Laundry system

Abstract

To suppress complaints about noise coming to an owner of a coin-operated laundry shop.SOLUTION: A laundry system includes: a plurality of laundry apparatuses installed in a coin-operated laundry shop; and a controller for controlling the plurality of laundry apparatuses. The laundry apparatus is capable of executing an operation in a normal mode and an operation in a silent mode which is quieter than the normal mode, regarding at least one operation out of a dewatering operation and a drying operation. The controller switches the operation of the laundry apparatus from the operation in the normal mode to the operation in the silent mode, in the case where a predetermined condition is satisfied regarding the plurality of laundry apparatuses.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a laundry system installed in a coin laundry store. [Background technology]

[0002] Coin-operated laundry stores typically have multiple laundry machines installed, such as washing machines that perform a range of cycles from washing to rinsing and spin-drying, washer-dryers that perform a range from washing to rinsing and spin-drying and drying, and dryers that only perform drying operations (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication 2018-106633 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When laundry machines installed in a coin laundry store are operated during quiet times, such as at night, noise problems can occur. In particular, it is known that when multiple laundry machines perform dehydration operations simultaneously, vibrations resonate to generate loud noise. Similarly, when multiple laundry machines perform drying operations simultaneously, fan noises resonate to generate loud noise.

[0005] In such cases, coin-laundry store owners face the problem of receiving complaints from residents living near the coin-laundry store.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a laundry system that reduces noise complaints to coin laundry store owners. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A laundry system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of laundry equipment installed in a coin laundry store and a controller for controlling the plurality of laundry equipment, wherein the laundry equipment is capable of operating in a normal mode and in a quiet mode which is quieter than the normal mode for at least one of a dehydration operation and a drying operation, and wherein the controller switches the operation of the laundry equipment from the normal mode to the quiet mode when predetermined conditions are met for the plurality of laundry equipment.

[0008] In this case, when a predetermined condition is satisfied for multiple laundry machines in a coin laundry shop, the operation of the laundry machines is switched to a quiet mode that is quieter than the normal mode, which reduces noise complaints to the owner of the coin laundry shop.

[0009] The specified condition is preferably a state in which the number of operating laundry machines at the coin-operated laundry store is equal to or greater than a prescribed number.

[0010] In this case, when many laundry machines are operated simultaneously in a coin-operated laundry shop, the noise generated in the shop becomes loud, so that the noise at that time can be reduced.

[0011] The specified condition is preferably a state in which the number of laundry machines operating in dehydration mode at the coin-operated laundry store is equal to or greater than a prescribed number.

[0012] In this case, if the vibration noise generated by the laundry equipment during the spin-dry operation is the main cause of noise generated in a coin laundry store, the noise generated in the coin laundry store can be effectively reduced.

[0013] The specified condition is preferably a state in which the number of laundry machines operating in drying mode at the coin-operated laundry store is equal to or greater than a prescribed number.

[0014] In this case, if the exhaust noise generated during the drying operation of the laundry equipment is the main cause of noise generated in a coin laundry store, the noise generated in the coin laundry store can be effectively reduced.

[0015] It is preferable that the controller stores the relationship between the number of operational laundry devices among the plurality of laundry devices and the noise level at that time, and that the specified number is set based on the relationship.

[0016] In this case, the owner of the coin laundry store can appropriately set the specified number of machines at which operation will be switched to silent mode, which is quieter than normal mode, based on the relationship between the number of laundry machines in operation and the noise level at that time.

[0017] It is preferable that different numbers of vehicles are set as the specified numbers of vehicles for two different time periods.

[0018] In this case, for example, even if the noise level is the same during quiet times at night and noisy times during the day, the impact on residents living near the coin laundry shop will be different. Therefore, by changing the number of units that switch to quiet mode, which is quieter than normal mode, depending on the time of day, the noise generated at the coin laundry shop can be appropriately suppressed.

[0019] It is preferable that different numbers of machines are set as the specified number of machines for coin-operated laundry shops in different areas.

[0020] In this case, for example, even if the noise level is the same in urban and rural areas, the impact on residents living near coin laundry stores will be different. Therefore, by changing the number of units that are required to switch to silent mode, which is quieter than normal mode, depending on the area, the noise generated by coin laundry stores can be appropriately suppressed.

[0021] It is preferable that the coin laundry store is equipped with a noise measuring means for measuring the loudness of noise, and the specified condition is a state in which the loudness of noise measured by the noise measuring means exceeds a preset threshold value.

[0022] In this case, based on the results of measuring the noise generated in the coin laundry store, it is possible to appropriately switch to operation in a quiet mode, which is quieter than the normal mode.

[0023] The laundry equipment preferably comprises a washing machine body that houses a drum, an exhaust duct that connects the washing machine body to the outdoors, and a fan that exhausts the air inside the washing machine body to the outdoors via the exhaust duct, and the noise measuring means is preferably installed near the exhaust port of the exhaust duct.

[0024] In this case, by installing a noise measuring means near the exhaust port of the exhaust duct, which generates loud noise when the laundry equipment is in drying operation, the noise generated in the coin laundry store can be properly measured.

[0025] A laundry system according to another aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of laundry equipment installed in a coin laundry store and a controller for controlling the plurality of laundry equipment, the laundry equipment being capable of performing a spin-dry operation, and the controller is characterized in that when operation of a new laundry equipment is started while (n-1) of the plurality of laundry equipment are in operation, the controller shifts the timing of the spin-dry operation of the newly started laundry equipment so that the spin-dry operations of n laundry equipment are not performed simultaneously or so that the time period during which the spin-dry operations of n laundry equipment are performed simultaneously is shortened.

[0026] In this case, the operation pattern is changed so that the timing of the spin operation is shifted when the nth laundry machine starts operation. This prevents the noise generated in the coin laundry store from increasing, thereby reducing noise complaints to the coin laundry store owner. Effect of the Invention

[0027] According to the present invention, noise complaints to coin-laundry store owners can be reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a coin-operated laundry store T in which a laundry system T101 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is installed. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washer / dryer 101 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from diagonally above the front right. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a washer / dryer 101 taken along a vertical plane along the front-rear direction, as viewed from the left side. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a washer / dryer 101 taken along a vertical plane along the front-rear direction, as viewed from the right side. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration around a gas burner 48. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of the laundry system T101. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a control procedure when the drying operation is performed in a silent mode. [Figure 8] 5 is a diagram illustrating a method of controlling the drum 5 during a drying operation. FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram showing an operation of the washer / dryer 101. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the discount amount of a coupon issued when the washer / dryer 101 is operated in silent mode. [Figure 11] 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the washer / dryer 101. [Figure 12] 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the washer / dryer 101. [Figure 13] 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the washer / dryer 101. [Figure 14]FIG. 11 is a control block diagram of a laundry system T201 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 10 is a diagram showing the operation of the washer / dryer 103. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the discount amount of a coupon issued when the washer / dryer 103 is operated in silent mode. [Figure 17] 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the washer / dryer 103. [Figure 18] 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the washer / dryer 103. [Figure 19] 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the washer / dryer 103. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a control block diagram of a laundry system T301 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the installation position of a noise measuring device 108. [Figure 22] FIG. 11 is a control block diagram of a laundry system T401 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a control method in the laundry system T401. [Figure 24] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating a control method in a laundry system T401a according to a modified example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 25] FIG. 11 is a control block diagram of a laundry system T501 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a control method in the laundry system T501. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a control method in a laundry system T501a according to a modified example of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the laundry device 100 according to a modified example of the present invention. [Figure 29] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the laundry device 100 according to a modified example of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a coin-operated laundry store T in which a laundry system T101 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is installed.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 1, a laundry system T101 of a coin-operated laundry store T includes a washer-dryer 101 and a dryer 102 as laundry equipment 100, and a DTC 105 (store controller) to which these are connected by wire or wirelessly. The laundry equipment 100 has a fee settlement machine (not shown) and can perform local settlement for each laundry equipment 100. Fig. 1 illustrates a case in which six washer-dryer 101 and eight dryers 102 are installed as the laundry equipment 100 in the coin-operated laundry store T. Note that the type and number of laundry equipment 100 installed in the coin-operated laundry store T may be changed as appropriate.

[0031] The configuration of the washer-dryer 101 will be described below with reference to Figs. 2 to 5. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the washer-dryer 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the front right diagonally above. Also, the view is partially cut away to expose some of the internal components. Figs. 3 and 4 are schematic cross-sectional views of the washer-dryer 101 cut along a vertical plane along the front-rear direction, as viewed from the left side or right side. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration around the gas burner 48. In this embodiment, the washer-dryer 101 and its components (components) will be described with the x direction in Fig. 2 as the front (front) side, the opposite side as the back (rear) side, the z direction as the top (upper) side, the opposite side as the bottom (lower), the y direction as the right side, and the opposite side as the left side, for the sake of convenience.

[0032] The washer / dryer 101 is a commercial washer / dryer, and its outer shell is made up of a slightly vertically long washing machine main body 2. An outer tub 3 is provided in the approximate center of the washing machine main body 2. The outer tub 3 stores water supplied from an external water supply facility or the like, and is formed in a cylindrical shape centered on a central axis N extending in an approximately horizontal direction.

[0033] An outer tub entrance 3a for loading and unloading laundry is formed on the front surface of the outer tub 3. A door 10 is attached to the outer tub entrance 3a so that the user can open it when loading and unloading laundry. A circular opening 2a slightly larger than the outer tub entrance 3a is formed in the approximate center of the front surface of the washing machine main body 2, facing the outer tub entrance 3a.

[0034] A water inlet 11, which is connected to an external water supply facility, is provided on the rear of the washing machine body 2, near the rear upper side of the outer tub 3. The water inlet 11 and a water inlet 12 formed on the upper part of the outer tub 3 are connected by a water supply pipe 13. A water supply valve 13a is provided in the middle of the water supply pipe 13, and when the water supply valve 13a is set to "open", water supplied from the water inlet 11 via the water supply pipe 13 flows from the water inlet 12 into the outer tub 3 and is stored in the outer tub 3.

[0035] A drum 5 for accommodating laundry is disposed within the outer tub 3. The drum 5 is cylindrical and rotatable. A large number of holes 5a are drilled over almost the entire circumference of the inner circumferential surface of the drum 5, and the inside of the drum 5 communicates with the outer tub 3 via these holes 5a. A plurality of baffles 5b are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the drum 5 so as to protrude into the drum 5. A laundry opening 5c ​​for inserting and removing laundry is opened at the center of the front surface of the drum 5, concentrically and with almost the same diameter as the outer tub opening 3a.

[0036] A drain outlet 15 is formed at the bottom of the outer tub 3. The drain outlet 15 is connected to the outside of the machine via a drain pipe 16. When a drain valve 16a inserted in the drain pipe 16 is opened, the water stored in the outer tub 3 is discharged outside the machine via the drain pipe 16.

