JP2002085888A - Laundry equipment control system and laundry equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] When an abnormality occurs in a laundry machine, a washing operation can be performed even before a malfunctioning part causing the abnormality is repaired. SOLUTION: When an abnormality occurs in the laundry machine 1,
The laundry device control unit transmits the error code to the host 4 via the server 8 and the Internet 3. Then, the host 4 collates the error code with the maintenance information and returns a failure analysis program, and the laundry machine control unit executes a test operation based on the reply. The host is
When the test result is received, a failure analysis is performed, and an emergency operation program according to the analysis result is transmitted to the laundry device 1.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a laundry equipment control device which is connected via a communication line to a host storing various kinds of information relating to laundry equipment, receives information from the host, and controls the laundry equipment.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a laundry machine such as a washing machine or a dryer, when an error occurs during washing, a buzzer is sounded to notify the fact and an error corresponding to the content of the error is generated. It is configured to display code. In this case, the laundry machine suspends the washing operation until the cause of the error is eliminated. Therefore, the user has to restart the washing operation.
For example, you will consider error handling by looking at the instruction manual.

[0003] In this case, if the cause of the error is one that the user himself can cope with, such as an operation error, the cause of the error can be removed relatively easily. On the contrary,
If the error is caused by a failure or breakage of a part, the user cannot handle the error by himself / herself, so the user must request the service center to replace or repair the part.

However, when the repair is requested to the service center in this way, it takes time from the occurrence of the abnormality until the service man visits the user's house and actually finishes the repair. For this reason, there was a problem that the washing operation could not be performed for a long time.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. It is an object of the present invention to provide a laundry device control system and a laundry device which are capable of performing a washing operation even when a component causing the abnormality is repaired or replaced when an abnormality occurs in the laundry device. is there.

[0006]

A laundry equipment control system according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a laundry equipment database for storing emergency operation information on laundry equipment to be managed and can be connected from the outside via a communication line. Host, connected to the host via the communication line, and when an abnormality occurs in the laundry device, accesses the laundry device database through the host, and performs an emergency operation according to the content of the abnormality to the laundry device. And a laundry equipment control device for receiving emergency operation information required for execution from the host.

According to the above configuration, when an abnormality occurs in the laundry equipment, the laundry equipment control device receives emergency operation information corresponding to the content of the abnormality from the host and executes the emergency operation on the laundry equipment based on the emergency operation information. Can be done. For this reason, when an abnormality occurs, the washing operation is not performed until the cause of the abnormality is removed. In particular, in the above configuration, when an abnormality occurs, the laundry equipment control device is configured to access the host and receive emergency operation information corresponding to the content of the abnormality from the host, so that the emergency operation can be performed. The configuration of the laundry device control device can be prevented from becoming complicated.

[0008] In this case, when an abnormality occurs in the laundry equipment, failure analysis means for analyzing the content of the abnormality and estimating the failure part is provided, and the laundry equipment control device responds to the analysis result of the failure analysis means. It is preferable that emergency driving information is received from the host (the invention of claim 2).

Even if the contents of the abnormality are the same, there are various causes of the abnormality. For example, the cause of the water supply abnormality may be a failure of the water supply valve itself or a failure of the control system of the water supply valve. According to the above configuration, the failure analysis unit estimates the failure site causing the abnormality and the laundry machine control device can receive the emergency operation information corresponding to the estimated failure site from the host. , That is, the emergency operation of performing washing without using a failed part that is a cause of occurrence of abnormality can be performed by the laundry machine.

[0010] Further, the laundry equipment control device may be provided with a display means for displaying when the laundry equipment performs the emergency operation based on the emergency operation information (the invention of claim 3). . According to the above configuration, the user can see the display means to know that the laundry machine is performing an emergency operation different from the normal washing operation.

[0011] The laundry device is provided with a detergent dispenser having a detergent reservoir and a finish reservoir, a first valve for supplying water through the detergent reservoir when opened, and a finish reservoir when opened. If an abnormality in the operation of the first valve occurs in a case where a double water supply valve comprising a second valve for supplying water through the chamber and a water supply valve control means for controlling the opening and closing of the double water supply valve is provided, a laundry is provided. The appliance control device may be configured to cause the laundry appliance to execute an emergency operation of opening the second valve to supply water (the invention of claim 4).

