Washing machine

Abstract

A laundry machine (100) includes a door lock device (4) that switches a door (3) between a locked state and an unlocked state; an auxiliary drain path (17) that has an auxiliary drain valve (17a) that drains remaining water from a drum (2); a control unit (7) that controls the door lock device and the auxiliary drain valve; an electricity storage unit (18) that stores electricity supplied from an external power source (8); and an auxiliary power supply circuit (19) that supplies electricity from the electricity storage unit to the control unit, the door lock device, and the auxiliary drain valve during a power outage. Thus, the control unit is ensured to function and the door lock device and the auxiliary drain valve are ensured to operate during the power outage, so that the laundry can be taken out with the door opened and the water drained to some extent during the power outage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to, for example, a washing machine equipped with a door lock device for preventing the door from opening. Background Technology

[0002] Traditionally, washing machines typically have a door lock mechanism to prevent the door from opening. This mechanism locks and unlocks the door based on control signals from the control unit.

[0003] In addition, the control unit also uses water supply valves and drainage valves installed in the water supply and drainage lines of the drum as control objects. The water supply valves and drainage valves open and close according to the control signals from the control unit to supply water to and from the drum.

[0004] The control unit stores a program in advance to control the operation of the washing machine, and controls the door lock device, drain valve, and drain valve according to the program.

[0005] The door lock, water supply valve, drain valve, and control unit operate by receiving power from an external power source. Therefore, if a power outage occurs while the washing machine is running, virtually all functions will cease.

[0006] As a countermeasure against existing power outages, the solutions shown in Patent Documents 1 to 3 have been proposed. Patent Document 1 is configured to unlock the door by supplying power from a dry cell battery or the like to the solenoid of the door lock device when power is unavailable from a commercial power source due to a power outage or wire breakage.

[0007] Patent document 2 is configured to connect a latching contact linked to a door lock in parallel with a power relay, thereby detecting power outages during operation and automatically resuming operation from the middle of the process after power is restored.

[0008] Patent document 3 discloses a washing machine that ensures safety. In the event of a power outage and subsequent restart in the event of a brake malfunction, the door lock can only be released after a predetermined time has elapsed after the spin-drying tub has stopped rotating.

[0009] In areas with poor power supply or disaster-stricken areas, power outages sometimes occur frequently and cannot be restored immediately. As a countermeasure to prevent clothing from being trapped inside during power outages, the structure shown in Patent Document 1 above may be one of the effective solutions.

[0010] However, even after unlocking the door, clothes that have absorbed a large amount of water must still be removed if there is residual water. In particular, in the case of front-loading washing machines that rotate around a horizontal or inclined axis, a design and control sequence are typically employed that prevents the door from being opened while residual water is present. Considering this residual water issue, new power outage countermeasures are needed.

[0011] Existing technical documents

[0012] Patent documents

[0013] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-70388

[0014] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-78025

[0015] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-88761 Summary of the Invention

[0016] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0017] The purpose of this invention is to provide a washing machine that takes into account the remaining water during a power outage to properly unlock the door and retrieve clothes.

[0018] Solution for solving the problem

[0019] That is, the washing machine of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a drum disposed within a cabinet; a door disposed within the cabinet that can be opened and closed; a door lock device for switching the door to a locked state or an unlocked state; a water supply circuit having a water supply valve for supplying water to the drum; a main drain circuit having a main drain valve for draining water from the drum; an auxiliary drain circuit having an auxiliary drain valve for draining residual water from the drum; a control unit for controlling the door lock device, the water supply valve, the main drain valve, and the auxiliary drain valve; a main power supply circuit connected to an external power source for supplying power to the door lock device, the water supply valve, the main drain valve, and the control unit; an energy storage unit for storing power supplied from the external power source; and an auxiliary power supply circuit for supplying power from the energy storage unit to the control unit, the door lock device, and the auxiliary drain valve during a power outage.

[0020] In the washing machine of the present invention, preferably, the washing machine is configured to drive the door lock device, the water supply valve, the main drain valve and the auxiliary drain valve based on a first voltage and drive the control unit based on a second voltage, wherein the energy storage unit stores the first voltage and the second voltage is generated by voltage conversion of the first voltage of the energy storage unit.

