JP2023158924A - Washing machine maintenance management system, washing machine and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To support more adequate maintenance management depending on a state, i.e., an actual state, of a washing machine.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a washing machine maintenance management system which has a washing machine 1, a user terminal 2, and a washing machine maintenance management device 3 and supports maintenance management of a washing tub of the washing machine 1. The washing machine maintenance management system comprises: operation history collection portions 22, 32 which display operation condition of the washing machine 1 and collect operation history including a plurality of influence elements; washing necessity determination portions 23, 33 which determine whether or not tub washing of the washing tub is required using the plurality of influence elements; and consumables order portions 24, 34 which carry out order processing of a tub detergent used for washing the washing tub; and an output portion 27 that outputs determination results of the washing necessity determination portions 23, 33 of the washing tub.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to technology for implementing maintenance management of washing machines. In particular, it relates to technology that supports tank cleaning.

In a washing machine, consumables wear out and deteriorate as the laundry is done. Therefore, it is necessary to manage such consumables. For example, detergent and fabric softener are required for laundry. In addition, since dirt accumulates due to washing, cleaning using a detergent is required. Therefore, various techniques have been proposed for maintenance and management of washing machines.

For example, Patent Document 1 describes how to set the count number of selected operation times to notify tank cleaning based on information such as the number of times bath water is used, the number of times detergent is added by a detergent dispenser, the number of detergent washes, and the type of detergent. It is disclosed that appropriate tank cleaning timing is notified by changing the value. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes automatic ordering of laundry treatment agents necessary for cleaning an aquarium. Specifically, when a predetermined number of days have passed since the previous tank cleaning, a notification prompting the user to perform tank cleaning is sent. Also disclosed is ordering a tank cleaning agent.

JP2003-79988A JP2021-83965A

Here, in an actual washing machine, the state of dirt in the washing tub changes depending on the amount of washing, the amount of detergent used, the hardness of water, etc. Therefore, in order to appropriately perform maintenance management including tank cleaning, it is necessary to understand the state of the washing machine.

However, in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, the user is notified of tank cleaning based on the period of use and the number of times the washing is used. For this reason, these systems do not check the actual state of the washing tub to notify and implement tub cleaning. For this reason, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, it is difficult to perform appropriate maintenance management depending on the state of the washing machine. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to support more appropriate maintenance management depending on the state of the washing machine, that is, the actual situation.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention outputs the necessity of tank cleaning determined using a plurality of influencing factors. More specifically, in a washing machine maintenance management system that includes a washing machine, a user terminal, and a washing machine maintenance management device and supports maintenance management of a washing tub of the washing machine, the operating status of the washing machine is monitored. an operation history collection unit that collects an operation history including a plurality of influencing factors; a cleaning necessity determination unit that determines whether or not the washing tub needs to be cleaned using the plurality of influencing factors; The washing machine maintenance management system has an output section that outputs the determination result of the determination section. The present invention also includes a washing machine maintenance and management method using the washing machine maintenance and management system. Furthermore, the present invention also includes devices constituting the washing machine maintenance management system and methods using these devices. Furthermore, the present invention also includes a program for causing each device to function as a computer.

According to the present invention, it is possible to support more appropriate maintenance management depending on the state of the washing machine.

1 is a system configuration diagram of a washing machine maintenance management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a functional block diagram of a washing machine in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a user terminal in an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a washing machine maintenance management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing user management information used in an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing driving history information used in one embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing maintenance standard information used in one embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a flowchart (Part 1) showing a processing flow in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart (Part 2) showing a processing flow in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In this embodiment, a technique for supporting maintenance of a washing machine is disclosed. As washing machines are used and over time, dirt accumulates around the tank, water supply and drainage channels. Therefore, in this embodiment, support for washing the washing machine and ordering consumables is provided as maintenance for the washing machine. Further, in this embodiment, the necessity of maintenance is determined using a plurality of influencing factors such as water hardness, dirt, tank cleaning history, detergent usage history, and softener usage history.

<Configuration>
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a washing machine maintenance management system in this embodiment. The washing machine maintenance management system includes a washing machine 1, a user terminal 2, a washing machine maintenance management device 3, and a consumables vending device 4. These are connected via a router 5 and a network 6.

First, the washing machine 1 is the object of maintenance in this embodiment, and washes clothes by its own operation. It is desirable that the washing machine 1 has a function of automatically adding detergent and softener for this washing. Further, it is assumed that the washing machine 1 has a tank cleaning function. Note that, in the present invention, these automatic loading functions and tank cleaning functions are not essential. Furthermore, the washing machine 1 acquires a driving history indicating its own driving status, and transmits this to the user terminal 2 and the washing machine maintenance management device 3.

