JP2004344294A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to prevent a configuration around an opening of an outer box from becoming complicated even if both a reed switch and a lock device for detecting opening and closing of a lid are provided.
A reed switch (40) for opening and closing a contact by magnetic approach is provided to a lock device (7) for locking an outer lid (5) for opening and closing an opening provided in an outer box (2), and the reed switch (40) of the outer lid (5). The permanent magnet 6 was provided in a portion corresponding to the above. When the outer lid 5 is closed and the permanent magnet 6 approaches the reed switch 40, the contacts of the reed switch 40 are closed, and it is detected that the outer lid 5 is closed.
[Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a washing machine including a reed switch that operates in response to opening and closing of a lid that opens and closes an opening provided in an outer box, and a lock device that locks the lid.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, a fully automatic washing machine is provided with lid opening / closing detecting means for detecting the open / closed state of a lid provided at an opening of an outer box. Is forcibly stopped (for example, see Patent Document 1). Thus, it is possible to avoid the danger caused by the hand being put into the rotating rotating tub. The open / close detecting means includes, for example, a permanent magnet provided on a lid and a reed switch that opens and closes a contact when the permanent magnet separates and approaches according to the opening and closing of the lid.
[0003]
On the other hand, there is a washing machine provided with a lock device for locking the lid so that the lid cannot be opened during the washing operation. According to the above configuration, it is possible to reliably prevent the hand from being inserted into the rotating rotating tub. However, the configuration in which the opening of the lid is completely prohibited is inconvenient because additional laundry cannot be added during the washing operation.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-10-263269
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Therefore, it has been considered that both the reed switch and the lock device are provided to lock the lid in a closed state, to allow the lid to be opened as needed, and to stop the rotary tank when the lid is opened.
[0006]
However, when both the lock device and the reed switch are provided in the main body of the washing machine, the configuration near the opening of the outer box is correspondingly complicated, and there is a problem that the taking in and out of the laundry is hindered.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to prevent a configuration around an opening of an outer box from being complicated even when both a reed switch for detecting opening and closing of a lid and a locking device are provided. It is to provide a washing machine that can do it.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The washing machine according to claim 1 of the present invention has an outer box that houses a washing tub, an outer lid that opens and closes an opening provided in the outer box, and an outer lid open / close detector that detects opening and closing of the outer lid. A lock device for locking the closed state of the outer lid, wherein the outer lid open / close detecting means is provided on the lock device and opens and closes contacts by magnetic approach, and a permanent magnet provided on the outer lid. And characterized in that:
[0009]
According to the above configuration, since the reed switch is provided in the lock device, the configuration around the opening of the outer box does not become complicated even when both the outer lid opening / closing detecting means and the lock device are provided.
[0010]
In this case, it is preferable that the locking device is provided with a rib for determining a mounting position of the reed switch and an engaging portion with which the reed switch is engaged (the invention according to claim 2).
[0011]
According to the above configuration, since the reed switch can be positioned and temporarily fixed to the lock device, the mounting operation becomes easy.
[0012]
An inner lid that opens and closes an opening provided in the washing tub, and an inner lid open / close detection switch that detects opening and closing of the inner lid are provided, and the inner lid open / close detection switch and a reed switch are electrically connected in series. This is also a good configuration (the invention of claim 3).
[0013]
Further, when the lock device is provided with an electrical contact for detecting a locked state, the electrical contact, the reed switch, and the inner lid open / close detection switch may be electrically connected in series. (Invention of claim 4).
[0014]
According to the configuration of the third and fourth aspects, even if the configuration includes a plurality of switches, or if an inner lid open / close detection switch is further provided, the wiring thereof can be simplified.
[0015]
Further, it is preferable that a control means is provided for stopping the operation when the outer lid and the inner lid are detected to be in the open state by either the reed switch or the inner lid open / close detection switch (the invention of claim 5). .
[0016]
According to the above configuration, the operation is not continued in a state where either the outer lid or the inner lid is opened, and safety is improved.
[0017]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a top-open type drum-type washing machine will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a view showing a schematic overall configuration of a drum type washing machine according to the present embodiment. A washing machine main body 1 is provided with an outer box 2 and a top cover 3.