[0012] The invention of claim 4 is focused on the fact that the water supply operation can be performed by using the second valve even when the operation abnormality of the first valve occurs. Even if it occurs, the washing operation can be continued.

[0013] When the water supply operation is performed only by the second valve, the detergent storage chamber does not function, so that the detergent is put into the soft finish storage chamber instead of the soft finish. Therefore, the laundry equipment control device has the first
It is preferable to provide a display means for displaying that the soft finish cannot be used when the emergency operation corresponding to the abnormal operation of the valve is performed (the invention of claim 5).

In a case where the laundry machine comprises a water level sensor for detecting a water level in a water tank and a water supply / drainage control means for executing a water supply / drainage operation based on a detection result of the water level sensor, When an abnormality based on the detection abnormality of the sensor occurs, the laundry device control device may execute an emergency operation in which the water supply / drainage control means controls the time of the water supply / drainage operation (the invention of claim 6).

According to the above configuration, the water level in the water tank after water supply differs from the set water level or the drainage time differs from the case where the water supply and drainage operation is performed based on the detection result of the water level sensor. Even if it occurs, the washing operation can be continued, so that the usability is good.

In this case, storage means is provided for storing each of the water supply flow rate and the drainage flow rate, and the water supply / drainage control means sets the water supply time based on the water supply flow rate stored in the storage means and drains the water based on the drainage flow rate. When the time is set, the water supply and drainage can be controlled in a similar state before the occurrence of the abnormality (the invention of claim 7).

In the case where the laundry machine is provided with a heater for warming the washing water and a heater control means for controlling the energization of the heater, when an abnormality based on an abnormal operation of the heater occurs. The laundry device control device may execute an emergency operation that prohibits the heater control unit from energizing the heater (the invention of claim 8).

According to the above configuration, the washing water cannot be heated, but it is more practical than the conventional one in which the washing operation is completely interrupted.

Further, in the case where the laundry machine comprises a motor for rotatingly driving the rotary tub, a motor control means for controlling the motor at a variable speed, and an elastic support means for elastically supporting the water tub, When an abnormality has occurred in the supporting means, the laundry machine control device preferably executes an emergency operation control in which the motor control means drives the motor to rotate at a lower rotational speed than usual during the spin-drying operation. 9 invention).

When high-speed dehydration is performed when the elastic support means is out of order, large vibrations are generated and loud noises are generated. , The vibration and noise can be prevented from increasing.

Further, in the case where the laundry machine is provided with the lid open / close detecting means, and when an abnormality occurs in the lid open / close detecting means, the laundry machine control device performs an emergency operation without performing the dehydrating operation. (Invention of claim 10).

If an abnormality occurs in the lid opening / closing detecting means, even if the user accidentally opens the lid during the dehydrating operation, it cannot be detected, which is dangerous. According to the above configuration, since the dehydration operation is not performed, it is possible to avoid occurrence of such danger.

In the laundry machine according to the present invention, when an abnormality occurs, a failure analyzing means for analyzing the content of the abnormality and estimating a failure part, and a failure part estimated by the failure analysis means may be provided. Control means for executing a corresponding emergency operation. According to the above configuration, even if an abnormality occurs, the emergency operation is performed so that the washing operation can be continued.

[0024]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, a laundry device control system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an electrical configuration of the laundry device control system according to the present embodiment.

The present system is configured such that the division as a user is set for each individual house, and the laundry equipment 1 used in the house is managed. That is, in FIG.
Is connected to the host server 4 via a communication line, for example, the Internet 3. The host server 4 is mainly configured by a host control unit 5, and includes a global database 6a as a storage unit. The global database 6a stores emergency device information such as emergency operation information, device information, device control information, management information, and service information for all types of laundry devices 1 to be managed, separately for each model. . Here, the emergency operation information is information necessary when an abnormality occurs in the laundry machine 1, and includes, for example, maintenance information, a failure analysis program, an emergency operation program, and the like. The host server 4 is connected to a providing host 7 such as a clothing maker, a laundry shop, a service center, or the like via the Internet 3, and is configured to be able to exchange information with the providing host 7.

The host control unit 5 has a personal management database 6b capable of storing and managing laundry information of the laundry equipment 1 stored for each user in units of each house.

