JP3148472B2 - Fully automatic washing machine - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a fully automatic washing machine whose operation is controlled using a microcomputer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when an abnormality occurs in the operation of a washing machine, the details of the abnormality are stored in a memory so that a user or a service person can take an appropriate response to the abnormality,
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
No. 204791.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-213395 discloses a method in which the number of washings is stored in a memory, and when the total number of uses reaches an allowable limit value, a notice to that effect is given to the user.

[0004]

However, in the former method, only the stored contents of the abnormality are displayed when necessary, and no countermeasures are taken against the abnormality. In the latter method, the number of uses is limited. If the limit is not reached, the user will not be notified even if there is an abnormality.

By the way, various abnormalities may occur in a process in which a series of processes of washing, rinsing, and dehydrating are automatically controlled by the washing machine. In addition to minor abnormalities such as water supply abnormality that does not occur and drainage abnormality that the drainage is incomplete, serious problems such as when the top lid is opened during dehydration and the dehydration and washing tub does not stop and the brakes do not operate etc. There is an abnormality.

However, in the conventional washing machine, even if such a serious abnormality as the brake does not operate occurs, the user is only informed of the abnormality as in the control methods described in the above publications. Thus, it is possible to use a washing machine. For this reason, there has been a problem that even if a product has a serious failure, if the user keeps using it, a personal injury may occur.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above points. When a serious failure occurs, the contents of the failure are stored and reported, and an abnormality is notified. It is an object of the present invention to provide a fully automatic washing machine that can be operated more safely if the operation of erasing the contents is performed, so that the operation can be performed more safely.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a fully automatic washing machine in which a control section controls washing, rinsing, and dehydrating operations based on the contents set by various setting keys. Abnormality detection means for detecting the occurrence of an abnormality, and an abnormality notification means for notifying the occurrence of the abnormality. The control unit has a rewritable nonvolatile memory unit, and determines the degree of the abnormality detected by the abnormality detection means. was free of a determination means for, the control unit is generated
If the abnormality is serious, stop the driving operation and
Record the contents of the error in the volatile memory and
Abnormality notification is performed by the notification means,
Key input is prohibited and the various setting keys are operated.
Operation is not performed even if
The contents of the abnormality in the nonvolatile memory section are cleared.
Key input is accepted and driving operation is enabled
And then, on the other hand, if abnormality has occurred is mild, the operation
The operation is stopped, and the abnormality notification is performed by the abnormality notification means.
No, enabling operation without special key input
A fully automatic washing machine characterized in that:

[0009]

When a serious failure occurs, the fact is notified and stored in a non-volatile memory unit. Even if various setting keys are operated, the input is not accepted by the control unit, and the operation cannot be performed. ing. When the operation cannot be performed, the failure is repaired by a service person or the like, so that the operation cannot be continued unless the contents of the memory unit are erased. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a problem that an accident occurs when the user uses the apparatus with the failure.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a fully automatic washing machine, and 1 is its frame, in which an outer tub (not shown) is supported in a vibration-proof manner. Reference numeral 2 denotes a spin-drying / washing tub rotatably supported in the outer tub, which has a large number of spin-drying holes 3 around it. Reference numeral 4 denotes a rotating blade disposed at the bottom of the washing tub 2. The machine frame 1
A drive motor (not shown) is provided therein, and the drive motor, the rotating blades 4 and the washing tub 2 are connected via a power transmission mechanism, a pulley and a belt, and the rotating blades 4 are washed during washing. The rotating blades 4 and the washing tub 2 are rotated at a high speed in a certain direction during spin-drying. 5 is a drain hose. Reference numeral 6 denotes an upper cover of the washing machine. Here, if the upper lid 6 is opened during dehydration, a safety switch interlocked with opening and closing of the upper lid 6 is provided so as to stop the washing tub 2 rotating at a high speed. The safety switch detects the abnormal vibration of the washing tub 2 due to the deviation of the cloth or the like and stops the washing tub 2 by detecting the vibration.

Reference numeral 7 denotes a power switch, and an operation display panel 8 is provided at the front of the upper plate of the washing machine, the details of which are shown in FIG. 2, which will be described later.

The operation of the washing machine according to this embodiment is controlled by a microcomputer 10 (hereinafter abbreviated as a microcomputer). A control mechanism of the washing machine centered on the microcomputer 10 will be described with reference to FIG. explain.

The microcomputer 10 has a CPU, a RAM, an R
It is composed of elements such as OM, timer, system bus and input / output port.

