system

Abstract

To provide a monitoring terminal which can effectively detect vibration continuously generated during the operation of an electric device.SOLUTION: A monitoring terminal 200 is detachably attached to an electric device 100 and monitors a status of the electric device 100. The monitoring terminal 200 comprises a detection unit 7, a communication unit 9, and a housing 11. The detection unit 7 detects vibration of the electric device 100. The communication unit 9 transmits, to an external apparatus 400, operating information on an operating status of the electric device 100 obtained based on a result of detection by the detection unit 7. The housing 11 houses the detection unit 7 and the communication unit 9. The housing 11 is disposed in a specific region P52 of the electric device 100. The specific region P52 indicates an upper corner region of the electric device 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to system Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] In the system for providing a beverage placement service described in Patent Document 1, a notification that the door state of a refrigerator having wireless communication capabilities has changed is wirelessly transmitted to a server. The server manages the inventory of beverages in the refrigerator based on the notification.

[0003] Specifically, the refrigerator is composed of a refrigerator main body and a wireless communication device attached to the refrigerator main body. The refrigerator has a door. The wireless communication device detects vibrations generated in the refrigerator when the door is closed. The wireless communication device is attached at a position where it can detect the vibrations with high accuracy. Specifically, when detecting vibrations generated in the refrigerator, the wireless communication device is attached to a side surface of the refrigerator main body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-109001 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the wireless communication device (monitoring terminal) described in Patent Document 1 only detects vibrations that occur when a door is opened or closed. In other words, the wireless communication device only detects temporary vibrations. On the other hand, electrical appliances such as washing machines continuously generate vibrations while they are in operation.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a monitoring terminal that can effectively detect vibrations that occur continuously while an electrical device is in operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The monitoring terminal of the present invention is detachably attached to an electrical device and monitors the status of the electrical device. The monitoring terminal includes a detection unit, a communication unit, and a housing. The detection unit detects vibrations of the electrical device. The communication unit transmits operation information indicating the operating status of the electrical device obtained based on the detection result of the detection unit to an external device. The housing accommodates the detection unit and the communication unit. The housing is placed in a specific area of ​​the electrical device. The specific area indicates an area at the top and corner of the electrical device. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a monitoring terminal that can effectively detect vibrations that occur continuously while an electrical device is in operation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a washing machine system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic front side of a washing machine on which a monitoring terminal according to the present embodiment is arranged. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic rear side of the washing machine on which the monitoring terminal according to the present embodiment is arranged. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a monitoring terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic diagram of a washing machine system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart showing a monitoring method using a monitoring terminal according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a monitoring terminal according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a monitoring terminal according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10A] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view illustrating a washing machine system according to a first modified example of the present embodiment. [Figure 10B] FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view illustrating a washing machine system according to a second modified example of the present embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a washing machine system according to a third modified example of the present embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a washing machine system according to a fourth modified example of the present embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart showing a monitoring method using a monitoring terminal according to a fifth modified example of the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0011] A monitoring terminal 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 9. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a washing machine system 300 according to the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the washing machine system 300 includes a washing machine 100 and a monitoring terminal 200. The washing machine 100 corresponds to an example of the "electrical device" of the present invention.

[0012] The monitoring terminal 200 is placed in the washing machine 100. The monitoring terminal 200 is detachable from the washing machine 100. The monitoring terminal 200 monitors the state of the washing machine 100. The monitoring terminal 200 is placed in a specific area P52 of the washing machine 100. That is, the housing 11 of the monitoring terminal 200 is placed in the specific area P52 of the washing machine 100. The specific area P52 indicates an area in the washing machine 100 where the monitoring terminal 200 can be placed. The specific area P52 indicates an area at the top and corner of the washing machine 100. The specific area P52 shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and other specific areas will be described later. The details of the monitoring terminal 200 will be described later.

[0013] Washing machine 100 washes laundry. Washing machine 100 is a horizontal drum type (hereinafter simply referred to as "drum type") washing machine. Washing machine 100 includes housing 101, lid 102, operation display unit 103, water tub 105, spin tub 106, drive unit 107, and button 108 for opening and closing lid 102.

[0014] Housing 101 houses water tub 105, rotating tub 106, and drive unit 107. Housing 101 is formed of, for example, metal or synthetic resin. Housing 101 has an opening 104 inside lid 102. Lid 102 closes opening 104. Lid 102 is supported by a hinge so that it can be opened and closed. Operation display unit 103 displays various information and accepts operations from the user.

[0015] Each of the rotating tub 106 and the water tub 105 has a cylindrical shape with one end closed. The rotating tub 106 and the water tub 105 are inclined obliquely upward with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0016] The spin tub 106 is capable of accommodating laundry. A spin tub bottom is formed at one end of the spin tub 106. A spin tub opening is formed at the other end of the spin tub 106. The spin tub 106 has a plurality of holes. The spin tub opening faces the lid 102. The spin tub 106 is disposed inside the water tub 105. The spin tub 106 is supported by the water tub 105 so as to be rotatable.

[0017] A water tank bottom is formed at one end of water tank 105. A water tank opening is formed at the other end of water tank 105. The water tank opening faces lid 102. Water tank 105 is supported within housing 101 so as to be able to swing. Water is supplied to water tank 105 and the water accumulates therein.

[0018] Through the multiple holes in the rotating tub 106, laundry treatment agents (detergent, fabric softener, bleach, etc.), water, and air can flow between the space between the water tub 105 and the rotating tub 106 and the internal space of the rotating tub 106.

[0019] Continuing to refer to FIG. 1, the operation of washing machine 100 will be described. With lid 102 open, laundry is placed into spin tub 106 through the spin tub opening. Driving unit 107 rotates spin tub 106. Driving unit 107 includes a motor. Driving unit 107 faces the bottom of the water tub outside water tub 105. As spin tub 106 rotates, water collected at the bottom of the water tub moves back and forth between spin tub 106 and water tub 105 through holes in spin tub 106. As a result, laundry is washed. Driving unit 107 is a source of vibration in washing machine 100. Driving unit 107 corresponds to an example of a "vibration source".

[0020] 1 shows the Ax-axis, Ay-axis, and Az-axis of a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system. The Ax-axis, Ay-axis, and Az-axis are mutually orthogonal. The Ax-axis and Ay-axis are approximately parallel to the horizontal plane, and the Az-axis is approximately parallel to the vertical direction. The washing machine 100 and the monitoring terminal 200 exist in a space represented by a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system including the Ax-axis, Ay-axis, and Az-axis (hereinafter, referred to as the "world coordinate system"). The washing machine 100 stands upright along the Az-axis direction.

[0021] Next, a monitoring system SYS including a washing machine system 300 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the monitoring system SYS. As shown in FIG. 2, the monitoring system SYS includes a washing machine system 300 and a server 400. The monitoring terminal 200, the server 400, and the user terminal TM of the washing machine system 300 are connected to a network NW and can communicate with each other. The network NW includes, for example, the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a public telephone network, and a short-distance wireless network. The user terminal TM is, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer.

