Washing machine system

Abstract

To provide a washing machine system capable of achieving improvement in convenience.SOLUTION: A washing machine system of an embodiment includes a washing tub, an automatic input device, an information registration part, and a control part. The automatic input device has a plurality of tanks capable of storing a washing treatment agent individually. The control part controls the automatic input device based on information registered by the information registration part. The plurality of tanks include a first tank and a second tank. The control part can execute a control mode for, in the case where it is determined that the same washing treatment agent is stored in the plurality of tanks, preferentially inputting the washing treatment agent from the first tank, and in the case where the residual amount of the washing treatment agent stored in the first tank is detected to be equal to or less than a predetermined residual amount at which notification is performed for urging replenishment or replacement of the washing treatment agent into the first tank, switching from the first tank to the second tank and inputting the washing treatment agent from the second tank.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a washing machine system.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a washing machine having a plurality of tanks for accommodating a detergent and a softener, and a pump for automatically feeding the detergent and the softener from the plurality of tanks into a washing tub. Further improvement in convenience is expected for the washing machine.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a washing machine system capable of improving convenience.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The washing machine system according to the embodiment includes a washing tub, an automatic feeder, an information registration unit, and a control unit. The automatic feeder has a plurality of tanks capable of individually accommodating a washing treatment agent, and automatically feeds the washing treatment agent from the plurality of tanks into the washing tub. The information registration unit can register treatment agent information indicating the washing treatment agent accommodated in each of the plurality of tanks. The control unit controls the automatic feeder based on the treatment agent information registered by the information registration unit. The plurality of tanks include a first tank and a second tank. When it is determined that the same washing treatment agent is accommodated in the plurality of tanks, the control unit, During one or a plurality of washings, while causing a laundry treatment agent to be introduced from the first tank and the second tank simultaneously or alternately, the reduction rate of the remaining amount in the first tank is made larger than the reduction rate of the remaining amount in the second tankThe detergent is preferentially introduced from the first tank, and when it is detected that the remaining amount of the detergent stored in the first tank has reached a predetermined remaining amount or less that prompts notification for replenishment or replacement of the detergent in the first tank, a control mode can be executed in which the supply is switched from the first tank to the second tank and the detergent is introduced from the second tank.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] Hereinafter, the washing machine system of the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals. And the overlapping descriptions of these components may be omitted. "Based on XX" means "at least based on XX", and may include cases based on other elements in addition to XX. "Based on XX" is not limited to the case of directly using XX, and may include cases based on those obtained by performing calculations or processing on XX. "XX or YY" is not limited to either one of XX and YY, and may include both cases of XX and YY. This is the same even when there are three or more selectable elements. "XX" and "YY" are arbitrary elements (for example, arbitrary information).

[0008] Hereinafter, some embodiments will be described. The first embodiment is an example in which the "washing machine system" is realized by an individual washing machine. On the other hand, the second embodiment is an example in which a part of the "washing machine system" is realized by a server device (for example, a cloud server device). Also hereinafter, a vertical-type washing machine will be described as an example of a washing machine, but the washing machine may be a drum-type washing machine or a two-tank type washing machine.

[0009] (First Embodiment) <1. Overall Configuration of Washing Machine> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the washing machine 100 according to the first embodiment. The washing machine 100 includes, for example, a housing 1, a water tub 3, a suspension rod 4, a rotating tub 5, a balance ring 7, a stirring body 8, a washing machine motor 9, a clutch mechanism 11, a drain valve 12, a drain hose 13, a switching motor 14, an automatic detergent feeder 15, an operation panel 16, and a control device 10 (see FIG. 5). The washing machine 100 is an example of a "washing system". The rotating tub 5 is an example of a "washing tub".

[0010] The housing (outer box) 1 includes a bottom wall, an upper wall, a front wall, a rear wall, and left and right side walls, and forms the appearance of the washing machine 100. A washing lid 2 is attached to the housing 1 so as to be openable and closable.

[0011] The water tank 3 is disposed inside the housing 1. The water tank 3 is formed in a cylindrical container shape with a closed bottom and an open top. A drain port 3a is provided at the bottom of the water tank 3. The water tank 3 is elastically suspended and supported via a vibration isolation device mainly composed of suspension rods 4 provided at the four corners of the outer box and coil springs.

[0012] The rotary tub 5 serves as both a washing tub and a dehydration tub and is disposed inside the water tank 3. Laundry is put in and taken out of the rotary tub 5 through the laundry inlet / outlet of the top cover 6 of the housing 1. The rotary tub 5 is formed in a cylindrical container shape with a closed bottom and an open top. A plurality of dehydration holes 5a are provided in the peripheral wall of the rotary tub 5. The balance ring 7 is attached to the upper end of the rotary tub 5. The agitator 8 is provided at the bottom inside the rotary tub 5 and is rotatable.

[0013] The washing machine motor 9 is a motor for washing and dehydration and is provided below the water tank 3. The washing machine motor 9 is controlled by a control device 10 described later and rotationally drives the rotary tub 5. The clutch mechanism 11 is provided below the water tank 3. The clutch mechanism 11 is driven by the washing machine motor 9 and switches between a state of rotating only the agitator 8 and a state of rotating the agitator 8 and the rotary tub 5 integrally. The drain hose 13 is connected to the drain port 3a of the water tank 3 via a drain valve 12. When the drain valve 12 is opened, the water in the rotary tub 5 and the water tank 3 is drained to the outside of the washing machine 100 through the drain hose 13.