[0018]
The top cover 3 is provided with an opening (not shown) for taking in and out laundry and an outer lid 5 for opening and closing the opening. The outer lid 5 is composed of a hollow front lid 5a and a rear lid 5b which are connected in a foldable manner. The rear end of the rear lid 5b is rotatably supported by the top cover 3. . A permanent magnet 6 is fixed inside the front end of the front lid 5a. Further, an operation panel (not shown) is provided at a front portion of the top cover 3, and a lock device 7 is provided below the operation panel. The permanent magnet 6 and the lock device 7 are arranged at substantially opposing portions.
[0019]
Inside the outer box 2, a drum-shaped water tub 8 (corresponding to a washing tub) is arranged via a suspension (not shown). A drum-shaped rotary tank 9 is rotatably arranged in the water tank 8. The rotating tub 9 also serves as a washing tub, a dewatering tub, and a drying tub, and is rotatably driven by a motor (not shown). The water tank 8 and the rotating tank 9 are both arranged such that the central axis is a horizontal axis extending in the left-right direction.
[0020]
Although not shown, a water supply device provided with a water supply valve, a drying device provided with a heater and a blower fan, and the like are provided in the outer box 2. Further, the water tank 8 is provided with a drain port having a drain valve, a drain hose, and the like.
[0021]
An opening (not shown) for taking in and out laundry and an inner lid 12 for opening and closing the opening are provided at an upper portion of a peripheral wall portion of the water tub 8. Although a detailed description and illustration are omitted, a packing is attached to a peripheral portion of the opening, and the opening is configured to be closed by the inner lid 12 in a watertight manner. Although not shown, a lock mechanism for locking the closed state of the inner lid 12 is provided between the front part of the inner lid 12 and the peripheral wall of the water tank 8.
[0022]
A micro switch 13 (corresponding to an inner lid opening / closing detection switch) is disposed on a portion of the outer surface of the peripheral wall of the water tank 8 facing the front end of the inner lid 12. The microswitch 13 includes a contact 13a (see FIG. 4) that opens and closes according to the opening and closing operation of the inner lid 12.
[0023]
An opening (not shown) for taking in and out laundry and a lid 15 for opening and closing the opening are provided on a peripheral wall portion of the rotating tub 9. Although not shown, a lock mechanism for locking the closed state of the lid 15 is provided between the lid 15 and the peripheral wall of the rotary tub 9.
[0024]
Next, the lock device 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2A is a plan view showing the internal configuration of the lock device 7, FIG. 2B is a side view of the lock device 7, and FIG. 2C is a bottom view. As shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C, the lock device 7 includes a case main body 16 and a case cover 17 that closes an opening of the case main body 16. An electromagnetic solenoid 18 is fixed to an upper right portion of the case main body 16 in FIG. The electromagnetic solenoid 18 includes a solenoid main body 19 having an electromagnet therein, a yoke 20 forming a magnetic path, an iron core 21 provided on the solenoid main body 19 and movable in the direction of arrow A and the direction opposite to arrow A. And a coil spring 22 for urging the actuator 21 in the direction indicated by the arrow A. The iron core 21 is attracted and moved in the direction of arrow A by energizing the electromagnetic solenoid 18.
[0025]
A micro switch 23 for detecting that the outer lid 5 is locked is disposed at a lower left portion of the electromagnetic solenoid 18 in the case main body 16 in FIG. An actuator 24 and a push button 25 pressed by the actuator 24 are provided below the microswitch 23. When the push button 25 is pressed, the contact 23a (see FIG. 4) of the micro switch 23 is closed.
[0026]
A pin arrangement portion 26 is provided in the lower left portion of the case main body 16 in FIG. A lock pin 28 provided on a lock shaft 27 is arranged in the pin arrangement section 26. A well-known heart cam structure (including a heart-shaped cam groove, an engaging element that engages with the cam groove, and a spring that urges the lock shaft 27 in the direction of arrow B) between the lock shaft 27 and the case body 16 ( (Both not shown) are provided.
[0027]
An inclined surface 29 is provided at the upper left of the lock shaft 27 in FIG. When the actuator 24 of the micro switch 23 is located on the inclined surface 29, the push button 25 is in a non-pressed state. When the lock shaft 27 moves in the direction of arrow B, the actuator 24 is pushed up and presses the push button 25.
