Washing machines and washing systems

Abstract

This disclosure provides a washing machine and washing system that can accurately provide notifications regarding maintenance of the drain filter or maintenance other than the drain filter. [Solution] The washing machine of the present disclosure comprises a housing, a washing tub disposed inside the housing, a drainage path for discharging the washing water from the washing tub to the outside of the housing, a drainage filter provided in the drainage path for collecting foreign matter, and a control device for controlling the washing process, wherein the control device notifies information regarding the state of the drainage filter based on the open / closed state of the drainage filter and information regarding the drainage state of the washing water from the washing tub.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a washing machine and a washing system. [Background Art]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a laundry processing apparatus comprising: a housing; a water tub swingably provided in the housing; a drainage path for draining washing water in the water tub to the outside of the housing; a drainage filter provided in the drainage path for collecting foreign matter; and a control device that controls at least a spin-drying process, wherein the control device outputs a notification prompting maintenance of the drainage filter based on an operation count based on the number of operations and a drainage time during which the washing water in the water tub is drained. [Prior Art Document] [Patent Document]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2023-044771 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides a washing machine and a washing system capable of accurately providing notifications regarding maintenance of a drainage filter or maintenance other than maintenance of the drainage filter. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0005] The washing machine according to the present disclosure comprises: a housing; a washing tub disposed in the housing; a drainage path for draining washing water in the washing tub to the outside of the housing; a drainage filter provided in the drainage path for collecting foreign matter; and a control device that controls a washing process, wherein the control device notifies a state of the drainage filter based on an open / closed state of the drainage filter and information related to a drainage state of the washing water in the washing tub.

[0006] The washing system in this disclosure includes a washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a terminal device having a terminal display unit for displaying notification information and capable of communicating with the control device, wherein the control device notifies the terminal display unit of information regarding the status of the drain filter. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The washing machine described in this disclosure can accurately provide notifications regarding maintenance of the drain filter or other maintenance. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Perspective view showing the external appearance of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 [Figure 2] Perspective view showing the inside of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 [Figure 3] Side view showing the inside of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view showing the drain filter in Embodiment 1 [Figure 5] Explanatory diagram showing the open / close detection unit of the drain filter in Embodiment 1 [Figure 6] Block diagram showing the control configuration of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 [Figure 7] Diagram illustrating the water level during drainage in Embodiment 1 [Figure 8] Diagram illustrating the correction coefficient in Embodiment 1 [Figure 9] Flowchart showing the operation of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (Knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors conceived of this disclosure, there was a technology that outputted a notification prompting maintenance of the drain filter based on the number of operations and the drainage time for the washing water in the tank to be drained. However, with conventional technology, maintenance of the drain filter was determined based on the number of operations and drainage time, regardless of whether the user had maintained the drain filter or not. Therefore, when drainage takes a long time, it is not possible to accurately determine the cause. For example, the inventors discovered that it is not possible to determine whether more foreign matter than usual is accumulating in the drain filter because clothes that tend to clog the filter are being washed, or whether the drainage time is being prolonged due to reasons other than the drain filter. To solve this problem, the subject matter of this disclosure was formed. Therefore, this disclosure provides a washing machine and washing system that can accurately provide notifications regarding maintenance of the drain filter or maintenance other than the drain filter.

[0010] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, some unnecessarily detailed explanations may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. The attached drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) Embodiment 1 will be described below with reference to the drawings. [1-1. Structure] [1-1-1. Overall configuration of the washing machine] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the interior of the washing machine in Embodiment 1. Figure 3 is a side view showing the interior of the washing machine in Embodiment 1.