[0022] The server 400 includes a control unit 401 and a storage unit 402. The control unit 401 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The storage unit 402 includes a storage device and stores data and computer programs. Specifically, the storage unit 402 includes a main storage device such as a semiconductor memory, and an auxiliary storage device such as a semiconductor memory, a solid state drive, and a hard disk drive. The storage unit 402 may include a removable medium. The storage unit 402 corresponds to an example of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The processor of the control unit 401 executes various calculations and controls by executing the computer programs stored in the storage device of the storage unit 402. The server 400 is, for example, a cloud server.

[0023] The communication unit 403 is connected to the network NW. The communication unit 403 is a communication device. The communication unit 403 communicates with the monitoring terminal 200 and the user terminal TM via the network NW. The communication unit 403 includes, for example, a network interface controller (NIC) that performs communication according to a predetermined communication protocol. The predetermined communication protocol is, for example, the TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) protocol suite (i.e., the Internet Protocol Suite). The communication unit 403 may also include, for example, a wireless communication module that performs short-range wireless communication. The short-range wireless communication is, for example, communication conforming to a communication standard by Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), or WiFi. The communication unit 403 may also include, for example, a wireless communication module that performs communication conforming to a mobile phone communication standard. The mobile phone communication standard is, for example, LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (fourth generation mobile communication system), or 5G (fifth generation mobile communication system).

[0024] The user terminal TM has the same hardware configuration as the server 400. The user terminal TM also has a display device that displays various information. The display device is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence display.

[0025] The monitoring terminal 200 includes a control unit 1, a storage unit 3, an operation display unit 5, a detection unit 7, a communication unit 9, and a housing 11. The housing 11 houses the control unit 1, the storage unit 3, the detection unit 7, and the communication unit 9. The control unit 1 controls the storage unit 3, the operation display unit 5, the detection unit 7, and the communication unit 9.

[0026] The control unit 1 includes a processor such as a CPU and an MPU. The memory unit 3 is a storage device that stores data and computer programs. Specifically, the memory unit 3 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The memory unit 3 may include removable media. The memory unit 3 corresponds to an example of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The processor of the control unit 1 executes computer programs stored in the storage device of the memory unit 3 to perform various calculations and controls. The control unit 1 corresponds to an example of a "calculation unit" of the present invention.

[0027] The operation display unit 5 displays various information and accepts various operations from the user. The operation display unit 5 includes, for example, a display and / or an indicator light (for example, an LED). The operation display unit 5 also includes a touch sensor and / or a switch.

[0028] The detection unit 7 detects the vibration of the washing machine 100 and outputs vibration information indicating the vibration of the washing machine 100 to the control unit 1. The vibration information includes at least one piece of physical quantity information, for example, acceleration information indicating the acceleration caused by the vibration of the washing machine 100 and angular velocity information indicating the angular velocity caused by the vibration of the washing machine 100.

[0029] Specifically, the detection unit 7 includes at least one sensor 70 of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor. The acceleration sensor detects the acceleration of the washing machine 100. For example, the acceleration sensor is a three-axis acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration around each of three mutually orthogonal axes. The gyro sensor detects the angular velocity of the washing machine 100. For example, the gyro sensor is a three-axis gyro sensor that detects the angular velocity around each of three mutually orthogonal axes. In this embodiment, the vibration of the washing machine 100 can be easily detected by detecting at least one physical quantity of the acceleration and the angular velocity. In other words, the vibration of the washing machine 100 is represented by the acceleration or the angular velocity.

[0030] The control unit 1 estimates the operation state of the washing machine 100 based on the detection result of the detection unit 7, and generates operation information indicating the operation state of the washing machine 100. That is, the control unit 1 estimates the operation state of the washing machine 100 based on vibration information indicating the vibration of the washing machine 100 detected by the detection unit 7, and generates operation information indicating the operation state of the washing machine 100. For example, the control unit 1 estimates the operation state of the washing machine 100 based on the acceleration indicating the vibration of the washing machine 100 detected by the detection unit 7, and generates operation information indicating the operation state of the washing machine 100. Alternatively, for example, the control unit 1 estimates the operation state of the washing machine 100 based on the angular velocity indicating the vibration of the washing machine 100 detected by the detection unit 7, and generates operation information indicating the operation state of the washing machine 100.

[0031] The "operating state" indicates, for example, whether the washing machine 100 is in an operating state or a non-operating state. The "operating state" indicates a state in which the washing machine 100 is performing a washing process (washing, rinsing, spin-drying). The operating state may also indicate, for example, which stage of the washing process the washing machine 100 is in. The "operating state" also indicates, for example, whether the washing machine 100 is in a water-supplying state or a water-non-supplying state.

[0032] The communication unit 9 is connected to the network NW. The control unit 1 controls the communication unit 9 to transmit the operation information of the washing machine 100 to the server 400. As a result, the communication unit 9 transmits the operation information indicating the operation state of the washing machine 100 obtained based on the detection result of the detection unit 7 to the server 400 via the network NW. The server 400 corresponds to an example of an "external device" of the present invention. The control unit 1 may control the communication unit 9 to transmit the operation information of the washing machine 100 to the user terminal TM. As a result, the communication unit 9 transmits the operation information of the washing machine 100 to the user terminal TM via the network NW. The user terminal TM corresponds to an example of an "external device" of the present invention.

[0033] Specifically, the communication unit 9 is a communication device. The communication unit 9 communicates with the server 400 and the user terminal TM via the network NW. The communication unit 9 includes, for example, a network interface controller. The communication unit 9 may also include, for example, a wireless communication module that performs short-range wireless communication. The communication unit 9 may also include, for example, a wireless communication module that performs communication in compliance with a mobile phone communication standard.

[0034] As described above with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, in this embodiment, the state of washing machine 100 can be monitored simply by retrofitting monitoring terminal 200 to existing washing machine 100. Therefore, development costs can be reduced compared to the case where a function similar to that of monitoring terminal 200 is incorporated into washing machine 100. Furthermore, even if existing washing machine 100 does not have a communication function, information about washing machine 100 can be transmitted to server 400 or user terminal TM simply by retrofitting monitoring terminal 200 to existing washing machine 100.

[0035] Next, a specific area in which the monitoring terminal 200 can be placed in the washing machine 100 will be described with reference to Figs. 3 and 4. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a schematic front side of the washing machine 100. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a schematic rear side of the washing machine 100. Figs. 3 and 4 show the washing machine 100 by approximating the shape of the washing machine 100 with a vertically long rectangular parallelepiped. The direction of gravity G is indicated by an arrow.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, washing machine 100 (specifically, housing 101) has a front surface FS, a rear surface BS, a top surface TS, side surfaces LS, and side surfaces RS. The front surface FS and the rear surface BS face each other in the Ax-axis direction and intersect with the Ax-axis direction. The front surface FS and the rear surface BS are, for example, approximately perpendicular to the Ax-axis direction. The side surfaces RS and LS face each other in the Ay-axis direction and intersect with the Ay-axis direction. The side surfaces RS and LS are, for example, approximately perpendicular to the Ay-axis direction. The top surface TS intersects with the Az-axis direction. The top surface TS is, for example, approximately perpendicular to the Az-axis direction.