[0028]
A release lever 30 is provided on the front side of the lock shaft 27 in FIG. The release lever 30 projects outside through an opening (not shown) provided in the case cover 17.
[0029]
A rotation lever 31 is provided on the left side of the electromagnetic solenoid 18 in the case main body 16 in FIG. The rotating lever 31 is composed of a T-shaped lever having a first arm 32 having a long length and a second arm 33 having a short length. One end of the first arm 32 is connected to the iron core 21. The other end is connected to the lock shaft 27, respectively. Further, a release cord 34 is connected to the tip of the second arm 33. The release cord 34 is drawn out through a hole 16 a provided in the case body 16.
[0030]
The release lever 30 and the release cord 34 are used for manually releasing the lock when a power failure occurs or the electromagnetic solenoid 18 fails while the outer lid 5 is locked.
[0031]
In the above configuration, when the electromagnetic solenoid 18 is energized and the iron core 21 is sucked and moved in the direction of arrow A, the rotating lever 31 rotates in the direction of arrow C, and the lock pin 28 moves together with the lock shaft 27 in the direction of arrow B. Go to As a result, the lock pin 28 protrudes from the case main body 16 (a state shown by a broken line in FIG. 2), and locks the outer lid 5 on condition that the outer lid 5 is closed. The actuator 24 presses the push button 25 by moving the lock shaft 27 in the direction of arrow B. As a result, the contact 23a of the microswitch 23 is closed (on), and it is detected that the outer lid 5 is locked.
[0032]
Thereafter, when the electromagnetic solenoid 18 is turned off, the iron core 21 attempts to return in the direction indicated by the arrow A by the spring of the coil spring 22. However, when the lock shaft 27 returns by a predetermined distance (small play distance), the engaging element engages with the cam groove, and as a result, the lock shaft 27 cannot move. Therefore, the lock pin 28 is held in the state shown by the broken line in FIG.
[0033]
When the electromagnetic solenoid 18 is energized again in this state, the iron core 21 is moved in the direction of the arrow A by a distance corresponding to the aforementioned “small play distance”. Then, the engagement between the cam groove and the engagement element is released, and the lock shaft 27 becomes movable. Accordingly, after this, when the electromagnetic solenoid 18 is turned off, the iron core 21 is moved in the direction opposite to the arrow A by the spring force of the coil spring 22, and the rotating lever 31 is rotated in the direction opposite to the arrow C and the lock shaft 27 is rotated. Is moved in the direction of the arrow B. As a result, the lock pin 28 sinks into the case main body 16 (the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 2), and the lock of the outer lid 5 is released. Further, when the lock shaft 27 moves in the direction of the arrow B, the actuator 24 and the push button 25 return to the original positions. As a result, the contact 23a of the microswitch 23 is opened (off).
[0034]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a switch housing 35 is provided at an upper corner of a surface of the case body 16 facing the case cover 17. The switch accommodating portion 35 includes a switch arrangement surface 36, an angled rib 37 surrounding the arrangement surface 36, a projection 38 (corresponding to an engagement portion) provided on the arrangement surface 36, and a hole 39. It is configured.
[0035]
A reed switch 40 is housed in the switch housing 35. The reed switch 40 has a contact 40a (see FIG. 4) which is closed when the permanent magnet 6 provided on the outer lid 5 approaches. The permanent magnet 6 and the reed switch 40 constitute an outer lid opening / closing detecting means.
[0036]
The reed switch 40 has a substantially rectangular box shape, and has holes 41 and 42 corresponding to the protrusions 38 and the holes 39. The side surface of the reed switch 40 is brought into contact with the rib 37, and the projection 38 is inserted into the hole 41, so that the reed switch 40 is positioned and non-rotatably disposed in the switch housing 35. The reed switch 40 is fixed to the switch accommodating portion 35 by screwing the screw 43 into the holes 39 and 42.