[0014] The switching motor 14 is provided below the water tank 3 and switches the states of the clutch mechanism 11 and the drain valve 12 in conjunction. For example, when the switching motor 14 opens the drain valve 12, it switches the clutch mechanism 11 so that the agitator 8 and the rotary tub 5 are rotated integrally by the washing machine motor 9. On the other hand, when the switching motor 14 closes the drain valve 12, it switches the clutch mechanism 11 so that only the agitator 8 is rotated independently by the washing machine motor 9.

[0015] The automatic detergent dispenser 15 is disposed, for example, inside the housing 1 and positioned above the rotary tub 5. The automatic detergent dispenser 15 will be described in detail later.

[0016] The operation panel 16 is provided on the upper surface of the top cover 6. The operation panel 16 includes, for example, a panel having buttons that can be pressed by the user and a display device, or a touch panel that can be operated by the user. The user can select a washing course and start the operation by operating the operation panel 16. Examples of the washing course include a standard course, a speedy course, a delicate course (gentle wash course), a drying course, and a stubborn stain course. The amount of water injected into the washing tub and the content of the washing process differ depending on the washing course. The operation panel 16 includes a display screen 17 (see FIGS. 6 to 11) on which the washing process, the remaining time until the end of the operation, the set water level, etc. are displayed. The operation panel 16 is an example of a "notification unit". FIG. 6 is an example of the display screen 17 output by the operation panel 16 and is a top screen displayed, for example, after turning on the power of the washing machine 100.

[0017] <2. Configuration related to the automatic detergent dispenser> FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the automatic detergent dispenser 15. The automatic detergent dispenser 15 has, for example, a water injection case 21, a plurality of tanks 22a, 22b, and an injection pump 24. The water injection case 21 has a housing portion 25 which is a recess in which the plurality of tanks 22a, 22b are detachably attached. The water injection case 21 supports the plurality of tanks 22a, 22b attached to the housing portion 25.

[0018] The plurality of tanks 22a and 22b can each individually accommodate any laundry treatment agent. The "laundry treatment agent" broadly refers to an agent that treats clothing during washing. Note that the laundry treatment agent is not limited to a liquid and may be a powder. The "laundry treatment agent" includes detergents, fabric softeners, bleaches, and the like. In the present embodiment, the "laundry treatment agents of the same classification" means laundry treatment agents with the same or similar uses in a broad sense. That is, a plurality of detergents (for example, detergent A and detergent B) belong to the "laundry treatment agents of the same classification" even if their detergency, brand, and uses in a narrow sense are different. Here, a plurality of detergents with different detergency, brand, and uses in a narrow sense belong to the "laundry treatment agents with different characteristics in the same classification". "Characteristics" may be read as "functions". Similarly, a plurality of fabric softeners (for example, fabric softener X and fabric softener Y) belong to the "laundry treatment agents of the same classification" even if their softening components, brands, and uses in a narrow sense are different. Here, a plurality of fabric softeners with different softening components, brands, and uses in a narrow sense belong to the "laundry treatment agents with different characteristics in the same classification". On the other hand, detergents, fabric softeners, and bleaches belong to the "laundry treatment agents of different classifications" because their uses in a broad sense are different from each other. In the present embodiment, the plurality of tanks 22a and 22b can accommodate various combinations of laundry treatment agents.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing combinations of laundry treatment agents accommodated in the plurality of tanks 22a and 22b. FIG. 3 shows an example in which two tanks 22a and 22b are provided. In this case, there are the following six patterns as usage modes.

[0020] (1) Pattern 1 is the case where the same detergent A is accommodated in the first tank 22a and the second tank 22b. That is, Pattern 1 is the case where the first tank 22a and the second tank 22b are used as one large tank. It is a preferable mode for users who do not use fabric softeners.

[0021] (2) Pattern 2 is the case where detergent A is stored in the first tank 22a and detergent B is stored in the second tank 22b. Detergents A and B are detergents with different cleaning powers, brands, or uses in a narrow sense. For example, detergent A is a detergent that emphasizes cleaning power (e.g., a normal detergent), and detergent B is a detergent that emphasizes damage suppression to clothing (e.g., a delicate clothing detergent). Pattern 2 is the case where a user wants to selectively use a plurality of detergents A and B depending on the clothing, etc. In this case, the fabric softener is either not used or manually added by the user.

[0022] (3) Pattern 3 is the case where the same fabric softener X is stored in the first tank 22a and the second tank 22b. That is, Pattern 3 is the case where the first tank 22a and the second tank 22b are used as one large tank. This is a preferred mode for users who manually add powder detergent because the automatic dosing device 15 does not support powder detergent, or for users who use gel balls.

[0023] (4) Pattern 4 is the case where fabric softener X is stored in the first tank 22a and fabric softener Y is stored in the second tank 22b. Fabric softeners X and Y are fabric softeners with different softening components, brands, or uses in a narrow sense. For example, fabric softeners X and Y have different scents. Pattern 4 is the case where a user wants to selectively use a plurality of fabric softeners X and Y depending on the clothing, etc.

[0024] (5) Pattern 5 is the case where detergent A is stored in the first tank 22a and fabric softener X is stored in the second tank 22b. Pattern 5 is a general mode of using a detergent and a fabric softener respectively.

[0025] (6) Pattern 6 is the case where fabric softener X is stored in the first tank 22a and detergent A is stored in the second tank 22b. Here, the capacity of the first tank 22a and the capacity of the second tank 22b may be different. In the present embodiment, the capacity of the second tank 22b is larger than the capacity of the first tank 22a. Pattern 6 is a preferred mode for users who use more fabric softener X than detergent A (such as when detergent A is a concentrated detergent).

