JP2021166801A - Disaster response laundry system and laundry device operation method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technology that disaster victims can utilize a laundry device more easily.SOLUTION: A disaster-responsive laundry system of an embodiment is operable even when an electric power infrastructure stops functioning, and includes: at least one or more laundry devices having a function of drying clothes by burning gas stored in a gas storage part; a generator for outputting electric power by using the gas stored in the gas storage part as fuel; and a power source switching part for switching an electric power source of the laundry device to either the electric power infrastructure or the generator.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a coin laundry facility for responding to a disaster.

The coin laundry provides users with laundry equipment such as a washer / dryer installed in the store. The user brings laundry such as clothes and futons and pays the usage fee to do the laundry. Since coin laundry is generally unmanned, a settlement system that automates settlement has been introduced. The user puts cash into the payment machine provided for each laundry device and uses the laundry device in a self-service manner. In addition to cash, the payment machine can also be used for payment using electronic money such as an IC card.

JP-A-2019-87216

The problem to be solved by the invention is to provide a technique that makes it easier for disaster victims to use laundry equipment.

The laundry system of the embodiment is a disaster response laundry system that can operate even when the electric power infrastructure stops functioning, and has a function of drying clothes by burning gas stored in a gas storage unit. At least one or more laundry equipment, a generator that outputs electric power using gas stored in the gas storage as fuel, and a power source of the laundry equipment are switched to either the electric power infrastructure or the generator. It is equipped with a power switching unit.

The laundry system of the embodiment is a disaster response laundry system that can operate even when the water supply infrastructure stops functioning, and is a water storage tank that stores water supplied by the water supply infrastructure, and the water supply infrastructure or the above. It includes at least one laundry device having a function of washing clothes with water supplied by a water storage tank.

It is a schematic plan view of the laundry facility which introduced the laundry system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the whole structure of the laundry system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the hardware configuration of the settlement system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a front view which shows the hardware configuration of the settlement machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the settlement machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the mode switching process which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the pay mode processing which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the free mode processing which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the settlement machine which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the mode switching process which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the settlement machine which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the mode switching process which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

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

<First Embodiment>
(Laundry system)
First, the outline of the laundry facility into which the laundry system according to the present embodiment has been introduced and the overall configuration of the laundry system will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a laundry facility in which a laundry system has been introduced. FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the overall configuration of the laundry system.

In the laundry facility F shown in FIG. 1, a laundry system 1 as shown in FIG. 2 is introduced. The laundry system 1 includes a plurality of laundry devices 10, a settlement machine 11, a control device 12, a generator 13, a power switching unit 14, a power supply unit 15, a water heater 16, a shower facility 17, and a gas supply unit 18.

The laundry equipment 10 is, for example, a washing machine, a dryer, a washer / dryer, a shoe washer, a compression pack machine, and the like. In the present embodiment, the laundry device 10 is a washer / dryer for washing and drying clothes, and an internal space for washing and drying clothes is partitioned, and the internal space is closed and clothes are put in or taken out. It is assumed that the door portion 10a that opens the internal space as much as possible is provided.

The inside of the laundry facility F is divided into a store section D and a backyard B, and a plurality of laundry devices 10 are installed so as to be available from the store section D and to supply electric power, water, and gas from the backyard B. Will be done. The user of the laundry facility F enters the store section D through the doorway D1 formed so as to be able to go back and forth between the outside and the store section D, selects an empty laundry device 10, and brings the clothes and the like. Laundry is put in and washed and dried. Further, in the laundry facility F, a settlement machine 11, a power supply unit 15, a shower facility 17, and a gas supply unit 18 are installed so as to be available to users from the store section D.

The laundry equipment 10 is operated by the electric power supplied through the electric power infrastructure E by the electric power company, and the clothes are washed by the water supplied through the water infrastructure W by the waterworks bureau and the detergent supplied in the backyard B. Then, the clothes are dried by the gas supplied by the LP (Liquiefed Petroleum) gas tank G installed in the vicinity of the laundry facility F. The water supplied by the water supply infrastructure W is supplied to the laundry equipment 10 via the water storage tank T installed near the laundry facility F, and a certain amount or more of water is constantly stored in the water storage tank T. In an emergency when the infrastructure W stops, the water stored in the water storage tank T is supplied.

