JP2000121238A - Control device for home-use appliance and control device for refrgierator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a service to a user in which when a life limit of a refrigerator or some components of the refrigerator comes to an end, the user is informed of it through display or audio sound and when the refrigerator or its components have failed, an information is automatically given to a service center. SOLUTION: When an operation time of a refrigerator is measured and a lifetime of the refrigerator elapses, the fact that the lifetime of the refrigerator comes to an end is informed to a user through a displaying means such as a liquid crystal panel 7 and the like, thereby the user can prepare for replacing it with a new refrigerator before the refrigerator fails or the user can have an attitude against a high possibility of failure.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a control device for home electric appliances.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-265259, at the time of maintenance and inspection, information such as the life and the frequency of use of a refrigeration unit is displayed on a display for displaying the temperature in a refrigerator. In some cases, appropriate maintenance can be performed quickly, and a maintenance inspector can provide guidance and advice to the user.

Hereinafter, a conventional operation information display device for a refrigerator will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a conventional operation information display device for a refrigerator. The control unit 114 compares and calculates the inside temperature detected using the detection unit 110 and the temperature set using the operation unit 112, sends a control signal 118 to the compressor 116, and performs start / stop control to perform the inside temperature control. Can be maintained at the set temperature, and the detected inside temperature can be displayed on the display means 120.

[0005] Detection signals 122 corresponding to various operating conditions such as clogging of an air filter in the refrigerator.
A plurality of detection means 110 such as a temperature sensor or a door sensor capable of outputting the detection signal 122 and a part or all of the detection signal 122 output from each detection means 110 and the control signal 118 output from the control means 114. A means 126 for individually performing a predetermined counting operation each time the input signal 124 is inputted; and a storage means 130 for storing count information 128 outputted from the counting means 126 separately for each input signal 124 And

In the above configuration, each time a predetermined detection or control operation is performed, it is discriminated from each other and stored.
In addition, the stored information can be displayed by using the operation means 112 and the display means 120 provided for the temperature setting and display, and the number of times various detection or control operations are performed and the accumulated duration thereof are stored. Since it can be stored and displayed separately, it is possible to grasp the life of the refrigeration system, the frequency of use, or the time under unreasonable use conditions in the alarm state, perform appropriate maintenance promptly, and provide accurate guidance to the user , And can give advice.

[0007]

However, in the above configuration, the user can only know the information on the life of the product or part only at the time of maintenance and inspection. Further, an alarm is displayed when a failure occurs, but there is a problem that the user notices the alarm display and needs to notify a service center or the like of a repair request.

An object of the present invention is to improve the efficiency of repair between a service center and a user of home electric appliances.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a service to a user in which a user is notified by display or voice when a refrigerator or a component constituting the refrigerator reaches the end of its life, and when a failure occurs, the service center is automatically contacted.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve this problem, a control device for a home appliance according to the present invention measures the usage time of the home appliance, and when the life of the home appliance has elapsed, displays the user information by a display means such as a liquid crystal panel. By notifying the user that the home appliance has reached the end of its life, the user can be prepared to replace the home appliance before it breaks down or be prepared to have a high possibility of breakdown.

In addition, a timer for measuring the usage time of home electric appliances is stored in a storage device, and the timer is read from the storage device when the power supply is reset. Can be measured.

Further, when the life of each component constituting the home electric appliance has expired, the user is informed that the end of the life of the home electric appliance has been reached by a display means such as a liquid crystal panel, so that the user can safely replace the new electric appliance with a new one. We can continue using household appliances.

In addition, the user is notified by a display means such as a liquid crystal panel that the life of the component is approaching a predetermined number of days before the life of the component constituting the home electric appliance. Preparations for component replacement can be made in advance.

Further, when the home electric appliance breaks down, the service center is notified of the failure by the communication means, so that even if the user does not notice that the breakdown has occurred, the user is notified to the service center. Become like

[0014] Further, when the home electric appliance breaks down, the service center notifies the service center of the details of the failure by means of communication, so that it is possible to prepare for repairs such as preparing replacement parts before having the customer come for repair, so that quicker response can be made in the event of a breakdown. become.

Further, by displaying on the home electric appliance that the failure has been notified to the service center on the home electric appliance, the user does not need to contact the service center.

Further, by notifying the user by voice from the home appliance that the failure has been notified to the service center, the user can know that the failure has been notified to the service center without oversight.

[0017] Further, after notifying the service center of the failure and notifying the service center, the repair quotation is received from the service center and displayed on the home electric appliance, so that the user can view the repair quotation and determine whether to prepare for the cost, repair or replace. Can be.

[0018]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The invention according to claims 1 and 10 of the present invention provides a life setting means for setting a predetermined time, which is the life of a home appliance, especially a refrigerator, and a timer for measuring the time when the refrigerator is turned on. Means, a comparison means for outputting a signal if the time measured by the timer means is equal to or longer than a predetermined time set by the life setting time, and a home appliance, especially a refrigerator, has reached the end of life when a signal is input from the comparison means. Display means for displaying, when the life of the home appliance, particularly the refrigerator, has elapsed, the display means notifies the user that the life of the home appliance, particularly the refrigerator, has come,
The user has an effect that he can prepare for replacement of the home electric appliance, particularly the refrigerator, before it breaks down, and can prepare himself to be more likely to break down.

Further, according to the second and eleventh aspects of the present invention, reset detection means for monitoring power-on and outputting a signal when the power is turned on, and storing time measured by a timer means, The stored time is not erased even when the power of the home electric appliance, particularly the refrigerator, is disconnected, and the storage means for outputting a signal as an initial value of the time measured by the timer means when the signal is input from the reset detection means. It has an effect that even if a power failure occurs due to lightning or the like, the time from the start of use of a home appliance or a refrigerator can be accurately measured.

According to the third and twelfth aspects of the present invention, a life setting means for each component for setting a predetermined life time for each component constituting a home appliance, especially a refrigerator, and the home appliance, especially the refrigerator, are turned on. Timer means for measuring the time and time, a component-by-component comparing means for outputting a signal if the time measured by the timer means is equal to or longer than a predetermined time set by the component-specific life setting time, and a signal from the component-by-component comparing means. A control device for home appliances, especially refrigerators, comprising display means for indicating that the life of the home appliances or refrigerator has reached the end of its life. By letting them know that the product has reached the end of its life, users can safely use home appliances, especially refrigerators, by replacing them with new parts. Having.

Further, the invention according to claims 4 and 13 of the present invention is characterized in that the component lifespan warning setting means for setting a time shorter than the predetermined time set by the parts life setting means, and the time measured by the timer means. A lifespan warning comparison means for each component which outputs a signal if the time is equal to or longer than the time set by the lifespan warning setting means for each part, and a signal indicating that a home appliance, especially a refrigerator, will soon reach its life when a signal is input from the comparison means for each part. The display means informs the user that the life of the component is approaching a predetermined number of days before the life of each component constituting the home appliance, especially the refrigerator, by the display means. For example, there is an effect that preparation for component replacement can be made in advance.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication means capable of wirelessly or wiredly connecting a service center located at a remote place for obtaining trouble information and the like and a home appliance, particularly a refrigerator, to perform data communication. A control device for a home appliance, particularly a refrigerator, comprising: a failure detection unit that detects a failure of the home appliance, particularly a refrigerator; and a notification unit that notifies a service center that the failure has occurred when the failure detection unit detects a failure. In particular, a home appliance, particularly a refrigerator control device, comprising: a failure detection unit that detects a failure of a refrigerator; and a notifying unit that notifies a service center that the failure has occurred when the failure detection unit detects a failure. If a failure occurs, the service center is notified of the failure by communication means, so even if the user does not notice that the failure Because it is contact the Bisusenta, it has the effect of so do not delay corresponding at the time of failure.

The invention according to claims 6 and 15 of the present invention relates to a communication means capable of wirelessly or wiredly communicating data between a home appliance, especially a refrigerator and a service center which is located at a remote location and obtains failure information and the like; A control device for a home appliance, particularly a refrigerator, comprising: a component-specific failure detecting means for detecting a failure of each component of a device, particularly a refrigerator; and a notifying means for notifying to a service center that the component has failed when detected by the component-specific failure detecting means. When a home appliance, especially a refrigerator, breaks down, the service center notifies the service center of the failure by means of communication, so that a serviceman can prepare a replacement part and make other repairs before visiting the facility. It has the effect of shortening the time.

Further, the invention according to claims 7 and 16 of the present invention is provided with display means for displaying that a failure of a home electric appliance, especially a refrigerator or a component has been reported to a service center, and the failure has been reported to the service center. By displaying this on the home appliance, especially on the refrigerator, the user does not need to contact the service center.

Further, the invention according to claims 8 and 16 of the present invention is provided with an audio output means for informing by voice that the failure of the home electric appliance, especially the refrigerator or the component has been notified to the service center, and the failure is transmitted to the service center. By notifying the user of the notification from the home appliance, particularly the refrigerator, by voice, the user has the effect of knowing that the failure has been notified to the service center without oversight.

According to the ninth and seventeenth aspects of the present invention, there is provided a service means for returning a repair cost estimate for a failed component notified from a home appliance, particularly a refrigerator, to a refrigerator at a service center, and a home appliance, particularly a refrigerator. It has a receiving means for receiving a repair cost estimate and outputting information to a display means or an audio output means. The display has the effect that the user can view the repair estimate and make a decision on cost preparation, repair, or replacement.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
The explanation using Fig. 9 is based on the fact that household appliances are turned on all year round, such as refrigerators, televisions, and air conditioners, and given the fact that it is difficult to know when to send information to a service center, a refrigerator is used as an example. I do.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a refrigerator-freezer control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a refrigerator-freezer control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of FIG.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a refrigerator main body;
Denotes a life setting means for setting the life time of the refrigerator. In the present embodiment, the life time is set to a time corresponding to 10 years. Reference numeral 3 denotes timer means, which starts time measurement when the refrigerator is turned on.

Reference numeral 4 denotes reset detecting means for monitoring the moment when the power is turned on in the refrigerator and outputting a signal when the power is turned on from the power off. Reference numeral 5 denotes a storage unit which stores the time measured by the timer unit 3 and does not lose its stored contents even when the power of the refrigerator is turned off. For example, a nonvolatile RAM E2PROM, a RAM with a built-in long-life battery, or the like Use Further, when the signal is input from the reset detecting means 4, the storing means 5 outputs a signal as an initial value of the time measured by the timer means 3 based on the stored time.

Reference numeral 6 denotes comparison means. If the time measured by the timer means 3 is equal to or longer than the time (10 years) set by the life setting means 2, it is determined that the life is over and a signal is output.

Reference numeral 7 denotes a liquid crystal display panel. Although a liquid crystal display panel is used in the present embodiment, any display device such as an LED display may be used. When a signal is input from the comparison means 6, the liquid crystal display panel 7 indicates that the refrigerator has reached the end of its life.

The operation of the refrigerator control device configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.

In the flowchart of FIG.
At 01, the life T1 is set by the life setting means 2, and at S20
Proceed to 2. In S202, the power of the refrigerator is changed from OFF to O.
It is determined whether or not a reset has been made to the state of N, and if there is a reset, a signal is output from the reset detecting means 4,
Proceed to S203. In S203, t1 measured by the timer means 3 is read from the storage means 5. When the refrigerator is turned on for the first time, t1 is 0. In S202, there is no reset and in a normal state, the process proceeds to S204.

In S204, t1 is measured by the timer means 3, and the flow advances to S205. In S205, t1 is stored in the storage unit 5, and the process proceeds to S206. In S206, t1 is compared with the life T1, and if t1> T1, the process proceeds to S207, where t1
If 1> T1, the process returns to S202. In S207, a message “The refrigerator has reached the end of its life” is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 7. It should be noted that the indication of the end of the life may be switched on and off with an LED or the like, or may be seen by the user.

Thus, when the life of the refrigerator has elapsed,
By notifying the user that the refrigerator has reached the end of its life by means of the liquid crystal display panel 7, the user can prepare for a replacement before the refrigerator breaks down, or prepare for the possibility that the refrigerator is likely to break down.

Further, even if a power failure occurs due to lightning or the like, the time from the start of use of the refrigerator can be accurately measured, so that the user can be accurately notified that the life of the refrigerator has elapsed.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a refrigerator control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the refrigerator control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of FIG.

In FIG. 3, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. Reference numeral 8 denotes a life setting unit for each component, which sets the life for each type of parts or consumables constituting the refrigerator. For example, in a refrigerator equipped with a water purifying filter for an ice machine, a deodorizing filter for deodorizing a refrigerator, an interior light for brightening a refrigerator, and the like, the life is set for each component as shown in Table 1.

[0040]

[Table 1]

Reference numeral 9 denotes comparison means for each component,
If the time measured in step 2 is equal to or longer than the time set by the component-specific life setting means 8, it is determined that the life of the corresponding component has expired and a signal is output.

Reference numeral 10 denotes a component-specific life warning setting means for setting a time shorter than the time set by the component-specific life setting means. For example, as shown in (Table 1), a time one month shorter than the life is set for each component or consumable.

Reference numeral 11 denotes a component life warning comparison means, and the time measured by the timer means 3 is the component life warning setting means 1
If the time is equal to or longer than the time set at 0, it is determined that the life of the corresponding component is approaching and a signal is output.

The operation of the control device of the refrigerator configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.

In the flowchart of FIG.
At 01, the life time T is set by the life setting means 8 for each component. For example, if there are three types of components for which the life is set, T has three lifespans, such as T1, T2, and T3. In the present embodiment, the types of the components to be set are set to simplify the operation description. The life of the water purification filter of the parts shown in (Table 2) is T1, and the life of the deodorization filter is T.
The description will be made with setting to 2.

Next, in S402, the life warning time TT is set by the life warning setting means 10 for each component. For example, if there are three types of parts for which a life warning is set, TT is TT
Although three life warnings are set like 1, TT2 and TT3, in the present embodiment, two kinds of parts are set to simplify the operation description, and the water purification filters of the parts shown in (Table 2) are set. A description will be given by setting the lifetime warning of TT1 to TT1 and the lifetime of the deodorizing filter to TT2.

Next, in S403, the power of the refrigerator is turned off.
It is determined whether or not a reset from ON to ON has been performed. If there is a reset, a signal is output from the reset detecting means 4 and the process proceeds to S404. In S404, t1 measured by the timer unit 3 is read from the storage unit 5. When the refrigerator is turned on for the first time, t1 is 0. S4
At 03, in a normal state without resetting, the process proceeds to S405.

In S405, t1 is measured by the timer means 3, and the flow advances to S406. In S406, t1 is stored and stored in the storage unit 5, and the process proceeds to S407. In S407, t1 is compared with the lifetime warning time TT1 of the water purification filter, and t1> TT
If it is 1, the process proceeds to S408, and if t1> TT1, the process proceeds to S411. In S408, a message "The time to replace the water purification filter is approaching." Is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 7, and the flow proceeds to S409. It should be noted that the indication that the service life is approaching may be displayed by switching between ON and OFF using an LED or the like, and may be seen by the user. The time t1 is compared with the lifetime T1 of the water purification filter. If t1> T1, the process proceeds to S410, and if not t1> T1, the process proceeds to S411. In S410, "It is time to replace the water purification filter." Is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 7, and the flow proceeds to S411.

Similarly, for the second type of part, S411
Then, t1 is compared with the lifetime warning time TT2 of the deodorizing filter. If t1> TT2, the process proceeds to S412, where t1> TT.
If not 2, the process returns to S403. In S412, a message "The time to replace the deodorizing filter is approaching." Is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 7, and the process proceeds to S413. It should be noted that the indication that the service life is approaching may be displayed by switching between ON and OFF using an LED or the like, and may be seen by the user.
t1 is compared with the life time T2 of the deodorizing filter, and t1>
If T2, the process proceeds to S414, and if t1> T2, the process returns to S403. In S414, "It is time to replace the deodorizing filter." Is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 7, and S40 is displayed.
Return to 3.

As described above, the user is notified by the liquid crystal display panel 7 that the life of the component is approaching a predetermined number of days before the life of each component constituting the refrigerator, so that the user can take precautionary measures such as parts procurement and necessary expenses. Preparations can be made for parts replacement.

Further, when the life of each component constituting the refrigerator has expired, the user is notified by a display means that the life of the component has come to an end, so that the user can use the refrigerator with confidence by replacing it with a new one. it can.
(Embodiment 3) FIG. 5 is an overall view of a control device of a refrigerator according to third and fourth embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a refrigerator control device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the refrigerator control device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

5 and 6, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description is omitted.

In FIG. 5, reference numeral 12 denotes a service center located at a location remote from the refrigerator and providing product support such as failure. 13 is the refrigerator body 1 and the service center 12
Are communication means capable of performing data communication by being connected wirelessly or by wire. Of course, the communication means 13 may be a PHS, a satellite system, a public telephone line, a dedicated line, or the like.

Reference numeral 14 denotes a speaker for outputting sound. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 15 denotes a refrigerator compartment and 16 denotes a freezer compartment for storing foods. 17 is a compressor, 18 is a condenser, 19 is an evaporator, 2
A damper 0 controls the circulation of cold air to the refrigerator compartment 15 according to the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 15. Reference numeral 21 denotes a refrigerator compartment sensor for detecting the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 15, and reference numeral 22 denotes a freezer compartment temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the freezer compartment 16.

Reference numeral 23 denotes a defrost heater for removing the frost from the evaporator 19. Reference numeral 24 denotes a refrigerator compartment sensor disconnection detecting means for detecting disconnection of the refrigerator compartment sensor 21, and determines disconnection based on an abnormality in a sensor input value. Reference numeral 25 denotes a freezer compartment sensor disconnection detecting means for detecting disconnection of the refrigerator compartment sensor 22, which determines disconnection based on an abnormality in a sensor input value.

Reference numeral 26 denotes a defrost heater abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormality of the defrost heater, and judges an abnormality when the freezing compartment 16 does not cool down even after defrosting. Reference numeral 27 denotes a compressor abnormality detecting means for judging abnormality based on a locked state of the compressor, abnormal temperature, or the like.

Numeral 28 is a failure detecting means, which is composed of a refrigerator compartment sensor disconnection detecting means 24, a freezer compartment sensor disconnection detecting means 25, a defrost heater abnormality detecting means 26, and a compressor abnormality detecting means 27. Outputs a signal when detected.

Reference numeral 29 denotes display content determining means for determining information to be output from the liquid crystal display panel 7 or the speaker 14 when a signal is input from the failure detecting means 28 and outputting a signal.

Numeral 30 is a notifying means for notifying the communication means 13 that a failure has occurred when a signal is inputted from the display content determining means 29.

The operation of the refrigerator control device configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the flowchart of FIG.
At 01, it is determined whether or not the refrigerator compartment sensor 21 is disconnected, and if it is, the process proceeds to S705. If not, the process proceeds to S702. In S702, it is determined whether or not the freezer compartment sensor 22 is disconnected.
Proceed to. If there is no disconnection, the process proceeds to S703. S703
Then, it is determined whether or not the defrost heater 23 has an abnormality. If there is an abnormality, the process proceeds to S705. If there is no abnormality, the process proceeds to S704. In S704, it is determined whether or not the compressor 17 has an abnormality. If there is no abnormality, the process returns to S701.

In step S705, the display content determination unit 29 determines that a failure has occurred. In step S706, the failure notification is performed to the service center 12 by the notifying unit 30 and the communication unit 13. In step S707, the message "Refrigerator failed." And so on, the service center has been contacted "and the like, and the speaker 14 outputs a voice of the failure notice in S708.

As described above, when the refrigerator breaks down, the service center is notified of the failure by the communication means. Even if the user does not notice that the refrigerator has failed, the user is notified to the service center. Will not be.

By displaying on the refrigerator that the failure has been notified to the service center, the user does not need to contact the service center.

Further, by notifying the user by voice from the refrigerator that the failure has been notified to the service center, the user can know that the failure has been notified to the service center without oversight.

(Embodiment 4) FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a refrigerator control device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the refrigerator control device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 8, the same components as those in the first and third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

Numeral 31 is a failure detecting means for each part, which comprises a refrigerator compartment sensor disconnection detecting means 24, a freezing compartment disconnection detecting means 25, a defrost heater abnormality detecting means 26, and a compressor abnormality detecting means 27.

Numeral 32 denotes a component-specific display content determining means for displaying on the liquid crystal display panel 7 by a signal input from each detecting means constituting the component-specific fault detecting means 31 and a signal input from a receiving means 38 described later. This is a component-specific display content determination unit that determines the content to be notified to the service center 12.

Reference numeral 33 denotes a receiving means for receiving data from the refrigerator by the communication means 13;
Is placed within. Reference numeral 34 denotes incoming data analysis means for analyzing data received by the incoming means 33, and reference numeral 35 denotes reply setting means 35 for setting data to be returned to the refrigerator with respect to the analyzed data, and sets data such as a repair estimate. . Reference numeral 36 denotes a reply unit for issuing a command to return data to the refrigerator by using the communication unit 13. The service unit 37 includes a reception unit 33, a reception data analysis unit 34, a reply setting unit 35, and a reply unit 36. .

Reference numeral 38 denotes receiving means 38 for receiving data from the service center 12 by the communication means 13.

The operation of the control device for a refrigerator configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 9A is a flowchart on the refrigerator side. (B) is a flowchart on the service center 12 side.

First, in FIG. 9A on the refrigerator side, S
At 901 it is determined whether or not the refrigerator compartment sensor 21 is disconnected, and if it is, the process proceeds to S902. If not, the process proceeds to S904.

In step S902, information H1 indicating that the refrigerator compartment sensor 21 is disconnected is notified to the service center.
At 03, the information notified to the service center 12, such as "The refrigerator room sensor has been disconnected, so a notification has been made to the service center" is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 7. Next, S904
Proceed to.

In S904, it is determined whether or not the freezer compartment sensor 22 is disconnected. If so, the process proceeds to S905.
If not, the process proceeds to S907.

In step S905, information that the freezer compartment sensor 22 is disconnected is notified to the service center.
Displays on the liquid crystal display panel 7 that the service center has been notified, such as "The freezer compartment sensor has been disconnected and the service center has been notified". Next, the process proceeds to S907.

In S907, it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality in the defrost heater 23. If there is an abnormality, the process proceeds to S908. If there is no abnormality, the process proceeds to S910. In S908, the defrost heater 23
Notify the service center that there is an abnormality in the
In step S909, the liquid crystal display panel 7 displays the notification to the service center, such as "the defrost heater has an error, and has been notified to the service center". Next, S91
Go to 0.

At S910, it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality in the compressor 17, and if there is, the process proceeds to S911. If there is no abnormality, the process proceeds to S913. In S911, the information that the compressor 17 is abnormal is notified to the service center.
Displays on the liquid crystal display panel 7 that the service center has been notified, such as "The compressor was abnormal and the service center was notified". Next, the process proceeds to S913.

In S913, when data is received from the service center 12 by the receiving means 38, the flow advances to S914, and
In S914, the received information is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 7.
For example, if the refrigerator compartment sensor 21 is disconnected, the service center notifies the service center, and then the repair quotation information is sent from the service center, so the LCD panel 7 displays "Repair costs approximately $ 3000." Display repair quote information. If no data is received by the receiving unit 38 in S913, the process returns to S901.

In FIG. 9B on the service center 12 side, in step S921, the receiving means 33 monitors whether or not data has been received from the refrigerator.
Proceed to S922.

In S922, if the incoming data analyzing means 34 has received the information H1 indicating that the refrigerator compartment sensor 21 has been disconnected, the flow proceeds to S923, and if not, the flow proceeds to S925. In S923, the reply setting means 35 sets a repair cost estimate of the refrigerator compartment sensor disconnection × 1, and the process proceeds to S924. In S924, a command to return x1 to the refrigerator is issued by the return means 36, and the reply is made using the communication means 13.

In S925, if the incoming data analysis means 34 has received information H2 indicating that the freezer compartment sensor 22 has been disconnected, the flow proceeds to S926, and if no H2 has been received, the flow proceeds to S928. In step S926, the return setting means 35 sets a repair cost estimate for the freezer compartment sensor disconnection × 2, and the flow advances to step S927. In S927, a command to return x2 to the refrigerator is issued by the return means 36, and the reply is made using the communication means 13.

In S928, if information H3 indicating that the defrost heater 23 has an abnormality has been received by the incoming data analyzing means 34, the flow proceeds to S929, and if H3 has not been received, S931 has not been received.
Proceed to. In S929, the return setting means 35 sets the estimated cost for repairing the defrost heater x 3 and proceeds to S930. In S930, a command to return x3 to the refrigerator is issued by the return means 36, and the reply is made using the communication means 13.

In S931, if the information H4 indicating that the compressor 17 has an abnormality has been received by the incoming data analyzing means 34, the process proceeds to S932, and if H3 has not been received, the process returns to S921. In S932, the reply setting means 35 sets the compressor 17
The repair cost estimate × 4 is set, and the process proceeds to S933.
In S933, a command to return x4 to the refrigerator is issued by the return means 36, and the reply is made using the communication means 13.

As described above, when the refrigerator breaks down, the service center is notified of the failure by communication means.
Since the service person can make a visit after preparing for repairs such as preparing replacement parts, the time required for repair at the time of visit is reduced.

After the failure is reported to the service center after the failure, the repair quotation is received from the service center and displayed on the refrigerator, so that the user can view the repair quotation and determine whether to prepare for the cost or to make a repair or replacement decision. can do.

That is, it is apparent that the present invention can be applied to household electric appliances used in ordinary households such as televisions, videos, and air conditioners, even if they are not refrigerators.

[0089]

As described above, the control device of the home appliance measures the usage time of the home appliance, and when the life of the home appliance elapses, the life of the home appliance is reached by the display means such as a liquid crystal panel. By notifying the user, the user can prepare for replacement before the home electric appliance breaks down, or prepare for the possibility that the home appliance is likely to break down.

Also, a timer for measuring the usage time of the home electric appliance is stored in the storage device, and the timer is read from the storage device when the power supply is reset. It can be measured accurately.

When the life of each component of the home electric appliance has expired, the user is informed that the end of the life of the home electric appliance by a display means such as a liquid crystal panel. We can continue using household appliances.

Further, the user is notified by a display means such as a liquid crystal panel that the life of the component is approaching a predetermined number of days before the life of each component constituting the home electric appliance, so that the user can procure parts and necessary expenses. Preparations for component replacement can be made in advance.

[0093] Further, when the home electric appliance breaks down, the service center is notified of the failure by the communication means, so that even if the user does not notice that the breakdown has occurred, the user is notified to the service center. Become like

Further, when the home electric appliance breaks down, the contents of the failure are notified to the service center by the communication means, so that the repair can be prepared, such as the preparation of a replacement part before the repair come, so that the trouble can be dealt with more quickly. Become.

Further, by displaying on the home electric appliance that the failure has been notified to the service center, it is not necessary for the user to contact the service center.

Further, by notifying the user by voice from the home electric appliance that the malfunction has been notified to the service center, the user can know that the malfunction has been notified to the service center without oversight.

Further, after the failure is notified and the service center is notified of the failure, the repair quotation is received from the service center and displayed on the home electric appliance, so that the user can view the repair quotation and determine whether to prepare for the cost, repair or replace. Can be.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a control device of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a refrigerator control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an overall view of a refrigerator control device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a refrigerator control device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a control device of a refrigerator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

9A is a flowchart on the refrigerator side of the refrigerator control device according to the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 9B is a flowchart on the service center side of the refrigerator control device according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a conventional refrigerator control device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Life setting means 3 Timer means 4 Reset detection means 5 Storage means 6 Comparison means 7 Liquid crystal display panel 8 Life setting means for each part 9 Comparison means for each part 10 Life warning setting means for each part 11 Life warning comparison means for each part 13 Communication means 14 Speaker 28 Failure detection means 30 Notification means 31 Component failure detection means 37 Service means 38 Receiving means

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A life setting means for setting a predetermined time, which is the life of a home electric appliance, a timer means for measuring a time when the electric home appliance is turned on, and a time measured by the timer means is set by the life setting means. A control device for a home appliance, comprising: a comparison unit that outputs a signal if the time is equal to or longer than a set predetermined time; and a display unit that, when a signal is input from the comparison unit, indicates that the home appliance has reached the end of its life. 2. A reset detecting means for monitoring power-on and outputting a signal when the power is turned on, and storing a time measured by a timer means, and the stored time remains after power-off of the home appliance. 2. The control device for a home appliance according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit that outputs a signal as an initial value of a time measured by a timer when a signal stored from the reset detection unit is input. 3. A component-specific life setting means for setting a predetermined time, which is a life, for each component constituting a home electric appliance, a timer means for measuring a time when the electric home appliance is turned on, and a time measured by the timer means. A component-by-component comparison unit that outputs a signal if the predetermined time set by the component-by-component life setting unit is equal to or longer than a display unit that displays that the home appliance has reached the end of its life when a signal is input from the component-by-component comparison unit. Control device for home appliances. 4. A component life warning setting means for setting a time shorter than a predetermined time set by the component life setting means, and a time measured by the timer means is longer than a time set by the component life warning setting means. 4. The control device for a home appliance according to claim 3, further comprising: a component-specific life warning comparison unit that outputs a signal. 5. A communication means capable of wirelessly or wiredly connecting a service center located at a remote location for obtaining failure information and the like to a home appliance and enabling data communication, a failure detection means for detecting a failure of the home appliance, A control device for a home appliance, comprising: a notifying unit that notifies a service center of a failure when the failure detecting unit detects a failure. 6. Communication means capable of wireless or wired data communication between a home appliance and a remote service center that obtains failure information and the like, and component-specific failure detection means for detecting a failure of each component of the home appliance. And a notifying unit for notifying the service center that the component has failed when the component-specific failure detecting unit detects the component. 7. A display unit for displaying that a failure of a home appliance or a component has been notified to a service center.
A control device for a home appliance according to claim 6. 8. The control device for a home electric appliance according to claim 5, further comprising a voice output unit for notifying the service center of the failure of the home electric appliance or component by voice. 9. A service means for returning a repair cost estimate for a failed component notified from the home appliance to the refrigerator at the service center side, receiving the repair cost estimate at the home appliance, and displaying the information on the display means or the voice output means. The control device for a home appliance according to claim 8, further comprising a receiving unit that outputs the signal. 10. A life setting means for setting a predetermined time which is a life of the refrigerator, a timer means for measuring a time when the refrigerator is turned on, and a time measured by the timer means is set by the life setting means. A control device for a refrigerator, comprising: comparison means for outputting a signal if the time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time; 11. A reset detecting means for monitoring the power-on and outputting a signal when the power is turned on, and storing a time measured by a timer means. 2. The control device for a refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising storage means for outputting a signal as an initial value of a time measured by the timer means when the signal is input from the reset detection means. 12. A component life setting means for setting a predetermined time as a life for each component constituting the refrigerator, a timer means for measuring a time when the refrigerator is turned on, and a time measured by the timer means. A refrigerator comprising: component-by-component comparison means for outputting a signal if the predetermined time set by the component-by-component life setting means is longer than a predetermined time; and display means for displaying that the refrigerator has reached the end of life when a signal is input from the component-by-component comparison means. Control device. 13. A component life warning setting means for setting a time shorter than the predetermined time set by the component life setting means, and a time measured by the timer means is longer than a time set by the component life warning setting means. 4. The control device for a refrigerator according to claim 3, further comprising: a part-by-part life warning comparison means for outputting a signal. 14. A communication means capable of performing data communication by connecting a refrigerator or a service center which is located at a remote place and acquiring failure information or the like by wireless or wired, a failure detection means for detecting a failure of the refrigerator, and the failure detection And a notifying means for notifying the service center of the failure when the failure is detected by the means. 15. A communication means capable of performing wireless or wired data communication between the refrigerator and a service center which is located at a remote location and obtains failure information and the like, a component-specific failure detection means for detecting a failure of each component of the refrigerator, A refrigerator control device comprising: a notifying unit that notifies a service center that a component has failed when the component-specific failure detecting unit detects the component. 16. A display unit for displaying that a failure of a refrigerator or a part has been notified to a service center.
A control device for a refrigerator according to claim 6. 17. The refrigerator control device according to claim 5, further comprising an audio output means for informing by voice that the failure of the refrigerator or the component has been notified to the service center. 18. A service means for returning a repair cost estimate for a failed part notified from the refrigerator at the service center to the refrigerator, receiving the repair cost estimate on the refrigerator side, and outputting information to the display means or the voice output means. 9. The refrigerator control device according to claim 8, further comprising a receiving unit that performs the receiving operation.