JP7591707B2 - Clothes processing device, control program, control method, and clothes processing system - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a clothing processing device, a control program for controlling a clothing processing device, a control method, and a clothing processing system.

Conventionally, washing machines have been known that have a function for automatically adding treatment agents such as detergent and fabric softener to the tub during operation (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Such conventional washing machines automatically add an appropriate amount of treatment agent to the tub at an appropriate time according to the type of treatment agent stored in the detergent tank.

Special Publication No. 2020-523158

However, when a user sets the treatment agent to be automatically added during a wash cycle, there are cases where the appropriate type of treatment agent is not selected.

Therefore, the present disclosure provides technology for appropriately controlling the operation of a clothing processing device, such as a washing machine.

The clothing treatment device according to the present disclosure includes a tub in which clothing is stored, a plurality of tanks, an input unit, and a control device. The plurality of tanks store a treatment agent that is automatically input to the tub during operation. The automatic input unit automatically inputs the treatment agent stored in the tank to the tub. The control device includes an operation course setting unit, a treatment agent recommendation unit, and an automatic input setting unit. The operation course setting unit receives settings for an operation course for treating clothing. When automatic input of a plurality of treatment agents stored in the plurality of tanks is possible in the operation course received by the operation course setting unit, the treatment agent recommendation unit recommends a treatment agent based on the set operation course. The automatic input setting unit receives settings for a treatment agent that is input from the tank to the tub when the operation course is executed. The clothing treatment device according to the present disclosure also includes, as tanks, a first tank that stores a first detergent , and a second tank that stores a second detergent different from the first detergent . The control device receives an instruction to select an operating course, and when the first course in which a first detergent and a second detergent are automatically dispensed and in which the first detergent is recommended is selected, the control device initially sets the automatic dispensing of the first detergent in the first course, and is capable of accepting a change in the setting from the initially set first detergent to the second detergent as the treatment agent to be automatically dispensed in the first course.

The control program in the present disclosure causes a computer that controls a clothing processing device including a tub for storing clothing, a tank including a first tank for storing a first detergent and a second tank for storing a second detergent different from the first detergent , and an automatic dispensing unit for automatically dispensing a processing agent stored in the tank into the tub to function as an operating course setting unit, a processing agent recommendation unit, and an automatic dispensing setting unit. The operating course setting unit accepts settings for an operating course for processing clothing. When the operating course accepted by the operating course setting unit allows automatic dispensing of multiple processing agents stored in multiple tanks, the processing agent recommendation unit recommends a processing agent based on the set operating course. The automatic dispensing setting unit accepts settings for a processing agent to be dispensed from the tank into the tub when the operating course is executed. In addition, the control program of the present disclosure executes the steps of: accepting an instruction to select an operating course; when the first course, in which a first detergent and a second detergent can be automatically dispensed and in which the first detergent is recommended, initially setting the automatic dispensing of the first detergent in the first course; and accepting a change in the setting of the second detergent from the initially set first detergent as the treatment agent to be automatically dispensed in the first course.

The control method of the present disclosure causes a computer that controls a clothing processing device that includes a tub for storing clothing, a tank including a first tank for storing a first detergent and a second tank for storing a second detergent different from the first detergent , and an automatic dispenser that automatically dispenses a treatment agent stored in the tank into the tub to execute a step of receiving an instruction to select an operation course for processing clothing. Also, the control method of the present disclosure causes the computer to execute a step of initially setting the automatic dispensing of the first detergent in the first course when the first course is selected as the operation course in which the first detergent and the second detergent can be automatically dispensed and the first detergent is recommended. Also, the control method of the present disclosure causes the computer to execute a step of accepting a change in the setting of the treatment agent to be automatically dispensed in the first course from the initially set first detergent to the second treatment agent.

The clothing processing system of the present disclosure includes a clothing processing device and a control device that controls the clothing processing device. The clothing processing device includes a tub in which clothing is stored, a tank including a first tank that stores a first detergent and a second tank that stores a second detergent different from the first detergent , and an automatic dispensing unit that automatically dispenses a processing agent stored in the tank into the tub. The control device includes an operation course setting unit, a processing agent recommendation unit, and an automatic dispensing setting unit. The operation course setting unit accepts settings of an operation course for processing clothing. When automatic dispensing of multiple processing agents stored in multiple tanks is possible in the operation course set by the operation course setting unit, the processing agent recommendation unit recommends a processing agent based on the set operation course. The automatic dispensing setting unit accepts settings of a processing agent to be dispensed from the tank to the tub when the operation course is executed. The control device receives an instruction to select an operating course, and when the first course in which a first detergent and a second detergent are automatically dispensed and in which the first detergent is recommended is selected, the control device initializes the automatic dispensing of the first detergent in the first course, and is capable of accepting a change in the setting from the initially set first detergent to the second detergent as the treatment agent to be automatically dispensed in the first course.

In addition, any combination of the above components, and conversions of the expressions of this disclosure between methods, devices, systems, recording media, computer programs, etc., are also valid aspects of the present disclosure.

The technology disclosed herein makes it possible to appropriately control the operation of a clothing treatment device.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a laundry system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the washing machine in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the appearance of the automatic detergent dispenser of the washing machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a configuration of the tank of the washing machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the control device of the washing machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of internal data of the operating course information storage unit. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on the operation display unit of the washing machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen displayed on the operation display unit. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an automatic input setting screen displayed on the operation display unit. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a processing agent setting screen displayed on the operation display unit. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a processing agent setting screen displayed on the operation display unit. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a processing agent setting screen displayed on the operation display unit. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the automatic input setting screen displayed on the operation display unit. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing another example of the processing agent setting screen displayed on the operation display unit. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an operating course setting screen displayed on the operation display unit. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an automatic input setting screen displayed on the operation display unit. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a terminal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of an automatic input setting screen displayed on the display device of the terminal device. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of an automatic input setting screen displayed on the display device of the terminal device. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing another example of the operation display unit of the washing machine. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the control process of the washing machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the control process of the washing machine according to the first embodiment.

Below, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or duplicate explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted.

The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

As an embodiment of the present disclosure, a technology is described that recommends the use of a treatment agent suitable for a set operation course when an operation course for treating clothes in a clothes treating device such as a washing machine is set. Specifically, the washing machine of the embodiment holds a correspondence relationship between an operation course for washing laundry that the washing machine can execute, the type of treatment agent that can be used in the operation course, and the recommended order of the treatment agents if there are multiple types of treatment agents that can be used. The washing machine then uses this correspondence relationship to recommend a treatment agent that is associated with the set operation course. As a result, even if the user does not know the type of treatment agent suitable for the operation course, the washing machine can assist in setting the automatic injection of an appropriate treatment agent. Therefore, the washing machine can improve the efficiency of washing and the convenience of the user. In the embodiment, a washing machine, which is an example of a clothes treating device of the present disclosure, is mainly described. Clothes are not limited to clothes, but also include blankets, shoes, towels, stuffed toys, etc. Furthermore, the treatment for clothes is not limited to washing, but also includes drying treatment and soaking clothes in a treatment agent.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[1-1. Configuration]
1 shows a configuration of a laundry system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The laundry system 1 is an example of a clothing processing system of the present disclosure, and includes a washing machine 100, a terminal device 200, a laundry assistance server 300, and the Internet 2, which is an example of a communication network connecting these devices. The terminal device 200 is capable of executing an application for setting an operation course, etc., of the washing machine 100. The laundry assistance server 300 assists in washing by the washing machine 100.

The washing machine 100 can set multiple operating courses for automatically controlling operations such as the washing process, rinsing process, spin-drying process, and drying process. In each operating course, the operating mode of each process is specified by parameters such as time, amount of laundry, amount of water, standard amount of detergent to be added, temperature, drum rotation speed, rotation torque, and rotation pattern. The washing machine 100 accepts the specification of an operating course from the user via a user interface such as a touch panel. The washing machine 100 sets the operating course specified by the user and controls each process according to the parameters specified in the set operating course.

