JPS6324720B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (a) Field of Industrial Application The present invention relates to a coin-operated washing machine that automatically runs a program consisting of a series of steps such as water supply, washing, and drainage by inserting a coin.

(b) Prior Art Conventionally known coin-operated washing machines are popular because they automatically run a predetermined program consisting of a series of processes such as water supply, washing, and draining when a coin is inserted at a set value. Unlike fully automatic washing machines, there is no need to set the time using a program timer.
The program timer knob was covered with a transparent plate so that it could not be touched by hand, and its only role was as an indicator to show the operating process.

Therefore, in order to test run a coin-operated washing machine, you must insert a special tool through a hole in the back of the control box where the program timer is stored, or open the control box to force the program timer axis. The machine had to be rotated to the position of the process to be tested. Furthermore, after testing the process to be tested, if one wants to test whether the operation starts correctly by inserting a coin, the program timer shaft must be rotated to return to the initial state, which is generally troublesome.

Furthermore, if the service person forgets to return the program timer to its initial state after testing for maintenance and inspection, it may not operate correctly even if the user inserts a coin, or it may restart from the middle of a series of processes, etc. This caused trouble with the manager.

(C) Purpose of the Invention The present invention enables not only testing of a desired process but also testing of whether or not operation starts correctly by inserting a coin. The purpose is to provide a coin-operated washing machine that does not cause trouble by allowing the user to start normal operation by inserting a coin, even if the user forgets to return the washing machine to its initial state after finishing washing. shall be.

(d) Structure of the Invention In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a coin-operated washing machine that automatically runs a program consisting of a series of steps such as water supply, washing, and drainage by inserting coins of a set price. A forced operation switch is provided that forcibly operates different processes determined according to the number of times regardless of whether coins are inserted, and furthermore, if a set price of coins is inserted even during the forced operation, the automatic operation is started. It is.

(e) Embodiment Figure 1 is a front view of a coin-operated washing machine, where 1 is the machine frame, 2 is a control box, and the front plate has coin slots 3 and 4 into which 50 yen coins and 100 yen coins are inserted. A four-digit display device 5 (consisting of light emitting diodes (LEDs)) for displaying the remaining time and input amount, and three process display devices 6 (consisting of LEDs) for displaying the progress of the process are arranged. There is.
Further, on the back of the control box, a forced operation switch 7 is arranged as shown in FIG. This switch 7 is operated by pushing it from the back with a jig, so that the user of the washing machine cannot easily operate it.

FIG. 3 is a block circuit diagram of the control section, in which a microcomputer 8 is used in the embodiment. 9 is an AC power supply, 10 is a DC power supply circuit that obtains the DC voltage (VDD) necessary to operate the microcomputer 8, and 11 is for retaining data in the memory (RAM) in the microcomputer 8 when the AC power supply is cut off. 12 is a charging resistor that limits the power that charges the backup power supply 11 from the DC power supply circuit 10 via the diode 29 when the AC power supply 9 is energized; 13 is a reference voltage generation power supply; 14 is a reference voltage and backup power supply; When the backup voltage becomes lower than the reference voltage, the comparison circuit determines that the data in the memory (RAM) cannot be held and resets the contents of the memory. The diode 29 allows the current of the backup power supply 11 to flow into the DC power supply circuit 10 when the AC power supply is cut off.
This is to prevent it from flowing to. 15 is a reset signal generation circuit, which operates when the power is turned on and resets the RAM.
This is to clear the data inside.

Reference numeral 16 denotes a price setting switch, which predetermines the amount of money to be input. After power is turned on, the microcomputer 8 judges the signal from this switch 16 and stores it in the RAM as a set price. 17 is a 50 yen coin detection switch that outputs a signal when a 50 yen coin is inserted from the coin slot 3 for 50 yen coins, and 18 is a switch from the coin slot 4 for 100 yen coins.
A 100 yen coin detection switch that outputs a signal when a yen coin is inserted, 7 is the forced operation switch 7, 1
In addition to these switches 16, 17, 18, and 7, 9 indicates a group of other switches that input signals to the microcomputer 8, such as a water level switch that detects the liquid level in the washing tub and a top lid switch that is linked to the opening and closing of the top lid.

20 is a clockwise rotation drive circuit for the motor, 21 is a left rotation drive circuit for the motor, 22 is a drain valve and clutch drive circuit, and 23 is a water supply valve drive circuit, from which signals are output to output terminals A to D of the microcomputer 8, respectively. At this time, it is activated via the drive circuits 24-27. 5 and 6 are the display devices, respectively.

Next, the operation will be explained based on the flowchart shown in FIG. After the power is turned on, the set price is first stored in the RAM. Then, 50 yen coin detection switch 17 and 100 yen coin detection switch 18 detect 50 yen coins and 100 yen coins.
Each time the insertion of a yen coin is detected, 50 (yen) or 100 (yen) is added to the input amount memory in RAM. Also, the flag "TEST" and counter "TEST" set in the microcomputer
MODE” both to “0”. When the input amount exceeds the set price, fully automatic operation consisting of a series of steps will begin.

