JP2002045590A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To check the operation of a washing machine even from a point remote from the surroundings of the machine and to rapidly cope with the trouble such as intermediate stop, occurrence of error, mischief by a child. SOLUTION: A transmitter 40 is provided to transmit the contents of progress of operation of the washing machine, while a portable radio receiver 42 is provided to receive information from the transmitter 40. A check button 50 is provided in the receiver 42 to check the progress of contents of the operation, while information, in case of an emergency, is reported to the receiver 42 automatically and immediately by means of voice or display.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a washing machine for performing washing steps such as washing and rinsing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, the progress of a washing machine is displayed by using an LED, a buzzer, or the like to indicate a state such as during washing, rinsing, or occurrence of an error. It was not possible to confirm the state or the occurrence of an error.

Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. 62-137093 discloses that the progress of washing and the like are transmitted by FM radio waves and the operation status is grasped by a receiver. I needed to hear.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-146991 has a communication unit for transmitting and receiving data to and from a display unit.
By forming a network with a personal computer or another household electric appliance which also has a communication means and a display unit through the communication means, the progress of washing and the occurrence of errors can be reduced. Notifying a personal computer, other home electric appliances, or the like connected to the network by the communication means, and displaying the progress of washing and occurrence of an error on a display or outputting sound. However, in this case as well, it was necessary to continuously watch the display on the display or listen to the voice.

[0005]

In the conventional receiving apparatus, it is necessary to continuously watch the display on the display of the receiving apparatus or listen to the voice to obtain information. The present invention provides a washing machine capable of appropriately transmitting information.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, the washing machine is provided with a transmitting means for the progress of the washing so that the user can know the progress of the washing even when the user is away from the washing. When the user wants to confirm the progress of the washing, the receiver operates the confirmation button provided on the receiving unit, so that the receiving unit receives the driving information from the transmitting unit. You can check. In addition, information requiring urgency such as stoppage, occurrence of an error, mischief of a baby, etc. can be immediately notified to the user, so that prompt measures can be taken.

[0007] In another embodiment, a washing machine without an operation unit is provided with a receiving means and a transmitting means, and washing operation information is inputted by an input unit of an external terminal provided with the transmitting means and the receiving means, and The transmitting unit of the terminal transmits the washing operation information to the receiving unit of the washing machine to start the washing operation, and when the user wants to confirm the progress of the washing, the confirmation provided on the external terminal is performed. By operating the button, the driving information can be confirmed by the receiving means of the external terminal. In addition, information requiring urgency such as stoppage, occurrence of an error, mischief of a baby, etc. can be immediately notified to the user, so that prompt measures can be taken.

[0008]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A fully automatic washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 is a side sectional view of a fully automatic washing machine, FIG. 2 is a plan view of an operation unit, FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit of a washing machine main body, and FIG. 4 is a configuration of a control circuit of a portable wireless receiver. FIG. 5 is an external view of the portable wireless receiver, and FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and 9
Is a flow chart. FIG. 10 is an external view of a fully automatic washing machine without an operation unit according to another embodiment, and FIG. 11 is an external view of a terminal. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit of the washing machine main body shown in FIG. 10, FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit of the terminal, and FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the terminal. .

FIG. 1 will be described below. The fully automatic washing machine 1 includes a box-shaped housing 2 having an opening on an upper surface, and an opening / closing upper lid 3 is attached to the opening. An operation panel 6 is arranged on the upper surface of the housing 2. The fully automatic washing machine further includes an outer tub 4 suspended from the housing 2 by a suspension bar with a spring (not shown), and an inner tub 5 provided in the outer tub 4. The inner tub 5 can store laundry through the upper opening of the housing 2.

Above the outer tub 4, there is provided a detergent storage section 7 for storing detergent used for washing. The other end of the water supply passage 8 whose one end protrudes from the upper surface of the housing 2 is connected to the detergent storage section 7. Housing 2 for water supply channel 8
For example, a water supply hose 9 extending from a water tap (not shown) is connected to a portion protruding from the upper surface of the water supply hose. In addition, a water supply valve 10 constituted by, for example, an electromagnetic valve is disposed in the middle of the water supply passage 8. With this configuration, when the water supply valve 10 is opened, a water supply hose 9 and a water supply passage 8 are connected to a water supply faucet (not shown).
The tap water supplied to the detergent accommodating section 7 passes through the inner tank 5 together with the detergent contained in the detergent accommodating section 7, and is stored in the outer tank 4.

At the bottom of the outer tub 4, a drain port 11 for discharging tap water stored in the outer tub 4 to the outside of the housing 2 is formed. A drain pipe 12 extending outside the housing 2 is connected to the drain port 11. A drain valve 13 composed of, for example, a solenoid valve is disposed in the middle of the drain pipe 12. When the drain valve 13 is opened, the washing water stored in the outer tub 4 passes through the drain pipe 12. It is discharged out of the housing 2.

