Laundry treating system

Abstract

The invention provides a clothes processing system capable of enabling the operation of a clothes processing machine to be more energy-saving. A laundry treatment system includes a laundry treatment unit, a determination unit, and a control unit. The clothes processing unit performs clothes processing including a drying operation step of drying clothes. The determination unit determines the drying control of the drying operation process according to the operation time of the clothes processing part. The control unit performs the drying operation step based on the determined drying control by using the clothes processing unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a laundry treatment system. Background Art

[0002] There is a kind of clothes processing system that utilizes clothes processing machine to process clothes.But, expect to make the operation of clothes processing machine more energy-saving.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-84468 Summary of the invention

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a clothes treating system capable of making the operation of a clothes treating machine more energy-efficient.

[0007] A clothes treatment system of an embodiment includes: a clothes treatment unit, a determination unit, and a control unit. The clothes treatment unit performs clothes treatment including a drying operation process for drying clothes. The determination unit determines a drying control of the drying operation process according to an operation time of the clothes treatment unit. The control unit uses the clothes treatment unit to perform the drying operation process based on the determined drying control.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the operation of the laundry machine can be made more energy-efficient. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the overall structure of the clothes treating system according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view showing the laundry machine according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3A This is a diagram for explaining a first display screen of the operation panel according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3B This is a diagram for explaining the second display screen of the operation panel according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 It is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the control device according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the server according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 6This is a diagram for explaining the life rhythm of a specific user U and the operating status of the washing machine according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a flowchart related to laundry processing according to the embodiment of the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a diagram for explaining the process of analyzing the lifestyle of the user U according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart related to the analysis process of the lifestyle of the user U according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Fig. 10A This is a diagram for explaining a time period in which the laundry treatment according to the second embodiment is performed.

[0020] Fig. 10B This is a diagram for explaining a time period in which the laundry treatment according to the second embodiment is performed.

[0021] Fig.11 It is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation end time input means according to the second embodiment.

[0022] Fig.12 It is used for Figure 3B FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the second display screen of the operation panel.

[0023] Fig.13 It is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the terminal device 300 according to the third embodiment.

[0024] Description of Reference Numerals

[0025] 1 ... a clothing processing system, 100 ... a clothing processing machine (clothing processing device), 200 ... a server, 300 ... a terminal device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the program, computer system and clothing processing machine of the implementation mode are described. In the following description, the same figure mark is marked for the structure with the same or similar function. Moreover, the repeated description of the above structure is sometimes omitted. "Based on XX" means "at least based on XX", and it can also include the case where it is based on other elements on the basis of XX. "Based on XX" is not limited to the case where XX is directly used, but can also include the case where calculation and processing are performed on XX. "XX or YY" is not limited to the case where either XX or YY is used, but can also include the case where both XX and YY are used. The same is true when the selected elements are more than 3. "XX" and "YY" are arbitrary elements (for example, arbitrary information). In the present application, "obtaining" is not limited to the case where a request to send is sent and the acquisition is actively carried out, but can also include the case where the acquisition is passively received by receiving information sent from other devices. Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the operating unit is sometimes referred to as a "button".

[0027] (First Embodiment)

[0028] As a first embodiment, a laundry processing system 1 in which an operation of a user U (user) for setting or selecting the operation content of a laundry processing machine 100 is accepted by the laundry processing machine 100 and the laundry processing machine 100 is controlled will be described.

[0029] <1. Clothes handling system>

[0030] Figure 1 : is a diagram showing the overall structure of the clothing treatment system 1 of the first embodiment. The clothing treatment system 1 includes, for example, a clothing treatment machine 100, a server 200, and an appliance management application APP of a terminal device 300. In addition, the clothing treatment system 1 may not include the server 200, but may be implemented by the clothing treatment machine 100 alone, or by a combination of the clothing treatment machine 100 and the appliance management application APP of the terminal device 300. This will be described later. In addition, the clothing treatment system 1 may be implemented only by the server 200, or by the server 200 and the appliance management application APP of the terminal device 300. The clothing treatment system 1 is an example of a "computer system".

[0031] The clothing treatment machine 100 is mainly an electric device for household use. "Clothing treatment machine" broadly means: a device that performs some treatment on clothing (for example, one or more of washing, drying, wrinkle removal, crease reinforcement, deodorization, pollen removal, dust removal or sterilization, etc.). The clothing treatment machine 100 is, for example, a washing machine that performs drying treatment, and a closet-type cleaning machine also belongs to a clothing treatment machine. The clothing treatment machine 100 is set in the residence of the user U and is connected to the network NW by means of a wireless router WR and a modem M set in the residence of the user U. The clothing treatment machine 100 can communicate with the server 200 or the terminal device 300 by means of the network NW. The network NW, for example, can utilize the Internet, a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, a LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), a WAN (Wide Area Network), a LAN (Local Area Network) or other public lines, dedicated lines, etc. according to the situation.

[0032] The server 200 is a management server for managing the clothing processing machine 100. The server 200 is composed of one or more server devices (such as a cloud server). The server 200 can also be called a "server system". The server 200 can communicate with the clothing processing machine 100 or the terminal device 300 via the network NW. The server 200 may include: an information processing unit included in a router in the network NW, an information processing unit that performs edge computing and fog computing. The server 200 is not limited to a cloud server, and can be a computer located at the residence of the user U, or a home router (such as a wireless router WR).

