Monitoring terminal

Abstract

To provide a monitoring terminal which can prevent erroneous detection as to opening / closing of a lid while detecting vibration of an electric device.SOLUTION: A monitoring terminal 200 is detachably attached to a washing machine 100 having a lid 102 which opens / closes, and monitors a status of the washing machine 100. The monitoring terminal 200 comprises a detection unit 7 and a notification unit 23. The detection unit 7 detects physical quantities indicating vibration of the washing machine 100 and displacement of the lid 102. Based on the physical quantities detected by the detection unit 7, the notification unit 23 notifies of status information on the status of the washing machine 100. The detection unit 7 is disposed on the lid 102.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a monitoring terminal. [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, in the system described in Patent Document 1, since the wireless communication device (monitoring terminal) is attached to the refrigerator body (electrical device), it is difficult to distinguish between vibrations of the refrigerator itself and vibrations caused by opening and closing of the door (lid body). Therefore, false detection of the opening and closing of the door may occur.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a monitoring terminal that is capable of detecting vibrations of an electrical device and suppressing erroneous detection of the opening and closing of a lid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The monitoring terminal of the present invention is detachably attached to an electrical device having a cover that opens and closes, and monitors the status of the electrical device. The monitoring terminal includes a detection unit and an alarm unit. The detection unit detects physical quantities indicative of vibrations of the electrical device and displacement of the cover. The alarm unit notifies status information indicative of the status of the electrical device based on the physical quantities detected by the detection unit. The detection unit is disposed on the cover. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a monitoring terminal that is capable of detecting vibrations of an electrical device and suppressing erroneous detection of opening and closing of a lid. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a washing machine system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a monitoring system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic diagram of a monitoring terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic diagram of a washing machine system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart showing a monitoring method using the monitoring terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a monitoring terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a monitoring terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view showing a schematic view of a lid body and a monitoring terminal of a washing machine according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a washing machine system according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 10]13 is a flowchart showing a monitoring method using a monitoring terminal according to a third modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a schematic diagram of a washing machine system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a monitoring system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a washing machine system according to a modified example of the second 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] (Embodiment 1) A monitoring terminal 200 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 7. 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] 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 main body housing 101, cover 102, operation display unit 103, water tub 105, rotating tub 106, drive unit 107, open / close button 108 for cover 102, hinge HG, and grip HD.

[0013] Main body housing 101 houses water tub 105, rotating tub 106, and drive unit 107. Main body housing 101 is formed of, for example, metal or synthetic resin. Main body housing 101 has an opening 104 inside lid body 102. Lid body 102 opens and closes. That is, lid body 102 is supported by hinge HG so that it can be opened and closed. Lid body 102 closes and opens opening 104. Lid body 102 is, for example, a door. Grip part HD is gripped by a user. The user opens and closes lid body 102 while gripping grip part HD. Grip part HD is located on the opposite side of hinge HG. Grip part HD is, for example, a handle.

[0014] An 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 main body 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] The operation of washing machine 100 will be described with continued reference to FIG. 1. 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 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] The monitoring terminal 200 is disposed in the washing machine 100. That is, the monitoring terminal 200 is attached to the washing machine 100. The monitoring terminal 200 is freely attachable to and detachable from the washing machine 100. The monitoring terminal 200 monitors the state of the washing machine 100.

[0021] Specifically, as a preferred example, monitoring terminal 200 (housing 11) is disposed on the outer surface of lid 102 of washing machine 100. As a more preferred example, monitoring terminal 200 (housing 11) is disposed in a predetermined area AR of lid 102. The predetermined area AR is an area on the outer surface of lid 102, and indicates an area on the opposite side of hinge HG that opens and closes lid 102. In other words, the predetermined area AR indicates an area of ​​lid 102 closer to grip HD than hinge HG. In the example of FIG. 1, the predetermined area AR is adjacent to grip HD. Details of monitoring terminal 200 will be described later.

[0022] For example, the monitoring terminal 200 may have a battery, or may receive power from a commercial power source via an AC adapter.

[0023] Here, FIG. 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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).

[0027] 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. The user terminal TM corresponds to an example of an "external device."

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] Specifically, the control unit 1 includes a calculation unit 21, an estimation unit 22, and a notification unit 23. More specifically, the processor of the control unit 1 functions as the calculation unit 21, the estimation unit 22, and the notification unit 23 by executing a computer program stored in the storage device of the storage unit 3.

[0031] 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.

