CN112981856A

CN112981856A - Management device for washing machine and automatic ordering system for washing machine consumables

Info

Publication number: CN112981856A
Application number: CN202010953360.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 高田健太郎; 森岛彰俊; 长谷川亮; 笠原贤哉; 上野真司; 林祐太朗; 吉野知也; 根间大贵; 中泽健次
Original assignee: Hitachi Global Life Solutions Inc
Current assignee: Hitachi Global Life Solutions Inc
Priority date: 2019-12-18
Filing date: 2020-09-11
Publication date: 2021-06-18
Also published as: JP2021096678A

Abstract

The invention provides a management device for a washing machine, which can order washing processing liquid properly. It constitutes and includes: a ordering necessity determining unit that receives an automatic input parameter indicating a state of the automatic input from a washing machine having an input device for automatically inputting the washing processing liquid stored in the cartridge to a washing tub, and determines whether to order the washing processing liquid based on the automatic input parameter; an ordering processing unit configured to perform an ordering process of the washing processing liquid when the determination of the ordering necessity determining unit is affirmative; and a total residual amount calculation unit for calculating the total residual amount based on the pre-stored total residual amount of the washing processing liquid and the automatic input parameter.

Description

Management device for washing machine and automatic ordering system for washing machine consumables

Technical Field

The invention relates to a management device for a washing machine and an automatic ordering system for consumables of the washing machine.

Background

As background art in this field, the following patent document 1 is described in its abstract as follows: "an ordering system for ordering consumables of home appliances, comprising: a home appliance including a sensor for detecting a home appliance body and a usage state of a consumable part of the home appliance body, a control unit for calculating state information of the consumable part based on information detected by the sensor, and a communication processing unit for transmitting the state information to the outside; a communication terminal including a communication processing unit that receives status information transmitted from the communication processing unit of the home appliance and transmits the information to the outside; and an EC site server configured to transmit and receive information to and from the communication processing unit of the communication terminal via the wide area public network, wherein the home appliance is configured to transmit the status information to the communication terminal at a time when the usage amount of the consumable part is determined.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2018-73007

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

There is known a washing machine which automatically feeds a washing treatment liquid such as a detergent or a softener into a washing tub. However, in patent document 1, the ordering of the washing treatment liquid is not described in particular. In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine management device, a washing machine consumable supply automatic ordering system, and a program that can appropriately order a washing treatment liquid.

Means for solving the problems

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a management device for a washing machine, comprising: a ordering necessity determining unit that receives an automatic input parameter indicating a state of the automatic input from a washing machine having an input device for automatically inputting the washing processing liquid stored in the cartridge to a washing tub, and determines whether to order the washing processing liquid based on the automatic input parameter; an ordering processing unit configured to perform an ordering process of the washing processing liquid when the determination of the ordering necessity determining unit is affirmative; and a total residual amount calculation unit for calculating the total residual amount based on the pre-stored total residual amount of the washing processing liquid and the automatic input parameter.

In addition, the present invention provides an automatic ordering system for a washing machine consumable supply, comprising: a washing machine having an injector for automatically injecting the washing treatment liquid stored in the cartridge into the washing tub; and a management device for a washing machine for controlling the washing machine, the management device for a washing machine comprising: a ordering necessity determining unit that receives an automatic input parameter indicating a state of the automatic input from the washing machine and determines whether to order the washing treatment liquid based on the automatic input parameter; an ordering processing unit configured to perform an ordering process of the washing processing liquid when the determination of the ordering necessity determining unit is affirmative; a total residual amount calculation unit for calculating a total residual amount based on a pre-stored total residual amount of the washing processing liquid and the automatic input parameter; and an ordering processing unit that performs an ordering process of the washing processing liquid when the determination by the ordering necessity determining unit is affirmative.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

According to the present invention, the washing treatment liquid can be ordered appropriately.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an automatic ordering system for consumables of a washing machine according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a flowchart of a washing process routine.

Fig. 3 is a flow diagram of a subscription management processing routine.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of display of the terminal device.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing another display example of the terminal device.

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a package applied to a detergent or a softener according to embodiment 2.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart of a subscription management processing routine of embodiment 2.

Fig. 8 is a block diagram of a laundry machine consumable supply automatic ordering system according to embodiment 3 of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a flowchart of a subscription management processing routine of embodiment 3 of the present invention.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart of the total remaining amount operation processing routine.

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing another display example of the terminal device.

Description of the reference numerals

Automatic ordering system for washing machine consumables

10 washing machine

12 control part

14 washing tub

20 detergent box (box)

27 detergent feeder (feeder)

28 liquid amount detecting part

32 detergent (washing treatment liquid)

34 softener (washing treatment liquid)

40 terminal device (management device for washing machine, computer)

44 reserve number command value input unit

46 reset part

48 washing treatment liquid selecting part

50 management server (management device for washing machine, computer)

order-to-No judgment part 52 (order-to-No judgment unit)

Order processing part 54 (order processing unit)

56 cumulative usage amount calculation unit

58 database

59 Total residual quantity calculating part

60 EC server

70 communication network

80 bag

Delta V input (automatic input parameters)

Cumulative amount of Vac used

Vest estimate the amount of liquid in the cassette

Vmin remaining threshold

Vmsd measuring the amount of liquid in the box (automatic input parameter)

Vmsd' measure the amount of fluid in the cassette (after fluid replenishment)

Previous volume of fluid in Vmsdmem cassette

Vtotal remaining amount

Vtmin subscription remainder threshold

Vord order volume

Update correction value for Vrev total remaining amount

Detailed Description

[ embodiment 1 ]

Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a laundry machine consumable automatic ordering system 1 of embodiment 1 of the present invention.