The terminal device 200 executes an application that functions as a user interface for specifying an operation course of the washing machine 100 instead of or in addition to the user interface of the washing machine 100. The terminal device 200 notifies the washing machine 100 of the operation course specified by the user. The washing machine 100 sets the operation course notified from the terminal device 200. In this way, the operation course specified by the user is set in the washing machine 100 from the terminal device 200. In other words, it can be said that the terminal device 200 executes an application that functions as a user interface for setting the operation course of the washing machine 100. The terminal device 200 may communicate with the washing machine 100 via the laundry support server 300. In this case, the terminal device 200 notifies the laundry support server 300 of the operation course specified by the user, and the laundry support server 300 notifies the washing machine 100 of the notified operation course. The terminal device 200 may directly communicate with the washing machine 100.

The control device of the present disclosure may be a control device 81 (described later) built into the washing machine 100, or may be realized by an application executed on the terminal device 200. Alternatively, the control device of the present disclosure may be realized by both the control device 81 and an application executed on the terminal device 200.

The laundry assistance server 300 provides information about the operation course to the washing machine 100 or the terminal device 200. The laundry assistance server 300 also provides data on operation courses that can be executed in the washing machine 100 to the washing machine 100. The laundry assistance server 300 may search for an operation course that suits the type of laundry object, such as clothes, to be washed by the washing machine 100, the washing method or dirtiness of the laundry object, etc. from among multiple operation courses, and provide the search result to the washing machine 100. The laundry assistance server 300 may acquire the setting history of the operation courses in multiple washing machines 100. The laundry assistance server 300 may then use the acquired setting history as learning data to learn an algorithm for determining an operation course that suits the type of laundry object, such as clothes, to be washed by the washing machine 100, the washing method or dirtiness of the laundry object, etc.

2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the washing machine 100 in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that in this embodiment, the vertical direction when the washing machine 100 is installed as shown in FIG. 2 may be described as the up-down direction. Also, the side on which the lid 52 of the washing machine 100 is present (the left side in FIG. 2) may be described as the front side of the washing machine 100, and the opposite side (the right side in FIG. 2) may be described as the rear side of the washing machine 100.

2, the washing machine 100 is provided with an operation display unit 79 on the upper front portion, and a washing machine communication unit 230 is provided near the operation display unit 79. The operation display unit 79 is configured as a touch panel that includes an input device that can specify (select) modes such as operation courses and various functions, and a display device that displays information input to the input device. An input unit 104 such as a power button is also provided on the upper front portion of the washing machine housing 41. A user can specify modes such as operation courses and various functions via the operation display unit 79 and the input unit 104.

A control device 81 is provided at the top of the washing machine housing 41. The control device 81 is composed of a microcomputer and the like.

A water tub unit 49 is provided inside the washing machine housing 41 of the washing machine 100. The water tub unit 49 includes a water tub 42, a rotating drum 43, and a first motor 101.

The water tub 42 is arranged inside the washing machine housing 41 by a suspension structure so that it can swing freely. The suspension structure is composed of a number of vibration dampers 51 attached to the lower part of the washing machine housing 41 and a number of springs 50 provided between the upper part of the washing machine housing 41 and the water tub 42, and supports the water tub 42 in a vibration-proof manner so that it can swing freely.

A rotating drum 43 formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom is rotatably disposed inside the water tub 42. A horizontally extending rotation shaft (rotation center shaft) 44 is provided at the rotation center of the rotating drum 43. A first motor 101 disposed near the rear side of the water tub 42 is connected to the rotation shaft 44 via a belt 46. The first motor 101 rotates the rotating drum 43 in the forward or reverse direction.

The inner wall surface of the rotating drum 43 is provided with several protruding plates 47 for agitating laundry such as clothes, and the outer wall of the rotating drum 43 is provided with a number of water passage holes 48.

In addition, the washing machine housing 41 is provided with a housing opening 45 at a position opposite the clothing entrance 53 of the rotating drum 43. A lid 52 is provided to cover the housing opening 45 in an openable and closable manner. By opening the lid 52, laundry such as clothes can be put in and taken out of the rotating drum 43 through the clothing entrance 53.

In addition, a water supply path 54 for supplying wash water (e.g., tap water) into the water tub 42 and a drainage path 55 for discharging the wash water in the water tub 42 to the outside of the washing machine housing 41 are provided inside the washing machine housing 41.

The water supply path 54 is composed of a first water supply hose 59, a second water supply hose 60, an automatic detergent dispenser 61, a water injection hose 62, etc.

The first water supply hose 59 is provided with a first water supply valve 57. The second water supply hose 60 is provided with a second water supply valve 58. The automatic detergent dispenser 61 can store a predetermined amount of detergent.

By opening the first water supply valve 57, water is supplied to the water tank 42 from the first water supply hose 59 through a water inlet (not shown).

In addition, by opening the second water supply valve 58, water flows from the second water supply hose 60 into the automatic detergent dispenser 61, and is supplied into the water tank 42 from the water injection hose 62 together with a predetermined amount of detergent ejected from the detergent valve (not shown) of the automatic detergent dispenser 61.

The drainage path 55 consists of a drainage pipe 64, a filter 65, a drainage pump 63, and a drainage hose 66.

The drain pipe 64 is connected to a drain outlet 95 provided in a recess 71 at the bottom of the water tub 42 and to a filter 65. The filter 65 collects lint in the wash water and is configured to be removable from the outside.

A heater 72 for heating the wash water is provided in the recess 71, and a temperature detection unit 73 for detecting the temperature of the wash water is provided near the heater 72.

The drain pump 63 is connected to a filter 65 and a drain hose 66. The drain hose 66 is arranged to extend from inside the washing machine housing 41 to above the outside of the washing machine housing 41. When the drain pump 63 is driven at a predetermined timing, such as when the washing process is completed or when the rinsing process is completed, the washing water in the water tub 42 is drained to the outside through the drain pipe 64, the filter 65, the drain pump 63, and the drain hose 66 in that order.

In addition, an air trap 74 is formed on the side wall at the rear of the bottom of the water tub 42 so as to communicate with the drain pipe 64. The air trap 74 is connected to an air pipe 75, which is connected to a water level detection unit 85 provided at the top inside the washing machine housing 41. The water level detection unit 85 is composed of, for example, a pressure sensor, and detects the water level of the wash water in the water tub 42 based on the water pressure of the wash water inside the water tub 42, i.e., the pressure inside the corresponding air trap 74.

A vibration detection unit 78 that detects vibrations of the aquarium unit 49 is disposed on the rear of the upper surface of the aquarium 42. In this embodiment, an acceleration sensor is used as the vibration detection unit 78, which detects vibration components not only in one direction but also in three dimensions, namely, the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction), the left-to-right direction (Y-axis direction), and the up-down direction (Z-axis direction).

Here, each axis in the three-dimensional directions detected by the vibration detection unit 78 is referred to as a "detection axis." Since actual vibrations of the aquarium unit 49 do not necessarily occur in only one direction, an acceleration sensor that detects vibrations in multiple directions is used as the vibration detection unit 78, so that the vibrations of the aquarium unit 49 can be detected with high accuracy. The control device 81 controls operation based on the detection results of the vibration detection unit 78.

3 shows the appearance of the automatic detergent dispenser 61 of the washing machine 100 according to the first embodiment. The automatic detergent dispenser 61 includes three tanks 86a, 86b, and 86c capable of storing a treatment agent therein, an automatic dispenser unit 87 that automatically dispenses the treatment agent stored in each of the tanks 86a, 86b, and 86c into the water tank 42, and a Hall IC 90. The automatic dispenser unit 87 is configured with a piston, a cylinder, a pump, a motor, a valve, and the like. At least one of the three tanks 86a, 86b, and 86c is capable of changing the type of treatment agent stored. For example, a treatment agent such as a detergent, a delicate detergent, a fabric softener, or a bleaching agent may be stored in one of the three tanks 86a, 86b, and 86c in a changeable manner. The delicate detergent includes, for example, a neutral detergent. The remaining two of the three tanks 86a, 86b, and 86c may be configured to store a predetermined type of treatment agent, or may be capable of storing any type of treatment agent. In the former case, for example, a tank dedicated to the detergent and a tank dedicated to the fabric softener may be provided. In the present embodiment, the tanks 86a, 86b, and 86c may be referred to as the tank 86, the three tanks 86, or the multiple tanks 86 without any particular distinction.

