JP6921642B2 - Washing machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a washing machine including a mechanical power switch and a plurality of touch keys.

As the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, a washing machine having an operation panel in a housing for accommodating a washing tub is disclosed. The operation panel of this washing machine is provided with a plurality of mechanical switches and a plurality of touch-type keys, and the touch-type keys can be simultaneously pressed only when the power switch and a specific other mechanical switch are pressed at the same time. It is designed to shift to a special mode that allows pressing. This prevents the operation of the special mode from being unintentionally executed in the normal mode.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-231449

However, in the washing machine, when the power switch and other specific mechanical switch are pressed at the same time to turn on the power, it is always necessary to press multiple touch keys at the same time until the power is turned off. It shifts to the operation of. Therefore, in the washing machine, it may be difficult to prevent the operation of the special mode from being unintentionally executed in the normal mode.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of preventing the operation of the special mode from being unintentionally executed.

The washing machine according to one aspect of the present invention
The washing machine body and
A mechanical power switch provided on the washing machine body that turns on the power of the washing machine body by operation,
A plurality of touch keys provided on the main body of the washing machine to execute the corresponding normal mode operations by operation, and
A power supply operation continuation determination unit that determines whether or not the power supply switch has been operated for the first time since the power switch was operated, and a power supply operation continuation determination unit.
After the power supply operation continuation determination unit determines that the power supply switch has been continuously operated for the first time, at least one of the plurality of touch keys is operated while the power supply switch is continuously operated. When the first special operation is performed, or when it is determined by the power supply operation continuation determination unit that the power supply switch has been continuously operated for the first time, the power supply switch is further operated for a second time. It is provided with a special mode control unit that executes a special mode operation different from the above normal mode operation when a second special operation that continues to be operated is performed.

According to the washing machine of the above aspect, after it is determined that the power switch has been continuously operated for the first time, at least one of the plurality of touch keys is operated while the power switch is continuously operated. 1 When a special operation is performed, or when a second special operation is performed in which the power switch is continuously operated for a second time after it is determined that the power switch has been continuously operated for the first time. In addition, a special mode operation different from the normal mode operation is executed. That is, the operation of the special mode is executed by continuously operating the power switch for a predetermined time and performing a predetermined operation while continuing to operate the power switch, so that the operation of the special mode is unintentional. It can be prevented from being executed.

The perspective view of the washing machine of 1st Embodiment of this invention. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the structure of the washing machine of FIG. The plan view of the operation panel of the washing machine of FIG. The control block diagram of the washing machine of FIG. The flowchart for demonstrating the execution process of the operation of the special mode of the washing machine of FIG.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the illustrated embodiments. In the following description, in explaining the configuration shown in the drawings, terms indicating directions such as "top", "right", "side", and "edge", and other terms including them are used. However, the purpose of using these terms is to facilitate the understanding of embodiments through drawings. Therefore, these terms do not necessarily indicate the direction in which the embodiments of the present invention are actually used, and these terms limit the technical scope of the invention described in the claims. Should not be done.

(First Embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention is a vertical washing machine including the washing machine main body 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the washing machine main body 2 includes an outer box 10, an outer tub 20, an inner tub 30 rotatably arranged inside the outer tub 20, and a drive device 40 for rotating the inner tub 30. A water supply device 50 capable of supplying water to the inside of the outer tank 20 and a drainage device 60 capable of draining the water inside the outer tank 20 are provided. The outer tank 20, the inner tank 30, the drive device 40, the water supply device 50, and the drainage device 60 are arranged inside the outer box 10. Further, the outer tank 20 and the inner tank 30 each have a bottomed tubular shape with an open upper surface, and are arranged so that the centers in the upper surface view coincide with each other.

The Z direction in FIG. 1 is the vertical direction of the washing machine 1. Further, the X direction in FIG. 1 is the left-right direction of the washing machine 1, and the Y direction in FIG. 1 is the front-rear direction of the washing machine 1.