[0037] In FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the washing machine 100 (specifically, the housing 101) has specific regions P11, P12, P21, P22, P31, P32, P33, P34, P41, P42, P51, and P52. The specific regions P11 to P52 indicate the regions of the upper part UP and the corner parts CN of the washing machine 100. For example, the washing machine 100 has four corner parts CN in the upper part UP. The monitoring terminal 200 (FIG. 1) is disposed in one of the specific regions P11 to P52. That is, the housing 11 (FIG. 1) of the monitoring terminal 200 is disposed in one of the specific regions P11 to P52. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the detection unit 7 (FIG. 2) of the monitoring terminal 200 can effectively detect vibrations that occur continuously during the operation of the washing machine 100.

[0038] 3 and 4, the reason why vibrations can be effectively detected by placing monitoring terminal 200 in any one of specific regions P11 to P52 will be described.

[0039] That is, the bottom BM of the washing machine 100 is placed on the floor surface FL. Therefore, the bottom BM of the washing machine 100 can be regarded as a "fixed end". On the other hand, when vibrations Vx and Vy occur in the washing machine 100, the bottom BM of the washing machine 100 is regarded as a fixed end, and the vibration of the upper part UP of the washing machine 100 becomes larger. Therefore, the upper part UP of the washing machine 100 can be regarded as a "free end". In addition, in the upper part UP of the washing machine 100, the corner part CN vibrates more than other parts. Therefore, the area of ​​the upper part UP and the corner part CN of the washing machine 100 is set as the specific area P11 to P52, and the monitoring terminal 200 is placed in one of the specific areas P11 to P52. As a result, the detection unit 7 of the monitoring terminal 200 can effectively detect the vibration of the washing machine 100.

[0040] Vibration Vx indicates a vibration component (front-rear vibration component) of the vibration of washing machine 100 that is approximately parallel to the Ax axis of washing machine 100. Vibration Vx is mainly caused by the operation of drive unit 107 (motor). Vibration Vy indicates a vibration component (left-right vibration component) of the vibration of washing machine 100 that is approximately parallel to the Ay axis of washing machine 100. Vibration Vy is mainly caused by the rotation of spin tub 106 that contains laundry. For example, vibration Vy is caused by laundry being biased inside spin tub 106 during rotation. Vibration Vz indicates a vibration component (vertical vibration component) of the vibration of washing machine 100 that is approximately parallel to the Az axis of washing machine 100. In washing machine 100, vibration Vz is relatively small. The magnitude of vibration Vz is caused, for example, by the material of floor surface FL.

[0041] Particularly, in this embodiment, the specific areas P11 and P12 are the upper part UP and the corner part CN of the washing machine 100, and indicate areas on the front surface FS of the washing machine 100. That is, the specific area P11 indicates one of a pair of corner areas on the upper part of the front surface FS. The specific area P12 indicates the other of a pair of corner areas on the upper part of the front surface FS. For example, the length of each of the specific areas P11 and P12 in the Ay-axis direction is approximately 1 / 3 or less of the length of the front surface FS of the washing machine 100 in the Ay-axis direction. Since the specific areas P11 and P12 are located on the front surface FS, it is easy to arrange the monitoring terminal 200.

[0042] Further, the specific areas P21 and P22 are the upper part UP and the corner part CN of the washing machine 100, and indicate areas on the rear surface BS of the washing machine 100. That is, the specific area P21 indicates one of a pair of corner areas on the upper part of the rear surface BS. The specific area P22 indicates the other of a pair of corner areas on the upper part of the rear surface BS. For example, the length of each of the specific areas P21 and P22 in the Ay axis direction is approximately 1 / 3 or less of the length of the rear surface BS of the washing machine 100 in the Ay axis direction. Since the specific areas P21 and P22 are located on the rear surface BS, it is possible to prevent the monitoring terminal 200 from being seen by people, the monitoring terminal 200 from being removed from the washing machine 100 by a user accidentally touching it, and the monitoring terminal 200 from being subjected to unnecessary vibrations.

[0043] Furthermore, the specific regions P31, P32, P33, and P34 are the upper portion UP and the corner portion CN of the washing machine 100, and indicate regions on the top surface TS of the washing machine 100. That is, the specific region P31 indicates one of a pair of corner regions on the front part of the top surface TS. The specific region P32 indicates the other of the pair of corner regions on the front part of the top surface TS. The specific region P33 indicates one of a pair of corner regions on the rear part of the top surface TS. The specific region P34 indicates the other of the pair of corner regions on the rear part of the top surface TS. For example, the length of each of the specific regions P31 to P34 in the Ay-axis direction is approximately 1 / 3 or less of the length of the top surface TS of the washing machine 100 in the Ay-axis direction. For example, the length of each of the specific regions P31 to P34 in the Ax-axis direction is approximately 1 / 3 or less of the length of the top surface TS of the washing machine 100 in the Ax-axis direction. Since the specific areas P31, P32, P33, and P34 are located on the top surface TS, it is easy to arrange the monitoring terminal 200. Moreover, the monitoring terminal 200 can be arranged stably.

[0044] Furthermore, the specific areas P41 and P42 are the upper part UP and the corner part CN of the washing machine 100, and indicate areas on the side surface LS of the washing machine 100. That is, the specific area P41 indicates one of a pair of corner areas on the upper part of the side surface LS. The specific area P42 indicates the other of a pair of corner areas on the upper part of the side surface LS. For example, the length of each of the specific areas P41 and P42 in the Ax axis direction is approximately 1 / 3 or less of the length of the side surface LS of the washing machine 100 in the Ax axis direction. Since the specific areas P41 and P42 are located on the side surface LS, it is relatively easy to arrange the monitoring terminal 200 therein, and they are less likely to be seen by people than the front surface FS.

[0045] Furthermore, the specific areas P51 and P52 are the upper part UP and the corner part CN of the washing machine 100, and indicate areas on the side surface RS of the washing machine 100. That is, the specific area P51 indicates one of a pair of corner areas on the upper part of the side surface RS. The specific area P52 indicates the other of a pair of corner areas on the upper part of the side surface RS. For example, the length of each of the specific areas P51 and P52 in the Ax-axis direction is approximately 1 / 3 or less of the length of the side surface RS of the washing machine 100 in the Ax-axis direction. Since the specific areas P51 and P52 are located on the side surface RS, it is relatively easy to arrange the monitoring terminal 200 therein, and they are less likely to be seen by people than the front surface FS.

[0046] As described above with reference to Figures 3 and 4, according to this embodiment, by placing the monitoring terminal 200 in any one of the 12 specific areas P11 to P52, the detection unit 7 of the monitoring terminal 200 can accurately detect the vibrations of the washing machine 100.

[0047] Moreover, in this embodiment, it is preferable that specific regions P11-P52 are regions above water tub 105 of washing machine 100. According to this preferable example, detection unit 7 of monitoring terminal 200 can detect vibrations of washing machine 100 with higher accuracy. This is because water accumulates in water tub 105, and therefore the upper portion UP and corner portion CN of washing machine 100 vibrate relatively greatly due to the shaking of water tub 105.