[0033] The terminal device 300 is a terminal device used by the user U. The terminal device 300 is, for example, a portable terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal device. However, the terminal device 300 is not limited to a portable terminal device, and may also be a personal computer or the like. The terminal device 300 includes, for example, a display device 301, an input device 302, and a communication unit 303. The display device 301 includes a display screen 301a capable of displaying various information. The input device 302 can accept input from the user U. The input device 302 is, for example, a touch panel that is overlapped with the display screen 301a of the display device 301. The input device 302 may include a camera, a microphone, etc. that are provided in the terminal device 300. The communication unit 303 is a communication component that can perform wireless communication. The communication unit 303 is connected to the network NW by means of a wireless router WR and a modem M, or directly. The communication unit 303 can communicate with the laundry processing machine 100 or the server 200 by means of the network NW. The modem M transmits an electric signal or an optical signal to the network NW, and receives an electric signal or an optical signal from the network NW.

[0034] The application P is installed in the terminal device 300 and supports the functions described below. The application P is, for example, an application for managing the laundry machine 100. In this embodiment, the application software started by executing the application P is called a "home appliance management application APP". The terminal device 300 is an example of a "computer". The application P is an example of a "program".

[0035] <2. Clothes processing machine>

[0036] Next, a drum-type washing machine is used as an example to describe the laundry processing machine 100. In addition, the following description does not limit the scope of the "laundry processing machine" or "washing machine" of the present application. The laundry processing machine is not limited to a drum-type washing machine, but may also be a vertical type washing machine. In addition, the laundry processing machine may be a washing machine with a drying function, or may be a drying machine.

[0037] Figure 2 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a laundry machine 100. The laundry machine 100 includes, for example, a housing (outer box) 111, an operation panel 112, a washing mechanism 120, a drying mechanism 130, a communication unit 140, and a control device 150. The washing mechanism 120 and the drying mechanism 130 are examples of a laundry processing unit.

[0038] The housing 111 is a member that forms the outer contour of the laundry machine 100. The housing 111 is formed in a box shape with a door. The housing 111 is provided with a door sensor for detecting a state in which the door is opened.

[0039] The operation panel 112 is a panel for the user U to operate the laundry machine 100 . The operation panel 112 is provided, for example, at a front end portion of the upper surface of the housing 111 .

[0040] For example, the operation panel 112 may include a display device and an input device. The display device is, for example, a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) device, having a display screen. The input device is, for example, a touch panel that is overlapped with the display screen. The operation panel 112 will be described in detail later.

[0041] The washing mechanism 120 includes, for example, a water drum 121, a drum (rotating drum) 122, a motor 123, a water supply device 124, and an automatic device 125 for feeding a laundry treatment agent. The water drum 121 is disposed in the housing 111 and is elastically supported by a suspension not shown. The drum 122 is rotatably disposed in the water drum 121. The motor 123 is disposed at the rear of the water drum 121 and is connected to the drum 122 by a rotating shaft. The motor 123 drives the drum 122 to rotate by means of the rotating shaft. The water supply device 124 is disposed above the water drum 121.

[0042] The drying mechanism 130 includes, for example, a circulating air passage 131, a heat pump 132, and an air blower 133. The circulating air passage 131 connects the water cylinder 121 and the heat pump 132, and circulates the drying air between the water cylinder 121 and the heat pump 132. The heat pump 132 is a heating device provided in the circulating air passage 131. The heat pump 132 heats the drying air passing through the circulating air passage. The air blower 133 is provided in the circulating air passage 131, and circulates the drying air between the water cylinder 121 and the heat pump 132 through the circulating air passage 131. The heat pump 132 includes, for example, a compressor 132C driven by an electric motor to discharge the refrigerant, a pair of heat exchangers, a throttling device for limiting the flow rate of the refrigerant, and a pipeline for circulating the refrigerant.

[0043] In addition, the laundry machine 100 may include a heater for heating the dry air instead of the heat pump 132 .

[0044] The communication unit 140 is, for example, a communication unit capable of wireless communication. The communication unit 140 is connected to the network NW via the wireless router WR and the modem M, and communicates with the server 200 or the terminal device 300 via the network NW.

[0045] The control device 150 centrally controls the entire laundry machine 100. The control device 150 will be described in detail later.

[0046] (Display screen of operation panel 112)

[0047] Next, refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3B An example of a display screen of operation panel 112 will be described.

[0048] Figure 3A This is a diagram for explaining the first display screen of the operation panel 112 . Figure 3B FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the second display screen of the operation panel 112. Figure 3A The first display screen is used to set the drying operation schedule. Figure 3B The second display screen (called "drying completion setting screen") is used to make detailed drying settings.

[0049] The user U operates the operation panel 112 to adjust the “drying completion setting”, thereby making the completion status of the drying operation as desired.

[0050] For example, the operation panel 112 displays Figure 3A In the first display screen state, if the user U touches Figure 3A Click the "Change" button in the first display screen to switch the display to Figure 3BThe "drying completion setting screen" is displayed. For example, the drying completion settings include: "fast", "power saving", "high-quality drying", "meticulous", and "timer setting". Features for adjusting the completion status are pre-set for each drying setting value. The "fast" setting is a setting that increases the output of the compressor 132C of the heat pump 132 compared to other drying settings, thereby increasing the speed of the fan of the blower 133 (referred to as the fan speed. The same below.), and performs actions, etc., thereby completing the operation in a shorter time than other drying settings. The "power saving" setting is a setting that maintains the output of the compressor 132C lower than other drying settings, and performs energy-saving operation. The "high-quality drying" setting is a setting that performs actions by reducing the rotation cycle of the drum or the air volume of the fan of the blower 133 (referred to as the fan air volume. The same below) to make the clothes softer after drying than other drying settings. The "meticulous" setting is a setting that sets the drying operation time longer than other drying settings to perform excessive drying operation. The "timer setting" is a setting that performs drying for a set time. Thus, the drying setting having each characteristic is provided, and when it is determined that the server 200 can perform the "energy-saving operation" based on the operation data, the drying operation can be switched to the "power-saving" setting which is one of the drying settings.

