JPS63132698A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Object of the Invention] (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to a washing machine equipped with a control circuit consisting of a microcomputer.

(Prior Art) Conventionally, in a washing machine equipped with a control circuit consisting of a microcomputer, the execution of processes such as washing and rinsing is performed by one of a plurality of predetermined operation courses or operation contents held in advance by the control circuit. Control is performed according to a driving course arbitrarily set in the control circuit by a setting switch.

”-2 The default operation courses are generally the “Standard” course, which is suitable for washing laundry with a normal degree of dirt, the “Strong” course, which is suitable for washing laundry with a large degree of dirt, and the “Heavy” course, which is suitable for washing laundry with a large degree of dirt. "Weak" cycle is suitable for washing small items of laundry, and "Hand wash" is suitable for washing easily damaged items.
Each of these courses includes a washing process and a rinsing process, however, the control content (execution time, number of executions, etc.) of each process differs depending on the course.

Further, the operation content setting switch includes a course changeover switch for selecting and setting one of the plurality of predetermined operation courses described above, and a water flow mode setting switch for setting the strength of water flow during washing and rinsing processes. In addition, it is equipped with process mode setting switches such as a wash mode setting switch that sets the control content (execution time) of the washing process, and a rinse mode setting switch that sets the control content of the rinsing process (number of times rinsing is performed, etc.). Furthermore, there is a drainage setting switch for setting the presence/absence of drainage. In addition to these switches, there is also a clear switch for clearing the set driving course, and a start switch that also serves as a temporary stop for starting execution of the driving course after setting the driving course.

Therefore, when performing washing operation in one of the predetermined operation courses, set one of the predetermined operation courses by operating the course changeover switch, and then operate the start switch to start washing in that predetermined operation course. Execute driving. In addition, the driving courses that can be arbitrarily set in addition to the default driving course include the school-established driving course, which is based on the default driving course and has been modified, and a new driving course that has no relation to the default driving course. Can be divided. When performing a washing operation using a semi-default course, first set an arbitrary default operation course by operating the course changeover switch, and then
Next, use the water flow mode setting switch, washing mode setting switch, and rinsing mode setting switch to modify the control contents of the washing process and rinsing process included in the corresponding default operation course to set a semi-default operation course, and then press the start switch. The washing operation starts by operation. Furthermore, when performing a washing operation in a new operation course, for example, an operation course in which the washing process is executed at t11, do not operate the course changeover switch, operate the clear switch, and then operate the wash mode setting switch. The process to be executed is set as the washing process, the execution time thereof is set, and then the strength of the water flow during the washing process is appropriately set using the water flow mode setting switch. As a result, a new operation course including these settings is set, and the washing operation is started by operating the start switch.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) By the way, in a washing machine equipped with a control circuit consisting of a microcomputer, the washing operation can be precisely controlled as described above, and it is extremely convenient in practice. There are a large number of switches such as control content switches, so it is often difficult to arrange the switches on the operation panel of the washing machine, and it also takes time to assemble, which leads to problems such as high costs. .

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is not only to be able to set various driving courses and make it convenient, but also to reduce the number of switches while ensuring this convenience. The purpose of this invention is to provide a washing machine that can be used as a washing machine.

[Structure of the Invention] (Means for Solving the Problems) The present invention provides that the strength of the water flow in the washing process and the rinsing process included in a plurality of predetermined operation courses stored in advance in a control circuit is determined based on each predetermined operation course. We focused on the fact that there is a correspondence between the operation content of each predetermined operation course and the strength of the water flow, and therefore it is possible to select a predetermined operation course using the strength of the water flow as a guide. It has been done. Accordingly, the present invention provides a control system that uses a microcomputer to control the execution of steps such as washing and rinsing according to one of a plurality of predetermined operation courses or an operation course that is arbitrarily set by an operation content setting switch. The control circuit is equipped with a water flow mode setting switch for setting the strength of the water flow and a stroke mode setting switch for setting the control contents of the washing, rinsing, etc. processes as the operation content setting switch, The present invention is characterized in that when a water flow mode setting switch is operated, one of the predetermined driving courses is selected and set according to the water flow setting contents.

(Function) When selecting and setting a predetermined operation course, it is sufficient to operate the water flow mode setting switch, so the course changeover switch that was conventionally required is no longer necessary.

(Example) Hereinafter, an example in which the present invention is applied to a two-tub washing machine will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, in FIG. 3, 1 is an outer box of a two-tub washing machine, 2 is a panel, and this panel 2 is provided with a power switch 3, an operation panel 4, etc. Next, in FIG. 1, reference numeral 5 denotes a control circuit consisting of a microcomputer, which maintains a predetermined number of driving courses as a driving program in advance, and also allows arbitrary driving courses to be set using each driving content switch described later. It is also possible to set. 6 is a washing motor that drives an agitator placed in the washing tub; 7 is a washing machine;
1 is a water supply valve that supplies water inside the circle; 8 is a drain valve that drains water from the washing tub; 9 is an electronic buzzer; and 10 is a dewatering motor that rotates the dehydrating basket. 11 is a clock pulse generation circuit that provides clock pulses to the control circuit 5;
has a timekeeping function based on this clock pulse.

The control circuit 5 has a "mark" driving course, a "strong" driving course, a "weak" driving course, and a "hand washing" driving course as default driving courses for washing driving.
It has various water flow modes, various persimmon bitter modes, and various rinse modes, and before describing each predetermined operation course, we will describe these water flow modes, wash mode, and rinse mode.

First, the water flow mode will be described. There are the following four types of water flow modes, and as shown in FIG. 4, the intermittent operation of the washing motor 6, that is, the on time t1 and the off time t2, are different.

(A) "Mark" water flow mode: tl-Ill, 3. to Ugly o, 6 (B) r strong” water flow mode: ti-1,7, to-0,6 (C) “weak” water flow mode: tl-0,8, tg-3,0 (D) “hand washing "Water flow mode: tl-0, 5, tg-1, 8 Furthermore, as a washing mode, rlO minute" washing mode,
"7 minutes" washing mode, "5 minutes" washing mode, "2 minutes" washing mode, "15 minutes" washing mode, "12 minutes"
There are two wash modes, each with a running time of "rlo minutes" and "
7 minutes”, “5 minutes”.

"2 minutes J, r15 minutes J, r12 minutes".

In addition, as a rinse mode, the following 4 modes are available as shown in Figure 5.
There are different types, rinsing forms (temp rinsing).

(Water injection rinsing), number of executions and execution time are different.

(E) "Standard" rinsing mode: Execute "pre-rinsing" twice with a running time of "2 minutes" in the "Mark" water flow mode, and "water pouring rinse" with a running time of "5 minutes" in the same water flow mode. ” is executed “once”.

(F) "Careful" rinsing mode: Execute "Water rinsing" twice with a running time of "2 minutes" in the "Strong" water flow mode, and "Water pouring rinse" with a running time of "5 minutes" in the same water flow mode. Execute "once".

and finally carry out drainage.

(G) "Saving" rinsing mode: Execute "pre-rinsing" once with a running time of "2 minutes" in the "weak" water flow mode, and "water pouring rinse" with a running time of "3 minutes" in the same water flow mode. Execute "once".

(H) "Hand washing" rinsing course: "Water pouring rinsing" in the "Hand washing" water flow mode is executed "once" with an execution time of "3 minutes".

Now, regarding the predetermined driving courses, there are the following four types as shown in FIG.

(I) "Standard" operating course: The wash stroke is carried out in the "Standard" water flow mode and the "rlO" wash mode, and the rinse stroke is carried out in the "Mark" rinse mode (which includes the "Standard" water flow mode). Then, drain the water and end the operation.

(■) "Strong" operation course: If you run the washing process in "Strong", "7" mode and "15 minutes" washing mode, the rinsing process will be set to "Careful".
Run in rinse mode (includes "strong" water flow mode) and drain to end run.

(■) "Low" operation course: The washing process is executed in "Low" water flow mode and "5 minutes" washing mode, and the rinsing process is executed in "Economy" rinse mode (
(includes a "low" water flow mode) and drains to end the run.

(■) "Hand wash" operation course: The washing process is executed in the "Hand wash" water flow mode and the "2 minute" wash mode, and the rinsing process is performed in the "Hand wash" rinse mode ("Hand wash" water flow mode is included). Then, drain the water and end the operation.

As can be seen from the above, the strength of the water flow in the washing process and the rinsing process included in the plurality of predetermined operation courses maintained in advance in the control circuit 5 differs depending on each predetermined operation course, and each predetermined operation There is a correspondence between the driving content of the course and the strength of the water flow, and therefore, it is possible to properly select a default driving course using the strength of the water flow as a guide.

Now, in FIGS. 1 and 2, 12 is a water flow mode setting switch, 13 is a washing mode setting switch, 14 is a rinse mode setting switch, and 15 is a drainage setting switch, and each of these switches 12 to 15 is an operation content setting switch. Of these, switches 13 and 14 correspond to stroke mode setting switches. and each switch 1
2 to 15 are all comprised of automatic return type bush switches.

The water flow mode setting switch 12 is used to set each water flow mode, each predetermined operation course, and the execution time for the dehydration operation in the control circuit 5 according to the number of times the switch is operated. In this case, the control circuit 5 displays "mark ■" in the m-off state.
The water flow mode and the "marker ■" driving course are uniquely set, and the water flow mode setting is set by the first operation of the water flow mode setting switch 12, as shown in FIG. 7(a). Set the "Strong" water flow mode, and for each subsequent operation,
The update settings are as follows: "Weak" water flow mode - "Hand washing" water flow mode - "Standard" water flow mode... and for each operation, the driving course is updated sequentially from "Strong" driving course - "Weak". "Driving course - "Hand washing" driving course - "Standard" driving course..." and update the settings. Furthermore, the execution time of the dehydration operation will be changed to "1 minute J" for each operation.
-rl/4 minutes"="5 minutes"-"3 minutes"... FIG. 8 shows the relationship between the set water flow mode and the predetermined operation course and dewatering execution time that are set according to the setting contents.

The washing mode setting switch 13 is used to set each washing mode to the control circuit 5. In this case as well, the control circuit 5 uniquely sets the "10 minute" washing mode in the initial state, and the washing mode setting Depending on the number of times the switch 13 is operated, as shown in FIG. 7(b), the "7 minute" washing mode→
"5 minutes" wash mode - "2 minutes" wash mode → "15 minutes"
Wash mode → "12 minutes" wash mode → "rlO minutes" wash mode... and update settings. The rinse mode setting switch 14 is used to set each of the aforementioned rinse modes in the control circuit 5. In this case, the control circuit 5 has set the "standard" rinse mode in the initial state, and the rinse mode setting switch 14 As shown in Figure 7(c), depending on the number of operations, the cycles are sequentially changed from "economy" rinse mode - "hand wash" rinse mode ->"careful" rinse mode - "standard" rinse mode.
Update settings for... The drainage setting switch 15 is used to set whether or not to drain water, and depending on the number of times it is operated,
Drainage/No" = "Drainage/Yes" - "Drainage/No"... are updated alternately. Further, 16 is a clear switch, which is used to clear the settings made by each of the switches 12 to 15 described above.

17 is a start switch which also serves as a temporary stop for the washing operation.

On the other hand, 18 is a dehydration time setting switch (stroke mode setting switch) for setting the execution time of the dehydration operation process, and this control circuit 5 uniquely sets "3 minutes" as the dehydration time in the initial state. The execution time is set sequentially according to the number of times the dehydration time setting switch 18 is operated, "1 minute" - "174 minutes" = "5 minutes" - "3 minutes", etc.
・Set the update to. Reference numeral 19 is a start switch which also serves as a temporary stop for the dehydration operation. 2o is a number of light emitting diodes, which are connected to each switch 12 to 15°18
When the clear switch 16 is operated, "Wash", "Rinse", etc. are activated.
The lights corresponding to "drainage" are turned off. In addition, in FIG. 1, 21 is a water level switch.

Now, in addition to the above-mentioned predetermined operation course, an arbitrary operation course is set in the control circuit 5, and the washing operation is controlled according to any one of these operation courses.

In the initial state when the power switch 3 is turned on, one of the default operation modes is set depending on the settings of the water flow mode. That is, in the initial state when the power switch 3 is turned on, as described above, the water flow mode is set to the "standard" mode, the default operation course is set to the "standard" operation course, and the dewatering time is set to "3". minutes" is set. Therefore, if the default driving course to be executed is the "standard" driving course, the star l for Somemama laundry driving is
-Turn on switch 17. The washing operation now follows the "standard" operation course with the water supply valve 7. The washing motor 6, the drain valve 8, etc. are drive-controlled, and the washing operation according to the "marker 4-j operation course" is executed.In this case, when executing the washing operation according to the other default operation course, the water flow mode setting The start switch 17 may be turned on by operating the switch 12 an appropriate number of times.

Next, when executing a washing operation using an arbitrary driving course, in this case, the arbitrary driving course includes a semi-default driving course that is a modified default driving course, and a new driving course that is unrelated to the default driving course. be.

First, when setting a default course, the default driving course to be modified is set using the water flow mode setting switch 12, and the start switch 17 is turned on once. This starts the washing operation, but by the time the initial water supply ends, the water flow mode setting switch 12, wash mode setting switch 13, rinse mode setting switch 14
Furthermore, when the drainage setting switch 15 is operated, the setting specifications of the quasi-default operation mode are set by that operation, and the control contents are modified in accordance with the operation contents. With this modification, the default driving course is set as a semi-default driving course. With such settings, the washing process, rinsing process, and drainage after water supply are controlled according to the control contents.

In addition, when setting a new driving course, if the first switch operated in the initial state or clear state is the switch 13 to 15 other than the water flow mode setting switch 12, that is the setting specification for the new driving course. . For example, if only the washing process is executed for 5 minutes and
When setting a new operation course to be executed in the "low" water flow mode, operate the wash mode setting switch 13 twice while the control circuit 5 is in the initial state or clear state to designate the process to be executed as the wash process. At the same time, set the washing mode to "5 minutes" washing mode. Next, by operating the water flow mode setting switch 12 twice, the "weak" water flow mode is set, and a new driving course including these control contents is set in the control circuit 5. Next, by turning on the start switch 17, the washing operation is started according to the new operation course.

In addition, the execution time of the dehydration operation can also be set to ``3 minutes'', ``1 minute J, rl/4 minutes'', or ``5 minutes'' using the water flow mode setting switch 12.
Therefore, when the start switch 19 for the dehydration operation is turned on, the dehydration operation is executed for an execution time according to the operation details of the water flow mode switch 12.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, but can also be applied to a dehydrating/dehydrating washing machine in which processes such as washing, rinsing, and dehydrating can be continuously controlled.
It can be implemented in various ways without departing from the gist.

[Effects of the Invention] As is clear from the above description, the present invention is made up of a microcomputer, and the execution of processes such as washing and rinsing can be performed by either one of the predetermined operation courses of the number of litters that are guaranteed in advance or by the operation content setting switch. It is equipped with a control circuit that controls according to an arbitrarily set operation course, and as the operation content setting switch, a water flow mode setting switch that sets the strength of the water flow in this control circuit, and the control content of the washing, rinsing, etc. process. Equipped with a stroke mode setting switch to set,
When the water flow mode setting switch is operated, one of the predetermined operation courses is selected and set according to the water flow setting contents,
This not only makes it convenient to set various operation courses, but also allows the existing water flow mode setting switch to be used to select and set the predetermined operation courses for one summer that the control circuit has. It is possible to eliminate the need for a course changeover switch, which means that the number of switches can be reduced.As a result, the switch arrangement on the operation panel can be made easier, and the number of assembly steps can be reduced, resulting in lower costs overall. It has the excellent effect of greatly contributing to the development of

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The drawings show one embodiment of the present invention, in which Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the electrical configuration, Fig. 2 is a front view of the operation panel, Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the whole, and Fig. 4 is the contents of the water flow mode. A diagram showing
Figure 5 is a diagram showing the contents of the rinse mode, Figure 6 is a diagram showing the contents of the default operation course, and Figures 7 (a) to (
c) is a diagram illustrating the operation, and FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the set water flow mode, the set default operation mode, and the dewatering execution time. In the figure, 5 is a control circuit, 12 is a water flow mode setting switch,
13 is a washing mode setting switch (stroke mode setting switch), 14 is a rinsing mode setting switch (stroke mode setting switch), and 15 is a drainage setting switch.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. It is equipped with a control circuit that is made up of a microcomputer and controls the execution of steps such as washing and rinsing according to one of a plurality of predetermined operation courses or an operation course arbitrarily set by an operation content setting switch. The content setting switch includes a water flow mode setting switch for setting the strength of the water flow in this control circuit, and a water flow mode setting switch for setting the strength of the water flow, and the washing,
A stroke mode setting switch is provided to set the control contents of a stroke such as rinsing, and when the water flow mode setting switch is operated, one of the predetermined operation courses is selected and set according to the water flow setting contents. A washing machine characterized by: