JP7436336B2 - washing machine system - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to washing machine systems.

2. Description of the Related Art A washing machine is known that includes a plurality of tanks that contain detergent and a fabric softener, and a pump that automatically feeds the detergent and fabric softener from the plurality of tanks into a washing tub. Washing machines are expected to become even more convenient.

JP2019-042265A JP2019-092690A

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a washing machine system that can improve convenience.

The washing machine system of the embodiment includes a washing tub, an automatic loading device, an information registration section, and a control section. The automatic loading device has a plurality of tanks that can individually accommodate laundry treatment agents, and automatically inputs the laundry treatment agents from the plurality of tanks into the washing tub. The information registration unit can register processing agent information indicating the laundry processing agent contained in each of the plurality of tanks. The control unit controls the automatic injection device based on the processing agent information registered by the information registration unit. The plurality of tanks include a first tank and a second tank. The information registration unit includes at least a usage mode in which detergent is stored in the first tank and a softener is stored in the second tank, and a usage mode in which the softener is stored in the first tank and the softener is stored in the second tank. The processing agent information can be registered in a usage mode in which detergent is stored in two tanks, and in a usage mode in which one of detergent and softener is stored in both the first tank and the second tank. . The control unit determines whether either detergent or fabric softener is not stored in any of the plurality of tanks based on the processing agent information registered by the information registration unit. If it is determined that either the detergent or the softener is not stored in any of the plurality of tanks, a notification prompting manual input of the detergent or the softener is output.

The figure which shows the whole structure of the washing machine of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the automatic loading device of the first embodiment. The figure which shows the combination of the laundry processing agent accommodated in the several tank of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a sensor related to the automatic input device of the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of a control device according to a first embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the display screen of 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the display screen of 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the display screen of 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the display screen of 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the display screen of 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the display screen of 1st Embodiment. The block diagram which shows the structure of the washing machine system of 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of a server according to a second embodiment.

Hereinafter, a washing machine system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals. Further, redundant explanations of these configurations may be omitted. "Based on XX" means "based on at least XX" and may include cases where it is based on another element in addition to XX. "Based on XX" is not limited to cases in which XX is used directly, but may also include cases in which calculations and processing have been performed on XX. "XX or YY" is not limited to either XX or YY, but may include both XX and YY. This also applies when there are three or more selective elements. "XX" and "YY" are arbitrary elements (for example, arbitrary information).

Several embodiments will be described below. The first embodiment is an example in which the "washing machine system" is realized by individual washing machines. On the other hand, the second embodiment is an example in which a part of the "washing machine system" is realized by a server device (for example, a cloud server device). Furthermore, although a vertical type washing machine will be described below as an example of a washing machine, the washing machine may be a drum type washing machine or a two-tank type washing machine.

(First embodiment)
<1. Overall configuration of washing machine>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a washing machine 100 according to the first embodiment. The washing machine 100 includes, for example, a housing 1, a water tank 3, a hanging rod 4, a rotating tank 5, a balance ring 7, an agitator 8, a washing machine motor 9, a clutch mechanism 11, a drain valve 12, a drain hose 13, and a switching motor. 14, an automatic washing treatment agent loading device 15, an operation panel 16, and a control device 10 (see FIG. 5). Washing machine 100 is an example of a "washing system." The rotating tub 5 is an example of a "washing tub".

The housing (outer box) 1 includes a bottom wall, a top wall, a front wall, a rear wall, and left and right side walls, and forms the appearance of the washing machine 100. A washing lid 2 is attached to the housing 1 so as to be openable and closable.

The water tank 3 is arranged inside the housing 1. The water tank 3 is formed in the shape of a cylindrical container with a closed bottom and an open top. A drain port 3a is provided at the bottom of the water tank 3. The water tank 3 is elastically suspended and supported via a vibration isolator mainly composed of hanging rods 4 and coil springs provided at the four corners of the outer box.

The rotating tank 5 serves as both a washing tank and a dehydration tank, and is arranged inside the water tank 3. Laundry is taken in and out of the rotating tub 5 through a laundry opening in a top cover 6 of the housing 1. The rotating tank 5 is formed into a cylindrical container shape with a closed bottom and an open top. A plurality of dehydration holes 5a are provided in the peripheral wall of the rotating tank 5. The balance ring 7 is attached to the upper end of the rotating tank 5. The stirring body 8 is provided at the bottom of the rotating tank 5 and is rotatable.

The washing machine motor 9 is a motor for washing and dewatering, and is provided below the water tank 3. The washing machine motor 9 is controlled by a control device 10, which will be described later, and rotates the rotating tub 5. The clutch mechanism 11 is provided below the water tank 3. The clutch mechanism 11 is driven by the washing machine motor 9 and switches between a state in which only the agitator 8 is rotated and a state in which the agitator 8 and the rotating tub 5 are rotated integrally. The drain hose 13 is connected to the drain port 3a of the water tank 3 via the drain valve 12. When the drain valve 12 is opened, the water in the rotary tub 5 and the water tank 3 is drained to the outside of the washing machine 100 through the drain hose 13.

The switching motor 14 is provided below the water tank 3 and switches the states of the clutch mechanism 11 and the drain valve 12 in conjunction with each other. For example, when the switching motor 14 operates to open the drain valve 12, the switching motor 14 switches the clutch mechanism 11 so that the washing machine motor 9 rotates the stirring body 8 and the rotating tub 5 integrally. On the other hand, when closing the drain valve 12, the switching motor 14 switches the clutch mechanism 11 so that the washing machine motor 9 independently rotates only the stirring body 8.

The automatic washing treatment agent loading device 15 is disposed within the housing 1 and located above the rotating tub 5, for example. The automatic input device 15 will be described in detail later.

The operation panel 16 is provided on the upper surface of the top cover 6. The operation panel 16 includes, for example, a panel that includes buttons that can be pressed by the user and a display device, or a touch panel that can be operated by the user. By operating the operation panel 16, the user can select a washing course and start operation. Examples of washing courses include a standard course, a speedy course, a fashionable course (careful washing course), an indoor drying course, and a stubbornly dirty course. The amount of water poured into the washing tub and the details of the washing process vary depending on the washing course. The operation panel 16 also includes a display screen 17 (see FIGS. 6 to 11) on which the washing process, the remaining time until the end of the operation, the set water level, etc. are displayed. The operation panel 16 is an example of a "notification section". FIG. 6 is an example of the display screen 17 output by the operation panel 16, and is, for example, a top screen displayed after the washing machine 100 is turned on.

<2. Configuration related to automatic loading device>
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the automatic loading device 15. The automatic dosing device 15 includes, for example, a water filling case 21, a plurality of tanks 22a, 22b, and a dosing pump 24. The water injection case 21 has an accommodating part 25 which is a recessed part to which a plurality of tanks 22a and 22b are removably attached. The water filling case 21 supports a plurality of tanks 22a and 22b attached to the housing section 25.

Each of the plurality of tanks 22a and 22b can individually accommodate an arbitrary laundry treatment agent. "Laundry treatment agent" broadly refers to a treatment agent that treats clothing during washing. Note that the laundry treatment agent is not limited to liquid, and may be powder. "Laundry treatment agents" include detergents, fabric softeners, bleaches, etc. In the present embodiment, "laundry treatment agents of the same category" means laundry treatment agents that have the same or similar uses in a broad sense. That is, a plurality of detergents (for example, detergent A and detergent B) fall under the "laundry treatment agent of the same category" even if they differ in detergency, brand name, purpose in a narrow sense, etc. Here, multiple detergents with different cleaning powers, brands, and uses in a narrow sense fall under the category of "laundry treatment agents of the same classification but with different characteristics." "Characteristics" may be read as "functions." Similarly, a plurality of fabric softeners (for example, fabric softener Here, multiple fabric softeners with different softening ingredients, brands, uses in a narrow sense, etc. fall under "laundry treatment agents of the same classification but with different characteristics." On the other hand, detergents, fabric softeners, and bleaches have different uses in a broad sense, so they fall under "different classifications of laundry treatment agents." In this embodiment, the plurality of tanks 22a, 22b can accommodate various combinations of laundry treatment agents.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing combinations of laundry treatment agents contained in a plurality of tanks 22a and 22b. FIG. 3 shows an example in which two tanks 22a, 22b are provided. In this case, the following six patterns exist as usage modes.

(1) Pattern 1 is a case where the same detergent A is stored in the first tank 22a and the second tank 22b. That is, pattern 1 is a case where the first tank 22a and the second tank 22b are used as one large tank. This is a preferred embodiment for users who do not use softeners.

(2) Pattern 2 is a case where detergent A is stored in the first tank 22a and detergent B is stored in the second tank 22b. Detergents A and B are detergents that differ in detergency, brand, or narrowly defined purpose. For example, detergent A is a detergent that emphasizes cleaning power (for example, a regular detergent), and detergent B is a detergent that emphasizes prevention of damage to clothing (for example, a stylish clothing detergent). Pattern 2 is a case where it is desired to use a plurality of detergents A and B depending on the type of clothing. In this case, the softener is either not used or manually added by the user.

(3) Pattern 3 is a case where the same softener X is stored in the first tank 22a and the second tank 22b. That is, pattern 3 is a case where the first tank 22a and the second tank 22b are used as one large tank. This mode is preferable for users who manually dispense powdered detergent and users who use gel balls because the automatic dispensing device 15 is not compatible with powdered detergent.

(4) Pattern 4 is a case where the first tank 22a contains the softener X and the second tank 22b contains the softener Y. Softeners X and Y have different softening ingredients, brands, or uses in a narrow sense. For example, softeners X and Y have different scents. Pattern 4 is a case where a plurality of fabric softeners X and Y are desired to be used depending on the type of clothing.

(5) Pattern 5 is a case where detergent A is stored in the first tank 22a and softener X is stored in the second tank 22b. Pattern 5 is a general embodiment using detergent and softener, respectively.

(6) Pattern 6 is a case where softener X is stored in the first tank 22a and detergent A is stored in the second tank 22b. Here, the capacity of the first tank 22a and the capacity of the second tank 22b may be different. In this embodiment, the capacity of the second tank 22b is larger than the capacity of the first tank 22a. Pattern 6 is a preferred embodiment for users who use a larger amount of softener X than detergent A (such as when detergent A is a concentrated detergent).