[0051] In this way, even if there are a plurality of drying settings, energy saving effects can be obtained by changing to a drying setting that performs a relatively energy-saving operation.

[0052] In addition, the operation panel 112 is not limited to the above example. For example, the operation panel 112 may include a display device and an input device instead of the above structure. The operation panel 112 may include, for example, a plurality of operation units and a plurality of light emitting units provided on a film panel.

[0053] Next, the control device 150 will be described. The control device 150 is configured as a computer mainly composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like.

[0054] Figure 41 is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the control device 150 of the embodiment. The control device 150 includes, for example, a control unit 151, a display control unit 152, an operation receiving unit 153, and an information sending unit 154. All or part of the above functional units are implemented by a hardware processor such as a CPU executing a program (software). However, all or part of the above functional units may be implemented by hardware (circuit unit; including circuitry) such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a discrete circuit, or may be implemented by the collaboration of software and hardware.

[0055] (Control Department)

[0056] The control unit 151 controls the washing mechanism 120 and the drying mechanism 130 to perform rinsing, washing, dehydrating or drying operations based on the laundry machine 100. The washing operation process may include rinsing, washing and dehydrating operations. In addition, the drying operation process may include drying operations.

[0057] In addition, the control unit 151 detects the state of the door based on the signal of the door sensor and estimates the time when the user takes out the clothes based on the result. For example, after the drying operation is finished, the door opening can be detected based on the signal of the door sensor and it can be estimated that the clothes have been taken out.

[0058] (Display control unit)

[0059] The display control unit 152 controls the display of the operation panel 112. For example, the display control unit 152 displays the operation content of the laundry machine 100 whose setting or selection is accepted by the operation accepting unit 153 formed as a touch panel.

[0060] (Operation Acceptance Department)

[0061] The operation accepting unit 153 accepts an operation of the user U input to the laundry machine 100 through the operation panel 112. For example, the operation accepting unit 153 accepts an operation of the user U for setting or selecting the operation content of the laundry machine 100 through the operation panel 112 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "setting-related operation"). More specific examples of setting will be described later.

[0062] (Information sending department)

[0063] The information transmission unit 154 transmits various information to the server 200 via the communication unit 140. When the operation reception unit 153 receives a setting-related operation for setting or selecting the operation content of the laundry processing machine 100, the information transmission unit 154 transmits information indicating the operation content set or selected by the setting-related operation (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "operation data D1") to the server 200.

[0064] Here, in the present application, "accepting setting or selecting operation" is not limited to the case where both "accepting setting operation" and "accepting selecting operation" are implemented by the clothing processing machine 100 (or the terminal device 300), and may also include the case where only one of "accepting setting operation" or "accepting selecting operation" is implemented. That is, in the present application, "accepting setting-related operation of setting or selecting operation content" may include the case where the operation of setting operation content is accepted in a clothing processing machine (or terminal device) that does not have the function of accepting only the operation of setting operation content and the function of accepting the operation of selecting operation content.

[0065] In the present embodiment, when a plurality of setting-related operations are accepted until one operation course or option of the laundry machine 100 is determined, each time a setting-related operation is accepted, the information transmission unit 154 transmits the operation data D1 indicating the operation content set or selected by the setting-related operation to the server 200. In the present application, "until one operation course or option is determined" means, for example, "a process of selecting one operation course" or "a process of selecting one option".

[0066] In this embodiment, the home appliance management application APP of the terminal device 300 obtains identification information that can identify the clothing treatment agent based on the container that accommodates the clothing treatment agent or the attached component attached to the above container.

[0067] In addition, the information transmission unit 154 may transmit the operation data D1 directly to the terminal device 300 instead of transmitting the operation data D1 to the server 200. In this case, the communication unit 140 may directly communicate with the communication unit 303 of the terminal device 300 by short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). This will be described later.

[0068] <3. Server 200>

[0069] Next, the server 200 will be described.

[0070] Figure 52 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a server 200 according to an embodiment. The server 200 includes, for example, an information acquisition unit 210 , an information transmission unit 220 , an information function unit 230 , and a storage unit 290 .

[0071] When the operation accepting unit 153 of the laundry machine 100 accepts a setting-related operation for setting or selecting the operation content of the laundry machine 100, the information acquiring unit 210 acquires from the laundry machine 100: the operation data D1 indicating the operation content set or selected by the setting-related operation. In the present embodiment, each time the operation accepting unit 153 of the laundry machine 100 accepts a setting-related operation, the information acquiring unit 210 acquires from the laundry machine 100: the operation data D1 indicating the operation content set or selected by the setting-related operation.

[0072] Furthermore, if the control unit 151 detects the door opening state based on the signal of the door sensor, the information acquisition unit 210 acquires the detection result. For example, after the drying operation is finished, if the door is opened based on the signal of the door sensor, the information acquisition unit 210 can infer that the clothes have been taken out.

[0073] In addition, when the operation accepting unit 330 of the terminal device 300 described later accepts a setting-related operation for setting or selecting the operation content of the laundry processing machine 100, the information acquiring unit 210 acquires the operation data D2 indicating the operation content set or selected by the setting-related operation from the terminal device 300. In the present embodiment, each time the operation accepting unit 330 of the terminal device 300 accepts the setting-related operation, the information acquiring unit 210 acquires the operation data D2 indicating the operation content set or selected by the setting-related operation from the terminal device 300. Each time the operation data D from the laundry processing machine 100 is acquired, the information acquiring unit 210 adds the acquired operation data D to the operation history data DB of the storage unit 290.

[0074] The information transmission unit 220 notifies the laundry machine 100 of the processing result of the information function unit 230 .

[0075] The information function unit 230 of the present embodiment is associated with, for example, the laundry processing machine 100 and the terminal device 300 of each user U.