On the other hand, the laundry equipment control device 2 comprises:
A server 8 that is directly connected to the host 4 via the Internet 3 and communicates with the host 4 to exchange information.
And the laundry device 1 connected to the server 8 via a communication line. The server 8 and the laundry device 1 are configured to be capable of two-way communication via a communication line, for example, a home network such as a wireless network such as Bluetooth or a wired network such as Ethernet (registered trademark). The server 8
For example, it is provided in front of a door of a refrigerator used in the same house where the laundry device 1 is disposed.

The server 8 has a database function, a communication function, an update function, and a learning function, and includes a server control unit 9 mainly including a microcomputer and including a ROM, a RAM, and the like. Display unit 1 connected to
0, an operation unit 11, an external network communication unit 12, and a communication interface 13. The server 8 can access the Internet 3 through an external network communication unit 12. Further, the server 8 exchanges information with the laundry machine 1 via the communication interface 13.

Although not described in detail in order to deviate from the gist of the present invention, the server 8 may be used for home appliances other than the laundry machine 1 used in the house, such as a refrigerator, a microwave oven (not shown), and an air conditioner. They are connected via a home network, and are configured to control and manage these home appliances.

Next, the electrical configuration of the laundry machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. That is, the 100 V commercial AC power supply 14 is connected to the diode bridge rectifier circuit 15.
DC power supply circuit 1 including smoothing capacitors 16 and 17
8 are connected. That is, the input terminal 15a of the rectifier circuit 15 is connected to the power terminal 14a of the AC power supply 14, and the input terminal 15b of the rectifier circuit 15 is connected to the power terminal 14b of the AC power supply 14. The rectifier circuit 1
5 is connected between the output terminals 15c and 15d.
6 and 17 are connected in series.
6, 17 and the input terminal 1 of the rectifier circuit 15.
5a is connected.

The DC power supply circuit 18 includes a constant voltage circuit 1
9 and an inverter main circuit 20 which is a motor drive circuit.

The inverter main circuit 20 includes, for example, an IG
The switching elements 20a to 20f made of BT are connected in a three-phase bridge connection. The output terminal of each phase bridge is connected to each phase winding of the stator of the washing machine motor 21. That is, the drive of the washing machine motor 21 is controlled by the inverter main circuit 20. The switching elements 20a to 20f of the inverter main circuit 20 are controlled by a laundry equipment control unit 22.

The laundry equipment control unit 22 is mainly composed of a microcomputer and includes a ROM, a RAM and the like. The laundry device control unit 22 has a function of controlling the overall washing and drying operations, and stores a control program and various data for that.

The power supply terminal 14a of the AC power supply 14
A drive circuit 23 is provided between the power supply terminal 14b and the drive circuit 23, and a washing water supply valve 24, a softer valve 25, and a drain valve 2
6. The water supply pump 27 and the heater 28 are connected. Further, the laundry device control unit 22 includes a display unit 29a.
Is connected. Furthermore, the laundry equipment control unit 22 includes an operation circuit 30 having various switches, a water level sensor 31 for detecting a water level in the rotating tub, a rotation sensor 32 for detecting the number of rotations of the washing machine motor 21, and a faucet 33 ( It is configured to receive detection signals from a water presence / absence detection sensor 34 for checking forgotten to open (see FIG. 3), a flow rate sensor 35 for detecting a flow rate of supplied water, and a lid opening / closing detection sensor 36. The laundry equipment control unit 22 drives the laundry water supply valve 24, the softer valve 25, the drain valve 26, the water supply pump 27, and the heater 28 based on the switch signal from the operation circuit and the detection signal from each sensor. Control is performed via the circuit 23.

Here, the water supply system of the laundry machine 1 will be briefly described with reference to FIG. The laundry machine 1 according to the present embodiment is, for example, a drum-type fully automatic washing / drying machine having a washing and drying function. A drum-shaped water tank 38 is provided inside a outer box 37 by a plurality of suspensions 39 as elastic support means. It is configured to be elastically supported. A drum-shaped rotary tank (not shown) is provided inside the water tank 38, and is configured to be rotationally driven by the motor 21. Further, a water supply system for performing a water supply operation into the water tank 38 is provided in an upper portion of the outer box 37.