Returning to FIG. 2, the explanation will be continued. In this embodiment, the plurality of tanks 22a and 22b include a first tank 22a and a second tank 22b. For example, the first tank 22a and the second tank 22b have different capacities. For example, the first tank 22b can accommodate 700 ml of laundry treatment agent. The second tank 22b can accommodate 1 L of laundry treatment agent. However, the plurality of tanks 22a and 22b may have the same capacity. A discharge hole 23 connected to a dosing pump 24 of the automatic dosing device 15 is provided at the lower end of each of the plurality of tanks 22a, 22b. Below, when the tanks 22a and 22b are not distinguished from each other, they may be simply referred to as the tank 22.

The injection pump 24 is provided in the water injection case 21 . The injection pump 24 is connected to a plurality of tanks 22a and 22b attached to the water injection case 21. The input pump 24 automatically inputs the laundry processing agents contained in the plurality of tanks 22a and 22b individually into the washing tub under the control of the control device 10. The input pump 24 is an example of a "pump."

The injection pump 24 can be manually cleaned using a brush or the like by removing the plurality of tanks 22a and 22b from the water injection case 21. On the other hand, the automatic dosing device 15 may include an automatic cleaning device 27 (see FIG. 1) that automatically cleans the dosing pump 24 under the control of the control device 10. The automatic cleaning device 27 automatically cleans the input pump 24 by, for example, flowing water into the interior of the input pump 24. However, the configuration of the automatic cleaning device 27 is not limited to the above example.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a sensor related to the automatic input device 15. As shown in FIG. Washing machine 100 includes, for example, a float sensor 31, a housing lid sensor 32, a tank lid sensor 33, and a tank attachment sensor 34. The detection results of these sensors 31, 32, 33, and 34 are output to the control device 10. Note that since the housing lid sensor 32, the tank lid sensor 33, and the tank attachment sensor 34 detect the same object, one or two of these sensors may be omitted.

Float sensor 31 is provided inside tank 22 . The float sensor 31 is a remaining amount sensor that detects the remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent contained in the tank 22 . For example, the float sensor 31 is rotatable around the rotating shaft 35 and floats on the liquid surface of the laundry treatment agent. The float sensor 31 lowers to a predetermined position (rotates to a predetermined position) when the remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent stored in the tank 22 becomes less than a predetermined amount. It is possible to detect that Further, the increase in the remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent is an example of "operation related to replenishment of the laundry treatment agent."

The housing lid sensor 32 is provided on the top cover 6 of the housing 1. The housing lid sensor 32 includes a first component 32a and a second component 32b. The first component 32a is attached to a lid 36 that is openable and closable above the plurality of tanks 22a and 22b. On the other hand, the second component 32b is attached to the tank 22 or the upper wall of the housing 1. When the lid 36 is closed, the first component 32a and the second component 32b come into contact with each other, so that the housing lid sensor 32 detects that the lid 36 is closed. On the other hand, when the lid 36 is opened, the first component 32a and the second component 32b are separated, and the housing lid sensor 32 detects that the lid 36 is opened. Opening the lid 36 of the housing 1 is another example of "an operation related to replenishing the laundry treatment agent."

A tank lid sensor 33 is provided in each tank 22. The tank lid sensor 33 has a first part 33a and a second part 33b. The first component 33a is attached to the lid 37 of each tank 22. On the other hand, the second component 33b is attached near the lid 37 of each tank 22. When the lid 37 is closed, the tank lid sensor 33 detects that the lid 37 is closed because the first part 33a and the second part 33b are in contact with each other. On the other hand, when the lid 37 is opened, the first part 33a and the second part 33b are separated, and the tank lid sensor 33 detects that the lid 37 is opened. Opening the lid 37 of the tank 22 is yet another example of "an action related to replenishing the laundry treatment agent."

A tank attachment sensor 34 is provided in each tank 22. The tank-mounted sensor 34 has a first part 34a and a second part 34b. A first part 34a is attached to the bottom 38 of each tank 22. On the other hand, the second component 34b is attached to the upper surface of the water injection case 21 at a position facing the bottom of each tank 22. When the tank 22 is attached to the water injection case 21, the tank attachment sensor 34 detects that the tank 22 has not been removed because the first part 34a and the second part 34b are in contact with each other. On the other hand, when the tank 22 is removed from the water injection case 21, the first part 34a and the second part 34b are separated, and the tank attachment sensor 34 detects that the tank 22 has been removed from the water injection case 21. Removal of the tank 22 from the water filling case 21 is yet another example of "operation related to replenishment of the laundry treatment agent."

<3. Control device system configuration>
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the control device 10. The control device 10 includes, for example, an input reception section 110, an information registration section 120, and a control section 130. These functional units are realized by a hardware processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) installed in washing machine 100 executing a program (software). However, all or part of these functional units may be implemented using ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). It is realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as Alternatively, it may be realized by cooperation between software and hardware.

Furthermore, the control device 10 includes a storage unit 140. The storage unit 140 is realized by, for example, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) or a flash memory.