Figure 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the tank 86 of the washing machine 100 according to the first embodiment. The tank 86 includes a float 88 and a magnet 89 to detect the remaining amount of the treatment agent stored therein. The head of the float 88 is configured to float on the liquid surface of the treatment agent, so that the float 88 rotates according to the liquid level of the treatment agent. The position of the magnet 89 moves due to the rotation of the float 88, and the magnetic force according to the position of the magnet 89 is detected by the Hall IC 90. This makes it possible to detect the remaining amount of the treatment agent stored in the tank 86. Note that in this embodiment, the configuration in which the Hall IC 90 is provided on the bottom surface of the tank 86 has been shown, but is not limited to this. For example, the Hall IC 90 may be provided in a housing (not shown) that covers the tank 86.

Figure 5 shows the functional configuration of the control device 81 of the washing machine 100 according to embodiment 1. This figure mainly shows the functional configuration for setting the operating course to be executed in the washing machine 100 and the treatment agent to be automatically dispensed during the execution of the operating course. The control device 81 includes a processing device 120 and a storage device 160.

The storage device 160 stores data, programs, parameters, etc. used by the processing device 120. The storage device 160 includes an operating course information storage unit 161, an operating course data storage unit 162, and a processing agent information storage unit 163. The storage device 160 may be a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, cloud storage, etc.

The operation course information storage unit 161 stores information about operation courses that can be set by the washing machine 100. The operation course information storage unit 161 stores information such as the name of the operation course, an overview, a required time, the capacity of the laundry items that can be washed, the types of laundry items that can be washed, the types or degrees of dirt that can be washed, the display priority, and the number of times that can be set, in association with the operation course. The operation course information storage unit 161 further stores the type and amount of treatment agent that can be used in the operation course, and the priority of the recommended treatment agent when multiple treatment agents are available, in association with the operation course.

Figure 6 shows an example of internal data of the operation course information storage unit 161. Figure 6 shows the types and priorities of treatment agents that can be used in the operation courses among the information stored in the operation course information storage unit 161. In the figure, treatment agents that are recommended to be automatically dispensed are indicated by "◎", treatment agents that can be automatically dispensed are indicated by "◯", and treatment agents that cannot be automatically dispensed are indicated by "×". Here, delicate detergent can only be used in a dedicated operation course that suppresses water flow because it causes a lot of foaming. Therefore, as shown in the figure, it is possible to automatically dispense delicate detergent in the "delicates" course, the "home cleaning" course, and the "blanket" course. The "delicates" course is a course in which suppressing damage to clothes is prioritized. The "home cleaning" course is a course in which clothes made of materials such as cashmere that were previously sent to a laundry company can be washed. The "blanket" course is a course for washing blankets. In contrast, the "automatic" course uses a relatively strong water flow to ensure cleaning power, so delicate detergent cannot be automatically dispensed. In addition, bleaching agent may damage clothes, so it cannot be automatically dispensed in the "delicates" course or the "home cleaning" course. Since the "home cleaning" course is intended for washing clothes that cannot be washed with normal detergent, detergent for delicates can be automatically dispensed, but normal detergent cannot be automatically dispensed. In the "home cleaning" course, if a brand of detergent for delicates recommended by the manufacturer and a brand of detergent for delicates other than that are stored in the tank 86, the brand of detergent for delicates recommended by the manufacturer may be recommended. Since the "delicates" course may be selected when washing clothes made of a material that can be washed with normal detergent, normal detergent is recommended, but if detergent for delicates is stored in the tank 86, detergent for delicates can also be automatically dispensed. In the "tub cleaning" course, detergent, fabric softener, and detergent for delicates are not used, so none of the treatment agents can be automatically dispensed. However, if a treatment agent for tub cleaning is stored in the tank 86, the treatment agent for tub cleaning can be automatically dispensed. In addition, when a tank 86 stores a tank cleaning treatment agent of a brand recommended by the manufacturer and a tank cleaning treatment agent of another brand, the tank cleaning treatment agent of the brand recommended by the manufacturer may be recommended. The availability and priority of the treatment agent may be determined according to the contents and specifications of the operation course of the washing machine 100. Alternatively, the type of treatment agent that was set to be automatically added when the operation course was previously executed may be recorded in the operation course information storage unit 161. In this case, the type of treatment agent that was set to be automatically added when the operation course was previously executed may be recommended as the treatment agent that can be automatically added in the operation course. In addition, the preferential recommendation of the brand of treatment agent recommended by the manufacturer is not limited to the "home cleaning" course or the "tank cleaning" course.

The operation course data storage unit 162 stores parameter values and the like specified in the operation course.

The treatment agent information storage unit 163 stores information about the treatment agent stored in each of the multiple tanks 86. The treatment agent information storage unit 163 stores information about the type, brand, standard amount of treatment agent added, timing of addition, and the like, in association with each of the multiple tanks 86.

The processing device 120 includes a user interface control unit 121, an operating course setting unit 122, an automatic injection setting unit 123, an automatic injection possibility determination unit 124, a processing agent recommendation unit 125, an operating course storage unit 126, a user information acquisition unit 127, a processing agent remaining amount acquisition unit 128, and an automatic injection control unit 129. These configurations can be realized in hardware by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, or other LSI (Large Scale Integration) of any computer. In addition, these configurations are realized in software by programs loaded into memory, etc. Figure 5 shows, as an example, the configuration of the processing device 120 realized by the cooperation of hardware and software, using functional blocks. Therefore, it is understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be realized in various forms by hardware alone or a combination of hardware and software. In addition, the program executed by the CPU is not limited to being pre-recorded in the memory, but may be provided by being recorded on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, or may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet 2.

The user interface control unit 121 generates a display screen to be displayed on the operation display unit 79 and displays it on the operation display unit 79. The user interface control unit 121 acquires operation input accepted by the operation display unit 79.

The operation course setting unit 122 accepts settings of an operation course for washing laundry from a user. Specifically, the operation course setting unit 122 acquires information on a plurality of operation courses stored in the operation course information storage unit 161, displays it on the operation display unit 79, and accepts a selection instruction from the user. The operation course setting unit 122 sets the operation course selected by the user. Note that the display by the operation course setting unit 122 may be performed via the user interface control unit 121.

The operation course setting unit 122 may obtain the type of treatment agent stored in the tank 86 from the treatment agent information storage unit 163, and may determine the type and display order of the operation courses to be displayed on the operation display unit 79 according to the type of treatment agent. For example, if a specific treatment agent such as bleach is stored in the tank 86, an operation course requiring that treatment agent may be displayed, and if the treatment agent is not stored in the tank 86, the operation course requiring that treatment agent may not be displayed. In addition, if a specific treatment agent such as bleach is stored in the tank 86, the display order of the operation course that can use that treatment agent may be raised, and if the treatment agent is not stored in the tank 86, the display order of the operation course that can use that treatment agent may be lowered.

The automatic input setting unit 123 sets the treatment agent to be automatically input from the tank 86 to the water tub 42 during the washing operation. The automatic input setting unit 123 acquires the type of treatment agent stored in each of the multiple tanks 86 from the treatment agent information storage unit 163, displays it on the operation display unit 79, and accepts an instruction from the user to select whether or not to automatically input. The automatic input setting unit 123 sets the automatic input of the treatment agent selected by the user. In this embodiment, the automatic input setting unit 123 also serves as a treatment agent presentation unit that presents to the user the treatment agents that can be used in the operation course set by the operation course setting unit 122. The treatment agent presentation unit and the automatic input setting unit 123 may be provided separately. In addition, the display by the automatic input setting unit 123 may be performed via the user interface control unit 121.

