CN120649269A - Laundry machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a clothing processing machine that can achieve improved convenience. The clothing processing machine of an embodiment includes a housing, a closing component, a locking mechanism, a communication unit, and a control unit. The housing has an opening into which clothing can be put. The closing component closes the opening in an openable and closable manner. The locking mechanism can switch between an open state that allows the closing component to change from a closed state to an open state and a restricted state that restricts the closing component to the closed state. The communication unit can communicate with the outside of the clothing processing device. The control unit controls the locking mechanism and the communication unit. The restriction unit allows acceptance of a prescribed operation from the outside via the communication unit when the locking mechanism is in the restricted state, and restricts acceptance of the prescribed operation via the communication unit when the locking mechanism is in the open state.

Description

Laundry machine

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a laundry machine.

Background

A washing machine capable of performing a setting operation from a separate place using a terminal device is known. Such a laundry machine is expected to further improve convenience.

Prior art literature

Patent literature

Patent document 1 Japanese patent laid-open No. 2020-162817

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

The present invention provides a clothes treating machine capable of improving convenience.

Means for solving the problems

The laundry machine according to the embodiment includes a casing, a closing member, a locking mechanism, a communication unit, and a control unit. The case has an opening into which laundry can be put. The closing member closes the opening portion so as to be openable and closable. The locking mechanism is transitionable between an open state that allows the closure member to be changed from a closed state to an open state and a restrained state that restrains the closure member to the closed state. The communication part is capable of communicating with the outside of the laundry treating apparatus. The control section controls the lock mechanism and the communication section. The restricting portion allows a predetermined operation to be received from the outside via the communication portion when the lock mechanism is in the restricting state, and restricts the predetermined operation to be received via the communication portion when the lock mechanism is in the opening state.

Effects of the invention

According to the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide a laundry machine capable of achieving improvement in convenience.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a laundry treatment system according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a front view illustrating a washing machine of an embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a front view illustrating a washing machine of an embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view illustrating a washing machine of an embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a plan view schematically showing the lock mechanism of the embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a plan view schematically showing the lock mechanism of the embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a top view showing a display and an operating system of the embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a display screen of the terminal device according to the embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing a control system according to an embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of the embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of an operation of turning on the power supply according to the embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of power-off according to the embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a plan view showing a display example of the embodiment.

Fig. 14 is a plan view showing a display example of the embodiment.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, a laundry machine according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to components having the same or similar functions. In addition, a repetitive description of these structures may be omitted. In the present application, "based on XX" means "based at least on XX", and may include a case based on other elements in addition to XX. The term "XX" is not limited to the case where XX is directly used, but may include the case where XX is calculated and processed. In the present application, "XX or YY" is not limited to either of XX and YY, and may include both XX and YY. The same applies to the case where the number of selection elements is 3 or more. XX and YY are arbitrary elements (e.g., arbitrary information).

In the present application, "acquisition" is not limited to the case of transmitting and actively acquiring a transmission request, but may include the case of acquiring information transmitted from another device by passive reception. The term "acquiring" may include a case where information of a target is generated by performing an operation, processing, or the like on information obtained from the outside, and information of the target is obtained.

(Embodiment)

<1 > Integral construction of clothes treatment System

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a laundry treatment system 1 according to a first embodiment. The laundry processing system 1 includes, for example, the washing machine 100, the server 200, and the home appliance management application AP of the terminal device 300. The network NW described later may be, for example, the internet, a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), WAN (Wide Area Network), LAN (Local Area Network), or other public lines, private lines, or the like, depending on the situation.

The washing machine 100 is an electric device used in a house of a user U. The washing machine 100 is an example of a "laundry machine". A "laundry machine" broadly refers to a device that performs certain treatments on laundry (e.g., one or more of washing, drying, wrinkle removal, crease strengthening, deodorizing, pollen removal, dust removal, or sterilization, etc.). The laundry machine is, for example, a washing machine, but a closet type washing machine or the like is also suitable. In the present application, the "washing machine" may be a washing and drying machine having a drying function or a washing machine not having a drying function. Hereinafter, a drum-type washing machine will be described as an example of the washing machine 100. However, the washing machine 100 is not limited to the drum type washing machine, and may be a vertical type washing machine, a twin tub type washing machine, or the like.

The washing machine 100 is connected to the network NW via a wireless router WR and a modem M provided in the house of the user U. The washing machine 100 can communicate with the server 200 or the terminal device 300 via the network NW. The washing machine 100 may directly communicate with the terminal device 300 via the network NW or by using short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

The server 200 is a management server that manages the washing machine 100. Server 200 is made up of one or more server devices (e.g., cloud servers). The server 200 can communicate with the washing machine 100 or the terminal device 300 via the network NW. The server 200 may include an information processing unit that performs edge calculation and fog calculation, such as an information processing unit included in a router in the network NW. The server 200 is not limited to the cloud server, and may be a computer located in the house of the user U, a router in the home (for example, a wireless router WR), or the like.