[0048] Next, a coordinate system (hereinafter referred to as "sensor coordinate system") fixed to monitoring terminal 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. In the following, an example will be described in which sensor 70 is an acceleration sensor. Therefore, in the following description, sensor 70 will be described as "acceleration sensor 70". The sensor coordinate system is fixed to acceleration sensor 70 of detection unit 7. FIG. 5 is a perspective view that shows a schematic view of monitoring terminal 200. In FIG. 5, monitoring terminal 200 is shown schematic by approximating the shape of monitoring terminal 200 by a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 5, the sensor coordinate system has an ax axis, an ay axis, and an az axis that are orthogonal to each other. Specifically, the ax axis, the ay axis, and the az axis indicate the three acceleration axes of the acceleration sensor 70. Therefore, the acceleration sensor 70 detects an acceleration ax# in the ax axis direction, an acceleration ay# in the ay axis direction, and an acceleration az# in the az axis direction. In this embodiment, the rotation angle around the ax axis is indicated by "α". The rotation angle around the ay axis is indicated by "β". The rotation angle around the az axis is indicated by "γ". The direction in which the right-handed screw advances in the positive direction of the axis is regarded as the positive direction for each rotation angle.

[0050] Although the world coordinate system is not fixed to the washing machine 100, for ease of explanation, the Ax-axis, Ay-axis, and Az-axis of the world coordinate system may be described as the Ax-axis, Ay-axis, and Az-axis of the washing machine 100, respectively.

[0051] Next, a monitoring method for washing machine 100 using monitoring terminal 200 will be described with reference to Figs. 6 and 7. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing washing machine system 300. In Fig. 6, washing machine 100 is shown typically by approximating the shape of washing machine 100 to a vertically long rectangular parallelepiped. Also, the direction of gravity G is shown by an arrow. In the example of Fig. 6, monitoring terminal 200 is placed in specific area P52. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the monitoring method using monitoring terminal 200. As shown in Fig. 7, the monitoring method includes steps S1 to S7.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, first, the monitoring terminal 200 is placed in a specific area P52 of the washing machine 100 in step S1.

[0053] Specifically, the monitoring terminal 200 (housing 11) is placed in the specific area P52 so that the positive direction of the ax axis of the acceleration sensor 70 is aligned with the positive direction of the Ax axis of the washing machine 100. For example, the monitoring terminal 200 is placed in the specific area P52 so that the angle between the ax axis and the Ax axis is within about 10 degrees. Preferably, the monitoring terminal 200 is placed in the specific area P52 so that the ax axis is approximately parallel to the Ax axis.

[0054] When the angle between the positive direction of the ax-axis and the positive direction of the Ax-axis is within about 10 degrees, the formulas (1), (2), and (3) hold true with high accuracy. When the ax-axis is approximately parallel to the Ax-axis, that is, when the angle between the positive direction of the ax-axis and the positive direction of the Ax-axis is approximately zero degrees, the formulas (1), (2), and (3) hold true with the highest accuracy. "*" indicates multiplication. "Ax#" indicates acceleration in the Ax-axis direction in the world coordinate system. The acceleration Ax# represents the vibration Vx of the washing machine 100 in the world coordinate system. "Ay#" indicates acceleration in the Ay-axis direction in the world coordinate system. The acceleration Ay# represents the vibration Vy of the washing machine 100 in the world coordinate system. "Az#" indicates acceleration in the Az-axis direction in the world coordinate system. The acceleration Az# represents the vibration Vz of the washing machine 100 in the world coordinate system.

[0055]

number

[0056]

number

[0057]

number

[0058] Next, in step S2, the control unit 1 of the monitoring terminal 200, when the washing machine 100 is in a non-operating state, acquires information on the acceleration ax0, the acceleration ay0, and the acceleration az0 from the acceleration sensor 70. That is, the acceleration ax0, the acceleration ay0, and the acceleration az0 respectively indicate the acceleration ax#, the acceleration ay#, and the acceleration az# detected by the acceleration sensor 70 when the washing machine 100 is in a non-operating state.

[0059] Next, in step S3, the control unit 1 corrects the rotation angles α and β when the washing machine 100 is in a non-operating state based on the acceleration ax0, the acceleration ay0, and the acceleration az0, and stores the corrected rotation angles α0 and β0 in the memory unit 3.

[0060] Specifically, the control unit 1 substitutes the acceleration ax0, the acceleration ay0, and the acceleration az0 into "ax#", "ay#", and "az#" in the formula (3), respectively, to derive the formula (4).

[0061]

number

[0062] The control unit 1 varies "α" and "β" in formula (4) from 0 degrees to 360 degrees, respectively, and searches for "α" and "β" when "Az#" is at its maximum value. "α" and "β" when "Az#" is at its maximum value are written as "α0" and "β0", respectively. The value of "Az#" when it is at its maximum value is √(ax0 2 +ay0 2 +az0 2 )=1G (gravitational acceleration). The control unit 1 stores the corrected rotation angles α0 and β0 in the storage unit 3.

[0063] The control unit 1 derives equations (5), (6), and (7) by substituting rotation angles α0 and β0 for rotation angles α and β in equations (1), (2), and (3), respectively. The control unit 1 stores equations (5), (6), and (7) in the storage unit 3.

[0064]

number

[0065]

number

[0066]

number

[0067] Next, in step S4, the control unit 1 acquires information on acceleration ax#, acceleration ay#, and acceleration az# from the acceleration sensor 70. In this case, when the washing machine 100 is in operation, the control unit 1 acquires information on acceleration ax#, ay#, and az# detected by the acceleration sensor 70 while the washing machine 100 is in operation.

[0068] Next, in step S5, the control unit 1 calculates the acceleration Ax# by substituting the accelerations ax#, ay#, and az# acquired from the acceleration sensor 70 into the formula (5). When the accelerations ax#, ay#, and az# are the accelerations detected by the acceleration sensor 70 while the washing machine 100 is in operation, the acceleration Ax# indicates the vibration component Vx of the washing machine 100 in the Ax-axis direction.

[0069] Furthermore, the control unit 1 substitutes the accelerations ay#, az# acquired from the acceleration sensor 70 into the formula (6) to calculate the acceleration Ay#. When the accelerations ay#, az# are accelerations detected by the acceleration sensor 70 while the washing machine 100 is in operation, the acceleration Ay# indicates the vibration component Vy of the washing machine 100 in the Ay-axis direction.

[0070] Furthermore, the control unit 1 calculates the acceleration Az# by substituting the accelerations ax#, ay#, and az# acquired from the acceleration sensor 70 into the formula (7). When the accelerations ax#, ay#, and az# are the accelerations detected by the acceleration sensor 70 while the washing machine 100 is in operation, the acceleration Az# indicates the vibration component Vz of the washing machine 100 in the Az-axis direction.

[0071] It should be noted that steps S4 and S5 are continuously executed.

[0072] Next, in step S6, the control unit 1 estimates the operating state of the washing machine 100 based on the accelerations Ax#, Ay#, and Az#.

[0073] Next, in step S7, the control unit 1 transmits operation information indicating the operation state of the washing machine 100 to the server 400 through the communication unit 9. Then, the process proceeds to step S4.

[0074] As described above with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, according to this embodiment, the housing 11 is placed in the specific area P52 so that the positive direction of the ax axis (i.e., the specific axis) which is one of the three axes ax, ay, and az of the acceleration sensor 70 is aligned with the positive direction of the Ax axis (i.e., the reference axis) of the world coordinate system in which the washing machine 100 is placed. Therefore, the accuracy of the approximation formulas (1) to (7) is high. As a result, the control unit 1 can calculate the accelerations Ax#, Ay#, and Az# with high accuracy.

[0075] Here, the "reference axis" refers to an axis among the three axes Ax, Ay, and Az of the world coordinate system that serves as a reference for aligning the monitoring terminal 200 with respect to the specific regions P11 to P52. The "reference axis" is, for example, approximately parallel to the specific region in which the monitoring terminal 200 is arranged among the specific regions P11 to P52. The "reference axis" is, for example, approximately perpendicular to the vertical direction. The "specific axis" refers to an axis among the three axes ax, ay, and az of the acceleration sensor 70 that is required to be aligned with the "reference axis". The "specific axis" is, for example, an axis among the three axes ax, ay, and az of the acceleration sensor 70 that is different from an axis that intersects with the specific region in which the monitoring terminal 200 is arranged. Preferably, for example, the "specific axis" is an axis among the three axes ax, ay, and az of the acceleration sensor 70 that is different from an axis that is approximately perpendicular to the specific region in which the monitoring terminal 200 is arranged.

[0076] In FIG. 6, for example, by aligning a corner of the monitoring terminal 200 with a corner of the housing 101 of the washing machine 100 on the upper part UP of the washing machine 100, the specific axis of the acceleration sensor 70 can be easily aligned with the reference axis of the world coordinate system.

[0077] In this embodiment, the control unit 1 corrects the rotation angles α and β around the two axes ax and ay that are different from the axis az that intersects with the specific area P52 among the three axes ax, ay, and az when the washing machine 100 is in a non-operating state based on the accelerations ax0, ay0, and az0 of the three axes ax, ay, and az detected by the acceleration sensor 70 of the detection unit 7 when the washing machine 100 is in a non-operating state, and obtains the corrected rotation angles α0 and β0. Then, the control unit 1 calculates the vibration components Vx, Vy, and Vz of the washing machine 100 in the world coordinate system, that is, the accelerations Ax#, Ay#, and Az#, based on the corrected rotation angles α0 and β0 and the accelerations ax#, ay#, and az# detected by the acceleration sensor 70 of the detection unit 7 when the washing machine 100 is in an operating state. That is, the control unit 1 can accurately calculate the accelerations Ax#, Ay#, and Az# that represent the vibration components Vx, Vy, and Vz of the washing machine 100 by simple calculations.

[0078] In other words, in this embodiment, the accelerations Ax#, Ay#, and Az# indicating the vibration of the washing machine 100 can be calculated by simple formulas such as formulas (5) to (7). Therefore, even a control unit 1 with a relatively low processing capacity can easily calculate the accelerations Ax#, Ay#, and Az#. For the same reason, an increase in power consumption of the control unit 1 can be suppressed.

[0079] Here, in step S1, the monitoring terminal 200 may be placed in the specific area P52 so that the ay axis of the acceleration sensor 70 is aligned with the Ax axis of the washing machine 100. For example, the monitoring terminal 200 is placed in the specific area P52 so that the angle between the ay axis and the Ax axis is within about 10 degrees. Preferably, the monitoring terminal 200 is placed in the specific area P52 so that the ay axis is approximately parallel to the Ax axis.

[0080] Furthermore, the arrangement of the ax-axis, ay-axis, and az-axis of the acceleration sensor 70 shown in FIG. 6 is just one example. When the ax-axis, ay-axis, and az-axis and the Ax-axis, Ay-axis, and Az-axis have the same relationship as described above, similar rotational transformation equations can be established by replacing the axes and signs of the rotational transformation equations shown in equations (1) to (7) according to the arrangement of the acceleration sensor 70.

[0081] 7, the corrected rotation angles α0 and β0 are obtained based on the values ​​ax0, ay0, and az0 of the acceleration sensor 70 when the washing machine 100 is in a non-operating state. However, the corrected rotation angles α0 and β0 can also be obtained as follows.

[0082] That is, vibration during operation is represented by acceleration that fluctuates at a constant plus or minus value with the acceleration value measured in the non-operating state as the intermediate value. Therefore, the average values ​​of the acceleration sensor 70 during operation can be set to ax0, ay0, and az0. By deriving equation (4) based on ax0, ay0, and az0 derived in this way, the corrected rotation angles α0 and β0 are obtained.

[0083] Next, an example of the monitoring terminal 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an example of the monitoring terminal 200. As shown in FIG. 8, the monitoring terminal 200 includes a housing 11. The operation display unit 5 of the monitoring terminal 200 includes switches 51 and 52 and indicator lights 53 and 54. The indicator lights 53 and 54 include, for example, LEDs. The switch 51 generates an instruction signal that instructs the control unit 1 to execute the initial setting of the monitoring terminal 200 and execute the connection to the network NW and the server 400. When the switch 51 is pressed, the control unit 1 executes the initial setting of the monitoring terminal 200 according to the instruction signal, and connects the communication unit 9 to the network NW and the server 400. Then, the control unit 1 turns on the indicator light 53. The switch 52 executes the power on / off of the monitoring terminal 200. When the power is turned on by the switch 52, the control unit 1 turns on the indicator light 54.

[0084] Moreover, monitoring terminal 200 further includes one or more magnets 55. Magnet 55 is fixed to the bottom of housing 11. Therefore, when housing 101 of washing machine 100 is made of a magnetic material, monitoring terminal 200 can be easily placed in housing 101 of washing machine 100 (specific areas P11 to P52).

[0085] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the monitoring terminal 200. As shown in FIG. 9, the housing 11 of the monitoring terminal 200 includes a first housing unit 111 and a second housing unit 112. The first housing unit 111 is attached to the second housing unit 112. The monitoring terminal 200 further includes a circuit board 15. The detection unit 7 is disposed on the circuit board 15. In FIG. 9, various circuits, the control unit 1, the storage unit 3, and the communication unit 9 disposed on the circuit board 15 are omitted for the sake of simplicity. The first housing unit 111 is attached to the second housing unit 112 so as to cover the circuit board 15. The monitoring terminal 200 may include, for example, a terminal 17. The terminal 17 is, for example, a power supply terminal.

[0086] Power is supplied to terminal 17 from a commercial power source, washing machine 100, or the like. This allows monitoring terminal 200 to operate without having a built-in battery or the like. Terminal 17 may also be a terminal having a communication function such as USB. In this case, an information device can be connected to terminal 17 to execute system updates of monitoring terminal 200, etc. Also, by connecting another detection unit to terminal 17, vibration information of an adjacent washing machine 100 or vibration information of a specific location of washing machine 100 can be obtained.

