Washing machine and computer program

Abstract

To provide a washing machine capable of surely informing a user of the completion of prewashing.SOLUTION: A washing machine comprises: a water tank in which laundry can be received; a washing treatment part which can perform a washing operation including a prewashing step of prewashing laundry received in the water tank, and a final washing step of performing final washing of laundry based on operation by a user after completion of the prewashing step; and a notification part which can perform a first notification for notifying a user of the completion of the prewashing when the prewashing step is completed, and a second notification for notifying a user of at least one or both of the completion of the prewashing step and the readiness of the final washing when the washing operation continues a standby state that the prewashing is completed and the final washing step has not been executed yet.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a washing machine and a computer program. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, for laundry that is heavily soiled with food spills or mud, a pre-wash is effective in removing most of the dirt beforehand. Therefore, washing machines that can perform a pre-wash before the regular main wash, i.e., perform two washes, have been proposed.

[0003] However, for example, a washing machine that does not have an automatic detergent dispenser cannot dispense detergent into the water tub during operation. Therefore, when performing a pre-wash with such a washing machine, the user must manually dispense the detergent to be used in the main wash into the water tub after the pre-wash is completed. Even if the washing machine has an automatic detergent dispenser, there is a need to pre-wash only particularly dirty clothes first, and then add normally dirty clothes and wash them together. Therefore, in these cases, the washing machine can be configured to wait for a while after the pre-wash is completed, and then the user can dispense detergent and additional clothes into the spin tub and then operate a start button or the like to perform the main wash.

[0004] However, in the case of such a configuration, if the user does not notice that the pre-wash has ended, the main wash may not be performed and the laundry may be left for a long time without being removed from the water tub. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-75505 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides a washing machine capable of performing a pre-wash before a main wash, capable of reliably notifying a user that a pre-wash has been completed, and a computer program for use in a system including the washing machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A washing machine according to an embodiment includes a water tub capable of holding laundry, a washing processing unit capable of executing a washing operation including a pre-washing process for pre-washing the laundry held in the water tub, and a main washing process for main washing the laundry, which is executed based on a user's operation after completion of the pre-washing process, and a notification processing unit capable of executing a first notification process for notifying a user that the pre-washing process has ended when the pre-washing process has ended, and a second notification process for notifying a user of at least one or both of the fact that the pre-washing process has ended and the fact that the main washing process can be executed when a standby state in which the main washing process is not being executed continues after the pre-washing process has ended.

[0008] In addition, a computer program according to an embodiment is a computer program executed by a computer included in an apparatus including at least one of a display unit capable of displaying information or a sound generating unit capable of generating sound, and a communication unit communicatively connected to a washing machine via an electric communication line. The computer program can cause the computer to execute an output process for operating the display unit or the sound generating unit according to the content of the second notification process when the communication unit receives a command to execute the second notification process from the washing machine. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a vertical washing machine according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a drum-type washing machine according to an embodiment; [Diagram 3] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an operation panel of a washing machine according to an embodiment; [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a laundry system according to an embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration of an external device used in the laundry system according to the embodiment; [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a first example of the content of a second notification process executed in the washing machine according to an embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a second example of the content of a second notification process executed in the washing machine according to an embodiment; [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a first example of display content displayed on the information communication terminal when the washing machine executes the second notification process in the laundry system according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a second example of display content displayed on the information communication terminal when the washing machine executes the second notification process in the laundry system according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a first example of display content displayed on a television when a washing machine executes a second notification process in the laundry system according to an embodiment; [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a second example of display content displayed on the television when the washing machine executes the second notification process in the laundry system according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where the execution interval of the second notification process is set to a constant value in the washing machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where the execution interval of the second notification process is set to be variable in the washing machine according to the embodiment; [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where the execution interval of the second notification process is set to learning in the washing machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an operation panel of a washing machine or an input unit of an external device when setting a second notification process in a washing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 17]FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a case where the execution of the second notification process is turned off in an example of the operation panel of the washing machine or the input unit of the external device shown in FIG. 16 in accordance with an embodiment; [Figure 18] 1 is a first flowchart showing an example of control contents executed by a control device of a washing machine when a washing operation including a pre-washing process is executed in a washing machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 19] 2 is a second flowchart showing an example of control contents executed by a control device of a washing machine when a washing operation including a pre-washing process is executed in a washing machine according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification, the terms "first," "second," "..." that are added before components of the embodiment are used only to distinguish components having similar functions, and do not indicate the order or superiority of the components to which the terms "first," "second," "..." are added.

[0011] The following embodiment can be applied to both a vertical axis type washing machine, so-called fully automatic washing machine 10, shown in Fig. 1, and a horizontal axis or oblique axis type drum washing machine 20 shown in Fig. 2. In addition, the washing machines 10 and 20 shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 may or may not have a drying function capable of drying laundry.

[0012] Furthermore, the washing machines 10 and 20 shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 may or may not have a so-called automatic dispenser that can automatically dispense laundry treatment agents such as detergent and finishing agent. In this case, the automatic dispenser means a device that has a tank that stores the amount of detergent and finishing agent used for multiple operations and automatically dispenses an appropriate amount of detergent and finishing agent from the tank for each operation. The washing machines 10 and 20 of this embodiment will be described as not having this automatic dispenser.

[0013] Washing machine 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes outer case 11, water tub 12, spin tub 13, motor 14, drainage mechanism 15, and water injection mechanism 16. In FIG. 1, the side of washing machine 10 on which it is installed, i.e., the vertically lower side, is defined as the lower side of washing machine 10, and the side opposite the installation surface, i.e., the vertically upper side, is defined as the upper side of washing machine 10. Washing machine 10 is a vertical washing machine in which the rotation axis of spin tub 13 faces vertically. Vertical washing machine 10 in FIG. 1 is sometimes referred to as a fully automatic washing machine. Water tub 12 and spin tub 13 function as washing tubs for storing laundry.

[0014] Washing machine 20 shown in Fig. 2 includes outer case 21, water tub 22, spin tub 23, motor 24, drainage mechanism 25, and water injection mechanism 26. In Fig. 2, the side of washing machine 20 on which it is installed, i.e., the vertically lower side, is the lower side of washing machine 20, and the side opposite to the installation surface, i.e., the vertically upper side, is the upper side of washing machine 20. Washing machine 20 is a drum-type washing machine of either a horizontal axis type in which the rotation axis of spin tub 23 is horizontal, or an inclined axis type inclined downward toward the rear. Water tub 22 and spin tub 23 function as washing tubs for storing laundry.

[0015] In a vertical washing machine 10 shown in Fig. 1 and a drum type washing machine 20 shown in Fig. 2, water tubs 12, 22 are disposed in outer cases 11, 21 and are elastically supported by suspensions (not shown). Rotating tubs 13, 23 are rotatably disposed in water tubs 12, 22 and are rotationally driven by motors 14, 24.

[0016] Drainage mechanism 15, 25 is a mechanism for draining water stored in water tub 12, 22 to the outside of the machine. Drainage mechanism 15, 25 has drainage path 151, 251 and drainage valve 152, 252. Drainage path 151, 251 is a path for draining water stored in water tub 12, 22 to the outside of washing machine 10, 20. Drainage path 151, 251 can be composed of, for example, a flexible drainage hose, one end of which is connected to drainage valve 152, 252 and the other end of which is drawn out to the outside of washing machine 10, 20. Drainage valve 152, 252 is an opening and closing valve for liquid that can be electromagnetically opened and closed. Drainage valve 152, 252 is provided in the middle of drainage path 151, 251, and opens and closes drainage path 151, 251 based on an electrical command.

