JPH1190080A - Electric washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electric washing machine which is operated conveniently when operating parameters are changed. SOLUTION: This electric washing machine is equipped with a main washing unit and an auxiliary washing unit. In addition, each of these units has operating switches 14g, 15e which combine a start switch, a temporary stop switch and a clear switch respectively. For example, the operating switch 14g functions as the clear switch by continuously depressing the switch 14g for four seconds, so that the control of the main washing unit is initialized to reset operating parameters. In this case, the operation of the auxiliary washing unit is not interrupted and thus it is possible to prevent operating cost from soaring.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a washing machine. In particular, the present invention relates to a double-tub washing machine having a plurality of washing devices.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, some washing machines automatically perform a washing operation according to predetermined operation contents under the control of a microcomputer. The operation content at this time can be changed, for example, by operating an operation switch. In such an automatic washing machine, since it is not preferable that the operation content is easily changed during the operation, the change of the operation content may be limited, for example, such that the operation content cannot be changed after the start of the operation. . In such a case, when changing the operation content after the start of operation, operate the power switch of the washing machine, and once turn the power off and on again,
The operation details are returned to the initial state, and the operation details are set again.

[0003]

By the way, the applicant of the present invention has a fully automatic first washing tub capable of washing, rinsing, and dewatering by providing a double tub with a stirring blade, and a stirring blade on a longitudinal side surface. And a new two-tub washing machine having a second washing tub capable of washing and rinsing has been proposed (for example, Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 8
-24214). In such a two-tub washing machine, each of the washing tubs can be separately operated and separately washed.

[0004] In putting this two-tub washing machine into practical use, the present applicant has encountered the following problems. That is, it is assumed that each washing tub can be automatically operated, and the change of the operation content of each washing tub is restricted as described above. In such a case, if the power switch is operated to change the operation content of one of the washing tubs after the operation is started, the entire washing machine is returned to the initial state. As a result, if the other washing tub is in operation, the operation is interrupted or the operation content is returned to the initial state, so that the usability of the washing machine is reduced.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned technical problems and to provide a washing machine which is easy to use when changing operation contents.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine comprising: a plurality of washing devices; a plurality of operating means provided corresponding to the plurality of washing devices; A plurality of operation switches included in each operation unit, a unit for setting the operation content of the corresponding washing device based on normal operation of each operation switch, and a plurality of operation switches included in each operation unit. A predetermined operation switch that is common to a plurality of operation means, and in response to a specific operation different from the normal operation being performed, a means for clearing the operation content of the corresponding washing device. A double-tub washing machine characterized by including:

According to this configuration, the following operation is achieved.
That is, by performing a specific operation different from the normal operation on the predetermined operation switch, the operation content of the washing device corresponding to the operation switch can be cleared. Then, by operating each operation switch of the corresponding operation means normally, the operation content of the corresponding washing device can be reset as required, so that the usability is good. In addition, when the operation content is cleared, the operation of another washing device is not obstructed, so that the entire washing machine is easy to use.

An operation switch for clearing is
Since they are provided in common for each washing device, they are easy to operate and more convenient. In addition, since the specific operation for clearing is different from the normal operation, it is possible to prevent the operation contents from being cleared by mistake. Further, since the means for setting the operation content and the means for clearing the operation also serve as a predetermined operation switch, the cost can be reduced.

Clearing the operation means returning the operation to a predetermined initial state such as when the power is turned on. In the double tub washing machine according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the double tub washing machine according to the first aspect, the commonly-determined operation switch is a start switch for starting operation of the corresponding washing device. There is a feature.

According to this configuration, in addition to the operation of the first aspect of the present invention, since the start switch is securely provided in each of the washing devices, a means for clearing the start switch without difficulty regardless of the configuration of the washing device is provided. As a result, the cost can be reliably reduced. In the double tub washing machine according to the third aspect of the present invention, in the double tub washing machine according to the first or second aspect, the operation switch is continuously operated for a predetermined time or more from the specific operation different from the normal operation. It is characterized by including.

According to this configuration, in addition to the operation of the first or second aspect of the present invention, a simple operation is sufficient, so that the usability is further improved. A double-tub washing machine according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the double-tub washing machine according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the means for clearing comprises: It is characterized by including a notifying means for notifying visually.