In fig. 1, a washing machine consumable supply automatic ordering system 1 includes a washing machine 10, a terminal device 40 (a management device for a washing machine, a computer), a management server 50 (a management device for a washing machine, a computer), and an EC server 60, which are capable of communicating with each other via a communication network 70. The washing machine 10 includes an operation display panel 11, a control part 12, a tub 14, a weight metering part 16, a detergent input part 18D, and a softener input part 18S.

In the washing machine 10, the control unit 12 includes a CPU (central Processing unit), a ram (random Access memory), a ROM (read Only memory) and the like as hardware of a general computer, and the ROM stores a control program executed by the CPU, various data and the like. Thus, the control unit 12 controls each unit in the washing machine 10. Under the control of the control unit 12, the operation display panel 11 displays various information to the user. The operation display panel 11 inputs various commands to the control unit 12 based on user operations.

The washing tub 14 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and laundry (not shown) is put in by a user. The weight measuring part 16 measures the weight of the laundry put into the tub 14. The detergent dispenser 18D dispenses the detergent 32 (washing liquid) into the washing tub 14 under the control of the controller 12. Similarly, the softener dispenser 18S dispenses the softener 34 (washing treatment liquid) into the washing tub 14 under the control of the controller 12.

The detergent input unit 18D includes a detergent box 20 (box), a float support 22, a float 24, a detergent input device 27 (input device), and a liquid amount detection unit 28. The detergent box 20 stores detergent 32 as a liquid detergent. Float 24 is rotatably supported by float support 22. Float 24 floats on detergent 32, and magnet 24a is embedded therein.

When the liquid amount of the detergent 32 in the detergent box 20 becomes the maximum liquid amount Vmax, the float 24 rotates to the position P1. On the other hand, when the liquid amount of the detergent 32 becomes the remaining amount threshold Vmin, the float 24 rotates to the position P2. Further, the remaining amount threshold Vmin is a value as a reference when ordering or replenishing the detergent 32.

The liquid amount detector 28 detects the position of the magnet 24a, thereby detecting the liquid amount of the detergent 32. The liquid amount detected by the liquid amount detector 28 is referred to as "liquid amount in measurement cassette Vmsd (automatic input parameter)". The control unit 12 determines the amounts of the detergent 32 and the softener 34 to be put in, based on the weight of the laundry detected by the weight measuring unit 16. When the input amount Δ V of the detergent 32 is designated by the control unit 12, the detergent input unit 27 inputs the input amount Δ V of the detergent 32 into the washing tub 14.

The softener feeding section 18S includes the same components (not shown) as the components 20 to 28 of the detergent feeding section 18D. The softener dispenser 18S stores the softener 34 in place of the detergent 32, and when the amount of the softener 34 to be dispensed is designated by the controller 12, the softener 34 is dispensed into the washing tub 14.

The terminal device 40 is an information processing device such as a smartphone, and includes a touch panel 42 operated by a user. The touch panel 42 includes a flat panel display (no reference numeral) and a touch sensor (no reference numeral) attached to a surface thereof. The management server 50 performs an ordering process of the detergent 32, the conditioner 34, etc. according to the status of the washing machine 10. The EC server 60 performs an e-commerce transaction based on the order from the management server 50.

The terminal device 40, the management server 50, and the EC server 60 each include hardware of a general computer such as a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and an SSD (Solid State Drive) in which an os (operating system), an application program, various data, and the like are stored. The OS and application programs are deployed in RAM and executed by the CPU.

In fig. 1, the inside of the terminal device 40 and the inside of the management server 50 other than the touch panel 42 represent functions realized by an application program or the like as blocks.

That is, the management server 50 includes an order-to-be-rejected determination section 52 (order-to-be-rejected determination means), an order processing section 54 (order processing means), an accumulated usage amount calculation section 56, and a database 58. The ordering decision part 52 decides whether to order the detergent 32 or the conditioner 34 based on the state of the washing machine 10. If the ordering decision unit 52 decides that the detergent 32 or the conditioner 34 should be ordered, the ordering processing unit 54 communicates with the EC server 60 via the communication network 70 to perform the ordering processing of the detergent 32 or the conditioner 34.

The cumulative usage calculating unit 56 calculates the cumulative usage after the detergent 32 or the softener 34 is filled in the detergent box 20, etc., and calculates the estimated box liquid amount of the detergent 32 or the softener 34 remaining in the detergent box 20, etc. The database 58 stores trademarks such as trade names of packages of a plurality of detergents and softeners to be automatically ordered, package capacity, input amount of laundry per unit weight, manufacturer names of sold detergents and softeners, and the like.

The terminal device 40 includes a reserve number command value input unit 44, a reset unit 46, and a washing treatment liquid selection unit 48. When the reserve number command value (the number of reserves to be reserved) of the detergent 32 or the softener 34 is input, the reserve number command value input unit 44 notifies the management server 50 of the reserve number command value based on the operation of the user. The reset unit 46 also gives an instruction to the management server 50 to reset the accumulated usage amount based on the operation of the user. The washing treatment liquid selector 48 selects the detergent 32 or the softener 34 to be automatically ordered from among the plurality of candidates stored in the database 58 based on the user's operation.

Action of embodiment 1

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. In the operations described below, the operations related to the detergent 32 will be mainly described, and the operations related to the softener 34 will sometimes be omitted, but the same processing as that of the detergent 32 is performed on the softener 34.

(treatment of washing machine 10)

Fig. 2 is a flowchart of a washing process routine executed in the control section 12 of the washing machine 10.