[0021] In the washing machine of the present invention, preferably, the washing machine includes a water level detection unit for detecting the water level inside the drum, and the control unit controls the auxiliary drain valve to drain water when the power is off and the control unit determines that there is residual water inside the drum based on the detection value of the water level detection unit.

[0022] In the washing machine of the present invention, preferably, the control unit unlocks the door lock device after controlling the auxiliary drain valve to drain water when it determines that there is residual water in the drum.

[0023] In the washing machine of the present invention, it is preferable that the washing machine includes a voltage monitoring unit for monitoring the voltage of the storage battery, and that when the voltage monitored by the voltage monitoring unit is lower than a predetermined threshold, the control unit prioritizes unlocking even when controlling the auxiliary drain valve to drain water.

[0024] In the washing machine of the present invention, it is preferred that the drum is assembled around an axis in the horizontal direction or an axis inclined relative to the horizontal direction.

[0025] Invention Effects

[0026] The washing machine of the present invention comprises: a door lock device for switching the door to a locked state or an unlocked state; an auxiliary drainage path having an auxiliary drainage valve for draining residual water from the drum; a control unit for controlling the door lock device and the auxiliary drainage valve; a power storage unit for storing power supplied from an external power source; and an auxiliary power supply circuit for supplying power from the power storage unit to the control unit, the door lock device, and the auxiliary drainage valve during a power outage.

[0027] Therefore, the function of the control unit and the operation of the door lock device and auxiliary drain valve can be ensured during a power outage, so that the door can be opened during a power outage and clothes can be taken out with the water drained to a certain extent.

[0028] In the washing machine of the present invention, the energy storage unit stores a first voltage that can drive the door lock device, and the second voltage that drives the auxiliary drain valve is generated by voltage conversion of the first voltage. Therefore, only one energy storage unit is needed, which can simplify the structure.

[0029] In the washing machine of the present invention, a water level detection unit is provided to detect the water level inside the drum, and the control unit controls the auxiliary drain valve to drain water when it determines that there is residual water inside the drum. Therefore, the operation of the auxiliary drain valve is limited to only when needed, which can suppress unnecessary power consumption.

[0030] In the washing machine of the present invention, the control unit unlocks the door lock device after draining water by controlling the auxiliary drain valve when there is residual water. Therefore, it is effective for situations where the door cannot be opened while there is residual water or when it is not desired to open the door to take out clothes while there is residual water.

[0031] In the washing machine of the present invention, a voltage monitoring unit is provided to monitor the voltage of the storage battery. When the voltage monitored by the voltage monitoring unit is lower than a predetermined threshold, the control unit prioritizes unlocking even when controlling the auxiliary drain valve to drain water. Therefore, it can unlock before the storage battery is insufficient and the excitation energy of the solenoid disappears.

[0032] In the washing machine of the present invention, the drum is assembled in such a way that it rotates about an axis in the horizontal direction or an axis inclined relative to the horizontal direction. In the washing machine with sequence control, which is designed so that the door cannot be opened while there is residual water, a sequence of unlocking the door lock device is executed after the water has been drained, thereby enabling reliable removal of clothes in the event of a power outage. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a washing machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 A block diagram of the power supply and control system of the washing machine 100.

[0035] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The specific circuit diagram of washing machine 100.

[0036] Figure 4 It means Figure 1 Timing diagram of the power supply system and control system of washing machine 100.

[0037] Figure 5 It means Figure 1 A flowchart of the power supply system and control system of the washing machine 100.

[0038] Figure 6 This is a circuit diagram illustrating a modified example of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 7 This is a circuit diagram illustrating a modified example of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 8 This is a circuit diagram illustrating a modified example of the present invention.