The automatic input feasibility determination unit 124 refers to the operation course information storage unit 161 to determine whether the treatment agent can be automatically input in the operation course. The automatic input feasibility determination unit 124 may read the contents of the pictorial display attached to laundry such as clothes by a camera or the like, and determine whether the treatment agent can be automatically input according to the washing conditions specified by the pictorial display. The automatic input feasibility determination unit 124 may determine whether the treatment agent can be automatically input when the automatic input setting unit 123 displays the type of treatment agent on the operation display unit 79. In this case, the automatic input setting unit 123 may display the type of treatment agent on the operation display unit 79 in different modes depending on whether the treatment agent can be automatically input. This allows the automatic input setting unit 123 to clearly notify the user of the treatment agent that can be automatically input and the treatment agent that cannot be automatically input in the operation course. The automatic input feasibility determination unit 124 may determine whether the treatment agent can be automatically input after the automatic input setting unit 123 accepts the setting for automatic input of the treatment agent. In this case, if the automatic feeding of the received treatment agent is not possible, the automatic feeding setting unit 123 notifies the user of that fact and does not set the automatic feeding of the treatment agent. The automatic feeding setting unit 123 may notify the user of the reason why the automatic feeding of the treatment agent is not possible in the operating course.

When there are multiple treatments that can be automatically dispensed into the water tank 42 during a washing operation, the treatment agent recommendation unit 125 refers to the operation course information storage unit 161 to recommend a treatment agent suitable for the contents of the operation course, or a treatment agent that was set to be automatically dispensed when the operation course was previously executed. The automatic dispense setting unit 123 may automatically set the agent recommended by the treatment agent recommendation unit 125. The treatment agent recommendation unit 125 may read the contents of a pictorial display attached to laundry such as clothes by a camera or the like, and determine the priority of the treatment agent according to the washing conditions specified by the pictorial display. The automatic dispense setting unit 123 may display the treatment agent recommended by the treatment agent recommendation unit 125 in a manner indicating that it is recommended, or may set the automatic dispense of the recommended treatment agent as a default. For example, when detergent and delicate detergent are stored in the tank 86, if an operation course for washing delicate clothes is selected, both detergent and delicate detergent are available, but the use of normal detergent is recommended. In this case, the automatic dispensing setting unit 123 may inform the user that the use of a normal detergent is recommended, or may initially set automatic dispensing of a normal detergent. If the user desires automatic dispensing of a treatment agent other than the treatment agent recommended by the treatment agent recommendation unit 125, the automatic dispensing setting unit 123 may accept a change in the setting of the treatment agent to be automatically dispensed from the user. Furthermore, the treatment agent recommendation unit 125 may recommend a type of treatment agent or a brand of treatment agent.

The operation course storage unit 126 stores the setting information of the treatment agent to be automatically dispensed in the operation course information storage unit 161 in association with the type of operation course. For example, when softener A and softener B are stored in the tank 86, if the user wants to use a washing operation in which softener A is automatically dispensed and a washing operation in which softener B is automatically dispensed, each of them is stored as a new operation course in the operation course information storage unit 161. As a result, when the operation course setting unit 122 accepts the setting of the operation course, the operation course in which softener A is automatically dispensed and the operation course in which softener B is automatically dispensed are displayed on the operation display unit 79. Therefore, the user can set the automatic dispensing of the desired softener simply by selecting the operation course. In this case, the automatic dispensing setting unit 123 automatically sets the automatic dispensing of the treatment agent associated with the operation course.

The user information acquisition unit 127 acquires information about the user and the user's cohabitants from the terminal device 200, the laundry assistance server 300, etc. The user information acquisition unit 127 acquires information such as the schedule, behavior history, and whether or not the user or the cohabitants have gone out. The operation course setting unit 122 may determine the display order of the operation courses according to the information acquired by the user information acquisition unit 127. For example, when the washing machine 100 is used the day after the user's child's athletic meet is held, an operation course suitable for muddy stains may be preferentially displayed. Also, when the washing machine 100 is used the day after the user has dinner with an acquaintance, an operation course suitable for fashionable clothes may be preferentially displayed. The operation course setting unit 122 may further determine the display order of the operation courses according to meteorological information such as weather, amount of precipitation, amount of snowfall, amount of snowfall, temperature, and humidity.

The treatment agent remaining amount acquisition unit 128 acquires the remaining amount of treatment agent stored in the tank 86 from the Hall IC 90. The automatic input setting unit 123 may not accept the setting for automatic input of treatment agent if the remaining amount of treatment agent in the tank 86 is less than the input amount. Even in this case, if the same type of treatment agent is stored in another tank 86, the automatic input setting unit 123 may accept the setting for automatic input of treatment agent. In this case, the automatic input setting unit 123 may notify the user that the remaining amount of treatment agent in the tank 86 is low.

When automatic dispensing is set by the automatic dispensing setting unit 123, the automatic dispensing control unit 129 controls the automatic dispensing unit 87 at a predetermined dispensing timing during the washing operation to automatically dispense a predetermined amount of treatment agent from the tank 86 into the water tub 42. When the remaining amount of treatment agent in the tank 86 is insufficient to meet the dispensing amount, the automatic dispensing control unit 129 may switch to another tank 86 that stores the same type of treatment agent, and automatically dispense the remaining amount from the other tank 86.

The treatment agent information acquisition unit 130 acquires information about the treatment agent stored in the tank 86 and stores it in the treatment agent information storage unit 163. The treatment agent information acquisition unit 130 acquires information such as the type, brand, reference amount of input, and input timing of the treatment agent from the user, the terminal device 200, the laundry support server 300, etc. When it is detected that the type or brand of the treatment agent stored in the tank 86 has been changed, the treatment agent information acquisition unit 130 acquires information about the changed treatment agent and updates the information stored in the treatment agent information storage unit 163. The change in the type or brand of the treatment agent stored in the tank 86 may be detected by a change in the remaining amount of the treatment agent acquired by the treatment agent remaining amount acquisition unit 128, or a change in the amount of foam during a washing operation detected by a foam amount sensor (not shown). For example, when the remaining amount of the treatment agent stored in the tank 86 has increased by a predetermined amount or more from the remaining amount at the end of the previous operation, it may be detected that the type or brand of the treatment agent stored in the tank 86 has been changed. In addition, if the remaining amount at the end of the previous operation was equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, it may be detected that the type or brand of the treatment agent stored in the tank 86 has been changed.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a display screen displayed on the operation display unit 79 of the washing machine 100 according to the first embodiment. The display screen shown in FIG. 7 is a top screen 400 that is displayed after the power button of the washing machine 100 is turned on. The header area 405 is always displayed on the top screen 400. The header area 405 includes a menu button 401, a top screen button 402, a search button 403, and a notification button 404. The menu button 401 is a button for transitioning to the menu screen 430. The top screen button 402 is a button for transitioning to the top screen 400 when a screen other than the top screen 400 is displayed. The search button 403 is a button for transitioning to a search screen for an operation course. The notification button 404 is a button for displaying a notification to the user. When each button in the header area 405 is input, the content corresponding to the input button is displayed. The header area 405 may be displayed not only on the top screen 400 but also on a screen other than the top screen 400.

On the operation course search screen, the operation course setting unit 122 may determine the type of operation course to be displayed and the display order according to the type of treatment agent stored in the tank 86. If there is a recommended operation course according to the user's schedule, weather information, etc., the operation course setting unit 122 may preferentially display the recommended operation course on the operation course search screen. Alternatively, the operation course setting unit 122 may display the recommended operation course on a notification screen that is displayed when the notification button 404 is input.

Figure 8 shows an example of a menu screen 430 displayed on the operation display unit 79. The menu screen 430 displays an automatic input setting button 431 for making settings related to the automatic input of processing agent. When the automatic input setting button 431 is pressed, the processing agent information acquisition unit 130 transitions to an automatic input setting screen 440 for making settings related to the automatic input of processing agent. Note that the display by the processing agent information acquisition unit 130 may be performed via the user interface control unit 121.