For example, the routine is started when the user puts laundry into the washing tub 14 of the washing machine 10 and performs a predetermined washing start operation on the operation display panel 11 (see fig. 1). In fig. 2, when the process proceeds to step S50, the control unit 12 acquires the weight of the laundry based on the detection signal of the weight measuring unit 16. Next, when the process proceeds to step S52, the control unit 12 obtains the measurement cassette liquid volume Vmsd from the liquid volume detection unit 28 of the detergent input unit 18D.

Next, when the process proceeds to step S54, the control unit 12 calculates the amount Δ V of detergent to be put in (automatic putting parameter) based on the weight of the laundry acquired before. Next, when the process proceeds to step S56, the control unit 12 transmits the measurement cassette liquid volume Vmsd and the input volume Δ V to the management server 50 via the communication network 70. Next, when the process proceeds to step S58, the control unit 12 executes a washing process for washing the laundry, and ends the routine.

(management server 50 processing of washing machine 10)

Fig. 3 is a flowchart of a subscription management processing routine executed in the management server 50.

As described above, in step S56 of the washing process routine (fig. 2), the liquid amount Vmsd in the measurement box and the input amount Δ V are transmitted from the washing machine 10 to the management server 50. The order management processing routine (fig. 3) is started after the management server 50 receives the liquid amount Vmsd in the measurement cassette and the input amount Δ V.

In fig. 3, when the process proceeds to step S12, the order necessity determining unit 52 (see fig. 1) determines whether or not the liquid amount Vmsd in the measurement cassette is equal to the maximum liquid amount Vmax (see fig. 1). Here, if it is determined as "Yes", the process proceeds to step S14, and the variable, i.e., the accumulated usage amount Vac, is reset to "0". On the other hand, if "No" is determined in step S12, step S14 is skipped. Here, the accumulated usage Vac is a value obtained by accumulating the input amount Δ V after the measurement tank liquid amount Vmsd is equal to the maximum liquid amount Vmax.

Next, when the process proceeds to step S16, the cumulative-use-amount calculation unit 56 (see fig. 1) adds the cumulative use amount Vac to the input amount Δ V received before. Then, the accumulated usage amount calculation unit 56 sets a value obtained by subtracting the accumulated usage amount Vac from the maximum liquid amount Vmax as a variable of the estimated in-box liquid amount Vest. Next, when the process proceeds to step S18, the order-required determining unit 52 (see fig. 1) determines whether or not the measurement cassette liquid amount Vmsd is lower than the remaining amount threshold Vmin. Here, if it is determined as "No", the process proceeds to step S20, and the order-desiring determination section 52 (see fig. 1) determines whether or not the estimated cartridge liquid amount Vest is lower than the remaining amount threshold Vmin. Also, here, if it is determined as "No", the process proceeds to step S22.

In step S22, the to-do-order determination section 52 records the flag 'H' in the stack. This operation will be described. A stack (not shown) is secured in the storage area of the management server 50. In the stack, a flag 'H' or 'L' is recorded every time the subscription management processing routine (fig. 3) is started. Here, the flag 'H' indicates that "Vmsd. gtoreq.Vmin" and "Vest. gtoreq.Vmin" are both satisfied. On the other hand, the flag 'L' indicates that "Vmsd < Vmin" or "Vest < Vmin" is satisfied. When the process of step S22 ends, it is determined that "no order is required" for the detergent, and therefore the process of this routine ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined as "Yes" in either of the step S18 or the step S20, the process advances to a step S24. In step S24, the to-do-order determination section 52 records the flag 'L' in the stack. Next, when the process proceeds to step S26, the required subscription judging section 52 judges whether or not the flag at the time of the last startup of the subscription management processing routine (fig. 3) is 'L'. Here, if it is determined as "Yes", the process of the present routine is ended. On the other hand, if it is determined as "No", the process proceeds to step S28, and the ordering processing part 54 performs an ordering process of ordering the detergent.

In this ordering process, when automatic ordering of detergent is permitted (details described later), the order processing unit 54 communicates with the EC server 60 to automatically order detergent in units of a package. On the other hand, in the case where the automatic ordering is not allowed, the automatic ordering of the detergent is not performed.

In this case, for example, the detergent or the like is ordered based on a manual operation of the terminal device 40 by the user. In addition, when the automatic ordering is permitted, the user can specify the reserve number instruction value (the reserve number to be reserved). In the case where the reserve number instruction value is not specified, the ordering processing portion 54 orders a prescribed number (for example, one pack) of detergents. On the other hand, if the reserve number command value is designated, the ordering processing part 54 orders the detergent in an amount corresponding to the reserve number command value, for example, an amount that realizes the reserve in the same amount as the reserve number command value. Alternatively, the order processing unit 54 orders the detergent at a predetermined timing corresponding to the reserve number instruction value without changing the number to be ordered. Through the above steps, the processing of the present routine is ended. Further, in the ordering process of step S28, automatic ordering is not performed along with a confirmation operation or an authentication operation of the user. This eliminates the trouble of the user in performing the confirmation operation or the verification operation.

As described above, in steps S18, S20, both the measurement cartridge liquid amount Vmsd and the estimated cartridge liquid amount Vest are compared with the remaining amount threshold Vmin. This is because the ordering process of step S28 can be performed even when either the measurement cassette liquid amount Vmsd or the estimated cassette liquid amount Vest is an incorrect value. For example, when the float 24 (see fig. 1) is caught on something, an incorrect measurement cassette liquid amount Vmsd may be output from the liquid amount detection unit 28. In addition, if the user erroneously fills the detergent 32 into the detergent box 20 in the case where the actual liquid amount of the detergent 32 is higher than the remaining amount threshold Vmin, an incorrect estimated box liquid amount Vest will be calculated in step S16. According to the present embodiment, even in such a case, if at least one of the measured tank liquid amount Vmsd and the estimated tank liquid amount Vest is correct, the detergent 32 can be automatically ordered appropriately.