[0037] A rotating shaft 31 protruding rearward is rotatably supported on the rear surface of the drum 5 by a bearing 32 provided on the rear surface of the outer tub 3. A motor 33 for driving the drum 5 to rotate is disposed below and toward the rear of the outer tub 3. A belt 36 is wound between a motor pulley 34 attached to a drive shaft 31a of the motor 33 and a drum pulley 35 attached to the rear end of the rotating shaft 31, and when the motor 33 is driven, the drum 5 is rotated.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, an intake duct 40 and a cool air duct 41 are integrally provided at the upper right portion of the outer tub 3.

[0039] An inlet 42 is formed in the center of the underside of air intake duct 40, slightly toward the front, and air intake duct 40 communicates with outer tub 3 via inlet 42. The upper part of air intake duct 40 is connected via air intake duct connecting pipe 43 and duct 44 to air intake port 46 formed in the upper part of the back surface of washing machine main body 2, and communicates with the outside of the machine via air intake port 46.

[0040] A gas burner 48 is disposed inside the duct 44, and the air introduced into the duct 44 is heated by the gas burner 48, and then the air is guided into the drum 5. That is, heated air for drying the laundry during the drying operation is generated by the heating of the gas burner 48. As shown in FIG. 5, a gas supply pipe 48a for supplying gas is connected to the gas burner 48, and the gas supply pipe 48a is provided with a gas valve 48N that switches between an open state (a state in which gas is supplied from the outside) and a closed state (a state in which gas is not supplied) and a proportional valve 48C that adjusts the amount of gas supplied to the gas burner 48.

[0041] On the other hand, a cold air intake 41a, which is an air inlet, is formed on the upper surface of the cold air duct 41. The cold air duct 41 also communicates with the outer tub 3 via a cold air inlet 41b formed on the lower surface thereof.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 4, an exhaust duct 50 is provided in the upper left part of the outer tank 3. An outlet 51 is formed in the rear part of the lower surface of the exhaust duct 50, and the exhaust duct 50 communicates with the outer tank 3 via the outlet 51. In addition, an exhaust duct connecting pipe 52 and a duct 53 are connected to the upper part of the exhaust duct 50.

[0043] The other end of duct 53 is formed with duct outlet 54. Duct outlet 54 is exposed from exhaust port 55 formed on the top surface of washing machine body 2. This exposed portion is connected to the outdoors, for example, through an exhaust pipe (not shown) provided outside the machine.

[0044] A fan 57 is disposed inside duct 53. Fan 57 is driven, for example, during a drying operation, to exhaust air and the like inside drum 5 and outer tub 3 to the outdoors through duct outlet 54. Inside duct 53, between fan 57 and duct inlet 53a, a filter 58 is provided that captures dust, dirt, and lint (lint, fluff, etc.) contained in the air from duct inlet 53a.

[0045] FIG. 6 is a control block diagram of a laundry system T101 in a coin-operated laundry store T. As shown in FIG. 6, a control unit 60 of the washer-dryer 101 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer and has a CPU, a ROM, a timer, and a RAM. Each operation of the washer-dryer 101, that is, washing operation, rinsing operation, spin-drying operation, and drying operation, is controlled by the control unit 60. The control unit 60 of the washer-dryer 101 is connected wirelessly or by wire to a DTC 105 installed in the coin-operated laundry store T. Therefore, the DTC 105 can collectively control a plurality of laundry devices 100 (washers-dryer 101 and dryers 102) installed in the coin-operated laundry store T.

[0046] The control unit 60 has a normal mode setting unit 61, a silent mode setting unit 62, a silent mode switching unit 63, a gas amount adjustment unit 64, and a coupon issuing unit 65. Connected to the control unit 60 are an operation panel 66, a drum inlet temperature sensor 67 that detects the temperature of air supplied into the drum 5, the motor 33 that drives and rotates the drum 5, a fan 57 that is driven and rotated during a drying operation, a gas valve 48N, a proportional valve 48C, and a coupon printing device 68 that prints coupons.

[0047] The DTC 105 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer and includes a CPU, a ROM, a timer, and a RAM. The DTC 105 controls the operation of each of the multiple laundry machines 100 (washers / dryers 101 and dryers 102) installed in the coin-operated laundry store T. The DTC 105 includes a switching number setting unit 106a and a noise characteristic storage unit 106b.

[0048] The washer / dryer 101 of this embodiment is capable of performing both the spin-drying operation and the drying operation in a normal mode and in a quiet mode that is quieter than the normal mode.

[0049] (Quiet spin mode) When the dehydration operation is performed in the silent mode, the rotation speed of the drum 5 is controlled to be slower than the rotation speed in the normal mode in order to reduce vibration noise (operating noise). As a result, the dehydration capacity decreases, so the operation time of the dehydration operation in the silent mode is changed to be longer than the operation time of the dehydration operation in the normal mode.

[0050] (Quiet drying mode) When the drying operation is performed in the silent mode, the rotation speed of the fan 57 is controlled to be smaller than the rotation speed in the normal mode in order to reduce the exhaust noise (operating noise). Therefore, the drying capacity is reduced, and the operation time of the drying operation in the silent mode is changed to be longer than the operation time of the drying operation in the normal mode.

[0051] The normal mode setting unit 61 stores the rotation speed A1 of the drum 5 when the dehydration operation is performed in the normal mode, and the rotation speed C1 of the fan 57 when the drying operation is performed in the normal mode.

[0052] Silent mode setting unit 62 stores the rotation speed A2 of drum 5 when the dehydration operation is performed in silent mode, and the rotation speed C2 of fan 57 when the drying operation is performed in normal mode. The rotation speed A2 of drum 5 when the dehydration operation is performed in silent mode is a lower rotation speed than the rotation speed A1 of drum 5 when the dehydration operation is performed in normal mode. The rotation speed C2 of fan 57 when the drying operation is performed in normal mode is a lower rotation speed than the rotation speed C1 of fan 57 when the drying operation is performed in normal mode.

[0053] Silent mode switching unit 63 switches operation from normal mode to silent mode when a spin-drying operation or a drying operation is performed in washer-dryer 101. Silent mode switching unit 63 also switches the operation time and fee system (including issuance of coupons) of washer-dryer 101.

[0054] The switching number setting unit 106a of the DTC 105 is set by the owner to a specified number of units at which operation in normal mode is switched to operation in silent mode. That is, the owner sets the specified number based on the relationship between the number of laundry devices 100 in operation stored in the noise characteristic storage unit 106b and the noise level. In this embodiment, a case where the owner sets the specified number to four units will be described. For example, if the owner determines that the noise level when three laundry devices 100 are in operation in the coin laundry store T is acceptable, but the noise level when four laundry devices 100 are in operation is not acceptable, the specified number is set to four units. In this embodiment, the laundry device 100 installed in the coin laundry store T is considered to be in operation regardless of the operation course of the laundry device 100.

[0055] In this case, when three laundry devices 100 are in operation at coin laundry store T and a new laundry device 100 is to start operation, a signal is sent from DTC 105 to the laundry device 100 that is to start operation, and the quiet mode switching unit 63 of that laundry device 100 automatically switches the dehydration and drying operations of the laundry device 100 to quiet mode operation and switches the operation time of the laundry device 100.

[0056] Even if the volume of noise generated at the coin laundry store T is the same, the impact of the noise may differ depending on the time of day. For example, during noisy daytime hours, the noise generated at the coin laundry store T may not be much of a problem. In contrast, during quiet nighttime hours, the noise generated at the coin laundry store T may become a problem. For this reason, the owner of the coin laundry store T may set the same specified number of vehicles regardless of the time of day, or may set different specified numbers for multiple time periods. For example, different specified numbers may be set for different time periods, such as nighttime and daytime, such as setting the specified number of vehicles for daytime hours to be greater than the specified number for nighttime hours.

[0057] In addition, many coin laundry stores T are installed in various regions, and even if the noise generated at the coin laundry stores T is the same, the impact of the noise may differ depending on the region. For example, in a coin laundry store T installed in a city, the noise generated at the coin laundry store T is often a problem because residential areas are densely packed around the coin laundry store T. In contrast, in a coin laundry store T installed in a rural area, the noise generated at the coin laundry store T may not be much of a problem because residential areas are not densely packed around the coin laundry store T. On the other hand, in a coin laundry store T installed in a city, the noise generated at the coin laundry store T may not be much of a problem because the surrounding area of ​​the coin laundry store T is noisy (because the background noise is large). In contrast, in a coin laundry store T installed in a rural area, the surrounding area of ​​the coin laundry store T is quiet (because the background noise is small), so it is possible that the noise generated at the coin laundry store T may be a problem. For this reason, it is preferable for the owner of the coin laundry store T to set the specified number of machines taking into consideration the area in which the coin laundry store T is installed.

[0058] In this embodiment, when a new laundry device 100 is started in operation at a coin laundry store T, if the number of operating devices is equal to or greater than a specified number, when the laundry device 100 starts operating each operating course (when the fee is paid and operation in each operating course starts), the dehydration and drying operations included in each operating course are automatically switched to be performed in quiet mode.

[0059] The noise characteristic storage unit 106b of the DTC 105 stores the relationship between the number of laundry devices 100 (washers / dryers 101 and dryers 102) in operation among the multiple laundry devices 100 installed in the coin-operated laundry store T and the noise level at that time. That is, the noise level when one laundry device 100 is in operation, the noise level when two laundry devices 100 are in operation, the noise level when three laundry devices 100 are in operation, and similarly, the noise level when n laundry devices 100 (n is an integer between 4 and 14) are in operation are stored. The relationship between the number of laundry devices 100 in operation and the noise level stored in the noise characteristic storage unit 106b is obtained, for example, by measuring the noise level when the laundry devices 100 are in operation in the coin-operated laundry store T. The noise level when multiple laundry equipment 100 are operating varies depending on the operation of each laundry equipment 100, but the noise level at which the noise is at its maximum, for example, when each laundry equipment 100 is simultaneously operating in a dehydration or drying operation, may be measured.

[0060] Gas amount adjusting unit 64 controls proportional valve 48C so that the inlet temperature of the air supplied into drum 5 during drying operation is, for example, 120 to 130°C.

[0061] Here, a flow chart showing a control procedure when the drying operation is performed in the silent mode will be described with reference to FIG.

[0062] <Step S1> In step S1, the control unit 60 starts the operation of the drum 5 and the fan 57.

[0063] <Step S2> In step S2, the control unit 60 opens the gas valve 48N. (Would it be better to explain to what degree the proportional valve 48 should be opened when starting the drying operation?)

[0064] <Step S3> In step S3, the control unit 60 repeatedly determines whether the drum inlet temperature is equal to or higher than 120° C. If the control unit 60 determines that the drum inlet temperature is not equal to or higher than 120° C., the process proceeds to step S4. If the control unit 60 determines that the drum inlet temperature is equal to or higher than 120° C., the process proceeds to step S5.

[0065] <Step S4> In step S4, the control unit 60 increases the opening degree of the proportional valve 48C in order to increase the drum inlet temperature, and then proceeds to step S3.