Here, the configuration of the washing machine 1 for realizing these will be explained. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the washing machine 1 in this embodiment. In FIG. 2, washing machine 1 includes a control section 101, a communication section 104, a display operation panel 105, an operating section 106, a hardness sensor 107, an image sensor 108, and a consumables sensor 109.

First, the control unit 101 includes a control signal generation unit 102 that generates and outputs control signals for realizing functions such as washing and tank cleaning, and an operation history acquisition unit 103 that acquires the operation history of the washing machine 1. Further, the driving history acquisition unit 103 acquires driving history from the operating unit 106, various sensors (107 to 109), or the control signal generation unit 102. Here, the operation history is data indicating the operation of the washing machine 1, and includes operation details for each time and detection data from various sensors (107 to 109) according to the operation. The operation details can include the mode of washing and the amount (amount) of consumables such as detergent used. Furthermore, the hardness and turbidity of water before and after flowing into the washing machine 1 can be used as the detection data. Then, the detection data will be used as an influencing element in this embodiment.

Note that the control section 101 can be realized by an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), and each part of the control signal generation section 102 and the driving history acquisition section 103 can be realized by software such as dedicated hardware and programs.

Further, the communication unit 104 has a function of communication via the router 5 and the network 6 and a short-range wireless communication function. The communication unit 104 outputs the acquired driving history and receives control instructions and driving history collection instructions from the user terminal 2 and the like. Further, the display operation panel 105 receives operations on the washing machine 1 from the user and outputs the operating status including the operating history of the washing machine 1.

Furthermore, the operating unit 106 executes various functions under control from the control unit 101. Specifically, washing and tank cleaning are executed. For this reason, it is desirable that the operating unit 106 has a plurality of configurations. For example, it can be realized as a motor for rotating a washing tub or a mechanism for automatically adding detergent or the like.

In this embodiment, the user terminal 2 and the washing machine maintenance management device 3, which will be described later, determine whether tank cleaning is necessary or not and process the ordering of consumables as maintenance support. , may be executed by the washing machine 1. In this case, the display operation panel 105 may be configured to display information regarding determination results and ordering.

Furthermore, hardness sensor 107 detects the hardness of water before and after it flows into washing machine 1 . For this reason, it is desirable that the hardness sensors 107 include a pre-inflow hardness sensor 107-1 for before inflow and a post-inflow hardness sensor 107-2 for after inflow. Moreover, before and after inflow includes not only before and after use in washing, but also before and after inflow during measurement operation for hardness detection. Note that the hardness sensor 107 can be provided near the water supply valve and the drain valve of the washing machine.

Furthermore, when detecting the hardness before and after use in washing, it is desirable to perform this at a timing after rinsing (particularly near the end of rinsing) after some dirt has been removed from the clothes. By performing measurement operation, rinsing, etc. in this way, it becomes possible to detect stains in the water caused by the washing machine 1 with high accuracy.

Further, the image sensor 108 photographs the water before and after it flows into the washing machine 1. In particular, the image sensor 108 only needs to be able to detect its transparency. As with the hardness sensor 107, the image sensor 108 is preferably provided with a pre-inflow image sensor 108-1 and a post-inflow image sensor 108-2. Furthermore, as with the hardness sensor 107, the timing of detection is preferably during measurement operation or rinsing. In this manner, in this embodiment, the hardness of water before and after inflow and images are used as examples of factors that influence water contamination before and after operation. Further, the consumables sensor 109 is a sensor that detects the amount of detergent or tank cleaning agent that is automatically added. However, this sensor can be omitted if automatic input is not required.

Furthermore, as maintenance for the washing machine 1, it is also possible to deal with deterioration of filters provided in the water supply valve and the drain valve. In this case, flow velocity sensors provided upstream and downstream of the filter are used as sensors. Note that some of the above-mentioned sensors may be omitted as maintenance sensors, or other sensors may be used.

This concludes the explanation of FIG. 2 and returns to the explanation of FIG. 1. Next, the user terminal 2 is operated by the user and has a management function for the washing machine 1. The management functions include controlling the washing and tank cleaning of the washing machine 1 and ordering consumables such as tank cleaning agent. For this purpose, the user terminal 2 includes a communication section 21, an operation history collection section 22, a cleaning necessity determination section 23, a consumables ordering section 24, a control command creation section 25, an input section 26, an output section 27, and a storage section 28. has.

The communication unit 21 has a function of communicating with the washing machine 1 and other devices via the network 6 using a short-range wireless communication function or a communication function via the router 5 . The driving history collection unit 22 collects driving history indicating the driving history of the washing machine 1 .