[0076] The information function unit 230 acquires information that can identify a clothing product from the terminal device 300. The information function unit 230 implements settings for controlling the clothing processing machine 100 in accordance with the user U's lifestyle based on the identifiable information.

[0077] The information function unit 230 may determine settings related to the control of the laundry machine 100 based on the recognizable information.

[0078] As described above, the program SVP is installed on the server 200 to support the functions described below. The program SVP is, for example, an application for managing the laundry treatment machine 100. The functions provided by the program SVP include: an automatic dosage management function of the laundry treatment agent (clothing product) of the laundry treatment machine 100. In the present embodiment, the application software started by executing the program SVP is called "home appliance management program SVAPP". In the present embodiment, the server 200 executes the program SVP to provide the function of the "home appliance management program SVAPP".

[0079] Figure 6 This is a diagram for explaining the life rhythm of a specific user U and the operating status of a washing machine according to the embodiment.

[0080] The user U tends to start the laundry machine 100 before going to bed, wash clothes while sleeping at night, and take out clothes from the laundry machine 100 after getting up early in the morning. For example, in many cases, the start time of washing is around 23:00 and the time of taking out clothes is around 6:30.

[0081] However, according to Figure 6 In the laundry processing based on the "normal" course shown in the upper section, the laundry processing machine 100 accepts the operation of the user U and immediately starts the washing process. Therefore, the start time of the washing process is 23:00 corresponding to the start time of the operation. As a result of setting the start time of the washing process in this way, the period from the start of the washing process to the removal of the clothes is about 23:00 to 6:30. The actual operation time of this embodiment is determined by the time when the operation starts. Therefore, the operation time is sometimes substantially advanced compared to the 6:30 time when the clothes are taken out. For example, if the drying setting is set to the standard course and the operation is carried out, it is estimated that even if the washing process and the subsequent drying process are included, it will end at 2 o'clock. For the user U who sets the time for taking out the clothes to about 6:30, in most cases, the benefit of ending the laundry processing at 2 o'clock is not seen.

[0082] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the lifestyle of the user U and the usage tendency of the laundry machine 100 are analyzed, and the drying setting is automatically switched from the “standard” course to the “energy saving” course based on the analysis result.

[0083] For example, in the laundry treatment of the "energy-saving" course of the present embodiment, the output of the compressor 132C used in the laundry treatment is suppressed compared to the laundry treatment of the "standard" course, and the laundry treatment machine 100 performs energy-saving operation. As a result, although the laundry treatment time is slightly extended, power consumption in the laundry treatment is reduced, thereby achieving power saving. As a result, an economic benefit of being able to save electricity bills is generated.

[0084] Figure 7 This is a flowchart related to laundry processing according to the present embodiment.

[0085] The laundry machine 100 detects an operation by the user U and performs a process of starting the operation of the laundry machine 100 ( S11 ).

[0086] The laundry machine 100 is in operation of treating laundry according to the above-mentioned start of operation ( S12 ), for example, in execution of a washing process.

[0087] The laundry machine 100 acquires basic information such as the weight of the laundry during the washing process of the laundry, and transmits operation data including the basic information and setting information to the server 200 .

[0088] The server 200 obtains the operation data D1 transmitted from the laundry machine 100, and adds the operation data D1 to the operation history data DB of the storage unit 290 as the data of the time series information. The information function unit 230 of the server 200 (SVAPP) performs an analysis process using the operation data D1 (S22), and transmits a drying control change command based on the result of the analysis process to the laundry machine 100. The laundry machine 100 obtains the drying control change command transmitted from the server 200, and executes a change in drying control using the drying control change command.

[0089] The laundry processing machine 100 performs the following operations in the laundry processing: including a washing process and a subsequent drying process. In the drying process, the control corresponding to the above-mentioned drying control change instruction is performed. When the specified time is reached, the laundry processing machine 100 ends the drying process and performs the operation end processing (S13), collects and summarizes the information collected from each sensor during the operation, and notifies the server 200 as the operation data D1, and waits for the laundry to be taken out.

[0090] User U opens the door in the morning and takes out clothes. If user U opens the door, the door sensor of the laundry machine 100 detects that the door is opened. The laundry machine 100 notifies the server 200 of the operation data D1 including the detection result that the door is opened (S14). The operation data D1 includes information on the time when the clothes are taken out, that is, the time when the door is opened (hereinafter referred to as "the time when the clothes are taken out").

[0091] Furthermore, the server 200 adds the respectively acquired operation data D1 and the like to the operation history data DB of the storage unit 290. The server 200 stores the thus acquired operation data D1 and the like in advance as the operation data history information of the laundry machine 100 and uses it for the analysis process to be performed later (S22).

[0092] Thus, the laundry machine 100 and the server 200 adjust the drying control of the drying process according to the above-mentioned order.

[0093] Reference Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The process of analyzing the lifestyle of the user U will be described.

[0094] Figure 8 This is a diagram for explaining the process of analyzing the lifestyle of the user U according to the present embodiment. Figure 8 A portion of the operation data recorded at each operation is shown in a modeled manner. The white circle at the starting point (base point) of each arrow indicates the time when the operation starts, and the black circle at the end of each arrow indicates the time when the clothes are taken out. In addition to the time when the operation starts and the time when the clothes are taken out, the operation data also includes information on the month and day of the operation. For example, the operation data may be recorded every day or every other day, depending on whether the operation is performed or not.

[0095] In this Figure 8 In the example shown, in the prescribed period T, the operation start time is distributed in the range of t11 to t12, which is roughly in the range of 22:00 to 0:00. The time of taking out the clothes is distributed in the range of t21 to t22, which is roughly in the range of 6:00 to 8:00. The prescribed period T may be, for example, a past period of about one week based on the current time, or may be set to one month instead.

[0096] Based on the operation record, it can be inferred that the user U has the following habits: starting the operation at the latest before 0:00, going to bed between 0:00 and 6:00, and taking out the clothes at the earliest after 6:00. The server 200 extracts the earliest time t21 in the range of the time for taking out the clothes (t21 to t22), for example, and adjusts the time period for processing the clothes based on the time t21.

[0097] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart related to the analysis process of the lifestyle of the user U according to the present embodiment.

[0098] The operation history data DB is stored in the storage unit 290 of the server 200. The operation history data DB stores the operation data D1 received from the laundry machine 100 in the past.

[0099] When the operation data of the operation start is acquired from the laundry processing machine 100, the server 200 extracts the history data of the time when the laundry of the user U is taken out from the operation history data DB (S221).

[0100] The server 200 determines the operation end time based on the historical data of the time when the user U takes out the clothes (S222). Figure 8 The server 200 notifies the laundry machine 100 of the determined operation end time (S223).

[0101] According to the above-described embodiment, the clothes processing system 1 includes a clothes processing unit, a determination unit, and a control unit. The clothes processing unit performs clothes processing including a drying operation step for drying clothes.

[0102] The determination unit determines the drying control of the drying operation step according to the operation time of the clothes processing unit.

[0103] The control device 150 (control unit) uses the clothes processing unit to implement the drying operation process based on the determined drying control. This can make the operation of the clothes processing machine more energy-efficient.

[0104] As described above, as an example of the present embodiment, a means that is easy for the user U to understand is used to change the "drying setting" from the "standard" course to the "energy-saving" course, but the present embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, while the "drying setting" course is maintained at the "standard" course, the control instructions (drying control instructions) for the drying operation of each part in the washing machine can be changed. As an example in this case, the output torque (kW) of the compressor 132C can be suppressed, the rotation speed of the fan of the blower 133 that circulates the air for drying can be suppressed, and the rotation frequency of the drum can be reduced.

[0105] Thus, the operation history related to the previous laundry treatment and the operation conditions related to the laundry treatment to be executed thereafter are analyzed, and the drying control in the laundry treatment is corrected, thereby achieving energy saving effect.

[0106] (First Modification)

[0107] As a first modification, a case will be described in which the server 200 analyzes the usage tendency of the user U based on the operation time received from the laundry processing machine 100 .

[0108] <Adjustments for handling clothing>>

[0109] The server 200 adjusts the laundry treatment based on the operation time received from the laundry treatment machine 100 .

[0110] For example, the time period is roughly divided into a late night time period (e.g., between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.) and other time periods (normal time). When the washing operation is performed in the late night time period, it is desirable to improve the volume or sound quality of the sound generated during the operation compared to other time periods. It is preferred that the sound, vibration, and fan sound of the blower 133 generated during the high-speed dehydration of the drying operation be smaller.

[0111] To achieve this, the maximum rotation speed of the drum in the dehydration process during the late night period (referred to as the maximum dehydration rotation speed) can be reduced compared to the maximum dehydration rotation speed during normal times. Specifically, when the maximum dehydration rotation speed during normal times is set to 1400 rpm, the maximum dehydration rotation speed during the late night period is set to 1000 rpm. The laundry processing machine 100 implements dehydration control based on this setting.

[0112] In addition, the fan speed of the blower 133 in the drying process can be reduced from the rated speed in normal times to the rated speed in the late night time. For example, if the rated speed in normal times is set to 5500 rpm, the rated speed in the late night time can be set to 4800 rpm.

[0113] Furthermore, regarding the output of the compressor 132C in the drying process, the rated rotation speed in normal times may be reduced to the rated rotation speed in the late night time period. The laundry machine 100 performs the drying control based on such settings.

[0114] Furthermore, power consumption can be reduced by suppressing the output of compressor 132C, and electricity charges can be reduced by suppressing the activation time of compressor 132C itself.

[0115] For example, the control device 150 of the laundry machine 100 or the information function unit 230 (determination unit) of the server 200 may determine the drying control of the drying treatment operation process based on the operation time of the user U of the laundry machine 100 .

[0116] Furthermore, as an item included in the operation data D1, the time of taking out clothes can be included. By combining and analyzing the operation start time, end time, and time of taking out clothes, it is easy to extract the characteristics of the lifestyle of the user U. After the operation of the laundry processing machine 100 ends, the time of taking out clothes can be detected by opening or closing the door of the laundry processing machine 100 as a trigger condition. For example, a switch or sensor (door sensor) that monitors the open state or closed state of the door can be set on the door of the laundry processing machine 100, so as to identify the open state or closed state of the door.

[0117] For example, the control device 150 of the laundry machine 100 or the information function unit 230 (determination unit) of the server 200 can determine the operating time of the laundry machine 100 (clothing processing unit) based on the previous time when the user U of the laundry machine 100 took out the clothes after washing.

[0118] Thus, the lifestyle of the user U can be estimated based on the time when the clothes are taken out, and control suitable for energy saving can be realized, and the drying process can be performed.

[0119] Alternatively, the laundry machine 100 may include a sensor for monitoring the weight in the drum, and recognize the removal of the laundry based on the increase or decrease in the weight.

[0120] (Second Modification)

[0121] As a second modification, a case where the time from the start of operation to the removal of laundry is particularly long in a household or the time until the scheduled time for the end of operation is long will be described.

[0122] In this modification, a long-term energy-saving operation is implemented in the above case. For example, the energy-saving operation refers to an example of an operation based on adjustment control such as reducing the output of the compressor 132C compared to normal, reducing the fan speed compared to normal, reducing the power of the drum rotation compared to normal, and reducing the maximum speed during dehydration. The laundry processing machine 100 sends operation data when the operation starts, that is, when the user U instructs the start of the operation. The operation data includes: data related to the operation time, starting with the start time, and data such as various sensor values ​​at the start of other operations, operation strokes, and operation contents.