[0032] The detection unit 7 detects a physical quantity indicating vibration of the washing machine 100 and an opening / closing operation of the lid body 102. The physical quantity is, for example, acceleration or angular velocity. The notification unit 23 notifies status information indicating a status of the washing machine 100 based on the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 7. The details of the notification unit 23 will be described later.

[0033] The detection unit 7 is disposed on the lid 102. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, the detection unit 7 can detect a physical quantity indicating the displacement of the lid 102 when the lid 102 is opened or closed. In this case, the characteristic of the physical quantity indicating the displacement of the lid 102 when the lid 102 is opened or closed is different from the vibration characteristic of the washing machine 100. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine whether the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 7 indicates the vibration of the washing machine 100 or the displacement of the lid 102 when the lid 102 is opened or closed. As a result, the detection unit 7 can detect the vibration of the washing machine 100 and can suppress erroneous detection of the opening or closing of the lid 102. In this specification, the vibration of the washing machine 100 typically indicates the vibration caused by the operation (rotation) of the drive unit 107.

[0034] More preferably, the detection unit 7 is disposed in a predetermined area AR of the lid 102. In other words, the housing 11 housing the detection unit 7 is disposed in the predetermined area AR. In yet other words, the monitoring terminal 200 including the detection unit 7 is disposed in the predetermined area AR. The predetermined area AR indicates the area on the opposite side of the hinge HG. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, the detection unit 7 is disposed in a portion of the lid 102 that experiences the greatest amount of displacement (predetermined area AR) when the lid 102 is opened or closed. As a result, the detection unit 7 can accurately detect a physical quantity indicating the amount of displacement of the lid 102.

[0035] Additionally, in the first embodiment, when lid 102 is closed, predetermined area AR is an area closer to the edge of lid 102 than to center C of lid 102. In other words, when lid 102 is closed, detection unit 7 is disposed biased toward the edge of lid 102 with respect to center C of lid 102. Therefore, when washing machine 100 vibrates during operation with lid 102 closed, detection unit 7 can detect a physical quantity indicating vibration in a portion where the vibration amplitude is larger than the vibration amplitude of center C. As a result, detection unit 7 can accurately detect the vibration of washing machine 100 during operation.

[0036] In particular, vibrations of the washing machine 100 during operation are transmitted to the lid 102 via the hinge HG. In addition, the lid 102 is lighter than the main body of the washing machine 100. Therefore, the vibrations are further amplified in the lid 102, and the vibration amplitude of the predetermined area AR becomes even larger. As a result, the detection unit 7 can detect the vibrations of the washing machine 100 during operation with even greater accuracy.

[0037] Further, the detection unit 7 outputs a detection signal indicating the detected physical quantity to the control unit 1. Specifically, the detection unit 7 includes at least one sensor 70 of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor. The acceleration sensor detects acceleration. That is, the acceleration sensor detects acceleration indicating vibration of the washing machine 100, or acceleration indicating displacement of the lid body 102 caused by opening and closing of the lid body 102. For example, the acceleration sensor is a three-axis acceleration sensor that detects acceleration of each of three mutually perpendicular axes. The gyro sensor detects angular velocity. That is, the gyro sensor detects angular velocity indicating vibration of the washing machine 100, or displacement of the lid body 102 caused by opening and closing of the lid body 102. For example, the gyro sensor is a three-axis gyro sensor that detects angular velocity around each of three mutually perpendicular axes. In this embodiment, by detecting at least one physical quantity of acceleration and angular velocity, it is possible to easily detect vibration of the washing machine 100 and displacement (opening and closing) of the lid body 102. In other words, the vibration of the washing machine 100 and the displacement of the lid 102 are represented by acceleration or angular velocity.

[0038] The calculation unit 21 of the control unit 1 executes a calculation on the physical quantity indicated by the detection signal output by the detection unit 7. The details of the calculation will be described later. Then, the estimation unit 22 estimates the state of the washing machine 100 based on the calculation result of the calculation unit 21, and generates state information indicating the state of the washing machine 100.

[0039] Specifically, the estimation unit 22 estimates the operation state of the washing machine 100 based on a physical quantity (e.g., acceleration or angular velocity) indicating the vibration of the washing machine 100 detected by the detection unit 7. Furthermore, the estimation unit 22 estimates the opening and closing of the lid body 102 based on the displacement amount of the lid body 102 indicated by the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 7. Then, the estimation unit 22 generates an estimation result of the state of the washing machine 100, that is, state information indicating the state of the washing machine 100. The state information includes at least one of information indicating the operation state of the washing machine 100 and information indicating the opening and closing of the lid body 102. The operation 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). Furthermore, the operation state may indicate, for example, which stage of the washing process the washing machine 100 is in. Furthermore, the information indicating whether the lid 102 is open or closed includes, for example, information indicating that the lid 102 is open or information indicating that the lid 102 is closed. Furthermore, the information indicating whether the lid 102 is open or closed may include, for example, information indicating that the lid 102 has been opened or closed.

