Washing machine

Abstract

A washing machine that improves the security of a lid locking device is provided on the lid of the washing machine, comprising: a lid provided on the cabinet in a closable manner; a lid locking device that can be switched between a locked state in which the lid is kept closed and an unlocked state in which the lid can be opened; an operation unit; a password storage unit for storing a password input from the operation unit; an unlock code storage unit for storing an unlock code; and a control unit that keeps the lid locking device in the locked state when a password is input from the operation unit, and switches the lid locking device to the unlocked state when a password stored in the password storage unit or an unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit is input from the operation unit while the lid is locked, and automatically updates the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit when the lid locking device is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state by inputting an unlock code.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a washing machine, for example, installed in a coin-operated laundry room. Background Technology

[0002] Coin-operated laundromats with multiple washing machines are typically used unattended. Users rarely wait there from start to finish washing; they usually spend time elsewhere before retrieving their laundry. Therefore, laundry may be stolen while users are away at the coin-operated laundromat.

[0003] Therefore, it is advisable to install an anti-theft mechanism on the washing machine lid to prevent theft of laundry. One such anti-theft mechanism includes a user-operated control unit that allows the user to enter a password via a keypad to lock the lid and unlock it when the user enters the password (e.g., Patent Document 1).

[0004] To unlock the lid, users need to enter a user-defined password using the numeric keypad on the control panel, but sometimes users forget this password. In this case, the user cannot unlock the lid and cannot retrieve the laundry after washing.

[0005] In such a situation, a solution could be for the washing machine manager to go directly to the location to unlock the lid, but this would be inconvenient due to the manager's inability to be present and the significant time commitment required. Furthermore, during this time, the user must wait to remove the laundry, which would also be time-consuming.

[0006] In this scenario, we can consider a system where the washing machine administrator sets an unlock code. This unlock code is used to unlock the lid by entering it via the numeric keypad on the control panel, instead of a password. Therefore, if the user forgets their password, they can retrieve the unlock code from the washing machine administrator and enter it via the keypad to unlock the lid. This eliminates the need for the administrator to visit a coin-operated laundry room, improving convenience.

[0007] However, in this situation, the unlock code set by the administrator will be made public to a third party. Unless the administrator changes the unlock code, the third party can unlock the lid at any time, just like the administrator. As a result, the security of the locking unit on the washing machine lid is reduced.

[0008] Existing technical documents

[0009] Patent documents

[0010] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-68701 Summary of the Invention

[0011] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0012] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that can prevent the security of the locking unit provided in the lid of the washing machine from being reduced.

[0013] Solution for solving the problem

[0014] The washing machine of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a lid disposed on the cabinet in an openable and closable manner; a lid locking device capable of switching between a locked state in which the lid is kept closed and an unlocked state in which the lid can be opened; an operation unit; a password storage unit for storing a password input from the operation unit; an unlock code storage unit for storing an unlock code; and a control unit that maintains the lid locking device in a locked state when a password is input from the operation unit, and switches the lid locking device to an unlocked state when a password stored in the password storage unit or an unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit is input from the operation unit while the lid is locked, and automatically updates the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit when the lid locking device is switched from a locked state to an unlocked state by inputting the unlock code.

[0015] Preferably, in the washing machine of the present invention, the update rule for automatically updating the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit is set to be selectable from multiple update rules.

[0016] Preferably, in the washing machine of the present invention, when the password stored in the password storage unit is the same as the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit, the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit is not automatically updated when the lid locking device is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state by inputting the unlock code.

[0017] Invention Effects

[0018] In the washing machine of the present invention, when the lid locking device is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state by inputting the unlock code, the unlock code is automatically updated. Therefore, even if the manager discloses the unlock code to a third party, the security of the lid locking device provided on the washing machine lid can be prevented from being reduced.

[0019] In the washing machine of the present invention, the manager can change the update rules of the unlock code, thereby improving the security of the lid locking device provided on the lid of the washing machine.

[0020] In the washing machine of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the unlock code set by the administrator from being accidentally updated when the password set by the user is the same as the unlock code set by the administrator. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a longitudinal sectional view showing the general structure of the washing machine 1 according to this embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2 This is an explanation Figure 1 A diagram of the control unit of washing machine 1.

