Clothing processing equipment

Abstract

This technology provides a way to prevent users from having to re-specify settings when the system is operated according to settings different from those previously specified by the user. [Solution] The garment processing device includes a processing unit that executes an operation, a storage control unit that stores first setting information determined by the user, which represents the setting of a process to be executed in the operation, in a storage unit, a specification unit that identifies the first setting information as a candidate for setting from among a plurality of setting information including the first setting information and second setting information different from the first setting information, and a setting acquisition unit that acquires the second setting information when a specific condition is met and acquires the first setting information when the specific condition is not met from among the plurality of setting information, the processing unit executes an operation according to the acquired setting information, and the specification unit may identify the first setting information as a candidate for setting regardless of which setting information was acquired in the immediately preceding operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a clothing treatment apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine having processes such as washing, rinsing, and dehydration. The washing machine can selectively execute a plurality of operation courses programmed in advance according to the state of the laundry. On the operation panel of the washing machine, a dedicated rinsing once-only operation member for setting only one rinsing time is arranged. Thereby, the user can set the rinsing time to once by operating the dedicated operation member only once.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A clothing treatment apparatus including a washing machine executes an operation including a washing process or the like according to a setting. When the setting is specified by the user, the clothing treatment apparatus executes an operation according to the specified setting. Once the setting by the user is reset, when the user uses the same setting again, the user needs to specify the setting again.

[0005] This specification provides a technique that enables the user not to specify the setting again when an operation is executed according to a setting different from the setting specified by the user in a situation where the setting is specified by the user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The technology disclosed herein relates to a garment processing apparatus. The garment processing apparatus includes a processing unit that performs an operation including at least one of the following steps: a washing step, a rinsing step, a dewatering step, and a drying step; a storage control unit that stores in a storage unit first setting information determined by a user, the first setting information representing the setting of a step to be performed in the operation; a specification unit that, when the operation is performed, identifies the first setting information as a candidate setting from among a plurality of setting information stored in the storage unit, the plurality of setting information including the first setting information and the second setting information representing the setting of a step to be performed in the operation, which is different from the first setting information; and a setting acquisition unit that acquires the second setting information from among the plurality of setting information stored in the storage unit when a specific condition is met, and acquires the first setting information when the specific condition is not met, wherein the processing unit may perform an operation according to the acquired setting information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A schematic front view of the washing machine in this embodiment is shown. [Figure 2] A schematic cross-sectional view of the II-II section in Figure 1 is shown. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the control system of the washing machine in the embodiment is shown. [Figure 4] The flowchart for the configuration change process in the example is shown below. [Figure 5] The modification operation screen for the example is shown. [Figure 6] The release settings screen for the example is shown. [Figure 7] A flowchart of the washing process in the example is shown. [Figure 8] The course selection screen for the example is shown. [Figure 9] The process change screen for the embodiment is shown. [Figure 10] The example shows the screen for the release suggestion. [Figure 11] The release screen for the example is shown. [Figure 12] The operating screen of the embodiment is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the garment processing apparatus 2 comprises a housing 4 and a washing tub 10 located inside the housing 4. The garment processing apparatus 2 further comprises a motor 14, a water supply channel 50 connected to the washing tub 10, a circulation water channel 20, and a drying air channel 30. The washing tub 10 comprises a water tank 11 and a storage tank 12 located inside the water tank 11.

[0009] The housing 4 houses the washing tub 10. The front of the housing 4 is provided with an opening 42 for loading and unloading clothes from the storage tub 12. The opening 42 communicates with the inside of the water tank 11 and the storage tub 12. The front of the housing 4 is also provided with a door 40 for opening and closing the opening 42.

[0010] The water tank 11 and the storage tank 12 within the housing 4 are arranged at an angle to the horizontal. The garment processing device 2 of this embodiment has a so-called inclined drum configuration. The water tank 11 is capable of storing water for washing. The storage tank 12, located within the water tank 11, is capable of accommodating clothes during the washing and drying operations of the garment processing device 2. The storage tank 12 is positioned within the water tank 11 in a rotatable manner and is rotationally driven by a motor 14 located within the housing 4. The motor 14 selectively rotates the storage tank 12 in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction when viewed from the opening 42.

[0011] The water supply channel 50 has its downstream end connected to the top of the water tank 11. The upstream end of the water supply channel 50 is connected to a water source (for example, a water supply system). The water supply channel 50 supplies water from the water source into the water tank 11. The water supply channel 50 is equipped with a water supply valve 52, and when the water supply valve 52 is opened, water is supplied into the water tank 11.

[0012] A circulation water path 20 is connected to the water tank 11. The circulation water path 20 is a path for circulating the water discharged from the water tank 11 and returning it to the water tank 11 again. The circulation water path 20 can take water from the bottom of the water stored in the water tank 11 (i.e., the washing tub 10), pass it through the filter 17, and then return it to the water tank 11 (i.e., the washing tub 10).

[0013] The drying air path 30 is a path through which air for drying clothes flows. The upstream end and the downstream end of the drying air path 30 are connected to the water tank 11. The drying air path 30 can circulate the air discharged from the water tank 11 and return it to the water tank 11 again.