[0017] The water injection mechanisms 16, 26 are provided on the upper parts of the outer boxes 11, 21, respectively. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the water injection mechanisms 16, 26 are connected to an external water source, such as a water faucet (not shown), via a water supply hose 100. The water injection mechanisms 16, 26 each have a water injection case 161, 261, a detergent storage section 162, 262, a finishing agent storage section 163, 263, a first water supply valve 164, 264, and a second water supply valve 165, 265, respectively.

[0018] The water injection cases 161, 261 are made of, for example, resin and are formed in a box shape with an internal space. The detergent storage section 162, 262 is provided, for example, in the water injection cases 161, 261 so as to be removable or insertable, and receives, for example, liquid or powder detergent, etc., from the user. Similarly, the finishing agent storage section 163, 263 is provided, for example, in the water injection cases 161, 261 so as to be removable or insertable, and receives, for example, liquid fabric softener, etc., from the user.

[0019] The first water supply valves 164, 264 and the second water supply valves 165, 265 are on-off valves for liquid that can be electromagnetically opened and closed. The first water supply valves 164, 264 are provided in the middle of a water supply path that supplies water from an external water source through the detergent storage sections 162, 262 in the water supply cases 161, 261 to the water tubs 12, 22, and are driven based on electromagnetic commands. When the first water supply valves 164, 264 are opened with detergent in the detergent storage sections 162, 262, the detergent in the detergent storage sections 162, 262 is flushed down into the water tubs 12, 22 together with the water supplied from the first water supply valves 164, 264 to the detergent storage sections 162, 262. In this case, the first water supply valves 164, 264 can be called detergent water supply valves.

[0020] The second water supply valves 165, 265 are provided in the middle of a water supply path that supplies water from an external water source through the finishing agent storage section 163, 263 in the water supply case 161, 261 to the water tank 12, 22, and are driven based on an electromagnetic command. When the second water supply valves 165, 265 are opened with a finishing agent in the finishing agent storage section 163, 263, the finishing agent in the finishing agent storage section 163, 263 is drained into the water tank 12, 22 together with the water supplied from the second water supply valves 165, 265 to the finishing agent storage section 163, 263. In this case, the second water supply valves 165, 265 can be called a water supply valve for the finishing agent.

[0021] 3, the washing machines 10 and 20 are equipped with a first control device 30, a first communication unit 31, and an operation panel 40. The first control device 30, the first communication unit 31, and the operation panel 40 can be referred to as the washing machine side control device 30, the washing machine side communication unit 31, and the washing machine side operation panel 40, respectively.

[0022] The first control device 30 is mainly composed of a microcomputer having, for example, a CPU 301 and a storage area 302 such as a ROM, a RAM, and a rewritable flash memory, and controls the operation of the washing machines 10 and 20 and executes various processes. The storage area 302 stores a computer program for the washing machines for controlling the washing machines 10 and 20 and executing various operations.

[0023] The first communication unit 31 has a function of directly or indirectly communicating with a device capable of communicating that is installed outside the washing machines 10 and 20. In this case, a direct connection means that the first communication unit 31 is connected to the device that is the connection partner without any other device being interposed between them. Also, an indirect connection means that the first communication unit 31 is connected to the device that is the connection partner via another device or a telecommunication line such as the Internet.

[0024] In the present embodiment, the first communication unit 31 can communicate with external devices 501, 502, and 60 installed in the same LAN as the washing machines 10 and 20 or outside the LAN to which the washing machines 10 and 20 belong, for example, as shown in Fig. 5, via an access point 2 or the Internet 90. In this case, the first communication unit 31 can connect to the access point 2, for example, using a wireless LAN conforming to the Wi-Fi standard or a wired LAN.

[0025] 3 has a function of accepting operation inputs from a user regarding settings and operation of the washing machines 10, 20, and presenting information regarding settings and operation of the washing machines 10, 20 to the user. The operation panel 40 can be configured to include, for example, a first input unit 401, a first display unit 402, and a first pronunciation unit 403. Note that the first input unit 401, the first display unit 402, and the first pronunciation unit 403 can be referred to as the washing machine side input unit 401, the washing machine side display unit 402, and the washing machine side pronunciation unit 403, respectively.

[0026] The first input unit 401 is a user interface that accepts input from a user, and can be configured, for example, by a touch panel, a touch switch, or a mechanical switch. The first display unit 402 is a user interface for presenting information to a user, and can be configured, for example, by a liquid crystal display. In this case, the first input unit 401 and the first display unit 402 can be configured as touch panel displays arranged on top of each other, or can be configured to be arranged in different positions. The first sound output unit 403 can be configured, for example, by a buzzer that can generate a buzzer sound or a speaker that can reproduce electromagnetically stored sound. The first sound output unit 403 has a function of presenting various information to the user by sound.

[0027] The washing machines 10 and 20 further include a washing processing unit 32 and a notification processing unit 33. The first control device 30 executes a computer program stored in the memory area 302 by the CPU 301, thereby virtually realizing the washing processing unit 32, the notification processing unit 33, etc. by software. Note that one or both of the washing processing unit 32 and the notification processing unit 33 may be configured to be partly or entirely realized by hardware.

[0028] The washing processing unit 32 can execute a washing operation. The washing operation includes a main washing step as an essential step, and includes a pre-washing step according to a user's request. The main washing step can be a step of washing laundry using a detergent. The pre-washing step can be a step of pre-washing laundry using or without a detergent, and is executed before the main washing step.

[0029] Although the details of the main washing process and the pre-washing process are not shown, for example, they can be processes that sequentially execute a water injection operation before the washing operation, a washing operation, a drainage operation after the washing operation, a spin-drying operation after the drainage operation, a water injection operation before the rinsing operation, a rinsing operation, a drainage operation after the rinsing operation, and a spin-drying operation after the rinsing operation. The specific contents of each operation can be changed automatically or appropriately based on the user's operation on the operation panel 40 depending on the amount of laundry and the state of dirt.

[0030] In addition, the specific contents of each operation in the pre-washing process and the main washing process may be the same or different. The execution of the pre-washing process and the main washing process is synonymous with the execution of multiple washing processes. In other words, when the washing machine 10, 20 executes multiple washing processes, for example, two washing processes, the first washing process corresponds to the pre-washing process and the second washing process corresponds to the main washing process.

[0031] The water injection operation before the washing operation and the water injection operation before the rinsing operation are operations in which either or both of the first water supply valves 164, 264 and the second water supply valves 165, 265 are opened to inject water into the water tubs 12, 22. The washing operation and the rinsing operation are operations in which the motors 14, 24 are driven to rotate the spin tubs 13, 23 to agitate the laundry and wash or rinse it. The drainage operation after the washing operation and the drainage operation after the rinsing operation are operations in which the drain valves 152, 252 are opened to drain water from the water tubs 12, 22 to the outside of the machine. The spin-dry operation after the washing operation and the spin-dry operation after the rinsing operation are operations in which the motors 14, 24 are driven to rotate the spin tubs 13, 23 at high speed to centrifugally spin-dry the laundry.

[0032] The first control device 30 can selectively execute a washing operation including a pre-washing step and a washing operation not including a pre-washing step based on a user's operation on the operation panel 40 or the like. That is, the user can select whether or not to include a pre-washing step in the washing operation by operating the operation panel 40. The operation panel 40 has a course selection section 411, a course display section 412, and a start operation section 413, as shown in FIG. 4, for example. The course selection section 411 and the start operation section 413 function as an input section 401 that receives operation input from the user. The course selection section 411 and the start operation section 413 may be, for example, a touch-type or mechanical button or switch, or may be a predetermined area or the like that is displayed on a touch panel display and can be operated by touch. When the operation panel 40 is configured as a touch panel display, the operation panel 40 itself can be configured as the input section 401.

