JP7348043B2 - washing machine - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to washing machines.

2. Description of the Related Art There are known washing machines that automatically add detergent and fabric softener to a water tank to perform a washing operation. However, if detergent or fabric softener is ordered when the remaining amount of detergent or fabric softener is insufficient, the washing operation may become temporarily unavailable until the ordered product is delivered.

JP2019-162521A

The problem to be solved by the present invention is a washing machine that can ensure the remaining amount of detergent and fabric softener by calculating the remaining amount of detergent and fabric softener based on usage history, and can continuously perform washing operations. The goal is to provide the following.

The washing machine of the embodiment includes a housing, an automatic loading mechanism, and a control section. The housing includes a water tank. The automatic feeding mechanism automatically feeds the laundry treatment agent into the water tank. The control unit controls a washing operation in the water tank. The control unit measures the usage amount of the laundry treatment agent during a washing operation, and determines when to order the laundry treatment agent based on the measured usage amount of the laundry treatment agent, or determines when to order the laundry treatment agent. A notification will be sent to prompt the ordering of the drug. The automatic loading mechanism has a tank filled with the laundry treatment agent. The control unit is configured to perform a washing operation after a predetermined number of days have passed since the automatic loading mechanism was replenished with the laundry treatment agent, or after a predetermined number of washing operations have been performed since the automatic loading mechanism was replenished with the laundry treatment agent. , when the remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent replenished in the tank becomes less than a predetermined value, determine when to order the laundry treatment agent, or issue a notification prompting the ordering of the laundry treatment agent. , before the predetermined number of days has elapsed since the automatic loading mechanism was replenished with the laundry treatment agent, or before the washing operation was performed the predetermined number of times after the automatic loading mechanism was replenished with the laundry treatment agent, When the remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent replenished in the tank becomes less than the predetermined value, the timing for ordering the laundry treatment agent is not determined, or a notification prompting the ordering of the laundry treatment agent is issued. do not have.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a usage environment of a washing machine according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a washing machine according to an embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the content displayed on the operation panel of the washing machine of embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the content displayed on the operation panel of the washing machine of embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the content displayed on the operation panel of the washing machine of embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing part of the configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment. Flowchart showing the flow of control of the washing machine according to the embodiment.

Hereinafter, a washing machine according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals. Further, redundant explanations of these configurations may be omitted. As used herein, "based on XX" means "based on at least XX" and includes cases where it is based on another element in addition to XX. Moreover, "based on XX" is not limited to the case where XX is used directly, but also includes the case where it is based on calculations and processing performed on XX. In this specification, "YY1 or YY2" is not limited to the case where only "YY1" or only "YY2" exists, but also includes the case where both "YY1" and "YY2" exist. . This also applies when there are three or more elements connected by "or". In this specification, "at least one of ZZ1 and ZZ2" is not limited to the case where both "ZZ1" and "ZZ2" exist as a premise, but when only "ZZ1" exists, or "ZZ2" This includes cases where there is only one. "XX", "YY1", "YY2", "ZZ1", and "ZZ2" are each arbitrary elements (for example, arbitrary information, functions, or configurations).

[1. Washing machine usage environment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a usage environment of a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment. The washing machine 1 can communicate with a terminal device 100 used by a user of the washing machine 1, for example, via a router R installed in the house. The terminal device 100 is, for example, a mobile terminal device owned by a user, such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal device. Washing machine 1 is connected to network NW via router R, and can communicate with cloud server 200. Further, the washing machine 1 can communicate with an EC (Electronic Commerce) server 300 via the router R and the network NW. The network NW includes, for example, one or more of the Internet, a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, a WAN (Wide Area Network), a LAN (Local Area Network), a public line, a telephone line, a wireless base station, and the like.

Cloud server 200 communicates with washing machine 1 and terminal device 100 via network NW. For example, the cloud server 200 receives the washing operation history of the plurality of washing machines 1 via the network NW, and stores the washing operation history of the plurality of washing machines 1 in a database. The washing operation history of the washing machine 1 includes, for example, the number of washings, the usage history of laundry processing agents, and the usage history of washing courses. Laundry treatment agents include, for example, detergents, fabric softeners, bleaches, and laundry tub cleaners.