[0012] The washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1 is a so-called drum-type washing machine equipped with a drying function. As shown in Figure 1, the washing machine 1 includes a casing 10. The casing 10 is formed in a roughly box shape by a front panel 11, side panels 12, and a back panel 13. A lid 14 is detachably attached to the upper surface of the housing 10. A substantially circular opening 15 is formed on the front surface of the housing 10, and a door 16 that closes the opening 15 is openably and closably provided on the front surface of the housing 10.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, a washing tub 17 (outer tub) is housed inside the housing 10. The washing tub 17 is a substantially cylindrical member having a function of storing washing water. The washing tub 17 has an opening 18 at a position facing the opening 15 of the housing 10. Although not shown in the drawings, an inner tub is rotatably driven and housed inside the washing tub 17. The inner tub is a substantially cylindrical member that stores laundry such as clothing.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, an operation display unit 20 is provided at the upper front portion of the washing machine. The operation display unit 20 includes operation buttons 21 for performing various operations such as power ON / OFF, washing operation, rinsing operation, spin-drying operation, drying operation, and time setting, and a display unit 22 for performing predetermined display.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, a drying filter lid 23 for performing maintenance on a drying filter is provided on one side of the upper surface of the lid body 14. Furthermore, a detergent lid 24 for putting in detergent, fabric softener, bleach, and the like is openably and closably attached to the other side of the upper surface of the lid body 14. Furthermore, a water supply port 25 connected to a water supply via a hose or the like is provided at the upper rear portion of the housing. As shown in FIG. 3, a water supply valve 26 that supplies water from the water supply is provided at the upper rear portion of the housing 10.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, a drain filter lid 27 for performing maintenance on a drain filter 40 is openably and closably provided at the lower front surface of the housing 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the drain filter 40 is housed inside the drain filter lid 27. A drain port 28 is provided on the lower side of the housing 10, and a drain valve 29 (see Figure 7) is located downstream of the drain outlet 33, which will be described later.

[0017] [1-1-2. Drain Filter Configuration] Next, we will explain the configuration of the drainage system. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the drain filter in Embodiment 1. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a drain hose 30 is connected to the bottom of the washing tub 17.

[0018] As shown in Figure 4, the housing 10 includes a filter housing 31 that is angled downwards. A drain inlet 32 ​​is provided at the end of the filter housing 31, to which a drain hose 30 is connected. A drain outlet 33 is provided at the lowest position on the bottom surface of the filter housing 31. A filter insertion port 34 is provided at the end of the filter housing 31, which opens to the front side of the housing. A drain filter 40 is housed inside the filter housing 31.

[0019] The drain filter 40 is located between the drain inlet 32 ​​and the drain outlet 33 and includes a filter section 41 that collects foreign matter contained in the drain, a lid section 42 that engages with the filter insertion opening 34 to seal the filter housing section 31, and a gripping section 43 that extends substantially in the longitudinal direction to the outside of the lid section 42. The filter section 41, for example, has multiple protrusions formed in a comb shape to collect foreign matter such as lint and hair contained in the wastewater. The shape of the filter section 41 is not limited to a comb shape; it can be mesh-shaped, fence-shaped, or any other shape that has the function of collecting foreign matter contained in the wastewater and allows water to pass through. The lid portion 42 is inserted inside the filter insertion port 34, and by operating the grip portion 43, the lid portion 42 is rotated, allowing the drain filter 40 to be positioned in an open position for easy removal and a closed position for fixed storage.

[0020] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the open / close detection unit of the drain filter in Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 5, the lid 42 of the drain filter 40 has a magnet 44 built into it at a predetermined position in the circumferential direction. A Hall sensor 35 is provided near the filter insertion port 34 of the filter housing section 31. Furthermore, when the lid 42 is rotated at the filter insertion port 34, the Hall sensor 35 detects the magnet 44, thereby determining the rotational position of the lid 42. This makes it possible to determine whether the lid 42 is in the open position where it can be removed or in the closed position where it is fixed. In other words, the opening / closing detection unit 36 ​​is composed of the magnet 44 and the Hall sensor 35.

[0021] [1-1-3. Control Configuration] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the washing machine in Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 6, the control device 50 includes a processor 51, a memory 52, a communication unit 53, and a fabric quantity detection unit 56 that detects the amount of fabric inside the washing tub 17. The control device 50 includes a processor 51 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit), memory 52, and interface circuits to which other devices and sensors are connected.

[0022] Memory 52 is a memory that stores programs and data. Memory 52 stores control programs and data to be processed by the processor 51. Memory 52 has a non-volatile storage area. Memory 52 also has a volatile storage area and constitutes the work area of ​​the processor 51. Memory 52 is composed of, for example, ROM and RAM.

[0023] An operation display unit 20 is connected to the control device 50. When the operation button 21 on the operation display unit 20 is pressed, the processor 51 reads the control program stored in the memory 52 and performs operations such as controlling the operation of the washing machine and communication control. Furthermore, the processor 51 displays the washing mode, remaining washing time, etc., on the display unit 22 of the operation display unit 20.

[0024] The communication unit 53 is capable of communicating via the communication network NW. Furthermore, the communication unit 53 is capable of communicating with the terminal device 60 via the communication network NW. The terminal device 60 is equipped with a terminal display unit 61 that displays predetermined notification information. The washing system of this disclosure is comprised of the washing machine 1 and the terminal device 60.