[0033] The course selection unit 411 functions as an operation unit for the user to select the contents that are the standard for the washing operation. The course selection unit 411 has a function of accepting an operation for the user to select an arbitrary course from the courses displayed on the course display unit 412. As shown in Fig. 4, the selectable courses include, for example, a standard course, a memory course, a speed course, a dry course, a soaking course, a blanket course, and the like, but are not limited to these.

[0034] Each course may, for example, include a main wash process as a required process, and the specific content of each operation in the main wash process, such as the amount of water poured in the water pouring operation, the time from the completion of the water pouring operation to the start of the washing operation, the execution time of the washing operation, the execution time of the spin-drying operation, etc., may be set to values ​​that correspond to the purpose of the course.

[0035] In addition, the washing machines 10 and 20 of the present embodiment are set with a course with pre-wash as a selectable course. The course with pre-wash is a course in which a pre-wash process is executed before a main wash process. The course with pre-wash can be, for example, a course in which a pre-wash process is added before a standard course. In this case, when a pre-wash course is selected, a standard course is automatically selected as a course including a main wash process. Note that, when a course with pre-wash is selected, a configuration may be adopted in which a user can arbitrarily select a course including a main wash process. In other words, a configuration may be adopted in which a pre-wash process is added to a course other than a standard course, such as a memory course, a speed course, a dry course, a soaking course, or a blanket course.

[0036] The course display unit 412 has a function of presenting the currently selected course to the user. The course display unit 412 may be configured to, for example, display specific characters or the like on the operation panel 40 and turn on the backlight to light up the characters or the like that are hollowed out, or may be configured to display arbitrary characters or the like on a liquid crystal display. In the case of this embodiment, the course display unit 412 has, for example, a plurality of display contents 421a to 421g. Each of the display contents 421a to 421g is configured to include characters corresponding to a selectable course.

[0037] In this case, before the user decides on a course and starts driving, one of the display contents 421a to 421g that is currently selected flashes. Then, each time the user operates the course selection unit 411, the flashing display contents 421a to 421g are switched in order. When the user operates the start operation unit 413 in a state in which the display contents 421a to 421g corresponding to the desired course are flashing, the flashing display contents 421a to 421g are switched to a lit state, and driving is started on the course corresponding to the selected display contents 421a to 421g.

[0038] The start operation unit 413 functions as an operation unit that accepts an operation to start a washing operation before the start of the washing operation, and also accepts an operation to start a main washing process when the machine is in a standby state after the end of the pre-washing process. That is, the start operation unit 412 functions as an operation unit that accepts a start operation to start a washing operation or a main washing process. The start operation unit 412 also has a function of pausing the operation of the washing machines 10 and 20 when operated during the operation of the washing machines. That is, the start operation unit 412 also functions as an operation unit that accepts an operation to pause the operation of the washing machines 10 and 20.

[0039] When the user operates the start operation unit 413 before the washing operation, the first control device 30 judges that the start operation for starting the washing operation has been accepted, and executes the washing operation with the contents set by the operation of the course selection unit 411. If the washing operation includes a pre-washing process, that is, if a course with pre-washing is selected, the first control device 30 first executes the pre-washing process. When the pre-washing process is completed, the first control device 30 waits for a predetermined period without executing the main washing process. During the waiting period for the main washing process, the user can put laundry treatment agents such as detergent and additional clothes into the spin tub 13, 23. Then, when the start operation unit 413 is operated within the predetermined period, the first control device 30 judges that the start operation for starting the main washing process has been accepted, and starts the main washing process. On the other hand, if the start operation unit 413 is not operated within the predetermined period, the first control device 30 turns off the power of the washing machines 10, 20 and ends the operation.

[0040] The notification processor 33 shown in Fig. 3 can execute a first notification process, a second notification process, and a third notification process. In the following description, the first notification process, the second notification process, and the third notification process may be collectively referred to simply as notification processes. The notification processor 33 can automatically end each notification process after continuing each notification process for, for example, several seconds to several minutes, or can end each notification process when a user performs a predetermined operation on the operation panel 40 or the like.

[0041] The first notification process includes a process for notifying the user that the pre-wash process has ended when the pre-wash process has ended, for example, by using the operation panel 40 provided on the washing machines 10 and 20 or one or both of the external devices 501 and 502 shown in FIG. 5.

[0042] The second notification process includes a process for notifying the user, when the standby state continues after the end of the pre-wash process and the main wash process is not being performed, at least one or both of the fact that the pre-wash process has been completed and that the main wash process can be performed, using the operation panel 40 or one or both of the external devices 501 and 502. If notification processes are performed multiple times during standby after the end of the pre-wash process and it is not possible to determine whether the notification process is the first notification process or the second notification process from the content of the notification process, the first notification process after the end of the pre-wash process can be the first notification process, and the notification process performed during standby thereafter can be the second notification process.

[0043] The third notification process includes a process for notifying the user that the main wash cycle has been completed, for example, by using the operation panel 40 of the washing machine 10, 20 or one or both of the external devices 501, 502.

[0044] 5, the washing machines 10 and 20 of the present embodiment are communicatively connected to one or more external devices 501, 502, and 60 to configure a laundry system 1. That is, the laundry system 1 is configured by connecting one or both of the washing machines 10 and 20 and the external devices 501, 502, and 60 to each other so as to be communicatively connected via a telecommunication line 90 such as an Internet line, a mobile phone line, or a LAN line.

[0045] The external devices 501, 502, and 60 are electrical devices different from the washing machines 10 and 20 and can communicate directly or indirectly with the washing machines 10 and 20. The external devices 501, 502, and 60 may be dedicated devices for configuring the washing system 1, or may be general-purpose devices that can be used for purposes other than the washing system 1. The external devices 501, 502, and 60 can be, for example, home appliances such as so-called smart TVs, smart speakers, or smart displays equipped with a communication function capable of communicating with other electrical devices, or information and communication terminals such as smartphones, tablet terminals, or personal computers, or wearable devices such as so-called smart watches of wristwatch type and so-called smart glasses of glasses type that can be worn on the user's body, or servers operated by companies.

[0046] External devices 501, 502, and 60 can be configured with, for example, information communication terminal 501 such as a smartphone, television 502, and server 60, respectively. Among external devices 501, 502, and 60, information communication terminal 501 and television 502 are assumed to be used by users of washing machines 10 and 20. Therefore, among external devices 501, 502, and 60, devices 501 and 502 assumed to be used by users can be called user terminals or user devices. Furthermore, laundry system 1 does not necessarily have to include server 60.

[0047] 6, the information communication terminal 501 and the television 502 have, for example, a second control device 51, a second communication unit 52, a second input unit 53, a second display unit 54, a second sound output unit 55, and an output processing unit 56. Note that the second control device 51, the second communication unit 52, the second input unit 53, the second display unit 54, and the second sound output unit 55 can also be referred to as the external device side control device 51, the external device side communication unit 52, the external device side input unit 53, the external device side display unit 54, and the external device side sound output unit 55, respectively.

[0048] Second control device 51 is mainly configured with a microcomputer having, for example, CPU 511 and storage area 512 such as ROM, RAM, and rewritable flash memory, and controls the operation of information communication terminal 501 or television 502 and executes various processes. Second communication unit 52 has a function of communicating with first communication unit 31 of washing machines 10, 20 directly or indirectly via electric communication line 90.

[0049] Memory area 512 stores a computer program for an external device for connecting information communication terminal 501 and television 502 to be able to communicate with washing machines 10 and 20 and for causing them to function as components of laundry system 1. That is, the computer program for the external device is a computer program for executing a notification process using external devices 501 and 502 in cooperation with washing machines 10 and 20. This computer program for the external device is stored as so-called application software in, for example, external server 60. Then, control device 51 downloads the computer program for the external device from external server 60 and installs it, thereby virtually realizing output processing unit 56 and the like by software.