[0023] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The control block diagram of washing machine 1.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of setting an unlock code.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of setting update rules for unlock codes.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of setting the automatic release time.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of controlling the locking of the lid 2A of washing machine 1.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a flowchart representing the process of initiating lock control.

[0029] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of locking control during operation.

[0030] Figure 10 It is a flowchart representing the process of accepting and controlling passwords.

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0032] 1: Washing machine; 2: Cabinet; 2A: Lid; 20: Lid locking device; 30: Operation unit; 50: Control unit (control unit); 51: Password storage unit (password storage unit); 52: Unlock code storage unit (unlock code storage unit). Detailed Implementation

[0033] Hereinafter, a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Washing machine 1 is a vertical washing machine, having a casing 2 as the main body of the washing machine. Inside the casing 2, a bottomed cylindrical outer tub 3 is suspended and supported by multiple rods (not shown). Inside the outer tub 3, an inner tub 5, which has multiple water passages on its outer circumference, is supported by a shaft. The inner tub 5 rotates freely about a support shaft 5a fixed to the bottom wall of the outer tub 3. An agitator 6 is provided at the bottom of the inner tub 5, and the agitator 6 rotates freely about an inner shaft 6a inserted into the support shaft 5a.

[0035] The rotational driving force of the motor 10 mounted on the lower surface of the outer barrel 2 is transmitted to the support shaft 5a and the inner shaft 6a via the transmission mechanism and the power switching mechanism 13. The transmission mechanism consists of a small pulley 11a, a large pulley 11b, a V-belt 11c, etc., fixed to the motor shaft 10a. The power switching mechanism 13 includes a clutch mechanism 12 and a torque motor 13a.

[0036] A water supply pipe 15 is provided at the upper rear of the casing 2, which is connected to an external faucet. When the water supply valve 15a is opened, water introduced through the water supply pipe 15 is injected into the outer tub 3. On the other hand, a drain pipe 16 is connected to the bottom of the outer tub 3, and the drain pipe 16 is opened and closed by the drain valve 16a.

[0037] A freely opening and closing lid 2A is provided at the laundry inlet 2a, which opens onto the upper surface of the housing 2. A lid locking device 20 is provided at the upper front of the housing 2 to lock the lid 2A and prevent it from opening. The lid locking device 20 can switch between a locked state, which keeps the lid 2A closed, and an unlocked state, which allows the lid 2A to be opened. Furthermore, the lid locking device 20 can sense whether the lid 2A is in the closed or open state.

[0038] In addition, an operating section 30 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 2. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the operation unit 30 is a component used to perform various operations on the washing machine 1, and is equipped with a numeric keypad 31, a lid unlock button 32, etc. In addition, the operation unit 30 is equipped with a lid lock LED (light-emitting diode) 33 and an input LED 34. The lid lock LED 33 lights up when the lid locking device 20 is in the locked state, and the input LED 34 flashes when a password can be entered.

[0039] The numeric keypad 31 is used by the user to enter a password, including multiple numeric keys 31a corresponding to the numbers 0 to 9 and a setting key 31b that is operated after the password is entered via the numeric keys 31a. It should be noted that the numeric keypad 31 is also used when the administrator of the washing machine 1 sets an unlock code, or when the user enters an unlock code obtained from the administrator if they have forgotten the set password.

[0040] The lid unlock button 32 is used by the user to unlock the lid when the lid locking device 20 is in the locked state.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a control block diagram of the washing machine 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 3As shown, the control unit 50 of the washing machine 1 is configured, for example, by a microcomputer, and includes: a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read-Only Memory) storing a program for controlling the operation of the washing machine 1, and RAM (Random Access Memory) temporarily storing data used when executing the program. The operation of the washing machine 1 is controlled by the control unit 50.

[0042] The control unit 50 includes: a password storage unit 51, an unlock code storage unit 52, an update rule storage unit 53, and an automatic unlock time storage unit 54.