[0040] The notification unit 23 notifies the status information of the washing machine 100. Specifically, the notification unit 23 transmits the status information of the washing machine 100 to the user terminal TM via the communication unit 9, the network NW, and the server 400, thereby notifying the user terminal TM of the status information of the washing machine 100. Note that the notification unit 23 may transmit the status information of the washing machine 100 to the user terminal TM without going through the server 400. The notification unit 23 may also notify the status information of the washing machine 100 by the operation display unit 5. Furthermore, the notification unit 23 may notify the server 400 of the status information. That is, the notification unit 23 may transmit the status information to the server 400. In this case, the server 400 may process the status information of the washing machine 100 and transmit the processing result to the user terminal TM or the monitoring terminal 200.

[0041] Communication unit 9 is connected to network NW. Notification unit 23 controls communication unit 9 to transmit status information of washing machine 100 to server 400. As a result, communication unit 9 transmits the status information of washing machine 100 to server 400 via network NW. Server 400 corresponds to an example of an "external device."

[0042] 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.

[0043] As described above with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, in the first 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 simply by retrofitting monitoring terminal 200 to existing washing machine 100.

[0044] In the first embodiment, the vibration of the washing machine 100 and the opening and closing of the lid 102 can be detected by one detection unit 7 (one sensor 70).

[0045] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the entire monitoring terminal 200 is disposed in the cover 102. That is, the housing 11 accommodating the control unit 1, the storage unit 3, the operation display unit 5, the detection unit 7, and the communication unit 9 is disposed in the cover 102. Therefore, unlike the case where the detection unit 7 is disposed separately from the other elements (the control unit 1, the storage unit 3, the operation display unit 5, and the communication unit 9), a wired or wireless connection means can be omitted.

[0046] Next, a coordinate system (hereinafter referred to as "sensor coordinate system") fixed to monitoring terminal 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. 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. 3 is a perspective view that typically shows monitoring terminal 200. In FIG. 3, monitoring terminal 200 is typically shown by approximating the shape of monitoring terminal 200 by a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, 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 acceleration ax# in the ax axis direction, acceleration ay# in the ay axis direction, and 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] Next, a method for monitoring washing machine 100 using monitoring terminal 200 will be described with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing washing machine system 300. In Fig. 4, washing machine 100 is shown typically by approximating the shape of washing machine 100 to a vertically long rectangular parallelepiped. The direction of gravity G is also shown by an arrow.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 4, vibration Vx indicates a vibration component (left-right vibration component) of the vibration of washing machine 100 that is approximately parallel to the Ax axis. Vibration Vx is mainly caused by the rotation of spin tub 106 containing laundry. For example, vibration Vx is caused by laundry being biased inside spin tub 106 during rotation. Vibration Vy indicates a vibration component (front-rear vibration component) of the vibration of washing machine 100 that is approximately parallel to the Ay axis. Vibration Vy is mainly caused by the operation of drive unit 107 (motor). Vibration Vz indicates a vibration component (vertical vibration component) of the vibration of washing machine 100 that is approximately parallel to the Az axis. 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.

[0051] The cover 102 opens and closes by rotating about a rotation axis AX of the hinge HG.

[0052] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing a monitoring method using monitoring terminal 200. As shown in Fig. 5, the monitoring method includes steps S1 to S8.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, first, the monitoring terminal 200 is placed in a predetermined area AR of the washing machine 100 in step S1.

[0054] Specifically, the monitoring terminal 200 (housing 11) is placed in the predetermined area AR so that the ax 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 predetermined area AR so that the angle between the positive direction of the ax axis and the positive direction of the Ax axis is within about 10 degrees. Preferably, the monitoring terminal 200 is placed in the predetermined area AR so that the ax axis is approximately parallel to the Ax axis.

[0055] 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.

[0056]

number

[0057]

number

[0058]

number

[0059] Next, in step S2, the calculation unit 21 in the control unit 1 of the monitoring terminal 200 acquires information on acceleration ax0, acceleration ay0, and acceleration az0 from the acceleration sensor 70 when the washing machine 100 is in a non-operating state. That is, the acceleration ax0, acceleration ay0, and acceleration az0 respectively indicate the acceleration ax#, acceleration ay#, and acceleration az# detected by the acceleration sensor 70 when the washing machine 100 is in a non-operating state.