The EC server 300 is, for example, a server device managed by a retail store that provides an online shop. EC server 300 communicates with washing machine 1 and terminal device 100 via network NW. EC server 300 accepts orders for laundry treatment agents sent from washing machine 1 . Further, the EC server 300 receives an order for a laundry treatment agent transmitted from the terminal device 100 based on a user's operation on the terminal device 100.

[2. Overall configuration of washing machine]
Next, the overall configuration of the washing machine 1 will be explained.
Although not shown in the drawings, a water tank is provided inside the housing 1A, which has a substantially cylindrical shape with an open front, communicates with the input port 2, and stores washing water. A drum (not shown) in which clothes are stored is provided in the water tank. As shown in FIG. 2, a front surface of a casing 1A of the washing machine 1 is provided with an opening 2 for loading clothes into the drum. A door 3 is provided on the front surface of the housing 1A. The door 3 is movable between an open position where it opens the input port 2 to the drum and a closed position where it closes the input port 2 to the drum.

An operation panel 5 is provided on the top surface of the housing 1A. The operation panel 5 is, for example, a touch panel display. The operation panel 5 receives a user's input operation regarding, for example, changing the washing course of the washing machine 1.

A laundry treatment agent inlet 6 is provided on the front surface of the housing 1A. The laundry treatment agent input port 6 is used when a user manually inputs detergent or fabric softener for one washing operation into the water tank.

A water supply valve unit 8 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 1A. A connection port 7 is provided at the top of the water supply valve unit 8, a water pipe is connected to the connection port 7, and tap water is supplied from the water pipe. The water supply valve unit 8 is provided with a plurality of water supply valves 38, which will be described later. When the water supply valve 38 is opened, water is supplied to the water tank via the laundry treatment agent input port 6 or the automatic input mechanism 10.

An automatic dosing mechanism 10 for automatically dosing detergent or softener into the water tank is provided on the top surface of the housing 1A. The automatic dosing mechanism 10 includes, for example, a detergent tank 11, a softener tank 12, and a pump. The automatic dosing mechanism 10 automatically throws the detergent contained in the detergent tank 11 or the softener contained in the softener tank 12 into the water tank by driving a pump. The pump is a metering pump and includes, for example, a syringe pump. The detergent tank 11 or the softener tank 12 is arranged in a tank accommodating part 13 recessed in the upper surface of the housing 1A. A lid 14 is provided on the top surface of the housing 1A. The lid 14 is movable between an open position where the upper opening of the tank accommodating part 13 is opened and a closed position where the upper opening of the tank accommodating part 13 is closed.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of contents displayed on the operation panel 5 of the washing machine 1. In the example shown in FIG. 3, a setting screen for the operation performed by the washing machine 1 is displayed on the operation panel 5. In the embodiment, the operation includes a washing course, a washing/drying course, and a drying course. The washing course is a course in which the washing machine 1 washes clothes. The washing/drying course is a course in which the washing machine 1 successively washes clothes and dries the clothes. The drying course is a course for drying clothes. The washing course and the washing/drying course further include a tank cleaning course. The tank cleaning course is a course in which the tank and drum are cleaned using a tank cleaning agent.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of contents displayed on the operation panel 5 of the washing machine 1. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the operation panel 5 displays a setting screen regarding detergent or fabric softener that is automatically dispensed by the automatic dispenser mechanism 10. In the embodiment, the amount of detergent or softener added can be set to four levels: "none", "less", "standard", and "more". The amount of input at each stage is calculated, for example, by integrating the coefficient corresponding to each stage with respect to the reference amount.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of contents displayed on the operation panel 5 of the washing machine 1. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the operation panel 5 displays a reference amount setting screen used when calculating the amount of detergent or softener to be added. In the embodiment, a reference amount is set for each detergent or softener, and each reference amount can be changed individually.

[3. Control-related functional configuration]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a part of the functional configuration related to control of the washing machine 1. As shown in FIG. The control unit 20 is realized by a computer having a microcomputer, a timer, and the like. A communication device 30, an operation panel 5, a rotation sensor 32, a water level sensor 34, an automatic loading mechanism 10, a motor 36, a water supply valve 38, a drain valve 40, a circulation pump 42, and a drying unit 44 are connected to the control unit 20. There is.