[0025] The control device 50 is connected to a motor 54 for rotating the inner tank, a water supply valve 26 for supplying and stopping water from the water inlet 25, and a drain valve 29 for draining and stopping water from the drain outlet 28. As a result, the processor 51 controls the drive of the motor 54 and the opening and closing of the water supply valve 26 and the drain valve 29.

[0026] Furthermore, the control device 50 is connected to a water level detection unit 55 that detects the water level inside the washing tub 17, and to a Hall sensor 35 that constitutes an opening / closing detection unit 36. As a result, the processor 51 acquires detection information from the water level detection unit 55, the opening / closing detection unit 36, and the fabric volume detection unit 56.

[0027] In this embodiment, the processor 51 determines whether the drain filter 40 has been opened or closed based on the detection information from the open / close detection unit 36. The open / closed state of the drain filter 40 in this disclosure includes the number of times the drain filter 40 has been opened and closed, and whether or not there is an open / closed history. The open / closed history may include information regarding the date and time when the drain filter 40 was opened or closed, and information such as the time required from opening to closing when the drain filter 40 was opened or closed. If the drain filter 40 is opened or closed, it is determined that maintenance, such as cleaning the drain filter 40, has been performed. If the time required for opening and closing the drain filter 40 is within an appropriate range, it may be determined that maintenance, such as cleaning the drain filter 40, has been performed. However, if the time required for opening and closing the drain filter 40 is too short, it may be determined that maintenance, such as cleaning the drain filter 40, has not been performed.

[0028] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the water level during drainage in Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 7, when the lowest position of the inner tub is set to a water level of 0 mm, the processor 51 calculates the change in water level between the lowest position of the washing tub 17 (water level -100 mm) and a water level of +100 mm, based on the detection information from the water level detection unit 55. The processor 51 then calculates the drainage time Δt from the upper limit to the lower limit of a predetermined water level. Next, the processor 51 compares the drainage time Δt during the previous drainage with the current drainage time Δt. If the drainage filter 40 was opened and closed between the previous drainage and the current drainage, and the processor determines that the current drainage time Δt is shorter than the previous drainage time Δt, it notifies the display unit 22 of the operation display unit 20 that maintenance of the drainage filter 40 has been completed. The information obtained from the drainage time Δt during the previous operation, the drainage time Δt during the current operation, and the comparison between the previous and current drainage times Δt are examples of "information regarding the drainage state" in this invention. In addition to the drainage time and information regarding time changes, information regarding the drainage speed and speed changes, the weight of the drainage filter 40 and weight changes may also be used as "information regarding the drainage state".

[0029] On the other hand, if the processor 51 determines that the drain filter 40 was opened or closed by the open / close detection unit 36 ​​between the previous drainage and the current drainage, and determines that the current drainage time Δt is longer than the previous drainage time Δt, it notifies the display unit 22 of the operation display unit 20 that there is an abnormality in something other than the drain filter 40. Other abnormalities besides the drain filter 40 include, for example, blockages in the drain outlet or drain hose 30. Information about abnormalities other than the drain filter 40, such as blockages in the drain outlet or drain hose 30, is an example of "information regarding abnormalities other than the drain filter" in this invention.

[0030] Furthermore, if the drain filter 40 has not been opened or closed between the previous drainage and the current drainage, and the processor 51 determines that the current drainage time Δt is longer than the previous drainage time Δt, and that the drainage time Δt is longer than a predetermined time, the display unit 22 of the operation display unit 20 will notify that maintenance of the drain filter 40 is required. Here, the predetermined time is the drainage time Δt during which maintenance of the drain filter 40 is considered necessary, which is, for example, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. In other words, if the drainage time Δt is longer than the predetermined time, it is considered that a blockage or other issue has occurred in the drain filter 40, causing the drainage time Δt to be longer than the drainage time Δt when the drain filter 40 does not require maintenance.

[0031] On the other hand, if the drain filter 40 has not been opened or closed between the previous drainage and the current drainage, and the processor 51 determines that the current drainage time Δt is longer than the previous drainage time Δt, and that the drainage time Δt is shorter than a predetermined time, then the processor 51 determines that maintenance of the drain filter 40 is not currently required, but that maintenance of the drain filter 40 will be required in the near future. Therefore, the processor 51 notifies the display unit 22 of the operation display unit 20 that the time for maintenance of the drain filter 40 is approaching. The maintenance information in this disclosure includes information indicating that maintenance has been completed, that maintenance is required, and that the maintenance period is approaching. Information indicating that maintenance has been completed, that maintenance is required, and that the maintenance period is approaching are examples of "maintenance information" in this invention. Information indicating that the maintenance period for the drain filter 40 is approaching is an example of "maintenance timing information."