The input receiving unit 110 receives user input via the operation panel 16. The input receiving unit 110 receives input of processing agent information from the user via the operation panel 16. The processing agent information is information indicating the laundry processing agent contained in each of the plurality of tanks 22. Processing agent information includes, for example, the classification of the laundry processing agent (for example, whether it is a detergent, fabric softener, or bleach), manufacturer (or manufacturer), brand, standard usage amount, setting for more or less, and comments (such as fashion). (including wearing). The treatment agent information may include the replenishment date (replacement date) of the laundry treatment agent in the tank 22, the purpose of the laundry treatment agent (normal wear, fashionable wear), and the like.

In addition, the input receiving unit 110 can receive inputs from the user via the operation panel 16 to select the laundry treatment agent to be used and to manually add the laundry treatment agent. Further, the input receiving unit 110 receives a correspondence relationship between a washing course and a washing treatment agent from a user via the operation panel 16. The correspondence relationship between washing courses and laundry treatment agents is, for example, associating the standard course with detergent A (or the tank 22 containing detergent A), and the association between the stylish course and detergent B (or the tank 22 containing detergent B). This is information that associates the tank 22) with the tank 22).

The information registration unit 120 associates information indicating the tank 22 containing the laundry treatment agent (information indicating whether it is tank 22a or 22b) with treatment agent information of the laundry treatment agent and stores it in the storage unit 140. Register in the stored database. In the present embodiment, the information registration unit 120 stores information in both cases, when a plurality of different types of laundry treatment agents are stored in a plurality of tanks 22, and when the same laundry treatment agent is stored in a plurality of tanks 22. However, processing agent information can be registered in the storage unit 140. Examples of cases where a plurality of different types of laundry treatment agents are stored in a plurality of tanks 22 include patterns 2, 4, 5, and 6 described above. On the other hand, cases where the same laundry treatment agent is stored in a plurality of tanks 22 include patterns 1 and 3 described above. The information registration unit 120 also registers the correspondence between the washing course and the laundry treatment agent in the database in the storage unit 140 as correspondence information.

Control unit 130 controls washing machine 100 as a whole. For example, the control unit 130 controls the washing operation of the washing machine 100 by controlling the washing machine motor 9, the clutch mechanism 11, the drain valve 12, the switching motor 14, and the like. In this embodiment, the control unit 130 includes a determination unit 131, an operation control unit 132, and a notification control unit 133.
The determination unit 131 determines the laundry treatment agent in the first tank 22a and the second tank 22b based on the treatment agent information. That is, the determination unit 131 can determine the classification, standard usage amount, more or less setting, etc. of the laundry treatment agent contained in each of the first tank 22a and the second tank 22b, based on the treatment agent information.

Operation control unit 132 controls the operation of washing machine 100. Examples of the operation of washing machine 100 include four steps related to washing (hereinafter referred to as washing steps). Note that an example of the operation of washing machine 100 may include a drying process. Examples of washing steps include washing, first rinsing, second rinsing, and dehydration. Note that the washing process is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the washing process may not include a second rinse. In this case, rinsing is performed once in the washing process. The details of the washing process will be explained below.

Washing is the process of removing dirt from clothing. In this step, water is poured into the rotating tub 5 in which clothes are stored, detergent is added to the rotating tub 5, the stirring body 8 is rotated, and water is drained.
The first rinse is a step to remove detergent adhering to the clothes. In this step, water is poured into the rotating tank 5, the rotating tank 5 is rotated, and water is drained. For example, during the first rinse, the rotating tub 5 is rotated while supplying and draining water at the same time (that is, while pouring water).
The second rinse is a finishing step to remove detergent adhering to the clothes. In this step, water is poured into the rotating tank 5, softener is added, the rotating tub 5 is rotated, and water is drained. For example, during the second rinse, the rotating tub 5 is rotated with water stored in the rotating tub 5. Note that if the washing process does not include a second rinse, the softener is added during the first rinse.
Dehydration is a process in which water contained in clothing is drained from the clothing. In this step, the rotating tank 5 is rotated with water being drained without water injection.

The operation control unit 132 controls the automatic loading device 15 to input the laundry treatment agent into the rotating tub 5 based on the treatment agent information. For example, when the determination unit 131 determines that the detergent is stored in the tank 22a and the softener is stored in the tank 22b based on the processing agent information, the operation control unit 132 performs the washing process from the tank 22a in the washing process. A laundry treatment agent (detergent) is automatically put into the rotary tank 5, and a laundry treatment agent (softener) is automatically put into the rotary tank 5 from the tank 22b in the second rinsing step. On the other hand, when the determination unit 131 determines that the softener is stored in the tank 22a and the detergent is stored in the tank 22b based on the processing agent information, the operation control unit 132 controls whether or not the tank 22b is stored in the washing process. A laundry treatment agent (detergent) is automatically put into the rotary tank 5 from the tank 22a, and a laundry treatment agent (softener) is automatically put into the rotary tank 5 from the tank 22a in the second rinsing step.

In the present embodiment, when the determination unit 131 determines that the same laundry treatment agent is stored in the plurality of tanks 22 based on the treatment agent information, the operation control unit 132 controls one of the plurality of tanks 22 (for example, the The laundry treatment agent is preferentially inputted from the first tank 22a). "Prioritized charging" means, for example, that the rate of decrease in the remaining capacity of one of the plurality of tanks 22 (for example, the first tank 22a) is greater than the rate of decrease of the remaining capacity of the other tanks. In one example, "to preferentially input" means to input the laundry treatment agent from one of the plurality of tanks 22 (for example, the first tank 22a), and suppress the input of the laundry treatment agent from the other tanks 22. It means that.