The communication device 30 is, for example, a wireless module including an antenna and a high frequency circuit. The communication device 30 can communicate with the terminal device 100, the cloud server 200, and the EC server 300 via the router R and the network NW.

The motor 36 is, for example, a brushless DC motor, and rotates the drum in both forward and reverse directions.

The rotation sensor 32 is provided on the rotation shaft of the motor 36 and detects the rotational position of the motor 36.

The water level sensor 34 is provided at the top of the housing 1A and detects the level of water stored in the drum.

The water supply valve 38 is, for example, an electromagnetic on-off valve, and is provided within the water supply valve unit 8. Based on control from the control unit 20, the water supply valve 38 is switched between an open state and a closed state. When the water supply valve 38 is in an open state, the tap water supplied to the water supply valve unit 8 is supplied to the water tank via the laundry treatment agent input port 6 or the automatic input mechanism 10.

The drain valve 40 is, for example, an electromagnetic on-off valve, and is provided at the drain port of the water tank. Based on control from the control unit 20, the drain valve 40 is switched between an open state and a closed state. When the drain valve 40 is in an open state, water stored in the water tank is discharged to the outside of the washing machine 1.

The suction port of the circulation pump 42 sucks water stored in the water tank through the filter unit, and circulates the sucked water to the water tank.

The drying unit 44 circulates and supplies hot air into the water tank to dry the clothes. The drying unit 44 includes, for example, a circulation duct, and a blower fan and a heater provided in the circulation duct. The drying unit 44 may, for example, include dehumidification means such as a heat pump provided within the circulation duct.

The control unit 20 controls each mechanism, such as the motor 36, water supply valve 38, drain valve 40, circulation pump 42, etc., according to an operation control program based on, for example, an operation signal from the operation panel 5 by the user and a detection signal from the water level sensor 34. and executes the washing operation consisting of each process such as washing process, rinsing process, dehydration process, etc. In the washing process and the rinsing process, the control unit 20 drives the circulation pump 42 as appropriate while supplying water to a predetermined water level in the water tank, and alternately moves the drum in the forward and reverse directions at a relatively low speed at predetermined time intervals. Controls rotation. The control unit 20 performs control to continuously rotate the drum in one direction at high speed during the dewatering process.

The control unit 20 measures the amount of detergent or fabric softener used by the automatic dosing mechanism 10 during the washing operation, and determines when to order the detergent or fabric softener based on the measured amount of detergent or fabric softener used. The control unit 20 may immediately order the detergent or fabric softener from the EC server 300 based on the amount of detergent or fabric softener used, or specify the delivery date and order the detergent or fabric softener from the EC server 300. You may also place an order with.

The control unit 20 may measure the amount of detergent or fabric softener used during the washing operation, and may issue a notification prompting the user to order the detergent or fabric softener based on the measured amount of detergent or fabric softener used. When the control unit 20 issues a notification prompting the ordering of detergent or fabric softener, for example, the control unit 20 may display a screen for ordering the detergent or fabric softener on the operation panel 5 of the washing machine 1; The terminal device 100 may be instructed to display a screen for ordering fabric softener through the communication device 30.

The control unit 20 determines when to order detergent or softener based on the remaining amount of detergent filled in the detergent tank 11 or the remaining amount of softener filled in the softener tank 12. The control unit 20 may issue a notification prompting the user to order detergent or fabric softener based on the remaining amount of detergent filled in the detergent tank 11 or the remaining amount of fabric softener filled in the fabric softener tank 12. . For example, when the remaining amount of detergent filled in the detergent tank 11 or the remaining amount of detergent filled in the softener tank 12 is less than a predetermined value, the control unit 20 determines when to order detergent or fabric softener. decide. Further, when the remaining amount of the detergent filled in the detergent tank 11 or the remaining amount of the softener filled in the softener tank 12 is less than a remaining amount threshold smaller than a predetermined value, the control unit 20 controls the detergent or It is determined that the remaining amount of softener is insufficient. In the embodiment, the predetermined value and the remaining amount threshold are individually set for each of the detergent and the softener.

When measuring the amount of detergent or softener used, the control unit 20 may accumulate and add the amount of detergent or softener dispensed by the automatic dispense mechanism 10.