(processing of terminal device 40)

Fig. 4 and 5 are diagrams showing examples of display of the terminal device 40.

When a predetermined washing machine management application is started in the terminal device 40, a top screen D1 shown in fig. 4, for example, is displayed on the touch panel 42 of the terminal device 40. The top screen D1 includes a notification setting button 102, a detergent-softener brand setting button 104, and a detergent-softener automatic order setting button 106. When the user clicks the notification setting button 102, the terminal device 40 causes the touch panel 42 to display a notification setting screen (not shown). In the notification setting screen, whether or not to notify the user of the order state of the detergent, softener, or the like can be set.

In addition, in the top screen D1 of fig. 4, when the user clicks the detergent-conditioner auto-ordering setting button 106, an auto-ordering setting screen D2, such as that shown in fig. 4, is displayed on the touch panel 42. The automatic ordering setting screen D2 includes a detergent ordering setting field 110 and a softener ordering setting field 130. The detergent ordering setting field 110 includes an automatic ordering permission/non-permission display field 112, a reserve number setting field 114, a reserve maintenance permission/non-permission setting button 116, and a remaining amount measurement reset button 118.

The automatic ordering permission or non-permission display section 112 displays whether or not the automatic ordering of the detergent is permitted. The illustrated example is a display example in the case of allowing automatic ordering of detergent. When the user clicks the automatic ordering permission/non-permission display section 112, the permission/non-permission state of the automatic ordering of the detergent can be switched. The reserve permission/non-permission setting button 116 is a button for setting whether to reserve detergent. In the illustrated example, "reserve of detergent" is designated. In addition, the reserve number setting column 114 is a column for inputting a reserve number command value of detergent to the reserve number command value input unit 44 (see fig. 1) and displaying the reserve number command value when the detergent is reserved.

The remaining amount measurement reset button 118 is a button for designating the resetting of the accumulated usage amount Vac (see fig. 3 and S16) to "0" to the resetting unit 46 (see fig. 1).

The remaining amount measurement reset button 118 can be operated when the user erroneously supplies detergent to the detergent box 20 (see fig. 1) even though the liquid amount Vmsd in the measurement box is larger than the remaining amount threshold Vmin. The remaining amount measurement reset button 118 can be operated when the brand is changed to a new detergent. Alternatively, the operation is performed when the user erroneously supplies detergent to the detergent box 20 (see fig. 1) even though the measurement box liquid amount Vmsd is larger than the remaining amount threshold Vmin.

In addition, the softener order setting field 130 includes an automatic order permission/non-permission display field 132, a hold reserve permission/non-permission setting button 136, and a remaining amount measurement reset button 138. The automatic ordering permission/non-permission display section 132 displays whether or not the automatic ordering of the softener is permitted. The illustrated example is a display example in the case where automatic ordering of the conditioner is not allowed. When the user clicks the automatic ordering permission/non-permission display section 132, the permission/non-permission state of the automatic ordering of the softener can be switched.

In addition, the reserve allowance setting button 136 is a button for setting whether or not to reserve the reserve of the softener. In the illustrated example, "no softener reserve" is specified. When the reserve allowance setting button 136 is operated to designate "reserve of softener", a reserve number setting field (not shown) similar to the reserve number setting field 114 is also displayed next to the reserve allowance setting button 136. In addition, the remaining amount measurement reset button 138 is a button that specifies resetting the cumulative usage amount (not shown) of the softener to "0".

In addition, in the top screen D1 of fig. 4, when the user clicks the detergent-softener brand setting button 104, a selection screen D3, such as the detergent manufacturer name shown in fig. 5, is displayed on the touch panel 42. The detergent manufacturer name selection screen D3 includes a "self-setting" button 152, detergent

manufacturer selection buttons

154, 156, 158, and a softener selection button 159.

The detergent

manufacturer selection buttons

154, 156, 158 correspond to detergent manufacturers recorded in the database 58 (refer to fig. 1). When the user clicks any one of the detergent

manufacturer selection buttons

154, 156, 158, the detergent pack selection screen D4 corresponding to the detergent manufacturer is displayed on the touch panel 42.

In addition, when the user wants to use a detergent pack that is not yet registered in the database 58, the user may click the "self-setting" button 152. When the "self-setting" button 152 is clicked, a "self-setting" screen (not shown) is displayed on the touch panel 42. In this "self-setting" screen, the user can set the capacity of the detergent pack, the amount of detergent put into the laundry per unit weight, and the like by himself/herself.

When the user clicks the softener selection button 159 on the detergent manufacturer name selection screen D3, a selection screen (not shown) for the softener manufacturer name is displayed on the touch panel 42. The softener manufacturer name selection screen (not shown) includes a "self-setting" button for designating the softener packaging capacity and the like as in the "self-setting" button 152, a softener manufacturer selection button for selecting a softener manufacturer as in the detergent

manufacturer selection buttons

154, 156, and 158, and a detergent selection button for displaying the detergent manufacturer name and the like selection screen D3 on the touch panel 42.