According to this configuration, in addition to the operation of the invention described in any one of the first to third aspects, it is possible to easily confirm that the operation content has been cleared, so that the usability is further improved. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine, comprising: a setting unit in which an operation content to be performed by the washing device is set; and a start / pause switch for providing an operation start signal or an operation pause signal to the washing device. Means for measuring the operation time when the start / pause switch is operated, and clearing the operation content set in the setting means when the operation time measured by the measuring means is longer than a predetermined time. And means for performing the operation.

According to this configuration, the following operations are provided.
That is, when the start / pause switch is continuously operated for a predetermined time or more, the operation content can be cleared. Therefore, it is not necessary to operate the power switch or the like to clear the operation content, which is preferable. In addition, since the operation contents of the washing machine can be reset as required, the usability is good. Further, since the switch is also used to clear the start / pause switch, an increase in cost can be prevented.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a double-tub washing machine in which a plurality of washing apparatuses are arranged, and the configuration according to the fifth aspect is provided for each of the plurality of washing apparatuses. It is characterized by. According to this configuration, in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 5, when clearing the operation content of each washing device, it is not necessary to operate the power switch or the like, so that the operation of other washing devices is obstructed. It is easy to use as a double-tub type washing machine.

[0015]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described.
This will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a front sectional view of a schematic configuration of a two-tub washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. The two-tub washing machine 1 has a main washing device 20 and a sub-washing device 40. The two washing devices include, for example, a housing 1 having a rectangular planar shape that is long in the left-right direction.
0 and are arranged adjacent to each other. The main washing device 20 has the same configuration as a generally known fully automatic washing machine, and can perform washing and dehydration. The auxiliary washing device 40 is
It is a washing tub only.

In the upper part of the housing 10, there are provided a pipe 71, valves 72 and 73, a pump 74 for using bath water and the like, which are connected to a water supply facility (not shown) such as an external water supply. A water supply mechanism is provided to supply water to the main washing device 20 and the sub-washing device 40. In addition, a drainage mechanism having a pipe 61, valves 62, 63, and the like is provided for draining water from each washing device. Further, an operation panel 12 for operating these units and a control unit 11 (see FIG. 3) for controlling each unit in response to a signal from the operation panel 12 are provided. Under the control of the control unit 11, the main washing device 20 and the sub-washing device 40 can be operated simultaneously or separately, and can separately wash.

Hereinafter, each part will be described in detail. The main washing device 20 includes an outer tub 21 supported by a hanging rod 26 as a washing tub.
And an inner tank 22 rotatably provided in the outer tank 21 and having a large number of small holes on its surface, and a stirring blade 23 provided at the bottom of the inner tank 22. Inner tank 22 and stirring blade 23
Is driven by a drive mechanism 24 including a motor 25 and the like. During washing and rinsing, only the stirring blade 23 rotates in one direction or both directions, and during dehydration, both the stirring blade 23 and the inner tank 22 rotate in one direction at high speed.

The sub-washing device 40 has an inner shape having a substantially rectangular planar shape and stores washing water and laundry therein, and agitates the laundry and washing water in the washing tub 41. In order to perform washing and rinsing, a stirring blade 42 provided on a longitudinal side surface 41b of the washing tub 41 and a driving device 43 for rotating the stirring blade 42 in one direction or both directions are provided. The driving device 43 includes a motor 44, and transmits the rotation of the motor 44 to the stirring blade 42 via a belt mechanism 48. The stirring blade 42 has a disk shape, and its surface is formed in a concavo-convex shape. A rotating shaft 46 as a center axis of the stirring blade 42 is rotatably supported across the longitudinal side surface 41 b of the washing tub 41. When the stirring blades 42 are rotated by the driving device 43, the washing water and the laundry contained in the washing tub 41 are stirred and washed. The rinsing is performed in the same manner.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the operation panel. The operation panel 12 is arranged on an upper part of the housing 10. The operation panel 12 is provided corresponding to each washing device. The operation panel 12 includes a power switch 13 for turning on and off the power of the two-tub washing machine, and a plurality of operation switches 14 and 15 for operating the two-tub washing machine. The plurality of operation switches 14 constitute operating means for the main washing device 20, and the plurality of operation switches 15 correspond to the sub-washing device 4.
It constitutes the operating means for the zero. Operation switch 14, 1
5 is configured to be turned on only while being pressed, and to be automatically turned off by its own elastic restoring force when the hand is released. A display element 16 such as an LED (see FIG. 3) is disposed on the operation panel 12 to notify the operation contents, the operation state, and the like by light emission and blinking.