The outer box 10 is made of metal or synthetic resin and has a rectangular parallelepiped shape as shown in FIG. The upper surface and the lower surface of the outer box 10 are open, and as shown in FIG. 2, the upper surface plate 11 is provided in the upper surface opening, and the synthetic resin base 12 is provided in the bottom surface opening. It is provided. The base 12 is provided with a connecting pipe 66 exposed to the outside of the outer box 10. A drain hose (not shown) can be connected to the connection pipe 66.

The top plate 11 has a substantially quadrangular shape in a plan view viewed along the vertical direction. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the top plate 11 has a power switch 4 which is a mechanical push button switch, an operation panel 5 having a plurality of touch keys 6, and laundry in the washing machine 1. A laundry loading port 14 for loading (shown only in FIG. 2) and an upper lid 15 for opening and closing the laundry loading port 14 are provided. The power switch 4 is arranged at the rear end of the pair of ends of the top plate 11 facing each other in the front-rear direction, and the operation panel 5 is arranged at the front end of the top plate 11.

The power switch 4 switches the power supply of the washing machine main body 2 from off to on by operation, and switches the power supply of the washing machine main body 2 from on to off by operation. That is, the power switch 4 has a function of switching the power supply of the washing machine main body 2 from off to on and a function of switching the power supply of the washing machine main body 2 from on to off.

As shown in FIG. 3, the operation panel 5 includes an operation unit 111 in which a plurality of touch keys 6 are arranged, and a display unit 112 that displays an operation mode and the like. Each touch key 6 executes the corresponding normal mode operation by operation. The operation of the normal mode includes selection and input of an operation mode such as "washing", "washing-drying", and "drying". Each touch key 6 can be displayed / hidden on the operation panel 5 by turning on / off the power of the washing machine main body 2, and the contact operation is enabled only when the touch key 6 is displayed on the operation panel 5. It is supposed to be done.

As shown in FIG. 2, a water supply device 50 is arranged in the upper surface plate 11. The water supply device 50 faces the water supply valve 51 that opens and closes electromagnetically, the connection pipe 52 that is arranged upstream of the water supply valve 51 and protrudes upward through the upper surface plate 11, and the inner tank 30 downstream of the water supply valve 51. It is composed of a detergent case 53 arranged at a position. A water supply hose (not shown) for supplying tap water or other tap water can be connected to the connection pipe 52. Further, the detergent case 53 is provided with a water supply path portion 54 whose tip opens toward the inside of the inner tank 30.

The outer tank 20 is suspended from the outer box 10 by a suspension member (not shown). The suspension members are arranged at a total of four locations so as to connect the lower part of the outer tub 20 and the upper part of the outer box 10, and support the outer tub 20 so as to be swingable.

The inner tub 30 is designed to store washing water such as water in which detergent is dissolved or water for rinsing, and a dehydration shaft 44 of a drive device 40, which will be described later, is connected to the bottom of the inner tub 30. An annular balancer 32 is provided at the opening of the inner tank 30. Further, in the center of the bottom of the inner tank 30, a stirring blade 3 rotatably arranged in the forward and reverse directions is provided. A stirring blade shaft 45 of a drive device 40, which will be described later, is connected to the stirring blade 3.

The stirring blade 3 rotates according to an operation course or the like instructed by the user via the operation panel 5. For example, when performing a washing or rinsing operation, the stirring blade 3 repeatedly rotates alternately in the forward rotation direction and the reverse rotation direction at a rotation speed of 50 to 150 rpm. Further, when the dehydration operation is performed, the stirring blade 3 rotates in the reverse rotation direction together with the inner tank 30 at a rotation speed of 0 to 1000 rpm.

The drive device 40 includes a drive motor 41, a clutch / brake mechanism 42 connected to the drive motor 41 via a belt mechanism (not shown), and a dehydration shaft coaxially arranged at the center of the clutch / brake mechanism 42. It is composed of 44 and a stirring blade shaft 45.