[0043] The password storage unit 51 stores a three-digit password entered by the user of the washing machine 1 through the operation unit 30. The password stored in the password storage unit 51 is cleared when the user releases the locking state of the lid locking device 20.

[0044] The unlock code storage unit 52 stores the unlock code preset by the administrator of the washing machine 1 to prevent the user from forgetting the password. The unlock code, like the password, uses three digits.

[0045] The update rule storage unit 53 stores the unlock code update rules preset by the administrator of the washing machine 1. That is, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, when the lid locking device 20 is unlocked by the unlock code, the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit 52 is automatically updated according to the update rules.

[0046] In this embodiment, any one of the following rules can be selected as the update rule for the unlock code stored in the update rule storage unit 53: +0 (no update), +123, +456, or +789. For example, if +123 is selected, the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit 52 is updated to the previous unlock code plus 123. It should be noted that if the number obtained by adding 123 to the previous unlock code is a four-digit number, the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit 52 is updated to the last three digits of that four-digit number.

[0047] The automatic release time storage unit 54 stores the automatic release time preset by the administrator of the washing machine 1. That is, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, after the operation ends, the input LED 34, indicating that a password can be entered, begins to flash. If no password is entered after the automatic release time stored in the automatic release time storage unit 54 has elapsed, the lock state of the lid locking device 20 is automatically released. In this embodiment, any one of 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 6 hours, 12 hours, or no automatic release can be selected as the automatic release time set in the automatic release time storage unit 54.

[0048] The control unit 50 is connected to an operation unit 30 for making various operation settings and a cover locking device 20 for switching the cover 2A to a closed or open state.

[0049] Therefore, when the user enters a password from the operation unit 30 when the washing machine 1 starts running, the control unit 50 stores the password in the password storage unit 51 and switches the lid locking device 20 to the locked state.

[0050] Furthermore, when the washing machine 1 finishes running or the lid unlock button 32 of the operation unit 30 is activated, and the user enters a password from the operation unit 30 that matches the password stored in the password storage unit 51, the control unit 50 switches the lid locking device 20 from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0051] Furthermore, when the user inputs an unlock code from the operation unit 30 while the lid locking device 20 is locked, and the unlock code matches the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit 52, the control unit 50 switches the lid locking device 20 from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0052] Furthermore, if the input LED 34, which indicates that a password can be entered, starts flashing after the washing machine 1 has finished running, and no password has been entered after the automatic release time stored in the automatic release time storage unit 54, the control unit 50 switches the lid locking device 20 from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0053] Furthermore, when the cover locking device 20 is locked and the unlocking code is entered from the operation unit 30 to unlock it, the control unit 50 automatically updates the unlocking code stored in the unlocking code storage unit 52.

[0054] In addition, the control unit 50 illuminates the cover lock LED33 when the cover lock device 20 is locked, and flashes the input LED34 when a password can be entered via the numeric keypad 31.

[0055] (Unlock code settings)

[0056] based on Figure 4 The process of setting an unlock code for the administrator of washing machine 1 will be explained. It should be noted that the administrator sets the unlock code after switching to the unlock code setting mode by operating the operation unit 30.

[0057] <Step S1>

[0058] In step S1, the control unit 50 accepts the unlock code input by the administrator from the operation unit 30. Then, the process proceeds to step S2.

[0059] <Step S2>

[0060] In step S2, the control unit 50 determines whether the input of the unlock code has been completed. If the control unit 50 determines that the input of the unlock code has not been completed, it returns to step S1. If the control unit 50 determines that the input of the unlock code has been completed, it proceeds to step S3.

[0061] <Step S3>

[0062] In step S3, the control unit 50 stores the unlock code input in step S1 in the unlock code storage unit 52 and ends the process.

[0063] (Setting the rules for updating unlock codes)

[0064] based on Figure 5 The process of setting the unlock code update rules for the administrator of washing machine 1 is explained. It should be noted that the administrator sets the unlock code update rules after switching to the unlock code update rule setting mode through the operation unit 30.