Further, the cleaning necessity determining unit 23 determines whether or not the washing machine 1 needs to be cleaned based on the operation history. At this time, the driving history itself may be used, or driving history information 362 created from the driving history may be used. Furthermore, the consumables ordering unit 24 executes processing related to ordering consumables for the washing machine 1 in addition to the tank cleaning agent. For this purpose, the consumables ordering unit 24 executes processing related to ordering based on driving history and user instructions.

Further, the control command creation unit 25 creates a control command for controlling the operation of the washing machine 1 based on the driving history and the user's instructions. The input unit 26 also accepts operations from the user. Further, the output unit 27 outputs the processing results of the user terminal 2, and can be implemented as a display unit. Note that, as described later, the input section 26 and the output section 27 can be configured in one part like a touch panel. Furthermore, the storage unit 28 stores various types of information for executing processing at the user terminal 2. These various types of information will be described later in <Information/Data>.

Here, an example of implementation of the user terminal 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the user terminal 2 in this embodiment. In FIG. 3, the user terminal 2 includes a touch panel 201, a processing device 202, a communication device 203, and a storage device 204, which are connected to each other via a communication path.

First, the touch panel 201 has a configuration that also serves as the input section 26 and the output section 17 in FIG. 1, and receives user operations and displays various information. Note that the touch panel 201 may be configured to be divided into an input device and an output device. Further, the processing device 202 can be realized by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and executes calculations according to a washing machine management program 205 stored in a storage device 204, which will be described later. Note that the washing machine management program 205 may be realized as a home appliance integrated management program (integrated application) that includes home appliances other than the washing machine 1.

The washing machine management program 205 includes an operation history collection module 206, a cleaning necessity determination module 207, a consumables ordering module 208, and a control command creation module 209 for each function. Note that each of these modules may be implemented using individual programs or a partial combination.

Here, the configuration shown in FIG. 1 that performs the same function as each module is as follows.
Driving history collection module 206: Driving history collection unit 22
Cleaning necessity determination module 207: Cleaning necessity determination section 23
Consumables ordering module 208: Consumables ordering section 24
Control command creation module 209: Control command creation unit 25
Therefore, the processing device 202 executes the processes of the operation history collection module 206, the cleaning necessity determination module 207, the consumables ordering module 208, and the control command creation module 209 according to the washing machine management program 205.

The storage device 204 also stores a washing machine management program 205, user management information 210, driving history information 211, maintenance standard information 212, and hardness-stain correlation information 213. Here, the washing machine management program 205 may be a program for managing various home appliances, as described above, or may be composed of a plurality of programs for each home appliance.

This concludes the explanation of FIG. 3 and returns to the explanation of FIG. 1. Next, the washing machine maintenance management device 3 is a device for supporting maintenance of the washing machine 1, and can be realized by a computer such as a server or a cloud. The washing machine maintenance management device 3 includes a communication section 31, an operation history collection section 32, a cleaning necessity determination section 33, a consumables ordering section 34, a control command creation section 35, and a storage section 36.

The communication unit 31 has a function of communicating with other devices via the network 6. The driving history collection unit 32 to control command creation unit 35 perform the same functions as the driving history collection unit 22 to control command creation unit 25 of the user terminal 2. Therefore, each of these parts may be provided in at least one of the user terminal 2 and the washing machine maintenance management device 3.

The storage unit 36 also stores user management information 361, driving history information 362, maintenance standard information 363, and hardness-stain correlation information 364. These will be described later in <Information/Data>.

Here, one implementation example of the washing machine maintenance management device 3 will be described. FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of the washing machine maintenance management device 3 in this embodiment. In FIG. 4, the washing machine maintenance management device 3 includes a processing device 301, a communication device 302, a memory 303, and a sub-storage device 304, which are connected to each other via a communication path.

First, the processing device 301 can be realized by a processor such as a CPU, and executes calculations according to a washing machine management program 305 stored in a sub-storage device 304, which will be described later. The washing machine management program 305 will be described later.

Further, the communication device 302 corresponds to the communication unit 31 in FIG. 1, connects to the network 6, and performs communication with other devices.

Furthermore, the memory 303 and the secondary storage device 304 correspond to the storage unit 28 in FIG. The washing machine management program 305 stored in the secondary storage device 304 and information used for processing in the processing device 301 are stored in the memory 303. Further, the secondary storage device 304 can be realized by a so-called storage, and stores a washing machine management program 305, user management information 361, driving history information 362, maintenance standard information 363, and hardness-stain correlation information 364. Further, the secondary storage device 304 may be realized by various storage media such as an external HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a memory card. Further, the secondary storage device 304 may be implemented as a separate device from the washing machine maintenance management device 3, such as a file server.