[0050] Similar to first communication unit 31, second communication unit 52 has a function of communicating with washing machines 10, 20 and other devices directly or via electric communication line 90 such as the Internet. Second input unit 53, second display unit 54, and second pronunciation unit 55 have the same configurations and functions as first input unit 401, first display unit 402, and first pronunciation unit 403 described above, respectively.

[0051] In this case, with regard to the information communication terminal 501, the second control device 51, the second communication unit 52, the second input unit 53, the second display unit 54, the second pronunciation unit 55, and the output processing unit 56 can each be configured as components that are inherently provided in the information communication terminal 501, that is, components built into the information communication terminal 501.

[0052] Regarding the television 502, if the television 502 is a so-called smart television that can be connected to the Internet, the second control device 51, the second communication unit 52, the second input unit 53, the second display unit 54, the second sound output unit 55, and the output processing unit 56 can be configured as components that the television 502 originally has, that is, components that are built into the television 502. If the television 502 is not a so-called smart television, the second control device 51, the second communication unit 52, the second input unit 53, the second display unit 54, the second sound output unit 55, and the output processing unit 56, except for the display unit 54, can also be configured as devices that can be added to the television 502 later.

[0053] The specific configurations of the second input unit 53 and the second display unit 54 differ depending on the type of the external devices 501, 502. For example, in the case of the information communication terminal 501, the second input unit 53 and the second display unit 54 can be configured, for example, by a touch panel display. Also, in the case of the television 502, the second input unit 53 can be configured, for example, by a remote control for operating the television 502, and the second display unit 54 can be configured by a display of the television 502.

[0054] Output processing unit 56 has a function of receiving a direct instruction from washing machines 10, 20 or an instruction from washing machines 10, 20 via server 60, and controlling the output of either or both of second display unit 54 and second pronunciation unit 55 according to the content of the instruction. In other words, output processing unit 56 has a function of receiving an instruction from washing machines 10, 20, and controlling one or both of the display content displayed on second display unit 54 and the sound content generated by second pronunciation unit 55.

[0055] For example, notification processing unit 33 of washing machine 10 can transmit commands for executing a first notification process, a second notification process, and a third notification process using external devices 501 and 502 to external devices 501 and 502 via first communication unit 31 directly or indirectly via server 60. Then, when output processing unit 56 receives a command to execute each notification process from washing machines 10 and 20, output processing unit 56 causes second display unit 54 to display predetermined information or second sound output unit 55 to generate a predetermined sound based on the command.

[0056] Server 60 may be configured as, for example, an external server provided on the Internet, and may be called a database server, a Web server, a cloud server, etc. Laundry system 1 may be configured so that communication between washing machines 10, 20 and external devices 501, 502 is performed directly between them, or may be configured so that communication is performed via server 60.

[0057] When communication between the washing machines 10, 20 and the external devices 501, 502 is performed via the server 60, the server 60 can store information about the washing machines 10, 20 and the external devices 501, 502 required for constructing the laundry system 1, such as the serial numbers and MAC addresses of the washing machines 10, 20, in association with an ID and a password set by a user. The server 60 then mediates communication between the external devices 501, 502 to which an ID and password have been input, and the washing machines 10, 20 associated with the ID. In this case, the server 60 functions as a so-called management server.

[0058] The server 60 can also store application software for the external device described above. In this case, the server 60 functions as a so-called application storage server. Note that the management server and the application storage server may be different individual devices having different configurations, that is, installed in different locations.

[0059] The notification processor 33 can set the device for executing the first notification process, the second notification process, and the third notification process, and the specific content of each notification process. That is, the user can select the user terminal 501, 502 to be used to execute each notification process from the user terminals 501, 502 among the external devices 501, 502, 60 constituting the laundry system 1. Furthermore, the notification processor 33 can set, for example, a specific mode of notification in the user terminal 501, 502 selected by the user. For example, the operation panel 40 provided in the washing machine 10, 20 or the second input unit 53 and the second display unit 54 of the user terminals 501, 502 constituting the laundry system 1 can be used to select the user terminal 501, 502 to be used to execute each notification process and to set the specific mode of notification.

[0060] In this embodiment, the notification processor 33 executes the first notification process and the third notification process once each before the washing operation is completed. That is, the notification processor 33 executes the first notification process once after the completion of the pre-washing process, and executes the third notification process once after the completion of the main washing process. The notification processor 33 can also execute the second notification process at a preset interval and in a preset manner, for example, during the period from the end of the pre-washing process to the receipt of a user operation to start the main washing process, that is, when the standby state is maintained after the pre-washing process.

[0061] The notification processor 33 can be set to execute the second notification process at least once in a manner different from the first notification process when the standby state continues for a predetermined period of time, for example. In this case, the notification processor 33 can change the method of the second notification process so as to attract the user's attention more than the first notification process. In this embodiment, the method of each notification process includes the type of device or the number of devices used in each notification process, a combination of devices, or the contents of display and sound. That is, in this embodiment, the method of each notification process means a combination of the selection of a device to be used in each notification process among the operation panel 40 and the external devices 501 and 502 constituting the laundry system 1, and the setting of the specific contents of the display and sound on the operation panel 40 or the external devices 501 and 502.

[0062] For example, when executing the second notification process, the notification processor 33 can be set to execute the second notification process in a manner that attracts the user's attention more than the first notification process by using a device different from the device used in the first notification process, or by adding another device to the device used in the first notification process, or by changing the contents of the display or sound in the first notification process, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. Note that in Figures 7 and 8, the letters "ON" mean that the corresponding notification process is executed.

[0063] In this case, the devices used for each notification process include, for example, the operation panel 40 provided in the washing machines 10 and 20, and user terminals 501 and 502 capable of communicating with the washing machines 10 and 20, as shown in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Possible methods for further attracting the user's attention include increasing the number of devices used for the second notification process, increasing the volume, changing the display position, or increasing the size.

[0064] For example, when the second notification process is executed using the information communication terminal 501 such as a smartphone, the information communication terminal 501 operates the second sound output unit 55 to generate sound, and displays information 81 related to the second notification process on the second display unit 54 as shown in Figs. 9 and 10. When the second notification process is executed using the television 502, the television 502 operates the second sound output unit 55 to generate sound, and displays information 81 related to the second notification process on the second display unit 54 as shown in Figs. 11 and 12. Note that the information displayed on the operation panel 40 or the external devices 501 and 502 and the sound generated by the first notification process may be the same as or different from the information displayed by the operation panel 40 or the external devices 501 and 502 in the first notification process.

[0065] In the present embodiment, the information 81 shown in Figs. 9 to 12 includes, for example, the text "Pre-washing has been completed" and the text "Please add detergent and press the start button to start the main wash." In this case, the text "Pre-washing has been completed" in the information 81 is an example of information indicating that the pre-washing process has been completed, and the text "Please add detergent and press the start button to start the main wash" is an example of information indicating that the main wash process can be executed. That is, the information 81 shown in Figs. 9 and 10 includes both information indicating that the pre-washing process has been completed and information indicating that the main wash process can be executed. Then, the information communication terminal 501 and the television 502 change the position and size of the information 81 based on the setting related to the second notification process, that is, based on the command received from the notification processing unit 33, as shown in Figs. 9 to 12.

[0066] Furthermore, when the standby state continues for a predetermined period of time, the notification processor 33 can be set to execute the second notification process multiple times in different methods, for example, as shown in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. In this case, the notification processor 33 can change the method of the second notification process so as to attract the user's attention as the number of times the second notification process is executed increases in the washing operation. In this embodiment, different methods means that at least one of the types of devices, the number of devices, or the combination of devices used in each notification process, or the contents of the display and sound, etc. is different.