In this case, the operation control unit 132 switches from the first tank 22a to the second tank 22b when it is detected that the remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent stored in the first tank 22a has become less than a predetermined amount. Then, the laundry treatment agent is preferentially poured from the second tank 22b. "The remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent has become less than a predetermined amount" means, for example, that the amount has become less than the amount that prompts replenishment or replacement of the laundry treatment agent in the tank 22. An example of a case where the amount of laundry treatment agent remaining is less than a predetermined amount is when the amount of laundry treatment agent remaining is less than the amount of laundry treatment agent required for one washing process. Examples include a case where the remaining amount is below a predetermined capacity, or a case where the float sensor 31 detects that the remaining amount is below a predetermined level and notifies the user to replenish the amount. By the above-described operation, even when the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent in the first tank 22a becomes small, the washing machine system can perform processing using an appropriate amount of laundry treatment agent. That is, when the remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent in the first tank 22a becomes low, the first tank 22a can be replenished with the laundry treatment agent at any time while the laundry treatment agent in the second tank 22b is being used. Even if the laundry treatment agent is purchased after the first tank 22a is empty, there is still time. This reduces the need for stockpiling.

In addition, when the determination unit 131 determines that laundry treatment agents of the same classification but with different characteristics are stored in a plurality of tanks 22 based on the treatment agent information, the operation control unit 132 selects or selects a laundry treatment agent to be used. If the selection of manual addition of the laundry treatment agent is not input to the input receiving unit 110, it is not necessary to start washing. For example, if the first tank 22a stores regular detergent and the second tank 22b stores fashionable detergent, and it is unclear which tank 22 to put the laundry treatment agent into, the It waits for user input to select a treatment agent (ie, select the tank 22 to be used) or manually add the laundry treatment agent. The above operation allows the washing machine system to be treated with a laundry treatment agent having appropriate properties. For example, it is possible to prevent clothing from being damaged by using a regular detergent for fashionable clothing, or from being insufficiently washed by using a fashionable detergent for regular clothing. The fabric softener is also suppressed from producing a finish different from one's preference.

Further, when the determination unit 131 detects a change in the laundry treatment agent based on the treatment agent information, the operation control unit 132 outputs a notification prompting cleaning of the input pump 24, or automatically cleans the input pump 24. do. For example, the notification control unit 133 causes the operation panel 16 to output a notification urging cleaning of the dosing pump 24 when a change in the laundry treatment agent is detected. For example, if the washing machine 100 is provided with the automatic cleaning device 27, the operation control unit 132 automatically cleans the charging pump 24 by operating the automatic cleaning device 27. By the above-described operation, the washing machine system can prevent a decrease in the processing power of the laundry treatment agent due to mixing of a plurality of laundry treatment agents in the charging pump 24.

Further, the operation control unit 132 controls the automatic loading device 15 based on the selected washing course and the correspondence relationship. Depending on the washing course, the amount of water poured into the washing tub and the contents of the washing process may change. Therefore, the operation control unit 132 controls the type and amount of the washing treatment agent to be added by controlling the automatic injection device 15 based on the correspondence with the selected washing course. By the above-described operation, the washing machine system can perform processing using the type and amount of laundry processing agent corresponding to the washing course. That is, the user of the washing machine system does not have to select a laundry treatment agent every time the laundry is processed. When the user of the washing machine system selects the stylish clothes course, it is possible to prevent the wrong washing treatment agent from being put into the washing machine system. Further, when the user of the washing machine system selects the speed course, the laundry treatment agent for one rinse is dispensed without the user having to manually input the laundry treatment agent.

When the determination unit 131 determines that a plurality of laundry treatment agents having the same classification and different characteristics are stored in a plurality of tanks 22 based on the treatment agent information, the notification control unit 133 determines the laundry treatment to be used for each wash. A notification prompting the user to select a laundry treatment agent or manually add the laundry treatment agent is output. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen 17 output by the operation panel 16. Note that FIG. 7 is an example of the display screen 17 when the washing machine 100 includes three tanks 22. On the display screen 17 in FIG. 7, a notification prompting the user to select the laundry treatment agent to be used or to manually add the laundry treatment agent is displayed. The information displayed on this screen (correspondence between the tank 22 and the laundry treatment agent) is generated by the notification control unit 133 based on the treatment agent information. When it is determined that a plurality of laundry treatment agents having the same classification and different characteristics are stored in a plurality of tanks 22, the notification control unit 133 causes the display screen 17 of FIG. 7 to be outputted to the operation panel 16 at each time of washing. The above operation allows the user of the washing machine system to easily wash the laundry treatment agent used.

In addition, when the determination unit 131 determines that either detergent or fabric softener is not stored in any of the plurality of tanks 22 based on the processing agent information, the notification control unit 133 sends the information to the input reception unit 110. to output a notification prompting you to manually add detergent or fabric softener. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen 17 output by the operation panel 16. Note that FIG. 8 is an example of the display screen 17 when the washing machine 100 includes three tanks 22. On the display screen 17 in FIG. 8, a notification prompting the user to manually add detergent or softener is displayed. When it is determined that either the detergent or the softener is not stored in any of the plurality of tanks 22, the notification control unit 133 causes the operation panel 16 to output the display screen 17 shown in FIG. 8. By the above operation, the washing machine system can prevent the user from forgetting to add the laundry treatment agent. For example, in the example displayed in FIG. 8, detergent is stored in all the tanks 22, and a notification prompting manual addition of softener is displayed. The above-described operation can prevent inappropriate washing processing from being performed due to not adding any of the washing processing agents. For example, by not adding a softener, it is possible to prevent the finish from becoming poor. Moreover, since no detergent is added, it is possible to prevent the washing from not being done properly.

The notification control unit 133 causes current processing agent information regarding the plurality of tanks 22 to be output when an operation related to replenishment of the washing processing agent is detected. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen 17 output by the operation panel 16. Note that FIG. 9 is an example of the display screen 17 when the washing machine 100 includes three tanks 22. On the display screen 17 in FIG. 9, processing agent information about the laundry processing agents contained in the three tanks 22 is displayed. The notification control unit 133 causes the operation panel 16 to output the display screen 17 shown in FIG. 9 when an operation related to replenishment of the laundry treatment agent is detected. The above operation allows the user of the washing machine system to easily check the status of the plurality of tanks 22 after refilling. Further, it is possible to prevent inappropriate washing processing from being performed due to not adding any washing processing agent. For example, by not adding a softener, it is possible to prevent the finish from becoming poor. Moreover, since no detergent is added, it is possible to prevent the washing from not being done properly.

Further, the notification control unit 133 outputs a notification prompting update of the processing agent information when an operation related to replenishment of the washing processing agent is detected. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen 17 output by the operation panel 16. Note that FIG. 10 is an example of the display screen 17 when the washing machine 100 includes three tanks 22. On the display screen 17 in FIG. 10, a notification prompting the user to update the processing agent information contained in the three tanks 22 is displayed. "Update" means re-registration when there is a change in the contents of processing agent information. The notification control unit 133 causes the operation panel 16 to output the display screen 17 shown in FIG. 10 when an operation related to replenishment of the laundry treatment agent is detected. The above operation allows the user of the washing machine system to easily update treatment agent information after replenishment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen 17 output by the operation panel 16. When the user inputs an update of processing agent information to the display screen 17 in FIG. 10, the display screen 17 in FIG. 11 is output to the operation panel 16. The user can input the manufacturer of the laundry treatment agent, the brand of the laundry treatment agent, and the reference amount of the laundry treatment agent using the display screen 17 of FIG. 11 . The reference amount is the amount of laundry treatment agent used for a unit amount of washing. FIG. 11 shows that the usage volume of the laundry treatment agent is 20 ml for a washing volume with a reference amount of 30 L. The display screen 17 in FIG. 10 is output to the operation panel 16. The above operation allows the user of the washing machine system to easily update treatment agent information after replenishment. In addition, the washing machine system can perform the washing process using an appropriate amount of washing treatment agent.

Note that the control unit 130 may output the notification output to the operation panel 16 to a mobile terminal owned by the user. Examples of mobile terminals include smartphones, tablet terminals, and notebook computers. For example, the control unit 130 may output the notification output to the operation panel 16 to the user's smartphone.

The storage unit 140 stores washing course information, processing agent information, and correspondence information. The washing course information is information indicating a washing course, and is information recorded in the storage unit 140 in advance.

<4. Advantages＞
2. Description of the Related Art Washing machines that automatically dispense liquid laundry detergent and fabric softener into a washing tub are known. Such washing machines are equipped with two tanks. A softener is stored in either tank. The other tank contains detergent. The laundry treatment agent stored in the two tanks is automatically added each time the laundry is processed.
However, users who use powdered detergent cannot utilize the tank. Furthermore, since the softener is stored in one tank, there may be a problem in which the softener needs to be replenished frequently. There are also users who use liquid detergent but do not use fabric softener. Furthermore, each tank can contain only one type of detergent or fabric softener. Therefore, it is difficult to automatically dispense detergents that place emphasis on cleaning power and detergents that emphasize prevention of damage to clothing. In addition, it is difficult to automatically dispense fabric softeners according to scent. Therefore, detergent or fabric softener cannot be added automatically and must be added manually.

The washing machine system according to the first embodiment includes a washing tub and a plurality of tanks 22 that can individually accommodate laundry processing agents, and an automatic loading device that automatically charges the washing processing agent from the plurality of tanks 22 into the washing tub. 15, an information registration section 120 capable of registering processing agent information indicating the laundry processing agents stored in each of the plurality of tanks 22, and an automatic dosing device 15 controlled based on the processing agent information registered by the information registration section 120. The control unit 130 includes a control unit 130 that performs the following operations. According to such a configuration, the washing machine system automatically puts the laundry treatment agent into the plurality of tanks 22 based on the registered treatment agent information. Thereby, even when a plurality of tanks 22 contain arbitrary laundry treatment agents, the laundry treatment agent can be automatically added, and the washing machine system can improve the convenience of adding the laundry treatment agent. For example, compared to the case where the tank 22 is used for only detergent or fabric softener, there is a greater degree of freedom in the pattern of the laundry treatment agent to be stored, so the optimal laundry treatment can be more tailored to each individual user. It is possible to realize how to use the agent.

(Modified example)
When it is determined that the same laundry treatment agent is stored in a plurality of tanks 22 based on the treatment agent information, the operation control unit 132 controls whether the first tank 22a and the The laundry treatment agent may be added simultaneously or alternately from the two tanks 22b. Note that the operation control unit 132 may evenly charge the laundry treatment agent from the first tank 22a and the second tank 22b. "Alternately" is not limited to the case where the first tank 22a and the second tank 22b are switched for each washing, and the washing treatment agent is added from the first tank 22a in two washings, and then This may also include a case where a laundry treatment agent is introduced from the second tank 22b in one wash, and a laundry treatment agent is introduced from the first tank 22a in two subsequent washes. "Doing it evenly" means dividing the amount of laundry treatment agent put into one wash into equal parts and putting it into each tank 22, and rotating the tank 22 into which it is put every wash. For example, if the laundry treatment agent is preferentially added to only one of the tanks 22, there is a concern that the other tank 22 may not be used for a long period of time, and the injection pump 24 may become stuck in the path. Furthermore, if the laundry treatment agent is preferentially added to only one of the tanks 22, the laundry treatment agent stored in the other tank 22 may not be consumed for a long period of time and may deteriorate. By the above-described operation, the washing machine system can prevent the above-mentioned sticking and deterioration by evenly using the washing treatment agent in the plurality of tanks 22.

For example, the operation control unit 132 controls the first tank 22a and the laundry treatment agent so that the remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent stored in the first tank 22a and the remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent stored in the second tank 22b are approximately the same. The amount of washing treatment agent input from the second tank 22b may be controlled. In this case, if the capacity of the first tank 22a is larger than the capacity of the second tank 22b, the amount of washing processed from the first tank 22a and the amount of washing processed from the second tank 22b are determined according to the capacity ratio. The ratio of amounts of processing is adjusted. For example, if the capacity of the first tank 22a is larger than the capacity of the second tank 22b, the laundry treatment agent is added from the first tank 22a in three washes, and the washing agent is added from the second tank 22b in the next two washes. A processing agent may be introduced, and operations such as... may be performed. By the above operation, the washing machine system can evenly use the laundry treatment agent contained in the plurality of tanks 22, and can reduce the frequency of replenishing the laundry treatment agent. Furthermore, since the laundry treatment agents stored in the two tanks 22 run out at the same time, when the user of the washing machine system changes to a new type of laundry treatment agent, it is not necessary to change the laundry treatment agents stored in the two tanks 22 at the same time. Can be done.

The washing machine system may be configured such that one washing machine 100 can switch between the control mode of the first embodiment and the control mode of the modification. The "control mode of the first embodiment" means that when the operation control unit 132 detects that the remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent stored in the first tank 22a has become a predetermined amount or less, This is a mode in which the washing treatment agent is switched to the second tank 22b from the first tank 22b, and then the washing treatment agent is preferentially inputted from the second tank 22b. Moreover, the "modified example control mode" is a mode in which the operation control unit 132 simultaneously or alternately introduces the laundry treatment agent from the first tank 22a and the second tank 22b.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that several functional units are provided in the server. Note that the configuration other than those described below is the same as the configuration of the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a washing machine system S according to the second embodiment. Washing machine system S includes a washing machine 100 and a server 200. The network NW described later includes, for example, the Internet, cellular network, Wi-Fi network, LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), WAN (Wide Area Network), LAN (Local Area Network), other public lines, private lines, etc. You can use it according to your needs.

Washing machine 100 is placed in a user's residence. Washing machine 100 can communicate with server 200, for example, via wireless router R and network NW placed in user U's residence.

The server 200 includes one or more server devices 200a (for example, a cloud server device 200a). Server 200 may be referred to as a "server system." The server 200 may include an information processing unit that performs edge computing or fog computing, such as an information processing unit included in a router in the network NW. The server 200 will be described in detail later.

Terminal device 300 is a device that can be used by user U of washing machine 100. The terminal device 300 is, for example, a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, but may also be a voice dialogue device (smart speaker) or the like. Terminal device 300 is an example of a "notification unit". In the first embodiment, the various notifications displayed on the operation panel 16 of the washing machine 100 are displayed as images or videos on the display screen in the case of a terminal device having a display screen, and are displayed in the form of audio in the case of an audio dialogue device. Output.

Next, the server 200 will be explained in detail.
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the server 200. The server 200 includes, for example, an input reception section 110, an information registration section 120, a determination section 131, a notification control section 133, and a storage section 140. The operations of the input reception unit 110, information registration unit 120, determination unit 131, and notification control unit 133 are the same as those of the input reception unit 110, information registration unit 120, determination unit 131, and notification control unit 133 of the washing machine system according to the first embodiment. The operation is similar to that of the notification control unit 133. These functional units are realized by a hardware processor such as a CPU installed in the server 200 executing programs. However, all or part of these functional units may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as ASIC, PLD, or FPGA, or may be realized by collaboration between software and hardware. Good too.

Furthermore, the server 200 includes a storage unit 140. The storage unit 140 is realized by, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash memory, or a combination of a plurality of these. The storage unit 140 stores the same information as the storage unit 140 of the washing machine system according to the first embodiment.