[0032] Generally, the amount of lint and other foreign matter generated from clothing varies depending on the amount of fabric and the season. Therefore, the amount of lint and other foreign matter accumulated in the drain filter 40 during a single wash cycle also changes depending on the amount of fabric and the season. The more fabric a load of clothing contains, the more lint and other foreign matter is generated in a single wash cycle. Furthermore, winter clothing tends to be thicker than summer clothing, resulting in a greater amount of lint and other foreign matter being generated in each wash cycle. Therefore, in this embodiment, when measuring the drainage time Δt, a predetermined correction is applied to the drainage time Δt.

[0033] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the correction coefficient in Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 8(a), when the amount of fabric is between 0 and 4, the correction factor is set to 1.3 in the case of autumn / winter, as the amount of foreign matter such as lint is expected to increase, using the spring / summer case as the baseline (1). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8(b), the water level in the washing tub 17 changes depending on the amount of fabric, and the amount of foreign matter such as lint generated is also expected to increase. Therefore, when the amount of fabric is between 5 and 8, the coefficient is set to 1.2 in the spring / summer case and the correction coefficient is set to 1.5 in the autumn / winter case. By multiplying the drainage time Δt by a correction coefficient in this way, it becomes possible to obtain a drainage time Δt that is appropriate for the season and the amount of laundry. The season may be determined based on information such as the date based on the clock function of the control device 50, IoT information such as climate, appropriate clothing for the climate, and recommended time for changing clothes, obtained via the network NW, and the average temperature obtained from the temperature sensor of the washing machine 1. Note that the correction coefficient shown in Figure 8 is an example and can be set arbitrarily as needed. Alternatively, the correction may be based on either the amount of fabric or information related to the season. The amount of fabric and information related to the season are examples of determinants of the correction coefficient and can be set arbitrarily as needed. In this invention, information such as spring, summer, autumn, and winter, date based on the clock function, IoT information, and average temperature are examples of "information related to the season."

[0034] [1-2. Operation] Next, the operation of Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the washing machine in Embodiment 1. In the following operations, the drainage time Δt is the corrected drainage time Δt obtained by multiplying it by the correction coefficient shown in Figure 8. As shown in Figure 9, in this embodiment, first, the processor 51 determines whether the drain filter 40 has been opened or closed since the last drainage completion, based on the detection information from the open / close detection unit 36 ​​(SA1). If the drain filter 40 is opened or closed (SA1: YES), the processor 51 counts the cumulative number of times the drain filter 40 has been opened or closed since the last reset (SA2). If the drain filter 40 has been opened or closed since the last drainage completion, it is determined that, for example, maintenance such as cleaning of the drain filter 40 has been performed since the last drainage completion. By counting the cumulative number of times the drain filter 40 has been opened or closed since the last reset (SA2), it is possible to determine, for example, whether the drainage time varied due to one operation of the washing machine 1 or due to several operations of the washing machine 1. This allows for the estimation of the cause of the change in drainage time, such as whether or not a clog-prone operation was performed, and enables more accurate notification that is appropriate to the household environment and drainage environment.

[0035] Next, the processor 51 calculates the change in water level based on the detection information from the water level detection unit 55. Then, the processor 51 calculates the drainage time Δt from the upper limit to the lower limit of a predetermined water level. The processor 51 compares the drainage time Δt from the previous drainage with the current drainage time Δt (SA3). If it determines that the current drainage time Δt is shorter than the previous drainage time Δt (SA3: YES), it resets the cumulative number of open / close operations since the last reset and the drainage time Δt (SA4), and notifies the display unit 22 of the operation display unit 20 or the terminal display unit 61 that maintenance of the drain filter 40 has been completed (SA5).

[0036] On the other hand, if the processor 51 determines that the current drainage time Δt is longer than the previous drainage time Δt (SA3:NO), it notifies the display unit 22 of the operation display unit 20 or the terminal display unit 61 that there is an abnormality in something other than the drain filter 40 (SA6). An abnormality other than the drain filter 40 could be, for example, a blockage in the drain outlet or drain hose 30.

[0037] Furthermore, if the drain filter 40 is not opened or closed (SA1: NO), the processor 51 calculates the drainage time Δt from the upper limit to the lower limit of a predetermined water level. If it determines that the current drainage time Δt is longer than the previous drainage time Δt (SA7: YES), it determines whether the drainage time Δt is within the predetermined time (SA8).