The motor 41 rotates the stirring blade 3 and the inner tank 30 via the dehydration shaft 44 and the stirring blade shaft 45. The dehydration shaft 44 and the stirring blade shaft 45 have a double shaft structure in which the dehydration shaft 44 is arranged on the outer side in the radial direction and the stirring blade shaft 45 is arranged on the inner side in the radial direction with respect to the axis thereof. .. The dehydration shaft 44 penetrates the bottom surface of the outer tank 20 from below to above and supports the inner tank 30. The stirring blade shaft 45 penetrates the outer tank 20 from the lower side to the upper side, further penetrates the bottom of the inner tank 30, and supports the stirring blade 3.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the washing machine 1 has a drainage device 60 for draining the water inside the inner tub 30 to the outside of the washing machine 1. The drainage device 60 includes an inner drainage hole 61 provided at the bottom of the inner tank 30, a seal holder 62 arranged between the outer tank 20 and the inner tank 30, and an outer drainage provided at the bottom of the outer tank 20. It is composed of a hole 63, a drainage path portion 64 connected to the outer drainage hole 63 and a connection pipe 66, and a drainage valve 65 capable of opening and closing the drainage path portion 64. The seal holder 62 is connected to the inner drain hole 61 and the outer drain hole 63, and an oil seal (not shown) is press-fitted inside the seal holder 62. As a result, the inner tank 30 is sealed, and an independent drainage space is formed between the outer tank 20 and the inner tank 30.

When washing or rinsing with the washing machine 1, the drain valve 65 is closed and water is stored only in the inner tub 30. Further, when performing the dehydration operation, the drain valve 65 is opened, and the water in the inner tank 30 passes through the inner drain hole 61, the seal holder 62, the outer drain hole 63, the drainage path portion 64, and the connection pipe 66. Then, the water is drained to the outside of the washing machine 1. During each operation, the dehydration shaft 44, the stirring blade shaft 45, and the inner tank 30 are rotated by the drive of the motor 41, but the inner tank 30 is moved to the seal holder 62 by the oil seal press-fitted inside the seal holder 62. On the other hand, it can continue to have a watertight structure while being relatively rotatable.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the washing machine 1 includes a control device 100 composed of a CPU for performing calculations and the like, an input / output circuit, and the like. The control device 100 is based on the signals input from the operation unit 111 of the operation panel 5 and the water level sensor 121, the display unit 112 of the operation panel 5, the blower fan motor 102 of the blower fan 101, the heater 103, and the drive. It controls the motor 41, the clutch / brake mechanism 42, the water supply valve 51, and the drain valve 65.

Further, the control device 100 includes a power supply operation continuation determination unit 131, a special mode control unit 132, and a measurement unit 133.

Each part constituting the control device 100 described below is a function realized by the CPU executing a predetermined program.

The power supply operation continuation determination unit 131 determines whether or not the power supply switch 4 has been operated. Specifically, the power operation continuation determination unit 131 determines whether or not the power switch 4 is pressed to switch the power of the washing machine main body 2 from on to off.

Further, the power supply operation continuation determination unit 131 determines whether or not the power supply switch 4 has been continuously operated for the first time (for example, 1 second) since it is determined that the power supply switch 4 has been operated. Specifically, the power supply operation continuation determination unit 131 determines whether or not the first time has elapsed from the time when the power supply switch 4 is pressed while the power switch 4 is pressed and held.

When the power switch 4 is held down and the first time elapses from the time the power switch 4 is pressed, the first time elapses from the time the power switch 4 is pressed. However, it may be notified via the operation panel 5 or the like.

The special mode control unit 132 has a plurality of touch keys in a state in which the power switch 4 is continuously operated after the power switch 4 is determined to be continuously operated for the first time by the power operation continuation determination unit 131. When the first special operation for operating at least one of 6 is performed, or when the power supply operation continuation determination unit 131 determines that the power supply switch 4 has been continuously operated for the first time, the power supply switch has been operated. When the second special operation that continues to operate 4 for the second time (for example, 2 seconds) is performed, the operation of the special mode different from the operation of the normal mode is executed.