[0060] Next, in step S3, the calculation unit 21 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.

[0061] Specifically, the calculation unit 21 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).

[0062]

number

[0063] The calculation unit 21 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 4, the rotation angles α0 and β0 become maximum when the rotation angle is approximately α0=270 degrees and β0=0 degrees. The calculation unit 21 stores the corrected rotation angles α0 and β0 in the storage unit 3.

[0064] The calculation unit 21 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 calculation unit 21 stores equations (5), (6), and (7) in the storage unit 3.

[0065]

number

[0066]

number

[0067]

number

[0068] Next, in step S4, calculation unit 21 acquires information on acceleration ax#, acceleration ay#, and acceleration az# from acceleration sensor 70. In this case, when washing machine 100 is in operation, calculation unit 21 acquires information on acceleration ax#, ay#, and az# detected by acceleration sensor 70 while washing machine 100 is in operation.

[0069] Next, in step S5, calculation unit 21 substitutes accelerations ax#, ay#, az# acquired from acceleration sensor 70 into formula (5) to calculate acceleration Ax#. When accelerations ax#, ay#, az# are accelerations detected by acceleration sensor 70 while washing machine 100 is in operation with lid 102 closed, acceleration Ax# indicates vibration component Vx in the Ax-axis direction of washing machine 100.

[0070] Furthermore, calculation unit 21 substitutes accelerations ay#, az# acquired from acceleration sensor 70 into equation (6) to calculate acceleration Ay#. When accelerations ay#, az# are accelerations detected by acceleration sensor 70 while washing machine 100 is in operation with lid 102 closed, acceleration Ay# indicates vibration component Vy in the Ay-axis direction of washing machine 100.

[0071] Furthermore, calculation unit 21 calculates acceleration Az# by substituting accelerations ax#, ay#, az# acquired from acceleration sensor 70 into equation (7). When accelerations ax#, ay#, az# are accelerations detected by acceleration sensor 70 while washing machine 100 is in operation with lid 102 closed, acceleration Az# indicates vibration component Vz in the Az-axis direction of washing machine 100.

[0072] It should be noted that steps S4 and S5 are continuously executed.

[0073] Next, in step S6, the estimation unit 22 of the control unit 1 estimates the operation state of the washing machine 100 based on the accelerations Ax#, Ay#, and Az#. For example, the estimation unit 22 may estimate the operation state of the washing machine 100 based on the resultant acceleration Axyz. Here, Axyz=√(Ax# 2 +Ay# 2 +Az# 2 ), for example, the estimation unit 22 estimates that the washing machine 100 is in a non-operating state when the amplitude of the composite acceleration Axyz falls within a predetermined range RG1. For example, the estimation unit 22 estimates that the washing machine 100 is in an operating state when the amplitude of the composite acceleration Axyz exceeds a predetermined range RG1. Note that, for example, the estimation unit 22 may estimate that the washing machine 100 is in a non-operating state when the amplitudes of the acceleration Ax#, the acceleration Ay#, and the acceleration Az# fall within a predetermined range RG2. For example, the estimation unit 22 may estimate that the washing machine 100 is in an operating state when the amplitudes of the acceleration Ax#, the acceleration Ay#, and the acceleration Az# exceed a predetermined range RG2.

[0074] Next, in step S7, the estimation unit 22 estimates whether the cover 102 is open or closed based on the accelerations Ax#, Ay#, and Az#. For example, the estimation unit 22 estimates whether the cover 102 is open or closed based on the resultant acceleration Axyz.

[0075] Specifically, the estimation unit 22 integrates the resultant acceleration Axyz twice over time to calculate the movement distance of the monitoring terminal 200 (detection unit 7) caused by the opening and closing of the lid 102, that is, the displacement amount L of the lid 102 (predetermined area AR) caused by the opening and closing (rotation). The displacement amount L indicates a distance. Then, the estimation unit 22 estimates that the lid 102 has been opened or closed when the displacement amount L of the lid 102 is equal to or greater than the threshold value THA. Also, for example, the estimation unit 22 may estimate that the lid 102 has changed from a closed state to an open state, or that the lid 102 has changed from an open state to a closed state, based on the positive and negative signs of the accelerations Ax#, Ay#, and Az#.