[0066] <Step S5> In step S5, the control unit 60 repeatedly determines whether the drum inlet temperature is equal to or higher than 130° C. If the control unit 60 determines that the drum inlet temperature is equal to or higher than 130° C., the process proceeds to step S6. If the control unit 60 determines that the drum inlet temperature is not equal to or higher than 120° C., the process proceeds to step S7.

[0067] <Step S6> In step S6, the control unit 60 reduces the opening of the proportional valve 48C in order to lower the drum inlet temperature, and then proceeds to step S3.

[0068] <Step S7> In step S7, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the drying time has elapsed. The drying time for performing the drying operation is set in advance. In the washer / dryer 101, the drying time is set to, for example, 35 minutes for the standard course and washing course, and the drying time is set to a time according to the fee entered for the drying course. If the control unit 60 determines that the drying time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S3. If the control unit 60 determines that the drying time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S8.

[0069] <Step S8> In step S8, the control unit 60 fully closes the gas valve 48N to end the drying operation.

[0070] When the washer / dryer 101 performs a drying operation, hot air heated by the gas burner 48 is supplied into the drum 5 as shown in FIG. 8. The hot air then dries the laundry in the drum 5, absorbs moisture contained in the laundry, and is discharged in a moist state. During the drying operation, the drum 5 alternately rotates clockwise for 150 seconds and counterclockwise for 5 seconds, for example. In this way, when the laundry equipment 100 installed in a coin laundry store performs a drying operation, many of them use a gas burner, and it is necessary to exhaust the air inside the laundry equipment 100 to the outdoors. Therefore, the fan 57 is driven to rotate in order to exhaust the air to the outdoors, which generates a large noise.

[0071] As described above, in the case where the washer / dryer 101 of the present embodiment is operated in the silent mode during drying operation, if the rotation speed of the fan 57 is controlled to be smaller than the rotation speed in the normal mode, the amount of air (air volume) supplied into the drum 5 during operation in the silent mode decreases compared to that in the normal mode, and the inlet temperature (hot air inlet temperature) increases. At that time, the gas amount adjustment unit 64 adjusts the amount of gas supplied to the gas burner 48 by the proportional valve 48C, thereby controlling the inlet temperature to be kept at, for example, 120 to 130°C.

[0072] The coupon issuing unit 65 issues a coupon (discount coupon) when at least one of the spin-drying operation and the drying operation is performed in the silent mode. When at least one of the spin-drying operation and the drying operation is performed in the silent mode in the washer-dryer 101, the operation time is longer than when both the spin-drying operation and the drying operation are performed in the normal mode, as described later. Therefore, a coupon that can be used the next time a customer visits the coin-operated laundry store T is issued to a customer who has performed at least one of the spin-drying operation and the drying operation in the silent mode. That is, a coupon is issued to a customer who cooperates in reducing the noise of the coin-operated laundry store T. The coupon is printed by the coupon printing device 68, and the customer takes the coupon home. In this way, by issuing a coupon only when the silent mode is used in the washer-dryer 101, the operation time is extended, but the user can use it advantageously. In addition, for example, by using information such as "a coupon is issued when the silent mode is used" in an advertisement, the number of customers visiting the coin-operated laundry store T can be increased.

[0073] In this embodiment, the fee is the same whether the machine is operated in normal mode or silent mode, so the amount of sales at the coin-laundry store T does not change. In contrast, a coupon is issued when the machine is operated in silent mode, and issuing the coupon as a coupon that can be used the next time the customer visits the coin-laundry store T increases the number of repeat customers, which is advantageous for the owner of the coin-laundry store T. For this reason, issuing a coupon is more advantageous to the owner if there are repeat customers than simply reducing the usage fee for the laundry device 100.

[0074] An operation course selection button 66a for allowing a user to select an operation course is provided on the operation panel 66. A user of the washer-dryer 101 can select one of the operation courses, a standard course, a washing course, and a drying course, by operating the operation course selection button 66a.

[0075] Next, the operation of the washer / dryer 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0076] (Standard course) The standard course is a course in which a washing operation, a rinsing operation, a spin-drying operation and a drying operation are performed. (1) As shown in FIG. 9(a), the operation time of the standard course is, for example, 60 minutes when both the dehydration operation and the drying operation are performed in the normal mode, and the usage fee is, for example, 1200 yen. (2) The operation time of the standard course, when both the spin-drying operation and the drying operation are performed in the quiet mode, is, for example, (60+α+β) minutes, and the usage fee is, for example, 1,200 yen, where α and β are positive numbers.

[0077] As described above, when the number of laundry devices 100 in operation reaches a preset number, both the dehydration operation and the drying operation are automatically switched to the silent mode when the standard course operation of each laundry device 100 starts. The above-mentioned "α minutes" is the operation time extended from the operation time of the dehydration operation in the normal mode when the dehydration operation is performed in the silent mode. The above-mentioned "β minutes" is the operation time extended from the operation time of the drying operation in the normal mode when the drying operation is performed in the silent mode. Here, when the operation time of the dehydration operation in the normal mode is compared with the operation time of the drying operation in the normal mode, the operation time of the drying operation is longer. Therefore, the extended time "β minutes" of the drying operation is set to be longer than the extended time "α minutes" of the dehydration operation.

[0078] Thus, when both the spin-drying operation and the drying operation are performed in silent mode in the standard course of the washer-dryer 101, the rotation speed of the drum 5 during the spin-drying operation is slower than the rotation speed of the drum 5 in normal mode, resulting in lower spin-drying capacity during the spin-drying operation, and the rotation speed of the fan 57 during the drying operation is slower than the rotation speed of the fan 57 in normal mode, resulting in lower drying capacity during the drying operation. Therefore, the spin-drying operation time and the drying operation time are automatically extended, so that the operation time of the standard course is (α+β) minutes longer than the normal 60 minutes, to (60+α+β) minutes.

[0079] (Washing cycle) The wash course is a course in which only the washing operation, the rinsing operation, and the spin-drying operation are performed. (1) As shown in FIG. 9(b), the operation time of the washing course is, for example, 30 minutes when the spin-drying operation is performed in normal mode, and the usage fee is, for example, 800 yen. (2) The operation time of the washing course, when the spin cycle is performed in quiet mode, is, for example, (30+α) minutes, and the usage fee is, for example, 800 yen, where α is a positive number.

[0080] In this way, when the spin-drying operation is performed in the silent mode in the washing course of the washer-dryer 101, the rotation speed of the drum 5 during the spin-drying operation is slower than the rotation speed of the drum 5 during the normal mode, and the spin-drying capacity during the spin-drying operation is reduced. Therefore, the time of the spin-drying operation is automatically extended, and the operation time of the standard course is α minutes longer than the normal 30 minutes, to (30+α) minutes.

[0081] (Drying course) The dry course is a course in which only the drying operation is performed. (1) As shown in FIG. 9(c), the operation time of the drying course is, for example, 10 minutes when the drying operation is performed in the normal mode, and the usage fee is, for example, 100 yen. (2) The operation time of the drying course is, for example, (10+γ) minutes when the drying operation is performed in the quiet mode, and the usage fee is, for example, 100 yen, where γ is a positive number.

[0082] When the drying course is selected in the washer / dryer 101 and a drying operation is performed in normal mode, the drying operation is performed until an operation time corresponding to the amount of money inserted has elapsed, as in the dryer 102. That is, if the fee for the normal mode is 10 minutes / 100 yen, for example, if 200 yen is inserted, a drying operation for 20 minutes will be performed, and if 300 yen is inserted, a drying operation for 30 minutes will be performed. Also, when the drying course is selected and a drying operation is performed in silent mode, if the fee for the normal mode is 10 minutes / 100 yen, for example, if 200 yen is inserted, a drying operation for (20+2γ) minutes will be performed, and if 300 yen is inserted, a drying operation for (30+3γ) minutes will be performed.

[0083] In this way, when the drying operation is performed in the silent mode in the drying course of the washer-dryer 101, the rotation speed of the fan 57 during the drying operation is slower than the rotation speed of the fan 57 in the normal mode, and the drying capacity during the drying operation is reduced. Therefore, the drying operation time is automatically extended, and the operation time of the standard course is γ minutes longer than the normal 10 minutes, becoming (10+γ) minutes. Similarly, when the drying course is selected in the washer-dryer 101 and the drying operation is performed in the silent mode, the drying operation is performed until the operation time corresponding to the inserted amount has elapsed.

[0084] Next, the discount amount of the coupon issued when the washer / dryer 101 is operated in the silent mode will be described with reference to FIG.

[0085] (Standard course) In the standard course of the washer-dryer 101, when both the spin-drying operation and the drying operation are performed in quiet mode, the operation time is extended compared to when both the spin-drying operation and the drying operation are performed in standard mode. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 10(a), the washer-dryer 101 issues a coupon for a 300 yen discount (100 yen discount for the spin-drying operation + 200 yen discount for the drying operation) to provide a discount according to the length of the extended time.

[0086] (Washing cycle) When the spin-drying operation is performed in the quiet mode in the washing course of the washer-dryer 101, the operation time is extended compared to when the spin-drying operation is performed in the standard mode. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 10(b), the washer-dryer 1 issues a coupon for a 100 yen discount to provide a discount according to the length of the extended time.

[0087] (Drying course) When the drying operation is performed in the quiet mode in the drying course of the washer-dryer 101, the operation time is extended compared to when the drying operation is performed in the standard mode. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 10(c), the washer-dryer 1 issues a coupon for a 30 yen discount per 100 yen to provide a discount according to the length of the extended time.

[0088] The control procedure of the washer / dryer 101 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0089] <Step S101> As shown in Fig. 11, in step S101, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the standard course has been selected as the driving course and the fee has been paid. If the control unit 60 determines that the standard course has been selected, the process proceeds to step S102. If the control unit 60 determines that the standard course has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S106 in the flowchart of Fig. 12.

[0090] <Step S102> In step S102, the DTC 105 judges whether the number of operating laundry machines in the coin-operated laundry store T is four or more. If the DTC 105 judges that the number of operating laundry machines is not four or more, the process proceeds to step S103. If the DTC 105 judges that the number of operating laundry machines is four or more, the process proceeds to step S104.

[0091] <Step S103> In step S103, the control unit 60 performs the standard course operation, but executes both the dehydration operation and the drying operation included in the standard course in normal mode. After that, when the operation of the standard course ends, the control unit 60 ends the operation operation.

[0092] <Step S104> In step S104, the control unit 60 performs the standard course operation, but executes both the dehydration operation and the drying operation included in the standard course in the quiet mode. After that, when the operation of the standard course ends, the control unit 60 proceeds to step S105.

[0093] <Step S105> In step S105, the control unit 60 causes the coupon printer 66 to print a coupon, issues a coupon for a 300 yen discount, and ends the operation.

[0094] <Step S106> As shown in Fig. 12, in step S106, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the washing course has been selected as the operation course and the fee has been paid. If the control unit 60 determines that the washing course has been selected, the process proceeds to step S107. If the control unit 60 determines that the washing course has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S111 in the flowchart of Fig. 13.

[0095] <Step S107> In step S107, the DTC 105 judges whether the number of operating laundry machines in the coin-operated laundry store T is four or more. If the DTC 105 judges that the number of operating laundry machines is not four or more, the process proceeds to step S108. If the DTC 105 judges that the number of operating laundry machines is four or more, the process proceeds to step S109.

[0096] <Step S108> In step S108, the control unit 60 operates the washing course, but executes the spin-drying operation included in the washing course in normal mode. After that, when the operation of the washing course ends, the control unit 60 ends the operation.

[0097] <Step S109> In step S109, the control unit 60 operates the washing course, but executes the spin-drying operation included in the washing course in silent mode. After that, when the operation of the washing course ends, the control unit 60 proceeds to step S110.

[0098] <Step S110> In step S110, the control unit 60 causes the coupon printer 66 to print a coupon, issues a coupon for a 100 yen discount, and ends the operation.

[0099] <Step S111> As shown in Fig. 13, in step S111, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the drying course has been selected as the operating course and the fee has been paid. If the control unit 60 determines that the drying course has been selected, the process proceeds to step S112. If the control unit 60 determines that the drying course has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S101 in the flowchart of Fig. 11.

[0100] <Step S112> In step S112, the DTC 105 judges whether the number of operating laundry machines in the coin-operated laundry store T is four or more. If the DTC 105 judges that the number of operating laundry machines is not four or more, the process proceeds to step S113. If the DTC 105 judges that the number of operating laundry machines is four or more, the process proceeds to step S114.

[0101] <Step S113> In step S113, the control unit 60 executes the drying operation in normal mode for an operation time corresponding to the inserted amount of money. After that, when the operation of the drying course ends, the control unit 60 ends the operation.

[0102] <Step S114> In step S114, the control unit 60 executes the drying operation in silent mode for an operation time corresponding to the inserted amount of money. After that, when the operation of the drying course is completed, the control unit 60 proceeds to step S115.

[0103] <Step S115> In step S115, the control unit 60 causes the coupon printer 66 to print a coupon, issuing a coupon for 30 yen x inserted amount / 100 yen off, and ends the operation.

[0104] As described above, the washer / dryer 101 installed in the coin-operated laundry store T is capable of operating in a quiet mode that is quieter than the normal mode, and the dryer 102 installed in the coin-operated laundry store T is also capable of operating in a quiet mode that is quieter than the normal mode. The operation of the dryer 102 in the drying operation in the normal mode and the quiet mode is similar to the operation when the drying course is selected in the washer / dryer 101, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0105] As described above, the laundry system T101 of this embodiment comprises multiple laundry equipment 100 installed in a coin laundry store T, and a DTC 105 as a controller for controlling the multiple laundry equipment 100, and the laundry equipment 100 is capable of operating in normal mode and in a quiet mode that is quieter than the normal mode for at least one of the dehydration and drying operations, and when specified conditions are met for the multiple laundry equipment 100, the DTC 105 switches the operation of the laundry equipment 100 from normal mode to quiet mode.

[0106] In this way, when a predetermined condition is satisfied for a plurality of laundry devices 100 in the coin laundry store T, the operation of the laundry devices 100 can be switched to a quiet mode that is quieter than the normal mode. This makes it possible to prevent noise complaints from being received by the owner of the coin laundry store T.

[0107] In the laundry system T101 of this embodiment, the predetermined condition is that the number of operating laundry machines 100 in the coin laundry store T is equal to or greater than a specified number.

[0108] In this way, when many laundry machines 100 are operated simultaneously in a coin-operated laundry shop T, the noise generated in the coin-operated laundry shop T becomes loud, so that the noise at that time can be reduced.

[0109] In the laundry system T101 of this embodiment, the DTC 105 as a controller stores the relationship between the number of operating laundry devices 100 included in the multiple laundry devices 100 and the noise level at that time, and the specified number is set based on the relationship.

[0110] In this way, the owner of the coin laundry store T can appropriately set the specified number of machines at which operation will be switched to silent mode, which is quieter than normal mode, based on the relationship between the number of laundry machines 100 in operation and the noise level at that time.

[0111] In the laundry system T101 of this embodiment, different numbers of vehicles can be set as the prescribed numbers for two different time periods.

[0112] In this way, even if the noise level is the same during quiet times at night and noisy times during the day, the impact on people living near the coin laundry shop will be different. Therefore, by changing the specified number of units that switch to quiet mode, which is quieter than normal mode, depending on the time of day, the noise generated at the coin laundry shop can be appropriately suppressed.

[0113] In the laundry system T101 of this embodiment, different numbers of machines can be set as the specified numbers for coin laundry stores in different areas.

[0114] In this way, even if the noise level is the same in urban and rural areas, the impact on residents living near coin laundry shops will be different. Therefore, by changing the number of units that are set to switch to silent mode, which is quieter than normal mode, depending on the area, the noise generated at coin laundry shops can be appropriately suppressed.

[0115] Second embodiment The laundry system T201 of this embodiment differs from the laundry system T101 of the first embodiment mainly in the method of switching between normal mode and silent mode. Note that detailed explanations of the configuration of the laundry system T201 of this embodiment that is similar to that of the laundry system T101 of the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0116] In the washer / dryer 103 included in the laundry system T201 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the operation panel 66 is provided with a mode switching button 66b and a display unit 66c. Therefore, when performing a spin-dry operation and a drying operation in the washer / dryer 103, a user can select whether to perform the operation in normal mode or in silent mode for each of the spin-dry operation and the drying operation by operating the mode switching button 66b. Therefore, a user who visits the coin-operated laundry store T can select the normal mode, for example, if he / she is in a hurry, and the silent mode, if he / she has time to spare. This increases convenience for the user.

[0117] That is, when the washer-dryer 103 is operated in the standard course, the user can select to operate both the spin-drying operation and the drying operation in the silent mode, or to operate either one of the spin-drying operation and the drying operation in the silent mode, or to operate both the spin-drying operation and the drying operation in the normal mode (not to operate both the spin-drying operation and the drying operation in the silent mode) by operating the mode switching button 66b. Therefore, a user who visits the coin-operated laundry store T can appropriately select the silent mode for both the spin-drying operation and the drying operation, the silent mode only for the spin-drying operation, or the silent mode only for the drying operation, depending on how much time he or she is in a hurry or how much time he or she has.

[0118] In addition, when operating the washer / dryer 103 in the wash course, the user can select whether to operate the spin-drying operation in normal mode or quiet mode by operating the mode switching button 66b.

[0119] In addition, when operating the washer / dryer 103 in the drying course, the user can select whether to operate the drying operation in normal mode or quiet mode by operating the mode switching button 66b.

[0120] In the washer-dryer 103 of this embodiment, when operation in quiet mode is selected by operating the mode switching button 66b, the quiet mode switching unit 63 switches the dehydration or drying operation for which the quiet mode was selected to operation in quiet mode, and also switches the fee system (including the issuance of coupons) of the washer-dryer 101.

[0121] In the laundry system T201 of this embodiment, as in the laundry system T101 of the first embodiment, the switching number setting unit 106b of the DTC 105 sets the specified number of units for switching from normal mode to silent mode by the owner. In this embodiment, the case where the owner sets the specified number to four will be described. Therefore, when the user tries to select to operate the washer-dryer 103 in normal mode for each of the dehydration operation and drying operation, if the number of laundry devices 100 operating in the coin-operated laundry store T is less than the specified number, the user can select the operation in normal mode. On the other hand, when the user tries to select to operate the washer-dryer 103 in normal mode for each of the dehydration operation and drying operation, if the number of laundry devices 100 operating in the coin-operated laundry store T is equal to or greater than the specified number, the user cannot select the operation in normal mode. In this case, the message "Normal mode cannot be selected" is displayed on the display unit 66c, and the user can start the operation of the washer-dryer 103 by selecting the operation in silent mode.

[0122] Next, the operation of the washer / dryer 103 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0123] (Standard course) The standard course is a course in which a washing operation, a rinsing operation, a spin-drying operation and a drying operation are performed. (1) As shown in FIG. 15(a), the operation time of the standard course is, for example, 60 minutes when both the spin-drying operation and the drying operation are performed in the normal mode, and the usage fee is, for example, 1200 yen. (2) The operation time of the standard course, when the dehydration operation is performed in the quiet mode and the drying operation is performed in the normal mode, is, for example, (60 + α) minutes, and the usage fee is, for example, 1200 yen, where α is a positive number. (3) The operation time of the standard course, in which the dehydration operation is performed in normal mode and the drying operation is performed in quiet mode, is, for example, (60+β) minutes, and the usage fee is, for example, 1200 yen, where β is a positive number. (4) The operating time of the standard course, when both the dehydration operation and the drying operation are performed in quiet mode, is, for example, (60+α+β) minutes, and the usage fee is, for example, 1,200 yen.

[0124] In this way, when the spin-drying operation is performed in the silent mode and the drying operation is performed in the normal mode in the standard course of the washer-dryer 101, the rotation speed of the drum 5 during the spin-drying operation is slower than the rotation speed of the drum 5 in the normal mode, and the spin-drying capacity during the spin-drying operation is reduced. Therefore, the time of the spin-drying operation is automatically extended, and the operation time of the standard course is α minutes longer than the normal 60 minutes, to (60+α) minutes.

[0125] Similarly, in the standard course of the washer / dryer 1, if the spin-dry operation is performed in normal mode and the drying operation is performed in quiet mode, the rotation speed of the fan 57 during the dry-spin-dry operation will be slower than the rotation speed of the fan 57 in normal mode, and the drying capacity during the drying operation will be low. Therefore, the time of the drying operation is automatically extended, and the operation time of the standard course will be β minutes longer than the normal 60 minutes, to (60+β) minutes.

[0126] Similarly, in the standard course of the washer / dryer 1, if the spin and dry operations are both performed in silent mode, the rotation speed of the drum 5 during the spin operation will be slower than the rotation speed of the drum 5 in normal mode, resulting in lower spinning capacity during the spin operation, and the rotation speed of the fan 57 during the dry / dehydration operation will be slower than the rotation speed of the fan 57 in normal mode, resulting in lower drying capacity during the dry operation. Therefore, the spin and dry operation times are automatically extended, so that the operation time of the standard course becomes (α+β) minutes longer than the normal 60 minutes, to (60+α+β) minutes.

[0127] (Washing course) and (Drying course) The washing course and drying course are similar to those of the washer / dryer 101 of the first embodiment as shown in Figs. 15(b) and 15(c), and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0128] Next, the discount amount of the coupon issued when the washer / dryer 103 is operated in the silent mode will be described with reference to FIG.

[0129] (Standard course) 16(a), when only the spin-drying operation is performed in silent mode in the standard course of the washer-dryer 103, the operation time is extended compared to when the spin-drying operation is performed in standard mode. Therefore, the washer-dryer 103 issues a coupon for a 100 yen discount to provide a discount according to the length of the extended time.

[0130] Furthermore, in the standard course of the washer-dryer 103, when only the drying operation is performed in silent mode, the operation time is extended compared to when the drying operation is performed in standard mode. Therefore, the washer-dryer 103 issues a coupon for a 200 yen discount to provide a discount according to the length of the extended time. In the standard course of the washer-dryer 103 of this embodiment, the extended time of the drying operation is longer than the extended time of the spin-drying operation, so the extended time of the drying operation "β minutes" is set longer than the extended time of the spin-drying operation "α minutes". As a result, the discounted fee (200 yen) when only the drying operation is performed in silent mode is made higher than the discounted fee (100 yen) when only the spin-drying operation is performed in silent mode.

[0131] Furthermore, when both the spin-drying operation and the drying operation are performed in quiet mode in the standard course of the washer-dryer 103, the operation time is extended compared to when both the spin-drying operation and the drying operation are performed in standard mode. Therefore, the washer-dryer 103 issues a coupon for a 300 yen discount (100 yen discount for the spin-drying operation + 200 yen discount for the drying operation) to provide a discount according to the length of the extended time.

[0132] (Washing course) and (Drying course) The washing course and drying course are similar to those of the washer / dryer 101 of the first embodiment as shown in Figs. 16(b) and 16(c), and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0133] The operation of the washer / dryer 103 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0134] <Step S201> As shown in Fig. 17, in step S201, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the standard course has been selected as the driving course and the fee has been paid. If the control unit 60 determines that the standard course has been selected, the process proceeds to step S202. If the control unit 60 determines that the standard course has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S216 in the flowchart of Fig. 18.

[0135] <Step S202> In step S202, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the normal mode has been selected for the spin-drying operation. If the control unit 60 determines that the normal mode has been selected for the spin-drying operation, the process proceeds to step S203. If the control unit 60 determines that the normal mode has not been selected for the spin-drying operation, the process proceeds to step S209.

[0136] <Step S203> In step S203, the DTC 105 determines whether the number of operating laundry machines in the coin-operated laundry store T is four or more. If the DTC 105 determines that the number of operating laundry machines is four or more, the process proceeds to step S204. If the DTC 105 determines that the number of operating laundry machines is not four or more, the process proceeds to step S205.

[0137] <Step S204> In step S204, the control unit 60 displays on the display unit 66c that the normal mode cannot be selected for the spin-drying operation, and then proceeds to step S202.

[0138] <Step S205> In step S205, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the quiet mode has been selected for the drying operation. If the control unit 60 determines that the quiet mode has not been selected for the drying operation, the process proceeds to step S206. If the control unit 60 determines that the quiet mode has been selected for the drying operation, the process proceeds to step S207.

[0139] <Step S206> In step S206, the control unit 60 performs the standard course operation, but executes both the dehydration operation and the drying operation included in the standard course in normal mode. After that, when the operation of the standard course ends, the control unit 60 ends the operation operation.

[0140] <Step S207> In step S207, the control unit 60 performs the operation of the standard course, but executes the dehydration operation included in the standard course in normal mode and executes the drying operation in quiet mode. After that, when the operation of the standard course ends, the control unit 60 proceeds to step S208.

[0141] <Step S208> In step S208, the control unit 60 causes the coupon printer 66 to print a coupon, issues a coupon for a 200 yen discount, and ends the operation.

[0142] <Step S209> If the control unit 60 determines in step S202 that the silent mode has been selected for the spin-drying operation, the control unit 60 determines in step S209 whether or not the normal mode has been selected for the drying operation. If the control unit 60 determines that the normal mode has been selected for the drying operation, the process proceeds to step S210. If the control unit 60 determines that the silent mode has been selected for the drying operation, the process proceeds to step S214.

[0143] <Step S210> In step S210, the DTC 105 determines whether the number of operating laundry machines in the coin-operated laundry store T is four or more. If the DTC 105 determines that the number of operating laundry machines is four or more, the process proceeds to step S211. If the DTC 105 determines that the number of operating laundry machines is not four or more, the process proceeds to step S212.

[0144] <Step S211> In step S211, the control unit 60 displays on the display unit 66c that the normal mode cannot be selected for the drying operation, and proceeds to step S209.

[0145] <Step S212> In step S212, the control unit 60 performs the standard course operation, but performs the dehydration operation included in the standard course in the silent mode and the drying operation in the normal mode.Then, the process proceeds to step S213.

[0146] <Step S213> In step S213, the control unit 60 causes the coupon printer 66 to print a coupon, issues a coupon for a 100 yen discount, and ends the operation.

[0147] <Step S214> In step S214, the control unit 60 performs the standard cycle, but executes both the spin-dry cycle and the dry cycle included in the standard cycle in quiet mode, and then proceeds to step S215.

[0148] <Step S215> In step S215, the control unit 60 causes the coupon printer 66 to print a coupon, issues a coupon for a 300 yen discount (100 yen discount for spin-dry operation + 200 yen discount for dry operation), and ends the operation.

[0149] <Step S216> As shown in Fig. 18, in step S216, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the washing course has been selected as the operation course and the fee has been paid. If the control unit 60 determines that the washing course has been selected, the process proceeds to step S217. If the control unit 60 determines that the washing course has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S223 in the flowchart of Fig. 19.

[0150] <Step S217> In step S217, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the normal mode has been selected for the spin-drying operation. If the control unit 60 determines that the normal mode has been selected for the spin-drying operation, the process proceeds to step S218. If the control unit 60 determines that the normal mode has not been selected for the spin-drying operation, the process proceeds to step S221.

[0151] <Step S218> In step S218, the DTC 105 judges whether the number of operating laundry machines in the coin-operated laundry store T is four or more. If the DTC 105 judges that the number of operating laundry machines is four or more, the process proceeds to step S219. If the DTC 105 judges that the number of operating laundry machines is not four or more, the process proceeds to step S220.

[0152] <Step S219> In step S219, the control unit 60 displays on the display unit 66c that the normal mode cannot be selected for the drying operation, and proceeds to step S217.

[0153] <Step S220> In step S220, the control unit 60 operates the washing course, but executes the spin-drying operation included in the washing course in normal mode. After that, when the operation of the washing course ends, the control unit 60 ends the operation.

[0154] <Step S221> In step S221, the control unit 60 performs the washing course, but executes the spin-drying operation included in the washing course in silent mode, and then proceeds to step S222.

[0155] <Step S222> In step S222, the control unit 60 causes the coupon printer 66 to print a coupon, issues a coupon for a 100 yen discount, and ends the operation.

[0156] <Step S223> As shown in Fig. 19, in step S223, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the drying course has been selected as the operation course and the fee has been paid. If the control unit 60 determines that the drying course has been selected, the process proceeds to step S224. If the control unit 60 determines that the washing course has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S201 in the flowchart of Fig. 17.

[0157] <Step S224> In step S224, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the normal mode has been selected for the drying operation. If the control unit 60 determines that the normal mode has been selected for the drying operation, the process proceeds to step S225. If the control unit 60 determines that the normal mode has not been selected for the drying operation, the process proceeds to step S228.

[0158] <Step S225> In step S225, the DTC 105 determines whether the number of operating laundry machines in the coin-operated laundry store T is four or more. If the DTC 105 determines that the number of operating laundry machines is four or more, the process proceeds to step S226. If the DTC 105 determines that the number of operating laundry machines is not four or more, the process proceeds to step S227.

[0159] <Step S226> In step S226, the control unit 60 displays a message that the normal mode cannot be selected for the drying operation, and proceeds to step S224.

[0160] <Step S227> In step S227, the control unit 60 executes the drying operation of the drying course in the normal mode. After that, when the drying operation of the drying course ends, the control unit 60 ends the operation.

[0161] <Step S228> In step S228, the control section 60 performs the drying course operation, but executes the drying operation included in the drying course in the silent mode, and then proceeds to step S229.

[0162] <Step S229> In step S229, the control unit 60 causes the coupon printer 66 to print a coupon, issuing a coupon for 30 yen x inserted amount / 100 yen off, and ends the operation.

[0163] The laundry system T201 of this embodiment has the same effects as the laundry system T101 of the first embodiment.

[0164] In the laundry system T201 of the present embodiment, the washer / dryer 103 is provided with a mode switching button 66b as a mode switching means for switching between a normal mode and a silent mode for at least one of the spin-drying operation and the drying operation.

[0165] In this way, the user of the washer / dryer 103 can select whether to perform the spin-drying operation and the drying operation in the normal mode or in the silent mode.

[0166] Third embodiment The laundry system T301 of this embodiment differs from the laundry system T101 of the first embodiment mainly in the method of switching between normal mode and silent mode. Note that detailed explanations of the configuration of the laundry system T301 of this embodiment that is similar to that of the laundry system T101 of the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0167] As shown in FIG. 20, in the laundry system T301 of this embodiment, a noise measuring device 108 is installed, and the noise measuring device 108 is connected to a DTC 105 installed in a coin laundry store T. The noise measuring device 108 measures the volume of noise generated in the coin laundry store T. In the coin laundry store T, as shown in FIG. 21, an exhaust pipe 160 connected to a washer-dryer 101 is connected to a common exhaust pipe 161, and air in the washing machine body 2 is exhausted to the outdoors via the exhaust pipe 160 and the common exhaust pipe 161. Since the largest noise in the washer-dryer 101 is the exhaust sound during drying operation, the noise measuring device 108 is installed near the exhaust port 161a of the common exhaust pipe 161. Note that the location where the noise measuring device 108 is installed in the coin laundry store T may be changed arbitrarily.

[0168] Although FIG. 21 illustrates a single washer / dryer 101, multiple laundry equipment 100 (washer / dryer 101 and dryer 102) installed in coin laundry store T are each connected to a common exhaust pipe 161 via exhaust pipes 160.

[0169] The DTC 105 has a noise threshold setting unit 106c. The noise threshold setting unit 106c stores a noise threshold for switching from normal mode operation to silent mode operation by the owner. That is, the owner stores the upper limit of the noise that is allowable when multiple laundry machines 100 are operated simultaneously in the coin laundry store T and the noise level becomes large as a threshold.

[0170] Therefore, in the laundry system T301 of this embodiment, when multiple laundry machines 100 are operated simultaneously in the coin laundry store T and the noise level measured by the noise measuring device 108 exceeds the threshold value stored in the noise threshold setting unit 106c, a signal is sent from the DTC 105 to the multiple laundry machines 100 installed in the coin laundry store T, and the silent mode switching unit 63 of each laundry machine 100 automatically switches the dehydration and drying operations of each laundry machine 100 to silent mode operation and switches the fee system of the laundry machine 100. In this embodiment, when the noise level measured by the noise measuring device 108 exceeds the threshold value stored in the noise threshold setting unit 106c, all laundry machines 100 operating at that time are automatically switched to silent mode operation.

[0171] In addition, many coin laundry stores T are installed in various regions, and even if the noise generated at the coin laundry stores T is the same, the impact of the noise may differ depending on the region. For example, in a coin laundry store T installed in a city, the noise generated at the coin laundry store T is often a problem because residential areas are densely packed around the coin laundry store T. In contrast, in a coin laundry store T installed in a rural area, the noise generated at the coin laundry store T may not be much of a problem because residential areas are not densely packed around the coin laundry store T. On the other hand, in a coin laundry store T installed in a city, the noise generated at the coin laundry store T may not be much of a problem because the surrounding area of ​​the coin laundry store T is noisy (because the background noise is large). In contrast, in a coin laundry store T installed in a rural area, the surrounding area of ​​the coin laundry store T is quiet (because the background noise is small), so it is possible that the noise generated at the coin laundry store T may be a problem. For this reason, it is preferable for the owner of the coin laundry store T to set the specified number of machines taking into consideration the area in which the coin laundry store T is installed.

[0172] Also, when the number of laundry equipment 100 in operation increases and the noise level measured by the noise measuring device 108 approaches the threshold value, the laundry equipment 100 that starts operating anew thereafter may be switched to operating in silent mode. In other words, if a new laundry equipment 100 starts operating when the noise level measured by the noise measuring device 108 approaches the threshold value, it is considered that the noise level measured by the noise measuring device 108 will exceed the threshold value, so the laundry equipment 100 that starts operating anew thereafter may be switched to operating in silent mode.

[0173] In addition, in the DTC 105 of coin laundry store T, by learning for each store the relationship between the level of noise measured by the noise measuring device 108 and the number of laundry equipment 100 in operation at that time and the type of operation of the laundry equipment 100 (for example, spin-dry operation, drying operation, etc.), it is possible to switch to operation in quiet mode based on the number of laundry equipment 100 in operation and the type of operation of the laundry equipment 100 without measuring the noise with the noise measuring device 108.

[0174] The laundry system T301 of this embodiment provides the same effects as the laundry system T101 of the first embodiment.

[0175] In the laundry system T301 of this embodiment, a noise measuring device 108, which is a noise measuring means for measuring the loudness of noise, is installed in the coin laundry store T, and the specified condition is a state in which the loudness of noise measured by the noise measuring device 108 exceeds a preset threshold value.

[0176] In this case, based on the measurement results of the noise generated in coin laundry store T, it is possible to appropriately switch to operation in a quiet mode that is quieter than the normal mode.

[0177] In the laundry system T301 of this embodiment, the laundry equipment 100 includes a washing machine main body 2 that houses a drum 5, exhaust pipes 160, 161 that connect the washing machine main body 2 to the outdoors, and a fan 57 that exhausts the air inside the washing machine main body 2 to the outdoors via the exhaust pipes 160, 161, and a noise measuring device 108, which is a noise measuring means, is installed near the exhaust port 161a of the exhaust pipe 161.

[0178] In this case, by installing a noise measuring device 108 near the exhaust port 161a of the exhaust pipe 161, which generates a loud noise when the laundry equipment 100 is in drying operation, the noise generated in the coin laundry store T can be properly measured.

[0179] (Fourth embodiment) The laundry system T401 of this embodiment differs from the laundry system T101 of the first embodiment mainly in the method of switching between normal mode and silent mode. Note that detailed explanations of the laundry system T401 of this embodiment that are similar to the laundry system T101 of the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0180] In the laundry system T401 of this embodiment, a plurality of laundry devices 100 are installed in the coin laundry store T, and the plurality of laundry devices 100 are connected to the DTC 105. Therefore, the DTC 105 can detect whether the plurality of laundry devices 100 are operating or not and can detect how they are operating by signals transmitted from the plurality of laundry devices 100.

[0181] As shown in FIG. 22, in a laundry system T401 of this embodiment, the DTC 105 has a switching number setting unit 106a.

[0182] The switching number setting unit 106a sets a specified number of units for switching the operation pattern when the dehydration operation of the laundry equipment 100 is simultaneously operated by the owner at the coin-operated laundry shop T. That is, if the owner judges that the noise level when the dehydration operation of the specified number of laundry equipment 100 is simultaneously operated is not acceptable, the owner sets the specified number. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the owner sets the specified number to four. Then, when three laundry equipment 100 are operating at the coin-operated laundry shop T and one new laundry equipment 100 is operated, a signal is sent from the DTC 105 to the newly operated laundry equipment 100, and the dehydration operation of the newly operated laundry equipment 100 is performed in quiet mode. In this embodiment, when a new laundry equipment 100 is put into operation at a coin laundry store T, if the spin-dry operations of a specified number of washing / drying machines 101 are operated simultaneously, when operation of each new operating course of the laundry equipment 100 is started (when the fee is paid and operation of each operating course is started), the spin-dry operation included in each operating course is switched to operation in quiet mode.

[0183] For example, as shown in FIG. 23, a case will be described in which, while three washing / drying machines A1, A2, and A3 are operating in the standard cycle, a new washing / drying machine A4 starts operating in the standard cycle.

[0184] Assume that the washer / dryer A1 starts operating at time t1, the washer / dryer A2 starts operating at time t2, and the washer / dryer A3 starts operating at time t3. In the standard course operation, the washing operation, rinsing operation, spin-drying operation, and drying operation are performed in that order, and the operation time for each operation is preset. In this manner, the washing operation, rinsing operation, spin-drying operation, and drying operation are performed for the operation times set in advance (normal operation pattern). The operation time for the drying operation is set longer than the operation times for each of the washing operation, rinsing operation, and spin-drying operation.

[0185] In the case where three washer-dryers A1, A2, and A3 are in operation and a new washer-dryer A4 is started at time t4, if washer-dryer A4 is operated (in a normal operating pattern), the four washer-dryers A1-A4 will perform spin-drying operations simultaneously during time period N1 from time t5 to t6, which is likely to cause a significant increase in noise in the coin-operated laundry store T. For this reason, in the laundry system T401 of this embodiment, the spin-drying operation of the new washer-dryer A4 is switched to silent mode.

[0186] The laundry system T401 of this embodiment provides the same effects as the laundry system T101 of the first embodiment.

[0187] In the laundry system T401 of this embodiment, the specified condition is a state in which the number of laundry machines 100 operating in the dehydration operation at the coin-operated laundry store T is equal to or greater than a specified number.

[0188] In this case, if the vibration noise generated during the spin-dry operation of the laundry equipment 100 is the main cause of noise generated in the coin laundry store T, the noise generated in the coin laundry store T can be effectively reduced.

[0189] (Modification of the fourth embodiment) In the laundry system T401 of the fourth embodiment, when the dehydration operation of many laundry devices is performed simultaneously, the dehydration operation is switched to the silent mode, whereas in the laundry system T401a of this modification, when the drying operation of many laundry devices is performed simultaneously, the drying operation is switched to the silent mode. Note that a detailed description of the configuration of the laundry system T401a of this modification, which is the same as that of the laundry system T401 of the fourth embodiment, will be omitted.

[0190] In the laundry system T401a of this modified example, the DTC 105 has a switching number setting unit 106a.

[0191] The switching number setting unit 106a sets a specified number of units for switching the operation pattern when the drying operation of the laundry equipment 100 is simultaneously operated by the owner at the coin-operated laundry shop T. That is, if the owner judges that the noise level when the drying operation of the specified number of laundry equipment 100 is simultaneously operated is not acceptable, the owner sets the specified number. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the owner sets the specified number to four. Then, when three laundry equipment 100 are operating at the coin-operated laundry shop T and one new laundry equipment 100 is operated, a signal is sent from the DTC 105 to the newly operated laundry equipment 100, and the drying operation of the newly operated laundry equipment 100 is operated in quiet mode. In this embodiment, when a new laundry equipment 100 is put into operation at a coin laundry store T, if the drying operations of a specified number of washing / drying machines 101 are operated simultaneously, when operation of each new operating course of the laundry equipment 100 is started (when the fee is paid and operation of each operating course is started), the drying operation included in each operating course is switched to operation in quiet mode.

[0192] For example, as shown in FIG. 24, a case will be described in which, while three washing / drying machines A1, A2, and A3 are operating in the standard cycle, a new washing / drying machine A4 starts operating in the standard cycle.

[0193] Assume that the washer / dryer A1 starts operating at time t1, the washer / dryer A2 starts operating at time t2, and the washer / dryer A3 starts operating at time t3. In the standard course operation, the washing operation, rinsing operation, spin-drying operation, and drying operation are performed in that order, and the operation time for each operation is preset. In this manner, the washing operation, rinsing operation, spin-drying operation, and drying operation are performed for the operation times set in advance (normal operation pattern). The operation time for the drying operation is set longer than the operation times for each of the washing operation, rinsing operation, and spin-drying operation.

[0194] In the case where three washer-dryers A1, A2, and A3 are in operation and a new washer-dryer A4 is started at time t4, if washer-dryer A4 is operated (in a normal operating pattern), the four washer-dryers A1-A4 will perform drying operations simultaneously during time period N1 from time t5 to t6, which is likely to cause a significant increase in noise in the coin-operated laundry store T. For this reason, in the laundry system T401a of this modified example, the drying operation of the new washer-dryer A4 is switched to silent mode.

[0195] The laundry system T401a of this modified example has the same effects as the laundry system T101 of the first embodiment.

[0196] In the laundry system T401a of this modified example, the predetermined condition is a state in which the number of laundry machines 100 operating in the drying operation at the coin-operated laundry store T is equal to or greater than a specified number.

[0197] In this case, if the exhaust noise generated during the drying operation of the laundry equipment 100 is the main cause of noise generated in the coin laundry store T, the noise generated in the coin laundry store T can be effectively reduced.

[0198] Fifth embodiment The laundry system T501 of this embodiment is mainly different from the laundry system T101 of the first embodiment in that, in the laundry system T101, when many laundry devices are operated simultaneously, the operation in the quiet mode is performed, whereas in the laundry system T501, when many laundry devices are operated simultaneously, the timing of the dehydration operation is shifted. In addition, detailed explanations of the configuration of the laundry system T501 of this embodiment that is similar to that of the laundry system T101 of the first embodiment are omitted. In FIG. 25, as in the first embodiment, a washer-dryer 101 capable of operating in the quiet mode for the dehydration operation and the drying operation is illustrated, but in the laundry system T501 of this embodiment, the laundry device 100 does not necessarily have to be capable of operating in the quiet mode for the dehydration operation and the drying operation.

[0199] In the laundry system T501 of this embodiment, a plurality of laundry devices 100 are installed in the coin laundry store T, and the plurality of laundry devices 100 are connected to the DTC 105. Therefore, the DTC 105 can detect whether the plurality of laundry devices 100 are operating or not and can detect how they are operating by signals transmitted from the plurality of laundry devices 100.

[0200] As shown in FIG. 25, in a laundry system T501 of this embodiment, the DTC 105 has a switching number setting unit 506a and an operation pattern changing unit 506b.