The operation switch 14 includes a start switch 14g described below for starting operation of the main washing device 20, a water level switch 14a for setting the water level of the washing water, and a reservation switch for starting operation after a predetermined time has elapsed. 14
b and a washing switch 14 for setting a washing operation time.
c, a rinsing switch 14d for setting the number and mode of rinsing, a dehydrating switch 14e for setting a dehydrating operation time, and a course switch 14f for setting an automatic driving mode of the main washing device 20, A bath water use switch 14h for setting a mode of water supply from an external water source such as bath water using the pump 74.

The operation switch 15 includes a start switch 15e described later for starting operation of the sub-washing device 40, a supply water switch 15a for starting or stopping the supply of washing water into the washing tub 41, and a washing operation. It includes a washing switch 15b for setting the time, a rinsing switch 15c for setting the number and mode of rinsing, and a drain switch 15d for setting whether or not to drain after rinsing.

Each washing device is controlled by the control unit 11 based on the operation contents and operation commands set by the operation switches 14 and 15, respectively. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electrical configuration of the control unit. The control unit 11 includes a microcomputer (CPU) as a control center, and the CPU executes control based on programs and data stored in advance in the ROM 11a, the RAM 11b, and the like.

The control section 11 includes a first portion 11c for controlling the main washing device 20 and a second portion 11d for controlling the sub-washing device 40. First part 1
1c and the second portion 11d are programs related to the respective washing devices, and are integrally configured as a control program of the two-tub washing machine. The first portion 11c includes a motor 25,
The components such as the valve 63, the valve 73, and the pump 74 on the side of the main washing device 20 are connected via a drive circuit (not shown). The second portion 11d is connected to the motor 44, the valve 62, the valve 72, and other components on the sub-washing device 40 side via a drive circuit (not shown). The control unit 11 can control the operation of each of the washing devices in a predetermined manner such as rinsing or rinsing with the first part 11c and the second part 11d.

The control unit 11 includes a power switch 1
3, the operation switch 14, the operation switch 15, and the like are connected. Further, a display element 16, a buzzer 17, and the like are connected to the control unit 11 via a drive circuit (not shown). The operation and control of the two-tub washing machine will be described. First, when the power is turned on by operating the power switch 13, the CPU is set to an initial state.

In the initial state, the CPU reads predetermined data and programs from the ROM 11a. For example, the operation content corresponding to the standard automatic operation mode is read, and the display element 16 is driven in accordance with the operation content. In addition, each part is in a predetermined state. Thereafter, the following processing is performed based on the signals of the start switches 14g and 15e.

The start switches 14g and 15e function as a start switch for starting the operation, a temporary stop switch for temporarily stopping the operation, and a clear switch for returning the control to the initial state. The start switches 14g and 15e are turned on while the power is on.
A key scan is constantly performed to monitor operation.

Hereinafter, the operation of the main washing device 20 will be mainly described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 4, the switches are described as SW. In step S1, the operation of the start switch 14g is detected. Until the start switch 14g is pressed (NO in step S1), the operation content can be set. That is, the CPU waits for the start of operation while performing key scans of the operation switches 14 and 15. In the meantime, as needed, each operation switch 14,
By operating the button 15, the operation details can be changed, and desired operation details can be set. The setting of the operation content is selected from those stored in advance. For example, the washing time is selected and set to 12 minutes, 6 minutes, or 3 minutes by the washing switch 14c. At this time, the operation switches 14 and 15 can set the operation content based on the normal operation.

When the start switch 14g is pressed, the setting of the operation contents is completed. If the start switch 14g is pressed without the operation for selecting the operation content being performed, a predetermined one of those stored in advance is automatically set. Step S1
When the start switch 14g is pressed and turned on (YES in step S1), the counter configured by the program starts counting time (step S2). When the hand is released from the start switch 14g, the switch is turned off (YES in step S3), and the counter stops counting time (step S4).

In step S5, the start switch 14
The operation mode of g is determined. That is, it is determined whether the time t during which the start switch 14g has been pressed is 4 seconds or more. Here, the time t is set so that it can be determined whether the operation switch is operated normally or a specific operation different from the normal operation is performed. That is, the time is set as a time for which it can be determined whether the operation is continuously performed for a certain time or more intentionally to use the clear switch function.

In step S5, if the time t is less than 4 seconds and the start switch 14g is operated before the start of operation (NO in step S5, N in step S7)
O), which functions as a start switch. Main washing device 2
In the case of "0", the operation is automatically started with the operation content related to the main washing device 20 set as described above (step S9). For example, in the main washing device 20, washing water is supplied from a water supply or the like to a predetermined water level by a water supply mechanism, rinse is performed easily, and thereafter, the valve 63 is opened and drained. Dehydration is performed as needed. In addition, in the sub-washing device 40, each process of washing and rinsing is performed.

If the start switch 14g is operated during operation and the time t is less than 4 seconds (N in step S5)
O, YES in step S7), functions as a temporary stop switch. That is, the operation of the main washing device 20 is temporarily stopped (Step S8). At this time, the operation is stopped, but data such as the operation content is maintained. Thereafter, during the pause, the start switch 14g is operated again,
If the operation time t is less than 4 seconds (NO in step S5, NO in step S7), it functions as a start switch, and the operation of main washing device 20 is restarted (step S9).

The operation of the main washing device 20 can be changed as described above at a predetermined time, for example, at a time when the water supply is stopped until the water supply operation of the washing process is completed. On the other hand, when the vehicle is in a temporary stop state except for the above-mentioned predetermined period and during operation, the operation details cannot be changed. This is to prevent an inappropriate washing operation due to an easy change of the operation contents.
In the present embodiment, even if the change of the operation content is restricted, the clear switch
Operation details can be changed.

The clear switch functions when a predetermined start switch 14g, which is a start switch / pause switch, is operated in response to a specific operation.
The operation content of the corresponding washing device can be cleared. If the time t is 4 seconds or more in step S5 (YES in step S5), the start switch 14g functions as a clear switch. When the clear switch is operated, the main washing device 20 performs an initialization process (step S6). That is, if the main washing device 20 is in operation, the operation is stopped. Then, the control relating to the main washing device 20 is returned to the initial state, and the same process as when the power is turned on is performed on the first portion 11c of the control unit 11. The operation contents set up to that time are canceled. CPU
And the state of each part related to the main washing device 20 are the states immediately after the power is turned on. Then, the buzzer 17 sounds for 0.5 seconds to notify that the clear switch has functioned. In addition, you may notify by the display element 16.

The clear switch can be operated similarly in each washing device. That is, the main washing device 2
On the 0 side, the start switch 14g can be operated as a clear switch by continuously pressing the start switch 14g for 4 seconds or more. In the auxiliary washing device 40, the start switch 15e can be continuously pressed for 4 seconds or more. Can be operated as a clear switch. In this way, the same operation can be performed by the two switches 14g and 15e having the same function and existing in common with each other.
It is convenient.

Since the specific operation for clearing is different from the normal operation, it is possible to prevent erroneous clearing of the operation details. By operating the clear switch, each operation switch 14 is set to a state of waiting for input, which is a state before the operation is started. In this state, the operation contents of the main washing device 20 can be changed and can be reset.

As described above, only the main washing device 20 can be returned to the initial state by operating the start switch 14g, and only the sub-washing device 40 can be returned to the initial state by operating the start switch 15e. Only the operation control can be returned to the initial state, and the operation content of the washing device can be reset as needed. In addition, when returning to the initial state, there is no hindrance such as stopping the operation of another washing device unlike the case where the power switch 13 is operated, so that the entire washing machine is easy to use.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, only the predetermined washing device can be returned to the initial state by the clear switch, and only the operation contents can be reset. At this time, there is no hindrance to the operation of the other washing devices, so that the usability is good. Also, even in the case of restricting the change of the operation content after starting operation to prevent inappropriate washing operation,
Since the operation content can be changed by the clear switch as the initialization means, it is possible to prevent a decrease in usability.

The start switches 14g, 15e
Is used for both the operation control and the initialization control as a start switch, a temporary stop switch, and a clear switch, so that component costs can be reduced as compared with a case where separate switches are provided for each control. Also,
Since the start switch is securely provided in each washing device, the clear function can be realized without difficulty irrespective of the configuration of the washing device. As a result, the cost can be surely reduced.

Further, since the clear function can be exhibited by operating the start switches 14g and 15e having the same function in both washing apparatuses in the same manner, the same operation is easy to use. In addition, since a simple operation of continuously operating for a predetermined time or more is sufficient, the usability is further improved. In addition, the buzzer 17 and the display element 16 as the notification means can confirm visually and visually that the driving control has returned to the initial state, which is more convenient.

In the present embodiment, the initialization process for performing the clear function in response to the operation of the start switches 14g and 15e also serving as the clear switch is performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In short, it is only necessary to provide means for clearing the operation content of the washing device corresponding to the common predetermined switch. Here, clearing the operation content means returning the operation content to a predetermined initial state such as when power is turned on.