[0041] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0042] 1: Cabinet; 2: Drum; 3: Door; 4: Door lock device; 5: Water supply circuit; 5a: Water supply valve; 6: Main drainage circuit; 6a: Main drain valve; 7: Control unit; 8: External power supply; 9: Main power supply circuit; 17: Auxiliary drainage circuit; 17a: Auxiliary drain valve; 18: Energy storage unit; 19: Auxiliary power supply circuit; 22: Energy storage unit (charging circuit); 25: Water level detection unit; 26: Voltage monitoring unit; 70: Control unit (microcomputer); 100: Washing machine; VDD, Vcap1: First voltage; Vcap2: Second voltage. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Hereinafter, a washing machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a washing machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a block diagram representing the electrical system and control system of the washing machine 100.

[0044] The washing machine 100 includes: a drum 2, disposed inside the cabinet 1; a door 3, which is closable and can be opened and closed in the cabinet 1; a door lock device 4, which switches the door 3 to a locked state or an unlocked state; a water supply line 5, which has a water supply valve 5a to supply water to the drum 2; a main drain line 6, which has a main drain valve 6a to drain water from the drum 2; a control unit 7, which controls the door lock device 4, the water supply valve 5a and the main drain valve 6a; and a main power supply circuit 9, which is connected to an external power source 8 to supply power to the door lock device 4, the water supply valve 5a, the main drain valve 6a and the control unit 7.

[0045] The washing machine 100 has a generally cylindrical outer drum 10 disposed inside a box-shaped casing 1. Inside the outer drum 10, a generally cylindrical drum 2 for holding laundry is pivotally supported by a main shaft 11 extending horizontally and rearward. The laundry inlet 10a formed on the front surface of the outer drum 10 is opened and closed by a door 3, allowing laundry to be placed and taken into the drum 2 with the door 3 open.

[0046] The drum 2 can rotate around the axis of the main shaft 11. A number of liquid passage holes 2a are provided through the circumference of the drum 4. During washing and rinsing, the water and solvent supplied to the outer drum 10 flow into the drum 2 through the liquid passage holes 2a. During centrifugation and dehydration, the water and solvent that are removed from the washings in the drum 2 fly out to the side of the outer drum 10 through the liquid passage holes 2a.

[0047] The main shaft 11 is rotatably supported by a bearing 11a mounted on the back wall of the outer cylinder 10. A main pulley 12 is fitted to the rearward-protruding front end of the main shaft 11. A motor 13 is located at the bottom of the housing 1, and a motor pulley 14 is fitted to the rotating shaft of the motor 13. The rotational power of the motor pulley 14 is transmitted to the main pulley 12 via a timed conveyor belt 15. Thus, when the motor 13 is driven, the roller 2 rotates around the axis of the main shaft 11 at a speed reduced by a predetermined reduction ratio from the rotational speed of the motor 13.

[0048] A door lock device 4 is provided on the front surface of the housing 1 to prevent the door 3 from opening. The door lock device 4 is controlled to be in an unlocked state that allows the door 6 to be opened when the rotation speed of the roller 2 is below a predetermined speed, and is controlled to be in a locked state that prevents the door 6 from being opened when the rotation speed of the roller 4 exceeds the predetermined speed.

[0049] The door lock device 4 has a locking part 4a, which is configured in the locking position of locking the door 3 in the locked state to prevent the door 3 from opening, and in the unlocked state is configured in the unlocked position to release the door 3 so that the door 3 can be opened.

[0050] The door lock device 4 includes a solenoid 4b as a drive device, so as to switch the position of the locking part 4a to either the locking position or the unlocking position.

[0051] The water supply path 5 is composed of a pipe located at the upper part of the back wall of the outer cylinder 10, and is equipped with a water supply valve 5a. When the water supply valve 5a is open, water and solvent are supplied to the outer cylinder 10 through the water supply path 5. The supplied water and solvent are also supplied to the drum 2 through the liquid passage 2a.

[0052] The drainage path 6 is composed of a pipe located at the bottom of the outer cylinder 2 and has a drain valve 6a. When the drain valve 6a is open, the water and solvent supplied to the drum 2 and the outer cylinder 10 are discharged to the outside of the machine through the drainage path 6.

[0053] The control unit 7 of the washing machine 100 is, for example, composed of a microcomputer, and includes: a CPU (Central Processing Unit); ROM (Random Access Memory), which stores programs for controlling the operation of the washing machine 100; and RAM (Read-Only Memory), which temporarily stores data used when executing the programs. The operation of the washing machine 100 is controlled by the control unit 7.