Specifically, the special mode control unit 132 keeps pressing the power switch 4 for a long time after the first time elapses from the time when the power switch 4 is pressed while the power switch 4 is pressed for a long time. When a predetermined touch key 6 is operated in this state, an operation in a special mode different from the operation in the normal mode is executed. In this case, as the operation of the special mode, the operation of the special mode for non-users, which is not intended to be used by the user, is executed. Non-user special mode operations include, for example, inspection mode, production mode, demonstration mode, and service mode.

Further, the special mode control unit 132 further elapses a second time from the time when it is determined that the first time has elapsed when the power switch 4 is pressed while the power switch 4 is pressed and held. And, when the long press of the power switch 4 is released, the operation of the special mode different from the operation of the normal mode is executed. In this case, as the operation of the special mode, the operation of the special mode for the user for the purpose of use by the user is executed. The operation of the special mode for the user includes, for example, a customization mode in which the rotation speed of the inner tank 30 during the dehydration operation can be changed and the notification sound when the operation is completed can be changed so as not to sound. Is done.

Further, when the special mode control unit 132 elapses a maximum operation time (for example, 5 seconds) longer than the sum of the first time and the second time from the time when it is determined that the power switch 4 is operated. , Turn off the power of the washing machine body 2.

In addition, when the power switch 4 is held down and the power switch 4 is pressed and it is determined that the first time has elapsed, the power switch 4 is pressed when the second time has elapsed. The second time may be notified via the operation panel 5 or the like from the time when it is determined that the first time has passed after being pressed.

The measurement unit 133 tells the time that the power switch 4 has been continuously operated since it was determined that the power switch 4 has been operated (that is, the time that has elapsed since the power switch 4 was pressed for a long time. ) Is measured. Further, the measurement unit 133 has been operating the power switch 4 for a period of time (that is, the power switch 4) since it was determined by the power operation continuation determination unit 131 that the power switch 4 has been continuously operated for the first time. The time that has elapsed since the time when was pressed and held down has reached the first time) is measured.

Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the execution process of the operation of the special mode of the washing machine 1 will be described. The process described below is performed by the control device 100 executing a predetermined program.

When the power switch 4 is pressed and the power of the washing machine main body 2 is switched from off to on (step S1), the power operation continuation determination unit 131 displays the power switch 4 from the time when the power switch 4 is pressed. It is determined whether or not the power switch 4 has been held down for the first time (that is, whether or not the first time has elapsed since the power switch 4 was pressed while the power switch 4 was held down). (Step S2).

When it is determined that the first time has elapsed from the time when the power switch 4 is pressed while the power switch 4 is pressed and held for a long time, the special mode control unit 132 determines that the first time has elapsed. It is determined whether or not the predetermined touch key 6 has been operated (that is, whether or not the first special operation has been performed) while the power switch 4 has been held down for a long time since it was determined that (Step S3).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the first time has not elapsed since the power switch 4 was pressed while the power switch 4 was pressed and held, the first time from the time the power switch 4 was pressed was determined. Step S2 is repeated until the time elapses.

When it is determined in step S3 that the first special operation has not been performed, the special mode control unit 132 is in a state where the power switch 4 is held down for a long time, and the first special mode control unit 132 has been pressed since the power switch 4 is pressed. From the time when it is determined that the time has elapsed, it is determined whether or not the second time has elapsed (that is, whether or not the second special operation has been performed) (step S4).

When it is determined that the second special operation has been performed, the special mode control unit 132 determines whether or not the long press of the power switch 4 has been released (step S5).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the second special operation has not been performed, the process returns to step S3, and it is determined whether or not the first special operation has been performed again.

When it is determined in step S3 that the first special operation has been performed, or when it is determined in step S5 that the second special operation has been performed and the long press of the power switch 4 has been released, the special mode control The unit 132 executes the operation of the special mode corresponding to each special operation (step S6), and ends the execution process of the operation of the special mode.

If it is determined in step S5 that the long press of the power switch 4 has not been released, the special mode control unit 132 determines whether or not the maximum operation time has elapsed since it was determined that the power switch 4 has been operated. Is determined (step S7).