[0123] The server 200 analyzes the operation data received from the laundry processing machine 100, and issues a command to change the drying control when it is determined based on the analysis result that the conditions for the laundry processing machine 100 to implement energy-saving operation are met. The laundry processing machine 100 automatically changes the drying setting value pre-set at the start of operation based on the analysis result. The drying setting value is determined based on the weight of the clothes, the material of the fabric, the external temperature, various sensor values, etc. Based on the setting value, the control method such as the rotation speed of the drum, the fan speed, and the output of the compressor 132C is determined. According to this embodiment, the server 200 analyzes the operation data and sends a drying control change command to the laundry processing machine 100 based on the analysis result, thereby achieving: using the control of the setting value suitable for energy-saving control to implement the drying process.

[0124] For example, the server 200 may set a second drying setting value different from the first drying setting value related to a drying operation process preset at the start of operation of the laundry machine 100 based on the analysis result of the operation time of the user U of the laundry machine 100 .

[0125] Furthermore, the drying operation step based on the second drying setting value can be determined so as to save more energy than the drying operation step based on the first drying setting value.

[0126] The server 200 may acquire the operation time desired by the user U of the laundry machine 100 , and operate the laundry machine 100 based on the acquired operation time.

[0127] The laundry machine 100 includes an operation panel 112 for inputting an operation end time desired by a user U of the laundry machine 100. The laundry machine 100 can perform the operation based on the operation time including the input operation end time.

[0128] (Second Embodiment)

[0129] A second embodiment will be described.

[0130] In the first embodiment, regarding the operation time of the laundry machine 100, an example is described in which the operation of the laundry machine 100 is started in a short time without waiting for a long time after the user U operates the laundry machine 100. Instead, in this embodiment, an example is described in which the time period of the operation time of the laundry machine 100 is adjusted based on the lifestyle of the user U.

[0131] (Clothes treatment)

[0132] Reference Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B , the time period for performing laundry processing is explained.

[0133] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B This is a diagram for explaining a time period in which the laundry treatment according to the present embodiment is performed. Fig. 10A A first application example is shown in FIG. Fig. 10B A second application example is shown in FIG.

[0134] (First Application Example)

[0135] For example, Fig. 10A As shown, the "operation time" of the clothes processing system 1 is basically set according to the request of the user U. The "operation time" is defined by, for example, "start time", "end time", "preset operation start time", "preset operation end time" and the like. These are described in order below.

[0136] The "start time" refers to the time when the user U presses the "start" button to start the operation (laundry processing) of the laundry processing machine 100. The "end time" refers to the time when a series of operations related to the laundry processing ends. For example, the user U can immediately start the operation (laundry processing) of the laundry processing machine 100 by pressing the "start" button.

[0137] The following describes the reservation setting of "Operation Time".

[0138] The "Scheduled operation start time" is explained.

[0139] There are two modes for setting the "Scheduled Operation Start Time".

[0140] In the first mode, the method of setting the scheduled operation time to "D hours later" is adopted. For example, it is set in "hours" such as "9 hours later" or "10 hours later". The designation method of this mode is to specify that the operation ends in "D hours later" relative to the current time.

[0141] The time involved in the clothing treatment is called the "total required time". For example, if the total required time of the "standard" course is 40 minutes, the "reservation setting time" for the "standard" course can be set within the range of 1 hour to 24 hours later. If the total required time of the "soaking" course is about 2 hours and 30 minutes, the "reservation setting time" for the "soaking" course can be set within the range of 3 hours to 24 hours later. That is, the clothing treatment machine 100 accepts requests in units of 1 hour in a manner that the operation ends within a time longer than the time required for clothing treatment.

[0142] In the second mode, a method is adopted in which the time (start time, end time, etc.) of the scheduled operation is set in units of “minutes.” For example, a user U who wants to end the operation by 5:30 sets the “scheduled setting time” to 5:30.

[0143] However, the total time required for the "standard" itinerary listed above is assumed to be 40 minutes. When making the reservation setting, user U hopes to end the operation after 10 hours, and sets the reservation setting to 10 hours later. In this case, if the operation starts 9 hours later relative to the current time, the washing operation can be completed 10 hours later as expected by user U. In the case of this case, the waiting operation is carried out until 9 hours have passed after the reservation setting is made. In this case, when the "start time" is set to the current time, the "reserved operation start time" is: 9 hours from the current time. In the case of this example, the time represented by the "reserved operation start time" is different from the time represented by the "start time".

[0144] Fig. 10A , the total required time of the "soaking" course is set to 2 hours, and the operation is started at 23:00. In addition, although the operation is started at 23:00 without changing the above setting, the total required time of the "energy saving" course is set to 4 hours.

[0145] For example, the server 200 determines that switching the drying control setting to the energy-saving control setting will not cause any hindrance to the user U based on the operation data accumulated so far, and changes the drying control of the laundry processing machine 100 when the prescribed conditions are met. More specifically, the energy-saving control means reducing the output pressure of the compressor 132C or setting the rotation speed of the drum to a low speed. Thus, if the operation is started as before, energy-saving operation can be performed compared with the past.

[0146] The "predetermined operation end time" is explained.

[0147] The "preset operation end time" refers to the time when the washing operation and the drying operation are finished. This time is used for processing inside the washing machine. For example, sometimes the idling operation is implemented after the "preset operation end time" has passed. The idling operation means that the drum is rotated intermittently to prevent moisture absorption and wrinkles of the clothes after the drying operation is finished.