[0087] Furthermore, the housing 11 of the monitoring terminal 200 has a monitoring terminal marker unit 13 for aligning a specific axis (ax-axis in the example of FIG. 6) of the three axes ax, ay, and az of the acceleration sensor 70 with a reference axis (Ax-axis in the example of FIG. 6) of the three axes Ax, Ay, and Az of the world coordinate system. The monitoring terminal marker unit 13 indicates a direction along a specific axis of the three axes ax, ay, and az of the acceleration sensor 70. In other words, the monitoring terminal marker unit 13 is approximately parallel to a specific axis of the three axes ax, ay, and az of the acceleration sensor 70. Therefore, the user can easily use the monitoring terminal marker unit 13 as a guide to place the monitoring terminal 200 in the specific areas P11 to P52 of the washing machine 100 so that the specific axis of the acceleration sensor 70 is aligned with the reference axis of the world coordinate system.

[0088] The monitoring terminal marker unit 13 may be, for example, engraved on the housing 11, or may be a sticker or may be painted.

[0089] Next, first to fifth modified examples of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 7 and Figures 10 to 13. In the following description, the first to fifth modified examples will be mainly described with reference to the differences from monitoring terminal 200 described with reference to Figures 1 to 9.

[0090] (First Modification) A first modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 10A. In the first modified example, an example in which the washing machine 100 is provided with a first washing machine marker unit 109 will be described. FIG. 10A is a partial perspective view that shows a schematic diagram of a washing machine system 300 according to the first modified example. As shown in FIG. 10A, the washing machine 100 is provided with a first washing machine marker unit 109 for aligning a specific axis (the ax axis in the example of FIG. 10A) of the three axes ax, ay, and az of the acceleration sensor 70 in the washing machine 100 with a reference axis (the Ax axis in the example of FIG. 10A) of the three axes Ax, Ay, and Az of the world coordinate system. The first washing machine marker unit 109 corresponds to an example of the "electrical appliance marker unit" of the present invention.

[0091] The first washing machine marker unit 109 is provided on the housing 101. Specifically, the first washing machine marker unit 109 is provided in at least one of the specific regions P11 to P52 (specific region P52 in the example of FIG. 10A) or in the vicinity thereof. The first washing machine marker unit 109 indicates a direction along the reference axis (Ax axis) of the washing machine 100. That is, the first washing machine marker unit 109 is approximately parallel to the reference axis (Ax axis) of the washing machine 100. In addition, the monitoring terminal marker unit 13 indicates a direction along the specific axis (ax axis) of the acceleration sensor 70. That is, the monitoring terminal marker unit 13 is approximately parallel to the specific axis (ax axis) of the acceleration sensor 70. Therefore, the user can easily place the monitoring terminal 200 in the specific area P52 of the washing machine 100, using the first washing machine marker unit 109 and the monitoring terminal marker unit 13 as landmarks, so that the specific axis (ax-axis) of the acceleration sensor 70 is aligned with the reference axis (Ax-axis) of the washing machine 100. In other words, by placing the monitoring terminal 200 on the housing 101 of the washing machine 100 so that the first washing machine marker unit 109 and the monitoring terminal marker unit 13 are approximately parallel, the user can set the specific axis (ax-axis) of the acceleration sensor 70 and the reference axis (Ax-axis) of the washing machine 100 approximately parallel in the specific area P52.

[0092] First washing machine marker unit 109 may be, for example, engraved on housing 101, may be a sticker, or may be painted. Note that monitoring terminal 200 does not necessarily have to include monitoring terminal marker unit 13.

[0093] (Second Modification) A second modification of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 10B. In the second modification, an example in which the washing machine 100 is provided with a second washing machine marker unit 110 will be described. FIG. 10B is a partial perspective view that shows a schematic diagram of a washing machine system 300 according to the second modification. As shown in FIG. 10B, the washing machine 100 is provided with a second washing machine marker unit 110 for aligning a specific axis (the ax axis in the example of FIG. 10B) of the three axes ax, ay, and az of the acceleration sensor 70 in the washing machine 100 with a reference axis (the Ax axis in the example of FIG. 10B) of the three axes Ax, Ay, and Az of the world coordinate system. The second washing machine marker unit 110 corresponds to an example of the "electrical appliance marker unit" of the present invention.

[0094] The second washing machine marker unit 110 is provided on the housing 101. Specifically, the second washing machine marker unit 110 is provided in at least one of the specific regions P11 to P52 (specific region P52 in the example of FIG. 10B) or in the vicinity thereof. The second washing machine marker unit 110 extends along the reference axis (Ax axis) of the washing machine 100. In addition, the second washing machine marker unit 110 protrudes from the housing 101. Therefore, the second washing machine marker unit 110 functions as a guide when placing the monitoring terminal 200 on the washing machine 100. Therefore, the user can easily set the specific axis (ax axis) of the acceleration sensor 70 and the reference axis (Ax axis) of the washing machine 100 to be approximately parallel by using the first washing machine marker unit 109 and the monitoring terminal marker unit 13 as marks and placing the monitoring terminal 200 along the second washing machine marker unit 110.

[0095] It is to be noted that the washing machine 100 does not necessarily have to include the first washing machine marker unit 109. Moreover, the monitoring terminal 200 does not necessarily have to include the monitoring terminal marker unit 13.

[0096] (Third Modification) A third modified example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. In the third modified example, an example will be described in which specific area P33 is adjacent to water inlet 19 of washing machine 100. Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing washing machine system 300 according to the third modified example. As shown in Fig. 11, in washing machine system 300, washing machine 100 is provided with water inlet 19.

[0097] A water supply hose 21 is attached to the water supply port 19. Water is supplied from the water supply hose 21 through the water supply port 19 to the inside of the washing machine 100 (the water tub 105 and / or the spin tub 106). The specific area P33 is adjacent to the water supply port 19 of the washing machine 100. That is, the monitoring terminal 200 is disposed adjacent to the water supply port 19. Therefore, according to the third modification, the detection unit 7 of the monitoring terminal 200 can detect vibrations caused by water supply. That is, the detection unit 7 can detect vibrations specific to water supply. As a result, the control unit 1 can estimate whether or not a water supply operation is being performed based on the accelerations Vx#, Vy#, and Vz# indicating the vibrations detected by the detection unit 7. That is, the control unit 1 can estimate whether the washing machine 100 is in a water supply state or a non-water supply state based on the accelerations Vx#, Vy#, and Vz#.

[0098] Here, the vibration characteristics caused by the operation of drive unit 107 are different from the vibration characteristics caused by water supply. In other words, the time change and amplitude change of accelerations Vx#, Vy#, Vz# indicating the vibration caused by the operation of drive unit 107 are different from the time change and amplitude change of accelerations Vx#, Vy#, Vz# indicating the vibration caused by water supply. Therefore, by analyzing the accelerations Vx#, Vy#, Vz#, control unit 1 can easily distinguish whether the vibration detected by detection unit 7 is due to the operation of drive unit 107 or due to water supply.

[0099] (Fourth Modification) A fourth modified example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 12. In the fourth modified example, an example will be described in which the washing machine 100A is a vertical washing machine. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a washing machine system 300 according to the fourth modified example. As shown in FIG. 12, the washing machine system 300 includes the washing machine 100A and a monitoring terminal 200. The washing machine 100A corresponds to an example of an "electrical device" of the present invention. In FIG. 11, as an example, the monitoring terminal 200 is placed in a specific area P52 of the washing machine 100A. That is, the housing 11 of the monitoring terminal 200 is placed in the specific area P52 of the washing machine 100A.

[0100] 3 and 4, the washing machine 100A has 12 specific areas P11 to P52 in the upper corners of the washing machine 100A. The monitoring terminal 200 is placed in one of the specific areas P11 to P52.

[0101] Washing machine 100A washes laundry. Washing machine 100A is a vertical washing machine. In washing machine 100A, spin tub 106 and water tub 105 each have a cylindrical shape with one end closed. Spin tub 106 and water tub 105 extend in the vertical direction. Therefore, vibrations Vx and Vy are caused by the rotation of spin tub 106 containing laundry. For example, vibrations Vx and Vy are caused by laundry being biased inside spin tub 106 during rotation.

[0102] Washing machine 100A includes water inlet 19. Water supply hose 21 is attached to water inlet 19. Specific area P34 is adjacent to water inlet 19 of washing machine 100. Therefore, for example, by placing monitoring terminal 200 in specific area P34, detection unit 7 (FIG. 2) of monitoring terminal 200 can effectively detect vibrations caused by water supply.

[0103] (Fifth Modification) A fifth modified example of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 5, Fig. 6, and Fig. 13. In the fifth modified example, an example will be described in which the sensor 70 of the monitoring terminal 200 in Fig. 5 is a gyro sensor. Hereinafter, the sensor 70 will be referred to as "gyro sensor 70". The ax axis, the ay axis, and the az axis are the three axes of the gyro sensor 70. The gyro sensor 70 detects an angular velocity gx# around the ax axis, an angular velocity gy# around the ay axis, and an angular velocity gz# around the az axis.

[0104] Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing a monitoring method using the monitoring terminal 200 according to the fifth modified example. As shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 13, first, in step S11, the monitoring terminal 200 (housing 11) is placed in a specific area P52 of the washing machine 100.

[0105] Specifically, the monitoring terminal 200 (housing 11) is placed in the specific area P52 so that the ax axis of the gyro sensor 70 is aligned with the Ax axis of the washing machine 100. This is the same as in the case of the acceleration sensor.

[0106] When the angle between the ax-axis and the Ax-axis is within approximately 10 degrees, equations (8) to (10) hold with good accuracy. When the ax-axis is approximately parallel to the Ax-axis, equations (8) to (10) have the best accuracy. "*" indicates multiplication. "Gx#" indicates the angular velocity around the Ax-axis in the world coordinate system. "Gy#" indicates the angular velocity around the Ay-axis in the world coordinate system. "Gz#" indicates the angular velocity around the Az-axis in the world coordinate system.

[0107]

number

[0108]

number

[0109]

number

[0110] Next, in step S12, the control unit 1 stores the rotation angles α0 and β0 when the washing machine 100 is not in operation in the storage unit 3. The rotation angles α0 and β0 can be derived using information from an acceleration sensor as described above. Information may also be obtained from a spirit level or the like.

[0111] The control unit 1 derives the formulas (11) to (13) by substituting the rotation angles α0 and β0 for the rotation angles α and β in the formulas (8) to (10), respectively. The control unit 1 stores the formulas (11) to (13) in the storage unit 3.

[0112]

number

[0113]

number

[0114]

number

[0115] Next, in step S13, the control unit 1 acquires information on the angular velocities gx#, gy#, and gz# from the gyro sensor 70. In this case, when the washing machine 100 is in operation, the control unit 1 acquires information on the angular velocities gx#, gy#, and gz# detected by the gyro sensor 70 while the washing machine 100 is in operation.

[0116] Next, in step S14, the control unit 1 substitutes the angular velocities gx#, gy#, and gz# acquired from the gyro sensor 70 into equation (11) to calculate the angular velocity Gx#. The control unit 1 also substitutes the angular velocities gy# and gz# acquired from the gyro sensor 70 into equation (12) to calculate the angular velocity Gy#. The control unit 1 also substitutes the angular velocities gx#, gy#, and gz# acquired from the gyro sensor 70 into equation (13) to calculate the angular velocity Gz#. If the angular velocities gx#, gy#, and gz# are angular velocities detected by the gyro sensor 70 while the washing machine 100 is in operation, the angular velocities Gx#, Gy#, and Gz# indicate the vibration of the washing machine 100.

[0117] Next, in step S15, the control unit 1 estimates the operating state of the washing machine 100 based on the angular velocities Gx#, Gy#, and Gz#.

[0118] Next, in step S16, the control unit 1 transmits operation information indicating the operation state of the washing machine 100 to the server 400 via the communication unit 9.

[0119] As described above with reference to Figures 5, 6, and 13, according to the fifth modified example, the housing 11 is positioned in the specific region P52 so that the ax axis (i.e., the specific axis), which is one of the three axes ax, ay, and az of the gyro sensor 70, is aligned with the Ax axis (i.e., the reference axis) of the world coordinate system in which the washing machine 100 is positioned.

[0120] Furthermore, in the fifth modification, the control unit 1 calculates the angular velocities Gx#, Gy#, and Gz# (vibration components) of the washing machine 100 in the world coordinate system based on the corrected rotation angles α0 and β0 and the angular velocities gx#, gy#, and gz# detected by the gyro sensor 70 of the detection unit 7 when the washing machine 100 is in an operating state. In this modification, the vibration components are calculated from the angular velocity of the washing machine 100, so it becomes easier to distinguish whether the vibration is due to the "operating state" of the washing machine 100 or due to an impact from outside the washing machine 100. Furthermore, by installing the gyro sensor 70 on the lid 102, the open / closed state of the lid 102 can also be accurately detected.

[0121] In step S11, the monitoring terminal 200 (housing 11) may be disposed in the specific area P52 so that the ay axis of the gyro sensor 70 is aligned with the Az axis of the washing machine 100. This is similar to the case of the acceleration sensor. The arrangement of the ax axis, ay axis, and az axis of the gyro sensor 70 shown in FIG. 6 is an example, and when the ax axis, ay axis, and az axis have the same relationship as the above, the axes and signs of the rotational transformation equations shown in formulas (8) to (13) are replaced according to the arrangement of the gyro sensor 70, and similar rotational transformation equations are established.

[0122] Furthermore, for example, when monitoring terminal 200 is placed adjacent to water supply port 19 (FIGS. 11 and 12), detection unit 7 (FIG. 2) of monitoring terminal 200 can detect vibrations caused by water supply. As a result, control unit 1 can estimate whether water supplying operation is being performed based on angular velocities Gx#, Gy#, and Gz# indicating the vibrations detected by detection unit 7. In other words, control unit 1 can estimate whether washing machine 100 is in a water supplying state or a water non-supplying state based on angular velocities Gx#, Gy#, and Gz#.

[0123] Here, the vibration characteristics caused by the operation of drive unit 107 are different from the vibration characteristics caused by water supply. In other words, the time change and amplitude change of angular velocities Gx#, Gy#, Gz#, which indicate the vibration caused by the operation of drive unit 107, are different from the time change and amplitude change of angular velocities Gx#, Gy#, Gz#, which indicate the vibration caused by water supply. Therefore, by analyzing the angular velocities Gx#, Gy#, Gz#, the control unit 1 can easily distinguish whether the vibration detected by detection unit 7 is due to the operation of drive unit 107 or due to water supply.

