JPH06105989A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent the noisy informing tone generated at the time of opening the cover of a washing machine and to prevent the cover being left opened by performing the display to urge the input of the detergent amount in a reservation washing operation. CONSTITUTION:A control circuit 32 displays the detergent amount according to the washing amount detection result on a display 30 when a start switch 16 is operated, urging a user to input the displayed amount of detergent. The circuit 32 drives a buzzer 38 when a washing cover is opened in the lapse of the prescribed time.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a washing machine having a reserved operation control means for counting a reserved time based on the operation of a start switch for the reserved washing operation and executing the washing operation when the operation start time is reached.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a washing machine in which a reserved time is counted based on the operation of a start switch for a reserved washing operation and the washing operation is executed when the operation start time is reached. In this case, usually, an appropriate amount of detergent is first put and placed. further,
In this type of washing machine, if the machine is operated with the washing machine lid opened, the operation remains stopped during the operation (for example, when the dehydration operation is started). Is notified.

By the way, as another type of washing machine, there is a washing machine provided with a laundry amount detecting means and a displaying means. In this one, the laundry amount is automatically detected and the detergent amount according to the detection result is displayed. Has become. Then, the purpose of the display is to urge the user to load the displayed amount of detergent into the washing machine.

[0004]

Recently, it has been considered to add the above-mentioned laundry amount detecting means and display means to the above-mentioned washing machine for reserved operation.
That is, when the start switch is operated when the reserved washing operation function is performed, the laundry amount is automatically detected and the detergent amount corresponding to the detection result is displayed.
It is considered that the user is urged to put the indicated amount of detergent into the machine and then the washing operation is executed when the operation time is reached.

In this case, when the user puts in the detergent, the washing machine lid is opened and closed, but in the case of the reserved washing operation as described above, the opening of the lid is informed. Therefore, when the user opens the lid for inserting the detergent, a notification sound is output, and this is
There is a concern that it may be annoying that it will be performed at every reserved washing operation.

Further, since the notification is given at the same time when the lid is opened, there is a possibility that the user may forget to close the lid when the detergent has been added and the operation may be stopped halfway.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. An object of the present invention is to detect the amount of laundry and display the amount of detergent after the start switch is operated for the reserved washing operation. In a product that prompts the user to insert a detergent amount according to the laundry amount, the alarm sound is not output when the washing machine lid is opened, and the alarm sound does not feel noisy. It is to provide a washing machine that can prevent forgetting to close the machine lid.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A washing machine of the present invention includes a laundry amount detecting means for detecting the amount of laundry, a display means for displaying a detergent amount according to a detection result of the laundry amount detecting means, and a washing machine lid. A lid opening / closing detecting means for detecting the opening / closing of the vehicle, an informing means, a reserved operation control means for counting the reserved time based on the operation of the start switch for the reserved washing operation, and executing the laundry operation when the operation start time is reached, and a reservation When the start switch for the washing operation is operated, the laundry amount is detected and the detergent amount according to the detection result is displayed, and when the opening of the washing machine lid is detected after the elapse of a predetermined time, the notification means is driven to notify. And a notification control means (the invention of claim 1).

A washing machine of another invention detects a laundry amount, a laundry amount detecting means, a display means for displaying a detergent amount according to a detection result of the laundry amount detecting means, and an opening / closing state of a washing machine lid. It has a lid opening / closing detection means, an informing means, a driving course that displays the amount of detergent as a washing operation course, and an operation course that does not display the detergent amount, and counts the reservation time based on the operation of the start switch for the reserved laundry operation. If the reserved operation control means that executes the laundry operation when the operation start time is reached and the start switch for the reserved laundry operation are operated, the laundry amount detection is performed when the operation course that displays the detergent amount is set. And displays the detergent amount according to the detection result, and when the opening of the washing machine lid is detected after a lapse of a predetermined time, the notifying means is driven to display and the detergent amount is displayed. If have operating programs is set configured to include a notification control means for notifying drives immediately the notification unit based on the opening of the washing machine lid (invention of claim 2).

[0010]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the start switch for the reserved washing operation is operated, the laundry amount is detected and the detergent amount corresponding to the detection result is displayed. This prompts the user to dispense the indicated amount of detergent. After that, if the washing machine lid is opened even after a lapse of a predetermined time, the notification means is driven to notify.