[0026] Returning to FIG. 2, the description will be continued. In the present embodiment, the plurality of tanks 22a and 22b include a first tank 22a and a second tank 22b. For example, the first tank 22a and the second tank 22b have different capacities from each other. For example, the first tank 22b can accommodate 700 ml of a laundry treatment agent. The second tank 22b can accommodate 1 L of a laundry treatment agent. However, the plurality of tanks 22a and 22b may have the same capacity as each other. A discharge hole 23 connected to the injection pump 24 of the automatic feeder 15 is provided at the lower end of each of the plurality of tanks 22a and 22b. Hereinafter, when the tanks 22a and 22b are not distinguished from each other, they may simply be referred to as the tank 22.

[0027] The injection pump 24 is provided in the water injection case 21. The injection pump 24 is connected to the plurality of tanks 22a and 22b attached to the water injection case 21. Based on the control by the control device 10, the injection pump 24 automatically injects the laundry treatment agent stored in the plurality of tanks 22a and 22b into the washing tub individually. The injection pump 24 is an example of a "pump".

[0028] The injection pump 24 can be manually washed using a brush or the like by removing the plurality of tanks 22a and 22b from the water injection case 21. On the other hand, the automatic feeder 15 may have an automatic washing device 27 (see FIG. 1) that automatically washes the injection pump 24 based on the control by the control device 10. The automatic washing device 27 automatically washes the injection pump 24, for example, by flowing water inside the injection pump 24. However, the configuration of the automatic washing device 27 is not limited to the above example.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing sensors related to the automatic feeder 15. The washing machine 100 has, for example, a float sensor 31, a cabinet lid sensor 32, a tank lid sensor 33, and a tank attachment sensor 34. The detection results of these sensors 31, 32, 33, and 34 are output to the control device 10. Since the cabinet lid sensor 32, the tank lid sensor 33, and the tank attachment sensor 34 have the same detection target, one or two of these sensors may be omitted.

[0030] The float sensor 31 is provided inside the tank 22. The float sensor 31 is a remaining amount sensor that detects the remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent stored in the tank 22. For example, the float sensor 31 is rotatable about the rotation axis 35 and floats on the liquid surface of the laundry treatment agent. When the remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent stored in the tank 22 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined amount, the float sensor 31 descends (rotates) to a predetermined position, and thus it is possible to detect that the remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent has become equal to or less than the predetermined amount. Also, an increase in the remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent is an example of "an operation related to replenishment of the laundry treatment agent".

[0031] The housing lid sensor 32 is provided on the top cover 6 of the housing 1. The housing lid sensor 32 has a first component 32a and a second component 32b. The first component 32a is attached to a lid 36 that is openably and closably provided above the plurality of tanks 22a and 22b. On the other hand, the second component 32b is attached to the upper wall of the tank 22 or the housing 1. When the lid 36 is closed, the housing lid sensor 32 detects that the lid 36 is closed by the contact between the first component 32a and the second component 32b. On the other hand, when the lid 36 is opened, the housing lid sensor 32 detects that the lid 36 is opened by the separation between the first component 32a and the second component 32b. The opening of the lid 36 of the housing 1 is another example of "an operation related to replenishment of the laundry treatment agent".

[0032] The tank lid sensor 33 is provided on each tank 22. The tank lid sensor 33 has a first component 33a and a second component 33b. The first component 33a is attached to the lid 37 of each tank 22. On the other hand, the second component 33b is attached in the vicinity of the lid 37 of each tank 22. When the lid 37 is closed, the tank lid sensor 33 detects that the lid 37 is closed by the contact between the first component 33a and the second component 33b. On the other hand, when the lid 37 is opened, the tank lid sensor 33 detects that the lid 37 is opened by the separation between the first component 33a and the second component 33b. The opening of the lid 37 of the tank 22 is yet another example of "an operation related to replenishment of the laundry treatment agent".

[0033] A tank-mounted sensor 34 is provided in each tank 22. The tank-mounted sensor 34 has a first component 34a and a second component 34b. The first component 34a is attached to the bottom 38 of each tank 22. Meanwhile, the second component 34b is attached to the upper surface of the water supply case 21 in a position facing the bottom of each tank 22. When a tank 22 is attached to the water supply case 21, the first component 34a and the second component 34b come into contact, causing the tank-mounted sensor 34 to detect that the tank 22 has not been removed. Meanwhile, when the tank 22 is removed from the water supply case 21, the first component 34a and the second component 34b separate, causing the tank-mounted sensor 34 to detect that the tank 22 has been removed from the water supply case 21. Removal of the tank 22 from the water supply case 21 is yet another example of an "operation related to refilling laundry treatment agent."

[0034] <3. Control device system configuration> 5 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the control device 10. The control device 10 has, for example, an input receiving unit 110, an information registration unit 120, and a control unit 130. These functional units are realized by a hardware processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) mounted on the washing machine 100 executing a program (software). However, all or part of these functional units may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

[0035] Furthermore, the control device 10 includes a storage unit 140. The storage unit 140 is realized by, for example, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) or a flash memory.

