JPH07132194A - Load operation control equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide the washing machine in which operability a specific key does not deteriorate, in the constitution for covering plural keys on an operating panel with a cover body being freely openable and closeable so that a user is not confused. CONSTITUTION:This equipment is constituted so that a specific key among plural operation setting keys covered with a cover body 59 can be depressed through operating keys 60-63 provided on the cover body 59, even in a state that the cover body 59 is closed. Accordingly, such an absolute minimum specific key as used frequently can be depressed with high operability, even if it is covered with the cover body 59.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a load operation control device, and more particularly to a washing machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recent washing machines have become electronically controlled.
Various functions can be added easily, and there is a tendency to subdivide the functions in order to perform laundry that is suitable for the quantity and quality of the laundry.
However, when the functions are subdivided in this way, the function setting keys on the operation panel become complicated and diversified, which may confuse the user during use.

Therefore, it is possible to cover a plurality of diversified keys with a lid so that the keys can be opened and closed. However, in this case, even the frequently used specific key is covered, so that the operability of this specific key is deteriorated.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has a structure in which a plurality of keys on an operation panel are covered with an openable / closable lid so as not to confuse the user, so that the operability of a specific key is not deteriorated. To do.

[0005]

According to the present invention, there is provided an operation panel, a plurality of keys arranged on the operation panel, a cover for opening and closing the plurality of keys, and a cover provided on the cover. An operation unit that corresponds to a specific key of the plurality of keys and that is operated with the lid covering the plurality of keys,
A protrusion formed on the back surface of the operation unit for pressing the specific key when the operation unit is operated, and a control device for performing load operation control (washing operation control) based on input signals from the plurality of keys. Prepare

[0006]

Operation: The keys are usually covered with the lid, so that the user is not confused. However, even if the minimum required specific key that is frequently used is covered with the lid, the specific key can be pressed through the protrusions by operating the operating part of the lid, and the operability of the specific key is maintained. Is dripping

[0007]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a fully automatic washing machine, 1 is a machine frame, 2 is a dewatering and washing tub installed in an outer tub (not shown), and 3 is a synthetic resin top plate placed on the upper end of the machine frame 1. is there. The upper surface plate 3 is composed of a frame body portion 3a forming the clothes inlet 4, an operation portion 3b for accommodating electrical components and the like, and a water supply portion 3c having a water supply device therein. Reference numeral 5 is a power switch.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control mechanism of a washing machine centering on a microcomputer 6 (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) built in the operation unit 3b, which microcomputer 6, CPU 7, RAM 8, It is composed of a ROM 9, a timer 10, a system bus 11, and input / output ports 12-17. The CPU 7 includes a control unit 18 and a calculation unit 19
The control unit 18 fetches and executes an instruction, and the arithmetic unit 19 performs a binary operation on the data given from the input device or the memory by the control signal from the control unit 18 at the instruction execution stage. Addition, logical operation,
Calculation processing such as increase / decrease and comparison is performed. The RAM 8 is for storing data relating to a washing machine, and the R
The OM 9 reads in advance means for operating the washing machine, setting conditions for determination, rules for processing various information, and the like.

At the input ports 12 to 14, an input key circuit 20 composed of the various operation setting keys, a detection circuit 21 such as a water level detector and an upper lid safety switch interlocking with the opening and closing of the upper lid, the user desires in advance. A signal from the time reservation setting circuit 22 or the like that sets the laundry to be automatically started at the time of input is input, and based on this information, the output ports 15 to 17 are configured from the LED group. LED
A control signal is sent to the drive circuit 23, the process end notification or abnormality notification buzzer circuit 24, the load drive circuit 25 including a bidirectional thyristor, and the like. The load drive circuit 2
Reference numeral 5 denotes a left / right rotation circuit 26, 2 of a rotary blade driving motor (not shown) in accordance with a control signal from the microcomputer 6.
7. Water supply solenoid valve drive circuit 28 and drainage solenoid valve drive circuit 2
9 to control the operation. Reference numeral 30 is a power supply circuit for supplying a voltage to the microcomputer 6, and 31 is a reset signal generation circuit.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, various operation setting keys and light emitting diode LEDs are arranged on the operation panel 32 on the front surface of the operation section 3b. That is, 33 is a display unit for displaying the operation setting state of the washing machine, and the water level (high,
Medium, low, low) 34, water flow intensity (strong, standard, soft) 3
5, process progress state (washing, rinsing, dehydration) 36, course setting state (about 18 minutes, standard, liking, roe, wool, blanket) 37, selection state 3 of dipping and rinsing with water
8, 39, display 40 of current time or remaining process time 40, display 41 of laundry end reservation time, display 42 of whether or not the program is repeatedly set, and buzzer display 43 are announced by blinking the LED.

