates below the standard, the washing tub does not come into contact with the vibration detection lever, and in this case, the output of the vibration detection switch 121 is also turned off. Then, when vibration exceeding the reference is generated in the washing tub, the washing tub comes into contact with the vibration detection lever to displace the vibration detection lever, and the displaced vibration detection lever turns on the vibration detection switch 121. The output of the vibration detection switch 121 is sent to the control unit 102, and the control unit 102 can recognize the presence or absence of abnormal vibration in the washing tub.

When a child or a pet enters the washing tub, the washing machine 12 according to the third embodiment can detect (detect the entry) based on the output of the vibration detection switch 121. Hereinafter, the entry detection operation of the washing machine 12 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 to 9.

While the washing machine 11 is not turned on and the standby mode is maintained (NO in S11), the vibration detection switch 121 and the control unit 102 are operating, and biological invasion into the washing tub (children, pets, etc.) Is being monitored (S12). Specifically, the control unit 102 (control microcomputer) is in a sleep state and stands by, and the control unit 102 is put into an operating state based on the output of the vibration detection switch 121. Then, the control unit 102 determines the presence or absence of biological invasion based on the output of the vibration detection switch 121. Even when the washing machine 10 is in the standby mode, the vibration detection switch 121 may be turned on by throwing in the laundry. Therefore, it is necessary for the control unit 102 to make a determination so that the input of the laundry is not erroneously detected as a biological invasion.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for determining biological invasion in S12. In this subroutine, when the vibration detection switch 121 first detects vibration (YES in S121), the control unit 102 shifts to the operating state, counts the number of vibrations X to one, and reduces the time t from T. The count is started (S122). When a new vibration is detected during the down count of the time t (YES in S123), the time t is returned to T (time refresh), the down count is restarted, and the number of vibrations X is counted up to (X + 1). (S124).

After that, if the number of vibrations X exceeds the threshold value (YES in S125), it is determined that there is a biological invasion into the washing tub, and the control unit 102 issues an alarm sound or an alarm screen from the notification unit 106 to notify the user of the abnormality. At the same time, the communication terminal of the user is notified of the occurrence of an abnormality via the communication unit 105 (S126). That is, when a child or pet enters the washing tub, it is assumed that abnormal vibration is continuously generated due to the movement of the child or pet. Therefore, when the number of vibrations X exceeds the threshold value, it can be determined that the organism has invaded. ..

If no new vibration is detected in S123 (NO in S123) and the time is up with time t = 0 (YES in S127), it is determined that there is no biological invasion, and the number of vibrations X is initialized to 0. After (S128), the subroutine is terminated and the process proceeds to the next process of the main routine (flow of FIG. 6). That is, even if the abnormal vibration occurs several times in succession, if the number of vibrations X does not exceed the threshold value and the time is up, it is assumed that the detected abnormal vibration is caused by the loading of the laundry. If the result becomes NO in S125 and the process shifts to S127, the time is not up at that point (NO in S127), and the process returns to the step of S123. If the vibration is not detected in S121, the washing machine 12 ends the subroutine and shifts to the next process of the main routine.

When the power button is pressed by the user and the washing machine 12 is turned on (YES in S11), it is determined whether or not the drive motor 103 is in operation (S13). If the drive motor 103 is not in operation (NO in S13), the process proceeds to S14 and the biological invasion determination is executed. If the drive motor 103 is not in operation, the abnormal vibration detected by the vibration detection switch 121 is generated by throwing in laundry or entering a child or pet. Therefore, the biological invasion determination in S14 can be executed by the subroutine of FIG. 7 as in the biological invasion determination in S12. When it is determined that there is a biological invasion into the washing tub by the biological invasion determination in S14, the control unit 102 may control the drainage mechanism 104 to drain the water in the washing tub. Further, the control unit 102 may control the water supply mechanism (not shown) so as not to supply water into the washing tub.

If the drive motor 103 is in operation (YES in S13), the washing machine 12 is in dehydration operation (S15) or stirring operation (S16). FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a subroutine during the dehydration operation in S15. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine during the stirring operation in S16.

In the subroutine during the dehydration operation shown in FIG. 8, when the vibration detection switch 121 detects vibration (YES in S151), the operation of the drive motor 103 is stopped (S152), and then the invasion of organisms is determined (S153). The biological invasion determination in S153 is executed by the subroutine of FIG. It is highly possible that the abnormal vibration during operation of the drive motor 103 is caused by the unevenness (weight imbalance) of the laundry in the washing tub. Therefore, when abnormal vibration is detected during the dehydration operation, in order to discriminate between the abnormal vibration due to weight imbalance and the abnormal vibration due to the invasion of living organisms, the operation of the drive motor 103 is stopped and then the invasion of living organisms is determined. .. If the operation of the drive motor 103 is stopped, the biological invasion determination in S153 can be executed by the subroutine of FIG.

When it is determined in S153, that is, in the subroutine of FIG. 7, that there is a biological invasion, an abnormality notification is given to the user (S126), and the washing machine 12 shifts to the standby mode. On the other hand, when it is determined in S153 that there is no invasion of living organisms, the abnormal vibration detected in S151 is considered to be due to weight imbalance. In this case, the washing machine 12 performs the balance adjustment process (S154) and then returns to the step of S151 (restarts the dehydration operation) in order to even out the unevenness of the laundry in the washing tub. If the abnormal vibration disappears by the balance adjustment process, a NO determination is made in S151 after the dehydration operation is restarted, the washing machine 12 normally ends the operation (S155), terminates the subroutine, and shifts to the next process of the main routine.

In the subroutine during the stirring operation shown in FIG. 9, when the vibration detection switch 121 detects vibration (YES in S161), the operation of the drive motor 103 is stopped (S162), and then the invasion of organisms is determined (S163). The biological invasion determination in S163 is executed by the subroutine of FIG. The operation up to this point is the same as the processing of S151 to S153 in the subroutine during the stirring operation.

When it is determined in S163, that is, in the subroutine of FIG. 7, that there is a biological invasion, an abnormality notification is given to the user (S126), and the washing machine 12 shifts to the standby mode. If it is determined that there is a biological invasion during the stirring operation, the water in the washing tub may be drained in addition to notifying the user of the abnormality.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S163 that there is no invasion of organisms, the process returns to the step of S161 as it is (restarting the stirring operation). Since water is contained in the washing tub during the stirring operation, even if abnormal vibration occurs due to weight imbalance, the unevenness of the laundry is naturally leveled by the restarted stirring operation, and the abnormal vibration often disappears. If the abnormal vibration disappears, a NO determination is made in S161 after the stirring operation is restarted, the washing machine 12 normally ends the operation (S164), terminates the subroutine, and shifts to the next process of the main routine.

Further, when the washing machine 12 includes the motion sensor 107, the detection result of the motion sensor 107 may be combined with the control when the biological invasion into the washing tub is detected. The control when the motion sensor 107 is used can be performed in the same manner as the control of the washing machine 10 described above.

The above-mentioned entry detection operation described in the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 to 9 can also be applied to the washing machine 11 of the second embodiment. That is, in the entry detection operation described in the second embodiment, the entry of a child or a pet is determined from the vibration waveform detected by the vibration sensor 111, but in the entry detection operation described in the third embodiment, the vibration is generated. It is possible to determine whether a child or pet has entered from the presence or absence of abnormal vibration detected by the detection switch 121.

When the detection sensitivity of the vibration sensor 111 or the vibration detection switch 121 can be changed, the detection sensitivity of the vibration sensor 111 or the vibration detection switch 121 may be changed between the standby mode and the operation mode. In this case, it is preferable that the detection sensitivity in the standby mode is higher than the detection sensitivity in the operation mode. Further, during the dehydration operation or the stirring operation, the sensor sensitivity of the vibration sensor 111 may be changed according to the rotation speed of the drive motor 103. In this case, it is preferable that the sensor sensitivity is increased as the rotation speed of the drive motor 103 is increased.

[Embodiment 4]
In the first to third embodiments, the washing machine itself is provided with sensors (weight sensor 101, vibration sensor 111 or vibration detection switch 121), a communication unit 105 and a notification unit 106, and the washing machine itself detects biological invasion. The user was notified of the abnormality. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and sensors and communication units are provided in a vibration detection device that can be retrofitted to the washing machine, and the vibration detection device detects biological intrusion into the washing machine and causes an abnormality to the user. It is also possible to give a notification.