[0036] The input reception unit 110 receives user input via the operation panel 16. The input reception unit 110 receives input of treatment agent information from the user via the operation panel 16. The treatment agent information is information indicating the laundry treatment agents stored in each of the plurality of tanks 22. The treatment agent information includes, for example, the classification of the laundry treatment agent (e.g., whether it is a detergent, a softener, or a bleaching agent), the selling manufacturer (or the manufacturing manufacturer), the brand, the standard usage amount, the setting of more or less, and comments (such as fashionable wearing). The treatment agent information may include the replenishment date (replacement date) of the laundry treatment agent to the tank 22 and the usage of the laundry treatment agent (everyday wear, fashionable wear), etc.

[0037] In addition, the input reception unit 110 can receive input of the selection of the laundry treatment agent to be used and input of the selection of manual input of the laundry treatment agent from the user via the operation panel 16. In addition, the input reception unit 110 receives the correspondence relationship between the washing course and the laundry treatment agent from the user via the operation panel 16. The correspondence relationship between the washing course and the laundry treatment agent is information that associates, for example, the standard course with detergent A (or the tank 22 containing detergent A) and associates the fashionable wear course with detergent B (or the tank 22 containing detergent B).

[0038] The information registration unit 120 registers, in the database stored in the storage unit 140, the information indicating the tank 22 in which the laundry treatment agent is stored (information indicating whether it is tank 22a or 22b) in association with the treatment agent information of the laundry treatment agent. In the present embodiment, the information registration unit 120 can register the treatment agent information in the storage unit 140 in both cases where a plurality of different types of laundry treatment agents are stored in the plurality of tanks 22 and where the same laundry treatment agent is stored in the plurality of tanks 22. The case where a plurality of different types of laundry treatment agents are stored in the plurality of tanks 22 is the above-described patterns 2, 4, 5, 6, etc. On the other hand, the case where the same laundry treatment agent is stored in the plurality of tanks 22 is the above-described patterns 1, 3, etc. In addition, the information registration unit 120 registers the correspondence relationship between the washing course and the laundry treatment agent as correspondence relationship information in the database in the storage unit 140.

[0039] The control unit 130 controls the entire washing machine 100. For example, the control unit 130 controls the washing operation of the washing machine 100 by controlling the washing machine motor 9, the clutch mechanism 11, the drain valve 12, the switching motor 14, etc. In the present embodiment, the control unit 130 includes a determination unit 131, an operation control unit 132, and a notification control unit 133. The determination unit 131 determines the laundry treatment agents in the first tank 22a and the second tank 22b based on the treatment agent information. That is, the determination unit 131 can determine the classification, standard usage amount, more or less setting, etc. of the laundry treatment agents stored in each of the first tank 22a and the second tank 22b based on the treatment agent information.

[0040] The operation control unit 132 controls the operation of the washing machine 100. Examples of the operation of the washing machine 100 include four steps related to washing (hereinafter referred to as the washing process). Note that a drying process may be included as an example of the operation of the washing machine 100. Examples of the washing process include washing, the first rinsing, the second rinsing, and dehydration. Note that the washing process is not limited to the above mode. For example, the washing process may not include the second rinsing. In this case, rinsing is performed once in the washing process. The details of the washing process will be described below.

[0041] Washing is a step of removing dirt from clothes. In this step, water is injected into the rotating tub 5 in which the clothes are accommodated, detergent is added to the rotating tub 5, the agitator 8 is rotated, and drainage is performed. The first rinsing is a step of removing the detergent adhering to the clothes. In this step, water is injected into the rotating tub 5, the rotating tub 5 is rotated, and drainage is performed. For example, in the first rinsing, the rotating tub 5 is rotated while supplying water and draining water simultaneously (that is, while flushing with water). The second rinsing is a finishing process for removing the detergent adhering to the clothes. In this process, water is poured into the rotary tub 5, fabric softener is added, the rotary tub 5 is rotated, and drainage is performed. For example, in the second rinsing, the rotary tub 5 is rotated with water stored in the rotary tub 5. If the washing process does not include the second rinsing, the fabric softener is added in the first rinsing. Dehydration is a process of discharging the water contained in the clothes from the clothes. In this process, water is not poured, and the rotary tub 5 is rotated with drainage being performed.

[0042] Based on the above treatment agent information, the operation control unit 132 controls the automatic dosing device 15 to dose the washing treatment agent into the rotary tub 5. For example, when the determination unit 131 determines based on the above treatment agent information that the detergent is stored in the tank 22a and the fabric softener is stored in the tank 22b, in the above washing process, the washing treatment agent (detergent) is automatically dosed from the tank 22a into the rotary tub 5, and in the above second rinsing process, the washing treatment agent (fabric softener) is automatically dosed from the tank 22b into the rotary tub 5. On the other hand, when the determination unit 131 determines based on the above treatment agent information that the fabric softener is stored in the tank 22a and the detergent is stored in the tank 22b, in the above washing process, the washing treatment agent (detergent) is automatically dosed from the tank 22b into the rotary tub 5, and in the above second rinsing process, the washing treatment agent (fabric softener) is automatically dosed from the tank 22a into the rotary tub 5.

[0043] In the present embodiment, when the determination unit 131 determines based on the above treatment agent information that the same washing treatment agent is stored in the plurality of tanks 22, the operation control unit 132 preferentially doses the washing treatment agent from one of the plurality of tanks 22 (for example, the first tank 22a). "Preferentially dosing" means, for example, that the reduction rate of the remaining amount of one of the plurality of tanks 22 (for example, the first tank 22a) is greater than the reduction rate of the remaining amounts of the other tanks. In one example, "preferentially dosing" means dosing the washing treatment agent from one of the plurality of tanks 22 (for example, the first tank 22a) and suppressing the dosing of the washing treatment agent from the other tanks 22.