[0037]
FIG. 4 shows a schematic electrical configuration of the drum type washing machine according to the present embodiment. A microcomputer (hereinafter, microcomputer) 44 as a control means includes a motor drive circuit 45, a heater circuit 46, and a water supply. A valve circuit 47, a fan motor drive circuit 48, a solenoid drive circuit 49, a drain valve circuit 50, and a display circuit 51 are connected. The microcomputer 44 and the various circuits 45 to 51 are provided in a control device (see FIG. 1) 52 disposed at a lower front portion in the outer box.
[0038]
The microcomputer 44 is connected to a contact 40 a of a reed switch 40 and contacts 13 a and 23 a of the micro switches 13 and 23 connected in series via an input protection circuit 53. Further, the microcomputer 44 is provided with a switch input from an operation switch group 54. The operation switch group 54 is provided on an operation panel.
[0039]
In FIG. 1, only the lead wire 55 derived from the lock device 7 and the microswitch 13 and connected to the control device 52 is shown, but other components such as a motor, a water supply valve, and a drain valve are also derived. Many lead wires are connected to the control device 52.
[0040]
Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. The microcomputer 44 controls the motor, heater, water supply valve, fan motor, electromagnetic solenoid, drain valve, and display panel according to each input according to an operation program stored in advance, using a motor drive circuit 45, a heater circuit 46, a water supply valve circuit. 47, drive control via a fan motor drive circuit 48, a solenoid drive circuit 49, a drain valve circuit 50, and a display circuit 51.
[0041]
When all the lids 5, 12, and 15 are closed and the start switch on the operation panel is operated, the electromagnetic solenoid 18 is energized for a short time. As a result, as described above, the rotation lever 31 rotates, the lock shaft 27 moves in the direction of arrow B, and the lock pin 28 protrudes from the case body 16. Thereby, the closed state of the outer lid 5 is locked, and the contact 23a of the microswitch 23 is turned on (closed state).
[0042]
At this time, the contact 40a of the reed switch 40 for detecting the closed state of the outer lid 5 and the contact 13a of the microswitch 13 for detecting the closed state of the inner lid 12 are both on (closed). 44 is supplied with a switch-on signal. Then, the microcomputer 44 allows the motor to be driven based on such a switch-on signal being given. The motor is rotated at a low speed in the forward / reverse direction during the washing, rinsing and drying steps, and at a high speed during the dewatering step.
[0043]
When the dehydration process is completed, the motor is turned off. Then, when it is detected that the motor has stopped or has started rotating at a low speed, the microcomputer 44 re-energizes the electromagnetic solenoid 18 for a short time. As a result, as described above, the rotation lever 31 rotates, the lock shaft 27 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow B, and the lock pin 28 enters the case body 16. Thereby, the lock of the outer lid 5 is released. Further, the contact 23a of the lock detection micro switch 23 is turned off (opened). At this time, the contact 13a of the micro switch 13 for detecting the closed state of the inner lid 12 and the contact 40a of the reed switch 40 for detecting the closed state of the outer lid 5 are both in the ON state (closed state). Since the contact 23a of the switch 23 is off, a switch-off signal is given to the microcomputer 44.
[0044]
By the way, the laundry in the rotating tub 9 may be unevenly distributed or the like, and the rotating tub 9 and the water tub 8 may vibrate greatly during the spin-drying process. If the inner lid 12 is opened in such a case, the contact 13a of the micro switch 13 is opened. Then, since the switch-off signal is given to the microcomputer 44, the motor is immediately turned off and the washing operation is stopped.
[0045]
Further, when the worker operates the release lever 30 or the release string 34 during the washing operation to manually release the lock of the outer lid 5, the contact 23a of the lock detection micro switch 23 is activated. Becomes open. Also in this case, since the microcomputer 44 is supplied with the switch-off signal, the motor is immediately turned off and the washing operation is stopped. Therefore, when the operator actually opens the outer lid 5, the rotating tub 9 can be stopped.
[0046]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the reed switch 40 for detecting opening and closing of the outer lid 5 is provided integrally with the lock device 7. Therefore, even if both the reed switch 40 and the lock device 7 are provided on the top cover 3, the configuration does not become complicated near the opening of the top cover 3.