[0067] For example, when executing the second alarm process multiple times, the alarm processing unit 33 can be configured to execute the second alarm process multiple times while changing the method to better attract the user's attention, such as by using a device different from the device used in the previous second alarm process, or by adding another device to the device used in the previous second alarm process, or by changing the content of the display or sound in the previous second alarm process, as shown in Figures 7 and 8.

[0068] Furthermore, when the second notification process is executed multiple times, the notification processor 33 can be set to execute the second notification process using the same external devices 501 and 502 for some or all of the multiple second notification processes. For example, when the second notification process is executed five times as shown in FIG. 7, the notification processor 33 can be set to execute the second notification process using the information communication terminal 501 for some of the five times, for example, three times. In this case, the notification processor 33 can also be set to execute the second notification process using both the information communication terminal 501 and the operation panel 40 for some or all of the times. The notification processor 33 can be set to execute the second notification process using the information communication terminal 501 for all of the five times.

[0069] Furthermore, when the second notification process is executed multiple times, the notification processor 33 can be set to execute the second notification process for some or all of the times using different external devices 501, 502. When the second notification process is executed multiple times, the notification processor 33 can be set to execute the second notification process using different external devices 501, 502 for each execution of the second notification process.

[0070] 8, for example, when the second notification process is executed five times, notification processing unit 33 can be set to execute the second notification process for the first time using only operation panel 40 of washing machine 10, 20, and execute the second notification process for the second time using a device different from the device used for the first second notification process, such as information communication terminal 501. Notification processing unit 33 can also be set to execute the second notification process for the third time using a device different from the device used for the first and second second notification processes, such as television 502.

[0071] In addition, the notification processor 33 can set a period for which the standby state continues based on a user's operation on the operation panel 40 or the external devices 501 and 502. The period for which the standby state continues is a period for which the washing machines 10 and 20 are kept powered on when the main washing process has not started after the pre-washing process has ended, that is, a period for which the main washing process can be started, and may be referred to as a duration, for example. The duration may be a value that cannot be changed by the user, or a value that can be changed by the user. The duration may be set to, for example, 60 minutes.

[0072] In addition, the notification processing unit 33 can set an execution interval for executing the second notification processing when the second notification processing is executed multiple times. The execution interval can be, for example, a value that the user cannot change, or can be, for example, a value that the user can change at will. In addition, the execution interval can be, for example, a value that the user cannot change at will, or a value that the user cannot change at will and is automatically set by the notification processing unit 33.

[0073] The setting of the execution interval will be described with reference to Fig. 13 to Fig. 15. The elapsed time shown in Fig. 13 to Fig. 15 indicates the elapsed time from the end of the pre-washing process when the Nth second notification process is executed. After the end of the pre-washing process, the notification processing unit 33 executes the Nth second notification process when the elapsed time shown in Fig. 13 to Fig. 15 has elapsed while the standby state is maintained. In the example shown in Fig. 13 to Fig. 15, the duration is set to 60 minutes, but if the duration is set to another time, the specific contents shown in Fig. 13 to Fig. 15 will be changed according to the duration.

[0074] FIG. 13 shows an example in which the execution interval is a value that can be arbitrarily changed by the user. In this case, the notification processing unit 33 can set the execution interval to a fixed interval based on the user's operation. For example, if the interval time is a fixed value of 10 minutes, the notification processing unit 33 executes the second notification process at 10-minute intervals until the duration of 60 minutes has elapsed in the standby state. Similarly, if the interval time is a fixed value of 15 minutes, the notification processing unit 33 executes the second notification process at 15-minute intervals until the duration of 60 minutes has elapsed in the standby state. In this case, the notification processing unit 33 may be able to set the execution interval in 1-minute increments based on the user's operation, for example.

[0075] 14 shows an example in which the execution interval is set to a value that cannot be arbitrarily changed by the user. In this case, the notification processor 33 can set the execution interval to a variable value that becomes shorter as the number of times the second notification process is executed increases. For example, the notification processor 33 can set the execution interval of the second notification process to 15 minutes for the first and second times, 10 minutes for the third and fourth times, which is shorter than the 15 minutes, and 5 minutes for the fifth and sixth times, which is shorter than the 10 minutes.

[0076] Fig. 15 shows an example in which the execution interval cannot be arbitrarily changed by the user and is set automatically by the notification processing unit 33. In this case, the notification processing unit 33 can set the execution interval to a value learned from the previous washing operation or the previous washing operations, i.e., a learned value. That is, the notification processing unit 33 can execute a process of changing the execution interval of the second notification process based on the period during which the standby state continued in the previous washing operation or the previous washing operations. The previous washing operation means a washing operation including a pre-wash step performed immediately before the washing operation to be performed this time. Also, the previous washing operation means a plurality of washing operations including a pre-wash step performed before the washing operation to be performed this time.

[0077] The notification processor 33 can learn multiple washing operations including a pre-wash step performed before the current washing operation and set the execution interval based on the learning. That is, the notification processor 33 can set the execution interval based on the duration of the standby state in multiple washing operations including a pre-wash step performed before the current washing operation, that is, based on the period from the end of the pre-wash step to the user's operation to start the main wash step. In this case, the notification processor 33 can calculate, for example, the average value of the duration of the standby state in multiple washing operations including a pre-wash step performed before the current washing operation and set the execution interval to be shorter as the average value becomes longer.

[0078] In this case, the notification processing unit 33 sets the initial value of the execution interval to a predetermined value, for example, 10 minutes, and sets the threshold value for increasing or decreasing the execution interval to, for example, 30 minutes. If the average duration of the standby state in the past predetermined number of washing operations is less than the threshold value set above, i.e., less than 30 minutes, the notification processing unit 33 maintains the execution interval at the initial value, for example, as shown in pattern 1 of FIG. 15. On the other hand, if the average duration of the standby state in the past predetermined number of washing operations is equal to or greater than the threshold value, in this case, 30 minutes or more, the notification processing unit 33 sets the execution interval to be shorter than the initial value of 10 minutes, for example, as shown in pattern 2 of FIG. In the case of this pattern 2, the execution time may be a constant value in each second notification process, or may be shortened as the number of second notification processes increases.

[0079] The notification processing unit 33 can set the contents of each notification process based on the user's input operation on the operation panel 40 of the washing machines 10 and 20, or the user's input operation on the input unit 53 of the external devices 501 and 502. In Figs. 16 and 17, for example, an example is shown in which the operation panel 40 is used. Note that the examples in Figs. 16 and 17 assume that the operation panel 40 is a touch panel display. Also, even when the input unit 53 of the external devices 501 and 502 is used to set the contents of each notification process, the same configuration as that shown in Figs. 16 and 17 can be used.

[0080] 16 and 17, the operation panel 40 has, for example, a linkage switching unit 71, a first notification selection unit 721, a second notification selection unit 722, a third notification selection unit 723, a duration setting unit 73, a fixed selection unit 741, a variable selection unit 742, a learning selection unit 743, a time setting unit 744, a first device display area 751, a second device display area 752, a first notification setting unit 761, and a second notification setting unit 762. Among these, the linkage switching unit 71, the first notification selection unit 721, the second notification selection unit 722, the third notification selection unit 723, a duration setting unit 73, a fixed selection unit 741, a variable selection unit 742, the learning selection unit 743, the time setting unit 744, the first notification setting unit 761, the second notification setting unit 762, and the continuation / non-continuation setting unit 77 function as an operation unit that receives an operation input from a user. Each of these operation units 71, 721, 722, 723, 73, 741, 742, 743, 744, 761, 762, 77 may be a touch-type or mechanical button or switch, or may be a predetermined area displayed on a touch panel display that can be touch-operated.

[0081] The interlocking switching unit 71, the first notification selection unit 721, the second notification selection unit 722, and the third notification selection unit 723 are operation units that can selectively select, for example, either ON or OFF. In the case of this embodiment, when the black circles arranged inside the interlocking switching unit 71, the first notification selection unit 721, the second notification selection unit 722, and the third notification selection unit 723 are positioned on the ON side, it indicates that ON is selected, and when they are positioned on the OFF side, it indicates that OFF is selected.

[0082] The interlocking switch 71 has a function of switching whether or not the operations of the first notification selection unit 721, the second notification selection unit 722, and the third notification selection unit 723 are interlocked. When the black circle in the interlocking switch 71 is located on the ON side, the operations of the first notification selection unit 721, the second notification selection unit 722, and the third notification selection unit 723 are interlocked. That is, when the black circle in the interlocking switch 71 is located on the ON side, that is, when the interlocking switch 71 is in the ON state, when the user operates any one of the first notification selection unit 721, the second notification selection unit 722, and the third notification selection unit 723, the other two are also interlocked and operated to the same content. As an example, when the interlocking switch 71 is in the ON state, when the user switches the first notification selection unit 721 to OFF, the second notification selection unit 722 and the third notification selection unit 723 are also interlocked and switched to OFF. That is, by turning on the interlocking switching section 71, the user can set the first notification selection section 721, the second notification selection section 722, and the third notification selection section 723 all at once.

[0083] On the other hand, when the black circle in the interlocking switching unit 71 is located on the OFF side, the operations of the first notification selection unit 721, the second notification selection unit 722, and the third notification selection unit 723 are independent of each other without being interlocked. That is, when the black circle in the interlocking switching unit 71 is located on the OFF side, that is, when the interlocking switching unit 71 is in the OFF state, even if the user operates any one of the first notification selection unit 721, the second notification selection unit 722, and the third notification selection unit 723, the other two are not interlocked and operated to the same content. For example, when the interlocking switching unit 71 is in the OFF state, even if the user switches the first notification selection unit 721 to OFF, the second notification selection unit 722 and the third notification selection unit 723 are not interlocked and switched to OFF. That is, by turning off the interlocking switching unit 71, the user can set the first notification selection unit 721, the second notification selection unit 722, and the third notification selection unit 723 individually.

[0084] The first notification selection unit 721, the second notification selection unit 722, and the third notification selection unit 723 are for setting whether or not to execute the first notification process, the second notification process, and the third notification process, respectively. In this case, ON indicates that the corresponding notification process is executed, and OFF indicates that the corresponding notification process is not executed. That is, when the black circles in the first notification selection unit 721, the second notification selection unit 722, and the third notification selection unit 723 are located on the ON side, respectively, the notification processing unit 33 executes the first notification process, the second notification process, and the third notification process, respectively. On the other hand, when the black circles in the first notification selection unit 721, the second notification selection unit 722, and the third notification selection unit 723 are located on the OFF side, respectively, the notification processing unit 33 does not execute the first notification process, the second notification process, and the third notification process, respectively.

[0085] The duration setting unit 73 is for setting the time for which the standby state continues. The duration setting unit 73 may be, for example, a form in which the user directly inputs a numerical value, or a form in which the user selects one from a plurality of options set in advance, or a combination of these.

[0086] The fixed selection unit 741, the variable selection unit 742, the learning selection unit 743, and the time setting unit 744 are for setting the execution interval of the second notification process. In this case, the fixed selection unit 741, the variable selection unit 742, and the learning selection unit 743 are an operation unit that can alternatively select one of them. In the examples of Figs. 16 and 17, the black circles adjacent to the selection units 741, 742, and 743 indicate that the selection units 741, 742, and 743 adjacent to the black circles are selected. On the other hand, the white circles adjacent to the selection units 741, 742, and 743 adjacent to the white circles indicate that the selection units 741, 742, and 743 adjacent to the white circles are not selected. The example of Fig. 16 shows a case where the fixed selection unit 741 adjacent to the black circle is selected, and the variable selection unit 742 and the learning selection unit 743 adjacent to the white circle are not selected.

[0087] The fixed selection unit 741 is for setting the execution interval of the second notification process to a fixed value as shown in Fig. 13, for example. The variable selection unit 742 is for setting the execution interval of the second notification process to a variable value as shown in Fig. 14, for example. The learning selection unit 743 is for setting the execution interval of the second notification process to a learned value as shown in Fig. 15, for example. The user can operate the fixed selection unit 741, the variable selection unit 742, and the learning selection unit 743 to selectively set the execution interval of the second notification process to a fixed value, a variable value, or a learned value.

[0088] The time setting section 744 is for setting the execution interval shown in Fig. 13 when, for example, the fixed selection section 741 is selected. The time setting section 744 may be in a form in which, for example, the user directly inputs a numerical value, or in a form in which, for example, one is selected from a plurality of preset options, or may be a combination of these.

[0089] 17, when the second notification selection unit 722 is OFF, that is, when the second notification process is not selected, the notification processing unit 33 can prevent operations from being accepted for the duration setting unit 73, the fixed selection unit 741, the variable selection unit 742, the learning selection unit 743, and the time setting unit 744. In the example of Fig. 17, the hatching applied to the duration setting unit 73, the fixed selection unit 741, the variable selection unit 742, the learning selection unit 743, and the time setting unit 744 indicates that operations from the user are not accepted, that is, the settings cannot be changed.

[0090] The first device display area 751 and the second device display area 752 are areas for displaying information for identifying devices registered as the laundry system 1, i.e., external devices 501 and 502, such as device names. For example, in the example of Fig. 17, the first device display area 751 displays "smartphone" indicating the information communication terminal 501, and the second device display area 752 displays "television" indicating the television 502.

[0091] The first notification setting section 761 and the second notification setting section 762 are for setting whether or not to execute each notification process using the external devices 501, 502 displayed in the first device display area 751 and the second device display area 752. For example, when a black circle arranged in the first notification setting section 761 or the second notification setting section 762 is located on the "Yes" side, it indicates that each notification process is performed using the corresponding external device 501, 502. On the other hand, when a black circle arranged in the first notification setting section 761 or the second notification setting section 762 is located on the "No" side, it indicates that each notification process is not performed using the corresponding external device 501, 502.

[0092] The continuation / non-continuation setting section 77 is for setting the operation to be performed when the duration time has elapsed without the main washing process being performed after the pre-washing process is completed, i.e., whether to continue or end the operation when the duration time has elapsed. For example, when the black circle arranged in the continuation / non-continuation setting section 77 is located on the "yes" side, it indicates that when the duration time has elapsed without the main washing process being performed after the pre-washing process is completed, the main washing process will be automatically performed thereafter. Also, for example, when the black circle arranged in the continuation / non-continuation setting section 77 is located on the "no" side, it indicates that when the duration time has elapsed without the main washing process being performed after the pre-washing process is completed, the main washing process will not be automatically performed thereafter.

[0093] Next, an example of the control contents executed by the washing processing unit 32 and the notification processing unit 33 when a washing operation including a pre-wash step is performed, i.e., when a course with pre-wash is selected in this embodiment, will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Note that in the example of Fig. 18, the controls executed by the washing processing unit 32 and the notification processing unit 33 are both executed by the control device 30.

[0094] When the control device 30 starts a washing operation including a pre-wash step in response to a user operation on the operation panel 40 or the like (START in FIG. 18), the control device 30 first executes the pre-wash step in step S11. When the pre-wash step is completed, the control device 30 executes a first notification process using the operation panel 40 and some or all of the external devices 501 and 502 according to the contents set by the user in step S12, and then transitions to a standby state.

[0095] Next, in step S13, the control device 30 judges whether or not a user operation has been input to the start operation unit 413 of the operation panel 40 shown in Fig. 4, for example, i.e., whether or not a start operation has been input. If the start operation has not been input (NO in step S13), the control device 30 proceeds to step S14 and judges whether or not a preset execution interval has elapsed since the previous notification process, i.e., whether or not an elapsed time according to the execution interval has elapsed since the end of the pre-wash step. In this case, the previous notification process means the first notification process if the second notification process has not yet been executed up to now, and means the second notification process executed immediately before if the second notification process has already been executed one or more times.

[0096] If the preset execution interval has not elapsed since the previous notification process (NO in step S14), the control device 30 returns the process to step S13 and executes step S13 and subsequent steps. On the other hand, if the preset execution interval has elapsed since the previous notification process (YES in step S14), the control device 30 transitions the process to step S15.

[0097] In step S15, the control device 30 judges whether a preset duration has elapsed since the end of the pre-washing process. That is, in step S15, the control device 30 judges whether a duration has elapsed since the standby state was entered. If the preset duration has elapsed since the end of the pre-washing process (YES in step S15), the control device 30 shifts the process to step S151 in FIG. 19. If the continuation / non-continuation setting unit 77 is set to "Yes", the control device 30 shifts the process to step S17 in FIG. 18 and automatically executes the main washing process. On the other hand, if the continuation / non-continuation setting unit 77 is set to "Yes", the control device 30 shifts the process to step S19. Then, in step S19, the control device 30 turns off the power of the washing machines 10 and 20, and ends the series of controls.

[0098] On the other hand, if the duration has not yet elapsed since the end of the pre-washing process (NO in step S15), the control device 30 proceeds to step S16. In step S16, the control device 30 executes a second notification process using the operation panel 40 and some or all of the external devices 501 and 502 according to the contents set by the user, and then transitions to a standby state. Thereafter, the control device 30 returns to step S13 and executes the processes from step S13 onwards again.

[0099] 4, that is, when a start operation is input (YES in step S13), the control device 30 proceeds to step S17. Then, in step S17, the control device 30 executes the main washing process.

[0100] When the main washing step is completed, in step S18, the control device 30 executes a third notification process using the operation panel 40 and some or all of the external devices 501 and 502 according to the contents set by the user. After that, in step S19, the control device 30 turns off the power of the washing machines 10 and 20, and ends the series of controls.

[0101] According to the above-described embodiment, the washing machine 10, 20 includes the water tub 12, 22, the washing processing unit 32, and the notification processing unit 33. The water tub 12, 22 is configured to be able to store laundry. The washing processing unit 32 can execute a washing operation including a pre-washing process for pre-washing the laundry stored in the water tub 12, 22, and a main washing process for washing the laundry, which is executed based on a user's operation after the completion of the pre-washing process. The notification processing unit 33 can execute a first notification process for notifying the user that the pre-washing process has been completed when the pre-washing process has been completed, and a second notification process for notifying the user that the pre-washing process has been completed or that the main washing process can be performed, or both, when the standby state in which the main washing process is not being performed continues after the completion of the pre-washing process.

[0102] According to this, the notification processing unit can inform the user that the pre-wash has been completed by executing the first notification process. Furthermore, by executing the second notification process while the standby state continues, the notification processing unit can reliably inform the user that the washing machine 10, 20 is in standby state, i.e., that the main washing process has not yet been performed. This makes it possible to make the user aware that the pre-wash process has been completed. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the main washing process is not performed after the pre-wash process is completed and the laundry is left for a long time without being removed from the water tub, thereby improving the usability of the washing machine 10, 20.

[0103] Furthermore, the notification processor 33 can execute the second notification process at least once in a manner different from the first notification process when the standby state continues for a predetermined period of time. By executing the second notification process in a manner different from the first notification process executed immediately after the end of the pre-washing process, it is possible to easily attract the user's attention when the second notification process is executed. This makes it possible to more effectively notify the user that the pre-washing process has ended. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent the laundry from being left for a long time after the end of the pre-washing process, and the usability of the washing machines 10 and 20 is further improved.

[0104] Furthermore, the notification processor 33 can execute the second notification process multiple times using different methods when the standby state continues for a predetermined period of time. By executing the second notification process multiple times during the standby state using different methods, it is possible to more easily attract the user's attention. This makes it possible to more effectively notify the user that the pre-washing process has ended. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent the laundry from being left for a long time after the pre-washing process has ended, and the usability of the washing machines 10 and 20 is further improved.

[0105] Moreover, washing machines 10 and 20 further include a communication unit, in this case first communication unit 31, which is communicatively connected to external devices 501 and 502. Then, notification processing unit 33 can execute a process of transmitting a command for executing a second notification process using external devices 501 and 502 to external devices 501 and 502 via first communication unit 31. In this case, external devices 501 and 502 are composed of, for example, an information communication terminal 501 and a television 502 owned by a user.

[0106] According to this, the washing machines 10 and 20 can execute the second notification process using, for example, information and communication terminal 501 or television 502 owned by the user. That is, by executing the second notification process using, for example, information and communication terminal 501 or television 502 in the user's possession, the user can easily notice the execution of the second notification process. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent the laundry from being left for a long time after the completion of the pre-wash step, and the usability of the washing machines 10 and 20 is further improved.

[0107] When the second notification process is executed multiple times, notification processor 33 can execute the second notification process using the same external devices 501, 502. By executing the second notification process multiple times using the same external devices 501, 502, the user can more easily notice the execution of the second notification process. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent the laundry from being left for a long time after the completion of the pre-wash step, and the usability of washing machines 10, 20 is further improved.

[0108] Furthermore, when the second notification process is executed multiple times, notification processor 33 can execute the second notification process using different external devices 501, 502. By executing the second notification process multiple times using different external devices 501, 502, the execution of the second notification process can be more reliably notified to the user. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent the laundry from being left for a long time after the completion of the pre-wash step, and the usability of washing machines 10, 20 is further improved.

[0109] Furthermore, when the second notification process is executed multiple times, notification processor 33 can execute the second notification process using different external devices 501, 502 for each execution of the second notification process. By changing devices 501, 502 used for each execution of the second notification process, the execution of the second notification process can be more reliably notified to the user. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent the laundry from being left for a long time after the completion of the pre-wash step, and the usability of washing machines 10, 20 is further improved.

[0110] Furthermore, the notification processor 33 can execute the second notification process multiple times if the standby state continues for a predetermined period of time, and can execute a process to change the execution interval of the second notification process based on a user operation. This allows the user to adjust the execution interval of the second notification process according to, for example, their preference, thereby further improving usability.

[0111] The notification processor 33 can execute the second notification process multiple times if the standby state continues for a predetermined period of time, and can execute a process of changing the execution interval of the second notification process based on the duration of the standby state in the previous washing operation including a pre-wash step or in the washing operations including the pre-wash step up to the previous time. That is, the notification processor 33 can learn the duration of the standby state in the previous washing operation including a pre-wash step or in the washing operations including the pre-wash step up to the previous time, that is, learn the behavior of the user, and adjust the execution interval of the second notification process according to the behavior of the user. This further improves the usability of the second notification process because the execution interval suitable for the user is automatically adjusted without the user himself / herself adjusting the execution interval of the second notification process.

[0112] Moreover, the washing machines 10 and 20 further include a first notification selection unit 721 and a second notification selection unit 722. The first notification selection unit 721 is configured to be able to select whether or not to execute a first notification process based on a user's operation. The second notification selection unit 722 is configured to be able to select whether or not to execute a second notification process based on a user's operation. An operation on one of the first notification selection unit 721 and the second notification selection unit 722 is linked to the other.