[0038] If the drainage time Δt is longer than a predetermined time (SA8:NO), the processor 51 notifies the display unit 22 of the operation display unit 20 or the terminal display unit 61 that maintenance of the drainage filter 40 is required (SA9). On the other hand, if the drainage time Δt is shorter than a predetermined time (SA8: YES), maintenance of the drainage filter 40 is not currently required, but it is considered that maintenance of the drainage filter 40 will be necessary in the near future. Therefore, the processor 51 notifies the display unit 22 of the operation display unit 20 or the terminal display unit 61 that the time for maintenance of the drainage filter 40 is approaching (SA10).

[0039] Furthermore, if it is determined that the current drainage time Δt is shorter than the previous drainage time Δt (SA7:NO), the display unit 22 of the operation display unit 20 or the terminal display unit 61 will be notified that the drainage status is good (SA11).

[0040] In this embodiment, the display unit 22 of the operation display unit 20 or the terminal display unit 61 can provide various notifications based on the open / closed state of the drain filter 40 and the drainage time Δt, such as whether maintenance of the drain filter 40 is required, whether maintenance other than that of the drain filter 40 is required, and whether maintenance of the drain filter 40 is imminent. These notifications may be displayed on both the display unit 22 and the terminal display unit 61 of the operation display unit 20, or they may be displayed on either the display unit 22 or the terminal display unit 61 of the operation display unit 20. Various types of information, such as whether or not maintenance of the drain filter 40 is required, whether or not maintenance other than that of the drain filter 40 is required, whether or not maintenance of the drain filter 40 is imminent, and whether or not the drainage condition is good, are examples of "information regarding the status of the drain filter" in this invention.

[0041] The open / closed state of the drain filter 40 may also be determined based on the open / closed state of the drain filter cover 27.

[0042] Furthermore, the processor 51 may, if the control device detects that the washing machine 1 is temporarily stopped during operation and that the lid 16 that closes the housing 10 is opened or closed, refrain from notifying information regarding the status of the drain filter 40 from that operation until the next operation of the washing machine 1 that involves draining. This prevents false notifications and improves the accuracy of notifying accurate information regarding the maintenance status of the drain filter, as information regarding the amount of laundry may not be accurately obtained during the period from the operation in which the washing machine is temporarily stopped and the opening or closing of the lid 16 is detected until the next operation of the washing machine 1 that involves draining. Furthermore, if the processor 51 detects that the washing machine 1 is temporarily stopped during operation and that the lid 16 that closes the casing 10 is opened or closed, it may choose not to use the drainage time from the operation in which the washing machine 1 was temporarily stopped and the lid 16 was opened or closed as the previous drainage time when the washing machine 1 is next operated. This prevents the drainage time from the operation in which the washing machine was temporarily stopped and the lid 16 was opened or closed, which could result in inaccurate information regarding the amount of laundry being obtained, from being used for subsequent determinations. This prevents false notifications regarding the maintenance status of the drain filter and improves the accuracy of providing accurate notifications regarding the maintenance status of the drain filter.

[0043] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1 comprises a housing, a washing tub 17 disposed inside the housing, a drainage path for discharging the washing water from the washing tub 17 to the outside of the housing, a drainage filter 40 provided in the drainage path for collecting foreign matter, and a control device 50 for controlling the washing process. The control device 50 provides information regarding the state of the drainage filter 40 based on the open / closed state of the drainage filter 40 and the drainage time Δt for draining the washing water from the washing tub 17. As a result, the control device 50 can determine the status of the drain filter 40 based on its open / closed state and the drainage time Δt, and accurately provide notifications regarding maintenance of the drain filter 40 or maintenance other than that of the drain filter 40.

[0044] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1, the control device 50 detects whether the drain filter 40 is open or closed, and if the current drainage time Δt is shorter than the previous drainage time Δt, it notifies the user of information regarding maintenance of the drain filter 40. As a result, the control device 50 can detect the opening and closing of the drain filter 40, and if the current drainage time Δt is shorter than the previous drainage time Δt, it can determine that maintenance of the drain filter 40 is complete, and accurate notification of the maintenance status of the drain filter can be provided.

[0045] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1, the control device 50 detects whether the drain filter 40 is open or closed, and if the current drainage time Δt is longer than the previous drainage time Δt, it notifies the user of information regarding an abnormality other than the drain filter 40. As a result, the control device 50 can detect the opening and closing of the drain filter 40, and if the current drainage time Δt is longer than the previous drainage time Δt, it can determine that there is an abnormality other than the drain filter 40, and accurately notify that the abnormality is not due to the drain filter 40 but to something other than the drain filter 40.