The initialization process functions both before and during the operation, but may be performed at least during the operation or when the setting of the operation cannot be changed. Further, the clear switch is provided in both washing devices, but is not limited to this. For example, the secondary washing device 4
When 0 is dedicated to manual operation, a clear switch may be provided only in the main washing device 20. When the main washing device 20 is returned to the initial state, the operation of the sub-washing device 40 is not disturbed. .

Further, the first portion 11c and the second portion 11d of the control section 11 are integrally configured as a control program for the two-tub washing machine, but may be configured separately.
In the above-described embodiment, a two-tub washing machine has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to a double-tub washing machine having three or more washing devices. Further, the present invention may be applied to a single-tub washing machine. In this case, it is preferable to clear the operation contents without operating the power supply. Also,
The configuration of each washing device is not limited to the configurations of the main washing device 20 and the sub-washing device 40 described above.

In addition, various design changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0044]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained. That is, the operation contents of the predetermined washing machine can be reset by the clearing means, and the operation of another washing machine is not hindered, so that the usability is good. In addition, since the operation switch for clearing is common to each washing device, it is easy to operate and more convenient. In addition, since clearing can be performed by a specific operation, it is possible to prevent clearing by mistake. Further, since the operation switch is also used for the means for setting the operation content and the means for clearing the operation, the cost can be reduced.

According to the invention of claim 2, claim 1 is
In addition to the effects of the invention described above, since the means for clearing the start switch which is surely common to each washing machine can be constituted without difficulty, the cost can be surely reduced. According to the invention of claim 3, claim 1 or 2
In addition to the effects of the described invention, simple operation is sufficient, and the usability is further improved.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the first aspect
In addition to the effects of the invention described in any one of (3) to (3), it is possible to confirm that the driving content has been cleared by the notification means, so that the usability is further improved. According to the invention according to claim 5, the following effects are obtained. That is, by operating the start / pause switch continuously for a predetermined time or more, the operation details can be cleared and reset as necessary, so that the usability is good. At this time, it is not necessary to operate the power switch or the like, which is preferable. In addition, an increase in cost can be prevented by using a switch.

According to the invention of claim 6, according to claim 5,
In addition to the effects of the invention described above, when clearing the operation content of each washing device, it does not hinder the operation of other washing devices, and is convenient as a double-tub washing machine.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front sectional view of a schematic configuration of a two-tub washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an operation panel of the two-tub washing machine of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the two-tub washing machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of control contents of the two-tub washing machine of FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 11 control unit (clearing means) 14 operation switch (operation means) 15 operation switch (operation means) 14g start switch (start / pause switch) 15e start switch (start / pause switch) 16 display element (notification means) 17 Buzzer (notification means) 20 Main washing machine 40 Secondary washing machine

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Takashi Fukui 2-5-5 Keihanhondori, Moriguchi-shi, Osaka Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Masakazu Matsumoto 2-chome Keihanhondori, Moriguchi-shi, Osaka No. 5-5 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Kenji Fujii 2-5-5 Keihan Hondori, Moriguchi-shi, Osaka Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of washing devices, a plurality of operation means provided corresponding to the plurality of washing devices, a plurality of operation switches of each operation means, and each operation switch being operated normally. Means for setting the operation content of the corresponding washing device based on the operation switches, and a predetermined operation switch among a plurality of operation switches of each operation means, the operation switches being common to the plurality of operation means. And a means for clearing the operation contents of the corresponding washing machine in response to a specific operation different from the normal operation. 2. The double-tub washing machine according to claim 1, wherein said common operation switch is a start switch for starting operation of a corresponding washing machine. Type washing machine. 3. The double-tub washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the specific operation different from the normal operation includes operating the operation switch continuously for a predetermined time or more. Tank type washing machine. 4. The double-tub washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the clearing means includes an informing means for audibly and / or visually notifying when the operation content is cleared. A double-tub washing machine characterized by the following. 5. A setting means in which operation contents to be performed by the washing machine are set, a start / pause switch for giving an operation start signal or a pause signal to the washing machine, and a start / pause switch. Means for measuring the operation time when is operated, and means for clearing the operation content set in the setting means when the operation time measured by the measuring means is longer than a predetermined time. A washing machine characterized by the following. 6. A double-tub washing machine, wherein a plurality of washing machines are arranged, and the configuration according to claim 5 is provided for each of the plurality of washing machines.