Figure 9 shows an example of an automatic loading setting screen 440 displayed on the operation display unit 79. This figure shows an example in which detergent is stored in tank 86a, fabric softener in tank 86b, and delicates detergent in tank 86c. The automatic loading setting screen 440 displays the type and brand of the processing agent stored in each of the multiple tanks 86a, 86b, and 86c. When any of the buttons 441a, 441b, and 441c of the multiple tanks 86a, 86b, and 86c is input, the processing agent information acquisition unit 130 transitions the screen as follows. That is, the processing agent information acquisition unit 130 transitions to a processing agent setting screen 450 for setting information about the processing agent stored in the tank 86 corresponding to the input button.

Figure 10 shows an example of a treatment agent setting screen 450 displayed on the operation display unit 79. The treatment agent setting screen 450 displays an input setting input section for inputting the treatment agent input settings, and an input reference amount input section for inputting the reference amount of treatment agent to be input per 30 L of water. The input setting input section sets whether or not to automatically input the treatment agent stored in the tank 86, and the input adjustment amount. The input reference amount input section sets the input reference amount for automatic input of the treatment agent. The treatment agent information acquisition unit 130 stores the received settings in the treatment agent information retention unit 163.

Figure 11 shows an example of a treatment agent setting screen 450 displayed on the operation display unit 79. In the input setting input section of the treatment agent setting screen 450, none, more, standard, and less are displayed as selectable options. When more, standard, or less is selected, the selection is stored as the setting for the input adjustment amount. When none is selected, a setting for no automatic input is stored.

Figure 12 shows an example of a treatment agent setting screen 450 displayed on the operation display unit 79. In the standard input amount input section of the treatment agent setting screen 450, the standard input amount of treatment agent per 30 L of water is set.

Figure 13 shows another example of the automatic dispense setting screen 440 displayed on the operation display unit 79. This figure shows an example in which detergent is stored in tank 86a, fabric softener is stored in tank 86b, and any type of treatment agent is stored in tank 86c.

14 shows another example of the treatment agent setting screen 450 displayed on the operation display unit 79. The treatment agent setting screen 450 for setting information on the treatment agent stored in the tank 86c displays a reference amount input section, a feed setting input section, and a tank setting input section. As in the example of FIG. 10, the reference amount input section is an input section for inputting the reference amount of treatment agent to be fed per 30 L of water, and the feed setting input section is an input section for inputting the feed setting of the treatment agent. The tank setting input section is an input section for setting the type of treatment agent stored in the tank 86c. As described above, the reference amount input section sets the reference amount of treatment agent to be fed per 30 L of water. The feed setting input section sets whether or not to feed and the feed adjustment amount. The tank setting input section sets the type of treatment agent stored in the tank 86c. The treatment agent information acquisition section 130 stores the received setting content in the treatment agent information storage section 163.

Figure 15 shows an example of the operation course setting screen 460 displayed on the operation display unit 79. In this embodiment, the icons 461a, 461b, and 461c may be referred to as icons 461 without any particular distinction. The operation course setting screen 460 displays the contents of the operation course selected by the user. In addition, the settings of whether or not automatic feeding of each tank 86 is possible and whether or not automatic feeding is used, which are set in the automatic feeding setting screen 440, are displayed. The settings of the feeding adjustment amount of the treatment agent may be displayed. In the example of this figure, since the "automatic" course is selected, as shown in Figure 6, the delicate detergent cannot be automatically fed. Therefore, in the operation course setting screen 460, the icon 461c of the delicate detergent is displayed in a manner different from the icon 461a of the detergent that can be automatically fed and the icon 461b of the fabric softener. The icon of the treatment agent that cannot be automatically fed may be displayed in a manner that makes it easy to visually understand that it cannot be input, for example, in gray. This allows the washing machine 100 to inform the user of the treatment agent that is not recommended for use in the selected operation course, so that the user can be prevented from manually adding the treatment agent. The treatment agent that cannot be automatically added may have a different display mode of the icon 461 from the treatment agent for which automatic addition is not set. For example, the icon 461 of the tank 86 in which the treatment agent that cannot be automatically added is stored may be displayed with both the image of the tank and the character string grayed out. On the other hand, the icon 461 of the tank 86 for which automatic addition is not set may be displayed with only the image of the tank grayed out and the character string not grayed out. In the operation course setting screen 460, the automatic addition setting of the treatment agent can be changed by the user, and when any of the icons 461 is input, the screen transitions to the automatic addition setting screen 470.

Figure 16 shows an example of an automatic feed setting screen 470 displayed on the operation display unit 79. The automatic feed setting screen 470 displays information set as the type of treatment agent stored in the three tanks 86a, 86b, and 86c. The user can change whether or not to automatically feed each treatment agent stored in the tanks 86a, 86b, and 86c and the feed adjustment amount by inputting setting buttons 471a, 471b, and 471c. Even on the automatic feed setting screen 470, icons of treatment agents that cannot be automatically fed depending on the operating course are displayed in a different display mode from other icons.

Figure 17 shows the functional configuration of the terminal device 200 according to embodiment 1. This figure mainly shows the functional configuration for setting the automatic dispensing of the treatment agent stored in the tank 86 of the washing machine 100, among the applications executed in the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 includes a communication device 201, an input device 202, a display device 203, a processing device 220, and a storage device 260. The terminal device 200 may be a terminal device such as a personal computer, a mobile terminal device such as a mobile phone terminal, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal, or may be a home terminal, a television receiver, an in-vehicle device, or the like.

The communication device 201 controls communication with other devices. The communication device 201 may communicate by any wired or wireless communication method. The input device 202 transmits instruction input by a user of the terminal device 200 to the processing device 220. The input device 202 may be a mouse, a keyboard, a touchpad, etc. The display device 203 displays a screen generated by the processing device 220. The display device 203 may be a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display device, etc. The input device 202 and the display device 203 may be implemented as a touch panel.

The storage device 260 stores programs, data, etc. used by the processing device 220. The storage device 260 may be a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, cloud storage, etc. The storage device 260 includes an operating course information storage unit 261 and a processing agent information storage unit 263.

The operation course information storage unit 261 stores information regarding operation courses that can be set by the washing machine 100. The information stored in the operation course information storage unit 261 is similar to the information stored in the operation course information storage unit 161 of the washing machine 100. The information stored in the operation course information storage unit 261 may be synchronized with the information stored in the operation course information storage unit 161 of the washing machine 100 at a predetermined timing, for example periodically at a predetermined time interval. Synchronization of information between the terminal device 200 and the washing machine 100 may be performed via the laundry assistance server 300.

The treatment agent information retention unit 263 retains information regarding the treatment agent stored in each of the multiple tanks 86.

The processing device 220 includes a processing agent information acquisition unit 221, an operating course setting unit 222, an automatic injection setting unit 223, an automatic injection feasibility determination unit 224, a processing agent recommendation unit 225, an operating course storage unit 226, a user information acquisition unit 227, a user information transmission unit 228, and a setting information transmission unit 229. These configurations can also be realized in various forms, such as hardware only or a combination of hardware and software. FIG. 17 shows, as an example, the configuration of the processing device 220 realized by cooperation between hardware and software, using functional blocks. Note that the software is not limited to software that is pre-recorded in the memory that constitutes the processing device 220, but may be provided by recording it on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, or may be provided through an electric communication line such as the Internet 2.