The settlement machine 11 is a device for the user to settle the usage fee of each laundry device 10, and the user selects the washing / drying menu according to the operation guidance and setstles the usage fee with the centralized settlement machine 11. Causes the laundry equipment 10 to perform washing / drying according to the desired washing / drying menu. The control device 12 is communicably connected to the settlement machine 11 through, for example, a cable harness, is connected to each laundry device 10 by wire communication or wireless communication, and is further connected to a device outside the laundry facility F via the Internet. Communicate.

The generator 13 generates electricity using the gas supplied from the LP gas tank G. The power switching unit 14 switches between a normal power source supplied by the power infrastructure E and an emergency power source supplied by the generator 13. Power is supplied to the laundry equipment 10, the settlement machine 11, the control device 12, and the power supply unit 15 via the power switching unit 14. Here, the power supply unit 15 includes an outlet, a USB (registered trademark) power supply port, and the like. In an emergency when the power infrastructure E is stopped, the laundry equipment 10, the checkout machine 11, and the control device 12 operate by switching to the emergency power supply, and the power supply unit 15 can use the power. Further, according to the power supply unit 15, even in a situation where the power infrastructure E is stopped due to a disaster, the user can charge an electronic device operated by a battery such as a smartphone.

The water heater 16 heats the water supplied by the water storage tank T by burning the gas supplied by the LP gas tank G, and supplies hot water to the shower facility 17. The shower facility 17 is a facility for the user to wash his / her body, and is provided with a shower and a drainage ditch. According to the water heater 16 and the shower facility 17, the user can wash his / her body even in a situation where the water infrastructure W is stopped due to a disaster.

The gas supply unit 18 is a supply port for supplying the gas supplied from the LP gas tank G so that it can be used by a gas appliance such as a gas stove GC. The gas stove GC is normally stored in the backyard B, is connected to the gas supply unit 18 by the manager of the laundry facility F in an emergency, and is installed so as to be available in the store section D. It is desirable that the gas supply unit 18 is configured so that a person other than the administrator cannot perform an operation for making the gas available. According to the gas supply unit 18, even if the gas infrastructure is stopped due to a disaster, the gas stove GC can be connected to prepare meals.

The door D2 provided on the wall portion separating the store compartment D and the backyard B is locked by the key held by the manager of the landry facility F, and only the manager can enter and exit the backyard B. In an emergency when various infrastructures are stopped, the administrator switches to an emergency power supply by the power supply switching unit 14 and operates the generator 13. Further, water is supplied from the water storage tank T, and gas is supplied from the LP gas tank G as in the normal case. As a result, the laundry facility F can be operated even in an emergency.

(Settlement system)
The settlement system will be described. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the hardware configuration of the settlement system. FIG. 4 is a front view showing the hardware configuration of the checkout machine.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the settlement system S includes a settlement machine 11 and a control device 12. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the settlement machine 11 has, as hardware, a control unit 110, a display unit 111, a speaker 112, a bill deposit unit 113a, a coin deposit unit 113b, a change withdrawal unit 113c, and an IC (Integrated Circuit). It includes a card reader / writer 114, a printer 115, and a bar code reader 116.

The control unit 110 controls the overall operation of the settlement machine 11, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 110a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 110b, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 110c arranged on a circuit board. Be prepared. The ROM 110b stores information such as a program executed by the CPU 110a and various control conditions. The RAM 110c temporarily stores information such as the operating status of the laundry equipment and the number of used prepaid cards collected. The CPU 110a reads the program and various control conditions from the ROM 110b, controls the overall operation of the settlement machine 11, and executes various functions described later.

The display unit 111 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) to an operator including a user and an administrator, and acquires a GUI operation by the operator. The display unit 111 is a touch panel display having a display 111a and a touch pad 111b, and a user can touch and select an operation menu including processing options by the settlement machine 11. The operation menu includes a laundry menu for washing and drying, a settlement menu for paying usage fees, and a management menu that can be operated only by the administrator.

The speaker 112 emits voice guidance and a notification sound to the operator, and the speaker 112 outputs a voice that reads or assists the operation guidance displayed on the display unit 111. The operation guidance displayed on the display unit 111 and the voice guidance output from the speaker 112 can be selected in various languages through the touch panel display as the display unit 111.

The banknote deposit unit 113a, the coin deposit unit 113b, and the change withdrawal unit 113c are all for cash settlement with respect to the usage fee of the laundry equipment 10. The user inserts cash according to the usage fee displayed on the display unit 111 from the bill deposit unit 113a and the coin deposit unit 113b, and if there is change for the inserted cash, the change is received from the change withdrawal unit 113c. It will be paid out.