The water supply system includes a detergent dispenser 41 provided with a detergent storage chamber 41a and a soft finish storage chamber 41b, a water supply pump 27 disposed at the back of the detergent dispenser 41,
It is composed of a double water supply valve 42. The double water supply valve 41 includes the laundry water supply valve 24 and the softer valve 25. When the laundry water supply valve 24 is opened, tap water flows through the water supply hose 42, the detergent storage chamber 41a, and the rotary tub 40.
When the softer valve 41b is opened, the tap water is supplied to the rotary tank 40 through the water supply hose 42 and the flexible finishing agent storage chamber 41b. Therefore, the washing water supply valve 24 constitutes a first valve, and the softer valve 25 constitutes a second valve.

The water presence / absence detection sensor 34 is provided between the double water supply valve 42 and the water supply hose 43, and detects the presence or absence of water in the water supply hose 43, that is, the open / closed state of the faucet 33. Further, the flow rate sensor 35 is provided between the double water supply valve 42 and the detergent dispenser 41, and detects a flow rate during a water supply operation.

The laundry equipment control section 22 is configured to execute various washing courses based on a control program stored in advance in accordance with the switch signal and the detection signal in a normal state where no abnormality has occurred. ing. For example, when an automatic operation course (standard course) of various washing courses is executed, the washing water supply valve 24, the softer valve 25, the drain valve 26,
The power supply of the motor 21, the heater 28, and the like is controlled. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the laundry equipment control unit 22
It functions as a motor control unit, a water supply / drainage control unit, and a heater control unit.

That is, the automatic operation course includes three steps: (1) a washing step, (2) a rinsing step, and (3) a dewatering step. The motor 21, the washing water supply valve 24, the softer valve 25, the drainage The valve 26 and the heater 28 are controlled to operate in the steps marked respectively.
The motor 21 is energized and controlled to rotate alternately in the forward and reverse directions during the weight detection and the washing and loosening operations during the washing process and the rinsing and loosening operations during the rinsing process. Is controlled so as to rotate.

As will be described in detail later, the laundry equipment control unit 22 has a function of detecting that an abnormality has occurred in the laundry equipment 1 based on each of the detection signals described above. When detected, the content of the abnormality is displayed on the display unit 29a, and an error code as an abnormality identification code corresponding to the content of the abnormality is displayed on the server control unit 9.
Is configured to be output.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, a general operation of the entire system at the time of occurrence of an abnormality will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, and a specific operation at the time of occurrence of a water supply abnormality will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. I do. 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing the operation of the entire system when an abnormality occurs, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a flow of information of the entire system.

First, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, when an abnormality occurs in the laundry machine 1, the laundry machine control unit 22 displays that the abnormality has occurred on the display unit 29a (step S1), and responds to the contents of the abnormality. The error code is transmitted (step S2).

The server control unit 9 is provided with the laundry equipment 1
It is in a state of waiting for the reception of an error code transmitted from the device. When the error code is received, the fact that an abnormality has occurred is displayed on the display unit 10 (step T1), and the error code is transmitted from the external network communication unit 12. Transmission to the host 4 through the Internet 3 (step T
2).

When receiving the error code from the server 8, the host control unit 5 checks the maintenance information corresponding to the model of the laundry machine 1 used by the user by comparing it with the past maintenance information in the global database 6a. The data is written into the management database 6b (step R1). Then, the maintenance information in the personal management database 6b is searched and a failure analysis program corresponding to the error code is returned to the server 8 (step R2).

As shown in FIG. 8, for example, the maintenance information includes the number of occurrences of an abnormality corresponding to each error code, the occurrence process, a failure analysis result, the presence or absence of service correspondence, and a failure analysis program number. The maintenance information is created based on information transmitted from each laundry device control unit 22 to the host control unit 5 via the server control unit 9 when an error occurs in all the laundry devices 1 managed by the host 4. It was done.

Further, the emergency driving program "P1"
The program is transmitted when it is determined that the cause of the error is “fault in the water supply valve”. As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, a plurality of failure analysis programs corresponding to each error code are provided.

Returning to the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 and 6, upon receiving the failure analysis program, the server control unit 9 displays on the display unit 10 that a test operation for failure analysis is being executed ( Along with step T3), the received failure analysis program is transmitted to the laundry machine 1 (step T4).

Upon receiving the failure analysis test program, the laundry equipment control unit 22 displays on the display unit 29a that a test operation for failure analysis is being executed (step S3), and displays the failure analysis test program. Execute (step S4). When the failure analysis test program ends (YES in step S5), the fact that the failure analysis is being performed is displayed on the display unit 29a (step S6), and the program execution result is transmitted (step S7).

Upon receiving the execution result of the test program, the server controller 9 indicates that the failure analysis is being performed.
0 (step T5), and transmits the execution result of the test program from the external network communication unit 12 to the host 4 via the Internet 3 (step T5).
6).

Upon receiving the execution result of the test program from the server 8, the host control unit 5 performs a failure analysis based on the result (step R 3), and when a failure site is determined (YES in step R 4), Next step R5
The process proceeds to and if it cannot be determined (NO in step R4), the process returns to step R2, and the above-described processing is repeated.

In step R5, it is determined whether or not on-site repair by a service person is necessary based on the determination result. If the on-site repair is not necessary (NO in step R5), the analysis result is returned to the server 8 (step R5).
6). Upon receiving the analysis result from the host 4, the server control unit 9 displays the analysis result on the display unit 10 (Step T).
7) is transmitted to the laundry machine 1 (step T8). When receiving the analysis result from the server 8, the laundry device control unit 22 displays the analysis result on the display unit 2.
9a (step S8).

Here, the case where on-site repair is not necessary is as follows.
This is the case where the failure site can be handled by the user. Therefore,
The user can respond appropriately by looking at the analysis result displayed on the display unit 29a of the laundry machine 1 or the display unit 10 of the server 8, whereby the cause of the abnormality occurrence is promptly removed and the washing operation is restarted. be able to.

On the other hand, if the failure site cannot be dealt with by the user and the on-site repair is required (step R5).
YES), the host control unit 5 inquires the server 8 and receives the user information, and transmits the analysis result and the repair method (repair procedure, replacement parts, etc.) to the providing host 7 of the service center via the Internet 3 together with the user information. (Step R7). For this reason, the service center can accurately grasp the details of the abnormality that has occurred in the laundry equipment 1 managed by the user, and can take an appropriate and prompt response.

At the same time, the host control unit 5 transmits the analysis result and the emergency operation program corresponding to the analysis result to the server 8 (step R8). When receiving the analysis result and the emergency operation program from the server 8, the server control unit 9 displays the analysis result and the display indicating that the emergency operation is being performed (step T9). At this time, the display unit 10 displays a message indicating that the service center has been contacted, and a message urging the serviceman to wait for a repair visit. At the same time, the server control unit 9 transmits the analysis result and the emergency operation program to the laundry device 1 (step T
10).

Upon receiving the analysis result and the emergency operation program from the server 8, the laundry equipment control unit 22 displays the analysis result and a message to the effect that the emergency operation is to be executed on the display 20a (step S9) and executes the emergency operation. (Step S10).

Next, a specific operation when a water supply abnormality has occurred will be described with reference to FIGS.

When a water supply abnormality occurs in the laundry machine 1, the laundry machine control unit 22 sets the error code "E".
5 "is transmitted. Also, at this time, the display units 29a and 10 of the laundry machine 1 and the server 8 are respectively shown in FIG.
As shown in (a) of FIG. 7, a message "water supply abnormality has occurred" is displayed (steps S1, S2, and step T).
1).

On the other hand, when receiving the error code “E5” from the server 8, the host control unit 5 receives the error code “E5”.
Based on the maintenance information (see FIG. 8) corresponding to "5", the failure analysis test programs corresponding to the failure parts having a large number of occurrences are sequentially transmitted (steps R1, R
2). That is, in the case of a water supply abnormality, the failure analysis test programs “E5-T1” and “E5-T” for “forgot to open the faucet”, “contamination of dust in the water supply valve”, and “fault of the water supply valve”.
2 "and" E5-T3 "are transmitted in that order.

Then, as shown in FIG. 9B, a message "Checking the water supply system" is displayed on the display units 29a and 29 of the laundry machine 1 and the server 8 (step T3). , S3). Further, upon receiving the failure analysis test program for the water supply system from the host 4 via the server 8, the laundry equipment control unit 22 executes a test operation (steps S4 and S5), and stores the test result in the host 8 via the server 8. 4 (steps S7, T6). Then, the host 4 determines a failed part based on the test result (steps R3 and R3).
4). At this time, as shown in FIG. 9 (c), a message "A failure analysis of the water supply system is being performed" is displayed on the display units 29a and 29 of the laundry machine 1 and the server 8 (step S6). , T5).