The treatment agent information acquisition unit 221 acquires the type of treatment agent stored in the tank 86 of the washing machine 100 from the washing machine 100 and stores it in the treatment agent information storage unit 263. The operation course setting unit 222 accepts the setting of the operation course to be executed in the washing machine 100 from the user. The automatic insertion setting unit 223 sets the treatment agent to be automatically inserted from the tank 86 to the water tub 42 during the washing operation. The automatic insertion possibility determination unit 224 refers to the operation course information storage unit 261 and determines whether the treatment agent can be automatically inserted in the operation course. When there are multiple treatment agents that can be automatically inserted into the water tub 42 during the washing operation, the treatment agent recommendation unit 225 refers to the operation course information storage unit 261 and recommends a treatment agent suitable for the contents of the operation course. The automatic insertion setting unit 223 may set the treatment agent recommended by the treatment agent recommendation unit 225. The operation course storage unit 226 stores the setting information of the treatment agent to be automatically inserted in the operation course information storage unit 261 in association with the type of operation course. The user information acquiring unit 227 acquires information about the user and the user's cohabitants from data of the user and other applications. The user information transmitting unit 228 transmits the information acquired by the user information acquiring unit 227 to the washing machine 100. The setting information transmitting unit 229 transmits information set by each component to the washing machine 100. Note that the transmission to the washing machine 100 by the user information transmitting unit 228 and the setting information transmitting unit 229 may be performed via the laundry assistance server 300.

Figure 18 shows an example of an automatic dispensing setting screen 500 displayed on the display device 203 of the terminal device 200. The automatic dispensing setting screen 500 displays the type and brand of processing agent stored in each of the multiple tanks 86a, 86b, and 86c, as well as default settings for whether automatic dispensing is enabled and the amount of processing agent adjusted. On the automatic dispensing setting screen 500, the user can change the settings for whether automatic dispensing of processing agent is enabled and the amount of processing agent adjusted for each of the multiple tanks 86a, 86b, and 86c.

Figure 19 shows an example of an automatic dispensing setting screen 500 displayed on the display device 203 of the terminal device 200. In the example shown in this figure, the automatic dispensing feasibility determination unit 224 has determined that the processing agent stored in the tank 86b cannot be automatically dispensed, and a message is displayed indicating that the processing agent should be dispensed manually.

Figure 20 shows another example of the operation display unit 79 of the washing machine 100. In this embodiment, the buttons 600a, 600b, and 600 may be referred to as the button 600 without any particular distinction. In the example of this figure, instead of a touch panel, a switch or an LED (including a mechanical type and a capacitance type) is provided as the operation display unit 79. The operation display unit 79 is provided with buttons 600a, 600b, and 600c for setting the automatic addition of the treatment agent stored in the tanks 86a, 86b, and 86c. The button 600 for the treatment agent that can be automatically added in the set operation course can be input, and each time it is input, the setting value is changed to "none" (not lit), "standard", "more", "less", and "none" (not lit). The button 600 for the treatment agent that cannot be automatically added is turned off and does not accept input. If there are multiple treatment agents that can be automatically added in the set operation course, the automatic addition of the recommended treatment agent is initially set, and the LED for that treatment agent is turned on. If the type of processing agent stored in the tank 86 is changed, a specific button is pressed to transition to an adjustment function mode, and a specific button is pressed in the adjustment function mode to accept the setting of the type of processing agent.

[1-2. Operation]
The operation and function of the washing machine 100 configured as above will be described below.

21 and 22 are flowcharts showing the procedure of the control process of the washing machine 100 according to the first embodiment. When the power supply of the washing machine 100 is turned on (step S1 in FIG. 21), as shown in FIG. 7, the control device 81 displays the top screen 400 on the operation display unit 79 (step S2). When setting information about the treatment agent stored in the tank 86 (Y in step S3), the treatment agent information acquisition unit 130 displays the automatic input setting screen 440 shown in FIG. 9 (step S4). That is, when the user inputs the menu button 401 on the top screen 400 and inputs the automatic input setting button 431 on the menu screen 430 shown in FIG. 8 displayed by inputting the menu button 401 (Y in step S3), the treatment agent information acquisition unit 130 performs the process of step S4. When it is detected that the treatment agent stored in the tank 86 has been changed, the display content for prompting the user to set information about the treatment agent is displayed on the operation display unit 79, and the automatic input setting screen 440 may be displayed.

When any of the buttons 441a, 441b, and 441c of the tanks 86a, 86b, and 86c displayed on the automatic input setting screen 440 is input, the processing agent information acquisition unit 130 transitions the screen as follows. That is, the processing agent information acquisition unit 130 transitions to the processing agent setting screen 450 shown in FIG. 10 in order to set information about the processing agent stored in the tank 86 corresponding to the input button. The processing agent information acquisition unit 130 acquires the input adjustment amount of the processing agent in the input setting input unit as shown in FIG. 11 (step S5), and acquires the input reference amount of the processing agent in the input reference amount input unit as shown in FIG. 12 (step S6). If any type of processing agent can be stored in the tank 86, the processing agent information acquisition unit 130 acquires the type of processing agent in the tank setting input unit as shown in FIG. 14 (step S7). The processing agent information acquisition unit 130 stores and sets the acquired setting contents in the processing agent information storage unit 163 (step S8). If information regarding the processing agent is not set (N in step S3), the control device 81 skips the processes in steps S4 to S8.

The operation course setting unit 122 accepts an instruction to select an operation course from the user on the operation course setting screen 460 shown in FIG. 15, and sets the selected operation course (step S10 in FIG. 22). If there are multiple treatment agents that can be automatically added in the set operation course (Y in step S14), the automatic addition setting unit 123 initializes the automatic addition of the recommended treatment agent (step S16). If there are not multiple treatment agents that can be automatically added (N in step S14), the processing of step S16 is skipped. If the user changes the automatic addition setting from the initial setting on the automatic addition setting screen 470 shown in FIG. 16, the automatic addition setting unit 123 accepts the change (step S18). When the user presses a button (not shown) that instructs the start of operation, operation according to the operation course set in step S10 is started (step S20). If automatic dispensing of the treatment agent is set (Y in step S22), the automatic dispensing control unit 129 automatically dispenses the treatment agent from the tank 86 into the water tank 42 based on the reference amount of treatment agent dispensed stored in the treatment agent information storage unit 163 (step S24). If automatic dispensing of the treatment agent is not set (N in step S22), the process of step S24 is skipped. Operation is performed according to the operating course (step S26).

In the above, the case where automatic feeding of the treatment agent is set in the washing machine 100 has been described, but the same applies to the case where automatic feeding of the treatment agent is set in the terminal device 200. The operation course setting unit 222 receives an instruction to select an operation course from the user and sets the selected operation course (step S10). If there are multiple treatment agents that can be automatically fed in the set operation course (Y in step S14), the automatic feeding setting unit 223 initializes the automatic feeding of the recommended treatment agent (step S16). If there are not multiple treatment agents that can be automatically fed (N in step S14), the processing of step S16 is skipped. The automatic feeding setting unit 223 receives a change in the automatic feeding setting from the user on the automatic feeding setting screen 500 shown in FIG. 18 or FIG. 19, and sets the automatic feeding with the default setting if there is no change (step S18). The setting information transmission unit 229 transmits the setting information acquired by the treatment agent information acquisition unit 221 to the washing machine 100.

[1-3. Effects, etc.]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the washing machine 100 includes the water tub 42 in which the laundry is stored, the multiple tanks 86, the automatic dosing unit 87, and the control device 81. The multiple tanks 86 store the treatment agent to be added to the water tub 42 during operation. The automatic dosing unit 87 puts the treatment agent stored in the tank 86 into the water tub 42. The control device 81 includes an operation course setting unit 122 and a treatment agent recommendation unit 125. The operation course setting unit 122 accepts the setting of an operation course for washing the laundry. When the multiple treatment agents stored in the multiple tanks 86 can be used in the operation course set by the operation course setting unit 122, the treatment agent recommendation unit 125 recommends a treatment agent based on the set operation course. Here, the water tub 42 is an example of a tub in the present disclosure, and the automatic dosing unit 87 is an example of a dosing unit in the present disclosure. In the present embodiment, the clothing treatment device includes the washing machine 100 and a terminal device 200. The washing machine 100 has a water tank 42 in which laundry is stored, a plurality of tanks 86, and an automatic dosing unit 87. The plurality of tanks 86 store a treatment agent to be added to the water tank 42 during operation. The automatic dosing unit 87 puts the treatment agent stored in the tank 86 into the water tank 42. The terminal device 200 has an operation course setting unit 222 and a treatment agent recommendation unit 225. The operation course setting unit 222 accepts the setting of an operation course for washing laundry. When the operation course set by the operation course setting unit 222 can use a plurality of treatment agents stored in the plurality of tanks 86, the treatment agent recommendation unit 225 recommends a treatment agent based on the set operation course. Here, the terminal device 200 is an example of a control device in the present disclosure. As a result, the washing machine 100 can allow the user to select automatic dosing of a treatment agent suitable for the operation course, so that the operation can be appropriately controlled, and as a result, the efficiency of washing can be improved and the convenience of the user can be improved.

