Clothing treatment system

Abstract

To provide a clothing treatment system capable of executing notification for encouraging a user to effectively and validly execute maintenance for a clothing treatment device.SOLUTION: A clothing treatment system comprises: a clothing treatment device having a washing tub to store clothing and a notification section to notify a user of various information; an external terminal communicably connected with the clothing treatment device; and a notification processing section capable of executing maintenance notification to notify the user of information for encouraging the user to execute maintenance for the clothing treatment device by using at least either the notification section or the external terminal. The notification processing section does not execute the maintenance notification by using the external terminal when executing the maintenance notification before operation of the clothing treatment device is started.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to a garment processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] A washing machine communication system that can display maintenance information on a mobile device that can communicate with a washing machine, which is an example of a clothing processing device, is known. This washing machine communication system displays maintenance information on the mobile device based on the number of times the washing machine has been operated, allowing the user to obtain the maintenance information without looking at the display on the washing machine. This reduces inefficient operation due to insufficient maintenance by the user and improves operating performance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-18268 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the conventional configuration, maintenance information is displayed on a mobile device to prompt the user to perform maintenance, but no consideration is given to effectively linking the display on the washing machine with an external device such as a mobile device to inform the user of the maintenance information. As a result, in the conventional configuration, the display of maintenance information on the mobile device may be displayed at times when it is not very effective or necessary for the user, making it difficult to effectively and efficiently prompt the user to perform maintenance.

[0005] Therefore, a clothing processing system is provided that can effectively and efficiently notify the user to perform maintenance on the clothing processing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The clothing processing system of this embodiment includes a clothing processing device having a washing tub for storing clothing and an alarm unit for notifying the user of various information, an external terminal communicatively connected to the clothing processing device, and an alarm processing unit capable of executing a maintenance alarm that notifies the user of information encouraging the performance of maintenance related to the clothing processing device using at least either the alarm unit or the external terminal, and when the maintenance alarm is executed before the clothing processing device starts operating, the alarm processing unit does not issue the maintenance alarm using the external terminal. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a laundry system according to an embodiment; FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a laundry system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of content displayed on a home screen of a laundry system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of content displayed on a care setting screen in the laundry system according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of content displayed when a setting button is operated on a care setting screen in the laundry system according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of settings for the timing of notification of maintenance related to tub cleaning in a laundry system according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification target for a maintenance notification regarding tub cleaning in a laundry system according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a pop-up screen displayed on a home screen of the laundry system according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an execution content setting screen displayed when an execution content setting key is operated on a pop-up screen in the laundry system according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a detailed setting screen displayed when an operation selection key is operated on the execution content setting screen in the laundry system according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an execution content setting screen displayed on an external terminal in the laundry system according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a pop-up screen displayed on the home screen of the laundry system according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of content displayed on an operation end screen in the laundry system according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of content displayed on an operation end screen when a second maintenance notification is executed in the laundry system according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of notification priorities for multiple types of notifications in a laundry system according to an embodiment; [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control content when a maintenance notification is executed at the end of operation in a laundry system according to an embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where the operation display unit is configured other than a touch panel display in the laundry system according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] A clothing processing system according to one embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiment, the terms "first," "second," etc., attached to components, etc., are used simply to distinguish between similar components, and do not indicate superiority or inferiority between the components or a time factor.

[0009] A washing machine 10, which is an example of a clothing processing device shown in FIG. 1, can perform processes such as washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying on laundry. The washing machine 10 is, for example, a horizontal-axis or diagonal-axis drum washing machine. The washing machine 10 may also be a vertical-axis washing machine. The washing machine 10 is communicably connected to one or more external devices 20, 30 to form a laundry system 1. The laundry system 1 is an example of a clothing processing system. The laundry system 1 is configured by connecting the washing machine 10 and the external devices 20, 30 to each other so that they can communicate with each other via telecommunication lines such as an access point and network 2 (not shown).

[0010] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the washing machine 10 includes an outer case 101, a door 102, a washing tub 103, a clothing processing section 11, an automatic loading device 12, an operation display section 13, a communication section 14, a clothing removal detection section 15, and a washing machine control section 16. The outer case 101 is formed into a hollow box shape by combining metals such as stainless steel plates and resin materials. The outer case 101 forms the outer shell of the washing machine 10. The outer case 101 has an opening (not shown) in the center of the front side that connects the inside and outside of the outer case 101. The opening is an opening for loading clothing. The door 102 is provided on the front side of the outer case 101 and opens and closes the opening.