The terminal apparatus 300 is an electronic device used by the user U. The terminal device 300 is a portable terminal device such as a smart phone or a tablet terminal device, for example. However, the terminal device 300 is not limited to the portable terminal device, and may be a personal computer or the like. The terminal device 300 includes, for example, a display device 301, an input device 302, and a communication unit 303.

The display device 301 has a display screen 301a capable of displaying various information. The input device 302 can accept an input from the user U. The input device 302 is, for example, a touch panel provided to overlap with the display screen 301a of the display device 301. The input device 302 may include a camera, a microphone, etc. provided in the terminal device 300. The communication unit 303 is a communication module capable of wireless communication. The communication unit 303 is connected to the network NW via the wireless router WR and the modem M or directly. The communication unit 303 can communicate with the washing machine 100 or the server 200 via the network NW. As described above, the communication unit 303 may directly communicate with the washing machine 100 via the network NW or by using short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth.

The application P is installed in the terminal device 300, and functions described below are supported. The application P is, for example, an application for managing the washing machine 100. Hereinafter, application software started by executing the application program P is referred to as "home appliance management application AP". The application program P is an example of a "program".

<2 > Integral construction of washing machine

Next, the overall configuration of the washing machine 100 will be described.

Fig. 2 and 3 are front views showing the washing machine 100. As shown in fig. 2 and 3, a door 12 is provided on a front surface of a casing 11 of the washing machine 100 to be openable and closable. Fig. 2 shows a state (closed state) in which the door 12 is closed with respect to an opening 11a of the housing 11 described later. On the other hand, fig. 3 shows a state (open state) in which the door 12 is opened with respect to the opening 11a of the case 11. The door 12 is an example of a "closing member".

The washing machine 100 is provided with a display/input unit 41. The display/input unit 41 includes a display portion 41a and an operation portion 41b. The display unit 41a is a display device that displays various information. The display portion 41a may be a liquid crystal display having a display screen, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence: electroluminescence) display, or the like, or may be a lighting portion having a plurality of light emitting diodes, or the like. The operation unit 41b is a functional unit for receiving an operation of the user U related to the operation, reservation, or the like of the washing machine 100. The operation unit 41b may be a touch panel that is superimposed on the display unit 41a, or may be a physical button, dial, or the like that is provided on the casing 11.

The washing machine 100 is provided with, for example, a power button 45a as a part of the operation portion 41 b. The power button 45a can receive an operation of the user U to switch the washing machine 100 from the power-on state (power-on state) to the power-off state (power-off state) or to switch the washing machine 100 from the power-off state to the power-on state. In the present application, the "power-on state" refers to a state in which a main function (e.g., a washing operation) of the washing machine 100 can be performed. On the other hand, in the present application, the "power-off state" refers to a state in which all the communication functions including the communication section 44 are stopped.

In the present embodiment, the power button 45a can receive an operation of the user U to switch the washing machine 100 from the power-on state to the power-saving state (standby state of remote operation) when communication with the outside through the communication unit 44 described later is set (for example, when the on-line mode is set). The power button 45a is capable of receiving an operation of the user U to switch the washing machine 100 from the power saving state to the power on state. The power saving state is a state in which a main function (for example, a washing operation) of the washing machine 100 cannot be performed, but a part of functions such as a communication function of the communication unit 44 can be maintained. The power button 45a is an example of a "power operation unit".

In addition, the washing machine 100 is provided with a start/pause button 45b as a part of the operation section 41b, for example. The start/pause button 45b can receive an operation of the user U to start or temporarily stop the operation of the washing machine 100.

As shown in fig. 3, a convex portion 71 is provided on the back surface of the door 12. Further, a lock mechanism 13 is provided at a position of the case 11 corresponding to the projection 71. When the protruding portion 71 engages with the lock mechanism 13 with the door 12 in the closed state, the door 12 is restricted to the closed state.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view showing the washing machine 100. The washing machine 100 has, for example, a cabinet 11, a door 12, a locking mechanism 13, a tub 14, a drum 15, a motor 16, a water supply valve 21, a water filling box 22, a drain pipe 25, a drain valve 26, a main pipe 31, a front pipe 32, a fan housing 33, a blower 34, a rear pipe 35, a heat pump 36, a display/input unit 41, a vibration sensor unit 42, a heat pump control unit 43, a communication section 44, and a main control unit 50.

The case 11 is a hollow case. A front plate of the case 11 is formed with a through-hole-like opening 11a. The user U using the washing machine 100 can put laundry, which is an object to be washed, into the casing 11 through the opening 11a. A door 12 is mounted on the front plate of the case 11. The door 12 closes the opening 11a to be openable and closable. The door 12 is an example of a "closing member". In the case of the vertical washing machine, the lid member that openably closes the opening 11a in the upper portion of the casing 11 corresponds to an example of a "closing member".

A locking mechanism 13 is provided in association with the door 12. The lock mechanism 13 is capable of transitioning between an unlock state (open state) that allows the door 12 to be changed from a closed state to an open state and a lock state (restricted state) that restricts the door 12 to the closed state. When the lock mechanism 13 is in the unlocked state (open state), the user U can manually open and close the door 12, for example. On the other hand, when the lock mechanism 13 is in the locked state (restricted state), the user U cannot open or close the door 12.