When the automatic dosing mechanism 10 has a tank that can be filled with detergent or fabric softener, the control unit 20 measures the amount of detergent or fabric softener used based on the remaining amount of the detergent or fabric softener filled in the tank. Good too. The remaining amount of detergent or fabric softener filled in the tank may be measured, for example, using a pressure sensor that detects the weight of the tank, or by using a float sensor suspended on the surface of the detergent or fabric softener. You can also measure it.

The control unit 20 measures the number of times of washing per day, and determines when to order detergent or fabric softener based on the measured number of times of washing. The control unit 20 may also measure the number of times the laundry is washed in a day, and based on the measured number of times the laundry is washed, send a notification prompting the user to order detergent or fabric softener. One day is an example of a "unit time." The number of washes per day is a parameter that greatly contributes to the amount of detergent or softener used, and the amount of detergent or softener used changes greatly depending on the number of washes per day. The control unit 20 may measure the number of times of washing in a day, for example, by averaging data over a certain measurement period. In this case, the control unit 20 may measure the number of times the laundry is washed in a day, for example, by processing data separately for each season, day of the week, or weekdays/weekends.

The control unit 20 does not determine when to order detergent or fabric softener when a washing operation is performed without automatic injection mechanism 10 automatically dispensing detergent or fabric softener into the water tank. Furthermore, when the washing operation is performed without the automatic injection mechanism 10 automatically adding detergent or fabric softener to the water tank, the control unit 20 does not issue a notification prompting the user to order detergent or fabric softener. For example, in the automatic loading setting shown in FIG. 4, when the amount of detergent or fabric softener dispensed is set to "none," the control unit 20 controls whether the washing operation is performed without automatically dispensing detergent or fabric softener. It is determined that

If the ordering place does not have the detergent or softener in stock, the control unit 20 determines when to order a detergent or softener similar to the ordered detergent or softener. If the ordering place does not have the detergent or softener in stock, the control unit 20 may issue a notification prompting the orderer to order a detergent or softener similar to the ordered detergent or softener. For example, the control unit 20 inquires of the EC server 300 through the communication device 30 whether the detergent or fabric softener is in stock, and based on the information returned from the EC server 300, the controller 20 determines whether the detergent or fabric softener to be ordered is in stock at the ordering party. Determine whether it exists or not. The control unit 20 evaluates the similarity of detergents or fabric softeners based on the characteristics of the detergents or fabric softeners, for example. The characteristics of the detergent include, for example, whether it is a concentrated detergent, whether it is a bleaching detergent, and whether it has additional functions such as antibacterial and sweat resistance. The properties of the softener include, for example, the presence or absence of fragrance and the type of fragrance.

If there is a new detergent or fabric softener to be ordered, the control unit 20 determines when to order the new detergent or fabric softener. If there is a new detergent or fabric softener to be ordered, the control unit 20 may issue a notification prompting the user to order the new detergent or fabric softener. A new product refers to a product that has the same product type as the product to be compared and whose sales start date is newer than that of the product to be compared. For example, the control unit 20 inquires of the EC server 300 through the communication device 30 whether there is a new product detergent or fabric softener, and based on the information returned from the EC server 300, determines whether the new product detergent or fabric softener exists. Determine whether or not.

The control unit 20 analyzes the user's preferences based on the detergent or softener usage history, selects a detergent or softener that matches the user's preferences, and determines when to order the selected detergent or softener. The control unit 20 analyzes the user's preferences based on the detergent or fabric softener usage history, selects a detergent or fabric softener that matches the user's preferences, and issues a notification prompting the user to order the selected detergent or fabric softener. Good too. For example, the control unit 20 may inquire of the cloud server 200 about the status information of the washing machine 1 and analyze the user's preferences based on the information returned from the cloud server 200. User preferences include, for example, detergent or fabric softener characteristics that the user prefers. The characteristics of the detergent include, for example, whether it is a concentrated detergent, whether it is a bleaching detergent, and whether it has additional functions such as antibacterial and sweat resistance. The properties of the softener include, for example, the presence or absence of fragrance and the type of fragrance. For example, the control unit 20 queries the cloud server 200 for status information of a plurality of washing machines 1, statistically processes the status information of the washing machines 1 for each installation area of the washing machines 1, and analyzes user preferences for each area. You may. That is, if the hardness of the water used for washing and the sunlight conditions differ depending on the installation area of the washing machine 1, it becomes possible to analyze the user's preferences taking into account the difference in conditions between areas.