[0011] The washing tub 103 is capable of holding clothes. Although not shown in detail, the washing tub 103 has a water tub capable of storing water therein and a rotating tub rotatably mounted within the water tub. The clothing treatment section 11 includes various drive system components found in well-known washing machines, such as a motor for rotating the rotating tub, a water supply mechanism for supplying water from an external water source to the washing tub 103, a drainage mechanism for discharging water from the washing tub 103 to the outside of the machine, and a hot air supply device for supplying hot air into the washing tub 103. The automatic dispenser 12 stores the laundry treatment agent required for multiple wash cycles and automatically dispenses a predetermined amount of laundry treatment agent into the washing tub 103 as the wash cycle progresses. Since the automatic dispenser 12 has a well-known configuration, detailed illustration is omitted; however, the automatic dispenser 12 includes a treatment agent tank capable of storing the laundry treatment agent required for multiple wash cycles and a dispensing pump for sucking the predetermined amount of laundry treatment agent from the treatment agent tank.

[0012] The operation display unit 13 is provided, for example, on the front portion of the top surface of the outer casing 101. The operation display unit 13 has a function of accepting input operations by the user to set the operation and each operation course, and displaying the input operation contents and the operation status, etc. An operation means that a plurality of different processes are executed in sequence, and types of operation include, for example, a washing operation, a tub cleaning operation, and a tub cleaning and drying operation. A washing operation is an operation that only performs washing, and for example, a washing process, a rinsing process, and a spin-drying process are executed in sequence. In a washing operation, one of a plurality of operation courses is executed. The plurality of operation courses include, for example, a standard course, a speed course, and a memory course.

[0013] The tub cleaning operation and the tub cleaning and drying operation are operations performed to clean the washing tub 103, and are performed when there are no clothes stored in the washing tub 103. The tub cleaning operation is an operation to clean the washing tub 103 using water supplied into the washing tub 103. In the tub cleaning operation, for example, a water supply process, a cleaning process, and a draining process are performed in sequence. The tub cleaning and drying operation is an operation in which the tub cleaning operation is followed by a drying operation. In the drying operation, a drying process and a cooling process are performed in sequence. The time and number of processes performed in each operation can be changed according to the user's request, etc.

[0014] The operation display unit 13 is configured with, for example, a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) type touch panel display. A user can perform touch operations on the operation display unit 13. The touch panel of the operation display unit 13 is, for example, of a capacitance type. The touch panel is not limited to the capacitance type, and other types such as a resistive film type may also be used. The operation display unit 13 can be configured with a sound generation unit (not shown). The sound generation unit can be, for example, a speaker capable of reproducing sound. The operation display unit 13 functions as a notification unit for notifying the user of various types of information.

[0015] For example, when the power of the washing machine 10 is turned on, a home screen 131 is displayed on the operation display unit 13 as shown in FIG. 3. The home screen 131 is an initial screen that is the first screen that accepts operations from a user after the power of the washing machine 10 is turned on. The home screen 131 is also a screen that accepts an input operation to select one of multiple types of operations that can be performed by the washing machine 10, for example. The home screen 131 is divided into multiple display areas. The home screen 131 is divided into, for example, a main display area 131a, a sub-display area 131b, and a footer section 131c. In FIG. 3, the display areas 131a, 131b, and 131c are indicated by two-dot dashed lines. The main display area 131a is an area for displaying information that is relatively highly relevant to the operation of the washing machine 10. The sub-display area 131b is an area for displaying information that is relatively less relevant to the operation of the washing machine 10. Sub-display area 131b displays icons representing setting information that changes depending on the course, icons representing main body information that does not change depending on the course, text information representing the current time, etc. Footer section 131c is an area for displaying operation keys related to various settings of washing machine 10 and operation keys related to operation of washing machine 10 that are used relatively frequently.

[0016] The operation display unit 13 displays a plurality of operation keys 18 that accept operations by the user. The operation keys 18 are configured with characters and figures that indicate the target and content of the operation. On the home screen 131, among the operation keys 18, for example, a plurality of operation type selection keys 181a, a course selection key 181b, a start key 181c, a setting key 181d, an automatic input key 181e, and a reservation key 181f are arranged. The plurality of operation type selection keys 181a are displayed in the main display area 131a. The course selection key 181b, the start key 181c, the setting key 181d, the automatic input key 181e, and the reservation key 181f are displayed in the footer section 131c.

[0017] A plurality of operation type selection keys 181a are provided corresponding to the respective types of operation that can be performed by the washing machine 10. The user can determine the type of operation corresponding to the operation type selection key 181a by inputting an input from any of the plurality of operation type selection keys 181a. The course selection key 181b is an operation key for transitioning to a course selection screen (not shown). When the course selection key 181b is operated, a course selection screen for selecting a course corresponding to the selected operation type is displayed on the operation display unit 13. The start key 181c is an operation key for starting an operation. When the start key 181c is operated, an operation is started with the selected operation type and course. In addition, the start key 181c has a function of pausing the operation when operated while the washing machine 10 is operating. In other words, the start key 181c also serves as an operation key for pausing the operation of the washing machine 10.

[0018] Setting key 181d is an operation key for making various settings related to the maintenance of washing machine 10. The settings related to the maintenance include settings related to the maintenance of washing tub 103 for keeping washing tub 103 clean, such as a tub cleaning setting related to the cleaning of washing tub 103 and a well-known automatic cleaning function setting. Setting key 181d is an operation key for transitioning to maintenance setting screen 132 shown in FIG. 4. When setting key 181d is operated, maintenance setting screen 132 is displayed on operation display unit 13.

[0019] On the maintenance setting screen 132, for example, a time setting key 132a is displayed for setting the time of notification regarding the execution of tub cleaning. For example, the text "Tub Cleaning Guide" is displayed on the time setting key 132a. When the time setting key 132a is operated, a setting button 132b for setting the time of notification regarding the execution of tub cleaning is displayed on the maintenance setting screen 132, along with an explanatory text such as "Tub Cleaning Guide: Notifying you when it is time to clean the washing tub." When the setting button 132b is operated, a notification condition key 132c is displayed as shown in FIG. 5. The notification condition key 132c is an operation key for setting the time of notification regarding the execution of tub cleaning. The notification condition key 132c is configured to allow the user to select one of "standard," "early," and "late" as the time of notification regarding the execution of tub cleaning.

[0020] The timing of notification regarding the execution of tub cleaning can be set based on, for example, the number of operations, which is the cumulative number of times the washing operation has been performed, and the period of time that has elapsed since the previous tub cleaning operation. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, "standard" is set to 45 operations and 45 days elapsed. "Early" is set to 30 operations and 30 days elapsed. "Late" is set to 60 operations and 60 days elapsed. The number of operations and the period of time that have elapsed for "standard," "early," and "late" are not limited to these and can be set to any numerical values.

[0021] The automatic dispensing key 181e is an operation key for making various settings related to the automatic dispensing of laundry treatment agents. When the automatic dispensing key 181e is operated, an automatic dispensing setting screen (not shown) for setting the amount of laundry treatment agent to be dispensed from the automatic dispensing device 12 is displayed on the operation display unit 13. The reservation key 181f is an operation key for making settings related to the reservation of operation. When the reservation key 181f is operated, a reservation setting screen (not shown) for setting the reservation of the end time of operation is displayed on the operation display unit 13.

[0022] Communication unit 14 is an interface for communicating with external devices 20 and 30 via network 2. Clothing removal detection unit 15 has the function of detecting whether clothing has been removed from washing tub 103. Clothing removal detection unit 15 can be configured, for example, as a door open / close sensor that detects the opening and closing of door 102. The door open / close sensor can be configured as a well-known contact or non-contact sensor. Clothing removal detection unit 15 may also use other sensors, such as a weight sensor that detects the weight of clothing in washing tub 103. Washing machine control unit 16 is mainly configured, for example, as a microcomputer having storage areas such as a CPU (not shown) and ROM, RAM, and rewritable flash memory, and controls the operation of washing machine 10 and performs various processes based on the detection signal from clothing removal detection unit 15. Each process of washing machine control unit 16 is realized by the CPU executing a program.

[0023] The washing machine 10 also includes a timekeeping unit (not shown). The timekeeping unit has the function of acquiring the time at any point in time. The time means, for example, an absolute time such as an hour, minute, and second, or a relative time based on a certain point in time. The timekeeping unit may also have the function of measuring the elapsed time from a certain reference point in time. The time means the length of time from one point in time to another point in time. The washing machine 10 may also acquire the current time from an external server such as an NTP server.

[0024] The external devices 20 and 30 may be configured by, for example, an external terminal 20 for a smartphone or a tablet terminal and a server 30, respectively. The external terminal 20 is assumed to be used by a user of the laundry system 1. The server 30 is assumed to be operated by a company. The external devices 20 and 30 may be dedicated devices for configuring the laundry system 1, or may be general-purpose devices that can be used for purposes other than the laundry system 1. In this case, the external terminal 20 may be configured by a wearable device such as a smart watch, a so-called smart speaker, or a voice interaction device installed in a home appliance other than the washing machine 1, such as a refrigerator or a microwave oven. The laundry system 1 may also be configured without the server 30.

[0025] The external terminal 20 has a function of accepting input from the user to the washing machine 10 on behalf of the washing machine 10 and of performing output from the washing machine 10 to the user on behalf of the washing machine 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the external terminal 20 includes a display unit 21, an operation unit 22, a communication unit 23, and a terminal control unit 24. The display unit 21 and the operation unit 22 can be configured, for example, by a touch panel display. The communication unit 23 is an interface for communicating between the washing machine 10 and the server 30 via the network 2. The terminal control unit 24 is mainly configured by a microcomputer having storage areas such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and rewritable flash memory (not shown), and controls the operation of the external terminal 20 and executes various processes. Dedicated application software is installed in the terminal control unit 24 to connect the external terminal 20 to the washing machine 10 and the server 30 so as to be able to communicate with each other and function as a component of the laundry system 1.

[0026] Server 30 can be configured as, for example, an external server provided on the Internet, and is called a database server, a Web server, a cloud server, etc. Laundry system 1 can be configured so that communication between washing machine 10 and external terminal 20 is performed directly between them, or can be configured so that communication is performed via server 30.

[0027] When communication between the washing machine 10 and the external terminal 20 is performed via the server 30, the server 30 can store information about the washing machine 10 and the external terminal 20 required to establish the laundry system 1, such as the serial number and MAC address of the washing machine 10, in association with an ID and password set by the user. The server 30 then mediates communication between the external terminal 20 into which the ID and password have been input and the washing machine 10 associated with the ID. In this case, the server 30 functions as a so-called management server. The server 30 can also store the above-mentioned application software. In this case, the server 30 functions as a so-called application storage server. The management server and the application storage server may be different individual devices with different configurations, that is, installed in different locations.

[0028] The washing machine 10 also includes a notification processing unit 17. The notification processing unit 17 is a so-called processing block or functional block that performs specific processing. The notification processing unit 17 is virtually realized by software when a computer program stored in a storage area of ​​the washing machine control unit 16 of the washing machine 10 is executed by a CPU. The notification processing unit 17 may be configured by hardware, or may be configured by a combination of software and hardware. The notification processing unit 17 may also be provided in the external terminal 20 or the server 30.

[0029] Notification processing unit 17 can execute notification processing. The notification processing includes processing for notifying predetermined information using operation / display unit 13 of washing machine 10. Notification processing unit 17 can terminate the notification processing, for example, after continuing the notification processing for several seconds to several minutes, or can terminate the notification processing when the user performs a predetermined operation on operation / display unit 13 or the like. Notification processing unit 17 can also transmit a command to external terminal 20 via communication unit 14 to execute the notification processing using external terminal 20. Then, when external terminal 20 receives a command to execute the notification processing from washing machine 10, it causes predetermined information to be displayed on display unit 21, for example, based on the command.

[0030] Notification processing unit 17 can execute a maintenance notification that notifies information prompting the execution of maintenance related to washing machine 10 using at least one of operation / display unit 13 and external terminal 20. Maintenance includes various types of management, such as tub cleaning to remove or inhibit accumulation of dirt or black mold in washing tub 103, cleaning or washing the drainage path or circulating air duct inside washing machine 10, and refilling the treatment agent tank of automatic dispenser 12 with laundry treatment agent. Regarding the maintenance notification related to tub cleaning, notification processing unit 17 can execute the maintenance notification when either the number of operations, which is the cumulative number of times the operation has been executed, or the elapsed time since the previous tub cleaning operation was executed, reaches a respective set value.

[0031] Here, before the operation of washing machine 10 starts, the user is likely to be in the vicinity of washing machine 10, so it is difficult to say that sending a maintenance notification using external terminal 20 is effective, and it is considered that there is a high possibility that the notification to external terminal 20 will be overlooked. In addition, the user may be in the middle of performing an operation corresponding to the maintenance notification, and excessive notifications may give the user an impression of being bothersome. On the other hand, when the operation of washing machine 10 ends, it is expected that the user will not be in the vicinity of washing machine 10, so it is considered effective to send a maintenance notification using external terminal 20.

[0032] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, when notification processing unit 17 issues a maintenance notification before the start of operation of washing machine 10, it does not issue the maintenance notification using external terminal 20. On the other hand, when notification processing unit 17 issues a maintenance notification at the end of operation of washing machine 10, it issues the maintenance notification using both operation display unit 13 and external terminal 20. In this way, notification processing unit 17 can effectively make the user aware of the maintenance notification by varying targets 13, 20 used for notification depending on the notification timing. Note that "before the start of operation" refers to the time from when washing machine 10 is powered on until start key 181c is operated to start operation. "At the end of operation" refers to the period from when a series of operations ends until washing machine 10 is powered off.

[0033] When performing a maintenance notification using operation and display unit 13 before the start of operation, notification processing unit 17 restricts acceptance of operations related to operation settings in the display after powering on washing machine 10. In this case, when performing a maintenance notification using operation and display unit 13 before the start of operation, notification processing unit 17 displays pop-up screen P in front of home screen 131 displayed after powering on washing machine 10, thereby disabling operation of operation keys 18 arranged on home screen 131. That is, when performing a maintenance notification using operation and display unit 13 before the start of operation, notification processing unit 17 displays screen P showing the maintenance notification in priority to screen 131 for setting operation in the display after powering on washing machine 10. The example of FIG. 8 shows pop-up screen P1 displayed when performing a notification related to tub cleaning among maintenance notifications. Pop-up screen P1 displays a close key 42 and an execution content setting key 43 together with an explanation 41 corresponding to the type of maintenance to be performed. Close key 42 is an operation key operated to close pop-up screen P1 and display home screen 131.

[0034] The execution content setting key 43 is an operation key for transitioning to an execution content setting screen 51 for setting the content of the maintenance to be performed. The execution content setting key 43 corresponds to an operation key related to the execution of maintenance. The execution content setting key 43 displays the text "Drum maintenance", for example. When the execution content setting key 43 is operated, the execution content setting screen 51 is displayed. The execution content setting screen 51 is a setting screen for setting the execution content of tank cleaning. As shown in FIG. 9, the execution content setting screen 51 displays a close key 511 and an execution operation selection key 512. The close key 511 is an operation key that is operated to close the execution content setting screen 51 and display the home screen 131.

[0035] The execution operation selection keys 512 are operation keys for selecting the operation content when executing tank cleaning. The execution operation selection keys 512 include an operation key 512a for selecting, for example, tank cleaning operation as tank cleaning, and an operation key 512b for selecting tank cleaning drying operation. The operation key 512a displays, for example, the word "tank cleaning". The operation key 512b displays, for example, the words "tank cleaning / tank drying".

[0036] When execution operation selection key 512 is operated, detail setting screen 52 is displayed. The example in FIG. 10 shows detail setting screen 52 displayed when operation key 512a for selecting tub cleaning operation is operated. Detail setting screen 52 displays time selection key 521, which is an operation key for setting the execution time of tub cleaning, explanatory text 522 indicating the preparation contents for executing tub cleaning, start key 523, and close key 524. Time selection key 521 is an operation key for selecting the execution time of tub cleaning. The execution time of tub cleaning can be selected, for example, from 3 hours or 12 hours. Start key 523 is an operation key for starting tub cleaning. Close key 524 is an operation key operated to close detail setting screen 52 and display home screen 131. With this configuration, the user can easily perform maintenance by appropriately inputting operations from pop-up screen P1, which is displayed in the initial stage after powering on washing machine 10. This eliminates the need for the user to learn operations for performing maintenance, thereby improving usability for maintaining washing machine 10.

[0037] 11, when execution content setting key 43 is operated on pop-up screen P1, notification processing unit 17 causes external terminal 20 to display execution content setting screen 51. This allows settings related to the execution of maintenance to be made by external terminal 20, thereby improving convenience. Note that in a case where operation display unit 13 is configured with, for example, a 7-segment LED, when operation key 18 is operated to set the execution of a tub cleaning operation, terminal control unit 24 of external terminal 20 can cause display unit 21 to display execution content setting screen 51 based on a command to execute notification processing transmitted from washing machine 10.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 12 , when the notification processor 17 uses the operation / display unit 13 to notify the user about the refilling of the treatment agent tank of the automatic dispenser 12 with laundry treatment agent before the start of operation, the notification processor 17 displays a pop-up screen P2 in preference to a screen 131 for setting up operation when the washing machine 10 is powered on. In addition to an explanatory text 41 and a close key 42, the pop-up screen P2 also displays a related information confirmation key 44. The related information confirmation key 44 is an operation key for transitioning to a related information screen (not shown) that displays information related to the maintenance to be performed. The related information screen displays, for example, information related to the refilling of the treatment agent tank with laundry treatment agent, such as information about how to maintain the automatic dispenser path from the automatic dispenser 12 to the washing tub 103. In this case, the user can confirm how to maintain the automatic dispenser path by checking the related information screen.

[0039] The notification regarding the refilling of the treatment agent tank with laundry treatment agent may be made at the same time as the notification suggesting the ordering of laundry treatment agent. Here, it is assumed that the ordering of laundry treatment agent is made using the external terminal 20. For this reason, the notification processing unit 17 can make the notification regarding the refilling of the treatment agent tank with laundry treatment agent using the operation display unit 13, while the notification suggesting the ordering of laundry treatment agent can be made using the external terminal 20. This allows the user to be notified effectively and efficiently regarding the refilling and ordering of laundry treatment agent.

[0040] In this embodiment, when performing a maintenance notification at the end of operation, the notification processing unit 17 notifies the user that the operation has ended and also performs the maintenance notification. In this case, when performing a maintenance notification at the end of operation, the notification processing unit 17 notifies the user that the operation has ended and simultaneously performs the maintenance notification. As shown in FIG. 13 , when performing a maintenance notification at the end of operation, the notification processing unit 17 displays an operation end screen 61 on either or both of the operation display unit 13 and the display unit 21 of the external terminal 20. In the following description, the term "screen" may refer to the operation display unit 13 or the display unit 21.

[0041] The operation end screen 61 has a first area 611 and a second area 612. The first area 611 is an area where, for example, information 611a indicating that operation has ended is displayed. The first area 611 is displayed in an area corresponding to the main display area 131a on the home screen 13. The first area 611 displays, for example, information 611a consisting of text such as "Operation has ended," along with a maintenance mark 611b indicating a maintenance notification. The maintenance mark 611b may include, for example, an icon corresponding to the type of maintenance to be performed. In the example of FIG. 13, the maintenance mark 611b prompting the user to perform tank cleaning, an example of maintenance, is displayed in the first area 611 near the information 611a. That is, the notification processor 17 displays the maintenance notification in the same area 611 as the information 611a indicating that operation has ended. The information 611a and the maintenance mark 611b are displayed in an area corresponding to the main display area 131a.

[0042] The second area 612 is an area where, for example, information related to operation in general is displayed. The second area 612 is displayed in an area corresponding to the footer section 131c on the home screen 13. In the second area 612, for example, a setting key 181d, an automatic input key 181e, and a reservation key 181f are arranged. On the operation end screen 61, the maintenance mark 611b is arranged closer to the information 611a than the operation keys 181d, 181e, and 181f arranged in the second area 612. This prevents the user from missing the maintenance notification.

[0043] Furthermore, when a maintenance notification is issued at the end of operation, notification processor 17 can issue the maintenance notification multiple times. In this case, notification processor 17 can issue a second maintenance notification, which is different from the first maintenance notification, when garment removal detection unit 15 detects that garments have been removed from washing tub 103 after issuing a first maintenance notification at the end of operation. That is, notification processor 17 can issue a second maintenance notification when maintenance can be performed after issuing a first maintenance notification at the end of operation. In this case, notification processor 17 can be configured not to issue a second maintenance notification using external terminal 20. This can effectively prompt the user to perform maintenance while avoiding excessive urging to perform maintenance.

[0044] The first maintenance notification is, for example, a mode in which an operation end screen 61 is displayed. Then, in the second maintenance notification, for example, an execution content setting key 43 is displayed on the operation end screen 61 as shown in Fig. 14. In this case, the execution content setting key 43 is arranged in the first area 611. Without being limited to this, the second maintenance notification may be, for example, a mode in which the maintenance mark 611b on the operation end screen 61 is displayed larger than in the first maintenance notification, or a mode in which a buzzer sound or the like is generated in addition to displaying the operation end screen 61.

[0045] In this embodiment, notification processing unit 17 can issue multiple types of notifications, including a maintenance notification, based on preset priorities. The priorities are stored, for example, in a storage area of ​​washing machine control unit 16. The multiple types of notifications include an abnormality notification, a maintenance notification, and a notice notification. An abnormality notification is a notification for notifying an abnormality in washing machine 10. An abnormality refers to a state in which washing machine 10 is malfunctioning or a state in which washing machine 10 cannot operate unless a problem, such as door 102 being open or a drain filter constituting part of the drain mechanism being detached, is resolved. A state in which an abnormality notification is required is a state in which a serious error has occurred in washing machine 10. A state in which a maintenance notification is required is a state in which a moderate error has occurred in washing machine 10. A state in which a notice notification is required is a state in which a minor error has occurred in washing machine 10, and it is preferable to resolve the problem depending on the operation to be performed later, such as when water remains in washing tub 103.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 15, the maintenance notification is set to the second highest priority after the abnormality notification. In other words, the maintenance notification is set to a higher priority than the notice notification. Furthermore, among the maintenance notifications, the notification that prompts the user to perform tank cleaning is set to the highest priority. This allows the user to be prompted to perform tank cleaning preferentially when the execution conditions for multiple maintenance notifications overlap at the same time. This increases the probability of the user having the opportunity to perform tank cleaning.

[0047] Next, an example of the control content when a maintenance notification is executed at the end of operation will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Note that the example of Fig. 16 assumes that the maintenance notification is a notification to prompt the execution of tub cleaning. In addition, in the example of Fig. 16, all of the controls executed by notification processing unit 17 will be described as being mainly executed by washing machine control unit 16.

[0048] For example, when washing machine control unit 16 starts to perform an operation (START in FIG. 16), washing machine control unit 16 determines in step S11 whether the operation has ended. If the operation has ended (YES in step S11), washing machine control unit 16 increments the number of operations and the number of days elapsed, for example, by "1." Note that if the current operation is the first to be performed within the same day, the number of days elapsed is not incremented to avoid duplicate increments. The incremented number of operations and the number of days elapsed are stored, for example, in a memory area of ​​washing machine control unit 16.

[0049] Next, in step S13, washing machine control unit 16 determines whether a maintenance notification is necessary based on whether the counted number of operations or the number of elapsed days have reached their respective design values. If a maintenance notification is not necessary (NO in step S13), washing machine control unit 16 determines in step S14 whether a predetermined time Tn has elapsed since the operation ended. If the predetermined time Tn has elapsed (YES in step S14), washing machine control unit 16 turns off the power to washing machine 10 in step S15, and ends the series of control operations (END).

[0050] On the other hand, if a maintenance notification is necessary (YES in step S13), washing machine control unit 16 executes a first maintenance notification in step S16. Next, washing machine control unit 16 resets the counted number of operations and the number of days elapsed in step S17. Thereafter, washing machine control unit 16 determines whether clothes have been removed from washing tub 103 based on the detection result of clothes removal detection unit 15 in step S18. If clothes have been removed (YES in step S18), washing machine control unit 16 executes a second maintenance notification using operation display unit 13 of washing machine 10 in step S19. Then, washing machine control unit 16 proceeds to step S14 and proceeds with the subsequent processes.

[0051] On the other hand, if the clothes have not been removed (NO in step S18), washing machine control unit 16 determines in step S20 whether the time elapsed since the end of operation has exceeded predetermined time Te. If predetermined time Te has passed (YES in step S20), washing machine control unit 16 proceeds to step S15, turns off the power to washing machine 10, and ends the series of control steps. Here, predetermined time Te is set to be longer than predetermined time Tn. That is, in this embodiment, when issuing a maintenance notification at the end of operation, notification processing unit 17 sets a longer time period before turning off the power to washing machine 10 than usual. This makes it easier for the user to recognize the first maintenance notification.

[0052] On the other hand, if the predetermined time Te has not elapsed (NO in step S20), washing machine control unit 16 proceeds to step S18 and proceeds with the subsequent processes. When issuing a maintenance notification at the end of operation, notification processing unit 17 can prevent washing machine 10 from being turned off until clothes removal detection unit 15 detects that clothes have been removed from washing tub 103. This allows the user to more reliably recognize the maintenance notification.

[0053] According to the embodiment described above, laundry system 1 includes washing machine 10 having washing tub 103 for storing clothes and operation / display unit 13 for notifying the user of various information, external terminal 20 communicably connected to washing machine 10, and notification processor 17. Notification processor 17 is capable of issuing a maintenance notification that issues information encouraging the user to perform maintenance on washing machine 10 using at least one of operation / display unit 13 or external terminal 20. When issuing a maintenance notification before starting operation of washing machine 10, notification processor 17 does not issue the maintenance notification using external terminal 20. This makes it possible to issue a notification that effectively and efficiently encourages the user to perform maintenance on washing machine 10.

[0054] When performing a maintenance notification at the end of operation, notification processing unit 17 notifies the user that the operation has ended and also performs the maintenance notification. This makes it easier for the user to recognize the notification urging the user to perform maintenance on washing machine 10. This makes it possible to effectively urge the user to perform maintenance.

[0055] Notification processing unit 17 displays the maintenance notification in the same area 611 as information 611a indicating that the operation has ended on operation display unit 13 or external terminal 20. This makes it easier for the user to visually recognize the maintenance notification, and makes it easier for the user to recognize the notification urging the user to perform maintenance of washing machine 10. This makes it possible to effectively urge the user to perform maintenance.

[0056] When issuing a maintenance notification at the end of operation, the notification processor 17 extends the time until the power of the washing machine 10 is turned off longer than usual. This makes it easier for the user to recognize the notification urging the user to perform maintenance on the laundry processing device. This effectively urges the user to perform maintenance.

[0057] When performing a maintenance notification using operation display unit 13 before the start of operation, notification processing unit 17 restricts acceptance of operations related to operation settings in the display after powering on washing machine 10. This prevents the user from performing operations related to operation settings in the display after powering on washing machine 10, ensuring that the user confirms the maintenance notification. This ensures that the user confirms the maintenance notification before the start of operation. This ensures that the user is urged to perform maintenance.

[0058] Moreover, the display related to the maintenance notification includes operation keys 43 related to performing maintenance. This allows the user to easily perform maintenance when checking the maintenance notification. This improves usability regarding maintenance of washing machine 10.

[0059] When operation keys 18, 43 are operated, notification processing unit 17 displays execution content setting screen 51 related to the execution of maintenance on external terminal 20. According to this, for example, if operation display unit 13 of washing machine 10 is mainly configured with a 7-segment LED, it is considered that when operation key 18 related to the execution of maintenance is operated to make settings for performing maintenance, for example, it is difficult for the user to confirm the setting method. Therefore, when operation key 18 related to the execution of maintenance is operated, an explanation related to the execution of maintenance is displayed on external terminal 20, thereby improving operability related to the execution of maintenance.

[0060] Notification processing unit 17 can issue multiple types of notifications, including a maintenance notification, based on preset priorities. The maintenance notification is set to have the second highest priority after an abnormality notification for notifying an abnormality in washing machine 10. Thus, by setting the priority of the notification related to maintenance to be high, an opportunity to perform maintenance can be obtained appropriately.