[0054] The control unit 7 controls the locking status of the door lock device 4 and the opening and closing status of the water supply valve 5a and the main drain valve 6a.

[0055] As an electrical system, the main power supply circuit 9, which is connected to an external power source and supplies power to the door lock device 4, water supply valve 5a, main drain valve 6a, and control unit 7, is connected to an external power source 8 via an external power source connection part 16. The external power source 8 is a three-phase AC power source in commercial applications and a two-phase AC power source in residential applications.

[0056] In such a structure, for example, when water is injected into the drum 2 and a power outage occurs after the machine starts operating while the door lock device 4 is locked, the control unit 7, the door lock device 4, the main drain valve 6a, etc. are in a state of inoperability while the door 3 remains locked, and the clothes, water, and solvent are trapped together.

[0057] Therefore, in addition to the above-mentioned structure, the washing machine 100 also includes: an auxiliary drainage path 17 with an auxiliary drainage valve 17a for draining residual water in the drum 2; an energy storage unit 18 for storing power supplied by an external power source 8; and an auxiliary power supply circuit 19 connected to the energy storage unit 18 for supplying power to the control unit 7, the door lock device 4, and the auxiliary drainage valve 17a when there is a power outage.

[0058] An auxiliary drainage path 17 is provided to discharge water and solvent from the drum 2 and outer cylinder 10 to the outside of the machine via a route different from the main drainage path 6. In this embodiment, the auxiliary drainage path 17 is composed of a pipe located at a different position from the main drainage path 6, penetrating the outer cylinder 10. The pipe downstream of the auxiliary drainage valve 17a merges with the pipe downstream of the main drainage valve 6a in the main drainage path 6. Alternatively, the pipe of the auxiliary drainage path 17 can branch from the pipe upstream of the main drainage valve 5a in the main drainage path 6, thus preventing the pipe downstream of the auxiliary drainage valve 17a in the auxiliary drainage path 17 from merging with the pipe of the main drainage path 6.

[0059] The auxiliary drain valve 17a is also controlled to open and close by the control unit 7, and the control unit 7 stores the necessary programs and data.

[0060] As an emergency device that utilizes the power of the energy storage unit 18 to operate during a power outage, the auxiliary drain valve 17a needs to minimize power consumption. Therefore, the auxiliary drain valve 17a can be a drain valve smaller than the main drain valve 6a, and the pipe diameter of the auxiliary drain line 17 is also smaller than that of the main drain line 6.

[0061] The energy storage unit 18 stores the power of the external power source 8 in the form of DC power while the external power connection unit 16 is connected to the external power source 8.

[0062] The auxiliary power supply circuit 19 serves as a replacement circuit for the main power supply circuit 9 during power outages, supplying power from the energy storage unit 18 to the control unit 7, the door lock device 4, and the auxiliary drain valve 17a.

[0063] Therefore, the door lock device 4 can be unlocked and the remaining water in the roller 2 and outer cylinder 10 can be drained during a power outage.

[0064] Figure 3 It means Figure 2 The circuit diagram is a specific embodiment of the block diagram. An external power supply connection 16 is connected to commercial AC 200V as an external power source 8. For household use, it is AC 100V. A rectifier circuit 20 is connected to the external power supply connection 16, which converts AC 200V to, for example, DC 310V. A main voltage conversion unit 21, such as a DC-DC converter, is connected to the rectifier circuit 20. The main voltage conversion unit 21 outputs DC 12V as a first voltage to the first output terminal 21a and DC 5V as a second voltage to the second output terminal 21b.

[0065] A charging circuit 22, which functions as the energy storage unit 18 of the present invention, is connected to the first output terminal 21a. The charging circuit 22 stores DC 12V while outputting a voltage Vcap1 to the output terminal. In this embodiment, Vcap1 is equal to the first voltage, which is 12V. The charging circuit 22 stores enough energy to excite the solenoid 4b of the door lock device 4 and the auxiliary drain valve 17a during a predetermined period after a power outage.