An air trap 14 is provided at one corner of the bottom of the outer tub 4. The air trap 14 is connected to a water level sensor 15 provided above the housing 2 via an air hose 16. As the water level in the outer tub 4 rises, the air in the air hose 16 is compressed.
The water level sensor 15 detects the water level in the outer tub 4 by measuring the air pressure in the air hose 16.

The inner tub 5 serves as both a washing tub and a dewatering tub, and a number of minute dewatering holes (small holes) 5 are provided around the inner tub 5.
a is formed. At the bottom of the inner tub 5, a pulsator 17 for stirring the washing water to generate a water flow is provided. The inner tub 5 and the pulsator 17 are supported by an output shaft 19 of a bearing 18 provided below the outer tub 4 so as to be rotatable forward and backward.

A motor 20 for generating a driving force for rotating the inner tank 5 and the pulsator 17 and a transmission mechanism for transmitting the rotating force of the motor 20 to the bearing 18 are provided at the bottom of the housing 2. 21 are provided. The transmission mechanism 21 has a small pulley 23 fixed to the output shaft 22 of the motor 20.
And a large plug fixed to the lower end of the input shaft 24 of the bearing portion 18.
And a belt 26 spanned over the small pulley 23 and the large pulley 25. The rotational force of the motor 20 is
It is transmitted to the large pulley 25 via the small pulley 23 and the belt 26, and further transmitted to the bearing 18 via the input shaft 24.

The bearing 18 has a built-in clutch (not shown) so that the inner tank 5 and the pulsator 17 can be driven individually, and the output shaft 19 of the bearing 18 has a double shaft. It is composed of For example, at the time of washing and rinsing, the driving force of the motor 20 is transmitted to the pulsator 17 via the bearing 18, and the pulsator 17 is rotated forward and backward. At the time of spin-drying, the driving force of the motor 20 is transmitted to both the inner tub 5 and the pulsator 17, and the inner tub 5 and the pulsator 17 are rotated in one direction at a high speed. Is dehydrated by centrifugal force. Further, a safety switch 30 that is activated when the outer tub 4 shakes greatly during opening / closing or dehydration of the upper lid 3
Is provided.

The radio transmission device 40 is provided below the operation panel 6 and has an antenna 41.

As shown in FIG. 2, the operation panel 6 has switches for setting water level, washing, rinsing, dehydrating, etc., a course selection switch, a start and pause switch, a power on / off switch, and the like. An input unit 29 is provided. Further, a display unit 28 for indicating a washing time, a number of times of rinsing, and a dehydration time is provided.

Next, a block diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit of the main body of the washing machine shown in FIG. 3 will be described. The washing operation including each process such as washing and rinsing is performed by the microcomputer 27.
(Hereinafter, referred to as a microcomputer). The microcomputer 27 receives a signal input from the water level detection circuit 32 of the water level sensor 15, a key input circuit 33 of the key input section 29 of the operation panel 6, and an upper cover input circuit 3 of the upper cover 3.
4 is input. The microcomputer 27 controls the water supply valve 1 based on the above input signals and a control program.
0, opening and closing of the drain valve 13, driving and stopping of the washing motor 20, switching of the rotation direction, an LED output circuit 35 for lighting an LED, and a buzzer output circuit 3 for notifying at the end of the stroke.
6. The control code transmission circuit 37 is controlled. The control code transmission circuit 37 is provided with an antenna 41.
Further, a power supply circuit 38 and a reset circuit 39 for resetting the control unit when the power switch is turned on are connected.

Next, a block diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit of the portable radio receiver 42 shown in FIG. 4 will be described. When the user operates the confirmation button 50 when the user wants to check the progress information of the washing, in addition to the signal input from the control code receiving circuit 44, the key input to the microcomputer 43 (hereinafter referred to as the microcomputer). A signal from the circuit 46 is input. Further, the audio output circuit 45 and the LED output circuit 47 are controlled to notify the washing progress information by audio and LED. Further, a power supply circuit 48 and a reset circuit 49 are connected.

Next, the portable radio receiving device 42 shown in FIG. 5 for receiving the transmission content from the radio transmitting device 40 will be described below. The transmission content from the wireless transmission device 40 is received through the antenna 53. Then, when the user wants to know the driving progress information, when the confirmation button 50 is pressed, the driving information is notified from the voice output unit 51. Also L
An ED 52 is provided, and the progress information of the driving is stored in the LE.
D.