Reference numeral 44 is a setting area in which various operation setting keys are integrated, and reference numerals 45, 46 and 47 are time changes for individually changing the washing / dehydration process time and the number of rinses when a favorite course is selected. By pressing the key, the change time (number of times) is displayed on the process time display 40. Reference numeral 48 denotes an additional washing selection key for selecting the necessity of the step of immersing the laundry in the washing liquid without rotating the rotary blade for a predetermined time before the washing step. . Reference numeral 49 denotes a water-pouring rinsing selection key for selecting whether or not to perform the rinsing process while water is being supplied, and the water-pouring rinsing display 39 is turned on and off every time the key is pressed. Reference numeral 50 denotes a water flow intensity selection key, and each time the key is pressed, the water flow intensity display 35 is turned on / off cyclically. Reference numeral 51 is a buzzer key for selecting whether or not a notification buzzer is required at the end of the program, and the buzzer display 43 is turned on and off each time the program is pressed. Although 52 will be described later, the program automatically returns to the initial setting state after the end of the program (in the washing machine of this embodiment, "about 18 minutes course" is automatically set immediately after the power is turned on) or is currently set. This is a repeat key for selecting whether to automatically set the contents of the program again. Each time the key is pressed, the repetitive display 42 is turned on and off, and when the light is turned off, the program returns to the initial state. Reference numerals 53 and 54 are keys for selecting whether to change the current time or set the laundry reserved time, and 55 and 56 are hour and minute change keys, which are used to display the current time 40 and the laundry end reserved time 41. Can be changed. Reference numeral 57 is a completion key which is pressed when the time changing operation is completed.

Membrane switches 58 are provided correspondingly on the lower surfaces of the operation setting keys 45 to 57, and when they are pressed, the corresponding contacts of the membrane switches 58 are closed. The signal is input to the microcomputer 6.

The setting area 44 is shielded by an openable / closable lid 59, and four operation keys (corresponding to the operating portion of the present invention) 60 to 63 are arranged on the lid 59. There is. These operation keys 60 to 63 are used for the lid 5
It is composed of a flexible piece which is continuous with 9 and bends downward when pressed and returns when released. Then, on the lower surface of each of the operation keys 60 to 63, when the lid 59 is closed, a protrusion 64 that comes into contact with or closely opposes a predetermined two keys of the operation setting keys 45 to 57. .. is installed vertically.

That is, the operation key 60 is for changing the water level, and by pressing the lid 59 in the closed state, the current time change selection key 53 and the laundry reservation time setting selection key 54 are selected. And can be pressed simultaneously. Then, each time a signal is simultaneously input from the both selection keys 53 and 54, the microcomputer 6 accepts the change of the water level and simultaneously turns on and off the water level display 34 cyclically. Similarly, with the lid 59 closed, the operation keys 61 are for changing the course.
By pressing, the minute change key 56 and the completion key 57 can be pressed simultaneously. Then, every time a signal is input from these keys 56 and 57 at the same time, the microcomputer 6 accepts the change of the course, and at the same time, the course setting state display 37, the water flow intensity display 35 and the water level display 3 are displayed.
4 is turned on / off to the corresponding state.

FIG. 8 shows the program contents of each course.
In the figure, when set to each course of "Doronko", "Wool", and "Blanket", all the water flow indicators 35 are turned off because this is because each course is washed with a special water flow. Since it is unique, it is expressed by turning off all the LEDs without newly providing a dedicated display LED. Therefore, the cost does not increase.

When the "Doronko" course is selected, the water level indicator 34 is also turned off, but this is "Doronko" course because it is washed at a water level lower than the low water level.
It is expressed by turning off the ED.

When the "favorite" course is selected, the standard water flow and the high water level are automatically set. The water flow of the "Doronko", "Wool" and "Blanket" courses and the water level of the "Doronko" course are not accepted, and the rest can be freely changed.

The operation key 62 is for carrying out reserved washing, and by pressing it, the putting key 48 and the water rinsing key 49 can be pressed at the same time. When signals are simultaneously input from these keys 48 and 49, the microcomputer 6 back-calculates from the time displayed on the reservation time display 41 and waits until a predetermined time before the set course, and the reservation time is reached. Run the washing machine to finish the course.