[0046] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1, if the control device 50 does not detect whether the drain filter 40 is open or closed, and the current drainage time Δt is longer than the previous drainage time Δt, and the drainage time Δt is longer than a predetermined time, the control device 50 will notify that maintenance of the drain filter 40 is required. As a result, the control device 50 can determine that maintenance of the drain filter 40 is necessary if it does not detect whether the drain filter 40 is open or closed, and if the current drainage time Δt is longer than the previous drainage time Δt, and the drainage time Δt is longer than a predetermined time, and can provide accurate notification regarding the maintenance of the drain filter 40.

[0047] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1, if the control device 50 does not detect whether the drain filter 40 is open or closed, and the current drainage time Δt is longer than the previous drainage time Δt, and the drainage time Δt is shorter than a predetermined time, the control device 50 will notify the user of information regarding the maintenance timing of the drain filter 40. As a result, the control device 50 does not detect whether the drain filter 40 is open or closed, and if the current drainage time Δt is longer than the previous drainage time Δt, and the drainage time Δt is shorter than a predetermined time, it can determine that the maintenance time for the drain filter 40 is approaching, and accurate notification regarding the maintenance of the drain filter can be provided.

[0048] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1, the control device 50 corrects the drainage time Δt according to at least one of the following pieces of information: information regarding the amount of fabric and information regarding the season. This allows for accurate determination of the state of the drain filter 40 by correcting the drainage time Δt according to at least one of the following pieces of information: information about the amount of fabric or information about the season.

[0049] Furthermore, the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1 is further equipped with a drain filter cover 27 that can be opened and closed to close the drain filter 40, and the control device 50 determines the open / closed state of the drain filter 40 based on the open / closed state of the drain filter cover. This makes it possible to determine the open / closed state of the drain filter 40 based on the open / closed state of the drain filter cover 27.

[0050] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1, if the control device 50 detects that the washing machine 1 is temporarily stopped during operation and that the lid 16 that closes the housing 10 is opened or closed, it will not notify the user of information regarding the state of the drain filter 40 from that operation until the next operation of the washing machine 1 that involves drainage. As a result, since the washing machine 1 is not notified during the period between the operation in which the operation is temporarily paused and the opening or closing of the lid 16 that seals the housing 10 is detected, and the next operation of the washing machine 1 that involves draining, in which there is a risk that information regarding the amount of fabric may not be accurately obtained, it is possible to prevent false notifications regarding the maintenance status of the drain filter 40 and to improve the accuracy of accurate notifications regarding the maintenance status of the drain filter 40.

[0051] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1, if the control device 50 detects that the washing machine 1 is temporarily stopped during operation and that the lid 16 that closes the housing 10 is opened or closed, the drainage time during the temporary stop and the opening / closing of the lid 16 will not be used as the previous drainage time when the washing machine 1 is operated again. As a result, the drainage time of the washing machine 1 when it is temporarily stopped during operation and when the lid 16 that seals the casing 10 is opened or closed is not used in subsequent determinations, which may result in inaccurate acquisition of information regarding the amount of fabric. This prevents false notifications and improves the accuracy of providing accurate notifications regarding the maintenance status of the drain filter 40.

[0052] Furthermore, the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment is equipped with a display unit 22 that displays notification information, and the control device 50 notifies the display unit 22 of information regarding the status of the drain filter 40. This allows the washing machine's display unit 22 to display information regarding maintenance of the drain filter 40 or maintenance other than that of the drain filter 40.

[0053] Furthermore, the washing system of Embodiment 1 includes a terminal display unit 61 that displays notification information, and a terminal device 60 that can communicate with the control device 50, and the control device 50 notifies the terminal display unit 61 of information regarding the status of the drain filter 40. This allows the terminal display unit 61 of the terminal device 60 to display notifications regarding maintenance of the drain filter 40 or maintenance other than that of the drain filter 40.

[0054] (Other embodiments) Embodiment 1 has been described as an example of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to this and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted. Therefore, other embodiments are described below as examples.

[0055] In the above-described embodiment 1, a drum-type washing machine 1 was used as an example, but the washing machine 1 may also be a top-loading type.

[0056] The processor 51 may consist of a single processor 51 or multiple processors 51. The processor 51 may also be hardware programmed to implement the corresponding functional unit. That is, the processor 51 may consist of, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0057] The operational step units shown in Figure 9 are divided according to the main processing content to facilitate understanding of the operation, and the operation is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. Depending on the processing content, it may be further divided into more step units. Alternatively, it may be divided so that one step unit includes even more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate, as long as it does not hinder the intent of this disclosure.

[0058] Since the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes of the technology described herein, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0059] (Note) Based on the above description of embodiments, the following technologies are disclosed.