[0076] When the washing machine 100 is in operation and vibrating finely, the double integral value of the resultant acceleration Axyz is approximately 0. Therefore, it is possible to easily distinguish between vibrations during operation of the washing machine 100 and the opening and closing of the lid 102.

[0077] Next, in step S8, notification unit 23 notifies status information indicating the status of washing machine 100. Note that notification unit 23 may transmit information on accelerations Ax#, Ay#, Az#, that is, information indicating vibration of washing machine 100 or opening / closing of lid 102, to server 400 via communication unit 9. Then, the process proceeds to step S4.

[0078] As described above with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, according to the first embodiment, the housing 11 is placed in the predetermined area AR so that the ax-axis (i.e., a specific axis) of the three axes ax, ay, and az of the acceleration sensor 70 is aligned with the Ax-axis (i.e., a reference axis) of the world coordinate system in which the washing machine 100 is placed. Therefore, the accuracy of the approximations of the formulas (1) to (7) is high. As a result, the calculation unit 21 can calculate the accelerations Ax#, Ay#, and Az# with high accuracy.

[0079] 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 predetermined area AR. The "reference axis" is, for example, approximately parallel to the predetermined area AR in which the monitoring terminal 200 is placed. 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 predetermined area AR in which the monitoring terminal 200 is placed. 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 predetermined area AR in which the monitoring terminal 200 is placed.

[0080] In the first embodiment, the calculation unit 21 corrects the rotation angles α and β around the two axes ax and ay that are different from the axis az that intersects the predetermined area AR 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 calculation unit 21 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 calculation unit 21 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.

[0081] In other words, in this embodiment, the accelerations Ax#, Ay#, and Az# indicating the vibration of the washing machine 100 and the opening and closing of the lid 102 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.

[0082] Here, in step S1, the monitoring terminal 200 may be placed in the predetermined area AR 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 predetermined area AR 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 predetermined area AR so that the ay axis is approximately parallel to the Ax axis.

[0083] Furthermore, the arrangement of the ax-axis, ay-axis, and az-axis of the acceleration sensor 70 shown in FIG. 4 is just one example, and 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.

[0084] In the embodiment described with reference to Fig. 5, 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] Next, an example of the monitoring terminal 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an example of the monitoring terminal 200. As shown in FIG. 6, 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 on / off of the power supply of the monitoring terminal 200. When the power supply is turned on by the switch 52, the control unit 1 turns on the indicator light 54.

[0087] Moreover, the monitoring terminal 200 further includes one or more pieces of double-sided tape 55. The double-sided tape 55 allows the monitoring terminal 200 to be easily placed on the cover 102.

[0088] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the monitoring terminal 200. As shown in FIG. 7, 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. 7, 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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. Therefore, the user can easily use the monitoring terminal marker unit 13 as a guide to place the monitoring terminal 200 in the predetermined area AR of the cover body 102 so that the specific axis of the acceleration sensor 70 is aligned with the reference axis of the world coordinate system.

[0091] The monitoring terminal marker unit 13 may be, for example, engraved on the housing 11, or may be a sticker or may be painted.

[0092] Next, a first modified example and a second modified example of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. In the following description, the first modified example and the second modified example will be mainly described with reference to the differences from the monitoring terminal 200 described with reference to Figs. 1 to 7.

[0093] (First Modification) A first modified example of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8. In the first modified example, an example will be described in which the washing machine 100 is provided with a first washing machine marker unit 109. FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view that shows a schematic view of the lid body 102 of the washing machine 100 according to the first modified example. As shown in FIG. 8, the lid body 102 of 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. 8) of the three axes ax, ay, and az of the acceleration sensor 70 in the lid body 102 with a reference axis (the Ax axis in the example of FIG. 8) 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 an "electrical appliance marker unit."

[0094] The first washing machine marker unit 109 is provided on the lid body 102. Specifically, the first washing machine marker unit 109 is provided near or in the predetermined area AR. The first washing machine marker unit 109 indicates a direction along the reference axis (Ax axis) of the washing machine 100. Therefore, the user can easily place the monitoring terminal 200 in the predetermined area AR of the lid body 102 so that the specific axis (ax axis) of the acceleration sensor 70 is along the reference axis (Ax axis) of the washing machine 100, using the first washing machine marker unit 109 and the monitoring terminal marker unit 13 as guides. In other words, 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 to be approximately parallel in the predetermined area AR by placing the monitoring terminal 200 on the lid body 102 so that the first washing machine marker unit 109 and the monitoring terminal marker unit 13 are approximately parallel.

[0095] First washing machine marker unit 109 may be, for example, engraved on main body 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.