The detergent pack selection screen D4 of fig. 5 includes a plurality of detergent pack selection buttons 172 to 178 and a setting button 180. The detergent pack selection buttons 172 to 178 correspond to detergent packs sold by the detergent manufacturer (in the example shown in the figure, product a selected by the detergent manufacturer selection button 154) selected on the selection screen D3 such as the name of the detergent manufacturer. In addition, in the case where a detergent manufacturer sells a certain detergent pack in two ways of "one pack" and "two packs", the "one pack" and "two packs" are handled as another detergent pack in the detergent pack selection screen D4.

When the user clicks the detergent pack selection buttons 172 to 178, a corresponding detergent pack is selected. When the user clicks the setting button 180 in this state, the washing treatment liquid selection unit 48 (see fig. 1) notifies the management server 50 of the selected detergent pack. Then, the management server 50 sets the notified detergent pack as the detergent pack ordered in the ordering process of step S28 (see fig. 3).

Effects of embodiment 1

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the management device (40, 50) for a washing machine includes: a required ordering judgment unit (52) that receives an automatic input parameter (Vmsd, Δ V) indicating the state of automatic input from the washing machine (10), and judges whether to order the washing processing liquid (32) based on the automatic input parameter (Vmsd, Δ V); and an ordering processing unit (54) for performing an ordering process of the washing processing liquid (32) by the ordering processing unit (54) when the judgment of the ordering necessity judging unit (52) is affirmative. Thereby, the washing processing liquid (32) can be ordered properly.

The management device (40, 50) for the washing machine further comprises a washing treatment liquid selection unit (48), and the washing treatment liquid selection unit (48) selects the washing treatment liquid (32) from a plurality of candidates. Thus, the user can select a desired candidate as the automatically ordered washing processing liquid (32).

The management device (40, 50) for washing machine further comprises a reserve number command value input unit (44), wherein the reserve number command value input unit (44) inputs a reserve number command value, which is the number of the washing treatment liquid (32) packs (80), and the ordering processing unit (54) orders the packs (80) according to the number of the reserve number command value. Thus, the user can keep the reserve of the washing processing liquid (32) corresponding to the reserve number instruction value. The order processing unit (54) can order a predetermined number of orders at a predetermined time corresponding to the package (80).

The management device (40, 50) for a washing machine further includes an accumulated usage amount calculation unit (56) and a reset unit (46), wherein the accumulated usage amount calculation unit (56) calculates an accumulated usage amount (Vac) of the washing processing liquid (32) after the washing processing liquid (32) is filled in the cartridge (20), and the reset unit (46) resets the accumulated usage amount (Vac) based on an operation by a user. Thus, the accumulated usage amount (Vac) can be reset when the user fills the cartridge (20) with the washing processing liquid (32) at an incorrect time.

The automatic input parameter (Vmsd, Δ V) includes a measurement box liquid amount (Vmsd) which is an actually measured value of the washing processing liquid (32) stored in the box (20) and an input amount (Δ V) of the washing processing liquid (32) input into the washing tub (14) by the input device (27), the accumulated usage amount calculation unit (56) further includes a function of calculating an estimated box liquid amount (Vest) based on the accumulated usage amount (Vac), the order necessity judgment unit (52) judges negative when the measurement box liquid amount (Vmsd) is equal to or more than a predetermined remaining amount threshold value (Vmin) and the estimated box liquid amount (Vest) is equal to or more than the remaining amount threshold value (Vmin), and judges positive when the measurement box liquid amount (Vmsd) is less than the predetermined remaining amount threshold value (Vmin) or the estimated box liquid amount (Vest) is less than the remaining amount threshold value (Vmin). Thus, even when the amount of liquid in the measurement tank (Vmsd) or the amount of liquid in the estimation tank (Vest) is an incorrect value, the washing treatment liquid (32) can be appropriately ordered.

[ 2 nd embodiment ]

Next, an automatic ordering system for consumables of a washing machine according to embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. The hardware configuration of the automatic ordering system for laundry machine consumables according to embodiment 2 is the same as that of embodiment 1.

However, the present embodiment also corresponds to a case where the capacity of the detergent pack is larger than the capacity of the detergent box 20 (see fig. 1).

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a package 80 applied to a detergent or a softener according to the present embodiment.

The amount of liquid initially filled in the new pack 80 is referred to as a pack volume Vc. The maximum liquid amount that can fill the liquid amount of the detergent box 20 or the conditioner box from the remaining amount threshold Vmin to the maximum liquid amount Vmax at a time is referred to as a filling liquid amount Va. Fig. 6 shows a state where the remaining liquid amount becomes Vb by subtracting the filling liquid amount Va from the bag 80.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart of a subscription management processing routine executed in the management server 50 of the present embodiment. In fig. 7, the contents of steps S2 to S26 are the same as those in embodiment 1 (see fig. 3), and therefore, the description thereof is omitted. In the present embodiment, if it is determined as "No" in step S26 (if the flag when the order management processing routine (fig. 7) was started last time is "H"), the process proceeds to step S30, and the count value Ct is incremented by "1". Here, the count value Ct is a variable for counting the number of times the flag 'H' becomes the flag 'L' after ordering the detergent pack.

If determined as "Yes" in step S26, the step S30 is skipped. Subsequently, when the process proceeds to step S32, it is determined whether "Ct-reserve number ≦ Vc/Va" holds. Here, if it is determined as "Yes", the process of the present routine is ended. On the other hand, if it is determined as "No", the process proceeds to step S34, and an ordering process of ordering detergent is performed. The content of the ordering process is the same as in the above-described embodiment 1, but the count value Ct is further reset to "0" in step S34 of the present embodiment, and the process of the present routine is ended. In the above-described order management processing routine (fig. 7), the automatic ordering of the detergent is described, but the same processing as the detergent is performed for the softener.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the same effects as those of embodiment 1 are exhibited. Further, according to the present embodiment, the ordering process is performed based on the count value Ct, the capacity Vc, and the filling liquid amount Va. Thus, even in the case of applying the package 80 having the package capacity Vc larger than the filling liquid amount Va, the detergent and the softener can be automatically ordered appropriately.

[ modified examples ]

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. The above-described embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and are not limited to including all the configurations described. Further, a part of the structure of one embodiment may be replaced with the structure of another embodiment, or the structure of another embodiment may be added to the structure of one embodiment. Further, a part of the configuration of each embodiment may be deleted, or another configuration may be added or replaced. The control lines and information lines shown in the drawings indicate information that is considered necessary for explanation, and do not necessarily indicate all the control lines and information lines necessary for a product. It is also contemplated that virtually all structures may be connected to each other. Possible modifications to the above-described embodiment are described below, for example.

(1) In the above embodiments, the examples in which the detergent or the softener is used have been described as examples of the washing treatment liquid, but the present invention can also be applied to washing treatment liquids other than the detergent and the softener.

(2) In the ordering process (steps S28, S34) of each of the above embodiments, automatic ordering is performed without accompanying a confirmation operation or an authentication operation of the user. However, before ordering the washing treatment liquid, the user may be requested to perform a confirmation operation or an authentication operation via the terminal device 40, and the washing treatment liquid may be ordered on the condition that the confirmation operation or the authentication operation is performed.

(3) In the above embodiment, the washing machine 10 is controlled by the terminal device 40 and the management server 50, but the washing machine 10 may be controlled only by the terminal device 40. That is, the terminal device 40 may execute the above-described processing of the management server 50. The functions of the terminal device 40 and the management server 50 described above may be executed by the control unit 12 of the washing machine 10.

(4) Since the hardware of the terminal device 40 and the management server 50 according to the above-described embodiment can be realized by a general computer, the flowcharts shown in fig. 2, 3, and 7, programs for executing the various other processes, and the like may be stored in a storage medium or distributed via a transmission line.

(5) The processing shown in fig. 2, 3, and 7 and other processing described above are described as software processing using a program in the above embodiment, but some or all of the processing may be replaced with hardware processing using an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an fpga (field Programmable Gate array), or the like.

[ embodiment 3 ]

Next, an automatic ordering system for consumables of a washing machine according to embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. As shown in fig. 8, the hardware configuration of the automatic ordering system for consumables of a washing machine according to embodiment 3 includes the same configuration as that of embodiment 1, and a total remaining amount calculation unit (59) that manages the total remaining amount (Vtotal) of the remaining amount inside and the remaining amount outside the cartridge. By having the total remaining amount calculating part (59), the user can order the washing processing liquid (32) at an appropriate time when the washing processing liquid (32) is not exhausted without reserving the washing processing liquid (32) without worrying about the total remaining amount of the washing processing liquid (32).

That is, in the present embodiment, by including the following components, even if the remaining amount of the washing processing liquid (32) such as a detergent stored in the tank is not considered, the washing processing liquid (32) can be ordered appropriately at an appropriate timing when the washing processing liquid (32) is not exhausted: a purchase/rejection judging unit (52) that receives an automatic input parameter indicating a state of automatic input from a washing machine having an input device for automatically inputting the washing processing liquid (32) stored in the cartridge into the washing tub, and judges whether to purchase the washing processing liquid (32) based on the automatic input parameter; an ordering processing part (54), under the condition that the judgment of the ordering judgment part (52) is affirmative, the ordering processing part (54) orders the washing processing liquid (32); and a total residual amount calculation unit (59) that calculates the total residual amount based on the pre-stored total residual amount of the washing processing liquid (32) and the automatic input parameter.

As described in embodiment 1, the automatic input parameters include a measurement cassette liquid volume Vmsd, which is an actual measurement value of the washing process liquid (32) stored in the cassette, and an input amount Δ V of the washing process liquid (32) to be input to the washing tub by the input device.

Fig. 9 is a flowchart of a subscription management processing routine executed in the management server 50 of the present embodiment.

As described above, in step S56 of the washing process routine (fig. 2), the liquid amount Vmsd in the measurement box and the input amount Δ V are transmitted from the washing machine 10 to the management server 50. The order management processing routine (fig. 9) is started after the management server 50 receives the liquid amount Vmsd in the measurement cassette and the input amount Δ V.

In fig. 9, when the process proceeds to step S100, the order-required determining unit 52 (see fig. 8) determines whether or not the liquid amount Vmsd in the measurement cassette is equal to the maximum liquid amount Vmax (see fig. 8). If it is determined as "Yes" here, the process proceeds to step S101, and the variable, i.e., the accumulated usage amount Vac, is reset to "0". On the other hand, if "No" is determined in step S100, step S101 is skipped. Here, the accumulated usage Vac is a value obtained by accumulating the input amount Δ V after the measurement tank liquid amount Vmsd is equal to the maximum liquid amount Vmax.

Next, when the process proceeds to step S102, the cumulative usage amount calculation unit 56 (see fig. 8) adds the cumulative usage amount Vac to the input amount Δ V received before. Then, the accumulated usage amount calculation unit 56 sets a value obtained by subtracting the accumulated usage amount Vac from the maximum liquid amount Vmax as a variable of the estimated in-box liquid amount Vest. Then, the total remaining amount calculation unit 59 (see fig. 8) calculates, as the current total remaining amount Vtotal, a value obtained by subtracting the input amount Δ V from the total remaining amount Vtotal, which is the input amount Δ V received before.

Next, when the process proceeds to step S103, the order-required determining section 52 (see fig. 8) determines whether or not the liquid amount Vmsd in the measurement cassette is lower than the remaining amount threshold Vmin. If "No" is determined here, the process proceeds to step S104, and the order-desiring determination section 52 (refer to fig. 8) determines whether the estimated cartridge liquid amount Vest is lower than the remaining amount threshold Vmin. Then, if "No" is determined here, it is determined that "ordering is not required", and therefore, the process finally proceeds to step S107, where the estimated cartridge liquid amount Vest is stored in the washing machine 10 or the management server as the last cartridge liquid amount Vmsdmem, and the process of this routine is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined as "Yes" in either step S103 or step S104, the process proceeds to step S105. Next, when the process proceeds to step S105, the total remaining amount calculation section 59 (see fig. 8) determines whether or not the total remaining amount Vtotal is lower than the order remaining amount threshold Vtmin. Then, if "No" is determined here, it is determined that "ordering is not required", and therefore, the process finally proceeds to step S107, where the estimated cartridge liquid amount Vest is stored in the washing machine 10 or the management server as the last cartridge liquid amount Vmsdmem, and the process of this routine is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined as "Yes", the process proceeds to step S106, and the ordering processing part 54 performs an ordering process of ordering the detergent. Finally, the process proceeds to step S107, where the estimated cartridge liquid amount Vest is stored in the washing machine 10 or the management server as the last cartridge liquid amount Vmsdmem, and the process of this routine is terminated.

In this ordering process, in the case where automatic ordering of the detergent is permitted, the detergent is automatically ordered in units of a package by communicating with the EC server 60 through the ordering processing part 54. On the other hand, in the case where the automatic ordering is not allowed, the automatic ordering of the detergent is not performed. In this case, for example, the detergent or the like is ordered based on a manual operation of the terminal device 40 by the user. Further, in the ordering process of step S106, the automatic ordering is not performed along with the confirmation operation or the verification operation of the user. This eliminates the trouble of the user in performing the confirmation operation or the verification operation.

As described above, in steps S103 and S104, both the measurement cassette liquid amount Vmsd and the estimated cassette liquid amount Vest are compared with the remaining amount threshold Vmin. This is because the ordering process of step S106 can be performed even when either the measurement cassette liquid amount Vmsd or the estimated cassette liquid amount Vest is an incorrect value. For example, when the float 24 (see fig. 8) is caught on something, an incorrect measurement cassette liquid amount Vmsd may be output from the liquid amount detection unit 28. In addition, if the user erroneously fills the detergent 32 into the detergent box 20 in the case where the actual liquid amount of the detergent 32 is higher than the remaining amount threshold Vmin, an incorrect estimated box liquid amount Vest will be calculated in step S102. According to the present embodiment, even in such a case, if at least one of the measured tank liquid amount Vmsd and the estimated tank liquid amount Vest is correct, the detergent 32 can be automatically ordered appropriately.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart of a total remaining amount calculation processing routine executed by the management server 50 according to the present embodiment.

In fig. 10, the last cartridge liquid volume Vmsdmem is acquired in step S90, and the order processing unit (54) determines whether or not the order processing is completed in step S91. When it is determined that the ordering process is completed and the liquid amount Vmsd' in the measuring cartridge after the liquid replenishment is determined to exceed the ordered remaining amount threshold Vtmin in step S92, it is determined that the ordered washing process liquid has arrived and has been filled in the cartridge, and in step S93, the total remaining amount computing unit (59) updates the total remaining amount Vtotal to a value obtained by adding the ordered amount (Vord) and the total remaining amount update correction value (Vrev). Here, the total remaining amount update correction value Vrev may be a value input by the user through the operation interface, assuming that the liquid in the measurement cassette flows out when the liquid is replenished. Further, the update of the total remaining amount Vtotal may be set to the time of order from the order processing unit (54).

That is, when the amount of liquid in the measuring tank Vmsd' is larger than a predetermined ordering residual amount threshold Vtmin, a value obtained by adding an ordering amount Vord of the ordered washing processing liquid (32) to a total residual amount update correction value Vrev which is a residual amount when the washing processing liquid (32) is ordered is set as the total residual amount Vtotal by a total residual amount calculating unit (58).

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing another display example of the terminal device.

In fig. 11, when a predetermined washing machine management application is started in the terminal device 40, for example, a top screen D1 shown in fig. 4 is displayed on the touch panel 42 of the terminal device 40. The top screen D1 includes a notification setting button 102, a detergent-softener brand setting button 104, and a detergent-softener automatic order setting button 106. When the user clicks the notification setting button 102, the terminal device 40 causes the touch panel 42 to display a notification setting screen (not shown). In the notification setting screen, whether or not to notify the user of the order state of the detergent, softener, or the like can be set.

In addition, in the top screen D1 of fig. 4, when the user clicks the detergent-conditioner automatic ordering setting button 106, an automatic ordering setting screen D3, such as that shown in fig. 11, is displayed on the touch panel 42. The automatic ordering setting screen D3 includes a detergent ordering setting field 200, a softener ordering setting field 210, and an automatic ordering setting change/release field 220. The detergent ordering setting field 200 includes a no-setting automatic ordering display field 201, a reserve amount display field 202, and a reserve amount adjustment button 203.

The presence/absence setting automatic ordering display 201 displays whether or not automatic ordering of detergent is permitted. The illustrated example is a display example in the case of setting automatic ordering of detergent. In addition, the reserve amount display field 202 is a field for displaying the set total remaining amount Vtotal of detergent. When the reserve amount adjustment button 203 is clicked, for example, a detergent reserve amount adjustment screen D4 shown in fig. 11 is displayed on the touch panel 42. The reserve amount adjustment button 203 can be operated when the user erroneously overflows when replenishing the detergent into the detergent box 20 (see fig. 8).

The softener order setting field 210 includes a no-setting automatic order display field 211 and a stock amount display field 212. The presence/absence setting automatic ordering display section 211 displays whether or not automatic ordering of the softener is permitted. The illustrated example is a display example in the case where automatic ordering of the conditioner is not set. In the case where the automatic order is not set, the reserve amount display column 212 displays nothing.

When the automatic ordering setting change/release field 220 is clicked, the setting can be changed on a screen (not shown) on which the brand of the detergent or softener can be changed or the automatic ordering setting can be set/released.

The detergent reserve amount adjustment screen D4 includes a detergent setting display field 230, a reserve amount increase/decrease button 231, a reserve amount display field 232, a next automatic ordering button 233, and a setting determination button 234. The detergent setting display field 230 displays a trademark for automatic order setting. The reserve amount increase/decrease button 231 decreases the reserve amount when "-" is clicked, and increases the reserve amount when "+" is clicked. The reserve amount display field 232 displays the set reserve amount. The next automatic order button 233 automatically orders when it detects that the remaining amount in the cartridge is small (either "Vmsd < Vmin" or "Vest < Vmin") if "next automatic order" is designated. If the setting decision button 234 is clicked, the contents of the setting are decided on the detergent stock amount adjustment screen D4, and the automatic order setting screen D3 is returned. The illustrated example is a display example in the case of setting the adjustment of the reserve amount of detergent, but the same is true in the case of setting the adjustment of the reserve amount of softener.

As described above, since the user can adjust the total remaining amount at any time through the operation interface, even if the washing processing liquid overflows when replenished, it can be appropriately managed.

< effects of embodiment 3 >

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the management device (40, 50) for a washing machine includes: a required ordering judgment unit (52) that receives an automatic input parameter (Vmsd, Δ V) indicating the state of automatic input from the washing machine (10), and judges whether to order the washing processing liquid (32) based on the automatic input parameter (Vmsd, Δ V); an ordering processing part (54), under the condition that the judgment of the ordering judgment part (52) is affirmative, the ordering processing part (54) orders the washing processing liquid (32); and a total residual amount calculation unit (59) that manages the residual amount of the cleaning treatment liquid (32) based on the automatic input parameter (Δ V). Thus, the washing processing liquid (32) can be ordered at an appropriate time when the washing processing liquid (32) is not exhausted and no reserve is available.

The washing machine management device (40, 50) further includes a total remaining amount calculation unit (59), and the total remaining amount calculation unit (59) updates the total remaining amount (Vtotal) after the ordering processing unit (54) orders the washing machine or when the ordered washing processing liquid has reached and filled in the cartridge. Thus, the user does not have to mind the total remaining amount of the washing processing liquid (32).

Claims

1. A management device for a washing machine, comprising:

a ordering necessity determining unit that receives an automatic input parameter indicating a state of automatic input from a washing machine having an input device for automatically inputting the washing processing liquid stored in the cartridge to the washing tub, and determines whether to order the washing processing liquid based on the automatic input parameter;

an ordering processing unit configured to perform an ordering process of the washing processing liquid when the determination of the ordering necessity determining unit is affirmative; and

and a total residual amount calculation unit for calculating the total residual amount based on the pre-stored total residual amount of the washing processing liquid and the automatic input parameter.

2. The management apparatus for a washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

the automatic input parameter includes an input amount of the washing process liquid to be input to the tub by the input device,

the total remaining amount calculation unit calculates a value obtained by subtracting the input amount from the total remaining amount as a current total remaining amount.

3. The management apparatus for a washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

the automatic input parameter includes a liquid amount in the measuring tank as an actual measurement value of the washing processing liquid stored in the tank,

the total remaining amount calculating unit sets, as a total remaining amount, a value obtained by adding an ordered amount of the cleaning processing liquid to be ordered to a remaining amount of the cleaning processing liquid at the time of ordering the cleaning processing liquid, when the liquid amount in the cartridge is larger than a predetermined cartridge liquid amount threshold.

4. An automatic ordering system for consumables of a washing machine, comprising:

a washing machine having an injector for automatically injecting the washing treatment liquid stored in the cartridge into the washing tub; and

a management device for a washing machine for controlling the washing machine,

the management device for the washing machine includes:

a ordering necessity determining unit that receives an automatic input parameter indicating a state of the automatic input from the washing machine, and determines whether to order the washing treatment liquid based on the automatic input parameter;

an ordering processing unit configured to perform an ordering process of the washing processing liquid when the determination of the ordering necessity determining unit is affirmative;

a total residual amount calculation unit for calculating a total residual amount based on a pre-stored total residual amount of the washing processing liquid and the automatic input parameter; and

and an ordering processing unit that performs an ordering process of the washing processing liquid when the determination by the ordering necessity determining unit is affirmative.

5. The automatic ordering system for laundry machine consumables as claimed in claim 4, wherein:

the total remaining amount calculation unit of the washing machine management device calculates a value obtained by subtracting the input amount from the total remaining amount as a current total remaining amount.

6. The automatic ordering system for laundry machine consumables as claimed in claim 4, wherein:

the total remaining amount calculation unit of the washing machine management device sets, as a total remaining amount, a value obtained by adding a remaining amount of the washing processing liquid when the washing processing liquid is ordered by the ordering processing unit to an ordered amount of the washing processing liquid when the liquid amount in the cartridge is larger than a predetermined cartridge liquid amount threshold value.