Therefore, if the user opens the washing machine lid and immediately closes the washing machine lid in order to put the displayed amount of detergent into the machine, no warning sound will be emitted, and the warning sound will not be emitted. Is never felt noisy. When the lid of the washing machine is opened after a predetermined time has elapsed, a notification sound is output for the first time, and forgetting to close the lid of the washing machine can be prevented.

By the way, when there are a driving course that displays the amount of detergent and a driving course that does not display the amount of detergent as the course of the washing operation executed by the reserved operation control means, the above-mentioned notification control is effective in the former course. However, in the latter course, it is not necessary to prompt the user to add detergent, so it is better to notify the opening of the washing machine lid immediately.

However, in the invention of claim 2, when the driving course for displaying the detergent amount is set,
After displaying the detergent amount according to the laundry amount detection result, when the opening of the washing machine lid is detected after a predetermined time elapses, the notifying means is driven to notify, and when the driving course that does not display the detergent amount is set. Since the notification means is immediately driven based on the opening of the washing machine lid, when the operation course displaying the amount of detergent is set as the course of the laundry operation executed by the reserved operation control means, when the detergent is put in. No warning sound will be heard when the washing machine lid is opened, and it is possible to prevent forgetting to close the washing machine lid.In addition, if a driving course that does not display the detergent amount is set, Immediately notify the opening of the washing machine lid.

[0014]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 shows a washing machine that also serves as a dehydrator. A water receiving tank 2 is provided inside the outer box 1, and a rotating tank 3 which also serves as a washing tank and a dehydrating tank is provided inside the water receiving tank 2. A stirrer 4 is provided on the inner bottom of the rotary tank 3. On the outer bottom of the water receiving tub 2, a washing machine motor 5 is arranged, and a mechanism section 6 having a speed reduction mechanism and the like is arranged. The rotation of the washing machine motor 5 is decelerated by the reduction mechanism during the washing operation and transmitted to the stirring body 4. During the dehydration operation, there is no deceleration by the above deceleration mechanism.

A drain valve 7 is provided in the drain path from the water receiving tank 2. An air trap 8 is formed at the bottom of the water receiving tank 2, and a water level sensor 10 (see FIG. 1) is connected to the air trap 8 via an air tube 9.

An upper cover 11 is attached to the upper part of the outer box 1, and as shown in FIG.
And a foldable washing machine lid 13 for opening and closing the laundry entrance / exit 12 is provided. Inside the rear portion of the upper cover 11, the washing machine lid 1
A lid switch 14 (see FIG. 1) is provided as a lid opening / closing detecting means for detecting opening and closing of 3.

An operation panel 15 is provided on the front upper surface of the upper cover 11. When the washing machine lid 13 is closed, the display portion of the operation panel 15 has a transparent window portion 13a (see FIG. 3) provided on the washing machine lid 13.
See)).

As shown in FIG. 4, a start switch 16 for starting a washing operation is arranged in the lower central portion of the operation panel 15. This start switch 16
Also serves as a temporary stop switch for temporarily stopping the washing operation.

On the right side of the operation panel 15,
Various (8) operation switches 17 to 24 are provided side by side in the figure. Then, on the left side portions of the various operation switches 17 to 24, various (five roughly divided) display portions 25 to 29 for displaying are provided.

As will be described in order from the top of FIG. 1, a timer switch 17 for making a timer reservation is provided on the uppermost right side of the operation panel 15 in the figure. Next, a water level switch 18 for manually setting the wash water level is provided. By pressing the water level switch 18, the water level (high water level, medium water level, low water level, 1 Kg) is individually displayed and set on the water level display section 25 located on the left side thereof. Next to the water level switch 18, a favorite rinse switch 19 is provided. This favorite rinsing switch 19 is for manually setting that the rinsing operation is performed more carefully or more carefully than the standard, and by pressing it, the favorite rinsing display section 26 on the left side thereof is turned on and set. To be done.

In this embodiment, the functions of the water level switch 18 and the favorite rinsing switch 19 are switched when the timer switch 17 is operated. That is, a time display unit 27 is provided at the center of the left side of the operation panel 15, and a display unit 30 including a 7-segment display unit for digitally displaying the time and the like is provided here. The display unit 30 normally functions as a clock to display the current time, and also functions as a display unit for displaying the amount of detergent in a predetermined driving course of the reserved driving courses. .

Here, when the user wants to make a reservation to execute (end) the laundry operation at a desired time, when the timer switch 17 is pressed, the display unit 31 provided above the timer switch 17 is pressed. The "reservation" display section 31a composed of the LED of the
0 is switched to display the reserved time. Then, at this time, the water level switch 18 functions as a key for setting "hour" of the reserved time, and the favorite rinse switch 19 for setting "minute" of the reserved time. It will function as a key.

Thus, the user can make a reservation at a desired time by pressing the water level switch 18 and the favorite rinsing switch 19 while looking at the display on the display 30. The time adjustment at the start of use in the time display of the display unit 30 is also performed by the water level switch 18 and the favorite rinse switch 19.

Below the favorite rinsing switch 19, a "washing" course setting switch 20 and a "dewatering" for manually setting a "washing" course, a "dewatering / rinsing" course, and a "drainage / dewatering" course, respectively. A "rinse" course setting switch 21 and a "drainage / dehydration" course setting switch 22 are provided in order. By operating these setting switches 20, 21, and 22, the above-mentioned respective courses are set, and in addition, the washing time, the number of times of rinsing, and the dehydration time are set according to the number of operations. And
In connection with this operation, in the time display portion 27 on the left side thereof, the letters “wash”, “rinse”, and “dehydration” light up, and the display 30 indicates the washing time (minutes) and the number of rinses. (Times) and dehydration time (minutes) are displayed.

[Drainage / dehydration] course setting switch 2
Below 2 is provided an automatic course changeover switch 23 for the user to set a desired automatic laundry course.
Then, on the left side thereof, a course display unit 28 for lighting and displaying the automatic laundry course is provided. Here, as shown in the course display section 28, various types of automatic laundry courses such as “standard”, “separate washing”, and “strong” are provided, and the user can change the laundry type according to the type of laundry. The desired automatic laundry course can be selected.

A detergent type switch 24 for the user to select and input the type of detergent used in the washing operation is provided on the rightmost portion of the operation panel 15 at the bottom of the figure. And on the left side of the start switch 16,
A detergent type display unit 29 is provided as a detergent type display unit for displaying the selected detergent type.

FIG. 1 shows the electrical configuration. The control circuit 32 is configured to include a microcomputer.
As shown in FIG. 1, the stationary portion of the washing machine motor 5 is provided with a rotation speed detecting means 33 composed of, for example, a Hall IC, and the rotation speed detecting means (not shown) is provided on the rotation shaft of the washing machine motor 5. A permanent magnet is provided at a portion facing 33. The detection signal from the rotation speed detecting means 33 is given to the control circuit 32, and the control circuit 32
The speed control is performed based on this detection signal. . Further, the motor drive circuit 34 includes a washing machine motor 5
A current detection means for detecting the current flowing through is provided, and the detection signal thereof is given to the control circuit 32, and the control circuit 32 detects the laundry amount based on this detection signal.

The control circuit 32 is provided with switch signals from the various switches 16 to 24 and the lid switch 14, and is also provided with a detection signal from the water level sensor 10. . Then, the control circuit 32 drives and controls the washing machine motor 5, the water supply valve 35, and the drain valve 7 based on the above-described various inputs via the motor drive circuit 34 and the drive circuits 36 and 37, respectively, and displays Container 30, other display 25
31 to 31 and a buzzer 38 as an informing means are driven and controlled.

The control circuit 32 controls the entire laundry operation, and particularly functions as a laundry amount detection means, a reserved operation control means, and a notification control means. The control contents of the control circuit 32 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This flowchart starts when a power switch (not shown) is turned on.

When the power switch is turned on, the control circuit 3
2 executes initial setting (step S1). In this initial setting, the "standard" course is set as the driving course, and the display unit 30 is blinked in the display form of "00:00" to prompt the time setting.

After this initial setting, it is judged whether or not there is a switch input (step S2, step S2).
3). For example, when there is no switch input from the start switch 16 and there is an input from the other switches 17 to 24, the setting control corresponding to the switch input is executed (step S4), and the currently set setting contents are set. The display control according to is executed (step S5).

When the timer switch 17, the water level switch 18 and the favorite rinse switch 19 are operated, the current time is displayed on the display 30 based on the switch inputs. An example of the display form is shown in FIG. After that, if reservation setting is made, the reservation time (washing operation end time) is displayed. An example of the display form is shown in FIG.

Now, when there is a switch input from the start switch 16, it is judged whether or not the reserved operation is set (step S6). That is, the timer switch 17
It is determined whether or not the reserved time is set by. If the reservation time has not been set, the laundry operation is immediately executed in the currently set operation course (step S7).

For example, if the reserved time is set, time counting is started (step S8), and the set reserved washing operation course is an operation course for displaying the detergent amount or the detergent amount is set. It is determined whether the driving course is not displayed (step S9).

Here, as the operation course for displaying the amount of detergent, for example, "standard" course, "separate washing" course, "bio" course, "strong" course, "wash only" course, etc. are applicable. To do. Further, as the operation course that does not display the detergent amount, for example, a “large item” course, a “hand wash” course, a “paste” course, a “tank wash” course,
The "dehydration / rinse" course or the "drainage / dehydration" course is applicable.

If the driving course for displaying the amount of detergent is reserved, a display indicating that the detection operation is in progress (the display form is shown in FIG. 6C) is displayed (step S).
10) Then, the amount of laundry is detected (step S1).
1). This detection is performed as follows. That is, the washing machine motor 5 is driven by applying a predetermined voltage to rotate the stirring body 4. In this case, the laundry is stored in advance in the rotary tub 3 (no water supply state), and this laundry acts as a motor load, and as a result, a current corresponding to the motor load flows through the washing machine motor 5. . This is detected by the current detection means (not shown) of the motor drive circuit 34 and given to the control circuit 32, and the control circuit 32 detects the amount of laundry based on this current detection signal.

Then, the detergent amount corresponding to the result of the laundry force detection is displayed on the display 30 (step S12). An example of this display form is shown in FIG. The figure shows that the amount of detergent is "1.5 cups". This display of the amount of detergent prompts the user to add the displayed amount of detergent.

Thereafter, it is judged whether or not the elapsed time from step S8 has passed 30 seconds (step S1).
3) When the time has elapsed, it is determined whether or not the washing machine lid 13 is open depending on the presence or absence of the input from the lid switch 14 (step S14). The purpose of this judgment is as follows. That is, although it takes some time for the user to look at the display in step S12 and finish adding the displayed amount of detergent into the machine, if the washing machine lid 13 is opened after 30 seconds have passed. It can be inferred that the washing machine lid 13 was forgotten to be closed despite the completion of the introduction of the detergent, and that there was no problem because the washing machine lid 13 was closed.

If the washing machine lid 13 is open, the buzzer 38 is driven to notify that the washing machine lid 13 is still open (step S15), and also FIG. ), An error is displayed on the display device 30 (step S16). After this, the reservation time is counted (step S18), but this step S
At 18, if the washing machine lid 13 is closed, the above error display is also switched to the time display. This step S1
When the reserved time is counted up in 8, that is, when the operation start time is reached, the laundry operation is executed in the set operation course (step S19).

In step S14, the washing machine lid 1
If it is determined that the third item is closed, the display 30 is switched to the time display (step S17). An example of the display in this case is shown in FIG.
It is shown in (f). After this, the above-mentioned step S18
And it transfers to step S19.

Here, in step S9 described above,
When it is determined that the set reserved washing operation course is an operation course that does not display the detergent amount, it is immediately determined whether the washing machine lid 13 is open (step S20), and the washing machine lid is opened. If 13 is open, the buzzer 38 is driven to notify that the lid remains open (step S21), and the display 30 is switched to the time display (step S22). If the washing machine lid 13 is closed, the notification is not sent to step S22, and after step S22, the process goes to step S18.

According to the present embodiment as described above, when the start switch 16 for the reserved washing operation is operated, the laundry amount is detected and the detergent amount corresponding to the detection result is displayed on the display unit 30. Encourage the user to dispense the indicated amount of detergent. At this time, if the washing machine lid 13 is open even after a lapse of a predetermined time, the buzzer 38 is informed and driven, so that the user can put the displayed detergent amount of the detergent into the machine so that the washing machine lid is opened. Washing machine lid immediately after opening 13
When is closed, the notification sound is not output, and the notification sound is not felt noisy.

If the predetermined time elapses without the washing machine lid 13 being closed, the alarm sound is output for the first time, so that it is possible to prevent forgetting to close the washing machine lid 13.

By the way, if there is a driving course that does not display the detergent amount as a laundry driving course to be reserved,
Since it is not necessary to prompt the user to add detergent, it is better to immediately notify the opening of the washing machine lid 13. In this respect, according to the present embodiment, as can be seen from step S9, step S20, and step S21 in FIG. 5, when the driving course in which the detergent amount is not displayed is set, the washing machine lid 13 is opened. Since the buzzer 38 is immediately driven to notify, the opening of the washing machine lid 13 can be immediately notified when the driving course in which the detergent amount is not displayed is set as the course of the laundry driving to be reserved.

In the above embodiment, the laundry is detected by detecting the current flowing through the washing machine motor 5.
As the laundry detection means, a method of detecting based on the rotation speed of the washing machine motor 5 may be used. Further, the display unit 30 including a 7-segment display unit has been exemplified as the display unit.
This may be composed of a liquid crystal display. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0046]

As is apparent from the above description, the present invention can obtain the following effects.

According to the invention of claim 1, after the start switch is operated for the reserved laundry operation, the laundry amount is detected and the detergent amount is displayed, and the user is informed of the detergent amount according to the laundry amount. The one that prompts the user to put in is excellent in that the notification sound is not output when the washing machine lid is opened, the notification sound is not felt too loud, and the forgetting to close the washing machine lid can be prevented. Produce an effect.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, after the start switch is operated for the reserved laundry operation, the laundry amount is detected and the detergent amount is displayed, and the user is informed of the detergent amount according to the laundry amount. When urging loading, the notification sound is not output when the washing machine lid is opened and the notification sound does not feel noisy, and it is possible to prevent forgetting to close the washing machine lid. When a driving course that is not displayed is reserved, the opening of the washing machine lid can be immediately notified.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electrical configuration showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional side view of a washing machine for combined use of dehydration.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the dehydrating washing machine with the washing machine lid opened, as seen from above.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the operation panel.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing control contents.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing different display forms of the display unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

5 is a washing machine motor, 13 is a washing machine lid, 14 is a lid switch (lid opening / closing detection means), 15 is an operation panel, 16 is a start switch, 30 is an indicator (display means), 32 is a control circuit (laundry amount detection) Means, reserved operation control means, notification control means), 38 is a buzzer (notification means).

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A laundry amount detecting means for detecting an amount of laundry, a display means for displaying a detergent amount according to a detection result by the laundry amount detecting means, and a lid opening / closing detecting means for detecting opening / closing of a washing machine lid. When the notification means, the reserved operation control means for counting the reserved time based on the operation of the start switch for the reserved washing operation and executing the laundry operation when the operation start time is reached, and the start switch for the reserved laundry operation are operated. A washing machine comprising a laundry amount detection, displaying a detergent amount according to the detection result, and notifying control means for driving the notifying means when the opening of the washing machine lid is detected after a predetermined time has elapsed. . 2. A laundry amount detecting means for detecting a laundry amount, a display means for displaying a detergent amount according to a detection result of the laundry amount detecting means, and a lid opening / closing detecting means for detecting opening / closing of a washing machine lid. It has an informing means, a driving course that displays a detergent amount as a washing operation course, and an operating course that does not display a detergent amount. Then, when the reserved operation control means for executing the laundry operation and the start switch for the reserved laundry operation are operated, if the operation course displaying the detergent amount is set, the laundry amount is detected and the detection result is displayed. A detergent course is displayed according to the set amount, and when the opening of the washing machine lid is detected after a lapse of a predetermined time, the informing means is informed to drive, and a driving course is set in which the detergent amount is not displayed. And a notification control means for driving the notification means immediately when the lid of the washing machine is opened.