According to at least one embodiment described above, by having the automatic dosing device 15 that dispenses the laundry treatment agent based on the registered treatment agent information, it is possible to improve the convenience of adding the laundry treatment agent. can.

Although several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

1... Housing, 2... Washing lid, 3... Water tank, 3a... Drain port, 4... Hanging rod, 5... Rotating tank, 5a... Dehydration hole, 6... Top cover, 7... Balance ring, 8... Stirring body, 9 ...Washing machine motor, 10...Control device, 11...Clutch mechanism, 12...Drain valve, 13...Drain hose, 14...Switching motor, 15...Automatic loading device, 16...Operation panel, 17...Display screen, 21...Water injection Case, 22...tank, 23...discharge hole, 24...input pump, 25...accommodating section, 27...automatic cleaning device, 31...float sensor, 32...casing lid sensor, 33...tank lid sensor, 34...tank mounting sensor , 35... Rotating shaft, 36... Lid, 37... Lid, 38... Bottom, 100... Washing machine, 110... Input reception section, 120... Information registration section, 130... Control section, 131... Judgment section, 132... Operation control section , 133... Notification control unit, 140... Storage unit, 200... Server, 200a... Server device, 300... Terminal device, NW... Network, U... User, R... Wireless router, S... Washing machine system

Claims (11)

washing tub and
an automatic loading device that has a plurality of tanks that can individually accommodate laundry treatment agents, and automatically inputs the laundry treatment agents from the plurality of tanks into the washing tub;
an information registration unit capable of registering processing agent information indicating the laundry processing agent contained in each of the plurality of tanks;
a control unit that controls the automatic injection device based on the processing agent information registered by the information registration unit;
Equipped with
The plurality of tanks include a first tank and a second tank,
The information registration unit includes at least a usage mode in which detergent is stored in the first tank and a softener is stored in the second tank, and a usage mode in which the softener is stored in the first tank and the softener is stored in the second tank. The processing agent information can be registered in a usage mode in which detergent is stored in two tanks and in a usage mode in which one of detergent and softener is stored in both the first tank and the second tank. ,
The control unit determines whether either detergent or fabric softener is not stored in any of the plurality of tanks based on the processing agent information registered by the information registration unit, If it is determined that either the detergent or the softener is not stored in any of the plurality of tanks, outputting a notification prompting manual input of the detergent or the softener;
washing machine system. washing tub and
an automatic loading device that has a plurality of tanks that can individually accommodate laundry treatment agents, and automatically inputs the laundry treatment agents from the plurality of tanks into the washing tub;
an information registration unit capable of registering processing agent information indicating the laundry processing agent contained in each of the plurality of tanks;
a control unit that controls the automatic injection device based on the processing agent information registered by the information registration unit;
Equipped with
The plurality of tanks include a first tank and a second tank,
The first tank and the second tank have different capacities,
The information registration unit includes at least a usage mode in which a detergent is stored in the first tank and a softener is stored in the second tank, and a usage mode in which the softener is stored in the first tank and the softener is stored in the second tank. The processing agent information can be registered in a usage mode in which detergent is stored in two tanks;
washing machine system. The information registration unit may be configured to register the information registration unit in accordance with the above information in both cases where a plurality of different types of laundry treatment agents are stored in the plurality of tanks and in a case where the same laundry treatment agent is stored in the plurality of tanks. Processing agent information can be registered.
A washing machine system according to claim 1 or claim 2 . When it is determined that the same laundry treatment agent is stored in the plurality of tanks, the control unit causes the first tank to preferentially introduce the laundry treatment agent, When it is detected that the remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent has become less than a predetermined amount, switching from the first tank to the second tank and introducing the laundry treatment agent from the second tank;
A washing machine system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . When it is determined that the same laundry treatment agent is stored in the plurality of tanks, the control unit simultaneously removes the same laundry treatment agent from the first tank and the second tank during one wash or multiple washes. or alternately adding the laundry treatment agent;
A washing machine system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . When it is determined that a plurality of laundry treatment agents having the same classification and different characteristics are stored in the plurality of tanks, the control unit selects the laundry treatment agent to be used or manually selects the laundry treatment agent to be used at each time of washing. Outputs a notification prompting selection of input,
A washing machine system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . further comprising an input reception unit that receives user input;
When it is determined that the laundry treatment agents of the same classification and having different characteristics are stored in the plurality of tanks, the control unit is configured to control the selection of the laundry treatment agent to be used or the selection of manual input of the laundry treatment agent. If no input is received in the input reception section, washing will not start.
A washing machine system according to claim 6 . The control unit outputs the current processing agent information regarding the plurality of tanks when an operation related to replenishment of the laundry processing agent is detected.
A washing machine system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The control unit outputs a notification prompting update of the processing agent information when an operation related to replenishment of the washing processing agent is detected.
A washing machine system according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The automatic loading device includes a pump for loading the laundry treatment agent from the plurality of tanks into the washing tub ,
The control unit outputs a notification prompting cleaning of the pump or automatically cleans the pump when a change in the laundry treatment agent is detected.
A washing machine system according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The information registration unit is capable of registering a correspondence relationship between a washing course and the washing treatment agent,
The control unit controls the automatic loading device based on the selected washing course and the correspondence relationship.
A washing machine system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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