[0044] In this case, when the operation control unit 132 detects that the remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent stored in the first tank 22a has become equal to or less than a predetermined amount, it switches from the first tank 22a to the second tank 22b, and then preferentially feeds the laundry treatment agent from the second tank 22b. "The remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent has become equal to or less than a predetermined amount" means, for example, that it has become equal to or less than the remaining amount that prompts replenishment or replacement of the laundry treatment agent in the tank 22. Examples of the case where "the remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent has become equal to or less than a predetermined amount" include the case where the remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent has become equal to or less than the capacity of the laundry treatment agent required for one laundry process, the case where it has become equal to or less than the capacity preset by the user, or the case where the float sensor 31 detects that the remaining amount has become equal to or less than a predetermined amount and notifies the user to prompt replenishment. By the above operation, even when the remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent in the first tank 22a decreases, the washing machine system can perform the process using an appropriate amount of the laundry treatment agent. That is, when the remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent in the first tank 22a decreases, while using the laundry treatment agent in the second tank 22b, the first tank 22a can be replenished with the laundry treatment agent at any time, so it is possible to make it in time even if the laundry treatment agent is purchased after the first tank 22a becomes empty. For this reason, the need for stockpiling is reduced.

[0045] Also, when the determination unit 131 determines that the plurality of tanks 22 contain laundry treatment agents with different characteristics in the same classification based on the above treatment agent information, if the selection of the laundry treatment agent to be used or the selection of manual input of the laundry treatment agent is not input to the input reception unit 110, the washing may not be started. For example, when the first tank 22a contains a normal detergent and the second tank 22b contains a delicate clothing detergent, and it is unclear from which tank 22 the laundry treatment agent should be fed, wait for the user to input a selection of the laundry treatment agent to be used (that is, a selection of the tank 22 to be used) or a selection of manual input of the laundry treatment agent. By the above operation, the washing machine system can perform the process with a laundry treatment agent having appropriate characteristics. For example, it is possible to prevent the clothing from being damaged by using a normal detergent for delicate clothing, or conversely, to prevent insufficient cleaning by using a delicate clothing detergent for normal clothing. It is also possible to prevent the finish from being different from the preference for the softener.

[0046] Furthermore, when determination unit 131 detects a change in the laundry treatment agent based on the treatment agent information, operation control unit 132 outputs a notification urging the user to clean dosage pump 24, or automatically cleans dosage pump 24. For example, when notification control unit 133 detects a change in the laundry treatment agent, operation control unit 132 outputs a notification urging the user to clean dosage pump 24 to operation panel 16. For example, if washing machine 100 is provided with automatic cleaning device 27, operation control unit 132 operates automatic cleaning device 27 to automatically clean dosage pump 24. Through the above operation, the washing machine system can prevent a decrease in the treatment power of the laundry treatment agent due to mixing of multiple laundry treatment agents in dosage pump 24.

[0047] Furthermore, the operation control unit 132 controls the automatic dispenser 15 based on the selected washing course and the corresponding relationship. The amount of water dispensed into the washing tub and the details of the washing process may vary depending on the washing course. Therefore, the operation control unit 132 controls the type and amount of laundry treatment agent to be dispensed by controlling the automatic dispenser 15 based on the corresponding relationship with the selected washing course. Through the above operation, the washing machine system can perform laundry treatment using the type and amount of laundry treatment agent corresponding to the washing course. In other words, the user of the washing machine system does not need to select a laundry treatment agent each time laundry is processed. When the user of the washing machine system selects the delicate course, dispensing of the wrong laundry treatment agent can be prevented. Furthermore, when the user of the washing machine system selects the speed course, a laundry treatment agent for one rinse is dispensed without the user having to manually dispense the laundry treatment agent.

[0048] When the determination unit 131 determines that a plurality of washing treatment agents with different characteristics in the same classification are stored in the plurality of tanks 22 based on the above treatment agent information, the notification control unit 133 outputs a notification prompting the selection of the washing treatment agent to be used or the selection of manual input of the washing treatment agent every time washing is performed. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen 17 output by the operation panel 16. Note that FIG. 7 is an example of the display screen 17 when the washing machine 100 includes three tanks 22. A notification prompting the selection of the washing treatment agent to be used or the selection of manual input of the washing treatment agent is displayed on the display screen 17 of FIG. 7. The information (the correspondence relationship between the tank 22 and the washing treatment agent) displayed on this screen is generated by the notification control unit 133 based on the above treatment agent information. When it is determined that a plurality of washing treatment agents with different characteristics in the same classification are stored in the plurality of tanks 22, the notification control unit 133 causes the display screen 17 of FIG. 7 to be output to the operation panel 16 every time washing is performed. By the above operation, the user of the washing machine system can easily wash the washing treatment agent to be used.

[0049] Further, when the determination unit 131 determines based on the above treatment agent information that neither the detergent nor the fabric softener is stored in any of the plurality of tanks 22, the notification control unit 133 causes the input reception unit 110 to output a notification prompting manual input of the detergent or the fabric softener. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen 17 output by the operation panel 16. Note that FIG. 8 is an example of the display screen 17 when the washing machine 100 includes three tanks 22. A notification prompting manual input of the detergent or the fabric softener is displayed on the display screen 17 of FIG. 8. When it is determined that neither the detergent nor the fabric softener is stored in any of the plurality of tanks 22, the notification control unit 133 causes the display screen 17 of FIG. 8 to be output to the operation panel 16. By the above operation, the washing machine system can prevent the user from forgetting to add the washing treatment agent. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 8, detergent is stored in all the tanks 22, and a notification prompting manual input of the fabric softener is displayed. By the above operation, it is possible to prevent inappropriate washing treatment from being performed due to any of the washing treatment agents not being added. For example, it is possible to prevent the finish from deteriorating due to the fabric softener not being added. Also, it is possible to prevent the clothes from not being washed due to the detergent not being added.