[0066] Voltage Vcap1 is input to the solenoid control circuit 40 of the door lock device 4. The solenoid control circuit 40 receives lock and unlock signals from the microcomputer unit (hereinafter referred to as "microcomputer") 70 that constitutes the control unit 7, and supplies power to the door lock device 4 and drives the solenoid 4b.

[0067] Voltage Vcap1 is also output to the water supply control circuit 50 attached to the water supply valve 5a, the main drainage control circuit 60 attached to the main drain valve 6a, and the auxiliary drainage control circuit 170 attached to the auxiliary drain valve 17a. The water supply control circuit 50, the main drainage control circuit 60, and the auxiliary drainage control circuit 170 receive instructions from the microcomputer 70 and respectively control the opening and closing of the water supply valve 5a, the main drain valve 6a, and the auxiliary drain valve 17a.

[0068] The microcomputer 70 operates via a control voltage VDD. The control voltage VDD is supplied to the microcomputer 70 from the second output terminal 21b of the main voltage conversion unit 21 via a relay 23. The relay 23 is a C-contact type relay, with its contacts normally on the NO (normally open) side, directly inputting DC5V as the control voltage VDD to the microcomputer 70.

[0069] When the output voltage DC12V of the main power conversion unit 21 is lower than the open voltage during a power outage, the contacts of the relay 23 switch from the NO side to the NC (normally closed) side. A secondary voltage conversion unit 24, including a voltage regulator, is connected to the charging circuit 22. The secondary voltage conversion unit 24 converts the voltage Vcap1 of the charging circuit 22 into voltage Vcap2 and inputs it to the NC terminal of the relay. Vcap2 is set to DC5V, and this DC5V is input to the microcomputer 70 as the control voltage VDD.

[0070] The main power supply circuit 9 is configured as a line connecting the external power supply connection unit 16, the rectifier circuit 20, the main voltage conversion unit 21, and the charging circuit 22, and a line connecting the charging circuit 22 to the door lock device control circuit 40, the water supply control circuit 50, and the main drainage control circuit 60, respectively, to supply power to the door lock control circuit 40, the water supply control circuit 50, and the main drainage control circuit 60 without power interruption. Furthermore, the main power supply circuit 8 is configured as a line connecting the external power supply connection unit 16, the rectifier circuit 20, the main voltage conversion unit 21, the relay 23, and the microcomputer 70, to supply power to the microcomputer 70 without power interruption.

[0071] The auxiliary power supply circuit 19 is configured to connect the charging circuit 22 to the door lock control circuit 40 and the auxiliary drainage control circuit 170 respectively. During a power outage, it supplies voltage Vcap1 from the charging circuit 22 to the door lock control circuit 40 and the auxiliary drainage control circuit 170. Furthermore, the auxiliary power supply circuit 19 is configured to connect the charging circuit 22, the auxiliary voltage conversion unit 24, the relay 23, and the microcomputer 70. During a power outage, it supplies voltage Vcap2 from the charging circuit 22 to the microcomputer 70 as the control voltage VDD.

[0072] A water level sensor 25, which serves as a water level detection unit for detecting the water level inside the outer cylinder 10, is connected to the microcomputer 70. The water level sensor 25 inputs a water level signal to the microcomputer 70 regardless of whether there is a power outage or not. The water level sensor 25 detects the presence or absence of water, for example, by using a float that rises and falls according to the water level.

[0073] A voltage monitoring unit 26 is connected to the microcomputer 70 to observe the charging status of the charging circuit 22. The voltage monitoring unit 26 receives the output voltage Vcap1 of the charging circuit 22 and inputs a level signal corresponding to the charging voltage to the microcomputer 70.

[0074] A power outage detection unit 27 is connected to the microcomputer 70 to detect power outages. The power outage detection unit 27 inputs the voltage appearing at the output terminal to detect whether the output terminal of the rectifier circuit 20 is outputting a voltage of DC310V, and inputs a level signal corresponding to the voltage to the microcomputer 70.

[0075] Figure 4 This is a timing diagram showing the sequence control performed by microcomputer 70 during a power outage. Figure 5 It is a flowchart representing the process of sequence control.