[0047]
In this case, the switch device 35 is provided in the lock device 7 and the rib 37 and the projection 38 are provided in the switch device 35. Therefore, since the reed switch 40 can be arranged in the switch accommodating portion 35 while being positioned and temporarily fixed, the work of screwing the reed switch 40 to the switch accommodating portion 35 can be easily performed.
[0048]
In the present embodiment, the microswitch 13 for detecting the opening and closing of the inner lid 12, the reed switch 40 for detecting the opening and closing of the outer lid 5, and the microswitch 23 for detecting the locked state of the outer lid 5 are connected in series. Therefore, the lead wires drawn from the microswitch 13, the reed switch 40, and the microswitch 23 and connected to the control device 52 can be integrated into one. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the microswitches 13 and 23 and the reed switch 40 are all arranged at the upper part in the outer box 2. Therefore, by unifying the lead wires in the upper part in the outer box 2, the number of wires in the outer box 2 can be reduced, and the configuration is simplified.
[0049]
Further, since the micro switches 13 and 23 and the reed switch 40 are connected in series, a switch-off signal is input to the microcomputer 44 regardless of which of the switches 13, 23 and 40 is turned off. Therefore, the configuration of the electric circuit can be simplified. Then, the microcomputer stops the operation immediately after receiving the switch-off signal, thereby improving safety.
[0050]
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the lock state of the lock device 7 can be manually released by the release lever 30 and the release cord 34. Therefore, even if one of the release lever 30 and the release string 34 has a problem, the lock can be released using the other means.
[0051]
FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of the present invention, and the differences from the first embodiment will be described. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the second embodiment, the micro switch 23 for detecting the locked state is not provided. The reed switch 40 for detecting the opening and closing of the outer lid 5 and the microswitch 13 for detecting the opening and closing of the inner lid 12 are electrically connected in series.
[0052]
In such a configuration, substantially the same operation and effect as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.
[0053]
Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and for example, the following modifications are possible. That is, the present invention can also be applied to a drum type washing machine having an opening on the front surface. Further, the present invention can be applied not only to a drum type washing machine but also to a vertical type fully automatic washing machine and a two-tub type washing machine. Further, the present invention can be applied to a washing machine having no drying function.
[0054]
【The invention's effect】
As is clear from the above description, the present invention includes both the outer lid opening / closing detecting means and the locking device because the locking device that locks the closed state of the outer lid is provided with the reed switch that detects the opening and closing of the outer lid. Even in this case, the configuration around the opening of the outer box does not become complicated.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic overall configuration diagram of a washing / drying machine showing a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a configuration of a lock device and omitting a part of a case cover ( a), bottom view of the locking device (b), rear view of the locking device upside down (c)
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of a reed switch accommodating portion of the lock device. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an electrical configuration. FIG. 5 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 4 showing a second embodiment of the present invention. Description】
In the figure, 1 is a washing machine main body, 2 is an outer box, 5 is an outer lid, 6 is a permanent magnet (outer lid opening / closing detecting means), 7 is a lock device, 8 is a water tub (washing tub), 12 is an inner lid, 13 Denotes a micro switch (inner lid open / close detection switch), 40 denotes a reed switch (outer lid open / close detection means), and 44 denotes a microcomputer (control means).

Claims (5)

An outer box containing a washing tub,
An outer lid that opens and closes an opening provided in the outer box,
Outer lid opening / closing detecting means for detecting the opening / closing of the outer lid,
A lock device that locks the closed state of the outer lid,
The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the outer lid opening / closing detecting means includes a reed switch provided on the lock device for opening and closing a contact when magnetically approaches, and a permanent magnet provided on the outer lid. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the locking device is provided with a rib for determining a mounting position of the reed switch, and an engaging portion with which the reed switch mounted on the locking device is engaged. . An inner lid that opens and closes an opening provided in the washing tub, and an inner lid open / close detection switch that detects opening and closing of the inner lid,
3. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the inner lid opening / closing detection switch and the reed switch are electrically connected in series. The lock device includes an electrical contact for detecting a lock state,
The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the electrical contact, the reed switch, and the inner lid open / close detection switch are electrically connected in series. The washing machine according to claim 3, further comprising control means for stopping the operation when the outer lid or the inner lid is detected to be open by one of the reed switch and the inner lid open / close detection switch.

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