For example, the test program "E5-T1"
In the case of (1), the laundry device control unit 22 executes the operation of detecting the presence or absence of water in the water supply hose 43 by the water presence / absence detection sensor 34, and transmits the detection result to the host 4 via the server 8. When it is detected that there is no water in the water supply hose 43, the host control unit 5 determines that the faucet 33 has been forgotten to be opened (YES in step R4). Also,
If it is detected that water is present in the water supply hose 43,
Since the faucet 33 is open, it is determined that the failed part could not be determined (NO in Step R4), and Step R2
And the next test program "E5-T2" is transmitted.

In the case of the test program “E5-T2”, the laundry equipment control unit 22 executes flow rate detection by the flow rate sensor 35 and transmits the detection result to the host 4 via the server 8. When the detected flow rate is lower than the predetermined value, the host control unit 5 determines that dust is mixed in the water supply valve (YES in step R4). If the detected flow rate is equal to or more than the predetermined value, the host control unit 5 determines that the failed part cannot be determined (N in step R4).
O), returning to step R2, the next test program “E
5-T3 "is transmitted.

In the case of the test program “E5-T3”, the host controller 5 sends the laundry
The flowchart shown in FIG. Note that FIG. 11 shows the electrical configuration of the laundry apparatus by taking out the peripheral portion of the washing water supply valve 24, and the flowchart of FIG. 10 will be described with reference to FIG. That is, first, the laundry device controller 22 turns off the triac 23a as a drive circuit of the water supply valve 24 (step P
1) It is determined whether or not the voltage between V1 and V2 at that time is equivalent to 100 V (step P2). If not (NO), it is determined that the water supply valve 24 has failed or the connector (not shown) of the lead wire unit of the water supply valve 24 has been disconnected (step P3). If the voltage between V1 and V2 is equivalent to 100 V (YE in step P2)
S), turns on the triac 23a (step P4),
It is determined whether the voltage between V1 and V2 is 0 V (step P
5). If the voltage is 0 V (YES), it is determined that the water supply valve has failed (step P6).
O), it is determined that the laundry device control unit 22 is not operating normally (step P7).

In this case, the test result transmitted from the laundry equipment control unit 22 to the host control unit 5 via the server is a voltage between V1 and V2, and the host control unit 5 analyzes the voltage based on the voltage. I do.

When the faulty part is determined as described above, the host control unit 5 proceeds to step R5 to determine whether or not a service technician needs on-site repair. Here, when the failure site is determined to be “water supply valve failure”, “disconnection of the lead wire unit connector”, or “control unit failure”, it is determined that on-site repair is necessary, and “forgot to open the faucet” When it is determined that “the dust is mixed in the water supply valve”, it is determined that it is not necessary to disseminate the visit.

When it is determined that on-site repair is necessary, the host control unit 5 transmits the analysis result, repair method (repair procedure, replacement parts, etc.), and user information to the providing host 7 of the service center via the Internet 3. (Step R7). For this reason, the service center can know in advance the specific cause (failure site) of the occurrence of the abnormality, and can take prompt measures such as checking the inventory of the failed component.

At the same time, the host control unit 5 transmits the analysis result and the emergency operation program corresponding to the analysis result to the laundry machine 1 via the server 8 (step R8). At this time, the display section 10 and 29a of the server 8 and the laundry machine 1 first display, as shown in FIG. 8D, "The water supply valve has failed. The service center has been contacted." Is displayed, and then a message "Switch to recovery operation." Is displayed.

Specifically, when the water supply valve 24 fails, the laundry equipment control unit 22 controls the water supply operation by the water supply valve 2.
The emergency operation performed using the softer valve 25 instead of 4 is executed. That is, if an abnormality occurs during the execution of the automatic driving course, the control is performed so that the water supply operation and the water injection operation shown in FIG. That is, in the water supply operation and the water injection operation, only the soft finish agent storage chamber 41b of the detergent dispenser 41 can be used.