In fully automatic operation, a signal is first output from the output terminal D to operate the water supply valve drive circuit 23 and perform the water supply process. When the specified water level is reached and a signal is received from the water level switch 19, the water supply is stopped, and signals are alternately output from the output terminals A and B, and the left and right drive circuits 21 and 20 are alternately activated to drive the rotor. Perform the washing process by rotating left and right alternately. When the washing process is completed, a signal is output from the output terminal C to operate the drive circuit 22 to open the drain valve and perform the drain process. After draining, a rinsing process is performed, similar to washing. When the rinsing process is finished, a signal is sent from terminals A and C, which opens the drain valve and activates the clutch, transmitting the clockwise rotation of the motor not only to the rotary blades but also to the washing and dehydrating tank, which runs the dehydrating tank at high speed. Rotate clockwise to perform the dehydration process.

During such fully automatic operation, the process display device 6 flashes an LED corresponding to the process being operated.
Further, the four-digit display device 5 displays the remaining operating time in the last two digits. This display device 5 displays the amount of money inserted as shown in FIG. 5 while coins are being inserted. LED here
The lighting of 28 indicates that the displayed content at that time is the input amount. The figure shows 250 yen.

In parallel with the above-mentioned operation, the microcomputer always checks the operation status of the forced operation switch 7.
When the forced operation switch 7 is operated once while coins are being inserted or during fully automatic operation, the flag "TEST" in the RAM is set and becomes "1". At this time
Counter “TEST MODE” in RAM is “0”
Therefore, clear the operating data in RAM and stop operation if it is in full automatic operation. Then, "00" is displayed in the last two digits of the display device 5 as shown in FIG.

If the forced operation switch 7 is operated again within 5 seconds from the start of the display of "00", the flag "TEST" is cleared and set to "0", and the counter "TEST MODE" is incremented by 1, resulting in "1".
Make it. When the flag "TEST" becomes "0", the display of "00" disappears. Or the switch 7
When 5 seconds have elapsed since "00" was displayed without any operation, the similar flag "TEST" is set to "0" and the counter "TEST MODE" is incremented by 1, making it 1 and the "00" display disappears.

In this state, when the forced operation switch 7 is operated once more, the flag "TEST" is set to "1", and since the counter "TEST MODE" is "1" at this time, the washing process starts from water supply and the display device 5
Display "01" in the last two digits. If the forced operation switch 7 is operated again within one minute from the start of this process, or if one minute has elapsed, the flag "TEST" is set to "0", the counter "TEST MODE" is incremented by 1, and the result is "2"
Make it. When the flag "TEST" becomes "0", the water supply and washing process are stopped and the "01" display disappears.

In this state, if you operate the forced operation switch 7 once more, the flag "TEST" will be set to "1", and at this time, the counter "TEST MODE" will be "2", so the draining process will be carried out and the last two digits of the display 5 will be displayed. Display “02”. If the forced operation switch 7 is operated again within one minute from the start of this drainage process, or if one minute has passed, the flag "TEST" will be set to "0" and this operation will be stopped, and the counter "TEST MODE" will be set. Add 1 and make the result ``3''.

In this state, if you operate the forced operation switch 7 once more, the flag "TEST" is set to "1", and at this time, the counter "TEST MODE" is "3", so the dewatering process is performed from the waste water and the display device 5
Display "03" in the last two digits of. If the forced operation switch 7 is operated within 2 minutes from the start of this process, or if 2 minutes have passed, the flag "TEST" will be set to "0" and this operation will be stopped, and the counter "TEST MODE" will be set to 1. Add it back to "0".

In this way, each time the forced operation switch 7 is operated, the operation state and stop state of a different process are alternately repeated, so if you want to perform a test run, you need to operate the forced operation switch 7 the number of times corresponding to the process you want to test run. Bye. Furthermore, the operating state of switch 7 will automatically stop after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, so by setting this time to the minimum required for the test, you can prevent misuse of switch 7. .

By the way, when a 50 yen or 100 yen coin is inserted during a test run using the forced operation switch 7, and this state is detected by the detection switches 17 and 18, the flag "TEST" and the counter "TEST" are activated.
MODE" both become "0", so stop the test run. As soon as the input amount reaches the set price, full automatic operation will begin.

This means that if you want to check whether the operation will start correctly by inserting a coin after completing the test for the process you want to test, for example from the water supply to the washing process, you must operate the forced operation switch 7 many times each time to return the memory to its initial state. There is no need to return it, making the operation easier.

Furthermore, even if the service person forgets to return the memory to its initial state after the test, the user can insert coins of the set price and the system will start fully automatic operation, so there will be no trouble with the administrator. It never happens.

(F) Effects of the Invention According to the present invention, it is possible to test a desired process simply by operating a forced operation switch, and it is also possible to test whether operation starts correctly by simply inserting a coin. The test can be performed much more easily than in the past, which required forcibly rotating the program timer shaft. Furthermore, even if the service person forgets to reset the washing machine to its initial state after the test, normal operation will start after inserting the set price of coins, which will prevent trouble between the user and the manager. There is no risk of it happening.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The drawings show the coin-operated washing machine of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a front view, FIG. 2 is a rear view, FIG. 3 is a block circuit diagram of the control section, FIG. 4 is a flowchart, and FIGS. 5 and 6. The figures are front views showing different states of the display device. 7... Forced operation switch, 8... Microcomputer, 17, 18... Coin detection switch.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1 Water supply, washing,
In systems that automatically operate a program consisting of a series of processes such as drainage, a forced operation switch is installed that forcibly operates different processes determined according to the number of operations, regardless of whether a coin is inserted, and the set price can be changed even during the forced operation. A coin-operated washing machine characterized in that the automatic operation starts when a coin is inserted.