For example, there is a waterproof pan as an optional device of a washing machine. The waterproof pan for a washing machine is used as a stand on which the legs of the washing machine are placed, and has a function of catching water leakage from the washing machine and preventing water leakage to the floor surface. There is. If such a waterproof pan is provided with the weight sensor 101, the control unit 102, the communication unit 105, and the notification unit 106 described in the first embodiment, the waterproof pan can be used as a vibration detection device that can be retrofitted to the washing machine. be able to. In this case, the waterproof pan can detect biological intrusion and notify the user of an abnormality by applying the intrusion detection operation described in the first embodiment.

Alternatively, the waterproof pan is provided with the vibration sensor 111, the control unit 102, the communication unit 105, and the notification unit 106 described in the second embodiment, and the entry detection operation described in the second embodiment can be applied. In addition to the waterproof pan, if the washing machine is placed under the washing machine and the load of the washing machine is applied (for example, a mat or rubber feet), the entry detection operation described in any one of the first to third embodiments is performed. It is possible to apply.

Further, as another example of the vibration detection device, the vibration detection device may be used by being attached to the side surface of the housing of the washing machine with a magnet or the like. Since the load of the washing machine is not applied to the vibration detection device in this case, the entry detection operation described in the first embodiment cannot be applied. However, the vibration detection device is provided with the vibration sensor 111, the control unit 102, the communication unit 105, and the notification unit 106 described in the second embodiment, and it is possible to apply the entry detection operation described in the second embodiment.

The embodiments disclosed this time are examples in all respects and do not serve as a basis for limited interpretation. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is not construed solely by the above-described embodiments, but is defined based on the description of the claims. It also includes all changes within the meaning and scope of the claims.

For example, the washing machines 10 to 12 in the first to third embodiments are configured to include both the communication unit 105 and the notification unit 106, but may be configured to include only one of the communication unit 105 and the notification unit 106. good. That is, the notification unit described in the claims is a concept including both the communication unit 105 and the notification unit 106. Further, the vibration detection device according to the fourth embodiment basically includes a communication unit 105, and may further include a notification unit 106 if possible.

10, 11, 12 Washing machine 101 Weight sensor (detector)
102 Control unit (judgment unit)
103 Drive motor 104 Drainage mechanism 105 Communication unit (notification unit)
106 Notification unit (notification unit)
107 Motion sensor 111 Vibration sensor (detector)
121 Vibration detection switch (detection unit)

Claims (8)

A detector that detects the weight or vibration of the washing tub,
A determination unit that determines biological invasion into the washing tub based on the detection result of the detection unit,
A washing machine including a notification unit capable of notifying a user of an abnormality when the determination unit determines that there is a biological invasion. The washing machine according to claim 1.
The detection unit is a weight sensor that detects the weight of the washing tub.
The washing machine is characterized in that the determination unit determines that there is biological invasion when the weight detected by the weight sensor suddenly increases. The washing machine according to claim 1.
The detection unit is a vibration sensor that detects the vibration of the washing tub.
The washing machine is characterized in that the determination unit determines that there is biological invasion when vibration that does not converge and is not periodic is detected by the vibration sensor. The washing machine according to claim 1.
The detection unit detects the presence or absence of abnormal vibration exceeding the standard in the washing tub.
The washing machine is characterized in that the determination unit determines that there is biological invasion when the detection unit continuously detects the abnormal vibration more than a predetermined number of times while the drive motor of the washing tub is stopped. The washing machine according to claim 2 or 3.
When the determination unit determines that there is biological invasion, if the washing tub is stirring or rotating, the stirring or rotation can be stopped, and if water is contained in the washing tub, it can be drained. A featured washing machine. The washing machine according to claim 4.
A washing machine characterized in that when the determination unit determines that there is biological invasion, it can be drained if water is contained in the washing tub. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
The washing machine is characterized in that the notification unit includes a communication unit capable of notifying a predetermined communication terminal when the determination unit determines that there is a biological invasion. A vibration detector that can be retrofitted to a washing machine
A detector that detects the weight or vibration of the washing machine,
Based on the detection result of the detection unit, a determination unit that determines biological invasion of the washing machine into the washing tub, and a determination unit.
A vibration detection device including a communication unit capable of notifying a predetermined communication terminal when the determination unit determines that there is a biological invasion.

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