[0014] The drying air path 30 includes, in order from the upstream side, an exhaust air path 31, a heat exchange air path 32, and an air supply path 33. The upstream end of the exhaust air path 31 is connected to an exhaust port 71 provided at the upper part of the water tank 11. During the execution of the drying operation, the air in the water tank 11 and the storage tank 12 is discharged into the exhaust air path 31 through the exhaust port 71. The downstream end of the exhaust air path 31 is connected to the heat exchange air path 32. The air flowing through the exhaust air path 31 is sent to the heat exchange air path 32.

[0015] The heat exchange air path 32 is provided between the exhaust air path 31 and the air supply path 33. The upstream end of the heat exchange air path 32 is connected to the exhaust air path 31, and the downstream end of the heat exchange air path 32 is connected to the air supply path 33.

[0016] An evaporator and a condenser (both not shown) of the heat pump 80 are arranged in the heat exchange air path 32. By the evaporator and the condenser of the heat pump 80, the air flowing through the heat exchange air path 32 is dehumidified and heated. Thereby, during the execution of the drying operation, the air supplied into the water tank 11 and the storage tank 12 is dehumidified and heated. Note that since the principle of the heat pump 80 is already known, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0017] In addition, a blower fan 81 is disposed in the heat exchange air passage 32. The blower fan 81 is disposed in the heat exchange air passage 32 in a rotatable state and rotates by the drive of a motor 83. When the blower fan 81 rotates during the execution of the drying operation, air is sent from the upstream side to the downstream side of the heat exchange air passage 32. The air flowing through the heat exchange air passage 32 is sent to the air supply passage 33.

[0018] The upstream end of the air supply passage 33 is connected to the heat exchange air passage 32, and the downstream end of the air supply passage 33 is connected to an air supply port 72 provided at the rear of the water tank 11. During the execution of the drying operation, the air flowing through the air supply passage 33 is supplied into the water tank 11 and the storage tank 12 through the air supply port 72. The clothes in the storage tank 12 are dried by the air supplied into the storage tank 12.

[0019] The clothes processing apparatus 2 further includes a clothes sensor 62 and a control unit 100. The clothes sensor 62 detects whether the clothes in the storage tank 12 have been taken out of the storage tank 12. The clothes sensor 62 is, for example, a weight sensor capable of detecting the weight of the clothes in the storage tank 12. In this case, when the detected weight of the clothes sensor 62 (weight sensor) changes from a predetermined threshold value or more to less than the threshold value, it is determined that the clothes in the storage tank 12 have been taken out. On the other hand, when the detected weight of the clothes sensor 62 (weight sensor) does not change from a predetermined threshold value or more to less than the threshold value, it is determined that the clothes in the storage tank 12 have not been taken out.

[0020] In a modification, the clothes sensor 62 may be an opening / closing sensor capable of detecting the opening and closing of a door 40 provided on the housing 4 of the clothes processing apparatus 2. In this case, when the clothes sensor 62 (opening / closing sensor) detects the opening and closing of the door 40 after the washing operation or the drying operation is completed, it is determined that the clothes in the storage tank 12 have been taken out. On the other hand, when the clothes sensor 62 (opening / closing sensor) does not detect the opening and closing of the door 40 after the washing operation or the drying operation is completed, it is determined that the clothes in the storage tank 12 have not been taken out.

[0021] The garment processing device 2 is equipped with a display unit 200 on the front side of the housing 4. The display unit 200 is equipped with a liquid crystal panel. The display unit 200 displays various screens. The display unit 200 is a touch panel that allows user operation. In other words, the display unit 200 also has the functions of an operation unit. The user makes the garment processing device 2 perform processing by operating the display unit 200. In modified examples, the display unit 200 and the operation unit may be arranged separately. The operation unit may be equipped with multiple buttons.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, the garment processing device 2 includes a communication unit 202 within the housing 4. The communication unit 202 includes, for example, a communication interface for performing wireless communication such as wireless LAN. The communication unit 202 is used for the garment processing device 2 to communicate with, for example, a user's terminal device (e.g., a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet, a PC, etc.) 300.

[0023] The garment processing device 2 includes a storage unit 204 within the housing 4. The storage unit 204 includes memory such as ROM and RAM. The storage unit 204 stores various types of information used when the garment processing device 2 operates, such as computer programs and setting information.

[0024] The control unit 100 includes, for example, a CPU. The control unit 100 causes the clothing processing device 2 to execute processing according to a computer program stored in the storage unit 204. The processing that the control unit 100 executes will be described later.

[0025] The control unit 100 causes the garment processing device 2 to perform a washing operation, a drying operation, and a tub cleaning operation. The washing operation is an operation in which the garments are washed while they are contained in the storage tub 12. The washing operation includes, for example, a washing step, a rinsing step, and a spin-drying step. The drying operation is an operation in which the garments are dried while they are contained in the storage tub 12.

[0026] The tank cleaning operation is an operation in which the water tank 11 and the storage tank 12 are cleaned when no clothes are stored in the storage tank 12. During the tank cleaning operation, water is supplied to the water tank 11 through the water supply channel 50. Also, during the tank cleaning operation, the water in the water tank 11 is circulated by operating the circulation pump 21 while water is stored in the water tank 11. During the tank cleaning operation, the water in the water tank 11 is circulated through the circulation channel 20 and the water tank 11, so the inside of the circulation channel 20 is also cleaned.

[0027] The control unit 100 performs a washing operation according to the operating course determined by the user. The operating course is selected by the user from a plurality of courses, including a standard course, a soak course, a speed course, a small load course, etc. In a modified example, the control unit 100 may automatically select the operating course. The storage unit 204 stores course setting information 204a in advance for each of the plurality of courses, which represents the course settings according to the operating course, such as the duration of the washing, rinsing, and spinning processes, the rotation mode of the washing tub 10 (rotation speed, rotation count, rotation duration, etc.), and the amount of water. The user can determine the operating course by operating the screen displayed on the display unit 200. The user can further adjust the course settings included in the course setting information 204a of the determined operating course by operating the screen displayed on the display unit 200. For example, the user can change the duration of the washing process in the standard course from 5 minutes to 10 minutes.

[0028] The control unit 100 also performs the washing operation according to hidden settings in addition to the course settings. The hidden settings include the following options: "Automatic Cleaning," "Silent Spin-Drying," "Eco Mode," "Post-Spin-Drying Loosening Operation," "No End Buzzer," and "Use Bath Water." In "Automatic Cleaning," to suppress mold growth in the washing tub 10 between the rinsing and spin-drying processes, the control unit 100 supplies water to the washing tub 10 and rotates it to clean the washing tub 10. The hidden settings are different from the course settings and can be described as additional settings that are added to the operating course. The control unit 100 can perform the washing operation even if the hidden settings are not set, as long as the course settings are set.

[0029] Furthermore, hidden settings are settings that can be accessed (i.e., displaying setting items and settings on the display unit 200, and changing settings by operating the display unit 200) through a predetermined specific operation (for example, pressing and holding a designated button located on the control panel, or pressing multiple buttons simultaneously). In other words, hidden items are settings that cannot be accessed (i.e., hidden) unless the user performs a specific operation.

[0030] When "Automatic Cleaning" is performed, mold growth in the washing tub 10 is suppressed, but the washing cycle duration is extended. In "Silent Spin-Drying" mode, the control unit 100 reduces the rotation speed of the washing tub 10 compared to when "Silent Spin-Drying" is not performed, in order to suppress the noise generated during the spin-drying process. When "Silent Spin-Drying" is performed, noise can be suppressed, but the washing cycle duration is extended. In "Eco Mode," the control unit 100 adjusts the duration of the washing process according to the temperature of the water supplied to the washing tub 10. As a result, in "Eco Mode," the duration of the washing process can be shortened depending on the temperature of the water supplied to the washing tub 10. On the other hand, in "Eco Mode," the duration of the washing process can be extended depending on the temperature of the water supplied to the washing tub 10.

[0031] In the "post-spin-to-loosening operation," the control unit 100 uses the rotation of the washing tub 10, airflow, etc., to loosen the clothes after the spin-drying process in order to prevent the clothes to be washed in the washing tub 10 from becoming entangled with each other. When the "post-spin-to-loosening operation" is performed, it becomes easier to remove the clothes from the washing tub 10, but the washing cycle is extended. In the "no completion buzzer" mode, the control unit 100 causes the speaker (not shown) of the clothing processing device 2 to output a buzzer sound after the washing cycle is finished. When the "no completion buzzer" mode is performed, the user can recognize that the washing cycle has finished, but it is not suitable for situations where noise should be suppressed, such as at night. In the "bath water utilization" mode, in order to supply water accumulated in the bathtub (not shown) located around the clothing processing device 2 to the washing tub 10, the control unit 100 uses the pump and hose of the clothing processing device 2 to suck water from the bathtub and supply it to the washing tub 10. When "bath water reuse" is implemented, the water in the bathtub can be reused, but it generates noise from the pump and extends the duration of the washing cycle.

[0032] (Settings change process) The storage unit 204 stores initial hidden setting information 204b, which represents the initial hidden settings. The initial hidden settings are the default hidden settings stored in the storage unit 204 when the garment processing device 2 is shipped. The initial hidden setting information 204b combines multiple setting items representing "automatic cleaning," "silent spin-drying," "eco mode," "loosening operation after spin-drying," "no end buzzer," and "use of bath water" as hidden settings, and for each of the multiple setting items, either on (i.e., the setting is executed) or off (i.e., the setting is not executed). In one example, the initial hidden settings are set so that all setting items are not executed. In a modified example, the initial hidden settings may be set so that one or more setting items are executed. For this reason, the initial hidden setting information 204b combines an off (i.e., not executed) setting for all setting items. The user can change the hidden settings from the initial hidden setting information 204b by operating the display unit 200. The user-hidden setting information, which is the changed hidden setting, is stored in the storage unit 204 as user-hidden setting information 204c, together with the initial hidden setting information 204b. The control unit 100 executes the setting change process shown in Figure 4 in response to user operation. If user-hidden setting information 204c is not stored, the control unit 100 sets a flag for the initial hidden setting information 204b indicating that it is a hidden setting that should be executed during the washing cycle. If user-hidden setting information 204c is stored, the control unit 100 sets an execution flag for user-hidden setting information 204c indicating that it is a hidden setting that should be executed during the washing cycle.

[0033] When a user touches the display unit 200 while a washing, drying, or tub cleaning operation is not being performed, the control unit 100 displays an initial screen on the display unit 200. The initial screen includes an image representing multiple buttons, including buttons for the user to perform a setting change process to change hidden settings, and buttons for the garment processing device 2 to start operation. In this specification, the image representing buttons displayed on the display unit 200 may be simply referred to as "buttons." Also, the act of a user touching the image representing buttons displayed on the display unit 200 may be described as the user operating a button. The setting change process starts when the user operates the button for performing the setting change process.

[0034] In the setting change process, in S12, the control unit 100 displays the change operation screen 222 shown in Figure 5. The change operation screen 222 is a screen for accepting user operations to change hidden settings. The change operation screen 222 displays strings 222a for "Automatic Cleaning," "Silent Spin-Drying," "Eco Mode," "Post-Spin-Drying Loosening Operation," "No End Buzzer," and "Use Bath Water," and next to each string 222a are toggle buttons 222b for switching between on and off. If user hidden setting information 204c is stored in the storage unit 204, the control unit 100 sets the toggle buttons 222b to match the on or off settings included in the user hidden setting information 204c. If user hidden setting information 204c is not stored in the storage unit 204, the control unit 100 sets the toggle buttons 222b to match the on and off settings included in the initial hidden setting information 204b.

[0035] The user can switch each of several setting items on and off by operating the toggle button 222b. When a setting item is set to on, the setting represented by that setting item is executed. When a hidden setting is set to off, the setting represented by that hidden setting item is not executed. The appearance of the change operation screen 222 is not particularly limited. The change operation screen 222 only needs to be displayed in such a way that the user can select whether to turn on or off "automatic cleaning," "silent spin-drying," "eco mode," "loosening operation after spin-drying," "no end buzzer," and "use of bath water."

[0036] The change operation screen 222 further includes a release restriction setting button 222c. The release restriction setting button 222c is a button that displays a release setting screen 226 (see Figure 6) on the display unit 200 for the user to select the setting items that should be restricted from being released, i.e., the settings that should be maintained, when the hidden settings are released in the washing process described later. In S14, the control unit 100 determines whether or not it has received a release restriction start operation. Specifically, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the release restriction setting button 222c has been operated. If the release restriction setting button 222c is not operated, i.e., the release restriction start operation is not received (NO in S14), the process proceeds to S16. If the release restriction setting button is not operated, i.e., the release restriction start operation is received (YES in S14), the process proceeds to S24.

[0037] In S16, the control unit 100 determines whether or not it has accepted the change operation. Specifically, the control unit 100 determines that it has accepted the change operation (YES in S16) when one toggle button 222b is operated. If YES in S16, in S18, the control unit 100 temporarily stores in the storage unit 204 the setting item that is displayed in combination with the operated toggle button 222b, and the setting item that represents on or off after being switched by the operation of the toggle button 222b, and proceeds to S20.

[0038] If the control unit 100 does not accept the change operation (NO in S16), it skips S18 and proceeds to S20. In S20, the control unit 100 determines whether or not it has accepted the change completion operation. Specifically, if the complete button 222d included in the change operation screen 222 is operated, the control unit 100 determines that it has accepted the change completion operation (YES in S20) and proceeds to S22. If the control unit 100 does not accept the change completion operation (NO in S20), it returns to S14.

[0039] In S22, the control unit 100 generates user-hidden setting information 204c using the combination of setting items and settings temporarily stored in S18. Specifically, if user-hidden setting information 204c is already stored in the storage unit 204, the control unit 100 generates new user-hidden setting information 204c by changing the settings corresponding to the settings that have been changed in the combination of setting items and settings temporarily stored in S18. If user-hidden setting information 204c is not stored in the storage unit 204, that is, if the hidden settings are changed by the user for the first time from the initial state of the clothing processing device 2, the control unit 100 generates new user-hidden setting information 204b by changing the settings corresponding to the settings that have been changed in the combination of setting items and settings temporarily stored in S18. Next, the control unit 100 stores the generated user-hidden setting information in the storage unit 204 and terminates the setting change process.

[0040] In S24, the control unit 100 displays the release setting screen 226 shown in Figure 6 on the display unit 200. The release setting screen 226 includes multiple hidden setting items 226a and a button 226b for selecting whether to release or not release the hidden setting for the setting item. By operating the button 226b, the user can select whether to release (i.e., "release") or not release (i.e., "leave as is") for each of the multiple setting items.

[0041] In S26, the control unit 100 identifies the setting item that the user has selected to be released (i.e., "released") by operating button 226b. In S28, when the user operates the confirm button 226c included in the release setting screen 226, the control unit 100 stores the setting item identified in S26 as release restriction information 204d in the storage unit 204 and terminates the setting change process. In a modified example, in S26, the setting item that has been selected not to be released (i.e., "leave as is") may be identified.

[0042] Once the setting change process is complete, the storage unit 204 stores either the initial hidden setting information 204b, user hidden setting information 204c, or the release restriction information 204d. The control unit 100 executes the washing operation according to the hidden setting identified using either the initial hidden setting information 204b or the user hidden setting information 204c, and the release restriction information 204d. In other words, unlike normal course settings, once the setting is changed by the user and the user hidden setting information 204c is stored, the user hidden setting is retained for subsequent washing operations and does not revert to the default initial hidden setting.

[0043] (Laundry process) Next, the washing process performed by the control unit 100 will be described. During the washing process, the control unit 100 causes the garment processing device 2 to perform a washing operation according to the user's instructions. The washing process begins when the user performs a wash start operation on the display unit 200. During the wash start operation, the user operates a button on the initial screen to cause the garment processing device 2 to start the operation.

[0044] As shown in Figure 7, in the washing process, when the washing start operation is received, in S42, the control unit 100 displays the course selection screen 220 shown in Figure 8 on the display unit 200. The course selection screen 220 includes multiple course selection buttons 220b representing multiple operating courses. When one of the multiple course selection buttons 220b is operated by the user, the control unit 100 displays the course setting 220c of the operating course represented by the operated course selection button 220b on the course selection screen 220. The course setting is obtained from course setting information 204a stored in the storage unit 204. The course setting includes the duration and number of times each of the washing, rinsing, and spinning processes included in the operating course. The user can select an operating course by operating the course selection screen 220.

[0045] The user can further modify the course settings of the selected driving course. Specifically, when the user operates the change button 220d included in the course selection screen 220, the control unit 100 displays the process change screen 224 shown in Figure 9 on the display unit 200. The user can change the duration of the washing process, the number of rinses in the rinsing process, and the duration of the spin-drying process by operating the arrow buttons 224a included in the process change screen 224 to change the duration and number of times. Furthermore, by operating the buttons included in the process change screen 224, the control unit 100 can cancel one of the washing, rinsing, or spin-drying processes, or return to the course selection screen 220.

[0046] The user can further change the hidden setting from user-hidden setting information 204c to initial hidden setting information 204b by operating either of the hidden setting release buttons 220f or 224f included in the course selection screen 220 or process change screen 224. In this specification, changing the hidden setting from user-hidden setting information 204c may be expressed as releasing the hidden setting. For example, when the user has not operated the hidden setting release buttons 220f or 224f, i.e., when the hidden setting release is off, the hidden setting release buttons 220f and 224f are not lit and are displayed dimmer than the surrounding areas of the course selection screen 220 or process change screen 224. When the user operates the hidden setting release buttons 220f or 224f, i.e., when the hidden setting release is switched from off to on, the hidden setting release buttons 220f and 224f are lit. When the hidden setting release is on, the hidden setting release buttons 220f and 224f remain lit. Since the hidden setting release buttons 220f and 224f are included in both the course selection screen 220 and the process change screen 224, the user can choose whether or not to release the hidden setting not only when setting a course (i.e., while the course selection screen 220 is displayed) but also when setting a process change (i.e., while the process change screen 224 is displayed). In S44, the control unit 100 receives the user's operation on the display unit 200 and acquires the settings, including the selected driving course, the changes to each process included in the driving course, and whether or not to release the hidden setting. The control unit 100 temporarily stores the acquired settings in the storage unit 204.

[0047] In S46, the control unit 100 determines whether or not it has received a setting completion operation from the user. Specifically, the user can perform the setting completion operation by operating either the start button 220g or 224g included in the course selection screen 220 and the process change screen 224. After the user has selected a washing course and, if necessary, performed operations to change each process included in the washing course and to clear hidden settings, and has determined the desired settings for the washing operation, they can operate either the start button 220g or 224g to indicate that the settings are complete. If the setting completion operation is not received (NO in S46), the process returns to S44.

[0048] On the other hand, if the setting completion operation is accepted (YES in S46), in S48 the control unit 100 determines whether or not to release the hidden setting. Specifically, if the setting contents acquired in S44 include the fact that the hidden setting should be released, the control unit 100 determines that the hidden setting should be released (YES in S48) and proceeds to S54. On the other hand, if the setting contents acquired in S44 do not include the fact that the hidden setting should be released, the control unit 100 determines that the hidden setting should not be released (NO in S48) and proceeds to S50.

[0049] In S50, the control unit 100 determines whether the operating course selected in S44 is a setting release course that suggests releasing the hidden setting. The storage unit 204 stores release course information 204e that represents the setting release course in advance. The release course information 204e is stored when the garment processing device 2 is manufactured. The setting release courses represented by the release course information 204e include operating courses in which it is preferable for the hidden setting executed during the washing operation to be the initial hidden setting when the garment processing device 2 performs a washing operation according to the operating course. Specifically, the setting release course may be a course that shortens the washing operation period or a course that uses a small amount of water (e.g., a speed course, a small amount course).

[0050] If the driving course selected in S44 is different from the course to be deactivated (NO in S50), the process proceeds to S68. On the other hand, if the driving course selected in S44 is included in the course to be deactivated (YES in S50), in S52, the control unit 100 displays the deactivation suggestion screen 230 shown in Figure 10 on the display unit 200. This allows the user to recognize that it is preferable to change the hidden setting from the user hidden setting to the initial hidden setting. The deactivation suggestion screen 230 includes a string 230a that asks the user whether to change the hidden setting to the initial hidden setting, i.e., to deactivate the hidden setting, a button 230b that indicates that deactivation is not allowed, and a button 230c that indicates that deactivation is allowed.

[0051] The deactivation suggestion screen 230 may include a string 230d representing a setting item whose setting will be deactivated, that is, a setting item whose setting will be changed to the initial hidden setting. In this case, it may be determined whether or not there is a deactivation restriction, similar to the process in S56 described later.

[0052] The user checks the release suggestion screen 230 and decides whether to allow the release, and operates either button 230b or 230c according to the decision. In S54, the control unit 100 determines whether it has received a release permission operation from the user. Specifically, the control unit 100 determines whether the user has operated button 230c, which indicates that the release is permitted. If a release denial operation is performed, which is the operation of button 230b, which indicates that the release is not permitted (NO in S54), the process proceeds to S68. On the other hand, if a release permission operation is performed (YES in S54), the process proceeds to S56.

[0053] In S56, the control unit 100 determines whether the user has performed the action to disable the hidden setting restriction. Specifically, the control unit 100 determines whether the disabling restriction information 204d is stored in the storage unit 204. If the disabling restriction information 204d is stored in the storage unit 204 (YES in S56), in S60, the control unit 100 changes the settings for the setting items that do not have a disabling restriction, i.e., the setting items that should be disabled (i.e., the setting items included in the disabling restriction information 204d), to match the initial hidden setting. This generates a new hidden setting. While the washing operation is running, the control unit 100 temporarily stores the hidden setting information representing the newly generated hidden setting in the storage unit 204 and sets an execution flag on the stored new hidden setting information. When the washing operation is finished, the control unit 100 deletes the stored new hidden setting information. Next, in S62, the control unit 100 displays the disabling screen 232 shown in Figure 11 on the display unit 200. The deactivation screen 232 includes a string 232a indicating that the setting is to be deactivated, a string 232b representing the setting item to change the hidden setting back to the initial hidden setting, and a button 232c for closing the deactivation screen 232. This allows the user to recognize which of the hidden setting items will be deactivated. When the user operates button 232c, the control unit 100 proceeds to S68.

[0054] If no setting item is stored in the storage unit 204 (NO in S56), in S64, the control unit 100 changes the hidden setting from the user hidden setting to the initial hidden setting. That is, the control unit 100 moves the execution flag set in the user hidden setting information 204c to the initial hidden setting information 204b. Next, in S66, the control unit 100 displays the release screen 232 on the display unit 200, similar to S62. When the user operates button 232c, the control unit 100 proceeds to S68.

[0055] In S68, the control unit 100 executes a washing operation. Specifically, it uses the course setting acquired in S44 and the hidden settings identified in S50 to S66 to execute at least one of the following processes: washing, rinsing, and spinning. As shown in Figure 12, while the washing operation is in progress, the control unit 100 causes the display unit 200 to display an operation screen 234 showing the process being executed in the washing operation, the remaining time, whether or not the hidden settings have been cleared, etc.

[0056] When the washing cycle is finished, in S70, the control unit 100 changes the hidden setting to a user-hidden setting and terminates the washing process. Specifically, the control unit 100 moves the execution flag in the storage unit 204 to the user-hidden setting information 204c. When the washing process is finished, the power to the garment processing device 2 switches from on to off.

[0057] Furthermore, if user-hidden setting information 204c is not stored in the storage unit 204 when the washing process is executed, the control unit 100 displays on the display unit 200 that the user cannot operate the release buttons 220f and 224f. In this case, if NO is determined in S48, S50 is skipped and the process proceeds to S68.

[0058] (effect) The garment processing device 2 allows the user to change the hidden settings performed during the washing cycle from the initial hidden settings. User-defined settings are stored in the storage unit 204 as user-defined hidden setting information 204c, along with the initial hidden setting information 204b. This allows the user to have the garment processing device 2 execute hidden settings according to the user-defined hidden setting information 204c, according to the user's preferences.

[0059] Furthermore, in the garment processing device 2, the hidden setting can be reset from the user-hidden setting to the initial hidden setting by user instruction, i.e., a setting reset operation (YES in S48). This allows the washing operation to be performed according to the user's wishes.

[0060] Furthermore, the garment processing device 2 proposes to deactivate the hidden setting from the user hidden setting to the initial hidden setting in accordance with the operating course selected by the user (S52). This allows the user to know that, for the selected operating course, the initial hidden setting is preferable to the user hidden setting. In addition, by allowing the user to deactivate the hidden setting from the user hidden setting to the initial hidden setting (YES in S54), the hidden setting can be deactivated from the user hidden setting to the initial hidden setting.

[0061] In a modified example, if the operating course selected in S44 is a setting cancellation course (YES in S50), the control unit 100 may execute S56 without suggesting setting cancellation to the user, that is, without executing the processes in S52 and S54. This allows the hidden setting to be automatically reset from a user-hidden setting to an initial hidden setting if the operating course selected in S44 is a setting cancellation course (YES in S50). In another modified example, if the operating course selected in S44 is a setting cancellation course (YES in S50), in S52, the control unit 100 may suggest setting items to be canceled according to the setting content and characteristics of the operating course acquired in S44 (for example, the soaking course takes longer than other operating courses, the speed course takes shorter than other operating courses, etc., differences compared to other operating courses). Furthermore, in a modified example, the control unit 100 may cumulatively store operating history information of operating courses and canceled setting items in already executed washing operations. In S50, if the driving course selected in S44 is a course to cancel settings (YES in S50), in S52, the control unit 100 may use the stored driving history information to suggest the setting items to be canceled (for example, the optimal setting to cancel based on the history of multiple uses). The user may be able to choose whether or not to accept the suggestion.

[0062] In the garment processing device 2, even after the user-hidden setting has been reset to the initial hidden setting, the user-hidden setting information 204c is stored in the storage unit 204. After the user-hidden setting has been reset to the initial hidden setting and the washing cycle is completed, the hidden setting is reset from the initial hidden setting to the user-hidden setting for the next washing cycle. That is, the execution flag is moved from the initial hidden setting information 204b to the user-hidden setting information 204c. As a result, even after the user-hidden setting has been reset to the initial hidden setting, the user-hidden setting information 204c can be used again without the user having to perform a setting change process again on the control unit 100.

[0063] In the clothing processing device 2, the user can set restrictions on deactivating settings (S26, 28). This prevents the user from deactivating settings for settings among the multiple settings included in the hidden settings that they do not want to be changed from the user-hidden settings to the initial hidden settings.

[0064] The control unit 100 can perform setting change processing and washing processing by communicating with the user terminal 300 via the communication unit 202. Specifically, the user establishes a connection between the user terminal 300 and the garment processing device 2 using the user terminal 300. As a result, the control unit 100 displays an initial screen on the display unit 302 (see Figure 3) of the user terminal 300. The control unit 100 displays the screen on the display unit 302 instead of the display unit 200 and performs processing according to the operations performed by the user on the user terminal 300. With this configuration, the user can have the garment processing device 2 perform processing from a location away from the garment processing device 2. In addition to the display unit 302, the user terminal 300 may also be equipped with an operation unit such as a keyboard.

[0065] (Correspondence) The control unit 100 that executes the process in S68 is an example of a "processing unit". The control unit 100 that executes the process in S22 is an example of a "storage control unit". In the process in S70, etc., the control unit 100 that executes the process of setting an execution flag in the user-hidden setting information 204c is an example of a "specification unit". Also, the process of setting an execution flag in the user-hidden setting information 204c is an example of the process of "specifying the first setting information as a setting candidate". The control unit 100 that executes the processes in S48 to S56 and S60, S64 is an example of a "setting acquisition unit". The control unit 100 that executes the process in S54 is an example of a "reception unit". The release permission operation in S54 is an example of a "specification operation". The control unit 100 that executes the process in S52 is an example of an "output control unit". The display units 200 and 302 are examples of "output units".

[0066] User-hidden setting information 204c is an example of "first setting information," initial hidden setting information 204b is an example of "second setting information," and new hidden setting information acquired in S60 is an example of "third setting information." The setting cancellation course is an example of a "specific driving course." In S26, the setting item selected to be cancelled (i.e., "cancel") is an example of a "specific setting item." Cancellation restriction information 204d is an example of "item information related to a specific setting item." In this modified example, the cancellation restriction information 204d may represent information that indicates a setting item that has been selected not to be cancelled (i.e., "leave as is"). A setting item that has been selected not to be cancelled (i.e., "leave as is") is a setting item related to a setting item that has been selected to be cancelled (i.e., "cancel"). Therefore, the cancellation restriction information 204d in this modified example can be said to be "item information related to a specific setting item."

[0067] (modified version) (1) The control unit 100 does not have to accept the release restriction during the setting change process. That is, the control unit 100 does not have to execute processes S14, S26 and S28 during the setting change process. In this case, the control unit 100 does not have to execute processes S58, S60 and S62 during the washing process.

[0068] (2) The control unit 100 does not have to execute S50 in the setting change process. That is, it does not have to accept the user's operation to disable the hidden setting.

[0069] (3) The control unit 100 does not have to execute S52, S54 and S56 in the setting change process. That is, it does not have to propose setting cancellation and cancel the setting depending on the selected driving course.

[0070] (4) The control unit 100 may also perform hidden settings during the drying operation. In this case, it may be possible to set user-hidden settings for the hidden settings during the drying operation. In this configuration, the control unit 100 may, during the drying operation, reset the user-hidden settings to the initial hidden settings, similar to the washing operation, and then return them to the user-hidden settings after the drying operation. The garment processing device 2 may not be able to perform the washing operation but may be able to perform the drying operation.

[0071] (5) The garment processing device 2 does not need to be able to perform a drying operation.

[0072] (6) When user-hidden setting information 204c is already stored in the storage unit 204, and a setting change process is executed, the user-hidden setting identified by the user in the setting change process may be additionally stored in the storage unit 204 without deleting the user-hidden setting information 204c. In other words, the storage unit 204 may store multiple user-hidden setting information. The user may be able to identify the user-hidden setting to be executed according to the operating course. The control unit 100 may store in the storage unit 204 a combination of the operating course identified by the user and the user-hidden setting information representing the user-hidden setting. In the washing process, the control unit 100 may identify the user-hidden setting according to the operating course acquired in S44.

[0073] (7) The storage unit 204 does not have to store the initial hidden setting information 204b. For example, if user hidden setting information 204c is stored, the control unit 100 may delete the initial hidden setting information 204b. In this case, the control unit 100 may be able to store multiple user hidden setting information in the storage unit 204. The control unit 100 may set an execution flag on any of the multiple user hidden setting information. During the washing process, the control unit 100 may acquire any of the multiple user hidden setting information and execute it in the washing operation. After the washing operation, the control unit 100 may set an execution flag on the specific user hidden setting information.

[0074] (8) In S62, the control unit 100 displays the release screen 232 on the display unit 200. The release screen 232 may include a string indicating that the setting will not be released, i.e., that the setting will not be changed; a string indicating a setting item that will not be changed from a hidden setting to an initial hidden setting; and a button 232c for closing the release screen 232. In this modified example, the string indicating a setting item that will not be changed from a hidden setting to an initial hidden setting is an example of "information related to a setting item for which a setting item different from the plurality of setting items included in the first setting information is set." The release screen 232 may also include a first string indicating a setting item that will be changed from a hidden setting to an initial hidden setting; a second string indicating that the setting item represented by the first string will be changed to an initial hidden setting; a third string indicating a setting item that will not be changed from a hidden setting to an initial hidden setting; and a fourth string indicating that the setting item represented by the third string will not be changed to an initial hidden setting. In this modified example, the first to fourth strings are examples of "information related to a setting item for which a setting item different from the multiple setting items included in the first setting information is set."

[0075] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technologies described in the claims include various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. The technical elements described in this specification or drawings exhibit technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technologies illustrated in this specification or drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives itself constitutes technical usefulness. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0076] 2: Garment processing device, 100: Control unit, 200: Display unit, 202: Communication unit, 204: Storage unit, 204a: Course setting information, 204b: Initial hidden setting information, 204c: User hidden setting information, 204d: Release restriction information, 204e: Release course information, 220: Course selection screen, 222: Change operation screen, 224: Process change screen, 226: Release setting screen, 230: Release suggestion screen, 234: Operation screen, 300: User terminal, 302: Display unit

Claims

1. A processing unit that performs an operation including at least one of the following steps: washing, rinsing, dewatering, and drying. A storage control unit that stores first setting information determined by the user, which represents the setting of a process to be performed in the operation, in a storage unit; When the aforementioned operation is performed, the storage unit contains a plurality of setting information, which includes the first setting information and the second setting information representing the setting of a process to be performed in the aforementioned operation and which is different from the first setting information, and the identification unit identifies the first setting information as a candidate for setting from among the plurality of setting information, The storage unit includes a setting acquisition unit which acquires the second setting information when a specific condition is met, and acquires the first setting information when the specific condition is not met, among the plurality of setting information stored in the storage unit. The processing unit is a garment processing device that performs the operation according to the acquired setting information.

2. The system further includes a reception unit that receives notification that a specific operation has been performed by the aforementioned user, The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific condition includes acknowledging that the specific operation has been performed.

3. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising an output control unit that causes the output unit to output information indicating that the specific operation for selecting the second setting information from the plurality of setting information can be performed.

4. The processing unit executes the operation according to one of the multiple operation courses. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned specific condition includes the case where the operating course being performed is a specific operating course among the plurality of operating courses.

5. Each of the aforementioned plurality of setting information includes a plurality of setting items and setting details for each of the plurality of aforementioned setting items, The storage control unit stores in the storage unit item information related to the specific setting item to be changed to the setting item included in the second setting information when the specific condition is met among the plurality of setting items, which is a specific setting item determined by the user. The garment processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the setting acquisition unit acquires third setting information in which, when the specific condition is met and the item information is stored, the setting items for the specific setting item included in the first setting information are changed to the setting items for the specific setting item included in the second setting information, and the setting items for setting items other than the specific setting item included in the first setting information are maintained as the setting items for setting items other than the specific setting item included in the first setting information.

6. A communication unit that performs communication with an external device that can be operated by the user, The system further comprises the aforementioned user-operable control unit, The garment processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the receiving unit receives that the specific operation has been performed from the external device when the specific operation is performed on the external device by the user, and when the specific operation is performed on the operating unit by the user.

7. Each of the aforementioned plurality of setting information includes a plurality of setting items and setting details for each of the plurality of aforementioned setting items, The garment processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an output control unit that, when the above-mentioned specific conditions are met, causes the output unit to output information relating to a setting item for which, among the plurality of setting items for the plurality of setting items included in the second setting information, a setting item different from the plurality of setting items for the plurality of setting items included in the first setting information is set.

8. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second setting information is default setting information pre-stored in the storage unit.

Images