Here, the washing machine management program 305 includes an operation history collection module 306, a cleaning necessity determination module 307, a consumables ordering module 308, and a control command creation module 309 for each function. Note that each of these modules may be implemented using individual programs or a partial combination.

Here, the configuration shown in FIG. 1 that performs the same function as each module is as follows.
Driving history collection module 306: Driving history collection unit 32
Cleaning necessity determination module 307: Cleaning necessity determination section 33
Consumables ordering module 308: Consumables ordering section 34
Control command creation module 309: Control command creation unit 35
Note that the washing machine management program 305 and the washing machine management program 205 execute calculations similar to each other, and it is sufficient that at least one of them exists. At this time, the modules constituting these may also exist in at least one side.

Note that the washing machine maintenance management device 3 may further include a display device and an input device, or may be connected to a terminal device.

This concludes the explanation of FIG. 4 and returns to the explanation of FIG. 1. The consumables sales device 4 is a computer for realizing what is called an EC site. The consumables sales device 4 sells various consumables according to requests from users. Note that the sale by the consumables vending device 4 is not limited to consumables, and may also include the sale of washing machines 1 and the like. Moreover, the router 5 has a function for connecting each device, and is preferably provided in the same premises as the washing machine 1. Note that the router 5 can be omitted or replaced with another communication device. Further, the network 6 is a communication network such as the Internet or a public line network. This concludes the description of the configuration of this embodiment.

<Information/Data>
Next, various information and data used in this embodiment will be explained. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing user management information 361 used in this embodiment. User management information 361 is information for managing users of washing machine 1. As shown in FIG. 5, the user management information 361 records the address, contact information, washing machine, consumables, remaining amount, and ordering standard amount for each user of the washing machine 1. Here, the user in the user management information 361 may be any information that identifies the user.

Further, the address and contact information are the address and contact information of the corresponding user. Further, the washing machine identifies itself or its type. The consumables include various consumables used in the washing machine 1, such as detergent, softener, tank cleaning agent, and filter. The remaining amount indicates the remaining amount (stock) of consumables owned by the user. The ordering standard quantity indicates the standard value of the remaining quantity when ordering consumables. That is, when the remaining amount satisfies the ordering reference amount, processing for ordering the corresponding consumable is performed. Note that the processing for ordering includes the ordering itself and the proposal for the ordering. Furthermore, the consumables, remaining quantities, and ordering reference quantities may be information independent from the user management information 361, or may be handled as driving history information 362, which will be described later.

This concludes the explanation of FIG. 5, but the user management information 210 also has the same items as the user management information 361. Note that the user management information 361 is information about a plurality of users, but the user management information 210 is information limited to the user of the user terminal 2. Note that at least one of the user management information 361 and the user management information 210 may be provided.

Next, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing driving history information 362 used in this embodiment. The operation history information 362 is information indicating the operation history of the washing machine 1. As shown in FIG. 6, the operation history information 362 records the operation history, detergent usage history, softener usage history, drying performance history, tank cleaning history, hardness difference, and flow rate difference for each washing machine. . Here, the driving history information 362 may be any information that identifies the washing machine. Specifically, the amount of consumables used, detected hardness, water flow rate, and operation details are recorded. First, the operation history indicates the history of operations performed by the washing machine 1, which is acquired by the operation history acquisition unit 103.

Further, in the detergent usage history and the softener history, the cumulative usage amount (quantity) of the detergent and softener used in the washing machine 1 is recorded. It is desirable that this cumulative total be cleared every time a predetermined condition is satisfied, such as maintenance such as tank cleaning or the execution of an order. Further, in the drying execution history and tank cleaning history, the cumulative number of drying operations and tank cleaning operations performed in the washing machine 1 is recorded. It is desirable that these conditions are cleared every time a predetermined condition is satisfied, such as maintenance such as tank cleaning or the execution of an order. In particular, when tank cleaning is a condition, it is desirable to perform tank cleaning multiple times. Further, in addition to the cumulative number of times, any information indicating the amount of these implementations, such as the frequency, may be used.

Further, the hardness difference indicates the difference in hardness of water before and after inflow detected by the hardness sensor 107. It is desirable to record representative values such as maximum values and average values for this hardness difference during the period until the above-mentioned predetermined conditions are satisfied. Furthermore, the flow velocity difference indicates the difference in the flow velocity of water before and after inflow. It is desirable to record a typical value such as a maximum value or an average value for this flow velocity difference during a period until the above-mentioned predetermined condition is satisfied.