The control unit 20 selects a detergent or fabric softener based on soil components discharged from clothes into a water tank during a washing operation, and determines when to order the selected detergent or fabric softener. The control unit 20 may select a detergent or fabric softener based on soil components discharged from clothes into a water tank during a washing operation, and may issue a notification prompting the user to order the selected detergent or fabric softener. The control unit 20 analyzes the dirt components based on the detection results of the dirt sensor provided in the washing machine 1 . The dirt sensor may be provided in the drain of the washing machine 1 or may be provided in the water tank of the washing machine 1. Dirt components include, for example, sweat and sebum stains. For example, the control unit 20 selects a detergent suitable for cleaning dirt components.

The control unit 20 is capable of executing a plurality of washing courses including a tank cleaning course, and the control unit 20 can execute a plurality of washing courses including a tank cleaning course, and can execute the washing operation from the previous execution of the tank cleaning course until the washing operation is executed a predetermined number of times, or from the previous execution of the tank cleaning course. If the tank cleaning course has not been executed until a predetermined number of days have elapsed since then, a notification is sent to prompt the user to execute the tank cleaning course. The control unit 20 runs the tank cleaning course from the time the tank cleaning course was last executed until the washing operation is performed a predetermined number of times, or until a predetermined number of days have passed since the last time the tank cleaning course was executed. If not, you may order tank cleaners to be used for cleaning aquariums and drums. For example, the control unit 20 inquires of the cloud server 200 about the execution history of the tank cleaning course, and based on the information returned from the cloud server 200, determines whether the washing operation has been executed a predetermined number of times since the previous execution of the tank cleaning course. Alternatively, it is determined whether a predetermined number of days have passed since the tank cleaning course was last executed.

The control unit 20 selects a detergent or softener based on the washing operation history of the washing machine 1, and determines when to order the selected detergent or softener. The control unit 20 may select a detergent or fabric softener based on the washing operation history of the washing machine 1 selected by the user, and may issue a notification prompting the user to order the selected detergent or fabric softener. For example, the control unit 20 inquires of the cloud server 200 about the washing operation history of the washing machine 1 selected by the user, and based on the information returned from the cloud server 200, the washing operation history of the washing machine 1 selected by the user. may be obtained. The control unit 20 may, for example, compare the frequency with which the washing courses have been executed and select a detergent or fabric softener suitable for a washing course that has been executed relatively frequently.

The control unit 20 executes the washing operation a predetermined number of times if a predetermined number of days have not passed since the automatic dosing mechanism 10 was refilled with detergent or softener, or after the automatic dosing mechanism 10 was refilled with detergent or softener. If the remaining amount of detergent filled in the detergent tank 11 or the remaining amount of softener filled in the softener tank 12 is less than a predetermined value, the timing for ordering detergent or fabric softener is determined. Not decided. That is, if the remaining amount of the detergent filled in the detergent tank 11 or the remaining amount of the softener filled in the softener tank 12 suddenly decreases, and it is considered that the user has discarded the detergent or softener for some reason, , do not prompt you to order detergent or fabric softener. The control unit 20 executes the washing operation a predetermined number of times if a predetermined number of days have not passed since the automatic dosing mechanism 10 was refilled with detergent or softener, or after the automatic dosing mechanism 10 was refilled with detergent or softener. If not, and the remaining amount of detergent filled in the detergent tank 11 or the remaining amount of softener filled in the softener tank 12 is less than a predetermined value, a notification prompting to order detergent or fabric softener. It is not necessary to do this. For example, the control unit 20 determines whether the automatic dosing mechanism 10 has been replenished with detergent or softener, based on the detection result of a replenishment sensor provided in the washing machine 1. The replenishment sensor is, for example, a sensor that detects the opening/closing operation of the lid 14 of the automatic loading mechanism 10.

[4. Order processing control flow]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the main control flow of order processing. First, the control unit 20 sets conditions regarding washing (S10). Conditions related to washing include, for example, setting information regarding a washing course and automatic injection of detergent or softener. Then, the control unit 20 executes the washing operation under the set conditions (S12). The control unit 20 also acquires the amount of detergent or softener used when the washing operation is executed (S14).