[0061] The execution of maintenance includes the execution of a tub cleaning operation to clean washing tub 103. Notification processing unit 17 issues a maintenance notification when either the number of operations, which is the cumulative number of times the operation has been executed, or the elapsed time since the previous tub cleaning operation has been executed, reaches the respective set values. This makes it possible to accurately determine whether washing tub 103 needs to be cleaned. This allows for highly accurate maintenance notification.

[0062] The washing system 1 further includes a clothes removal detection unit 15. The clothes removal detection unit 15 detects whether clothes have been removed from the washing tub 103. After issuing a first maintenance notification at the end of operation, if the clothes removal detection unit 15 detects that clothes have been removed from the washing tub 103, the notification processing unit 17 issues a second maintenance notification in a manner different from the first maintenance notification. This allows a notification to be issued to encourage the execution of a tub cleaning operation when clothes have been removed from the washing tub 103, that is, when tub cleaning can be performed. This further improves usability regarding maintenance of the washing machine 10.

[0063] Furthermore, notification processing unit 17 does not issue the second maintenance notification using external terminal 20. Accordingly, there is a high possibility that the user will be near washing machine 10 when the second maintenance notification is to be issued. Therefore, by avoiding issuing a maintenance notification using external terminal 20 during this period, it is possible to issue a notification that effectively urges the user to perform maintenance of washing machine 10.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 17, the operation display unit 13 may be configured with a display device other than a touch panel display, such as a 7-segment LED. In this case, the multiple operation keys 18 may be configured with, for example, a capacitance-type touch sensor. Some of the multiple operation keys 18 may be configured with mechanical push buttons. When the operation display unit 13 is configured with a 7-segment LED, when a maintenance notification is executed, the notification can be made by, for example, flashing the 7-segment LED using a dedicated code corresponding to the type of maintenance notification. In FIG. 17, to make the drawing easier to understand, only some of the multiple operation keys 18 are indicated by reference numerals, and the reference numerals of the other operation keys 18 are omitted.

[0065] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included within the scope of the invention and its equivalents set forth in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1... Laundry system (clothing treatment system), 10... Washing machine (clothing treatment device), 103... Washing tub, 13... Operation display unit (notification unit), 17... Notification processing unit, 20... External terminal

Claims

1. a laundry processing device including a washing tub for storing laundry and a notification unit for notifying a user of various information; an external terminal communicably connected to the clothing processing device; a notification processing unit capable of executing a maintenance notification to notify information prompting the user to perform maintenance on the clothing processing device using at least one of the notification unit and the external terminal; When the notification processing unit executes the maintenance notification before starting operation of the clothing processing device, the notification processing unit does not execute the maintenance notification using the external terminal. Clothing processing system.

2. When the notification processing unit issues the maintenance notification at the end of the operation, the notification processing unit notifies the user that the operation has ended and issues the maintenance notification. The clothing processing system of claim 1 .

3. the notification processing unit displays the maintenance notification in the same area as information indicating that the operation has ended on the notification unit or the external terminal. The clothing processing system of claim 2 .

4. When the notification processing unit issues the maintenance notification at the end of the operation, the notification processing unit extends the time until the power of the clothing processing device is turned off longer than usual. The clothing processing system of claim 1 .

5. When the notification processing unit performs the maintenance notification using the notification unit before the start of the operation, the notification processing unit limits acceptance of operations related to setting the operation in a display after the power supply of the clothing processing device is turned on. The clothing processing system of claim 1 .

6. The display related to the maintenance notification includes an operation key related to the execution of the maintenance. The clothing processing system of claim 1 .

7. the notification processing unit, when the operation key is operated, causes the external terminal to display a setting screen related to the execution of maintenance; The clothing processing system of claim 6.

8. the notification processing unit is capable of issuing a plurality of types of notifications, including the maintenance notification, based on preset priorities; The maintenance notification is set to have the second highest priority after an abnormality notification for notifying an abnormality of the laundry processing device. The clothing processing system of claim 1 .

9. The execution of the maintenance includes execution of a tub cleaning operation to clean the washing tub, The notification processing unit executes the maintenance notification when either one of the number of operations, which is the cumulative number of times the operation has been performed, and the elapsed time since the previous tank cleaning operation has been performed reaches a respective set value. The clothing processing system of claim 1 .

10. The washing machine further includes a clothes removal detection unit that detects whether clothes have been removed from the washing tub, the notification processing unit issues a first maintenance notification at the end of the operation, and then issues a second maintenance notification in a manner different from the first maintenance notification when the clothes removal detection unit detects that clothes have been removed from the washing tub; The clothing processing system of claim 1 .

11. the notification processing unit does not issue the second maintenance notification using the external terminal; The clothing processing system of claim 10.

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