[0050] When an operation related to replenishment of the washing treatment agent is detected, the notification control unit 133 causes the current treatment agent information regarding the plurality of tanks 22 to be output. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen 17 output by the operation panel 16. Note that FIG. 9 is an example of the display screen 17 when the washing machine 100 includes three tanks 22. The treatment agent information of the washing treatment agent stored in the three tanks 22 is displayed on the display screen 17 of FIG. 9. When an operation related to replenishment of the washing treatment agent is detected, the notification control unit 133 causes the display screen 17 of FIG. 9 to be output to the operation panel 16. By the above operation, the user of the washing machine system can easily confirm the states of the plurality of tanks 22 after replenishment. Also, it is possible to prevent inappropriate washing treatment from being performed due to any of the washing treatment agents not being added. For example, it is possible to prevent the finish from deteriorating due to the fabric softener not being added. Also, it is possible to prevent the clothes from not being washed due to the detergent not being added.

[0051] Further, when an operation related to the replenishment of the washing treatment agent is detected, the notification control unit 133 outputs a notification prompting the update of the treatment agent information. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen 17 output by the operation panel 16. Note that FIG. 10 is an example of the display screen 17 when the washing machine 100 includes three tanks 22. In the display screen 17 of FIG. 10, a notification prompting the update of the treatment agent information stored in the three tanks 22 is displayed. "Update" means re-registration when there is a change in the content of the treatment agent information. When an operation related to the replenishment of the washing treatment agent is detected, the notification control unit 133 causes the display screen 17 of FIG. 10 to be output to the operation panel 16. By the above operation, the user of the washing machine system can easily update the treatment agent information after replenishment.

[0052] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen 17 output by the operation panel 16. When the user inputs an update of the treatment agent information with respect to the display screen 17 of FIG. 10, the display screen 17 of FIG. 11 is output to the operation panel 16. The user can input the manufacturer of the washing treatment agent, the brand of the washing treatment agent, and the reference amount of the washing treatment agent using the display screen 17 of FIG. 11. The reference amount is the usage amount of the washing treatment agent per unit washing capacity. FIG. 11 shows that the usage amount of the washing treatment agent for a washing capacity of 30L is 20ml. The display screen 17 of FIG. 10 is output to the operation panel 16. By the above operation, the user of the washing machine system can easily update the treatment agent information after replenishment. Also, the washing machine system can perform the washing process with an appropriate amount of the washing treatment agent.

[0053] Note that the control unit 130 may output the notification to the mobile terminal owned by the user instead of outputting it to the operation panel 16. Examples of the mobile terminal include a smartphone, a tablet terminal, and a notebook personal computer. For example, the control unit 130 may output the notification output to the operation panel 16 to the user's smartphone.

[0054] The storage unit 140 stores washing course information, treatment agent information, and correspondence relationship information. The washing course information is information indicating a washing course and is information pre-recorded in the storage unit 140.

[0055] <4. Advantages> Washing machines that automatically pour liquid detergents and fabric softeners into the washing tub are known. Such washing machines are equipped with two tanks. One of the tanks contains the fabric softener. The other tank contains the detergent. The washing treatment agents contained in the two tanks are automatically poured in each time of treatment. However, users who use powder detergents cannot utilize the above tanks. Also, since the fabric softener is contained in one tank, there may arise a problem that the replenishment frequency of the fabric softener is high. Also, there are users who use liquid detergents but do not use fabric softeners. Also, each tank can contain only one type of detergent or fabric softener. Therefore, when using a detergent that emphasizes detergency and when using a detergent that emphasizes damage suppression to clothing, it is difficult to use them separately for automatic pouring. Also, it is difficult to use fabric softeners separately according to different scents for automatic pouring. Therefore, it is not possible to automatically pour the detergent or the fabric softener, and it is necessary to manually pour them.

[0056] The washing machine system according to the first embodiment has a washing tub and a plurality of tanks 22 capable of individually storing washing treatment agents, an automatic pouring device 15 that automatically pours the washing treatment agents from the plurality of tanks 22 into the washing tub, an information registration unit 120 capable of registering treatment agent information indicating the washing treatment agents stored in each of the plurality of tanks 22, and a control unit 130 that controls the automatic pouring device 15 based on the treatment agent information registered by the information registration unit 120. According to such a configuration, the washing machine system automatically pours the washing treatment agents into the plurality of tanks 22 based on the registered treatment agent information. Thereby, even when arbitrary washing treatment agents are stored in the plurality of tanks 22, it is possible to automatically pour the washing treatment agents, and the washing machine system can improve the convenience regarding the pouring of the washing treatment agents. For example, compared with the case of using the tank 22 corresponding to only one of the detergent or the fabric softener, since the degree of freedom of the pattern of the washing treatment agents to be stored is increased, it is possible to realize an optimal way of using the washing treatment agents according to each individual user.