Next, a flow chart of the control code output process of the main body of the washing machine shown in FIG. 6 will be described. First error
It is determined whether or not an error has occurred. If an error has occurred (YES in step S1), the control code for the main body of the washing machine shown in FIG.
This is a flowchart of the code output process. Next, if no error has occurred (NO in step S1), it is determined whether washing is completed. If washing is completed (YE in step S2)
S), M4 code output. Output contents of M4 code: Washing completed. Next, if 0.5 seconds have not elapsed after the end of the washing (YES in step S3), the process content is transmitted. FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of the process content transmission. 0.
If 5 seconds have not elapsed (NO in step S3), the process returns to the beginning.

Next, a flow chart of the process content transmission shown in FIG. 7 will be described. First, determine if the washing process is in progress. If it is during the washing process (YES in step S4), M
It becomes one code output. Output contents of M1 code: The washing process is in progress. If not during the washing process (NO in step S4),
Next, it is determined whether or not rinsing 1 is in progress. If it is during the rinsing 1 process (YES in step S5), an M21 code output is obtained. Output contents of M21 code: Rinse 1 is in process. If it is not during the rinsing 1 process (N in step S5)
O), it is determined whether or not the rinsing 2 is being performed. If the rinsing 2 is in progress (YES in step S6), the M22 code is output. Output contents of M22 code: Rinse 2 is in process.
If it is not during the rinsing 2 process (NO in step S6),
Next, it is determined whether or not rinse 3 is in progress. If it is during the rinsing 3 process (YES in step S7), the output is M23 code. Output contents of M23 code: Rinse 3 is in progress.
If it is not during the rinsing 3 process (NO in step S7),
M3 code output. M3 code output content: Final dehydration is in progress. The above process content transmission is output as a code when the confirmation button of the receiving device is pressed.

When an error occurs, an error message is transmitted immediately.

Next, a flow chart of the error code output processing of FIG. 8 will be described. First, it is determined whether the upper lid is open. If the upper lid is open (Y in step S9)
ES) and E4 code output. E4 code output contents:
The top lid has opened. Make sure your child is not mischievous in the washing machine. If the upper cover is not open (NO in step S9), it is next determined whether there is a water supply error. If there is a water supply error (YES in step S10),
It becomes the E1 code output. E1 code output content: A water supply error has occurred. Please open the faucet. If there is no water supply error (NO in step S10), then,
Determine if there is. If there is a drainage error (step S1)
If it is 1, YES), the output becomes E2 code. E2 code output content: Drainage error occurred. Is the position of the drain hose high? If there is no drainage error (step S11)
Next, the operation of the safety switch is determined. If the operation of the safety switch is abnormal (step S1)
2 and YES), the output becomes the E3 code. E3 code output content: An error occurred in the operation of the safety switch. Please correct the leaning of the laundry. If the operation of the safety switch is not abnormal (NO in step S12), it is next determined whether the upper lid is open. If the top lid is open (Step S
13 is YES), the output is E4 code. E4 code output content: The top lid is open. Make sure your child is not mischievous in the washing machine. If the upper lid is not open (NO in step S13), the output is the E5 code. E5 code output content: A board operation error has occurred. Please unplug the power cord immediately.

Next, a flow chart of the control processing of the portable radio receiving apparatus shown in FIG. 9 will be described. When the control code is received (YES in step S15), the microcomputer 4
The message code is stored in the internal memory 3. When the error code is received (step S17).
YES), voice data relating to the error is immediately reported as a message code (see the flowchart of FIG. 8). If no error code has been received (step S17)
Next, it is determined whether the M4 code has been received. M
If four codes have been received (YE in step S18)
S) Immediately, the voice data of the message code (washing completed) is notified. When the M4 code is not received (NO in step S18) and the confirmation button 50 is pressed (YES in step S19), a voice message is notified according to the code stored in the internal memory of the microcomputer 43. You. If the confirmation button 50 is not pressed, the process returns to the beginning.

It should be noted that the transmitting device includes a network line and optical communication, and the receiving device includes a PHS, a portable mobile terminal, and the like.

Next, another embodiment will be described. FIG.
Numeral 0 denotes a fully automatic washing machine 54 without an operation unit.
5 and transmission means 56 are provided.

FIG. 11 shows a terminal device 57 for operating the washing machine 54, and includes a transmitting device 59 and a receiving device 60.
And an input unit 58 for starting operation. When a washing process or the like is input to the input unit 58, input data is transmitted from the transmitting device 59 of the terminal device 57 to the receiving device 55 of the washing machine 54. Then, the washing machine 54 starts operating.
Further, a confirmation button 61 for confirming the progress of driving is provided.
By operating the confirmation button 61, the driving progress information is transmitted from the transmitting means 56 of the washing machine 54 to the receiving device 60 of the terminal device 57 to be notified. Information requiring urgency is automatically notified by the receiving means 60.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit of the fully automatic washing machine 54 without the operation section. A microcomputer 62 (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) receives a control code receiving circuit 63 from a transmitting device 59 of the terminal 57.
And the output of the control code from the control code transmitting circuit 64 to the receiving device 60 of the terminal 57 is controlled. Description of the input / output of other signals is omitted.