The IC card reader / writer 114 is for performing IC card settlement with respect to the usage fee of the laundry equipment 10. The user brings the IC card into contact with the reading surface of the IC card reader / writer 114 when the IC card is settled. For example, in the case of a credit card, the IC card reader / writer 114 reads various information from the storage unit of the IC card (for example, an IC chip or a magnetic device), and the various information is managed by the credit credit company via a relay device (not shown). Queryed by the system.

The printer 115 prints a receipt stating the usage fee and usage details settled by cash, an IC card, or the like, and outputs the receipt from the receipt outlet 115a (also used as the change withdrawal unit 113c) (see FIG. 4). The printer 115 includes a roll-shaped thermal recording paper, a printing head for printing on the paper, a cutter for cutting the printed paper from the roll, and the like.

The control device 12 is communicably connected to the settlement machine 11 through a cable harness, and includes a management controller 121 that controls each laundry device 10 and a communication port 122 for communicating with the outside via the Internet.

The management controller 121 is connected to each laundry device 10 so as to enable wired or wireless communication, receives information on whether it is operating or unused (vacant) from each laundry device 10, and the laundry device in the laundry facility F. Manage the operating status of 10. Further, the management controller 121 receives the information of the selection menu selected by the user from the settlement machine 11 and transmits it to the corresponding laundry equipment 10. Further, for the safety of the user and the prevention of theft, a signal for controlling the locking and unlocking of the door portion 10a of the laundry equipment 10 is transmitted.

The communication port 122 is connected to the Internet network 90 through an information communication device 123 such as a router or a modem. Then, through the Internet network 90, it is communicably connected to the settlement systems S1 and S2 installed in other laundry facilities.

(Functional configuration)
Next, the functional configuration and operation of the checkout machine will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the checkout machine.

As shown in FIG. 5, the settlement machine 11 includes a mode switching unit 81, a paid mode processing unit 82, and a free mode processing unit 83 as functions executed by the control unit 110. The mode switching unit 81 switches the settlement machine 11 to a paid mode that performs an operation corresponding to a normal state or a free mode that performs an operation corresponding to an emergency state by a mode switching process described later. The pay mode processing unit 82 operates the laundry device 10 when the settlement is completed by the pay mode process described later. The free mode processing unit 83 operates the laundry equipment 10 without making a payment by the free mode processing described later.

(Mode switching process)
The operation of the mode switching process will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mode switching process. In FIG. 6, it is assumed that the management menu for performing various operations by the manager of the laundry facility is displayed in advance.

As shown in FIG. 6, the mode switching unit 81 determines in the management menu whether or not the authentication information for authenticating the administrator is valid in order to confirm that the operator of the settlement machine 11 is the administrator. (S101). Here, the mode switching unit 81 determines, for example, whether or not the password set in advance by the administrator matches the password input by the touch operation on the display unit 111 which is the touch panel display.

When the authentication information is valid (S101, YES), the mode switching unit 81 selects a mode including a paid mode button for operating the settlement machine 11 in the paid mode and a free mode button for operating the settlement machine 11 in the free mode. The screen is displayed (S102), and it is determined whether or not the free mode button is selected (S103).

When the free mode button is selected (S103, YES), the free mode processing described later is executed (S104).

On the other hand, when the pay mode button is selected (S103, NO), the pay mode process described later is executed (S105).

(Paid mode processing)
The operation of paid mode processing will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the paid mode processing.

As shown in FIG. 7, the pay mode processing unit 82 displays a screen for selecting a laundry device 10 that is not in operation among the plurality of laundry devices 10, and determines whether or not any of the laundry devices 10 has been selected. (S201).

When the laundry device 10 is selected (S201, YES), the pay mode processing unit 82 displays a course selection screen including a plurality of courses having different operation modes (course contents) of the laundry device 10 (S202), and any one of them. It is determined whether or not the course of is selected (S203).

When a course is selected (S203, YES), the paid mode processing unit 82 displays the usage fee according to the selected course (S204), and determines whether or not the displayed usage fee has been settled (S205). ).

When the usage fee is settled (S205, YES), the pay mode processing unit 82 starts the operation operation according to the selected course for the selected laundry device 10 (S206).