When it is determined that the maximum operation time has elapsed since it was determined that the power switch 4 has been operated, the special mode control unit 132 switches the power supply of the washing machine main body 2 from on to off (step S8). Ends the execution process of the operation in the special mode.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the maximum operation time has not elapsed since it was determined that the power switch 4 has been operated, the process returns to step S5, and it is determined again whether or not the long press of the power switch 4 has been released. NS.

In the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, at least one of a plurality of touch keys 6 is operated in a state where the power switch 4 is continuously operated after the power switch 4 is determined to be continuously operated for the first time. The second special operation that continues to operate the power switch 4 for a second time from the time when the first special operation for operating the power switch 4 is performed or when it is determined that the power switch 4 continues to be operated for the first time. When an operation is performed, a special mode operation different from the normal mode operation is executed. That is, the operation of the special mode is executed by continuously operating the power switch 4 for a predetermined time and performing a predetermined operation while continuing to operate the power switch 4, so that the operation of the special mode is intended. It can be prevented from being executed without.

Further, the power switch 4 has a function of switching the power supply of the washing machine main body 2 from off to on and a function of switching the power supply of the washing machine main body 2 from on to off. As a result, the first special operation and the second special operation can be performed only when the power switch 4 is operated to switch the power supply of the washing machine main body 2 from off to on. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the operation of the special mode from being executed unintentionally.

Further, the operation of the special mode executed by the first special operation is the operation of the special mode for non-users which is not intended to be used by the user, and the operation of the special mode executed by the second special operation is used by the user. This is a special mode operation for users for the purpose of. As a result, by performing the second special operation, which is relatively easier to operate than the first special operation, the operation of the user special mode intended for use by the user is executed, so that the washing machine with high convenience can be used. can get.

The power switch 4 is not limited to the case where the power switch 4 has a function of switching the power of the washing machine main body 2 from off to on and a function of switching the power of the washing machine main body 2 from on to off. It may be composed of a first power switch for switching the power from off to on and a second power switch for switching the power of the washing machine main body 2 from on to off.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first special operation, after the power switch 4 is determined to have been continuously operated for the first time by the power operation continuation determination unit 131, a plurality of touch keys 6 are pressed while the power switch 4 is continuously operated. It may include a special operation to operate. As a result, for example, it is possible to have a plurality of user-use special modes and non-user-use special modes included in the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, so that a washing machine with a high degree of freedom in design can be obtained.

(Third Embodiment)
In the first special operation, after the power switch 4 is determined to be continuously operated for the first time by the power operation continuation determination unit 131, the power switch 4 is continuously operated and the plurality of touch keys 6 are operated. It may include a special operation that operates at least one and continues to operate for a predetermined time. As a result, for example, it is possible to have a special mode other than the user-use special mode and the non-user-use special mode that the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment has, so that a washing machine with a high degree of freedom in design can be obtained.

(Fourth Embodiment)
The present invention is not limited to the vertical washing machine 1 of the first to third embodiments, and can be applied to, for example, a drum-type washing machine having an arbitrary configuration.

Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, finally, various embodiments of the present invention will be described.

The washing machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention
Washing machine body 2 and
A mechanical power switch 4 provided on the washing machine main body 2 to turn on the power of the washing machine main body 2 by operation, and
A plurality of touch keys 6 provided on the washing machine main body 2 to execute corresponding normal mode operations by operation, and
A power supply operation continuation determination unit 131 for determining whether or not the power supply switch 4 has been continuously operated for the first time since the power switch 4 was operated.
After the power supply operation continuation determination unit 131 determines that the power supply switch 4 has been continuously operated for the first time, at least the plurality of touch keys 6 are operated in a state where the power supply switch 4 is continuously operated. When the first special operation for operating one is performed, or when it is determined by the power supply operation continuation determination unit 131 that the power supply switch 4 has been continuously operated for the first time, the power supply switch 4 is provided with a special mode control unit 132 that executes a special mode operation different from the normal mode operation when a second special operation that continues to operate the 4 for a second time is performed.

According to the washing machine 1 of the above embodiment, the operation of the special mode is executed by performing a predetermined operation while the power switch 4 is continuously operated for a predetermined time and the power switch 4 is continuously operated. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the operation of the special mode from being executed unintentionally.