Next, a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit of the terminal 57 shown in FIG. 13 will be described. The microcomputer 65 (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) is a KEY.
In addition to the signal input from the input circuit 68 and the signal input from the control code receiving circuit 66, a signal from the confirmation button 61 is input. In addition to controlling the output of the control code transmission circuit 69, the output of the audio output 67 is also controlled.

Next, a flow chart of the control processing of the terminal shown in FIG. 14 will be described. First, if the washing operation information is input and transmitted (YE in step S20).
S), it is determined whether a control code has been received. If the control code has been received (YES in step S21), the message code is stored in the internal memory of the microcomputer 65 (step S22). Next, when an error code is received (YES in step S23), voice data relating to the error is immediately notified as a message code. (FIG. 8
). If no error code has been received (NO in step S23), if an N4 code has been received (YES in step S24), a message is immediately sent.
The audio data of the code (washing completed) is notified. When the N4 code is not received (N in step S24)
O), when the confirmation button 61 is operated (YES in step S25), a voice message is notified according to the code stored in the internal memory of the microcomputer 65. If the confirmation button 50 is not pressed, the process returns to the beginning.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to a fully automatic washing machine as an embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can be applied to a two-tub washing machine, a drum washing machine and other equipment.

[0033]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, even if the user is away from the washing machine, the progress of the washing can be known by operating the confirmation button when the user needs it. . In addition, the user can be immediately notified of urgent information such as stoppage, occurrence of an error, mischief of a baby, and the like. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the user's anxiety about the state of the washing machine, and to take quick action when a problem occurs.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, even if the user is away from the washing machine, it is possible to know, by voice and display, information on driving progress and information requiring urgency. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the user's anxiety about the state of the washing machine, and to take quick action when a problem occurs.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the washing machine can be operated even when the user is away from the washing machine, and the user can operate the washing button by operating the confirmation button when necessary. You can know the progress. In addition, information requiring urgency can be automatically known by voice. In addition, since the washing machine has no operation unit, the washing machine is structurally easy and has a simple design.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a fully automatic washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an operation panel of the fully automatic washing machine.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit of the fully automatic washing machine.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control circuit of the portable wireless reception device.

FIG. 5 is an external perspective view of the portable wireless receiver.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a control process of the fully automatic washing machine.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a control process of the fully automatic washing machine.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a control process of the fully automatic washing machine.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a control process of the portable wireless receiving device.

FIG. 10 is an external perspective view of a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of an external terminal.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit of the washing machine.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control circuit of the terminal.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a control process of the terminal.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Fully automatic washing machine 6 Operation panel 27 Microcomputer 28 Display part 29 Key input part 37 Control code transmission circuit 40 Wireless transmission device 42 Portable wireless receiving device 43 Microcomputer of portable wireless receiving device 44 Same portable Control code receiving circuit of the wireless receiving device 45 Voice output circuit of the portable wireless receiving device 46 Key input circuit of the portable wireless receiving device 47 LED output circuit of the portable wireless receiving device 55 Reception of a washing machine without an operation unit Device 56 Transmitter of the same washing machine 57 Terminal 58 Input unit of the same terminal 59 Transmitter of the same terminal 60 Receiver of the same terminal 61 Confirmation button of the same terminal

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An input unit for inputting and setting a washing process, a display unit for displaying the washing process, and a micro unit for performing a washing operation control and a display control based on an input from the input unit. A washing machine provided with a computer, a transmitting means for transmitting information on the progress of the washing operation, and a receiving means for receiving information from the transmitting means; A confirmation button for confirming the state is provided, and by operating the confirmation button, the driving progress information is reported by the receiving means, and information requiring urgency is automatically reported by the receiving means. A washing machine, characterized in that: 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein said receiving means notifies the driver of the driving progress information or information requiring urgency by voice and / or display. 3. A washing machine having a receiving means and a transmitting means and having no operation unit, further comprising an external terminal provided with a transmitting means, a receiving means and an input unit, wherein the input unit of the external terminal comprises:
When the washing operation information is input, the transmitting unit of the external terminal transmits the washing operation information to the receiving unit of the washing machine to start the washing operation, and the external terminal performs the progress of the washing operation. A confirmation button for confirming the operation is provided, and by operating this confirmation button, the progress information of the washing operation is notified by the receiving means of the external terminal, and the operation information requiring urgency is automatically transmitted to the external terminal. A washing machine that is notified by a receiving means of a terminal.