If the remaining amount calculated from the amount of detergent or fabric softener used is less than a predetermined value (S16: YES), the control unit 20 determines when to order the detergent or fabric softener, or orders the detergent or fabric softener. A notification prompting the user to do so is executed (S18), and the processing of this flowchart ends. On the other hand, if the remaining amount of detergent is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (S16: NO), the control unit 20 ends the process of this flowchart without going through the process of S18.

[5. advantage]
The washing machine 1 of this embodiment measures the amount of detergent or fabric softener used during washing operations, and determines when to order detergent or fabric softener based on the measured amount of detergent or fabric softener used, or , send a notification to order detergent or fabric softener. According to such a configuration, it becomes easier to order detergent or softener before the remaining amount of detergent or softener runs out. Thereby, by calculating the remaining amount of detergent or softener based on the usage history, the remaining amount of detergent or softener can be ensured, and the washing operation can be continued. Note that when ordering detergent or fabric softener, delivery takes time, so if the number of washings or the amount of detergent or fabric softener used is large, the detergent or fabric softener may be used up. In contrast, the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment measures the amount of detergent or fabric softener used to determine when to place an order, so the washing machine 1 can place an order before the washing machine 1 detects that the amount remaining is low. This prevents you from running out of detergent or fabric softener.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 20 measures the number of washes per day, and based on the measured number of washes, determines when to order detergent or fabric softener, or sends a notification prompting ordering detergent or fabric softener. I do. According to such a configuration, it becomes easier to predict the amount of detergent or softener to be used, and it becomes possible to order detergent or softener at an appropriate timing.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 20 does not decide when to order the detergent or fabric softener when the washing operation is performed without the automatic injection mechanism 10 automatically dispensing the detergent or fabric softener into the water tank. Or not giving notice to order fabric softener. If the automatic loading is canceled and the washing operation is being performed, there is a possibility that a different detergent or fabric softener is being manually added than the one that is automatically added, and the user is not using the detergent or fabric softener that is used for the washing operation. It is assumed that you are trying to switch detergents or fabric softeners. Therefore, according to such a configuration, even if the remaining amount of automatically dispensed detergent or softener becomes low, it is possible to prevent the user from being prompted to order detergent or softener against his/her intention.

In the present embodiment, if the ordering company does not have the detergent or fabric softener in stock, the control unit 20 determines when to order a detergent or fabric softener similar to the ordered detergent or fabric softener, or Providing a notice to order detergent or fabric softener that is similar to the detergent or fabric softener. According to such a configuration, it is possible to reliably order detergent and fabric softener.

In the present embodiment, if there is a new detergent or fabric softener among the detergents or fabric softeners to be ordered, the control unit 20 determines when to order the new detergent or fabric softener, or determines when to order the new detergent or fabric softener. Or send a notice to order fabric softener. According to such a configuration, it becomes easier to order detergents or softeners with higher functionality.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 20 analyzes the user's preferences based on the detergent or fabric softener usage history, selects a detergent or fabric softener that matches the user's preferences, and orders the selected detergent or fabric softener. Decide on the timing or send a notification to order the selected detergent or fabric softener. According to such a configuration, it becomes easier to order detergents or softeners that match the user's preferences.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 20 selects a detergent or fabric softener based on the dirt components discharged into the aquarium, and determines when to order the selected detergent or fabric softener, or determines when to order the selected detergent or fabric softener. Notifications will be sent to prompt customers to place orders. According to such a configuration, it becomes easier to order a detergent or softener suitable for removing stain components.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 20 controls the time period from the last execution of the tank cleaning course until the washing operation is executed a predetermined number of times, or until the elapse of a predetermined number of days after the last execution of the tank cleaning course. , If the tank cleaning course has not been executed, a notification prompting the user to execute the tank cleaning course is given, or a laundry treatment agent used for cleaning the tank and drum is ordered. According to such a configuration, the water tank and the drum can be reliably washed at desired timing.