This concludes the explanation of FIG. 6, but the driving history information 211 has the same items as the driving history information 362. However, although the driving history information 362 is information for each of the plurality of washing machines, the driving history information 211 is information limited to the washing machine 1. Further, at least one of the driving history information 362, the driving history information 362, and the driving history information 211 may be provided.

Next, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing maintenance standard information 363 used in this embodiment. Maintenance standard information 363 is information indicating a standard for determining whether or not maintenance of washing machine 1 is necessary. As shown in FIG. 7, the maintenance standard information 363 records parts, standards, and maintenance details for each washing machine. Components indicate components that constitute the washing machine 1. Further, the standard indicates a standard for determining whether or not maintenance is necessary for each part. The maintenance content indicates the content of maintenance that is recommended or executed when the corresponding criteria are met. For example, regarding the maintenance of a washing tub, if the number of times of washing is 50 or more times, the number of times of drying is 45 or more...the tub cleaning history is less than 2 times in 3 months, then tub cleaning is specified as the maintenance content. Note that the criteria may be an OR condition or an AND condition. Further, standards and maintenance contents do not have to be set for each part.

This concludes the explanation of FIG. 7, but the maintenance standard information 212 has the same items as the maintenance standard information 363. However, although the maintenance standard information 363 is information for each of the plurality of washing machines, the maintenance standard information 212 is information limited to the washing machine 1. Note that the maintenance standard information 363 may have common content for a plurality of washing machines. Further, at least one of the maintenance standard information 363 and the maintenance standard information 212 may be provided.

Further, the hardness-stain correlation information 364 is information indicating the correlation between water hardness difference and dirt. In other words, it is information that allows the value indicating dirt to be specified for each hardness value. Further, it is desirable that the hardness-stain correlation information 364 also record dirt or hardness difference for determining whether maintenance is necessary and maintenance contents corresponding thereto. For example, cleaning, replacement of consumables and parts, and notification to maintenance personnel are specified as maintenance contents, and values indicating dirt or hardness differences corresponding to these are associated as threshold values. Note that the hardness-stain correlation information 364 is a type of maintenance standard information 363, and may be treated as information integrated with this. Further, the hardness-stain correlation information 364 may be created for each of a plurality of washing machines.

Further, the hardness-stain correlation information 213 has the same items as the hardness-stain correlation information 364. Note that the hardness-stain correlation information 213 and the hardness-stain correlation information 364 may be created for each of a plurality of washing machines, or may be information specific to the washing machine 1. Furthermore, at least one of these may be provided. This concludes the explanation of various information and data used in this embodiment.

<Processing flow>
Next, the processing flow of this embodiment will be explained. 8A and 8B are flowcharts showing the processing flow in this embodiment. In this flowchart, as maintenance support for the washing machine 1, support for cleaning the washing tub and support for ordering a washing tub cleaning agent are provided. Then, as cleaning support and ordering support, proposals for cleaning and ordering, and cleaning itself are executed, but either the proposal or the execution may be performed.

Note that this is just an example, and either cleaning support or ordering support may be provided, or other maintenance support may be provided. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the washing machine 1, the user terminal 2, and the washing machine maintenance management device 3 perform processing in cooperation, but it is also possible to perform the processing described below using at least one of these. good. Further, each step in the following processing may also be executed by a device other than the device exemplified below.

The flowchart shown in FIG. 8A will be explained below, and its processing will be explained using each part shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In step S201, user terminal 2 outputs a driving command to washing machine 1. More specifically, the control command creation unit 25 creates control commands for driving in response to instructions from the user using the input unit 26. Then, the communication unit 21 transmits a control command to the washing machine 1. Note that the control command in this step may be for executing normal washing or may be for executing a measurement operation for detecting dirt in the washing machine 1. Furthermore, the control command generation unit 25 may use a timer function to create a control command when a set time has elapsed. Furthermore, instead of this step and step S101, the washing machine 1 itself may accept an operation from the user or detect the operating time using a timer function. Regarding the former, the display operation panel 105 accepts operations from the user.

Further, in step S101, the communication unit 104 of the washing machine 1 receives a control command. Then, in step S102, washing machine 1 executes operation according to the control command. More specifically, the control signal creation unit 102 creates a control signal corresponding to the control command. Then, the control signal generation unit 102 outputs a control signal to the operating unit 106. As a result, the operating unit 106 operates in accordance with the control signal, thereby executing operations such as washing.

