JP2021083965A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a washing machine capable of performing continuous washing operation, with residual quantities of a detergent and a softener secured.SOLUTION: A washing machine in an embodiment has a housing, an automatic feeding mechanism, and a controller. The housing includes a water tank. The automatic feeding mechanism feeds a washing treatment agent into the water tank automatically. The controller controls washing operation in the water tank. The controller measures the usage of the washing treatment agent in the washing operation, and determines the order time of the washing treatment agent, or gives a notice for urging order placement of the washing treatment agent on the basis of the measured usage of the washing treatment agent.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to washing machines.

There are known washing machines that automatically put detergents and fabric softeners into a water tank to perform washing operations. However, if the detergent or fabric softener is ordered when the remaining amount of the detergent or fabric softener is insufficient, the washing operation may be temporarily disabled until the ordered product arrives.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-162521

The problem to be solved by the present invention is a washing machine capable of continuously executing the washing operation by calculating the remaining amount of the detergent or the softener from the usage record to secure the remaining amount of the detergent or the softener. Is to provide.

The washing machine of the embodiment includes a housing, an automatic loading mechanism, and a control unit. The housing includes a water tank. The automatic charging mechanism automatically charges the washing treatment agent into the water tank. The control unit controls the washing operation in the water tank. The control unit measures the amount of the washing treatment agent used during the washing operation, and determines when to order the washing treatment agent based on the measured amount of the washing treatment agent used, or the washing treatment. Notify you to order the drug.

The figure which shows an example of the use environment of the washing machine of embodiment. The perspective view which shows the washing machine of embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the content displayed on the operation panel of the washing machine of embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the content displayed on the operation panel of the washing machine of embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the content displayed on the operation panel of the washing machine of embodiment. The block diagram which shows a part of the structure of the washing machine of embodiment. The flowchart which shows the control flow of the washing machine of embodiment.

Hereinafter, the washing machine of the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, configurations having the same or similar functions are designated by the same reference numerals. Then, the duplicate description of those configurations may be omitted. As used herein, the term "based on XX" means "based on at least XX" and includes the case where it is based on another element in addition to XX. Further, "based on XX" is not limited to the case where XX is directly used, but also includes the case where it is based on the case where calculation or processing is performed on XX. As used herein, the term "YY1 or YY2" is not limited to the case where only "YY1" is present or the case where only "YY2" is present, and also includes the case where both "YY1" and "YY2" are present. .. This also applies when there are three or more elements connected by "or". In the present specification, "at least one of ZZ1 and ZZ2" is not limited to the case where both "ZZ1" and "ZZ2" are present as a premise, and only "ZZ1" is present, or "ZZ2". Including the case where only exists. Each of "XX", "YY1", "YY2", "ZZ1", and "ZZ2" is an arbitrary element (for example, any information, function, or configuration).

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

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

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

[2. Overall configuration of washing machine]
Next, the overall configuration of the washing machine 1 will be described.
Although not shown, a water tank having a substantially cylindrical shape with an open front surface and communicating with the inlet 2 to store washing water is provided in the housing 1A. A drum (not shown) for accommodating clothes is provided in the water tank. As shown in FIG. 2, a clothing inlet 2 for a drum is provided on the front surface of the housing 1A of the washing machine 1. A door 3 is provided on the front surface of the housing 1A. The door 3 can be moved between an open position where the input port 2 to the drum is opened and a closed position where the input port 2 to the drum is closed.

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

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

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

An automatic charging mechanism 10 for automatically charging detergent or softener into the water tank is provided on the upper surface of the housing 1A. The automatic charging mechanism 10 includes, for example, a detergent tank 11, a softener tank 12, and a pump. By driving the pump, the automatic charging mechanism 10 automatically charges the detergent contained in the detergent tank 11 or the softener contained in the softener tank 12 into the water tank. The pump is a metering pump and includes, for example, a syringe pump. The detergent tank 11 or the softener tank 12 is arranged in a tank accommodating portion 13 recessed in the upper surface of the housing 1A. A lid 14 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 1A. The lid 14 can be displaced between an open position that opens the upper opening of the tank accommodating portion 13 and a closed position that closes the upper opening of the tank accommodating portion 13.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the contents displayed on the operation panel 5 of the washing machine 1. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the operation panel 5 displays a setting screen for the operation executed by the washing machine 1. In embodiments, the operation includes a washing course, a washing / drying course, and a drying course. The washing course is a course in which the washing machine 1 cleans clothes. The washing / drying course is a course in which the washing machine 1 continuously cleans clothes and dries clothes. The drying course is a course for drying clothes. The washing course and the washing / drying course also include a tub washing course. The tank cleaning course is a course for cleaning the water tank and the drum using a tank cleaning agent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The water level sensor 34 is provided on the upper part of the housing 1A and detects the water level of the water stored in the drum.

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

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

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

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

The control unit 20 has, for example, based on the operation signal of the operation panel 5 by the user and the detection signal of the water level sensor 34, and each mechanism such as the motor 36, the water supply valve 38, the drain valve 40, and the circulation pump 42 according to the operation control program. Is controlled, and a washing operation including each process such as a washing process, a rinsing process, and a dehydration process is executed. In the washing step and the rinsing step, the control unit 20 alternately drives the drums in the forward and reverse directions at a relatively low speed at predetermined time intervals while appropriately driving the circulation pump 42 in a water supply state up to a predetermined water level in the water tank. Control to rotate. The control unit 20 controls the drum to continuously rotate at high speed in one direction in the dehydration step.

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

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

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

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

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

The control unit 20 measures the number of washings per day, and determines when to order the detergent or fabric softener based on the measured number of washings. Further, the control unit 20 may measure the number of washings per day and give a notification prompting the order of the detergent or the softener based on the measured number of washings. One day is an example of "unit time". The number of washings per day is a parameter that greatly contributes to the amount of detergent or fabric softener used, and the amount of detergent or fabric softener used varies greatly depending on the number of washings per day. The control unit 20 may measure the number of washings per day by averaging the data in a certain measurement period, for example. In this case, the control unit 20 may measure the number of washings per day by processing the data separately for each season, day of the week, or weekday / weekend, for example.

The control unit 20 does not determine when to order the detergent or fabric softener when the washing operation is performed without the detergent or fabric softener being automatically charged into the water tank by the automatic charging mechanism 10. Further, the control unit 20 does not give a notification prompting to order the detergent or the softener when the washing operation is performed without the detergent or the softener being automatically charged into the water tank by the automatic charging mechanism 10. For example, in the automatic charging setting shown in FIG. 4, when the amount of detergent or fabric softener added is set to "None", the control unit 20 performs the washing operation without automatically charging the detergent or fabric softener. Judged as

If the supplier does not have the detergent or fabric softener to be ordered, the control unit 20 determines when to order a detergent or fabric softener similar to the ordered detergent or fabric softener. If the supplier does not have the detergent or fabric softener to be ordered, the control unit 20 may give a notification prompting the order of a detergent or fabric softener similar to the ordered detergent or fabric softener. For example, the control unit 20 inquires the EC server 300 whether or not the detergent or the softener is in stock through the communication device 30, and based on the information returned from the EC server 300, the stock of the detergent or the softener to be ordered is sent to the supplier. Determine if it exists. The control unit 20 evaluates the similarity of the detergent or fabric softener based on, for example, the characteristics of the detergent or fabric softener. The properties of the detergent include, for example, whether it is a concentrated system, whether it is a bleaching system, and whether it has additional functions such as antibacterial and sweat resistant. The properties of the softener include, for example, the presence or absence of aroma and the type of aroma.

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

The control unit 20 analyzes the user's preference based on the usage history of the detergent or the softener, selects the detergent or the softener that suits the user's preference, and determines when to order the selected detergent or the softener. The control unit 20 analyzes the user's preference based on the usage history of the detergent or the softener, selects the detergent or the softener that suits the user's preference, and gives a notification prompting the order of the selected detergent or the softener. May be good. For example, the control unit 20 may inquire of the cloud server 200 for the state information of the washing machine 1 and analyze the user's preference based on the information returned from the cloud server 200. User preferences include, for example, the properties of the detergent or fabric softener that the user prefers. The properties of the detergent include, for example, whether it is a concentrated system, whether it is a bleaching system, and whether it has additional functions such as antibacterial and sweat resistant. The properties of the softener include, for example, the presence or absence of aroma and the type of aroma. For example, the control unit 20 inquires the cloud server 200 of the state information of the plurality of washing machines 1, statistically processes the state information of the washing machine 1 for each installation area of the washing machine 1, and analyzes the user's preference for each area. You may. That is, when the hardness of the water used for washing and the sunshine conditions are different for each installation area of the washing machine 1, it is possible to analyze the user's preference in consideration of the difference in the conditions for each area.

The control unit 20 selects a detergent or a softener based on the stain component discharged from the clothes to the water tank during the washing operation, and determines when to order the selected detergent or softener. The control unit 20 may select a detergent or a softener based on the stain component discharged from the clothes to the water tank during the washing operation, and give a notification prompting the order of the selected detergent or the softener. The control unit 20 analyzes the stain component based on the detection result of the stain sensor provided in the washing machine 1. The dirt sensor may be provided in the drainage channel of the washing machine 1 or may be provided in the water tank of the washing machine 1. Dirt components include, for example, sweat and sebum stains. The control unit 20 selects, for example, a detergent suitable for cleaning dirt components.

The control unit 20 can execute a plurality of washing courses including the tub washing course, and the tub washing course is executed from the last time the tub washing course is executed until the washing operation is executed a predetermined number of times, or the tub cleaning course is executed last time. If the tank cleaning course has not been executed until the predetermined number of days has elapsed, a notification is given to the user to prompt the user to execute the tank cleaning course. The control unit 20 performs the tub cleaning course from the last execution of the tub cleaning course until the washing operation is executed a predetermined number of times, or from the last execution of the tub cleaning course until a predetermined number of days have elapsed. If not, you may order a tank cleaner used to clean the water tank and drum. For example, the control unit 20 inquires the cloud server 200 about the execution history of the tub cleaning course, and based on the information returned from the cloud server 200, whether or not the washing operation has been executed a predetermined number of times since the last execution of the tub cleaning course. Or, it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of days have passed since the last execution of the tank cleaning course.

The control unit 20 selects a detergent or a softener based on the washing operation history of the washing machine 1, and determines when to order the selected detergent or softener. The control unit 20 may select a detergent or a softener based on the washing operation history of the washing machine 1 selected by the user, and notify the user to order the selected detergent or the softener. For example, the control unit 20 inquires of the cloud server 200 about the washing operation history of the washing machine 1 selected by the user, and based on the information returned from the cloud server 200, the washing operation history of the washing machine 1 selected by the user. May be obtained. The control unit 20 may, for example, compare the frequency with which the washing course is executed and select a detergent or fabric softener suitable for the washing course with a relatively high frequency of execution.

The control unit 20 executes the washing operation a predetermined number of times when a predetermined number of days have not passed since the automatic charging mechanism 10 was replenished with the detergent or the softener, or after the automatic charging mechanism 10 was replenished with the detergent or the softener. If the remaining amount of the detergent filled in the detergent tank 11 or the remaining amount of the softener filled in the softener tank 12 is less than a predetermined value, the time to order the detergent or the softener is set. Do not decide. That is, when the remaining amount of the detergent filled in the detergent tank 11 or the softener filled in the softener tank 12 drops sharply, and it is considered that the user has discarded the detergent or the softener for some reason. Do not prompt to order detergents or fabric softeners. The control unit 20 executes the washing operation a predetermined number of times when a predetermined number of days have not passed since the automatic charging mechanism 10 was replenished with the detergent or the softener, or after the automatic charging mechanism 10 was replenished with the detergent or the softener. If the remaining amount of the detergent filled in the detergent tank 11 or the remaining amount of the softener filled in the softener tank 12 is less than a predetermined value, a notification prompting the order of the detergent or the softener. You do not have to do. The control unit 20 determines whether or not the automatic charging mechanism 10 has been replenished with detergent or softener, for example, based on the detection result of the replenishment sensor provided in the washing machine 1. The replenishment sensor is, for example, a sensor that detects the opening / closing operation of the lid 14 of the automatic loading mechanism 10.

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

When the remaining amount calculated from the amount of detergent or softener used is less than a predetermined value (S16: YES), the control unit 20 determines when to order the detergent or softener, or orders the detergent or softener. (S18) is executed, and the processing of this flowchart is completed. On the other hand, when the remaining amount of the detergent is equal to or more than a predetermined value (S16: NO), the control unit 20 ends the process of this flowchart without going through the process of S18.

[5. advantage]
The washing machine 1 of the present embodiment measures the amount of detergent or fabric softener used during the washing operation, and determines when to order the detergent or fabric softener based on the measured amount of detergent or fabric softener used. , Send a notice prompting you to order detergents or fabric softeners. With such a configuration, the detergent or fabric softener can be easily ordered before the remaining amount of the detergent or fabric softener is insufficient. As a result, the remaining amount of the detergent and the softener can be calculated from the usage record to secure the remaining amount of the detergent and the softener, and the washing operation can be continuously executed. When ordering detergent or fabric softener, it takes time to deliver, so if the number of washings or the amount of detergent or fabric softener used is large, the detergent or fabric softener may be used up. On the other hand, in the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, since the amount of detergent or fabric softener used is measured to determine when to place an order, the washing machine 1 places an order before the washing machine 1 detects that the remaining amount is low. It can be done and prevents the detergent or fabric softener from being used up.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 20 measures the number of washings per day, determines when to order the detergent or fabric softener based on the measured number of washings, or notifies the user to order the detergent or fabric softener. I do. With such a configuration, the amount of detergent or fabric softener used can be easily predicted, and the detergent or fabric softener can be ordered at an appropriate time.

In the present embodiment, when the washing operation is performed without the detergent or fabric softener being automatically charged into the water tank by the automatic charging mechanism 10, the control unit 20 does not determine when to order the detergent or fabric softener, or the detergent. Or do not give a notice prompting to order fabric softener. If the automatic loading is canceled and the washing operation is performed, it is possible that a detergent or fabric softener other than the detergent or fabric softener that is automatically charged is manually added, and the user uses it for the washing operation. It is assumed that you are trying to switch between detergents or fabric softeners. Therefore, according to such a configuration, even if the remaining amount of the detergent or the softener automatically added is low, it is possible to suppress the prompting of ordering the detergent or the softener against the intention of the user.

In the present embodiment, when the ordering detergent or fabric softener is not in stock, the control unit 20 determines or orders when to order a detergent or fabric softener similar to the ordered detergent or fabric softener. Notify you to order detergents or fabric softeners similar to detergents or fabric softeners. With such a configuration, it is possible to reliably order detergents and fabric softeners.

In the present embodiment, when the detergent or softener to be ordered contains a new detergent or softener, the control unit 20 determines when to order the new detergent or softener, or the new product detergent. Or give a notice urging the order of fabric softener. Such a configuration facilitates the ordering of more functional detergents or fabric softeners.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 20 analyzes the user's preference based on the usage history of the detergent or the softener, selects the detergent or the softener suitable for the user's preference, and orders the selected detergent or the softener. Decide when or give a notice prompting you to order the selected detergent or fabric softener. With such a configuration, it becomes easy to order a detergent or a softener that suits the taste of the user.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 20 selects a detergent or a softener based on the dirt component discharged to the water tank, determines when to order the selected detergent or the softener, or the selected detergent or the softener. Notify you to place an order. With such a configuration, it becomes easy to order a detergent or a softener suitable for removing a stain component.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 20 waits from the last execution of the tub cleaning course until the washing operation is executed a predetermined number of times, or until a predetermined number of days have elapsed since the last execution of the tub cleaning course. , If the tub cleaning course is not running, notify the user to run the tub cleaning course, or order a washing agent to be used for cleaning the water tub and drums. According to such a configuration, the water tank and the drum can be reliably washed at a desired timing.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 20 selects a detergent or a fabric softener based on the washing operation history selected by the user, determines when to order the selected detergent or fabric softener, or determines the selected detergent or fabric softener. Notify you to order the drug. With such a configuration, it becomes easy to order a detergent or a softener suitable for the actual usage of the user.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 20 is washed when a predetermined number of days have not passed since the detergent or fabric softener was added to the automatic charging mechanism 10, or after the detergent or fabric softener was added to the automatic charging mechanism 10. When the operation is not executed a predetermined number of times and the remaining amount of the detergent filled in the detergent tank 11 or the remaining amount of the softener filled in the softener tank 12 is less than the predetermined value, the detergent or the softener Do not decide when to order or give no notice prompting you to order detergents or fabric softeners. That is, when the remaining amount of the detergent filled in the detergent tank 11 or the softener filled in the softener tank 12 drops sharply, and it is considered that the user has discarded the detergent or the softener for some reason. Do not prompt to order detergents or fabric softeners. Therefore, it becomes easy to order a detergent or a softener suitable for the actual usage of the user.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, as well as in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

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

Claims (10)

The housing including the aquarium and
An automatic charging mechanism that automatically loads the washing agent into the water tank,
A control unit that controls the washing operation in the water tank,
With
The control unit measures the amount of the washing treatment agent used during the washing operation, and determines when to order the washing treatment agent based on the measured amount of the washing treatment agent used, or the washing treatment. Notify you to order the drug,
Washing machine. The control unit measures the number of washings in a unit time, determines when to order the washing treatment agent based on the measured number of washings, or gives a notification prompting the ordering of the washing treatment agent.
The washing machine according to claim 1. The control unit does not determine when to order the washing treatment agent when the washing operation is performed without the washing treatment agent being automatically charged into the water tank by the automatic charging mechanism, or the washing treatment agent of the washing treatment agent. Do not give notice to encourage ordering,
The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2. The control unit determines when to order a laundry treatment agent similar to the ordered laundry treatment agent when the ordering party does not have the laundry treatment agent in stock, or is similar to the ordered laundry treatment agent. Notify you to order laundry treatment agents,
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3. When the laundry treatment agent of the new product is present in the laundry treatment agent to be ordered, the control unit determines when to order the laundry treatment agent of the new product, or orders the laundry treatment agent of the new product. Give a prompting notification,
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The control unit analyzes the user's preference based on the usage history of the laundry treatment agent, selects a laundry treatment agent suitable for the user's preference, and determines when to order the selected laundry treatment agent. Alternatively, a notification prompting the order of the selected laundry treatment agent is given.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5. Further equipped with a dirt sensor that detects the dirt component discharged to the water tank during the washing operation.
The control unit selects a washing treatment agent based on the dirt component detected by the dirt sensor, determines when to order the selected washing treatment agent, or orders the selected washing treatment agent. Give a prompting notification,
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The control unit can execute a plurality of washing courses including a tub washing course for washing the water tub, and from the last execution of the tub washing course to the execution of the washing operation a predetermined number of times, or. If the tank cleaning course has not been executed during the period from the previous execution of the tank cleaning course until a predetermined number of days have elapsed, a notification is given to the user to execute the tank cleaning course, or the water tank is notified. Order a washing agent used for cleaning
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The control unit selects the washing treatment agent based on the washing operation history selected by the user, determines when to order the selected washing treatment agent, or prompts the ordering of the selected washing treatment agent. Make a notification,
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The automatic loading mechanism has a tank filled with the washing agent and has a tank.
The control unit executes the washing operation a predetermined number of times when a predetermined number of days have not passed since the automatic loading mechanism was replenished with the washing treatment agent, or after the automatic charging mechanism was replenished with the washing treatment agent. If the remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent replenished in the tank is less than a predetermined value, the timing for ordering the laundry treatment agent is not determined, or a notification prompting the order of the laundry treatment agent is urged. Do not do,
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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