In addition, in this embodiment, the control device 81 has an automatic input setting unit 123 (an example of a treatment agent presentation unit in this disclosure) that presents to the user treatment agents that can be used in the operation course. In addition, in this embodiment, the terminal device 200 has an automatic input setting unit 223 (an example of a treatment agent presentation unit in this disclosure). This allows the washing machine 100 to improve the convenience of the user.

In the present embodiment, the control device 81 has an automatic input setting unit 123 that accepts a setting of a treatment agent to be input from the tank 86 to the water tub 42 when an operating course is executed. The automatic input setting unit 123 can accept a setting of a treatment agent different from the treatment agent recommended by the treatment agent recommendation unit 125. In the present embodiment, the terminal device 200 has an automatic input setting unit 223 that accepts a setting of a treatment agent to be input from the tank 86 to the water tub 42 when an operating course is executed. The automatic input setting unit 223 can accept a setting of a treatment agent different from the treatment agent recommended by the treatment agent recommendation unit 225. This allows the washing machine 100 to improve the convenience of the user.

In the present embodiment, the washing machine 100 further includes an operation course storage unit 126 that stores setting information for the treatment agent to be automatically dispensed in association with an operation course. In the present embodiment, the terminal device 200 further includes an operation course storage unit 226 that stores setting information for the treatment agent to be automatically dispensed in association with an operation course. This allows the washing machine 100 to improve the convenience of the user.

In addition, in this embodiment, the operation course setting unit 122 presents to the user an operation course that can use the treatment agent stored in the tank 86. In this embodiment, the operation course setting unit 222 presents to the user an operation course that can use the treatment agent stored in the tank 86. This allows the washing machine 100 to improve the convenience of the user.

In addition, in this embodiment, the operation course setting unit 122 acquires information about the user or the weather, and presents the user with an operation course recommended according to the acquired information. In addition, in this embodiment, the operation course setting unit 222 acquires information about the user or the weather, and presents the user with an operation course recommended according to the acquired information. This allows the washing machine 100 to improve the convenience of the user.

In addition, in this embodiment, at least one of the tanks 86 is capable of changing the type of treatment agent stored therein. This allows the washing machine 100 to be more convenient for the user.

In the present embodiment, the washing machine 100 further includes a treatment agent information acquisition unit 130 that acquires information about the treatment agent stored in the tank 86, which is capable of changing the type of treatment agent stored therein. In the present embodiment, the terminal device 200 further includes a treatment agent information acquisition unit 221 that acquires information about the treatment agent stored in the tank 86, which is capable of changing the type of treatment agent stored therein. This allows the washing machine 100 to automatically dispense the treatment agent appropriately.

In the present embodiment, the washing machine 100 further includes an automatic dispensing control unit 129. When the remaining amount of the treatment agent stored in one of the multiple tanks 86 is insufficient when the treatment agent is automatically dispensed into the water tub 42, the automatic dispensing control unit 129 performs the following. That is, when the same type of treatment agent is stored in another tank 86 among the multiple tanks 86, the automatic dispensing control unit 129 switches to the other tank 86 and automatically dispenses the treatment agent into the water tub 42. This allows the washing machine 100 to improve the convenience of the user.

In addition, in this embodiment, the control program causes the computer to function as an operating course setting unit 122 and a treatment agent recommendation unit 125. The operating course setting unit 122 accepts the setting of an operating course for washing laundry. The treatment agent recommendation unit 125 recommends a treatment agent based on the set operating course when multiple treatment agents stored in multiple tanks 86 can be used in the operating course set by the operating course setting unit 122. In addition, in this embodiment, the control program causes the computer to function as an operating course setting unit 222 and a treatment agent recommendation unit 225. The operating course setting unit 222 accepts the setting of an operating course for washing laundry. The treatment agent recommendation unit 225 recommends a treatment agent based on the set operating course when multiple treatment agents stored in multiple tanks 86 can be used in the operating course set by the operating course setting unit 222. This allows the washing machine 100 to allow the user to select the automatic addition of a treatment agent appropriate for the operating course, thereby allowing operation to be appropriately controlled, thereby improving washing efficiency and user convenience.

In the present embodiment, the control method causes the computer to execute a step of accepting settings of an operation course for washing laundry. In addition, the control method causes the computer to execute a step of recommending a treatment agent based on the set operation course when multiple treatment agents stored in multiple tanks 86 can be used in the operation course for which the setting has been accepted. This allows the washing machine 100 to allow the user to select automatic addition of a treatment agent suitable for the operation course, thereby appropriately controlling operation, thereby improving the efficiency of washing and improving the convenience of the user.

In the present embodiment, the laundry system 1 includes a washing machine 100 and a terminal device 200 that controls the washing machine 100. The terminal device 200 includes an operation course setting unit 222 and a treatment agent recommendation unit 225. The operation course setting unit 222 accepts the setting of an operation course for washing laundry. If multiple treatment agents stored in multiple tanks 86 can be used in the operation course set by the operation course setting unit 222, the treatment agent recommendation unit 225 recommends a treatment agent based on the set operation course. As a result, the washing machine 100 can allow the user to select automatic addition of a treatment agent suitable for the operation course, so that the operation can be appropriately controlled, and as a result, the efficiency of washing can be improved and the convenience of the user can be improved.

As described above, the embodiments have been described as examples of the technology in this disclosure. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to this, and can also be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. have been made. It is also possible to combine the components described in the above embodiments to create new embodiments.

As an example of accepting the setting of an operating course by the control device in the present disclosure, in the embodiment, an example has been described in which the operating course setting unit 122 displays information on the operating course on the operation display unit 79 and accepts a selection instruction from the user via the operation display unit 79. This is one example, and the acceptance of the setting of an operating course in the present disclosure is not limited to being based on a screen display and operation on the operation display unit 79, and may be based on, for example, audio output from a speaker or the like and audio input from a microphone or the like.

In addition, the presentation of usable treatment agents by the control device in the present disclosure is not limited to a screen display as described in the embodiment, and may be, for example, an audio output from a speaker or the like. Also, usable treatment agents may be presented in a manner different from unusable treatment agents, and when presented by audio output, the types of usable treatment agents and the types of unusable treatment agents may be output by audio with at least one of, for example, volume, frequency, etc. different. Also, treatment agents that cannot be automatically dispensed may be presented in a manner different from treatment agents for which automatic insertion is not set, and the presentation in a different manner is not limited to a screen display, and may be, for example, an audio output from a speaker or the like. When audio output is used, similarly to the above, treatment agents that cannot be automatically dispensed may be output by audio with at least one of, for example, volume, frequency, etc. different from treatment agents for which automatic insertion is not set.

Similarly, the presentation of the driving course by the control device in the present disclosure is not limited to displaying information about the driving course on a screen, but may also be by audio output from a speaker, etc.

In addition, in this embodiment, the automatic dispensing setting unit 123 has been described as notifying by displaying on the operation display unit 79, but the notification may also be made by audio output from a speaker or the like, for example. When the automatic dispensing setting unit 123 outputs the type of treatment agent by audio in different ways depending on whether the treatment agent can be automatically dispensed, the types of treatment agent that can be used and the types of treatment agent that cannot be used may be output by audio with at least one of the volume, frequency, etc. changed, for example. The same applies to the automatic dispensing setting unit 223.