Therefore, in order to urge the user to put the detergent into the flexible finishing agent storage chamber 41b and execute the washing operation, the server 8 and the display units 10 and 29a of the laundry machine 1 display "Switch to recovery operation.""And a warning message" The softer cannot be used. " Thereby, the user can recognize that the softer cannot be used.

According to the present embodiment, when an abnormality occurs in the laundry machine 1, the contents of the abnormality are analyzed to estimate a failure portion. If the cause of the abnormality can be dealt with by the user himself, the fact is described. Was displayed. Therefore, the user can take appropriate measures while viewing the display on the display unit 10 or 29a. Further, when the cause of the abnormality cannot be handled by the user himself and the on-site repair by the service person is necessary, the fact is displayed and the emergency washing operation based on the estimation result is executed. Therefore, it is possible to solve the problem that the washing operation cannot be performed until the repair is completed.

In particular, since the failure site is analyzed based on the maintenance information stored in the global database 6 provided in the host 4 and the emergency operation is executed based on the analysis result, it is adapted to the cause of the abnormality. Emergency operation can be performed.

Further, according to the present embodiment, since the request for repair to the service center is automatically made,
The user only needs to wait for the communication from the service center.

In the above embodiment, the case where an abnormality has occurred in the washing water supply valve 24 has been described. However, when an abnormality has occurred in the softer valve 25, substantially the same emergency operation can be executed.

When a part other than the washing water supply valve 24 and the softer valve 25 breaks down, the following emergency operation may be performed.

That is, when it is analyzed that an abnormality has occurred in the water level sensor 31, it is preferable to switch to the emergency operation in which the water supply operation and the drainage operation are time-controlled. In this case, the laundry equipment control unit 22 is provided with storage means such as a non-volatile memory for storing the water supply flow rate and the drainage flow rate, and the water supply time and the drainage time are determined based on the water supply flow rate and the drainage flow rate stored in the storage means. It is good to set. FIG. 12 shows the server 8 and the laundry equipment 1 when the water level center 31 fails.
3 shows the display screens of the display units 10 and 29a. The display screens of (a) to (e) of FIG. 12 are (a) to (e) of FIG.
(E).

If it is determined that the lid opening / closing detection sensor 36 or the suspension 39 has failed, the rotation speed of the motor 21 during the spin-dry operation is set lower than usual, or only the spin-dry operation during the washing process is prohibited. Or better.

Further, when the heater 28 is out of order, the emergency operation in which the heater 28 is not energized may be switched.

In the above embodiment, when a failure analysis reveals that the failure cannot be dealt with by the user, the failure is always reported to the service center.
For example, a screen for selecting "whether to contact the service center" is displayed on the display of the server, and the service center is contacted only when the user selects "contact the service center". You may.

According to such a configuration, when the user does not want to visit the serviceman, for example, when the user wants to replace the laundry machine instead of repairing it when the laundry machine breaks down, the serviceman visits the machine. The trouble of doing so is eliminated.

Although only the text is displayed on the display unit of the server and the laundry device, the text and the corresponding pattern may be displayed.
According to such a configuration, the display content can be visually recognized.

Further, the failure analysis may be performed by the laundry equipment control unit or the server control unit. That is, the laundry device control device may be configured to function as a failure analysis unit.

[0081]

As is apparent from the above description, in the laundry equipment control system of the present invention, when an abnormality occurs in the laundry equipment, the laundry equipment control device accesses the laundry equipment database through a host via a communication line. As a result, the emergency operation information corresponding to the content of the abnormality is received, so that the laundry machine can execute the emergency operation based on the emergency operation information.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an electrical configuration of a laundry equipment control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a laundry machine.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the laundry equipment with a focus on a water supply system;

FIG. 4 is a process chart showing the operation control contents of an automatic driving course.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the entire system when an abnormality occurs (part 1)

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the entire system when an abnormality occurs (part 2)

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of information of the entire system when an abnormality occurs.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing contents of maintenance information.

FIG. 9 shows a display screen of the display unit of the server when a water supply abnormality occurs (a), and a display screen of the display unit of the laundry machine (b).
Figure showing

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a washing water supply valve failure analysis test program;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a laundry water supply valve peripheral portion of the laundry equipment;

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display screen (a) of the display unit of the server and a display screen (b) of the display unit of the laundry device when a water level abnormality occurs.