[0124] 1 to 13, an example in which the monitoring terminal 200 is disposed in the washing machines 100 and 100A has been described. However, the electrical equipment in which the monitoring terminal 200 is disposed is not limited to the washing machines 100 and 100A. In other words, the monitoring terminal 200 can be disposed in an electrical equipment that continuously generates vibrations during operation.

[0125] [Monitoring System SYS] The monitoring system SYS will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The monitoring terminal 200 transmits information (e.g., vibration information) of the washing machine 100 to the server 400. The server 400 processes the information of the washing machine 100 and transmits the processing result to the user terminal TM or the monitoring terminal 200. The server 400 also receives information from the user terminal TM. The server 400 then processes the information received from the user terminal TM and transmits the processing result to the monitoring terminal 200.

[0126] For example, the monitoring terminal 200 is attached to an existing electric appliance (e.g., the washing machine 100) at a later date, and transmits the operation state and fault state of the electric appliance to the server 400, which then remotely monitors the electric appliance. The monitoring terminal 200 may have various built-in sensors in addition to the sensor 70. The sensors are, for example, current sensors or environmental sensors (such as temperature, humidity, air pressure, illuminance, gas, dust, and human presence sensors).

[0127] For example, the monitoring terminal 200 can be equipped with artificial intelligence, and by combining information from various sensors, it can infer and generate (1) information about the electrical equipment (operating status, operating history, failure prediction, etc.), (2) information indicating the state in which the electrical equipment is placed and the surrounding conditions, and (3) information indicating the state of the user who uses the electrical equipment.

[0128] For example, the monitoring terminal 200 is provided with a communication unit 9 for communicating with the server 400, and notifies the server 400 of the above-mentioned various sensor information and information inferred from the sensor information. The communication unit 9 is compliant with WiFi, optical fiber lines, mobile lines, LPWA, and the like.

[0129] For example, the monitoring terminal 200 may have an alarm device. The alarm device notifies the user of the above-mentioned various sensor information, information inferred from the sensor information, and further, notification information from the server 400. The alarm device may be a display such as an LCD or an LED, or an audio output unit such as a speaker.

[0130] For example, monitoring terminal 200 may have an input / display unit, which can (1) give instructions regarding settings and registration operations of monitoring terminal 200, and (2) provide confirmation responses regarding notification information from server 400.

[0131] For example, the power supply for the monitoring terminal 200 can be a 5V power input, and can be compatible with various power supplies such as an AC adapter, USB power supply, and mobile battery.

[0132] For example, the operation of the firmware that controls the monitoring terminal 200 can be switched externally using the communication unit 9 (wired or wireless), and the control content can be changed to one suitable for monitoring the operating status of the attached electrical equipment.

[0133] For example, the firmware that controls the monitoring terminal 200 can be rewritten from outside using the communication unit 9 (wired or wireless), and the control content can be changed to one suitable for monitoring the operating status of the attached electrical equipment.

[0134] For example, the server 400 includes a storage unit 3 that stores information notified from the monitoring terminal 200 .

[0135] For example, server 400 can be equipped with artificial intelligence, and by combining information notified from monitoring terminal 200 and related information from other servers, it can infer and generate (1) information about the electrical equipment (operating status, operating history, failure prediction, etc.), (2) information indicating the state in which the electrical equipment is placed and the surrounding conditions, and (3) information indicating the state of the user who uses the electrical equipment.

[0136] For example, the user can view information stored in the server 400 or information inferred and generated by the server 400 or can receive push notifications by the following methods: Displaying numbers, letters, figures, etc. on web content or SNS content Push notifications are sent to the user by means of email, SMS, notification, etc.

[0137] For example, the server 400 has a control unit 401 that controls the monitoring terminal 200, and can transmit the following command instructions to the monitoring terminal 200 to remotely control it. The commands are remote operation commands from the user terminal TM, and terminal control commands that operate based on inferred information in the server 400.

[0138] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be implemented in various aspects without departing from the gist of the present invention. In addition, the components disclosed in the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate. For example, a certain component among all the components shown in one embodiment may be added to a component of another embodiment, or some components among all the components shown in one embodiment may be deleted from the embodiment.

[0139] In addition, the drawings are mainly schematic illustrations of each component to facilitate understanding of the invention, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual ones due to the convenience of creating the drawings. In addition, the configurations of each component shown in the above embodiment are merely examples and are not particularly limited, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible within a range that does not substantially deviate from the effects of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0140] The present invention is applicable to the field of monitoring terminals and has industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0141] 1 Control section (calculation section) 7. Detection Unit 9. Communications Department 11. Cabinet 13. Monitoring terminal marker section 19 Water inlet 70 Sensors (accelerometer, gyro sensor) 100, 100A Washing Machine (Electrical Equipment) 109 First Washing Machine Marker Section (Electrical Equipment Marker Section) 110 Second washing machine marker section (electrical equipment marker section) 200 Monitoring terminal 400 Server (external device) P11~P52 Specific area

Claims

1. Equipped with electrical equipment and a monitoring terminal, The monitoring terminal is detachably attached to the electrical device, and monitors a state of the electrical device, A detection unit that detects vibration of the electrical device; a communication unit configured to transmit, to an external device, operation information indicating an operation state of the electrical appliance obtained based on a detection result of the detection unit; a housing that houses the detection unit and the communication unit; Equipped with the housing is disposed in a specific area of ​​the electrical device, the specific area indicates an upper corner area of ​​the electrical device, A system in which the electrical device has an electrical device marker portion that serves as a marker for locating the monitoring terminal in the specific area.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the specific area is a top and corner of the electrical device, and indicates an area on a side surface, a top surface, a front surface, or a rear surface of the electrical device.

3. The electrical appliance is a washing machine for washing laundry, The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the specific area indicates an area above a water tub of the washing machine.

4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the particular area is adjacent to a water inlet of the washing machine.

5. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the detection unit includes at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

6. The acceleration sensor detects acceleration in three mutually orthogonal axes, The gyro sensor detects angular velocity around three mutually orthogonal axes, The system according to claim 5 , wherein the housing is disposed in the specific area such that a specific axis, which is one of the three axes, is aligned with a reference axis of a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system in which the electrical device is disposed.

7. a calculation unit that corrects rotation angles around two axes other than the axis that intersects with the specific region among the three axes in the non-operating state based on the accelerations along the three axes detected by the acceleration sensor when the electrical device is in the non-operating state, The system according to claim 6 , wherein the calculation unit calculates a vibration component of the electrical device in the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system based on the corrected rotation angle and the acceleration detected by the detection unit when the electrical device is in an operating state.

8. The system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the housing has a monitoring terminal marker portion for aligning the specific axis with the reference axis.

9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the housing is positioned in the specific area such that the monitoring terminal marker portion mates with the electrical device marker portion for aligning the specific axis with the reference axis in the electrical device.

Images