[0057] (Modified Example) When the operation control unit 132 determines that the same laundry treatment agent is stored in a plurality of tanks 22 based on the above treatment agent information, during one or a plurality of launderings, the laundry treatment agent may be fed from the first tank 22a and the second tank 22b simultaneously or alternately. Note that the operation control unit 132 may feed the laundry treatment agent evenly from the first tank 22a and the second tank 22b. The term "alternately" is not limited to switching between the first tank 22a and the second tank 22b for each laundering, and may include cases where the laundry treatment agent is fed from the first tank 22a in two launderings, then the laundry treatment agent is fed from the second tank 22b in the subsequent one laundering, and then the laundry treatment agent is fed from the first tank 22a in the subsequent two launderings. The term "feeding evenly" means dividing the amount of the laundry treatment agent fed in one laundering equally and feeding it from each tank 22, and rotating the tank 22 from which the laundry treatment agent is fed for each laundering. For example, if the laundry treatment agent is preferentially fed from only one of the tanks 22, there is a concern that the other tank 22 may not be used for a long time, resulting in sticking in the path of the feed pump 24. Also, if the laundry treatment agent is preferentially fed from only one of the tanks 22, the laundry treatment agent stored in the other tank 22 may deteriorate without being consumed for a long time. By the above operation, the washing machine system can prevent the above sticking and deterioration by using the laundry treatment agents in the plurality of tanks 22 evenly.

[0058] For example, the operation control unit 132 may control the input amounts of the laundry treatment agent from the first tank 22a and the second tank 22b so that the remaining amounts of the laundry treatment agent stored in the first tank 22a and the second tank 22b become approximately the same. In this case, when the capacity of the first tank 22a is larger than the capacity of the second tank 22b, the ratio of the amount of the laundry treatment agent input from the first tank 22a to the amount of the laundry treatment agent input from the second tank 22b is adjusted according to the capacity ratio. For example, when the capacity of the first tank 22a is larger than the capacity of the second tank 22b, the laundry treatment agent may be input from the first tank 22a in three washes, and then the laundry treatment agent may be input from the second tank 22b in the subsequent two washes, and so on. By the above operation, the washing machine system can use the laundry treatment agent stored in the plurality of tanks 22 evenly, and can reduce the frequency of replenishing the laundry treatment agent. Also, since the laundry treatment agents stored in the two tanks 22 run out at the same time, when the user of the washing machine system changes to a new type of laundry treatment agent, the laundry treatment agents stored in the two tanks 22 can be changed at the same time.

[0059] The washing machine system may be configured to be able to mutually switch between the control mode of the first embodiment and the control mode of the modified example in one washing machine 100. The "control mode of the first embodiment" is a mode in which when the operation control unit 132 detects that the remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent stored in the first tank 22a has become a predetermined amount or less, it switches from the first tank 22a to the second tank 22b, and then preferentially inputs the laundry treatment agent from the second tank 22b. The "control mode of the modified example" is a mode in which the operation control unit 132 inputs the laundry treatment agent from the first tank 22a and the second tank 22b simultaneously or alternately.

[0060] (Second Embodiment) Next, the second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, it is different from the first embodiment in that some functional units are provided in the server. The configuration other than that described below is the same as the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0061] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the washing machine system S according to the second embodiment. The washing machine system S includes a washing machine 100 and a server 200. The network NW described later may be used, for example, the Internet, a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), WAN (Wide Area Network), LAN (Local Area Network), other public lines, dedicated lines, etc. according to the situation.

[0062] The washing machine 100 is arranged inside the user's residence. The washing machine 100 can communicate with the server 200 via, for example, a wireless router R arranged inside the residence of the user U and the network NW.

[0063] The server 200 is composed of one or more server devices 200a (for example, a cloud server device 200a). The server 200 may be referred to as a "server system". The server 200 may include an information processing unit that performs edge computing or fog computing, such as an information processing unit included in a router in the network NW. The server 200 will be described in detail later.

[0064] The terminal device 300 is a device that can be used by the user U of the washing machine 100. The terminal device 300 is, for example, a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, but may also be a voice dialogue device (smart speaker), etc. The terminal device 300 is an example of an "notification unit". In the case of a terminal device having a display screen, various notifications displayed on the operation panel 16 of the washing machine 100 in the first embodiment are displayed on the display screen by an image or video, and in the case of a voice dialogue device, they are output by voice.

[0065] Next, the server 200 will be described in detail. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of server 200. Server 200 includes, for example, an input reception unit 110, an information registration unit 120, a determination unit 131, a notification control unit 133, and a storage unit 140. The operations of the input reception unit 110, the information registration unit 120, the determination unit 131, and the notification control unit 133 are the same as those of the input reception unit 110, the information registration unit 120, the determination unit 131, and the notification control unit 133 of the washing machine system according to the first embodiment. These functional units are realized by a hardware processor such as a CPU mounted on server 200 executing a program. However, all or part of these functional units may be realized by hardware (including circuitry such as ASIC, PLD, or FPGA), or may be realized by cooperation between software and hardware.

[0066] Furthermore, server 200 includes a storage unit 140. The storage unit 140 is realized, for example, by a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash memory, or a combination of a plurality of these. The storage unit 140 stores the same information as the storage unit 140 of the washing machine system according to the first embodiment.

[0067] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, by having the automatic dosing device 15 that doses the washing treatment agent based on the registered treatment agent information, the convenience related to the dosing of the washing treatment agent can be improved.