Further, in step S103, the driving history acquisition unit 103 acquires the driving history of the driving in step S102. Specifically, the details of the operation in the operating unit 106, the time, and detection data from various sensors are acquired. The operation details include the operation mode, the amount of detergent used, etc. The detection data includes the amount of detergent etc. used and the remaining amount detected by the consumables sensor 109. Furthermore, the sensed data includes influencing factors.

The influencing factors will be explained below. A hardness sensor 107 measures water before and after inflow to detect influencing factors. Specifically, the pre-inflow hardness sensor 107-1 detects the hardness of water before inflow. Further, the after-inflow hardness sensor 107-2 detects the hardness of the water after inflow. Note that instead of or in addition to the hardness sensor 107, the image sensor 108 may acquire the influence factors of water before and after inflow. Specifically, the pre-inflow image sensor 108-1 photographs the water before it flows in. Further, the post-inflow image sensor 108-2 photographs the water after the inflow. These detection data are used as influencing factors to determine the dirtiness of the cleaning tank. Furthermore, the flow velocity of water before and after inflow of each filter (not shown) may be detected as an influencing factor for filter replacement. Then, the driving history acquisition unit 103 acquires these influencing factors.

Furthermore, in step S104, the communication unit 104 transmits the driving history acquired in step S103 to the user terminal 2. Then, in step S202, the driving history collection unit 22 collects the transmitted driving history. Here, step S104 and step S202 may be executed by either so-called PUSH distribution or PULL distribution. That is, the communication unit 104 may actively transmit the driving history, or the communication unit 104 may transmit the driving history in response to an instruction from the driving history collection unit 22. Furthermore, step S104 and step S202 may be performed periodically.

Further, in step S203, the communication unit 21 transmits the operation history collected in step S202 to the washing machine maintenance management device 3. Then, in step S301, the driving history collection unit 32 collects the transmitted driving history. Then, the driving history collection unit 32 records the collected driving history in the driving history information 362. At this time, the operation history collection unit 32 calculates each item such as detergent usage history, softener usage history, and tank cleaning history, and records these as well. Further, the driving history collection unit 32 can store the remaining amount of each consumable item detected by the consumable item sensor 109 in the user management information 361. However, regarding recording of the remaining amount of consumables, the remaining amount may be received from the user terminal 2 and recorded in response to input from the user.

Here, step S203 and step S301 may be executed by either so-called PUSH distribution or PULL distribution. That is, the communication unit 21 may actively transmit the driving history, or the communication unit 21 may transmit the driving history in response to an instruction from the driving history collection unit 32. Furthermore, step S203 and step S301 may be performed periodically. Further, regarding steps S104 to S301, the operation history may be transmitted from the washing machine 1 to the washing machine maintenance management device 3. Conversely, the processes after step S301 may be executed by the user terminal 2.

Further, in step S302, the cleaning necessity determining unit 33 determines whether the washing tub needs to be cleaned using driving history information 362 based on the collected driving history. Specifically, the cleaning necessity determining unit 33 compares the hardness difference in the operation history information 362 with the hardness-stain correlation information 364, and determines whether tank cleaning is necessary. Further, in this step, it is preferable that the cleaning necessity determination unit 33 further compares the tank cleaning history, detergent usage history, softener usage history, etc., with the maintenance standard information 363. For example, even if the hardness difference in the operation history information 362 does not meet the value required for tank cleaning, it is determined that tank cleaning is necessary if the tank has not been cleaned for a certain period of time or if the amount of detergent used is more than a predetermined value. You may.

As described above, in this step, it is desirable to use tank cleaning history, detergent usage history, softener usage history, etc. as influencing factors. This means that the cleaning necessity determining unit 33 determines the necessity of maintenance using a plurality of influencing factors. As a result of this determination, if tank cleaning is unnecessary (N), the process moves to step S303, and if tank cleaning is necessary (Y), the process moves to step S304.

Further, in step S303, the cleaning necessity determining unit 33 uses the communication unit 31 to notify the user terminal 2 that tank cleaning is not necessary. Then, in step S204, the output unit 27 of the user terminal 2 outputs that tank cleaning is unnecessary. Then, this flow ends.

Further, in step S304, the cleaning necessity determining unit 33 uses the communication unit 31 to notify the user terminal 2 that tank cleaning is necessary and a proposal for tank cleaning. Then, in step S205, the output unit 27 of the user terminal 2 outputs a tank cleaning proposal.

Further, in step S206, the cleaning necessity determination unit 23 of the user terminal 2 determines whether the proposal for tank cleaning has been accepted by the user. In other words, the cleaning necessity determining unit 23 determines whether the input received by the input unit 26 from the user is to accept the proposal or not. As a result, if the proposal is accepted (Y), the process moves to step S207 (FIG. 8B), and if it is not accepted (N), the process ends.