Here, the ROM is preliminarily loaded with means for operating the washing machine, setting conditions for determination, rules for processing various information, and the like. CP
U fetches an instruction from the ROM, executes the instruction, sends a control signal in the execution stage, performs arithmetic processing on data given from various input devices and memory, and temporarily stores processing data in the RAM in the course of the processing. Then, necessary processing is performed, and various operating devices are controlled based on the processing results.

That is, the microcomputer 1 is connected via the input port.
There are the following signals input to 0. First, there is an input key circuit 11 composed of various operation keys. More specifically, each input circuit 12 is used for setting washing time, dehydration time, rinsing frequency, water level switching in the washing tub 2 and water flow switching. ~ 16. When the upper lid 6 is opened, a signal from an upper lid input circuit 17 from a safety switch that operates and a signal from a water level sensor 18 for detecting a water level in the washing tub 2 are input. A power switch detection circuit 19 for detecting the on / off state of the power switch 7 and a dehydration tub rotation detection circuit 21 for detecting the number of rotations of the washing and dewatering tub 2 to detect whether they are rotating normally or locked. Receiving a signal from The water level sensor 18 responds to a pressure change in the air trap due to a water level change in the washing tub 2 to move a magnetic substance into and out of the coil to change the inductance of the coil. Is input to the microcomputer 10 as a change in the oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit 22.

On the other hand, a control signal is transmitted from the microcomputer 10 to the following various device elements based on the input signal described above. That is, first, there is the load drive circuit 23. The load drive circuit 23 controls the left and right rotation operation of the drive motor 24, controls the open / close operation of the water supply valve 26 and the drain valve 27, and controls the power-off AC solenoid 28 based on the control signal from the microcomputer 10. Each operation such as energization and non-energization is controlled.

Next, LE composed of a light emitting diode group
There is a D lighting circuit 29. As the LED lighting circuit 29, in addition to displaying various setting displays and progress status such as the remaining time of the washing operation, when an abnormality occurs in the operation of the washing machine,
Some include an abnormality display function of displaying the abnormality as an error code. Similarly, a buzzer circuit 30 for notifying abnormalities by sound is provided.

Reference numeral 31 denotes a power supply circuit for supplying a voltage to the microcomputer 10, 32 denotes a reset circuit, 33 denotes a clock generation circuit, and 34 denotes a power supply frequency synchronization signal generation circuit.

Here, the microcomputer 10 performs necessary processing based on the input signal, controls various equipment elements in accordance with the result, performs washing, rinsing, and dehydration, and at the same time, simultaneously operates the washing machine during operation. Detects the occurrence of abnormalities,
In addition, it is determined whether the abnormality is a minor abnormality or a severe abnormality. Here, when it is determined that the abnormality is a serious abnormality, the rewritable nonvolatile memory unit 35 provided in the microcomputer 10
The content of the abnormality is stored in the memory, and the stored content is retained even when the power is turned off.

Next, input keys arranged on the operation panel 8 provided at the front of the upper surface of the washing machine will be described with reference to FIG.

The operation panel 8 includes washing, rinsing, dehydrating,
Various conditions, such as a key 37a for selecting and setting any combination of every other actions, a type of clothing to be washed, a degree of dirt, finishing with an earlier washing time, or clothing that does not want to lose its shape. The appropriate process time such as washing, rinsing, dehydration, etc., is determined in advance, and keys 37b for setting various operation courses in which the operation starts at the same time as setting, designation of water level, designation of rinsing method, Key 3 for means setting for individually specifying each step of washing
7c are arranged.

In addition to the keys 37d and 37e used for setting the current time and the reserved operation completion time, a key (switch) 38 for starting the operation and a key (switch) 38 for starting the operation after setting by the setting keys 37a to 37e are also provided. A key (switch) 39 for temporarily stopping is provided.

Further, at the time of washing, an indicator 40 comprising a 7-segment light-emitting diode for displaying the remaining washing time is provided, so that numerical display and alphabet display are performed.

When there is an abnormality in the washing machine, the abnormality is displayed on the display unit 40, for example, "E2", and the abnormality and the abnormal location are error-aided.

Next, a control method of the washing machine according to the present invention having the above-described configuration will be described. FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of the control method. That is, in a normal operation procedure, the power switch is turned on and various setting keys 37a to 37 are set.
The setting is performed in step e, and a predetermined program is set by pressing the start key 38. Therefore, in step S1, the ON of the power switch 7 is confirmed, and in step S2, the ON of the start switch 38 is confirmed. Since the temporary stop switch 39 is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S5.
And the data in the non-volatile memory section 35 is read.
Here, “0” indicates no abnormality and “0” indicates a serious abnormality.
Is stored as other data. Therefore, since there is no abnormality at first, the determination in step S5 is Yes, the key input acceptance is permitted in step S7, and the contents set by the various setting keys described above are input to the microcomputer 10.