[0148] (Second application example)

[0149] Fig. 10B The example in FIG. 1 shows an example in which the total time required for the "standard" course is set to 1 hour and the operation is started at 23:00. In addition, although the operation is started at 23:00 and the "energy saving" course is switched to the above Fig. 10ACompared with the example (first application example) shown in the figure, there is no change, but the difference is that the "preset operation start time" is delayed by about 1 hour and the "preset operation end time" is advanced by about 1 hour, and then the idling operation is implemented, and the total time required for the "energy saving" course is set to 2 hours, etc. In addition, the time from the "preset operation start time" to the "preset operation end time" is appropriately set according to the weight of the clothes to be processed, the course designated as the washing process, the drying process, etc.

[0150] An example is shown. User U expects the washing operation to end at exactly 6 o'clock, so the reservation is set to 6 o'clock. The total time required for the standard trip is set to 40 minutes. However, the time required for actual control may be completed in a shorter time than 40 minutes, or it may be extended, depending on the conditions during operation. For example, the weight of the clothes is sometimes 1kg and sometimes 12kg. The washing time varies depending on the amount of clothes. In addition, if a one-sided bias occurs in the middle of dehydration, dehydration may not be performed and the time may be extended.

[0151] On the other hand, if the water supply tap of the laundry machine 100 is clogged or the opening of the water supply tap is small, the flow rate of water supplied to the laundry machine 100 may decrease. In this case, the water supply time is longer than expected, and the time until the drum is rotated is extended, so the operation time of the laundry machine 100 may increase.

[0152] On the other hand, if the drain hose of the laundry machine 100 is clogged or garbage is accumulated in the drain filter, the drain flow rate may decrease. In this case, the drain time may be longer than expected, resulting in an extended operation time.

[0153] Thus, there is a possibility that the time required for the initial estimate may be extended due to various reasons. In order to prevent such a phenomenon, it may be decided to estimate the total required time to be longer so that the operation can be completed at the scheduled time desired by the user U even if the above phenomenon occurs.

[0154] Therefore, if the operation time is not extended as described above, the operation may be terminated earlier than the scheduled time. In this case, the laundry processing machine 100 may be configured to continue idling even when the laundry processing operation is terminated, and to stop idling when the scheduled time set by the user U is reached, and to notify the operation termination alarm to terminate the operation completely. In this way, the "scheduled operation termination time" may be defined as the time when the operation is terminated as the internal processing of the washing machine and the idling operation is started.

[0155] According to the present embodiment, the time period of the operation time of the laundry machine 100 can be adjusted based on the lifestyle of the user U.

[0156] Reference Fig.11 , an example of an input unit for the operation end time of an implementation method is described.

[0157] Fig.11 This is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation end time input means according to the present embodiment.

[0158] exist Fig.11 The input unit shown has several buttons for accepting operations of the user U. The buttons of "Good morning reservation" and "Late return reservation" are used to simplify the operation when the last setting is reused. In addition to these buttons, there is also an input button for setting the time, which can be set within a time that can be set based on the total operation time.

[0159] For example, when setting the time using the input button for setting the time, the time after the total required operation time has passed from the current time can be set as the end time of the operation of the clothing treatment. The end time of the operation is the time when the user U wants to end the clothing treatment (washing operation) by this time. For example, if the current time is 5 o'clock and the total required operation time is 40 minutes, the time that can be scheduled is from 5:50 today to 4:50 tomorrow (23 hours and 50 minutes later). Assume that the operation start time is set to 22:00 and the operation end time is set to 6 o'clock. At this time, the grace time until the end time of the operation is 8 hours. Moreover, the total required operation time is calculated based on the operation content set by the user U. The result is set to 3 hours. At this time, there is sufficient margin for the total required operation time relative to the grace time. Even if it is changed to energy-saving operation, if the total required time is 4 hours, it is beneficial for the user U to change to energy-saving operation. According to this, different drying controls can be performed when the laundry machine 100 performs energy-saving operation based on the analysis result acquired from the server 200 and when the analysis result is not used.

[0160] The laundry machine 100 can perform operation control based on the analysis result obtained from the server 200 or can perform operation control based on the condition (operation end time) set from the operation panel 112 without using the analysis result. Thus, the laundry machine 100 can perform different drying controls.

[0161] (Modification example common to the first and second embodiments)

[0162] Reference Fig.12 , for the aforementioned Figure 3B A modification example of the second display screen (drying completion setting screen) of the operation panel will be described.

[0163] Fig.12 It is used for Figure 3B FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the second display screen of the operation panel. Figure 3B The explanation will focus on the differences.

[0164] As shown above, the drying completion setting includes "fast", "power saving", "high quality drying", "detailed", and "timer setting", but it is not limited to apply the setting that makes the operation of the laundry processing machine 100 more energy-efficient. For example, an example of the drying completion setting screen is shown in which "fast" and "power saving" are limited as the selection objects. By displaying the frame indicating the selection object, the user U can be visually prompted with the information.

[0165] (Third Embodiment)

[0166] A third embodiment will be described.

[0167] In the above embodiment, the user U inputs the operation time using the operation panel 112 of the laundry machine 100. In this embodiment, an example in which a web page referenced via a network or an external terminal (application) is used instead is described.

[0168] <Terminal device>

[0169] Next, the terminal device 300 will be described.

[0170] Fig.13 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the terminal device 300 according to the present embodiment. The terminal device 300 includes, for example, an information acquisition unit 310 , a display control unit 320 , an operation reception unit 330 , an information transmission unit 340 , and a storage unit 390 .

[0171] The information acquisition unit 310, the display control unit 320, the operation acceptance unit 330, and the information transmission unit 340 are implemented by executing the application program P by one or more hardware processors such as a CPU mounted on the terminal device 300. In other words, the information acquisition unit 310, the display control unit 320, the operation acceptance unit 330, and the information transmission unit 340 are software function units included in the home appliance management application APP, or software function units that function according to the control from the home appliance management application APP. The home appliance management application APP is an example of an information function unit associated with the laundry processing machine 100.