[0068] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0069] 1... housing, 2... washing lid, 3... water tank, 3a... drain port, 4... suspension rod, 5... rotating tank, 5a... dehydration holes, 6... top cover, 7... balance ring, 8... stirring body, 9... washing machine motor, 10... control device, 11... clutch mechanism, 12... drain valve, 13... drain hose, 14... switching motor, 15... automatic feeder, 16... operation panel, 17... display screen, 21... water injection case, 22... tank, 23... discharge hole, 24... input pump, 25... storage part, 27... automatic cleaning device, 31... float sensor, 32... housing lid sensor, 33... tank lid sensor, 34... tank mounting sensor, 35... rotating shaft, 36... lid, 37... lid, 38... bottom, 100... washing machine, 110... input reception part, 120... information registration part, 130... control part, 131... determination part, 132... operation control part, 133... notification control part, 140... memory part, 200... server, 200a... server device, 300... terminal device, NW... network, U... user, R... wireless router, S... washing machine system

Claims

1. A washing tub, a plurality of tanks capable of individually accommodating a washing treatment agent, and an automatic dosing device for automatically dosing the washing treatment agent from the plurality of tanks into the washing tub, an information registration unit capable of registering treatment agent information indicating the washing treatment agent accommodated in each of the plurality of tanks, a control unit for controlling the automatic dosing device based on the treatment agent information registered by the information registration unit, comprising: the plurality of tanks include a first tank and a second tank, when it is determined that the same washing treatment agent is accommodated in the plurality of tanks, the control unit causes the washing treatment agent to be dosed simultaneously or alternately from the first tank and the second tank during one or a plurality of washings, and preferentially doses the washing treatment agent from the first tank so that the reduction rate of the remaining amount in the first tank is greater than the reduction rate of the remaining amount in the second tank, and when it is detected that the remaining amount of the washing treatment agent accommodated in the first tank has reached a predetermined remaining amount or less that prompts replenishment or replacement of the washing treatment agent to the first tank, it is possible to execute a control mode in which the dosing is switched from the first tank to the second tank and the washing treatment agent is dosed from the second tank, a washing machine system.

2. when it is determined that the same washing treatment agent is accommodated in the plurality of tanks, the control unit preferentially doses the washing treatment agent from the first tank while suppressing the dosing of the washing treatment agent from the second tank until the remaining amount of the washing treatment agent accommodated in the first tank reaches the predetermined remaining amount or less that prompts replenishment or replacement of the washing treatment agent to the first tank, The washing machine system according to Claim 1.

3. A washing tub, a plurality of tanks capable of individually accommodating a washing treatment agent, and an automatic dosing device for automatically dosing the washing treatment agent from the plurality of tanks into the washing tub, an information registration unit capable of registering treatment agent information indicating the washing treatment agent accommodated in each of the plurality of tanks, a control unit for controlling the automatic dosing device based on the treatment agent information registered by the information registration unit, comprising: the plurality of tanks include a first tank and a second tank, the control unit is capable of executing a control mode in which, when it is determined that the same laundry treatment agent is contained in the plurality of tanks, the control unit preferentially dispenses the laundry treatment agent from the first tank, and, when it is detected that the remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent contained in the first tank has become equal to or less than a predetermined amount that prompts a user to replenish or replace the laundry treatment agent in the first tank, the control unit switches from the first tank to the second tank and dispenses the laundry treatment agent from the second tank; The first tank and the second tank have different capacities. Washing machine system.

4. A washing tub, an automatic dispenser having a plurality of tanks each capable of individually storing a laundry treatment agent, and automatically dispensing the laundry treatment agent from the plurality of tanks into the washing tub; an information registration unit capable of registering treatment agent information indicating the laundry treatment agents contained in each of the plurality of tanks; a control unit that controls the automatic dispensing device based on the processing agent information registered by the information registration unit; Equipped with the plurality of tanks include a first tank and a second tank, The control unit a first control mode in which, when it is determined that the same laundry treatment agent is contained in the plurality of tanks, the laundry treatment agent is preferentially dispensed from the first tank, and when it is detected that the remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent contained in the first tank has fallen to a predetermined amount or less that prompts the user to replenish or replace the laundry treatment agent in the first tank, the first tank is switched to the second tank and the laundry treatment agent is dispensed from the second tank; a second control mode in which, when it is determined that the same laundry treatment agent is contained in the plurality of tanks, the laundry treatment agent is simultaneously or alternately dispensed from the first tank and the second tank during one wash or a plurality of washes so that the remaining amounts of the laundry treatment agent in the first tank and the second tank are such that the timings for refilling or replacing the laundry treatment agent in the first tank and the second tank are the same; It is possible to switch between Washing machine system.

5. A washing machine and an automatic dispenser having a plurality of tanks each capable of individually storing a laundry treatment agent, and automatically dispensing the laundry treatment agent from the plurality of tanks into the washing tub; an information registration unit capable of registering treatment agent information indicating the laundry treatment agents contained in each of the plurality of tanks; a control unit that controls the automatic dispensing device based on the processing agent information registered by the information registration unit; comprising, the plurality of tanks includes a first tank and a second tank, when the control unit determines that the same laundry treatment agent is stored in the plurality of tanks, the control unit is capable of executing a control mode in which the laundry treatment agent is simultaneously or alternately dispensed from the first tank and the second tank during one or more launderings such that the remaining amounts of the laundry treatment agent in the first tank and the second tank result in the replenishment or replacement timing of the laundry treatment agent to the first tank and the second tank being simultaneous. A washing machine system.

6. wherein the capacities of the first tank and the second tank are different, The washing machine system according to claim 5.

7. the control unit varies the amount of the laundry treatment agent dispensed from the first tank and the amount of the laundry treatment agent dispensed from the second tank according to the capacity ratio between the first tank and the second tank. The washing machine system according to claim 6.

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