[0201] The switching number setting unit 506a sets a specified number of units for switching the operation pattern when the dehydration operation of the laundry equipment 100 is simultaneously operated by the owner at the coin-operated laundry shop T. That is, if the owner judges that the noise level when the dehydration operation of the specified number of laundry equipment 100 is simultaneously operated is not acceptable, the owner sets the specified number. Note that in this embodiment, a case will be described in which the owner sets the specified number to four. Then, when three laundry equipment 100 are operating at the coin-operated laundry shop T and one new laundry equipment 100 is operated, an operation pattern change signal is sent from the DTC 105 to the newly operated laundry equipment 100, and the operation pattern is changed. In this embodiment, when a new laundry equipment 100 is put into operation at a coin laundry store T, if the spin-dry operations of a specified number of washing / drying machines 101 are operated simultaneously, the timing of the spin-dry operation included in each operating course is automatically changed when operation of each operating course of the laundry equipment 100 begins (when the fee is paid and operation of each operating course begins).

[0202] The operation pattern change unit 506b stores a method for changing the operation pattern when changing the operation pattern of a newly operated laundry device 100. The method for changing the operation pattern will be described later.

[0203] For example, as shown in FIG. 26, a case will be described in which, while three washing / drying machines A1, A2, and A3 are operating in the standard cycle, a new washing / drying machine A4 starts operating in the standard cycle.

[0204] Assume that the washer / dryer A1 starts operating at time t1, the washer / dryer A2 starts operating at time t2, and the washer / dryer A3 starts operating at time t3. In the standard course operation, the washing operation, rinsing operation, spin-drying operation, and drying operation are performed in that order, and the operation time for each operation is preset. In this manner, the washing operation, rinsing operation, spin-drying operation, and drying operation are performed for the operation times set in advance (normal operation pattern). The operation time for the drying operation is set longer than the operation times for each of the washing operation, rinsing operation, and spin-drying operation.

[0205] In the case where three washing / drying machines A1, A2, and A3 are in operation and a new operation of a washing / drying machine A4 is started at time t4, if the washing / drying machine A4 is operated (in a normal operation pattern), the four washing / drying machines A1-A4 will perform the dehydration operation simultaneously during a time period N1 from time t7 to t9, which is considered to generate a very large amount of noise in the coin-operated laundry store T. Therefore, in the laundry system T401 of this embodiment, the timing of the dehydration operation of the newly started washing / drying machine A4 is shifted so that the four washing / drying machines A1-A4 do not perform the dehydration operation simultaneously, or so that the time during which the four washing / drying machines A1-A4 perform the dehydration operation simultaneously is shorter than in the case of the normal operation pattern.

[0206] The control for shifting the timing of the spin-drying operation in the washer-dryer A4 that is to newly start operation is arbitrary, and various patterns such as the following (operation pattern 1) to (operation pattern 3) are conceivable.

[0207] For example, in operation pattern 1 shown in Fig. 26, operation of washer-dryer A4 starts at t4, and after the washing and rinsing operations are completed by time t7, operation is interrupted during time slot N2 from time t7 to t8, and a spin-drying operation starts at time t9. Thus, even if the spin-drying operation of washer-dryer A4 is restarted at time t9, the spin-drying operations of washer-dryer A1 are completed by time t9, so the spin-drying operations of the four washer-dryer A1-A4 are not performed simultaneously.

[0208] 26 (operation pattern 2), when the washer-dryer A4 starts operation at t4, the washing operation does not end at time t5 but is extended until time t6. After that, the rinsing operation ends by time t9, and the spin-drying operation starts from time t9. Thus, even if the spin-drying operation of the washer-dryer A4 starts at time t9, the spin-drying operation of the washer-dryer A1 ends by time t9, so the spin-drying operations of the four washer-dryer A1 to A4 are not performed simultaneously.

[0209] 26 (operation pattern 3), the operation of the washer-dryer A4 starts at t4, and after the washing and rinsing operations are completed by time t7, the operation is interrupted during time slot N4 from time t7 to t8, and the spin-drying operation starts at time t8. In this way, when the spin-drying operation of the washer-dryer A4 is resumed at time t8, the four washer-dryer A1-A4 simultaneously perform the spin-drying operations during time slot N5 from time t8 to t9. However, time slot N5 during which the four washer-dryer A1-A4 simultaneously perform the spin-drying operations is shorter than time slot N1 during which the four washer-dryer A1-A4 simultaneously perform the spin-drying operations when the washer-dryer A4 is operated in the (normal operation pattern).

[0210] The laundry system T501 of this modified example has the same effects as the laundry system T101 of the first embodiment.

[0211] (Modification of the fifth embodiment) In the laundry system T501 of the fifth embodiment, the timing of the dehydration operation is staggered when many laundry devices perform dehydration operations simultaneously, whereas in the laundry system T501a of this modified example, the timing of the drying operation is staggered when many laundry devices perform drying operations simultaneously. Note that detailed explanations of the configuration of the laundry system T501a of this modified example, which is the same as that of the laundry system T501 of the fourth embodiment, will be omitted.

[0212] In the laundry system T501a of this modified example, the DTC 105 has a switching number setting unit 506a and an operation pattern changing unit 506b.

[0213] The switching number setting unit 506a is set by the owner to a specified number of machines for switching the operation pattern when the drying operation of the laundry equipment 100 is simultaneously operated in the coin-operated laundry shop T. That is, if the owner judges that the noise level when the drying operation of the specified number of laundry equipment 100 is simultaneously operated is not acceptable, the owner sets the specified number. In this embodiment, a case where the owner sets the specified number to four machines will be described. Then, when three laundry equipment 100 are operating in the coin-operated laundry shop T and one new laundry equipment 100 is operated, the DTC 105 transmits the operation pattern to the newly operated laundry equipment 100, and the operation pattern is changed. In this embodiment, when a new laundry equipment 100 is operated in the coin-operated laundry shop T, and the drying operation of the specified number of washing and drying machines 101 is simultaneously operated, the timing of the dehydration operation included in each operation course of the laundry equipment 100 is automatically changed when the operation of each operation course of the laundry equipment 100 is started (when the fee is paid and the operation of each operation course is started).

[0214] The operation pattern change unit 506b stores a method for changing the operation pattern when changing the operation pattern of a newly operated laundry device 100. The method for changing the operation pattern will be described later.

[0215] For example, as shown in FIG. 27, a case will be described in which, while three washing / drying machines A1, A2, and A3 are operating in the standard cycle, a new washing / drying machine A4 starts operating in the standard cycle.

[0216] Assume that the washer / dryer A1 starts operating at time t1, the washer / dryer A2 starts operating at time t2, and the washer / dryer A3 starts operating at time t3. In the standard course operation, the washing operation, rinsing operation, spin-drying operation, and drying operation are performed in that order, and the operation time for each operation is preset. In this manner, the washing operation, rinsing operation, spin-drying operation, and drying operation are performed for the operation times set in advance (normal operation pattern). The operation time for the drying operation is set longer than the operation times for each of the washing operation, rinsing operation, and spin-drying operation.

[0217] In the case where three washer-dryers A1, A2, and A3 are in operation and a new washer-dryer A4 is started at time t4, if the washer-dryer A4 is operated (in a normal operation pattern), the four washer-dryers A1-A4 will perform their drying operations simultaneously during time period N1 from time t8 to t11, which is considered to generate a very large amount of noise in the coin-operated laundry store T. Therefore, in the laundry system T401 of this modification, control is performed to shift the timing of the drying operation of the newly started washer-dryer A4 so that the time during which the four washer-dryers A1-A4 perform their drying operations simultaneously is shorter than in the normal operation pattern, or so that the four washer-dryers A1-A4 do not perform their drying operations simultaneously.

[0218] The control for shifting the timing of the drying operation in the washer / dryer A4 that is to newly start operation is arbitrary, and various patterns such as the following (operation pattern 1) to (operation pattern 3) are conceivable.

[0219] For example, in (operation pattern 1) shown in Fig. 27, operation of the washer-dryer A4 starts at t4, and after the washing operation and rinsing operation are completed by time t8, operation is interrupted in time zone N2 from time t8 to t9, and drying operation starts from time t9. In this way, when the drying operation of the washer-dryer A4 is resumed at time t9, the drying operation of the four washer-dryer A1-A4 is performed simultaneously in time zone N3 from time t9 to t11. However, time zone N3 during which the drying operation of the four washer-dryer A1-A4 is performed simultaneously is shorter than time zone N1 during which the drying operation of the four washer-dryer A1-A4 is performed simultaneously when the washer-dryer A4 is operated in the (normal operation pattern).

[0220] In addition, in the (operation pattern 2) shown in FIG. 27, when the operation of the washer-dryer A4 is started at t4, the washing operation is extended to time t6 without ending at time t5. After that, the rinsing operation and the spin-drying operation are completed by time t10, and the spin-drying operation is started from time t10. In this way, when the drying operation of the washer-dryer A4 is restarted at time t10, the drying operation of the four washer-dryer A1 to A4 is performed simultaneously in time zone N5 from time t10 to t11. However, the time zone N5 during which the drying operation of the four washer-dryer A1 to A4 is performed simultaneously is shorter than the time zone N1 during which the drying operation of the four washer-dryer A1 to A4 is performed simultaneously when the operation of the washer-dryer A4 is performed in the (normal operation pattern). Note that FIG. 27 shows a case in which the time zone N5 is shorter than the time zone N3.

[0221] 27 (operation pattern 3), the operation of the washer-dryer A4 starts at t4, and after the washing operation, rinsing operation, and spin-drying operation are completed by time t8, the operation is interrupted during time slot N6 from time t8 to t11, and the drying operation starts at time t11. Thus, even if the drying operation of the washer-dryer A4 is resumed at time t11, the drying operation of the washer-dryer A1 is completed by time t11, so the drying operations of the four washer-dryer A1 to A4 are not performed simultaneously.

[0222] In the laundry system T501 of the fifth embodiment and the laundry system T501a of the modified example of the fifth embodiment, the operation time of the drying operation of the standard course is set longer than the operation time of the dehydration operation. Therefore, in the above-mentioned fifth embodiment, even if the timing of the dehydration operation of the washer-dryer A4 is shifted so that the dehydration operations of the four washer-dryer A1 to A4 are not performed simultaneously, the time by which the operation time of the entire standard course is extended is relatively short, but in the above-mentioned modified example of the fifth embodiment, if the timing of the drying operation of the washer-dryer A4 is shifted so that the drying operations of the four washer-dryer A1 to A4 are not performed simultaneously, the time by which the operation time of the entire standard course is extended is relatively long.

[0223] Therefore, in the modified example of the fifth embodiment described above, rather than shifting the timing of the spin-drying operation of the washer-dryer A4 so that the drying operations of the four washer-dryer A1 to A4 are not performed simultaneously, it is more convenient for users of the laundry apparatus 100 to shift the timing of the spin-drying operation of the washer-dryer A4 so that the time during which the drying operations of the four washer-dryer A1 to A4 are performed simultaneously is shorter than in the case of the normal operating pattern, since the operating time of the entire standard course is not significantly extended.

[0224] The laundry system T501a of this modified example has the same effects as the laundry system T101 of the first embodiment.

[0225] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the specific configuration of each part is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

[0226] For example, in the first embodiment, the predetermined condition for switching from normal mode to silent mode when the specified number of laundry machines 100 are operating in the coin laundry store T, which is four, may be set arbitrarily. Even if the predetermined condition is set so that the number of laundry machines operating is equal to or greater than the specified number, the specified number is not limited to four and may be set arbitrarily.

[0227] In the first embodiment, when the specified number of laundry machines 100, four, are in operation in the coin-operated laundry shop T, both the spin-dry operation and the drying operation included in the standard course of the washer-dryer 101 are operated in the quiet mode, but either the spin-dry operation or the drying operation may be operated in the quiet mode. That is, in the coin-operated laundry shop T, if the noise of the spin-dry operation is a problem, only the spin-dry operation may be operated in the quiet mode, and if the noise of the drying operation is a problem, only the drying operation may be operated in the quiet mode.

[0228] In the above first to fourth embodiments, the rotation speed A2 of the drum 5 and the rotation speed C2 of the fan 57 stored in the silent mode setting unit 62 are set in advance by the owner of the coin-operated laundry store T, but this is not limited to this. Since the noise level differs depending on the area of ​​the coin-operated laundry store T, for example, the owner may be able to adjust the rotation speed to two or three different levels.

[0229] In the above first to fourth embodiments, the washing / drying machines 101, 103 and the dryer 102 have been described as the laundry equipment 100, but the present invention can be applied to laundry equipment capable of performing at least one of a spin-drying operation and a drying operation.

[0230] In the above first to fourth embodiments, the laundry equipment 100 has a fee adjustment machine, and local payment is performed for each laundry equipment 100, but this is not limited to the above. In the coin laundry store T, the laundry equipment 100 may perform centralized payment at a centralized payment terminal. Also, in the coin laundry store T, local payment for each laundry equipment 100 and centralized payment at a centralized payment terminal may be used in combination.

[0231] In the third embodiment, the noise measuring device 108 is installed near the exhaust port 161a of the common exhaust pipe 161, but the location of the noise measuring device 108 is arbitrary. The noise measuring device 108 may be installed in a coin-operated laundry store T, for example.

[0232] In the above first to fourth embodiments, when at least one of the dehydration operation and the drying operation is performed in the silent mode, a coupon is issued to deduct a predetermined amount from the charge, but this is not limited to the above. A coupon may not be issued when the operation is performed in the silent mode. Also, when at least one of the dehydration operation and the drying operation is performed in the silent mode, a coupon may be issued to deduct a predetermined discount rate from the predetermined amount.

[0233] In the above first to fourth embodiments, a coupon is issued when at least one of the dehydration operation and the drying operation is performed in the silent mode, but this is not limited thereto. When at least one of the dehydration operation and the drying operation is performed in the silent mode, instead of issuing a coupon, the fee may be discounted and the fee for the operation course may be changed to a lower price. In this case, the operation time per unit amount can be automatically changed (extended) by extending the operation time by the amount of the lower dehydration capacity or drying capacity in the silent mode. In addition, for example, by using information that "the fee is lower when the silent mode is used" in advertising, the number of customers visiting the coin-operated laundry store T can be increased.

[0234] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 28, in the washer-dryer 101 of the first embodiment, in the case of the standard course, the fee may be 1200 yen when both the spin-drying operation and the drying operation are performed in the normal mode, and may be reduced to 900 yen when both the spin-drying operation and the drying operation are performed in the silent mode. Similarly, in the case of the washing course, the fee may be reduced to 800 yen when the spin-drying operation is performed in the normal mode, and may be reduced to 700 yen when the spin-drying operation is performed in the silent mode. Similarly, in the case of the drying course, the fee may be reduced to 100 yen when the drying operation is performed in the normal mode, and may be reduced to 70 yen when the drying operation is performed in the silent mode.

[0235] 29, in the washer-dryer 103 of the second embodiment, in the case of the standard course, the fee is 1200 yen when both the spin-drying operation and the drying operation are performed in the normal mode, but the fee may be changed to a low fee of 1100 yen when only the spin-drying operation is performed in the quiet mode, the fee may be changed to a low fee of 1000 yen when only the drying operation is performed in the quiet mode, and the fee may be changed to a low fee of 900 yen when both the spin-drying operation and the drying operation are performed in the quiet mode. Similarly, in the case of the washing course, the fee may be changed to a low fee of 800 yen when the spin-drying operation is performed in the normal mode, but the fee may be changed to a low fee of 700 yen when the spin-drying operation is performed in the quiet mode. Similarly, in the case of the drying course, the fee may be changed to a low fee of 100 yen when the drying operation is performed in the normal mode, but the fee may be changed to a low fee of 70 yen when the drying operation is performed in the quiet mode.

[0236] The driving time, fees, discount amounts, etc. for each driving course described in this specification are merely examples and may be set arbitrarily.

[0237] In the fourth embodiment, when three laundry devices 100 are in operation at a coin-operated laundry store T and one new laundry device 100 is to be operated, the entire spin-dry operation of the newly operated laundry device 100 is performed in silent mode, but this is not limited to this. For example, in Fig. 23, the spin-dry operation of washer-dryer A1 ends at time t6, so that after the spin-dry operation of washer-dryer A4 starts at time t5, the machine may be operated in silent mode from time t5 to time t6, and then in normal mode from time t6.

[0238] In a modified example of the fourth embodiment, when three laundry devices 100 are in operation in a coin-operated laundry store T and one new laundry device 100 is to be operated, the entire drying operation of the newly operated laundry device 100 is operated in silent mode, but this is not limited to this. For example, in Fig. 24, the drying operation of washer-dryer A1 ends at time t6, so after the drying operation of washer-dryer A4 starts at time t5, it may be operated in silent mode from time t5 to time t6, and then operated in normal mode from time t6.

[0239] In the fifth embodiment, when the four washing / drying machines A1 to A4 are simultaneously performing the spin-drying operation, the timing of the spin-drying operation of the newly started washing / drying machine A4 is shifted so that the four washing / drying machines A1 to A4 are not simultaneously performing the spin-drying operation or the time during which the four washing / drying machines A1 to A4 are simultaneously performing the spin-drying operation is shorter than that in the normal operation pattern. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the four washing / drying machines A1 to A4 are simultaneously performing the spin-drying operation, the newly started washing / drying machine A4 may be operated in a quiet mode. In this case, when the vibration sound of the laundry machine during the spin-drying operation is the main cause of noise generated in a coin laundry shop, the noise generated in the coin laundry shop can be reduced.

[0240] In the modification of the fifth embodiment, when the drying operations of the four washing / drying machines A1 to A4 are performed simultaneously, the timing of the drying operation of the newly started washing / drying machine A4 is shifted so that the drying operations of the four washing / drying machines A1 to A4 are not performed simultaneously, or the time during which the drying operations of the four washing / drying machines A1 to A4 are performed simultaneously is shorter than that in the case of the normal operation pattern, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the drying operations of the four washing / drying machines A1 to A4 are performed simultaneously, the drying operation of the newly started washing / drying machine A4 may be performed in the quiet mode. In this case, when the exhaust noise of the laundry equipment during the drying operation is the main cause of noise generated in a coin laundry shop, the noise generated in the coin laundry shop can be reduced.

[0241] In the fifth embodiment, in the (operation pattern 2) shown in Fig. 26, the operation time of the washing operation is extended beyond the operation time of the (normal operation pattern) so that the dehydration operation starts at time t9, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the operation time of the rinsing operation may be extended beyond the operation time of the (normal operation pattern) so that the dehydration operation starts at time t9. In addition, the washing operation and the rinsing operation may be extended independently, so that the dehydration operation starts at time t9.

[0242] In the modified example of the fifth embodiment, in the (operation pattern 2) shown in Fig. 27, the operation time of the washing operation is extended beyond the operation time of the (normal operation pattern) so that the drying operation is started at time t10, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the operation time of the rinsing operation or the dehydration operation may be extended beyond the operation time of the (normal operation pattern) so that the dehydration operation is started at time t10. Also, the washing operation, the rinsing operation, and the dehydration operation may each be extended equally so that the dehydration operation is started at time t10.

[0243] In the modified example of the fifth embodiment, after the washing operation, rinsing operation, and spin-drying operation are completed in (operation pattern 3) shown in Fig. 27, the operation is interrupted and the drying operation is started at time t11, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the operation time of at least one of the washing operation, rinsing operation, and spin-drying operation may be extended beyond the operation time of (normal operation pattern) so that the drying operation is started at time t11. In this case, the washing operation, rinsing operation, and spin-drying operation may be extended equally so that the drying operation is started at time t11. [Explanation of symbols]

[0244] 2 Washing machine body 5 Drums 57 Fans 100 Laundry Equipment 101 Washer / dryer 102 Dryer 103 Washer / dryer 105 DTC (controller) 108 Noise measuring device (noise measuring means) 160 Exhaust pipe 161 Common exhaust pipe (exhaust pipe) 161a Exhaust port T Coin Laundry Store T101 Laundry System T201 Laundry System T301 Laundry System T401 Laundry System T401a Laundry System T501 Laundry System T501a Laundry System

Claims

1. A plurality of laundry machines installed at a coin laundry store; a controller for controlling the plurality of laundry devices; The laundry device is capable of performing at least one of a dehydration operation and a drying operation in a normal mode and a quiet mode that is quieter than the normal mode, A laundry system characterized in that the controller switches operation of the laundry equipment from the normal mode to the quiet mode when predetermined conditions are met for the plurality of laundry equipment.

2. The laundry equipment according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is a state in which the number of operating laundry equipment in the coin laundry store is equal to or greater than a prescribed number.

3. The laundry equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that the specified condition is a state in which the number of laundry machines operating in dehydration operation at the coin laundry store is equal to or greater than a specified number.

4. The laundry equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that the specified condition is a state in which the number of laundry machines operating in drying mode at the coin laundry store is equal to or greater than a prescribed number.

5. The controller stores a relationship between the number of operational laundry devices among the plurality of laundry devices and the noise level at that time, 5. The laundry device according to claim 2, wherein the specified number is set based on the relationship.

6. 5. The laundry device according to claim 2, wherein different numbers of vehicles are set as the prescribed numbers for two different time periods.

7. The laundry machine according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that different numbers of machines are set as the specified number of machines for coin laundry stores in different areas.

8. The coin laundry store is provided with a noise measuring means for measuring the loudness of noise, 2. The laundry device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is a state in which the loudness of the noise measured by the noise measuring means exceeds a preset threshold value.

9. The laundry device includes: A washing machine body that houses a drum; An exhaust duct that connects the washing machine body to the outdoors; a fan that exhausts air from within the washing machine body to the outside through the exhaust duct, 8. The laundry equipment according to claim 7, wherein the noise measuring means is installed in the vicinity of an exhaust port of the exhaust duct.

10. A plurality of laundry machines installed at a coin laundry store; a controller for controlling the plurality of laundry devices; The laundry equipment is capable of performing a dehydration operation, The laundry system is characterized in that, when operation of a new laundry device is started while (n-1) of the plurality of laundry devices are in operation, the controller shifts the timing of the dehydration operation of the newly started laundry device so that the dehydration operations of n laundry devices are not performed simultaneously or so that the period of time during which the dehydration operations of n laundry devices are performed simultaneously is shortened.

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