The operation key 63 is for starting a course, and when pressed, the water flow key 50 and the buzzer key 51 can be simultaneously pressed, and signals can be simultaneously sent from these keys 50, 51. When input, the microcomputer 6 immediately starts the setting course.

A waterproof sheet 65 is attached to the upper surfaces of the operation setting keys 45 to 57 and the operation keys 60 to 63, and a display corresponding to various keys is provided on the sheet 65. ing.

As described above, in the present embodiment, by pressing two specific operation setting keys at the same time, another operation setting can be performed, and the number of operation setting keys is reduced accordingly. A space-saving design is possible. Moreover, since the lid 59 is provided with operation keys (operating portions) for simultaneous operations, the setting keys for complicated operation settings are shielded by the lid 59, and settings necessary for minimum operation settings are set. Protrusion 6 by operating the key (specific key)
It can be pressed via 4, so that even an unfamiliar user can easily operate with good operability. Note that the number of simultaneously pressing the operation setting keys is not limited to two.

Further, when a specific setting key is operated via the operation key (operation section) with the cover 59 covering the setting key, the force for pressing the specific setting key by the amount corresponding to the operation key is required. Although it is additionally necessary, since the lid 59, the setting keys, and the operation keys are all on the front side, it is possible to operate a specific setting key without much difficulty.

Finally, the operation of the washing machine of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The power switch 5
When turned on, first, the microcomputer 6 automatically sets the operating state of the washing machine to the "about 18 minutes" course, and at the same time, the course display 37a, the high water level display 34a and the corresponding "about 18 minutes" are displayed. The strong water flow display 35a is turned on (S
-1).

If the user wants to change this operation state, he or she changes it with the operation setting key or the operation key (assuming that it is changed to the "standard" course), and further, this change course (the "standard" course). 2) is repeated twice or more continuously, the repeat key 52 is operated to turn on the repeat display 42 (S-2). Next, by pressing the reserved washing start operation key 62 or the start operation key 63 (S-3), the program is executed (S-4). When the course program ends, the microcomputer 6 determines whether or not the repetitive display 42 is lit (S-5), and if it is lit, the operating state is automatically changed to the current course ("standard"). Course), and at the same time, the "standard" course display 37b and standard water flow display 35
b and the high water level display 34a are turned on respectively. If the repeated display 42 is not lit, the operating state is automatically set and displayed in the "about 18 minutes" course which is the initial setting state.

In this way, if the repeat key 52 is operated and the repeated display 42 is lit, (S-2)
In, in the case of changing the course to a "favorite" course, setting each process time to, for example, a washing time of zero and a rinsing frequency of zero, and selecting a course in which only dehydration is performed, this dehydration-only course is restarted every time There is no need to reset, and the operation can be repeated many times only by operating the start operation key 63. Further, even if the frequently used course is not the "about 18 minutes" course, the course can be repeated many times by simply changing to the frequently used course.

[0026]

According to the present invention, the plurality of keys provided on the operation panel can be normally covered with the lid, and the user can be prevented from being confused with many keys in front of him.

Furthermore, even if the minimum required specific key that is frequently used is covered with the lid, the specific key can be pressed through the projection by operating the operating portion of the lid, and the specific key can be operated. It can be pressed well.

Furthermore, since only a limited number of specific keys can be pressed when covered with the lid,
Even a user who is not familiar with keys can easily press a specific key.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram of a control mechanism of the washing machine.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the operation panel of the washing machine when the lid is opened.

FIG. 4 is a front view when the lid of the operation panel of the washing machine is closed.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the washing machine when the lid of the operation panel is closed.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a lid of an operation panel of the washing machine.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation of the washing machine.

FIG. 8 is a time chart showing the contents of each course program of the washing machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

 6 Microcomputer (control device) 32 Operation panel 45-57 Operation setting key 59 Lid 60-63 Operation key (operation part) 64 Protrusion

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An operation panel, a plurality of keys arranged on the operation panel, a lid body for opening and closing the plurality of keys, a specific key provided on the lid body and among the plurality of keys. Corresponding to, a plurality of keys are operated by the lid body is operated, a projection formed on the back surface of the operation unit, for pressing the specific key when the operation unit is operated, And a control device that controls the operation of the load based on an input signal from the key.