[0076] <Uninterrupted Power Supply>

[0077] When there is no power outage, the power failure detection unit 27 detects DC 310V. The relay 23 is on the NO contact side, and the charging circuit 22 stores energy to drive the solenoid 4b of the door lock device 4 and the auxiliary drain valve 5a. Normally, the output voltage Vcap1 of the charging circuit 22 is supplied to the door lock control device 7, the water supply valve 5a, and the main drain valve 6a, respectively, which are attached to the door lock control circuit 40, the water supply control circuit 50, and the main drain control circuit 60. The control voltage VDD is also supplied to the microcomputer 70 from the NO terminal side of the relay 23.

[0078] <Step S1>

[0079] When a power outage occurs, the AC 200V supply is lost, and shortly thereafter, the rectified DC voltages (DC 310V, DC 12V, DC 5V) also drop. The power outage detection unit 27 detects the change in the input voltage of the main voltage conversion unit 21 as it approaches 0V from DC 310V. Consequently, the control voltage VDD also begins to drop from DC 5V.

[0080] <Step S2>

[0081] When a power outage occurs and the DC 12V from the main voltage converter 21 is lower than the open voltage of the relay 23, the contacts automatically switch from the NO side to the NC side. Therefore, the voltage Vcap2 supplied from the charging circuit 22 via the auxiliary voltage converter 24 is supplied to the microcomputer 70 as a replacement power source VDD. As a result, VDD recovers its voltage.

[0082] <Step S3>

[0083] When a power outage is detected, the microcomputer 70 detects the current water level based on the signal from the water level sensor 25 and determines whether there is residual water in the drum 2 and the outer drum 10.

[0084] <Step S4>

[0085] If it is determined that there is residual water, and the voltage of the charging circuit 22 does not drop in step S7 described later, the energy stored in the charging circuit 22 is used to drive the auxiliary drainage control circuit 170 of the auxiliary drainage valve 17 to perform auxiliary drainage according to the instructions from the microcomputer 70.

[0086] <Steps S5 and S6>

[0087] If there is no remaining water in step S3, or after the microcomputer 70 determines that there is remaining water and drains it, and the remaining water in the roller 2 and outer cylinder 10 disappears, the energy stored in the charging circuit 22 is used to excite the solenoid 4b and release the lock on the door lock device 4 immediately at the stage where the predetermined unlocking conditions are met during the working time of the door lock device 4 (step S5), thereby releasing the lock on the door lock device 4 (step S6). Various predetermined conditions can be set in advance as trigger conditions, such as after a set time has elapsed following water level detection or after button operation. If the lock on the door lock device 4 is released, the door 3 can be opened to retrieve the clothing.

[0088] <Step S7>

[0089] It should be noted that even if there is residual water in step S3, and the charging voltage of the charging circuit 22 drops after exceeding the threshold that can ensure the excitation energy of the solenoid 4b, the door 3 is unlocked preferentially even during the operation of the auxiliary drain valve 17a.

[0090] The washing machine 100 of this embodiment includes the following mechanical structure: a drum 2 disposed inside a cabinet 1; a door 3 disposed in the cabinet 1 and closable; a door lock device 4 for switching the door 3 to a locked state or an unlocked state; a water supply line 5 having a water supply valve 5a for supplying water to the drum 2; a main drain line 6 having a main drain valve 6a for draining water from the drum 2; and an auxiliary drain line 17 having an auxiliary drain valve 17a for draining residual water from the drum 2.

[0091] Furthermore, the washing machine 100 includes the following in its power system and control system: a microcomputer 70, which acts as a control unit to control the door lock device 4, water supply valve 5a, main drain valve 6a, and auxiliary drain valve 17a via control circuits 40, 50, 60, and 170; a main power supply circuit 9, which is connected to an external power source 8 and supplies power to the door lock device 4, water supply valve 5a, main drain valve 6a, and microcomputer 70; a charging circuit 22, which acts as an energy storage unit to store the power supplied from the external power source 8; and an auxiliary power supply circuit 19, which supplies power from the charging circuit 22 to the microcomputer 70 and to the door lock device 4 and auxiliary drain valve 17a during a power outage.