In addition, the user may be allowed to select whether the above-mentioned acceptance of operating course settings, presentation of processing agents, presentation of operating courses, and notifications by the automatic dispensing setting unit 123 and the automatic dispensing setting unit 223 are to be performed by screen display or audio output.

In addition, the input and operation by the user in the present disclosure is not limited to being performed from the operation display unit 79 or the input device 202 as described in the embodiment, but may be performed by voice input via a microphone or the like, and the user may be able to select which method to use. In this way, the output by the screen display on the operation display unit 79 or the display device 203 in the embodiment can be replaced by voice output, and the input by the operation display unit 79 or the input device 202 in the embodiment can be replaced by voice input.

In addition, in the embodiment, three tanks 86a, 86b, and 86c are described as examples of the multiple tanks provided in the clothing treatment device of the present disclosure, but the number of multiple tanks in the present disclosure does not have to be three, and may be two, four or more.

This disclosure can be used in clothing treatment devices such as various types of washing machines (e.g., top-loading washing machines, drum-type washing machines, twin-tub washing machines, etc.).

LIST OF SYMBOLS 1 Laundry system 2 Internet 41 Washing machine housing 42 Water tub 43 Rotating drum 44 Rotating shaft 45 Housing opening 46 Belt 47 Projection plate 48 Water passage hole 49 Water tub unit 50 Spring body 51 Anti-vibration damper 52 Lid body 53 Clothes entrance/exit 54 Water supply path 55 Drain path 57 First water supply valve 58 Second water supply valve 59 First water supply hose 60 Second water supply hose 61 Automatic detergent dispenser 62 Water injection hose 63 Drain pump 64 Drain pipe 65 Filter 66 Drain hose 71 Recess 72 Heater 73 Temperature detector 74 Air trap 75 Air pipe 78 Vibration detector 79 Operation display unit 81 Control device 85 Water level detector 86 Tank 86a Tank 86b Tank 86c Tank 87 Automatic dosing unit 88 Float 89 Magnet 90 Hall IC
95 Drain port 100 Washing machine 101 First motor 104 Input unit 120 Processing device 121 User interface control unit 122 Operation course setting unit 123 Automatic loading setting unit 124 Automatic loading possibility determination unit 125 Processing agent recommendation unit 126 Operation course storage unit 127 User information acquisition unit 128 Processing agent remaining amount acquisition unit 129 Automatic loading control unit 130 Processing agent information acquisition unit 160 Storage device 161 Operation course information retention unit 162 Operation course data retention unit 163 Processing agent information retention unit 200 Terminal device 201 Communication device 202 Input device 203 Display device 220 Processing device 221 Processing agent information acquisition unit 222 Operation course setting unit 223 Automatic loading setting unit 224 Automatic loading possibility determination unit 225 Processing agent recommendation unit 226 Operation course storage unit 227 User information acquisition unit 228 User information transmission unit 229 Setting information transmission unit 230 Washing machine communication unit 260 Storage device 261 Operation course information storage unit 263 Treatment agent information storage unit 300 Laundry support server 400 Top screen 401 Menu button 402 Top screen button 403 Search button 404 Notification button 405 Header area 430 Menu screen 431 Automatic loading setting button 440 Automatic loading setting screen 441a button 441b button 441c button 450 Treatment agent setting screen 460 Operation course setting screen 461 Icon 461a Icon 461b Icon 461c Icon 470 Automatic loading setting screen 471a Setting button 471b Setting button 471c Setting button 500 Automatic loading setting screen 600 Button 600a button 600b button 600c button

Claims (10)

A tub in which the clothes are stored;
a plurality of tanks for storing a treatment agent to be added to the tank during operation;
an automatic supply unit that automatically supplies the processing agent stored in the tank to the tank;
A control device;
Equipped with
The control device includes:
an operation program setting unit that receives a setting of an operation program for processing the laundry;
a treatment agent recommendation unit that recommends a treatment agent based on a set operating course when the operating course set by the operating course setting unit allows automatic addition of the plurality of treatment agents stored in the plurality of tanks;
an automatic input setting unit that receives a setting of the processing agent to be input from the tank to the tank when the operating course is executed;
having
The tank includes a first tank for storing a first detergent and a second tank for storing a second detergent of a different type from the first detergent ,
The control device includes:
Accept an instruction to select the operation course;
When a first operation course in which the first detergent and the second detergent can be automatically dispensed and the first detergent is recommended is selected as the operation course, the automatic dispense of the first detergent in the first operation course is initially set;
a change in setting from the first detergent initially set as the detergent to be automatically dispensed in the first course to the second detergent can be accepted;
Clothes treatment device. The control device has a treatment agent presenting unit that presents to a user a treatment agent that can be automatically dispensed in the operation course.
The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 . The control device further includes an operating program storage unit that stores setting information of the treatment agent to be automatically dispensed in association with the operating program.
The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 or 2. the operation program setting unit presents to a user an operation program capable of automatically adding the processing agent stored in the tank;
A clothing treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The operation course setting unit acquires information about a user or weather, and presents a recommended operation course to the user in accordance with the acquired information.
A clothing treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. At least one of the plurality of tanks is capable of changing the type of treatment agent stored therein.
A clothing treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The control device further includes a processing agent information acquisition unit that acquires information about the processing agent stored in the tank in which the type of the processing agent stored can be changed.
The clothing treatment device according to claim 6. a computer for controlling a laundry treatment device including a tub for storing laundry , a tank including a first tank for storing a first detergent and a second tank for storing a second detergent different from the first detergent, and an automatic dispenser for automatically dispensing a treatment agent stored in the tank into the tub;
an operation program setting unit that receives settings of operation programs for processing clothes;
a treatment agent recommendation unit that recommends a treatment agent based on a set operating course when the operating course set by the operating course setting unit allows automatic charging of a plurality of treatment agents stored in a plurality of tanks;
an automatic input setting unit that receives a setting of the processing agent to be input from the tank to the tank when the operating course is executed;
Function as a
receiving an instruction to select the operation course;
a step of initially setting automatic dispensing of the first detergent in the first operation course when a first operation course in which the first detergent and the second detergent can be automatically dispensed and in which the first detergent is recommended is selected as the operation course;
accepting a change in setting of the first detergent to be automatically dispensed in the first course from the first detergent initially set to the second detergent ;
A control program for executing the above. A computer controls a laundry treatment device including a tub for storing laundry , a tank including a first tank for storing a first detergent and a second tank for storing a second detergent different from the first detergent , and an automatic supply unit for automatically supplying a treatment agent stored in the tank to the tub,
receiving an instruction to select an operation course for processing clothes;
a step of initially setting automatic dispensing of the first detergent in the first operation course when a first operation course in which the first detergent and the second detergent can be automatically dispensed and in which the first detergent is recommended is selected as the operation course;
accepting a change in setting of the detergent to be automatically dispensed in the first course from the first detergent initially set to the second detergent;
A control method for executing the above. A clothes treatment device;
A control device for controlling the clothing processing device;
Equipped with
The laundry treatment device includes a tub in which laundry is stored, a tank including a first tank for storing a first detergent and a second tank for storing a second detergent different from the first detergent , and an automatic dispenser for automatically dispensing a treatment agent stored in the tank into the tub;
The control device includes:
an operation program setting unit that receives settings of operation programs for processing clothes;
a treatment agent recommendation unit that recommends a treatment agent based on a set operating course when the operating course set by the operating course setting unit allows automatic charging of a plurality of treatment agents stored in a plurality of tanks;
an automatic input setting unit that receives a setting of the processing agent to be input from the tank to the tank when the operating course is executed;
Equipped with
The control device includes:
Accept an instruction to select the operation course;
When a first operation course in which the first detergent and the second detergent can be automatically dispensed and the first detergent is recommended is selected as the operation course, the automatic dispense of the first detergent in the first operation course is initially set;
a change in setting from the first detergent initially set as the detergent to be automatically dispensed in the first course to the second detergent can be accepted;
Clothes processing system.

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