[0060] (Technical 1) A washing machine comprising a housing, a washing tub disposed inside the housing, a drainage path for discharging the washing water from the washing tub to the outside of the housing, a drainage filter provided in the drainage path for collecting foreign matter, and a control device for controlling the washing process, wherein the control device notifies information regarding the state of the drainage filter based on the open / closed state of the drainage filter and information regarding the drainage state of the washing water from the washing tub. This configuration allows the control device to determine the status of the drain filter based on information regarding its open / closed state and drainage status, enabling accurate notification regarding drain filter maintenance or maintenance other than drain filter maintenance.

[0061] (Technical 2) The washing machine according to Technical 1, wherein the control device detects the opening and closing of the drain filter, and if the information regarding the drainage state is the drainage time of the washing water in the washing tub, and the current drainage time is shorter than the previous drainage time, it notifies information regarding maintenance of the drain filter. With this configuration, the control device can detect the opening and closing of the drain filter, and if the current drainage time is shorter than the previous drainage time, it can determine that the drain filter maintenance is complete, enabling accurate notification of the drain filter maintenance status.

[0062] (Technical 3) The washing machine according to Technical 1, wherein the control device detects the opening and closing of the drain filter, and the information regarding the drainage state is the drainage time of the washing water in the washing tub, and if the current drainage time is longer than the previous drainage time, the control device notifies of an abnormality other than the drain filter. With this configuration, the control device can detect the opening and closing of the drain filter, and if the current drainage time is longer than the previous drainage time, it can determine that there is an abnormality other than the drain filter. This allows for accurate notification that the abnormality in drainage time is due to a cause other than the drain filter, and not due to a blockage of the drain filter.

[0063] (Technical 4) The washing machine according to Technical 1, wherein the control device does not detect the opening or closing of the drain filter, and the information regarding the drainage state is the drainage time of the washing water in the washing tub, and if the current drainage time is longer than the previous drainage time, and the drainage time is longer than a predetermined time, the control device notifies that maintenance of the drain filter is required. With this configuration, the control device does not need to detect the opening and closing of the drain filter. If the current drainage time is longer than the previous drainage time, and the drainage time is longer than a predetermined time, it can determine that maintenance of the drain filter is necessary, and accurate notification regarding drain filter maintenance can be provided.

[0064] (Technical 5) The washing machine according to Technical 1, wherein the control device does not detect the opening or closing of the drain filter, and the information regarding the drainage state is the drainage time of the washing water in the washing tub, and if the current drainage time is longer than the previous drainage time, and the drainage time is shorter than a predetermined time, the control device notifies that the maintenance time for the drain filter is approaching. With this configuration, the control device does not need to detect the opening and closing of the drain filter. If the current drainage time is longer than the previous drainage time, and the current drainage time is shorter than a predetermined time, it can determine that the drain filter maintenance time is approaching and provide accurate notification.

[0065] (Technical 6) The washing machine according to any one of Technical 1 to 5, wherein the control device corrects the drainage time according to the amount of fabric or the season. This configuration allows for accurate determination of the drain filter's condition by correcting information regarding drainage conditions according to the amount of fabric used or the season.

[0066] (Technical 7) The washing machine according to any one of Technical 1 to Technical 6, further comprising a lid for the drain filter that can be opened and closed, wherein the control device determines the open / closed state of the drain filter based on the open / closed state of the lid for the drain filter. This configuration allows the open / closed state of the drain filter to be determined based on the open / closed state of the drain filter cover.

[0067] (Technical 8) The washing machine according to any one of Technical 1 to Technical 7, wherein the control device does not notify information regarding the state of the drain filter when the operation of the washing machine is temporarily suspended during operation and the lid that closes the housing in an openable and closable manner is opened or closed. This configuration prevents false alarms and improves the accuracy of accurate notifications regarding the maintenance status of the drain filter, as it prevents the machine from issuing notifications during operation when it is paused and the lid that seals the casing is opened or closed, which could result in inaccurate information about the amount of laundry being collected.

[0068] (Technical 9) The washing machine according to any one of Technical 2 to Technical 8, wherein the control device detects that the washing machine is temporarily stopped during operation and that the lid that closes the housing is opened or closed, and in the next operation of the washing machine, the drainage time during the temporary stop and the lid being opened or closed is not used as the previous drainage time. This configuration prevents false alarms and improves the accuracy of accurate notifications regarding the maintenance status of the drain filter. This is because the drain time of the washing machine cycle in which the operation is temporarily paused and the opening and closing of the lid that seals the housing is detected is not used for subsequent determinations, which could lead to inaccurate acquisition of information regarding the amount of fabric.

[0069] (Technical 10) A washing machine according to any one of Technical 1 to Technical 9, comprising a display unit for displaying notification information, wherein the control device notifies the display unit of information regarding the status of the drain filter. This configuration allows the washing machine's display to accurately display information regarding drain filter maintenance or other maintenance, enabling the user to confirm the exact information on the display.

[0070] (Technical 11) A washing system including a washing machine according to any one of Technical 1 to 10, comprising a terminal device having a terminal display unit for displaying notification information and capable of communicating with the control device, wherein the control device notifies the terminal display unit of information regarding the status of the drain filter. This configuration allows the terminal display unit of the terminal device to accurately display notifications regarding drain filter maintenance or maintenance other than drain filter maintenance, enabling the user to confirm the exact notification content on the terminal display unit. [Industrial applicability]

[0071] As described above, this disclosure is suitably applicable to a washing machine that can accurately provide notifications regarding maintenance of the drain filter or maintenance other than the drain filter. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1. Washing machine 10 cabinets 11 Front plate 12 Side plate 13 Back plate 14 Lid 15 Aperture 16 doors 17 Washing machine tub 18 Aperture 20 Operation display section 21 Operation buttons 22 Display section 23. Lid for drying filter 24. Detergent lid 25 Water inlet 26 Water supply valve 27 Drain filter cover 28 Drain 29 Drain valve 30 Drain hose 31 Filter housing 32 Drain inlet 33 Drainage outlet 34 Filter insertion slot 35 Hall Sensors 36 Open / Close Detection Unit 40 Drain filter 41 Filter section 42 Lid 43 Gripping part 44 Magnets 50 Control device 51 processors 52 memory 53 Communications Department 54 Motor 55 Water level detection unit 56 Fabric quantity detection unit 60 Terminal devices 61 Terminal display unit NW (Network Communication Network)

Claims

1. The casing and A washing tub is arranged inside the aforementioned housing, A drainage path for discharging the washing water from the washing tub to the outside of the housing, A drainage filter is provided in the aforementioned drainage path to collect foreign matter, It includes a control device for controlling the washing process, The control device provides information regarding the state of the drain filter based on the open / closed state of the drain filter and information regarding the drainage state of the washing water in the washing tub. washing machine.

2. The control device detects whether the drain filter is open or closed, and if the information regarding the drainage status is the drainage time of the washing water in the washing tub, and the current drainage time is shorter than the previous drainage time, it notifies the user of information regarding maintenance of the drain filter. The washing machine according to claim 1.

3. The control device detects whether the drain filter is open or closed, and if the information regarding the drainage status is the drainage time of the washing water in the washing tub, and the current drainage time is longer than the previous drainage time, it notifies information regarding an abnormality other than the drain filter. The washing machine according to claim 1.

4. The control device does not detect whether the drain filter is open or closed, and if the information regarding the drainage status is the drainage time of the washing water in the washing tub, and the current drainage time is longer than the previous drainage time, and the drainage time is longer than a predetermined time, it notifies that maintenance of the drain filter is required. The washing machine according to claim 1.

5. The control device does not detect whether the drain filter is open or closed, and the information regarding the drainage status is the drainage time of the washing water in the washing tub. If the current drainage time is longer than the previous drainage time, and the drainage time is shorter than a predetermined time, the control device notifies the user of information regarding the maintenance timing of the drain filter. The washing machine according to claim 1.

6. The control device corrects the drainage condition information according to at least one of the information regarding the amount of fabric and the information regarding the season. The washing machine according to claim 1.

7. Furthermore, it is equipped with a drain filter cover that can be opened and closed to seal the drain filter, The control device determines the open / closed state of the drain filter based on the open / closed state of the drain filter cover. The washing machine according to claim 1.

8. If the control device detects that the washing machine is temporarily stopped during operation and that the lid that closes the housing is opened or closed, it will not provide information regarding the status of the drain filter. The washing machine according to claim 1.

9. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the control device detects that the operation of the washing machine is temporarily suspended during operation and that the lid that closes the housing is opened or closed, and in the next operation of the washing machine, the drainage time during the temporary suspension and the opening or closing of the lid is not used as the previous drainage time.

10. It is equipped with a display unit that displays notification information, The control device provides information regarding the status of the drain filter to the display unit. A washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The system includes a terminal display unit that displays notification information and a terminal device that can communicate with the control device, The control device provides information regarding the status of the drain filter to the terminal display unit. A washing system including a washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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