[0172] The information acquisition unit 310 acquires the operation data D1 from the laundry processing machine 100 directly or via the server 200. In the present embodiment, each time the operation acceptance unit 153 of the laundry processing machine 100 accepts a setting-related operation, the information acquisition unit 310 acquires the operation data D1 indicating the operation content set or selected by the setting-related operation. In addition, each time the laundry processing machine 100 detects a change in the amount of detergent or softener caused by the user U, the information acquisition unit 310 acquires the operation data D1 for setting or selecting the detergent or softener.

[0173] The information acquisition unit 310 is an example of a means for a user U of the laundry processing machine 100 to input a desired operation end time.

[0174] The display control unit 320 controls the display device 301 of the terminal device 300 to control the content displayed on the display screen 301a of the display device 301. For example, when the operation data D1 is received from the laundry machine 100 directly or via the server 200 by the information acquisition unit 310, the display control unit 320 changes the information displayed on the display device 301 of the terminal device 300 according to the received operation data D1. In the present embodiment, each time the trusted operation data D1 is received from the laundry machine 100 directly or via the server 200 by the information acquisition unit 310, the display control unit 320 changes the information displayed on the display device 301 of the terminal device 300 according to the received operation data D1. For example, when the operation data D1 indicating the set operation course is received from the laundry machine 100 directly or via the server 200, the display control unit 320 can change the information displayed on the display device 301 according to the information indicating the received operation course.

[0175] (Variation Example)

[0176] According to the present invention, the home appliance management application APP of the server 200 or the terminal device 300 may analyze the operation data D1 received from the laundry machine 100 .

[0177] In addition, the server 200 instructs the laundry machine 100 to change the drying control, but the data analyzed by the server 200 itself is not a drying control change instruction, and the laundry machine 100 itself makes a judgment based on the analyzed data, that is, the processed data, and determines whether the drying control is changed. In addition, the final decision on whether the drying control is changed can be made by the user U himself. For example, the operation panel 112 of the laundry machine 100 or the home appliance management application APP of the terminal device 300 connected to the laundry machine 100 via the network can be asked "Do you want to change the drying control?", and the drying control can be changed based on the reply.

[0178] In addition, one of the operation times is the start time related to the laundry treatment. Alternatively, it may be the time range from when to when the user wants to wash. The washing machine starts to operate from the start time input by the user U. Thus, for example, the user U who has signed a plan in the electricity purchase contract that the electricity rate is cheaper during the late night time period can operate the machine during the desired time period. In this way, the server can determine the operation content including the operation conditions desired by the user U and change the control content of the laundry treatment machine 100.

[0179] Several embodiments have been described above. However, the embodiments are not limited to the above examples. In addition, the above embodiments can be implemented in combination with each other.

[0180] According to at least one embodiment described above, a clothes processing system comprises: a clothes processing unit, a determination unit, and a control unit. The clothes processing unit implements clothes processing including a drying operation process for drying clothes. The determination unit determines the drying control of the drying operation process according to the operation time of the clothes processing unit. The control unit uses the clothes processing unit to implement the drying operation process based on the determined drying control. Thus, the operation of the clothes processing machine can be made more energy-efficient.

[0181] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, changes, etc. can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are also included in the scope and spirit of the invention and are also included in the invention recorded in the claims and their equivalents.

[0182] For example, as a similar application example, it can be applied to the following examples.

[0183] After the user U performs the operation to start the washing operation, if the operation of the laundry machine 100 is not started immediately but the household electricity purchase contract plan is signed and the electricity rate is cheap in a specific time period, the operation of the laundry machine 100 can be performed according to the time period. For example, if there is a tendency to use a specific time period, the laundry processing system 1 uses the time period to operate the washing machine.

[0184] In this way, when the operation time desired by user U is consistent with the habits of user U, by applying this embodiment, even if the information of the time period with cheap electricity is not pre-registered in the clothing processing system 1, the operation can be performed corresponding to the time period with cheap electricity. Therefore, on the basis of the energy-saving effect obtained by the drying control itself, excellent results can be brought to user U even for external factors such as electricity charges.

Claims

1. A clothes processing system, wherein: The clothes processing system comprises: a clothes processing unit for performing clothes processing including a drying operation step for drying the clothes; a determination unit that determines drying control of the drying operation process according to the operation time of the clothes processing unit; as well as A control unit is configured to implement the drying operation step based on the determined drying control by using the clothing processing unit.

2. The laundry treatment system according to claim 1, wherein: The operation time specified by the user of the clothes processing device including the clothes processing unit includes a washing operation process and a drying operation process. Drying control in the drying operation step is determined based on the operation time.

3. The laundry treatment system according to claim 2, wherein: Drying control of the drying operation step is determined based on the operation time of a user of the clothes treating apparatus.

4. The laundry treatment system according to claim 2, wherein: The determination unit determines the operation time of the clothes treating part based on a time when a user of the clothes treating apparatus previously took out clothes after washing was completed.

5. The clothes treating system according to claim 3, wherein: The clothes treating system includes means for setting a second drying setting value related to the drying operation process different from a first drying setting value preset when the clothes treating device starts operating, based on an analysis result of the operating time by a user of the clothes treating device.

6. The clothes treating system according to claim 5, wherein: The drying operation process based on the second drying setting value is more energy-efficient than the drying operation process based on the first drying setting value.

7. The laundry treatment system according to claim 4, wherein: The clothes treating system comprises: a unit for acquiring the operation time desired by a user of the clothes treating device; The operation of the laundry processing device is performed based on the acquired operation time.

8. The clothes treating system according to claim 4, wherein: The clothes treating system comprises: a unit for inputting an operation end time desired by a user of the clothes treating device; The clothes treating apparatus performs the operation based on the operation time including the input operation end time.

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