Then, in step 8, the start switch 3
8 is confirmed to be pressed, the operation process of step S9 is executed, and washing is performed. In step S10, it is determined whether the washing has been completed, and in step 11, it is determined whether an abnormality has occurred during the washing. If the washing is completed without any abnormality, the process waits for the next process, that is, the next washing operation.

However, if an abnormality has occurred (Y in step 11), the process of stopping the load output in step S12 is executed, and the output of the control signal from the microcomputer 10 to the load drive circuit 23 is stopped. At the same time, the microcomputer 10 causes the buzzer circuit 30 to operate, and executes the processing of step 13 for sounding the buzzer and notifying the abnormality. Further, the abnormality that has occurred is a minor abnormality (for example, an abnormality in water supply or drainage) or
A determination is made in step S14 as to whether a serious abnormality (for example, a dehydration brake failure) has occurred. Step S
15 is performed. The error code is displayed on the display 4
0 is displayed. Then, the setting key 37 of step S16
Processing for prohibiting key input acceptance of a to 37e is performed. If there is such a serious abnormality, the microcomputer 10 will not accept the input after that even if the setting key is pressed.
Since the driving cannot be continued, it is impossible to use a washing machine having a high risk of, for example, a dehydration brake failure, thereby preventing an accident such as injury to a user.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S14 that the abnormality is mild, the load output is stopped and the abnormality is only reported, so that the temporary stop switch 39 is pressed and the start switch 38 is pressed after the abnormality is cleared. Thus, the operation can be continued.

As described above, the microcomputer 10 controls the operation of the washing machine, detects the abnormality, and controls the storage process when there is a serious abnormality. Thus, the flow returns to the start and starts again from step S1. In step S5, the data in the non-volatile memory unit 35 is read out. If the data is 0 in step S6, the key input is accepted and the process proceeds to the normal processing routine starting from step S7. Since a serious abnormality has occurred (N in step S6), the abnormality is notified (step 17), the user is notified that a serious failure has occurred, and the user is contacted for repair, etc. Prompt. Even if the setting keys 37a to 37e are pressed, the input signals are not transmitted to the microcomputer 1 even if the key input is prohibited.
0 is controlled not to be accepted (step S1).
8).

That is, as long as abnormal data is stored in the nonvolatile memory unit 35, the washing machine cannot be operated. Therefore, a method of clearing data in the nonvolatile memory unit 35 will be described next.

That is, if the repair is performed by a service person or the like and the abnormality is removed, steps S1 to S
3, with the start switch 38 and the pause switch 39 pressed (Y in step S2, step S3
(Y), the power switch 7 is turned on (Y in step S1), and when a special switch input is made by a service person or the like, the non-volatile memory unit 3 in step S4.
The process of writing 0 data to 5 is executed and cleared. As a result, the apparatus returns to the normal state, and waits for an input of a normal key operation, thereby enabling normal use.

Means for setting the time and number of each stroke in the fully automatic washing machine and displaying the same are provided on the operation panel. On the operation panel 8 shown in FIG. 2, a push button switch (setting key) is provided. ), The washing time, the number of times of rinsing, the dehydration time, etc. were selected and set. However, in this method, the user has to press the push button switch many times to select a desired washing method, and the set time is displayed on the display 40 in a digital amount. It is difficult for a replacement person from a washing machine to understand. For example, when setting, since many buttons for setting are lined up, it is difficult to understand which button to press to change the time and number of steps you want to change, and the time and number shift to one direction,
That is, 10 minutes → 9 minutes →... → 2 minutes → 1 minute → 0 minutes → 10 minutes, so it was necessary to press the button several times to match the time and the number of times desired by the user. In addition, in order to execute the own operation course every time other than the operation course (standard, speedy, etc.) set in advance by the program of the microcomputer 10, a special switch operation is performed to store the operation course. Complicated setting operations, such as the need to set them.

FIG. 5 shows an operation panel having improved usability. In the operation panel 8B, a rotary rotary encoder is used for selecting a washing time and a dehydrating time, and a rotary select switch is used for switching between the number of times of rinsing, water level, and water flow. Further, the remaining operation time and the like are displayed in an American log.