[0092] Therefore, the function of the microcomputer 70 is ensured during a power outage, and the operation of the door lock device 4 and the auxiliary drain valve 17a is ensured. Thus, the door 3 can be opened during a power outage, and the clothes can be taken out with the water drained to a certain extent during a power outage.

[0093] In the washing machine 100 of this embodiment, the door lock device 4, water supply valve 5a, main drain valve 6a, and auxiliary drain valve 17a are driven based on a first voltage (12V, Vcap1), and the microcomputer 70 is driven based on a second voltage (5V, Vcap2). The charging circuit 22 stores the first voltage Vcap1, and the second voltage Vcap2 is generated by converting the first voltage Vcap1 of the charging circuit 22. Therefore, only one charging circuit 22 is needed, thus reducing costs.

[0094] Furthermore, when there is no power outage, the control voltage VDD is supplied to the microcomputer 70 from the main voltage conversion unit 21 via the relay 23. Only when there is a power outage, a voltage Vcap2 equivalent to the control voltage VDD is supplied to the microcomputer 70 from the charging circuit 22 via the second conversion unit 24 and the relay 23. Even when waiting to be washed, the microcomputer 70 is always powered on 24 hours a day. Therefore, by supplying power without going through the charging circuit 22 when there is no power outage, as described above, the aging of components such as capacitors contained in the charging circuit 22 can be suppressed when there is no power outage.

[0095] The washing machine 100 of this embodiment includes a water level detection unit 25 for detecting the water level inside the drum 2. When a power outage occurs, the microcomputer 70 determines, based on the detection value of the water level detection unit 25, that there is residual water inside the drum 2 and controls the auxiliary drain valve 17a to drain the water. Thus, the auxiliary drain valve 17a is only activated when there is residual water, and is not activated otherwise, thus suppressing unnecessary power consumption.

[0096] In the washing machine 100 of this embodiment, when the microcomputer 70 determines that there is residual water in the drum 2, it unlocks the door lock device 4 after draining the water by controlling the auxiliary drain valve 17a. Therefore, it is effective for situations where the door 3 cannot be opened when there is residual water, or for situations where it is not desirable to open the door 3 to take out clothes when there is residual water.

[0097] The washing machine 100 of this embodiment includes a voltage monitoring unit 26 that monitors the voltage of the charging circuit 22. When the voltage monitored by the voltage monitoring unit 26 is lower than a predetermined threshold, the microcomputer 70 prioritizes unlocking even during the process of controlling the auxiliary drain valve 17a to drain water. Therefore, it can unlock before the stored power decreases and the excitation energy of the solenoid 4a disappears.

[0098] In the washing machine 100 of this embodiment, the drum 2 is assembled around a main shaft 11 extending in the horizontal direction. In particular, such a washing machine 100 cannot open the door 3 when it is still wet, so the sequence of opening the door 3 after draining is effective in this embodiment.

[0099] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the specific structure of each part is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0100] In the above embodiment, the main voltage conversion unit 21 is composed of a DC-DC converter and the secondary voltage conversion unit 24 is composed of a voltage regulator. However, it is not limited to these components as long as voltage conversion can be performed, and suitable components can be used.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the main voltage conversion unit 21 outputs a first voltage of 12V and a second voltage of 5V, and the second voltage of 5V is used as the control voltage VDD via the relay 23. Alternatively, it can be as follows... Figure 6 The configuration shown is such that, even when the main voltage converter 21 only outputs the first voltage 12V, the voltage Vcap2, which is equivalent to the second voltage and is output from the charging circuit 22 through the auxiliary voltage converter 24, is used as the control voltage VDD to power the microcomputer 70.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the secondary voltage conversion unit 24 generates a voltage Vcap2 equivalent to the second voltage. During a power outage, the relay 23 operates to supply the control voltage Vcap2 to the microcomputer 70. However, it can also be done as follows: Figure 7The configuration shown is as follows: the relay is removed, a charging circuit 22a is also provided for the second voltage (DC5V) of the main voltage conversion unit 21 to store electricity, and the second voltage is output as a voltage Vcap2 equivalent to the control voltage.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the voltage Vcap1 output from the charging circuit 22 is supplied to the door lock device 4, the water supply control circuit 50, and the main drainage control circuit 60 when there is no power outage. However, it can also be as follows: Figure 8 The configuration shown is as follows: the DC12V between the main voltage conversion unit 21 and the charging circuit 22 supplies power to the door lock device 4, the water supply control circuit 50, and the main drainage control circuit 60.