[0065] <Step S101>

[0066] In step S101, the control unit 50 determines whether to select +0 (no update) as the update rule for the unlock code. If the control unit 50 determines that +0 (no update) has been selected, proceed to step S105. If the control unit 50 determines that +0 (no update) has not been selected, proceed to step S102.

[0067] <Step S102>

[0068] In step S102, the control unit 50 determines whether the method of updating the previous unlock code by adding 123 has been selected as the update rule for the unlock code. If the control unit 50 determines that the method of updating by adding 123 has been selected, the process proceeds to step S105. If the control unit 50 determines that the method of updating by adding 123 has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S103.

[0069] <Step S103>

[0070] In step S103, the control unit 50 determines whether the method of updating the previous unlock code by adding 456 has been selected as the update rule for the unlock code. If the control unit 50 determines that the method of updating by adding 456 has been selected, the process proceeds to step S105. If the control unit 50 determines that the method of updating by adding 456 has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S104.

[0071] <Step S104>

[0072] In step S104, the control unit 50 selects a method of updating the unlock code by adding 789 to the previous unlock code as the unlock code update rule. Then, it proceeds to step S105.

[0073] <Step S105>

[0074] In step S105, the control unit 50 stores the update rules of the unlock codes selected in each step S101 to S104 in the update rule storage unit 53 and ends the process.

[0075] (Setting the automatic release time)

[0076] based on Figure 6 The process of setting the automatic reset time for the administrator of washing machine 1 will be explained. It should be noted that the administrator sets the automatic reset time after switching to the automatic reset time setting mode by operating the operation unit 30.

[0077] <Step S201>

[0078] In step S201, the control unit 50 determines whether 30 minutes has been selected as the time until the lock on the cover locking device 20 is automatically released. If the control unit 50 determines that 30 minutes has been selected, the process proceeds to step S206. If the control unit 50 determines that 30 minutes has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S202.

[0079] <Step S202>

[0080] In step S202, the control unit 50 determines whether 60 minutes has been selected as the time until the lock on the cover locking device 20 is automatically released. If the control unit 50 determines that 60 minutes has been selected, the process proceeds to step S206. If the control unit 50 determines that 60 minutes has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S203.

[0081] <Step S203>

[0082] In step S203, the control unit 50 determines whether 6 hours has been selected as the time until the lock on the cover locking device 20 is automatically released. If the control unit 50 determines that 6 hours has been selected, the process proceeds to step S206. If the control unit 50 determines that 6 hours has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S204.

[0083] <Step S204>

[0084] In step S204, the control unit 50 determines whether 12 hours has been selected as the time until the lock on the cover locking device 20 is automatically released. If the control unit 50 determines that 12 hours has been selected, the process proceeds to step S206. If the control unit 50 determines that 12 hours has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S205.

[0085] <Step S205>

[0086] In step S205, the control unit 50 selects an infinite time (without automatic unlocking) as the time until the lock state of the cover locking device 20 is automatically released. Then, proceed to step S206.

[0087] <Step S206>

[0088] In step S206, the control unit 50 stores the automatic release time selected in each step of steps S201 to S205 in the automatic release time storage unit 54 and ends the process.

[0089] The following explains the control of washing machine 1 after the administrator sets the unlock code update rules and the automatic release time. It should be noted that the method of updating the unlock code by adding 123 to the previous unlock code is set as the unlock code update rule, and the automatic release time is set to 12 hours.

[0090] (Lock-up control)

[0091] based on Figure 7 The locking control related to the lid 2A when the washing machine 1 is running is explained.

[0092] <Step S301>

[0093] In step S301, the control unit 50 detects that the user has put laundry into the washing and spin-drying tub 3 and closed the lid 2A.

[0094] <Step S302>

[0095] In step S302, the control unit 50 repeatedly determines whether the operating costs corresponding to those set by the user have been incurred. If the control unit 50 determines that the operating costs have been incurred, it proceeds to step S303.

[0096] <Step S303>

[0097] In step S303, the control unit 50 starts the operation of the washing machine 1.

[0098] <Step S304>

[0099] In step S304, the control unit 50 performs start-lock control. Then, it proceeds to step S305. The start-lock control will be explained in detail later.