In this embodiment, the control unit 20 selects a detergent or fabric softener based on the laundry operation history selected by the user, determines when to order the selected detergent or fabric softener, or determines when to order the selected detergent or fabric softener. A notification will be sent to prompt the ordering of the drug. According to such a configuration, it becomes easier to order detergents or softeners that match the user's usage situation.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 20 controls whether a predetermined number of days have elapsed since the detergent or fabric softener was added to the automatic injection mechanism 10, or when the detergent or fabric softener was added to the automatic injection mechanism 10. If the operation has not been performed a predetermined number of times and the remaining amount of detergent filled in the detergent tank 11 or the remaining amount of softener filled in the softener tank 12 is less than a predetermined value, the detergent or fabric softener or notify you to order detergent or fabric softener. That is, if the remaining amount of the detergent filled in the detergent tank 11 or the remaining amount of the softener filled in the softener tank 12 suddenly decreases, and it is considered that the user has discarded the detergent or softener for some reason, , do not prompt you to order detergent or fabric softener. Therefore, it becomes easier to order detergents or fabric softeners that match the user's actual usage.

Although several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Washing machine, 1A... Housing, 10... Automatic loading mechanism, 11... Detergent tank, 12... Softener tank, 100... Terminal device, 200... Cloud server, 300... EC server.

Claims (9)

A casing containing an aquarium;
an automatic dosing mechanism that automatically throws a laundry treatment agent into the water tank;
controlling the washing operation in the water tank, measuring the usage amount of the laundry treatment agent during the washing operation, and determining the time to order the laundry treatment agent based on the measured usage amount of the laundry treatment agent; or a control unit that issues a notification prompting the ordering of the laundry treatment agent ;
Equipped with
The automatic loading mechanism has a tank filled with the laundry treatment agent,
The control unit includes:
Replenishing the tank after a predetermined number of days have passed since the automatic loading mechanism was replenished with the laundry treatment agent, or after a predetermined number of washing operations have been performed since the automatic loading mechanism was replenished with the laundry treatment agent. If the remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent is less than a predetermined value, determining the time to order the laundry treatment agent, or providing a notification prompting the ordering of the laundry treatment agent,
Before the predetermined number of days have elapsed since the automatic loading mechanism was replenished with the laundry treatment agent, or before the washing operation was performed the predetermined number of times after the automatic loading mechanism was replenished with the laundry treatment agent, When the remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent replenished in the tank becomes less than the predetermined value, the timing for ordering the laundry treatment agent is not determined, or the notification prompting the ordering of the laundry treatment agent is not issued. ,
washing machine. The control unit measures the number of washes per unit time, and based on the measured number of washes, determines when to order the laundry treatment agent, or issues a notification urging ordering the laundry treatment agent.
A washing machine according to claim 1. When a washing operation is performed without the laundry treatment agent being automatically added to the water tank by the automatic loading mechanism, the control unit may not decide when to order the laundry treatment agent, or may not decide when to order the laundry treatment agent. Do not send notifications prompting orders;
A washing machine according to claim 1 or claim 2. The control unit determines when to order a laundry treatment agent similar to the ordered laundry treatment agent, if the ordering party does not have the laundry treatment agent in stock, or determines when to order a laundry treatment agent similar to the ordered laundry treatment agent. send notifications urging customers to order laundry treatment agents,
A washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3. If a new laundry treatment agent is included in the laundry treatment agents to be ordered, the control unit determines when to order the new laundry treatment agent, or determines when to order the new laundry treatment agent. send prompt notifications,
A washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The control unit analyzes the user's preferences based on the usage history of the laundry treatment agent, selects a laundry treatment agent that matches the user's preferences, and determines when to order the selected laundry treatment agent. Or, send a notification urging the customer to order the selected laundry treatment agent.
A washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5. Further comprising a dirt sensor that detects dirt components discharged into the water tank during washing operation,
The control unit selects a laundry treatment agent based on the dirt component detected by the dirt sensor, and determines when to order the selected laundry treatment agent, or controls the ordering of the selected laundry treatment agent. send prompt notifications,
A washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The control unit is capable of executing a plurality of washing courses including a tank cleaning course for cleaning the aquarium, and the washing operation is executed a predetermined number of times after the tank cleaning course is executed last time, or If the tank cleaning course has not been executed for a predetermined number of days since the tank cleaning course was last executed, a notification prompting the user to execute the tank cleaning course, or ordering laundry treatment agents used for cleaning
A washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The control unit selects the laundry treatment agent based on the laundry operation history selected by the user, and determines when to order the selected laundry treatment agent, or prompts to order the selected laundry treatment agent. give notice;
A washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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