On the other hand, when the usage fee is not settled (S205, NO), the pay mode processing unit 82 again determines whether or not the displayed usage fee has been settled (S205).

If the course is not selected in step S203 (S203, NO), the pay mode processing unit 82 again determines whether or not the course has been selected (S203).

If the laundry equipment 10 is not selected in step S201 (S201, NO), the pay mode processing unit 82 again determines whether or not the laundry equipment 10 is selected (S201).

(Free mode processing)
The operation of free mode processing will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the free mode processing.

As shown in FIG. 8, the free mode processing unit 83 displays a screen for selecting a laundry device 10 that is not in operation among the plurality of laundry devices 10, and determines whether or not any of the laundry devices 10 is selected. (S301).

When the laundry device 10 is selected (S301, YES), the free mode processing unit 83 displays a course selection screen including a plurality of courses having different operation modes (course contents) of the laundry device 10 (S302). It is determined whether or not the course of is selected (S303). Here, the free mode processing unit 83 may display a course selection screen whose course included is different from that of the paid mode processing unit 82. For example, the free mode may include a course that consumes less water, electricity, and gas than the paid mode.

When a course is selected (S303, YES), the free mode processing unit 83 starts the operation operation according to the selected course for the selected laundry device 10 (S304).

On the other hand, when the course is not selected (S303, NO), the free mode processing unit 83 again determines whether or not the course has been selected (S303).

If the laundry equipment 10 is not selected in step S301 (S301, NO), the free mode processing unit 83 again determines whether or not the laundry equipment 10 is selected (S301).

In this way, it is possible to switch between two modes, a paid mode in which the payment machine 11 operates the laundry equipment 10 after payment and a free mode in which the landry equipment 10 is operated without payment, in the event of a disaster in which various infrastructures are stopped. When the administrator switches the checkout machine 11 to the free mode, the laundry facility F can be easily opened to the victims free of charge.

In the above-described embodiment, the laundry device 10 and the settlement machine 11 are different devices, but the settlement machine 11 may be built in each laundry device 10. In this case, the control panel for setting the payment machine 11 built in the laundry device 10 is stored in the laundry device 10 so as to be accessible only by using the key possessed by the administrator, and the pay mode is operated by operating the control panel. It is desirable to be able to select either the free mode or the free mode. Further, when the laundry device 10 is not provided with the touch panel, in the free mode, the laundry device 10 is operated by pressing the course selection button for selecting the course. good. Further, for the laundry device 10 which is not provided with the course selection button because the operation mode cannot be selected, a free operation button is separately provided, and in the free mode, the laundry device 10 is operated by pressing the free operation button. It is good to let them do it.

Further, in the free mode, an IC card or a magnetic card that can be temporarily settled by the settlement machine 11 may be temporarily distributed in the laundry facility F. For example, it is conceivable to install a storage unit for storing such a card in the laundry facility F so that the card stored in the storage unit can be taken out in the free mode.

Further, since the pressure of the gas tank G decreases when the remaining amount of gas becomes a predetermined amount or less, the gas tank G is replaced as used with the gas remaining in the gas tank G. Therefore, the gas remaining in the used gas tank G may be aggregated and used in an emergency.

<Second embodiment>
The laundry system according to the present embodiment has a different functional configuration of the settlement machine from the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the checkout machine. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mode switching process.

As shown in FIG. 9, the settlement machine 11a according to the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the low-charge mode processing unit 84 is provided as a function instead of the free mode processing unit 83. Further, the mode switching unit 81 is different from the first embodiment in that it switches between a pay mode that performs an operation corresponding to a normal state and a low charge mode that performs an operation corresponding to an emergency state.

As shown in FIG. 10, the mode switching process according to the present embodiment is the first embodiment in that the operations of step S102a, step S103a, and step S104a are performed instead of the operations of step S102, step S103, and step S104. It is different from the form.

In step S102a, the mode switching unit 81 displays a mode selection screen including a pay mode button for operating the settlement machine 11a in the pay mode and a low charge mode button for operating the settlement machine 11a in the low charge mode.

Further, in step S103a, the mode switching unit 81 determines whether or not the low charge mode button is selected, and when the low charge mode button is selected, the low charge mode processing unit 84 performs low charge mode processing. It is executed (S104a).

The low charge mode processing executes substantially the same operation as the paid mode processing, but in the display of the usage charge in step S204, the point that the charge lower than the paid mode processing is displayed as the settlement charge is the first embodiment. different.