[0100] <Step S305>

[0101] In step S305, the control unit 50 determines whether the operation of the washing machine 1 has ended. If the control unit 50 determines that the operation of the washing machine 1 has not ended, it proceeds to step S306. If the control unit 50 determines that the washing operation of the washing machine 1 has ended, it proceeds to step S307.

[0102] <Step S306>

[0103] In step S306, the control unit 50 performs in-operation lock control. Afterwards, it returns to step S305. The in-operation lock control will be explained in detail later.

[0104] <Step S307>

[0105] In step S307, the control unit 50 determines whether there is a cover lock mark (whether cover 2A is not locked by a password). If the control unit 50 determines that there is no cover lock mark, the process ends. If the control unit 50 determines that there is a cover lock mark (cover 2A is locked by a password), the process proceeds to step S308.

[0106] <Step S308>

[0107] In step S308, the control unit 50 performs password acceptance control. Then, it proceeds to step S309. The password acceptance control will be explained in detail later.

[0108] <Step S309>

[0109] In step S309, the control unit 50 determines whether there is a password input completion marker (whether the password entered by the user matches the password stored in the password storage unit 51). If the control unit 50 determines that there is an input completion marker, it proceeds to step S310. If the control unit 50 determines that there is no input completion marker (the password entered by the user does not match the password stored in the password storage unit 51), it proceeds to step S312.

[0110] <Step S310>

[0111] In step S310, the control unit 50 clears the password set by the user and stored in the password storage unit 51. Then, it proceeds to step S311.

[0112] <Step S311>

[0113] In step S311, the control unit 50 switches the lid locking device 20 from the locked state to the unlocked state, turns off the lid locking LED 33, and ends the process.

[0114] <Step S312>

[0115] In step S312, the control unit 50 determines whether 12 hours, the time set for automatic termination, has elapsed since the washing machine 1 finished operating. If the control unit 50 determines that 12 hours have elapsed, it proceeds to step S310. If the control unit 50 determines that 12 hours have not elapsed, it returns to step S308.

[0116] (Start locking control)

[0117] based on Figure 8 The process of starting the locking control in step S304 described above will be explained.

[0118] <Step S401>

[0119] In step S401, the control unit 50 determines whether 60 seconds have elapsed since the start of operation. It should be noted that the washing machine 1 is preset to accept password input within 60 seconds of the start of operation. If the control unit 50 determines that less than 60 seconds have elapsed since the start of operation, the process proceeds to step S402. If the control unit 50 determines that 60 seconds have elapsed since the start of operation, the process proceeds to step S406.

[0120] <Step S402>

[0121] In step S402, the control unit 50 causes the input LED 34 to flash, indicating that a password can be entered and the password input is accepted.

[0122] <Step S403>

[0123] In step S403, the control unit 50 determines whether the password input has been completed. If the control unit 50 determines that the password input has been completed, it proceeds to step S404. If the control unit 50 determines that the password input has not been completed, it returns to step S401.

[0124] <Step S404>

[0125] In step S404, the control unit 50 stores the password entered by the user in the password storage unit 51. Then, proceed to step S405.

[0126] <Step S405>

[0127] In step S405, the control unit 50 sets the lid locking device 20 to the lid locking state, turns on the lid locking LED 33, and ends the process.

[0128] <Step S406>

[0129] In step S406, the control unit 50 sets the lid locking device 20 to the lid unlocked state (sets it to the no-lid-lock mark), turns off the lid locking LED 33, and ends the process.

[0130] (Lock-in control during operation)

[0131] based on Figure 9 The locking control process during the operation of step S306 described above will be explained.

[0132] <Step S501>

[0133] In step S501, the control unit 50 determines whether there is a cover lock mark (whether cover 2A is not locked by a password). If the control unit 50 determines that there is no cover lock mark, the process ends. If the control unit 50 determines that there is a cover lock mark (cover 2A is locked by a password), the process proceeds to step S502.

[0134] <Step S502>

[0135] In step S502, the control unit 50 keeps the lid locking device 20 in the lid locked state and keeps the lid locking LED 33 lit, ending the process. Then, proceed to step S503.

[0136] <Step S503>

[0137] In step S503, the control unit 50 determines whether the lid unlock button 32 has been operated. If the control unit 50 determines that the lid unlock button 32 has not been operated, the process ends. If the control unit 50 determines that the lid unlock button 32 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S504.

[0138] <Step S504>

[0139] In step S504, the control unit 50 performs password acceptance control. Then, it proceeds to step S505. The password acceptance control will be explained in detail later.

[0140] <Step S505>

[0141] In step S505, the control unit 50 determines whether there is an input completion marker (whether the input password matches the password stored in the password storage unit 51). If the control unit 50 determines that there is an input completion marker, it proceeds to step S506. If the control unit 50 determines that there is no input completion marker (the input password does not match the password stored in the password storage unit 51), it proceeds to step S510.

[0142] <Step S506>

[0143] In step S506, the control unit 50 switches the lid locking device 20 from the lid locked state to the lid unlocked state, turning off the lid locking LED 33. Then, proceed to step S507.

[0144] <Step S507>

[0145] In step S507, the control unit 50 determines whether the cover 2A has been opened. If the control unit 50 determines that the cover 2A has been opened, the process proceeds to step S508. If the control unit 50 determines that the cover 2A has not been opened, the process proceeds to step S511.

[0146] <Step S508>

[0147] In step S508, the control unit 50 repeatedly determines whether the cover 2A is closed. If the control unit 50 determines that the cover 2A is closed, the process proceeds to step S509.

[0148] <Step S509>

[0149] In step S509, the control unit 50 switches the lid locking device 20 from the lid unlocked state to the lid locked state, turns on the lid locking LED 33, and ends the process.

[0150] <Step S510>

[0151] In step S510, the control unit 50 determines whether 30 seconds have elapsed. It should be noted that the washing machine 1 is preset to accept password input within 30 seconds after the lid unlock button 32 is operated in step S503. If the control unit 50 determines that less than 30 seconds have elapsed, it returns to step S504. If the control unit 50 determines that 30 seconds have elapsed, it proceeds to step S509.

[0152] <Step S511>

[0153] In step S511, the control unit 50 determines whether 30 seconds have elapsed. It should be noted that the washing machine 1 is preset to switch the lid locking device 20 to the lid locked state if the lid 2A is not opened within 30 seconds after switching the lid locking device 20 to the lid unlocked state in step S506. If the control unit 50 determines that less than 30 seconds have elapsed, it returns to step S507. If the control unit 50 determines that 30 seconds have elapsed, it proceeds to step S509.

[0154] (Password acceptance control)

[0155] based on Figure 10 The password acceptance control process in step S308 described above will be explained.

[0156] <Step S601>

[0157] In step S601, the control unit 50 causes the input LED 34 to flash to indicate that a password can be entered and the password input is accepted. Then, proceed to step S602.

[0158] <Step S602>

[0159] In step S602, the control unit 50 determines whether the password entered in step S601 matches the password stored in the password storage unit 51. If the control unit 50 determines that the password matches the password stored in the password storage unit 51, it proceeds to step S605. If the control unit 50 determines that the password does not match the password stored in the password storage unit 51, it proceeds to step S603.

[0160] <Step S603>

[0161] In step S603, the control unit 50 determines whether the password entered in step S601 matches the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit 52. If the control unit 50 determines that the password does not match the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit 52, the process ends. If the control unit 50 determines that the password matches the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit 52, the process proceeds to step S604.

[0162] <Step S604>

[0163] In step S604, the control unit 50 updates the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit 52 by adding 123. Then, the process proceeds to step S605.

[0164] <Step S605>

[0165] In step S605, the control unit 50 is set to a password input completion flag, and the process ends. The input completion flag indicates that the password entered by the user matches the password stored in the password storage unit 51, or that the unlock code entered by the user matches the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit 52.

[0166] It should be noted that in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, whenever the user switches the lid locking device 20 from the locked state to the unlocked state by entering an unlock code, the unlock code preset by the administrator is automatically updated, and the number of updates is stored in the control unit 50. Therefore, the administrator can know the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit 52 based on the number of updates stored in the control unit 50 and the update rules preset by the administrator. If the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit 52 is unknown, the administrator can simply set the unlock code again.