[0113] According to this, the user can simultaneously set either the first notification selection unit 721 or the second notification selection unit 722 by simply setting the other. In other words, whether or not to execute the first notification process and whether or not to execute the second notification process can be performed collectively by only operating either the first notification selection unit 721 or the second notification selection unit 722. As a result, it is possible to improve user convenience.

[0114] Moreover, the washing machines 10 and 20 further include a first notification selection unit 721 and a second notification selection unit 722. The first notification selection unit 721 is for selecting whether or not to execute a first notification process based on a user's operation. The second notification selection unit 722 is for selecting whether or not to execute a second notification process based on a user's operation. The operations for the first notification selection unit 721 and the second notification selection unit 722 are independent of each other.

[0115] According to this, the user can individually set whether or not to execute the first notification process and whether or not to execute the second notification process by operating the first notification selection unit 721 and the second notification selection unit 722. As a result, it is possible to improve the convenience for the user.

[0116] Moreover, the washing machines 10 and 20 further include an interlocking switching unit 71. The interlocking switching unit 71 has a function of switching between an interlocking state and a non-interlocking state between the first notification selection unit 721 and the second notification selection unit 722 based on a user's operation. This allows the user to arbitrarily switch between an interlocking state and a non-interlocking state between the first notification selection unit 721 and the second notification selection unit 722, thereby further improving convenience.

[0117] The computer program of the present embodiment is a computer program executed by second control device 51 included in external devices 501, 502 including at least one of display unit 54 capable of displaying information or sound generating unit 55 capable of generating sound, and communication unit 52 communicatively connected to washing machines 10, 20 via electric communication line 90. This computer program can cause second control device 51 to execute output processing for operating display unit 54 or sound generating unit 55 according to the content of the second notification processing when communication unit 52 receives a command to execute the second notification processing.

[0118] According to this, for example, by causing second control device 51 included in external devices 501, 502 configured as commercially available general-purpose products to execute the above-mentioned computer program, washing machines 10, 20 can execute the second notification process using external devices 501, 502. As a result, the user can recognize information from the second notification process using, for example, a smartphone or a television that the user owns, thereby further improving user convenience.

[0119] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 10, 20... washing machine, 12, 22... water tub, 31... first communication unit, washing machine side communication unit, communication unit 32... washing processing unit, 33... notification processing unit, 501... external device, information communication terminal, user terminal, 502... external device, television, user terminal, 54... second display unit, display unit, 55... second sound output unit, sound output unit, 60... external device, server, 71... interlocking switching unit, 721... first notification selection unit, 722... second notification selection unit

Claims

1. A water tank capable of accommodating laundry; A washing processing unit capable of executing a washing operation including a pre-washing process for pre-washing the laundry contained in the water tank, and a main washing process for washing the laundry based on a user's operation after the completion of the pre-washing process; a notification processing unit capable of executing a first notification process for notifying a user that the pre-washing process has been completed when the pre-washing process has been completed, and a second notification process for notifying a user that the pre-washing process has been completed or that the main washing process can be performed, or both, when a standby state in which the pre-washing process has been completed and the main washing process is not being performed continues after the pre-washing process has been completed; Equipped with The notification processing unit executes the second notification process at a predetermined interval during a duration for maintaining a state in which the main washing process can be started until a start operation for starting the main washing process is input, and when the start operation is input after the execution of the second notification process, the second notification process is terminated, and the washing processing unit starts the main washing process. washing machine.

2. A water tank capable of accommodating laundry; A washing processing unit capable of executing a washing operation including a pre-washing process for pre-washing the laundry contained in the water tank, and a main washing process for washing the laundry based on a user's operation after the completion of the pre-washing process; a notification processing unit capable of executing a first notification process for notifying a user that the pre-washing process has been completed when the pre-washing process has been completed, and a second notification process for notifying a user that the pre-washing process has been completed or that the main washing process can be performed, or both, when a standby state in which the pre-washing process has been completed and the main washing process is not being performed continues after the pre-washing process has been completed; Equipped with The notification processing unit executes the second notification process at predetermined intervals during a duration for which the main washing process can be started until a start operation for starting the main washing process is input, The washing processing unit is configured such that, when the setting as to whether to continue or end the operation when the duration time has elapsed is set to continue, the washing processing unit automatically executes the main washing process after the duration time has elapsed, and when the setting as not to continue is set, the washing processing unit ends the operation without executing the main washing process after the duration time has elapsed. washing machine.

3. the notification processing unit is capable of executing the second notification process at least once in a manner different from the first notification process when the standby state continues for a predetermined period of time. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The notification processing unit is capable of executing the second notification process a plurality of times using different methods when the standby state continues for a predetermined period of time. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. Further comprising a communication unit for communicatively connecting with an external device, The notification processing unit is capable of executing a process of transmitting a command for executing the second notification process using the external device to the external device via the communication unit. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. When the notification processing unit executes the second notification process a plurality of times, the notification processing unit is capable of executing the second notification process using the same external device. The washing machine according to claim 5.

7. When the notification processing unit executes the second notification process a plurality of times, the second notification process can be executed using different external devices. The washing machine according to claim 5.

8. When the second notification process is executed a plurality of times, the notification processing unit is capable of executing the second notification process using a different external device for each execution of the second notification process. The washing machine according to claim 7.

9. The notification processing unit is capable of executing the second notification process multiple times when the standby state continues for a predetermined period of time, and is capable of executing a process of changing an execution interval of the second notification process based on a user operation.

9. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The notification processing unit is capable of executing the second notification process multiple times when the standby state continues for a predetermined period of time, and is capable of executing a process of changing an execution interval of the second notification process based on a period during which the standby state continued in the washing operation including the previous pre-washing step or in the washing operations including the pre-washing steps up to the previous time.

9. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

11. a first notification selection unit capable of selecting whether or not to execute the first notification process based on a user operation; A second notification selection unit that can select whether or not to execute the second notification process based on a user operation, An operation on one of the first notification selection unit and the second notification selection unit is linked to the other. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. a first notification selection unit capable of selecting whether or not to execute the first notification process based on a user operation; A second notification selection unit that can switch whether or not the second notification process is executed based on a user operation, The operations of the first notification selection unit and the second notification selection unit are independent of each other. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. The device further includes a linkage switching unit that can switch between a state in which the first notification selection unit and the second notification selection unit are linked and a state in which they are not linked based on a user operation. The washing machine according to claim 11 or 12.

14. At least one of a display unit capable of displaying information and a sound generating unit capable of generating sound; A communication unit communicatively connected to the washing machine via an electric communication line; A computer program to be executed by a computer included in an external device comprising: The washing machine comprises: A water tank capable of accommodating laundry; A washing processing unit capable of executing a washing operation including a pre-washing process for pre-washing the laundry contained in the water tank, and a main washing process for washing the laundry based on a user's operation after the completion of the pre-washing process; and a notification processing unit capable of executing a first notification process for notifying a user that the pre-washing process has been completed when the pre-washing process has been completed, and a second notification process for notifying a user by using the external device at least one or both of the fact that the pre-washing process has been completed and the fact that the main washing process can be performed when a standby state in which the pre-washing process has been completed and the main washing process is not being performed continues after the pre-washing process has been completed, an output process for operating the display unit or the sound unit according to the content of the second notification process when the communication unit receives a command to execute the second notification process, the output process being executed by the computer at predetermined intervals during a duration for maintaining a state in which the main washing process can be started until a start operation for starting the main washing process is input, and a process for terminating the second notification process and enabling the washing processing unit to start the main washing process when the start operation is input after the execution of the second notification process. Computer program.

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