[0096] For example, by arranging the monitoring terminal 200 along the grip part HD, the specific axis (ax-axis) of the acceleration sensor 70 and the reference axis (Ax-axis) of the washing machine 100 may be set to be approximately parallel in the predetermined area AR. Since the grip part HD extends, for example, approximately parallel to the reference axis (Az-axis), the specific axis (ax-axis) of the acceleration sensor 70 and the reference axis (Ax-axis) of the washing machine 100 can be arranged to be approximately parallel by aligning a surface parallel to the ay-axis perpendicular to the specific axis (ax-axis) of the monitoring terminal 200 along the grip part HD.

[0097] (Second Modification) A second modified example of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. In the second modified example, an example will be described in which the washing machine 100A is a vertical washing machine. Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a washing machine system 300 according to the second modified example. As shown in Fig. 9, the washing machine system 300 includes the washing machine 100A and a monitoring terminal 200. The washing machine 100A corresponds to an example of the "electrical device" of the present invention.

[0098] In FIG. 9, as an example, the monitoring terminal 200 is placed in a predetermined area AR of the cover 102. In other words, the housing 11 of the monitoring terminal 200 is placed in the predetermined area AR of the cover 102. In further other words, the detection unit 7 (sensor 70) is placed in the predetermined area AR. The predetermined area AR is an area on the outer surface of the cover 102, and indicates an area on the opposite side of the hinge HG that opens and closes the cover 102. In other words, the predetermined area AR indicates an area of ​​the cover 102 closer to the grip part HD than the hinge HG. In the example of FIG. 9, the predetermined area AR is adjacent to the grip part HD. In other words, the predetermined area AR is an area on the front side of the upper surface of the cover 102.

[0099] 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.

[0100] (Third Modification) A third modified example of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 3, Fig. 4, and Fig. 10. In the third modified example, an example will be described in which the sensor 70 of the monitoring terminal 200 in Fig. 3 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.

[0101] 10 is a flowchart showing a monitoring method using monitoring terminal 200 according to the third modification. As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 10, first, in step S11, monitoring terminal 200 (housing 11) is placed in a predetermined area AR of cover 102.

[0102] Specifically, the monitoring terminal 200 (housing 11) is placed in a predetermined area AR of the lid 102 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.

[0103] When the angle between the positive direction of the ax-axis and the positive direction of the Ax-axis is within approximately 10 degrees, equations (8) to (10) hold with good accuracy. When the positive direction of the ax-axis is approximately parallel to the positive direction of 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.

[0104]

number

[0105]

number

[0106]

number

[0107] Next, in step S12, the calculation unit 21 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.

[0108] The calculation unit 21 derives equations (11) to (13) by substituting rotation angles α0 and β0 for rotation angles α and β in equations (8) to (10), respectively. The control unit 1 stores equations (11) to (13) in the storage unit 3.

[0109]

number

[0110]

number

[0111]

number

[0112] Next, in step S13, calculation unit 21 acquires information on angular velocity gx#, angular velocity gy#, and angular velocity gz# from gyro sensor 70. In this case, when washing machine 100 is in an operating state, calculation unit 21 acquires information on angular velocities gx#, gy#, and gz# detected by gyro sensor 70 while washing machine 100 is operating.

[0113] Next, in step S14, the calculation unit 21 substitutes the angular velocities gx#, gy#, and gz# acquired from the gyro sensor 70 into equation (11) to calculate the angular velocity Gx#. The calculation unit 21 also substitutes the angular velocities gy# and gz# acquired from the gyro sensor 70 into equation (12) to calculate the angular velocity Gy#. The calculation unit 21 also substitutes the angular velocities gx#, gy#, and gz# acquired from the gyro sensor 70 into equation (13) to calculate the angular velocity Gz#. When the angular velocities gx#, gy#, and gz# are angular velocities detected by the gyro sensor 70 while the washing machine 100 is operating with the lid 102 in a closed state, the angular velocities Gx#, Gy#, and Gz# indicate the vibration of the washing machine 100.

[0114] Next, in step S15, the estimation unit 22 estimates the operation state of the washing machine 100 based on the angular velocities Gx#, Gy#, and Gz#.

[0115] Next, in step S16, the estimation unit 22 estimates whether the lid body 102 is open or closed based on the angular velocities Gx#, Gy#, and Gz#.