<Third embodiment>
The laundry system according to the present embodiment has a different functional configuration of the settlement machine from the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the checkout machine. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mode switching process.

As shown in FIG. 11, the settlement machine 11b according to the present embodiment includes a mode switching unit 81a instead of the mode switching unit 81, and is the first in the operation of the mode switching process by the mode switching unit 81a. Different from the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 12, first, the mode switching unit 81a determines whether or not the emergency information indicating that the area where the laundry facility F exists is in an emergency state has been acquired (S101a). Examples of the emergency information include an earthquake early warning sent by the Japan Meteorological Agency and information indicating that the supply of electric power to the electric power infrastructure E has been stopped.

When the emergency information is acquired (S101a, YES), the free mode processing is executed (S104), while when the emergency information is not acquired (S101a, NO), the paid mode processing is executed (S105).

In this way, by switching between the paid mode and the free mode based on the emergency information, the laundry facility F can be made to respond to an emergency such as a disaster without any operation by the administrator.

The embodiments of the present invention are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other embodiments, 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, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

1 Laundry system 11 Settlement machine 81 Mode switching unit 82 Paid mode processing unit (normal mode processing unit)
83 Free mode processing unit (emergency mode processing unit)
84 Low charge mode processing unit (emergency mode processing unit)

Claims (8)

A disaster response laundry system that can operate even if the power infrastructure fails.
At least one laundry device having the function of drying clothes by burning the gas stored in the gas storage unit, and
A generator that outputs electric power using the gas stored in the gas storage as fuel.
A disaster response laundry system including a power switching unit that switches the power source of the laundry equipment to either the power infrastructure or the generator. The disaster response laundry system according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply unit that is configured to be connectable to a power connector and is electrically connected to the generator. It is a method of operating laundry equipment that can operate even if the power infrastructure stops functioning.
Clothes are dried by at least one laundry device by burning the gas stored in the gas storage.
Electric power is output by a generator using the gas stored in the gas storage as fuel.
A method of operating a laundry device, which comprises switching the power source of the laundry device from the power infrastructure to the generator when the power infrastructure is stopped. The method for operating a laundry device according to claim 3, wherein the generator outputs electric power using gas stored in a gas storage unit having a remaining amount of a predetermined amount or less as fuel. A disaster response laundry system that can operate even if the water infrastructure stops functioning.
A water storage tank that stores the water supplied by the water supply infrastructure,
A disaster response laundry system including at least one laundry device having a function of washing clothes with water supplied by the water infrastructure or the water storage tank. It is a method of operating laundry equipment that can operate even if the water infrastructure stops functioning.
At least one laundry device for washing clothes with water and the water infrastructure are fluidly connected, and a water storage tank for storing water supplied by the water infrastructure and the laundry device are fluidly connected.
A method of operating a laundry device, which comprises supplying the water stored in the water storage tank to the laundry device when the water supply infrastructure is stopped. A disaster response laundry system that can operate even if at least one of the power infrastructure and water infrastructure fails.
At least one dryer having the function of drying clothes by burning the gas stored in the gas storage unit, and
A water storage tank that stores the water supplied by the water supply infrastructure,
With at least one washing machine having the function of washing clothes with the water supplied by the water infrastructure or the water storage tank.
With at least one washer / dryer having a function of drying clothes by burning gas stored in the gas storage unit and a function of washing clothes with water supplied from the water supply infrastructure or the water storage tank. ,
A generator that outputs electric power using the gas stored in the gas storage as fuel.
A disaster response laundry system including a power switching unit that switches the power source of the dryer, the washer / dryer, and the washing machine to either the power infrastructure or the generator. It is a method of operating laundry equipment that can be operated even if at least one of the power infrastructure and the water infrastructure stops functioning.
Clothes are dried by at least one dryer and at least one washer / dryer by burning the gas stored in the gas storage.
The water supplied by the water supply infrastructure is stored in a water storage tank,
Fluidly connect at least one washing machine and the washer / dryer to the water infrastructure and the water storage tank to wash clothes with water.
When the water infrastructure is stopped, the water stored in the water storage tank is supplied to the washing machine and the washer / dryer.
Electric power is output by a generator using the gas stored in the gas storage as fuel.
A method of operating a laundry device, which comprises switching the power source of the dryer, the washer / dryer, and the washing machine from the power infrastructure to the generator when the power infrastructure is stopped.

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