[0104] Furthermore, while the above embodiment describes a washing machine 100 having a drum 4 that can rotate about a main shaft 11 in the horizontal direction, the present invention can also be applied to washing machines having a drum 4 that can rotate about a main shaft that is inclined relative to the horizontal direction. Additionally, the present invention can also be applied to vertical washing machines having a washing tub (drum) that can rotate about a rotation axis in the vertical direction.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the door lock device 4 has a solenoid 4b as a drive device for driving the locking part 4a, but the drive device is not limited to this. In the door lock device 4, for example, the locking part 4a can be driven by a motor as a drive device.

[0106] Other structures can also be modified in various ways without departing from the technical spirit of this invention.

Claims

1. A washing machine, characterized in that, have: Rollers are housed within the box. A door, which can be opened and closed, is provided in the enclosure; The door locking device switches the door to a locked or unlocked state. The water supply system includes a water supply valve for supplying water to the roller. The main drainage channel has a main drainage valve for draining water from the roller; An auxiliary drainage path is provided, with an auxiliary drainage valve, to drain the remaining water inside the drum; The control unit controls the door lock device, the water supply valve, the main drain valve, and the auxiliary drain valve. The main power supply circuit is connected to an external power source to supply power to the door lock device, the water supply valve, the main drain valve, and the control unit. The energy storage unit stores the electricity supplied from the external power source; as well as An auxiliary power supply circuit supplies power from the energy storage unit to the control unit, the door lock device, and the auxiliary drain valve during a power outage. The washing machine also includes a water level detection unit for detecting the water level inside the drum. When a power outage occurs, if the control unit determines that there is residual water in the drum based on the detection value of the water level detection unit, it controls the auxiliary drainage valve to drain the water. If the control unit determines that there is residual water in the drum, it unlocks the door lock device after controlling the auxiliary drain valve to drain the water. The washing machine also includes a voltage monitoring unit that monitors the voltage of the battery storage unit. If the voltage monitored by the voltage monitoring unit is lower than a predetermined threshold, the control unit will prioritize unlocking the device even when controlling the auxiliary drain valve to drain water.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The washing machine is configured to drive the door lock device, the water supply valve, the main drain valve, and the auxiliary drain valve based on a first voltage, and to drive the control unit based on a second voltage. The energy storage unit stores the first voltage. The second voltage is generated by voltage conversion of the first voltage of the energy storage unit.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rollers are assembled around a horizontal axis or an axis inclined relative to the horizontal direction.

4. The washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, An outer cylinder is arranged inside the box, and the roller is pivotally supported inside the outer cylinder by the shaft. The auxiliary drainage route is a pipe that is located at a position different from the main drainage route and passes through the outer cylinder.

5. The washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The downstream piping of the auxiliary drain valve merges with the downstream piping of the main drain valve in the main drainage circuit.

6. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The auxiliary drainage circuit is branched from the upstream of the main drainage valve in the main drainage circuit.

7. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The auxiliary drain valve is configured to consume less energy than the main drain valve, and the piping of the auxiliary drain path is smaller in diameter than that of the main drain path.

8. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The door lock device is controlled to be in an unlocked state, which allows the door to be opened, when the rotation speed of the roller is below a predetermined speed, and to be in a locked state, which prevents the door from being opened, when the rotation speed of the roller exceeds the predetermined speed.

9. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The door lock device includes: The locking part is configured in a locking position to lock the door in the locked state, and in a release position to release the door in the unlocked state. The drive device is configured to switch the position of the locking part to either the locking position or the releasing position.

10. The washing machine according to claim 9, characterized in that, The driving device is a solenoid or a motor.

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