[0116] Specifically, the estimation unit 22 integrates the angular velocities Gx#, Gy#, and Gz# once over time to calculate the rotation angle of the monitoring terminal 200 (detection unit 7) caused by the opening and closing of the lid 102, that is, the displacement amount La of the lid 102 (predetermined area AR) caused by the opening and closing (rotation). In this case, the displacement amount La indicates the rotation angle of the lid 102. Then, the estimation unit 22 estimates that the lid 102 has been opened or closed when the displacement amount La of the lid 102 is equal to or greater than the threshold value THB. Also, for example, the estimation unit 22 may estimate that the lid 102 has changed from a closed state to an open state, or that the lid 102 has changed from an open state to a closed state, based on the positive and negative signs of the angular velocities Gx#, Gy#, and Gz#.

[0117] When the washing machine 100 is in operation and vibrating finely, the single integral values ​​of the angular velocities Gx#, Gy#, and Gz# are approximately 0. Therefore, it is easy to distinguish between vibrations during operation of the washing machine 100 and the opening and closing of the lid 102.

[0118] Next, in step S17, notification unit 23 notifies status information indicating the status of washing machine 100. Note that notification unit 23 may transmit information on angular velocities Gx#, Gy#, Gz#, that is, information indicating vibration of washing machine 100 or opening / closing of lid body 102, to server 400 via communication unit 9.

[0119] As described above with reference to Figures 3, 4, and 10, according to the third modified example, the housing 11 is positioned in a specified area AR of the lid body 102 so that the ax axis (i.e., a 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] In the third modification, calculation unit 21 calculates angular velocities Gx#, Gy#, Gz# (vibration components) of washing machine 100 in the world coordinate system based on corrected rotation angles α0, β0 and angular velocities gx#, gy#, gz# detected by gyro sensor 70 of detection unit 7 when washing machine 100 is in an operating state. In this modification, since the vibration components are calculated from the angular velocity of washing machine 100, it is also possible to accurately detect whether the vibration is due to the "operating state" of washing machine 100 or the open / closed state of lid 102.

[0121] In step S11, the monitoring terminal 200 (housing 11) may be disposed in the predetermined area AR so that the ay axis of the gyro sensor 70 is aligned with the Ax 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. 3 is an example, and when the ax axis, ay axis, and az axis have the same relationship as 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] (Embodiment 2) A washing machine system 300 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12. The second embodiment is mainly different from the first embodiment in that the monitoring terminal 200A of the second embodiment is divided. The following mainly describes the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment.

[0123] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a washing machine system 300 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0124] As shown in Fig. 11, monitoring terminal 200A includes detection unit 201, monitoring terminal main body 202, and cable CB. Cable CB electrically connects detection unit 201 and monitoring terminal main body 202. Detection unit 201 is disposed in cover 102. Specifically, detection unit 201 is disposed in a predetermined area AR of cover 102. Monitoring terminal main body 202 is disposed apart from detection unit 201. Monitoring terminal main body 202 is disposed in main body housing 101 of washing machine 100. In the example of Fig. 11, monitoring terminal main body 202 is disposed at an upper part of a side surface of main body housing 101.

[0125] Specifically, the detection unit 201 includes a first housing 211. The first housing 211 is disposed in a predetermined area AR of the cover 102. The monitoring terminal main body 202 includes a second housing 212. The second housing 212 is disposed away from the first housing 211. The second housing 212 is disposed in the main body housing 101.

[0126] Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing a monitoring system SYS according to embodiment 2. As shown in Fig. 12, in a monitoring terminal 200A, a monitoring terminal main body 202 includes a control unit 1, a storage unit 3, an operation display unit 5, an interface 8, and a communication unit 9. A second housing 212 includes a control unit 1, a storage unit 3, an operation display unit 5, an interface 8, and a communication unit 9.

[0127] The detection unit 201 includes a detection section 7. The first housing 211 houses the detection section 7. The detection section 7 of the detection unit 201 is connected to the control section 1 via a cable CB and an interface 8. Therefore, a detection signal indicating a physical quantity detected by the detection section 7 is output to the control section 1 via the cable CB and the interface 8.

[0128] 11 and 12, according to the second embodiment, the detection unit 201 is configured separately from the monitoring terminal main body 202. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the detection unit 201. As a result, the area occupied by the detection unit 201 in the cover 102 can be reduced.

[0129] (Modification) With reference to Fig. 13, a washing machine system 300 according to a modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this modified example, an example will be described in which the washing machine 100A is a vertical washing machine. Below, differences between the modified example and the second embodiment of Figs. 11 and 12 will be mainly described. Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing a washing machine system 300 according to a modified example of the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 13, the washing machine system 300 includes a washing machine 100A and a monitoring terminal 200A. The washing machine 100A corresponds to an example of the "electrical device" of the present invention.