Note that in this embodiment, the processes after step S206 are executed, but these may be omitted. In this case, it is desirable that the user manually cleans the tub of the washing machine 1 according to the proposal in step S205.

Next, in step S207 of FIG. 8B, the cleaning necessity determining unit 23 uses the communication unit 21 to notify the washing machine maintenance management device 3 of the cleaning request. Then, in step S305, the control command creation unit 35 creates a control command for tank cleaning in response to the cleaning request. Further, in step S306, the control command generation unit 35 transmits the control command to the user terminal 2 using the communication unit 31. Further, the communication unit 21 of the user terminal 2 transfers the control command to the washing machine 1. Note that for steps S207 and S208, a control command may be created on the user terminal 2 and sent to the washing machine 1. In other words, the process in the washing machine maintenance management device 3 may be omitted and the process may be executed in the user terminal 2.

Further, in step S105, the communication unit 104 of the washing machine 1 receives the control command transferred in step S208. Then, in step S106, the control signal generation unit 102 generates a control signal according to the control command, and the operating unit 106 executes the tank cleaning operation in accordance with the control signal. At this time, the control signal generation unit 102 generates a control signal according to the control command generated by the control command generation unit 25 and including self-propelled injection of tank cleaning agent. As a result, the control section 101 controls the operating section 106 according to the control command.

Although the above-mentioned tank cleaning support may be executed in a limited manner as maintenance support, in this embodiment, support is further provided for ordering a tank cleaning agent, which is an example of a consumable item. In step S307, the consumables ordering unit 34 compares the remaining amount in the user management information 361 with the ordering reference amount and determines whether it is necessary to order, that is, purchase the tank cleaning agent. As a result, if the remaining amount satisfies the ordering reference amount (Y), the process moves to step S308. Furthermore, if the remaining amount does not satisfy the ordering reference amount (N), the process ends.

Further, in step S308, the consumables ordering unit 34 uses the communication unit 31 to send a confirmation notice to the user terminal 2 as to whether or not the tank cleaning agent can be ordered. Then, in step S209, the consumables ordering unit 24 of the user terminal 2 determines whether an order can be placed in response to the confirmation notification. For this purpose, the consumables ordering unit 24 outputs a confirmation notice to the output unit 27 asking if you would like to purchase XXX tank cleaning agents. Then, the consumables ordering unit 24 executes the determination using the confirmation result input from the user to the input unit 26. As a result of the determination in step S209, if the order can be placed (Y), the process moves to step S210, and if the order cannot be placed (N), the process moves to step S211.

Further, in step S210, the consumables ordering unit 24 uses the communication unit 21 to transmit an ordering instruction to the washing machine maintenance management device 3. In addition, in step S209, the input unit 26 may receive the type, quantity, delivery date, etc. of the tank cleaning agent from the user, and these may be included in the ordering instruction in step S210. Further, in step S210, the consumables ordering unit 24 uses the communication unit 21 to transmit a notification to the washing machine maintenance management device 3 indicating that ordering is unnecessary. Then, this process ends.

Further, in step S309, the consumables ordering unit 34 performs an ordering process for tank cleaning agent according to the ordering instruction. That is, the consumables ordering unit 34 uses the communication unit 31 to transmit an ordering instruction to the consumables sales device 4. Note that steps S30 to S210 may be omitted and step S309 may be directly executed.

This concludes the description of this embodiment, but the processing of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. In particular, the subject of each processing step is not limited to the above example. For example, the washing machine 1, the user terminal 2, or the washing machine maintenance and management device 3 may be used alone, or the washing machine 1 and the user terminal 2, or the washing machine 1 and the washing machine maintenance and management device 3 may be used. Furthermore, even when the washing machine 1, the user terminal 2, or the washing machine maintenance management device 3 performs the processing alone, the processing entity of some steps may be changed. Furthermore, regarding the driving history, influencing factors may be acquired and collected in a limited manner, and this may be used to realize maintenance support. Alternatively, the control command creation section 25 or the control command creation section 35 may create the control signal.