[0167] The washing machine 1 of this embodiment includes: a lid 2A, which is provided on the cabinet 2 in a closable manner; a lid locking device 20, which can be switched between a locked state that keeps the lid 2A closed and an unlocked state that allows the lid 2A to be opened; an operation unit 30; a password storage unit 51, which stores the password input from the operation unit 30 as a password storage unit; an unlock code storage unit 52, which stores the unlock code as a storage unit; and a control unit 50, which, when a password is input from the operation unit 30, keeps the lid locking device 20 in a locked state, and when a password stored in the password storage unit 51 or an unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit 52 is input from the operation unit 30 in the locked state, the lid locking device 20 is switched to an unlocked state, and when the lid locking device 20 is switched from a locked state to an unlocked state by inputting an unlock code, the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit 52 is automatically updated.

[0168] Therefore, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, when the lid locking device 20 is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state by inputting the unlock code, the unlock code is automatically updated. Thus, even if the manager discloses the unlock code to a third party, the security of the lid locking device 20 provided on the lid 2A of the washing machine 1 can be prevented from being reduced.

[0169] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the update rule for automatically updating the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit 52 is set to be selectable from multiple update rules.

[0170] Therefore, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the administrator can improve the security of the lid locking device 20 provided on the lid 2A of the washing machine 1 by changing the update rules of the unlock code.

[0171] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, when the password stored in the password storage unit 51 is the same as the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit 52, the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit 52 is not automatically updated when the lid locking device 20 is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state by inputting the unlock code.

[0172] Therefore, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the unlock code set by the administrator from being accidentally updated when the password set by the user is the same as the unlock code set by the administrator.

[0173] 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.

[0174] For example, in the above embodiment, an example of a method for updating the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit 52 is shown, but the method for updating the unlock code is arbitrary.

[0175] In the above embodiments, the washing machine 1 is described as a vertical washing machine, but it is not limited thereto. The washing machine of the present invention can also be a drum washing machine. The present invention is applicable to drum washing machines having a drum and a lid locking device, wherein the drum can rotate about a horizontal axis or an inclined axis inclined relative to the horizontal direction, and the lid locking device can achieve a locked state that keeps the lid closed or an unlocked state that allows the lid to be opened.

Claims

1. A washing machine, characterized in that, have: The lid is located on the box in a way that allows it to be opened and closed; The lid locking device can be switched between a locked state that keeps the lid closed and an unlocked state that allows the lid to be opened. Operations Department; A password storage unit stores the password input from the operation unit; Unlock code storage unit, storing the unlock code; as well as The control unit keeps the lid locking device in a locked state when a password is entered from the operation unit, and switches the lid locking device to an unlocked state when a password stored in the password storage unit or an unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit is entered from the operation unit while the device is locked. The preset unlock code can prevent the password from being forgotten. When the cover locking device is switched from locked to unlocked by inputting the unlock code, the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit is automatically updated; When the password stored in the password storage unit is the same as the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit, the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit is not automatically updated when the cover locking device is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state by inputting the unlock code.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The update rule for automatically updating the unlock code stored in the unlock code storage unit is set to be selectable from multiple update rules.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lid locking device can also sense whether the lid is closed or open.

4. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit also includes an automatic release time storage unit for storing the preset automatic release time for the washing machine. After the operation ends, if the automatic release time stored in the automatic release time storage unit has elapsed and no password has been entered, the locking state of the lid locking device will be automatically released.

5. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The operating unit is equipped with a numeric keypad and a cover unlock button. The numeric keypad is used to input a password and / or an unlock code. The cover unlock button is used by the user to unlock the cover when it is locked.

6. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The operating unit is equipped with a cover lock LED and an input LED. The cover lock LED lights up when the cover locking device is locked, and the input LED flashes when a password can be entered.

7. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The password stored in the password storage unit is cleared when the locking state of the cover locking device is released.

8. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The number of times the unlock code is automatically updated can be stored in the control unit.

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