In FIG. 5, reference numeral 41 denotes a rotary dial type knob for selecting a washing time. Reference numeral 42 denotes a rotary dial type knob for selecting a dehydration time. Since the two input devices 41 and 42 are rotary encoders, for example, if the knob 41 is set to a place where the washing time is 5 minutes, the binary number "010" is set.
"1" is output through the washing time input circuit 12 of FIG. 43, 4
Reference numerals 4 and 45 are knobs for switching the number of rinses, water level, and water flow. Since the input device is a normal select switch, a signal corresponding to the adjusted knob position is input to each of the input circuits 14, 15,.
The data is input to the microcomputer 10 via the microcomputer 16. 46, 47,
Reference numeral 48 denotes a 15-bar LED bar-craft type display for displaying the remaining washing time, the remaining rinsing time, and the remaining dehydration time from the left, which can be turned on one bar at a time. Reference numeral 49 denotes a push button switch for starting and temporarily stopping the operation.

The operation panel 8B having such a configuration is described below. A method of using the operation panel 8B will now be described. FIG. 5 shows a state where the power switch is turned on. Since the signal is input to the microcomputer 10,
On the respective indicators 46 to 48 of LEDs, the number of bars corresponding to the input value is lit. Here, when the knobs 41 to 43 for the washing time, the number of times of rinsing, and the dehydration time are switched, the displays of the corresponding LEDs 46 to 48 also change accordingly. Then, in this state, the start / pause switch 49
Press to start driving.

FIG. 6 shows a state in which the remaining time is 2 minutes after the progress of the washing. In this case, the remaining time of the washing is 2 minutes.
The bar at the bottom is lit, and the second bar is blinking to indicate that the vehicle is driving.

Eventually, the set 8-minute washing is completed, the rinsing process is started, and the rinsing is performed twice. FIG. 7 shows the second execution of the rinse. And
When the rinsing is completed twice, the process proceeds to the set dehydration process for 6 minutes. FIG. 8 shows a state where the spin-drying has been completed and the operation has been completed.

In this method, the remaining time of each of the washing, rinsing, and dehydrating steps is displayed on each of the LED indicators 46 to 48, but is used for selecting the washing time, the dehydrating time, and the number of times of rinsing. Since the knobs 41 and 42 and the switching knob 43 do not change their set time even if the time elapses, the course can be operated many times, and a special operation for storing the course can be omitted.

With the improved operation panel 8B, the operation contents to be set can be easily selected by simply turning the knob, so that it is easy to use even for the elderly or mechanically weak users. Since the driving course is the same unless the position of the knob is changed by the user, there is no need for the user to set the memory course with complicated operations. In addition, since the remaining time of driving is represented in analog form, many effects can be expected, such as easy understanding for elderly people.

[0041]

As described above, according to the present invention, the operation is controlled in accordance with the settings, and if an abnormality occurs during the operation, the degree of the abnormality is determined, and as a result, a serious failure that may cause a personal injury In the case of, the operation of the product is disabled and the contents of the abnormality are stored in the non-volatile memory unit. Since the operation is enabled by allowing the input switch to be accepted by the microcomputer, it is possible to prevent a secondary disaster caused by the user continuing to use the product that has failed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a fully automatic washing machine.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an operation display panel.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control device of the washing machine.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the control of the washing machine of the present invention for executing an appropriate response according to the degree of abnormality.

FIG. 5 is a front view of an operation display panel according to another embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the operation display panel showing a display state during washing.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the operation display panel showing a display state during rinsing.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the operation display panel showing an operation end state.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Dehydration and washing tub 7 Power switch 8, 8B Operation display panel 10 Microcomputer 11 Input key circuit 23 Load drive circuit 29 LED lighting circuit 30 Buzzer circuit 35 Non-volatile memory section 37a-37e Various setting keys 38 Start key 39 Pause key 40 Display

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A fully automatic washing machine in which a control section controls washing, rinsing, and dehydrating operations based on contents set by various setting keys, and an abnormality detecting means for detecting occurrence of an abnormality during the operation, the one comprising an abnormality informing means for informing the occurrence of an abnormality, the said control unit and a rewritable nonvolatile memory unit, wherein
Determining means for determining a degree of the abnormality detected by the abnormality detecting means , wherein the control unit stops the driving operation when the generated abnormality is serious.
When the content of the abnormality is recorded in the non-volatile memory,
Abnormality notification by the abnormality notification means,
Prohibit acceptance of key input for operation
Operation is not performed even if
Abnormal content in the non-volatile memory part after key input
Is cleared and the key input can be accepted for operation
Operation is possible, but if the generated abnormality is mild,
Stop, perform abnormality notification by the abnormality notification means,
A fully automatic washing machine characterized in that a driving operation can be performed without performing a special key input .