Furthermore, the maintenance target is not limited to the washing machine 1, but can be applied to vacuum cleaners, air cleaners, air conditioners, and the like. In addition to consumables such as tank cleaners and detergents, we can also suggest maintenance for filters and other consumables.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Washing machine, 101...Control unit, 102...Control signal creation unit, 103...Driving history acquisition unit, 104...Communication unit, 105...Display operation panel, 106...Operation unit, 107...Hardness sensor, 108...Image sensor, 109...Consumables sensor, 2...User terminal, 21...Communication unit, 22...Driving history collection unit, 23...Cleaning necessity determination unit, 24...Consumables ordering unit, 25...Control command creation unit, 26...Input unit , 27... Output section, 28... Storage section, 3... Washing machine maintenance management device, 31... Communication section, 32... Operation history collection section, 33... Cleaning necessity determination section, 34... Consumables ordering section, 35... Control command Creation unit, 36... Storage unit, 361... User management information, 362... Operation history information, 363... Maintenance standard information, 364... Hardness-stain correlation information

Claims (13)

A washing machine maintenance management system for supporting maintenance management of a washing tub of the washing machine, which includes a washing machine, a user terminal, and a washing machine maintenance management device,
an operation history collection unit that indicates the operation status of the washing machine and collects an operation history including a plurality of influencing factors;
a cleaning necessity determining unit that determines whether or not tub cleaning of the washing tub is necessary using a plurality of influencing factors;
A washing machine maintenance management system comprising an output unit that outputs a determination result of the washing necessity determination unit. The washing machine maintenance management system according to claim 1,
The multiple influencing factors include:
Water stains caused by the washing machine;
A washing machine maintenance management system that includes at least one of the type and amount of detergent used in the washing machine, the type and amount of softener used in the washing process, and whether drying is performed during the washing process. The washing machine maintenance management system according to claim 2,
The washing machine has a hardness sensor that detects the hardness of the water used for washing,
In the washing machine maintenance management system, the washing necessity determining unit identifies dirt in the water using a difference in hardness of the water before and after flowing into the washing machine, which is detected by the hardness sensor. The washing machine maintenance management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The washing machine maintenance management system further includes a control unit that causes the tank cleaning to be executed when the cleaning necessity determining unit determines that the tank cleaning is necessary. The washing machine maintenance management system according to claim 4,
further comprising a consumables ordering unit that determines whether it is necessary to order a tank cleaning agent used for the tank cleaning,
In the washing machine maintenance management system, the output unit is a transmitting unit that transmits ordering information for ordering the tank cleaning agent to a sales site when it is determined that the tank cleaning agent needs to be ordered. In a washing machine that can be connected to a user terminal or washing machine maintenance management device,
an operation history acquisition unit that indicates the operation status of the washing machine and acquires an operation history including a plurality of influencing factors;
transmitting the driving history to the user terminal or the washing machine maintenance management device;
The user terminal or the washing machine maintenance management device determines whether or not cleaning of the washing tub of the washing machine is necessary using a plurality of influencing factors, and issues a control command according to the result of the determination. a communication section for receiving;
A washing machine including a control section that controls the tub cleaning according to the control command. The washing machine according to claim 6,
The multiple influencing factors include:
Water stains caused by the washing machine;
A washing machine that includes at least one of the following: the type and amount of detergent used in the washing, the type and amount of softener used in the washing, and whether drying is performed during the washing. The washing machine according to claim 7,
further comprising a hardness sensor that detects the hardness of the water used for washing,
A washing machine in which dirt in the water is identified by the user terminal or the washing machine maintenance management device using a difference in hardness of the water before and after flowing into the washing machine, which is detected by the hardness sensor. A program for causing a user terminal connected to a washing machine and a washing machine maintenance management device to function as a computer, the user terminal being
an operation history collection unit that indicates the operation status of the washing machine and collects an operation history including a plurality of influencing factors;
a cleaning necessity determination unit that determines whether or not tub cleaning of the washing tub of the washing machine is necessary using a plurality of influencing factors;
A program that functions as an output unit that outputs the determination result of the cleaning necessity determination unit. The program according to claim 9,
The multiple influencing factors include:
Water stains caused by the washing machine;
A program that includes at least one of the types and amounts of detergent used in the washing machine, the types and amounts of softeners used in the washing, and whether or not drying was performed in the washing. The program according to claim 10,
The washing machine has a hardness sensor that detects the hardness of the water used for washing,
The washing necessity determination unit is a program that identifies dirt in the water using a difference in hardness of the water before and after flowing into the washing machine, which is detected by the hardness sensor. The program according to any one of claims 9 to 11,
A program that causes a control unit of the washing machine to execute the tank cleaning when the cleaning necessity determining unit determines that the tank cleaning is necessary. The program according to claim 12,
further causing the user terminal to function as a consumables ordering unit that determines whether it is necessary to order a tank cleaning agent used for the tank cleaning;
The output unit is a program that functions as a communication unit that transmits ordering information for ordering the tank cleaning agent to a sales site when it is determined that the tank cleaning agent needs to be ordered.

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