[Explanation of symbols]

In the figure, 1 is a laundry machine, 2 is a laundry machine control device, 3 is the Internet (communication line), 4 is a host, 5
Is a host control unit (failure analysis means), 6a is a global database, 10 and 29a are display units (display means), 21
Is a washing machine motor, 22 is a laundry equipment control unit (motor control means, water supply / drainage control means, heater control means), 24 is a washing water supply valve (first valve), 25 is a softer valve (second valve), 26 is A drain valve, 28 is a heater, 31 is a water level sensor, 38 is a water tank, 39 is a suspension (elastic support means), 41 is a detergent dispenser, and 42 is a double water supply valve.

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) G06F 13/00 530 G06F 13/00 530R H04Q 9/00 301 H04Q 9/00 301B F-term (reference) 3B155 AA10 BA11 JB06 KA18 KA19 KA40 LA02 LA14 LA16 LB29 LB30 LB31 LB34 MA03 MA05 MA06 5K048 AA04 BA01 CA08 DA02 DC04 DC07 EA11 EB02 EB12 FB08 FB10 FC01 GB03 HA01 HA02 HA05 HA07 HA13 HA21

Claims (11)

[Claims] A host connected to the host via a communication line, the host including a laundry device database for storing emergency operation information relating to the laundry device to be managed, the host being connected to the host via the communication line, Laundry equipment control that accesses the laundry equipment database through the host when an abnormality occurs in the laundry equipment and receives emergency operation information from the host necessary for causing the laundry equipment to perform emergency operation according to the content of the abnormality. Laundry equipment control system consisting of equipment. 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a failure analysis unit configured to analyze a content of the abnormality when the abnormality occurs in the laundry equipment and to estimate a failure part. 2. The laundry equipment control system according to claim 1, wherein the system is configured to receive operation information from a host. 3. The laundry machine according to claim 1, wherein the laundry machine control device further comprises a display means for displaying when the laundry machine performs an emergency operation based on the emergency operation information. Equipment control system. 4. A laundry machine comprising: a detergent dispenser having a detergent reservoir and a finish reservoir; a first valve opened when water is supplied through the detergent reservoir; and water supplied through the finish reservoir. A double water supply valve comprising a second valve opened to the water supply valve control means for controlling the opening and closing of the double water supply valve, and in the event of an abnormal operation of the first valve, the laundry equipment control device The laundry device control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an emergency operation of supplying water by opening the second valve is performed. 5. The laundry device control device further comprises display means for displaying that a soft finish cannot be used when the laundry device executes an emergency operation corresponding to an abnormal operation of the first valve. The laundry equipment control system according to claim 4, wherein 6. A laundry machine comprising: a water level sensor for detecting a water level in a water tank; and a water supply / drainage control means for executing a water supply / drainage operation based on a detection result of the water level sensor. The laundry equipment control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when an occurrence occurs, the laundry equipment control device causes the water supply / drainage control means to execute an emergency operation in which the water supply / drainage operation is time-controlled. 7. A storage means for storing each of a water supply flow rate and a drainage flow rate, wherein the water supply and drainage control means sets a water supply time based on the water supply flow rate and sets a drainage time based on the water discharge flow rate. The laundry device control system according to claim 6, wherein 8. A laundry machine comprising: a heater for warming washing water; and a heater control means for controlling power supply to the heater. If an abnormality occurs based on an abnormal operation of the heater, the laundry machine controller 4. The laundry equipment control system according to claim 1, wherein the emergency control means executes an emergency operation that prohibits the heater control unit from energizing the heater. 9. A laundry machine includes a motor for rotating a rotary tub, a motor control means for controlling the speed of the motor, and an elastic support means for elastically supporting the water tub, wherein an abnormality occurs in the elastic support means. In this case, the laundry equipment control device executes an emergency operation control in which the motor control means drives the motor to rotate at a lower rotation speed than usual during the spin-drying operation. 2. The laundry equipment control system according to item 1. 10. The laundry machine is provided with a lid opening / closing detecting means, and when the lid opening / closing detecting means has an abnormality, the laundry machine control device executes an emergency operation without performing a dehydrating operation. The laundry equipment control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: 11. A failure analysis means for analyzing a content of an abnormality and estimating a failure part when an abnormality occurs, and a control means for executing an emergency operation according to the failure part estimated by the failure analysis means. Laundry equipment comprising: