JP2014033721A - Washing machine system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine system capable of properly providing new washing course information according to washing information transmitted by a user of a washing machine.SOLUTION: A washing machine system includes: a washing machine 1 and a controller 2 which are mutually communicable; and a washing machine information server 3 which has accumulated a plurality of pieces of washing course information. The washing course information is configured by associating operation control information of the washing machine according to washing information showing a sate of laundry with the washing information, and the washing machine includes an accumulation unit 9 for the washing course information and an operation control unit 11 for controlling a washing function unit according to selected washing course information. The controller includes a washing menu for selecting the washing course information, and operates the washing function unit by the communication with the washing machine according to the selected washing course information, and also it is capable of transmitting the washing information not yet accumulated in the washing machine to the server. The server, if the transmitted washing information is not accumulated yet, transmits it to the washing machine and the controller when the corresponding new washing course information is accumulated.

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine system that provides operation control information including a washing operation sequence and the like to a washing machine in a timely manner from an external database via a communication network.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique for connecting a home appliance such as a washing machine to a communication network so that the operation status can be confirmed by a controller device is known. A system is also known in which a washing machine is connected to a communication network, and operation control data and the like corresponding to the items to be washed can be acquired from an external database. The washing machine system via these communication networks is configured to cope with the following situations, for example.

  For example, in the case of a washing / drying machine, the laundry is washed or dried according to the operation control program stored in the memory of the washing / drying machine itself. The operation control program is selected from a plurality of courses according to the needs of the user, and is changed according to the situation. Washing from a plurality of courses and course changes are performed by the user directly operating the operation switches of the washing and drying machine.

  By the way, in laundry dryers, various types of laundry, various types of detergents, diversification of washing methods, or diversification of practical knowledge in washing and drying are progressing. Therefore, in order to store various washing conditions, operation control programs, practical knowledge, etc. in the memory of the operation control means of the washing / drying machine as in the prior art, a large memory capacity is required. Providing a large capacity memory in each of the washing / drying machines itself causes an increase in price of the washing / drying machine. In addition, various washing conditions and practical knowledge often change over time, but it is practically difficult to change the program data first stored in the memory, and it is impossible to cope with the change. It was a fact.

  On the other hand, for example, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, it is possible to reduce the storage amount of an operation control program in a laundry machine, simplify operation control means such as a microcomputer, and a display device. A laundry system is disclosed that can cope with laundry conditions and practical knowledge.

  That is, the laundry system disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 includes a laundry device, a home terminal, and external data supply means (database). The laundry machine is provided with communication means for terminals in addition to operation control means for washing or drying laundry according to the operation control program. In addition to the display means, the input means, the control unit, and the like, the home terminal has a communication means for laundry for communicating with the laundry equipment, and an external communication means for communicating with the external data supply means. The control unit of the home terminal displays the item to be washed on the display unit, and when the item to be washed is selected by the input unit, the control data such as operation control data and various data according to the selected item to be washed is Obtained from external data supply means and transferred to the laundry machine.

  According to this laundry system, if operation control information such as control data and practical knowledge is stored in an external data supply means, by selecting an item to be washed from the home terminal, the operation control information corresponding to this is selected. The data can be taken in at the home terminal, and the control data can be held in the laundry machine when necessary. As a result, the amount of control data stored in the laundry machine can be reduced, operation control means such as a microcomputer and display device can be simplified, and the latest washing conditions and practical knowledge can be easily handled.

JP 2002-85885 A JP 2003-210887 A

  According to the laundry systems disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, various types of information related to the operation control of the washing machine are provided from the external data supply means. These are the washing methods prepared in advance in the external data supply means. Limited to information to implement. For this reason, there is a limit to meeting the unique requirements generated by each user.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a washing machine system that can appropriately provide new washing course information set in accordance with new washing information related to the type of laundry transmitted from each washing machine user. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to solve the above problems, a washing machine system of the present invention includes a washing machine and a controller that can communicate with each other via a communication network, and a washing machine information server that stores a plurality of washing course information, The washing course information is configured by associating washing machine operation control information set according to the washing information indicating the state of the laundry with the washing information. The washing machine includes: a laundry function unit that performs processing on laundry; a laundry course storage unit that stores at least a part of the laundry course information; and the laundry function unit according to any of the selected laundry course information. An operation control unit for controlling the operation. The controller includes a washing menu for selecting any of the washing course information stored in the washing machine, and operates the washing function unit by communicating with the washing machine according to the selected washing course information. In addition, the washing information that is not stored in the washing machine can be input and transmitted to the washing machine information server. When the washing information transmitted from the controller is not accumulated, the washing machine information server is configured to store the new washing course information including the operation control information corresponding to the washing information when the new washing course information is accumulated. Information on the washing course is transmitted to the washing machine and / or the controller.

  According to the washing machine system of the present invention, by operating the controller and transmitting unstored washing information to the washing machine information server, washing course information according to the user's request is acquired almost without limitation. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to carry out a washing method optimal for the state of the laundry without being limited to a laundry course existing in the washing machine.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the washing machine system in one embodiment of this invention. Flow chart showing operation of the washing machine system The flowchart which shows the operation | movement following FIG. 2A of the washing machine system

  The washing machine system of the present invention can take the following aspects based on the above configuration.

  That is, a washing machine system including a plurality of sets of washing machines and controllers that can communicate with each other via a communication network, and a washing machine information server that stores a plurality of washing course information, wherein the washing machine information server includes: When the new washing course information is accumulated, the new washing course information is transmitted to all the washing machines and the controller that can communicate with each other via the communication network. Can do.

  Also, a washing machine system comprising a plurality of sets of washing machines and controllers that can communicate with each other via a communication network, and a washing machine information server that stores a plurality of washing course information, the washing machine information server comprising: In addition, when the new washing course information is accumulated, the new washing course information can be transmitted only to the controller that has sent the corresponding washing information and the corresponding washing machine. .

  When the washing course information is transmitted from the washing machine information server, the washing machine additionally stores the received washing course information, and the controller updates the washing menu based on the received washing course information. It can be configured.

  In addition, the washing machine information server may include a notification unit that notifies reception of unstored laundry information when the laundry information transmitted from the controller is not stored.

  The communication network may be configured by the Internet and a home network connected to the Internet, and the washing machine and the controller may be connected to the home network.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a washing machine system according to an embodiment. This washing machine system is constructed by enabling the washing machine 1, the controller 2, and the washing machine information server 3 to communicate with each other via a communication network. Although only one set of the washing machine 1 and the controller 2 is illustrated, actually, a combination of a plurality of washing machines 1 and a controller 2 for operating each of the washing machines 1 and the controller 2 via a communication network Communication is possible. The communication network includes a home network 4, an external communication interface 5, and the Internet 6.

  The washing machine information server 3 is means for providing external data to the washing machine 1 and the controller 2, and includes a database 20 in which various types of information including a plurality of washing course information are accumulated. The laundry course information is configured by associating the operation control information of the washing machine with the laundry information indicating the state of the laundry, and is given a course name for distinguishing each.

  The laundry information includes information on the type of laundry and its stains, and represents the characteristics of the laundry to be taken into account for proper washing or drying. The operation control information includes sequence operations (washing / rinsing / dehydrating / drying) related to washing or drying, operation control data, and the like. The sequence operation and the operation control data are set according to each of the plurality of pieces of washing information. Therefore, the washing course information is configured by associating the operation control information of the washing machine with the washing information.

  The washing machine 1 includes a washing function unit 7 for performing washing and drying processes on the laundry, an operation panel 8, a washing course storage unit 9, a communication unit 10, and an operation control unit 11. The washing function unit 7 includes a drum motor 12, a water supply valve 13, a water supply pump 14, a drain valve 15 and the like (other elements are not shown). The laundry function unit 7 is controlled by the operation control unit 11 to wash or dry the laundry according to an operation control program based on operation control information such as an operation sequence and operation control parameters.

  The operation panel 8 provides a function for the user to input settings such as washing and drying conditions, timer control conditions, and various displays such as the set conditions and the state of the washing machine 1. The washing course storage unit 9 stores washing course information. Here, not all of all the washing course information stored in the washing machine information server 3 is stored, but at least a part of the washing course information is stored. The operation control unit 11 controls the washing function unit 7 according to any washing course information stored in the washing course storage unit 9. The communication unit 10 provides a function for communicating with the controller 2 and the washing machine information server 3 via the home network 4.

  The controller 2 includes, for example, a personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and the like, and includes a memory 16, an operation panel 17, and a communication unit 19, and their operations are controlled by the control unit 18. The operation panel 17 includes a display panel having a liquid crystal screen for display and an input operation unit. Therefore, the operation panel 17 provides a function for performing an operation for setting operation control of the washing machine 1 or for monitoring. The communication unit 19 provides a function for communicating with the washing machine 1 and the washing machine information server 3 via the home network 4.

  The memory 16 of the controller 2 stores programs, data, and the like for causing the controller 2 to function, and stores a washing menu for selecting any of the washing course information stored in the washing machine 1. The laundry menu may be configured in any manner, but it is desirable that each of the laundry course information includes a course name, laundry information, an outline of operation control information, and the like. The control unit 18 reads out the washing menu from the memory 16 and displays it on the operation panel 17 so that an operation for selecting any of the washing course information can be performed.

  By operating the operation panel 17, information such as a course name selected from the laundry menu is transmitted to the washing machine 1. That is, by operating the controller 2, the washing function unit 7 can be operated according to the selected washing course information via communication with the washing machine 1.

  The controller 2 can also input laundry information that is not stored in the washing machine 1 and transmit it to the washing machine information server 3. Thereby, new washing course information can be acquired from the washing machine information server 3. That is, the washing machine information server 3 transmits the corresponding washing course information to the washing machine 1 and the controller 2 when the washing information transmitted from the controller 2 has been accumulated. When the laundry information is not accumulated, the new laundry course information is transmitted to the washing machine 1 and / or the controller 2 when new laundry course information including operation control information corresponding to the laundry information is accumulated. Configured to do. At this time, if at least the new washing course information is to be transmitted to the washing machine 1, the operation panel 8 of the washing machine 1 is operated to operate the washing machine on the new washing course. Although there is no problem, if the new washing course information is transmitted to the washing machine 1 and the controller 2, not only the trouble of sending the new washing course information from the controller 2 to the washing machine 1 can be saved, but also the operation panel Even if the controller 8 is not operated, the laundry function unit 7 can be operated according to the new laundry course information through communication with the washing machine 1 by operating the controller 2.

  For this purpose, the washing machine information server 3 includes a notification unit 21 that notifies reception of unstored laundry information. The configuration of the notification unit 21 may be selected as appropriate, such as generating an alarm for the administrator of the washing machine information server 3 or simply displaying the information for confirmation. In accordance with the information, the manager arranges for the development of an operation program including sequence operation and operation control data related to washing or drying according to unstored laundry information. As a result, when development according to unstored washing information is completed and new washing course information is accumulated in the database 20, the washing machine information server 3 stores it in the washing machine 1 and / or the controller 2. Send.

  When the washing course information is transmitted from the washing machine information server 3, the washing machine 1 additionally stores the received washing course information in the washing course storage unit 9, and the controller 2 stores the washing course information in the memory 16 based on the received washing course information. Update the accumulated laundry menu. Note that when new washing course information is accumulated, the washing machine information server 3 transmits the new washing course information to all washing machines 1 and controllers that can communicate with each other via a communication network. 2 can be used. Or you may comprise so that it may transmit only with respect to the controller 2 and the corresponding washing machine 1 which transmitted the corresponding washing information.

  By configuring the washing machine system as described above, the washing course information related to the new washing method for the clothing state and the washing method for the clothing of the new material, which has not been accumulated in each washing machine, can be It can be acquired from the information server 3. That is, the user not only passively obtains the washing course information provided from the washing machine information server 3 but also actively receives new washing information corresponding to the unstored washing information with respect to the washing machine information server 3. It is possible to request laundry course information. Thereby, in addition to the existing laundry course, the laundry course according to a user's request can be provided indefinitely in the washing machine 1.

  Next, the operation | movement which concerns on the washing course information of the washing machine 1, the controller 2, and the washing machine information server 3 in the washing machine system of the said structure is demonstrated with reference to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. FIG. 2A is a flowchart showing an operation of selecting a washing course or registering new washing information by a user operation on the controller 2 among the operations of the washing machine system.

  The operation in FIG. 2A starts by operating the controller 2 to display a washing menu on the operation panel (step S1). If there is washing course information corresponding to the washing information of the content desired by the user in the displayed washing menu (step S2, Yes), the corresponding washing course is selected (step S3). Information on the selected washing course is transmitted to the washing machine 1 (step S4), and the operation control unit 11 controls the washing function unit 7 in accordance with the washing course information to perform a washing operation (step S5).

  If there is no washing course information corresponding to the washing information of the content desired by the user in the displayed washing menu (step S2, No), the washing information is transmitted to the washing machine information server 3 ( Step S6). The washing machine information server 3 searches for whether or not the laundry information has been accumulated (step S7), and if the laundry information (and thus the washing course information corresponding thereto) has been accumulated (step S8, Yes), FIG. 2B Proceed to step S9 (beyond connector A).

  In step S <b> 9, the newly accumulated washing course information is transmitted from the washing machine information server 3 to the washing machine 1 and the controller 2. The washing machine 1 that has received the new washing course information accumulates the washing course information (step S10). On the other hand, the controller 2 updates the washing menu based on the washing course information (step S11).

  If the washing information is not accumulated as a result of the search in step S7 (step S8, No), the process proceeds to step S12 (beyond the connector B) in FIG. 2B. In step S12, the washing machine information server 3 notifies the administrator of the washing machine information server 3 in some form of reception of unstored laundry information as described above. As a result, the operation program including the sequence operation and operation control data relating to washing or drying according to the unstored washing information is developed, and as a result, new washing course information is accumulated in the database 20 (step S13). ). As a result, the newly accumulated washing course information is transmitted to the washing machine 1 and the controller 2 (step S9). Thereafter, as described above, steps S10 and S11 are performed.

  If the washing information (washing course information) is accumulated in the washing machine information server 3 as a result of the search in step S7 (step S8, Yes), the process proceeds to step S3 after steps S10 and S11. Alternatively, washing may be performed according to the received washing course information (steps S4 and S5).

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The washing machine system of the present invention can be appropriately added with a washing course according to a user's request, and is useful for providing a washing machine that enables a washing method suitable for laundry having various characteristics. It is.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Washing machine 2 Controller 3 Washing machine information server 4 Domestic network 5 External communication interface 6 Internet 7 Laundry function part 8, 17 Operation panel 9 Laundry course storage part 10, 19 Communication part 11 Operation control part 16 Memory 18 Control part 20 Database 21 Notification Department

Claims (6)

A washing machine system comprising a washing machine and a controller that can communicate with each other via a communication network, and a washing machine information server storing a plurality of washing course information,
The washing course information is configured by associating the washing machine operation control information set according to the washing information indicating the state of the laundry with the washing information,
The washing machine includes: a laundry function unit that performs processing on laundry; a laundry course storage unit that stores at least a part of the laundry course information; and the laundry function unit according to any of the selected laundry course information. An operation control unit for controlling the operation,
The controller includes a washing menu for selecting any of the washing course information stored in the washing machine, and operates the washing function unit by communicating with the washing machine according to the selected washing course information. And the laundry information that is not stored in the washing machine can be input and transmitted to the washing machine information server,
When the washing information transmitted from the controller is not accumulated, the washing machine information server is configured to store the new washing course information including the operation control information corresponding to the washing information when the new washing course information is accumulated. A washing machine system, wherein the washing course information is transmitted to the washing machine and / or the controller. A washing machine system comprising a plurality of sets of washing machines and controllers that can communicate with each other via a communication network, and a washing machine information server storing a plurality of washing course information,
When the new washing course information is accumulated, the washing machine information server sends the new washing course information to all the washing machines and the controller that can communicate with each other via the communication network. The washing machine system according to claim 1, which transmits the washing machine system. A washing machine system comprising a plurality of sets of washing machines and controllers that can communicate with each other via a communication network, and a washing machine information server storing a plurality of washing course information,
The washing machine information server transmits the new washing course information only to the controller that has sent the corresponding washing information and the corresponding washing machine when the new washing course information is accumulated. The washing machine system according to claim 1.   The washing machine additionally stores the received washing course information when the washing course information is transmitted from the washing machine information server, and the controller updates the washing menu based on the received washing course information. The washing machine system according to any one of 1 to 3.   The washing machine system according to claim 1, wherein the washing machine information server includes a notification unit that notifies reception of the unstored washing information when the washing information transmitted from the controller is not accumulated.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the communication network includes the Internet and a home network connected to the Internet, and the washing machine and the controller are connected to the home network. system.

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