[0130] 12, detection unit 201 (first housing 211) of monitoring terminal 200A is placed in a predetermined area AR of cover 102. Monitoring terminal main body 202 (second housing 212) of monitoring terminal 200A is placed in main body housing 101 of washing machine 100A. Detection unit 201 and monitoring terminal main body 202 are electrically connected by cable CB.

[0131] 11 to 13, the detection unit 201 and the monitoring terminal main body 202 may be connected wirelessly. For example, the detection unit 201 and the monitoring terminal main body 202 perform short-distance wireless communication.

[0132] Here, in the second embodiment and the modified example, monitoring terminal 200 shown in Fig. 2 may be connected to detection unit 201 shown in Fig. 12. In this case, for example, detection unit 201 is arranged in a predetermined area AR of lid body 102, and monitoring terminal main body 202 is arranged in main body housing 101 of washing machine 100. For example, monitoring terminal 200 in Fig. 2 includes interface 8 in Fig. 12.

[0133] 1 to 13, an example in which the monitoring terminals 200 and 200A are arranged in the washing machines 100 and 100A has been described. However, the electrical equipment in which the monitoring terminals 200 and 200A are arranged is not limited to the washing machines 100 and 100A. In other words, the monitoring terminals 200 and 200A can be arranged in an electrical equipment that continuously generates vibrations during operation. In addition, the monitoring terminals 200 and the detection unit 201 of the monitoring terminal 200A are arranged in a cover of an electrical equipment having a cover that opens and closes. Specifically, the monitoring terminals 200 and the detection unit 201 of the monitoring terminal 200A are arranged in a predetermined area of ​​the cover of the electrical equipment. In this case, the definition of the "predetermined area" is the same as the definition of the "predetermined area AR".

[0134] [Monitoring System SYS] The monitoring system SYS will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The monitoring terminal 200 transmits information of the washing machine 100 (e.g., operation information, open / close information) 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.

[0135] 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).

[0136] 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.

[0137] For example, the monitoring terminal 200 is equipped 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.

[0138] For example, the monitoring terminal 200 may also 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.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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.

[0142] 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.

[0143] For example, the server 400 includes a storage unit 3 that stores information notified from the monitoring terminal 200 .

[0144] 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.

[0145] 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.

[0146] 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.

[0147] The monitoring system SYS including the monitoring terminal 200A shown in FIG. 12 can also operate in a similar manner to the above.

[0148] 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.

[0149] 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]

[0150] The present invention is applicable to the field of monitoring terminals and has industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0151] 1. Control section 7. Detection Unit 11. Cabinet 21 Arithmetic section 22 Estimation part 23. Information Department 70 Sensors (accelerometer, gyro sensor) 100, 100A Washing Machine (Electrical Equipment) 101 Main unit housing 200, 200A monitoring terminal 211 1st cabinet 212 2nd cabinet AR predetermined area

Claims

1. A monitoring terminal that is detachably attached to an electrical device having a cover that can be opened and closed, and monitors a state of the electrical device, A detection unit that detects a physical quantity indicating a vibration of the electrical device and a displacement of the lid body; a notification unit that notifies status information indicating a status of the electrical device based on the physical quantity detected by the detection unit; A first housing that houses the detection unit; a second housing that is disposed apart from the first housing and that houses the notification unit; Equipped with The detection unit is disposed on the lid, The detection unit is disposed in a predetermined area of ​​the lid, the predetermined region indicates a region on the opposite side of a hinge that supports the lid body so as to be openable and closable, the first housing is disposed in the predetermined area of ​​the lid, The second housing is a monitoring terminal disposed in a main body housing of the electrical device.

2. The device further includes a housing that houses the detection unit and the notification unit, The monitoring terminal according to claim 1 , wherein the housing is disposed in the predetermined area.

3. An estimation unit is further provided that estimates an operating state of the electrical device based on the physical quantity indicating a vibration of the electrical device, and estimates opening and closing of the lid body based on a displacement amount of the lid body indicated by the physical quantity, 3. The monitoring terminal according to claim 1, wherein the state information includes at least one of information indicating an operating state of the electrical appliance and information indicating whether the cover is open or closed.

4. The electrical appliance is a washing machine for washing laundry, The monitoring terminal according to claim 1 , wherein the detection unit detects the physical quantity indicating a vibration of the washing machine and a displacement of the lid.

5. The monitoring terminal according to claim 1 , wherein the physical quantity is an acceleration or an angular velocity.

Images