Further, the washing machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention
The power switch 4 has a function of switching the power of the washing machine main body 2 from off to on and a function of switching the power of the washing machine main body 2 from on to off.

According to the washing machine 1 of the above embodiment, the first special operation and the second special operation can be performed only when the power switch 4 is operated to switch the power of the washing machine main body 2 from off to on. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the operation of the special mode from being executed unintentionally.

Further, the washing machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention
After the first special operation is determined by the power supply operation continuation determination unit 131 that the power supply switch 4 has been continuously operated for the first time, a plurality of the above power switch 4s have been continuously operated. It includes a special operation of operating a plurality of the touch keys 6 of the above, and a special operation of operating at least one of the plurality of touch keys 6 and continuing to operate for a predetermined time while the power switch 4 is continuously operated.

According to the washing machine 1 of the above embodiment, for example, since the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment can have a plurality of special modes for users and special modes for non-users, the washing machine with a high degree of freedom in design can be used. can get.

Further, the washing machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention
The operation of the special mode executed by the first special operation is the operation of the special mode for non-users that is not intended for use by the user.
The operation of the special mode executed by the second special operation is the operation of the user special mode intended for use by the user.

According to the washing machine 1 of the above embodiment, by performing the second special operation, which is relatively easier to operate than the first special operation, the operation of the user special mode intended for use by the user is executed. , A highly convenient washing machine can be obtained.

By appropriately combining any of the above-mentioned various embodiments or modifications, the effects of each can be achieved. In addition, it is possible to combine embodiments or examples, or between embodiments and examples, and it is also possible to combine features in different embodiments or examples.

1 Washing machine 2 Washing machine body 3 Stirring blade 4 Power switch 5 Operation panel 6 Touch key 111 Operation unit 112 Display unit 10 Outer box 11 Top plate 12 Base 13 Legs 14 Laundry inlet 15 Upper lid 20 Outer tub 30 Inner tub 32 Balancer 40 Drive device 41 Drive motor 42 Clutch / brake mechanism 44 Dehydration shaft 45 Stirring blade shaft 50 Water supply device 51 Water supply valve 52 Connection pipe 53 Detergent case 54 Water supply path 60 Drainage device 61 Inner drain hole 62 Seal holder 63 Outer drain hole 64 Drainage path 65 Drain valve 66 Connection pipe 100 Control device 101 Blower fan 102 Blower fan motor 103 Heater 121 Water level sensor 131 Power supply operation continuation judgment unit 132 Special mode control unit 133 Measurement unit

Claims (4)

The washing machine body and
A mechanical power switch provided on the washing machine body that turns on the power of the washing machine body by operation,
A plurality of touch keys provided on the main body of the washing machine to execute the corresponding normal mode operations by operation, and
From when the power switch is an operation to turn on the power of the washing machine main body, and the power switch determines the power control continuation determining section whether continue to be operated a first time,
After the power supply operation continuation determination unit determines that the power supply switch has been continuously operated for the first time, at least one of the plurality of touch keys is operated while the power supply switch is continuously operated. in cases where the first special operation is performed for, and a special mode controller to perform the operations of the different first special mode of the operation of the normal mode, a washing machine. In the washing machine of claim 1,
Further equipped with an operation panel on which the above touch keys are arranged,
A washing machine that displays on the operation panel that the power supply operation continuation determination unit has determined that the power supply switch has been continuously operated for the first time. In the washing machine of claim 1 or 2.
In the special mode control unit, after the power supply operation continuation determination unit determines that the power supply switch has been continuously operated for the first time, the power supply switch is seconded without performing the first special operation. A washing machine that executes an operation of a second special mode different from the operation of the normal mode and the operation of the first special mode when the second special operation that has been operated for the above time is performed. In the washing machine of claim 3,
Operation of the first special mode is an operation of the non-user special mode that is not intended for use by the user,
Operation of the second special mode is the operation of the special mode for the user for the purpose of use by the user, a washing machine.

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