A tub 14 is fixed inside the cabinet 11. A drum 15 as a tub is accommodated inside the tub 14. A motor 16 for rotating the drum 15 is fixed to the rear plate of the tub 14.

A water supply valve 21 is fixed to the inside of the tank 11. The inlet of the water supply valve 21 is connected to a tap of a tap water pipe. The water supply valve 21 is switched between an open state and a closed state according to the rotation amount of the motor provided in the water supply valve 21. The outlet of the water supply valve 21 is connected to a water filling cartridge 22. The water filling box 22 has a cylindrical water filling port 22a. The water filling port 22a is inserted into the inside of the tub 14. Tap water injected from the water supply valve 21 to the water injection box 22 is injected from the water injection port 22a into the inside of the tub 14.

An upper end of the drain pipe 25 is connected to the tub 14. The drain pipe 25 is provided with a drain valve 26. The drain valve 26 is switched between an open state and a closed state according to the rotation amount of the motor provided in the drain valve 26.

A main pipe 31 is fixed to the bottom plate of the case 11. A lower end portion of a front pipe 32 is connected to a front end portion of the main pipe 31. The upper end of the front duct 32 is connected to the inside of the tub 14. A fan casing 33 is fixed to the rear end portion of the main pipe 31. The fan housing 33 is provided with a blower 34. A lower end portion of the rear duct 35 is connected to an exhaust port of the fan housing 33. The upper end of the rear duct 35 is connected to the tub 14.

A heat pump 36 is provided inside the tank 11. The heat pump 36 is a heating device provided in the main pipe 31 and having a compressor 36 a. The heat pump 36 heats the dry wind passing through the main pipe 31. In addition, the washing machine 100 may have a heater for heating the drying air instead of the heat pump 36.

The display/input unit 41 is provided to the casing 11. The display/input unit 41 includes the display portion 41a and the operation portion 41b described above.

The vibration sensor unit 42 is provided to the tub 14, and is a sensor unit that detects vibration of the tub 14. The vibration sensor unit 42 detects, for example, acceleration acting on the tub 14. The heat pump control unit 43 is provided in association with the heat pump 36, and is a control unit that controls the heat pump 36. The heat pump control unit 43 controls the operation of the heat pump 36 (for example, the operation of the compressor 36 a) based on the detection result of the temperature of the drying wind passing through the main pipe 31.

The communication unit 44 can communicate with the outside of the washing machine 100. For example, the communication unit 44 is a communication module (e.g., a network connection adapter) for communicating with the external server 200. The communication unit 44 transmits and receives information related to the washing machine 100 to and from the server 200. The communication unit 44 is connected to the network NW via, for example, a wireless router WR and a modem M provided in the same house of the user U as the washing machine 100, and can communicate with the server 200 via the network NW.

The communication unit 44 transmits and receives predetermined information to and from the server 200. The information transmitted from the communication unit 44 to the server 200 is the state, operation history, abnormality information, or the like of the washing machine 100. On the other hand, the information transmitted from the server 200 to the communication unit 44 is, for example, information related to an operation performed by the user U using the terminal device 300. For example, the information transmitted from the server 200 to the communication unit 44, the setting of the reserved operation of the washing machine 100, the operation of turning on the power supply of the washing machine 100, the operation of starting the operation of the washing machine 100, and the like.

In the present application, the term "operation of the power-on mode" refers broadly to an operation that appears to be powered on when viewed from the user U. For example, in the present application, the "operation of turning on the power supply" is not limited to the operation of switching the washing machine 100 from the power-off state (power-off state) to the power-on state (power-on state), and may correspond to the operation of returning to the normal state (normal power-on state) from the power-saving state (standby state). In another aspect, in the present application, the "operation of the power-on mode" means that, of the plurality of functions of the washing machine 100, power is supplied to at least a part of the functions (for example, a function for executing a washing operation) in which the power is turned off in a power saving state (standby state).

In the same manner, in the present application, "operation of the power-off mode" broadly refers to an operation that appears to be power-off when viewed from the user U. For example, in the present application, the "operation of turning off the power supply" is not limited to the operation of switching the washing machine 100 from the power on state (power on state) to the power off state (power off state), and may correspond to the operation of switching from the normal state (normal power on state) to the power saving state (standby state). In another aspect, the "operation of the power-off mode" in the present application means that, of the plurality of functions of the washing machine 100, at least a part of the functions (for example, functions for executing a washing operation) in which the power source is turned off in the power saving state (standby state) is stopped.

The communication unit 44 is a component capable of performing power supply control (capable of switching the power supply to an off state) independently of the power supply of the main function of the washing machine 100 (for example, the power supply of the main microcomputer 52). For example, the washing machine 100 can be set to a mode (offline mode) in which communication with the server 200 is not performed based on the operation of the user U. When the washing machine 100 is set to the off-line mode, the main microcomputer 52 transmits a signal for turning off the power supply of the communication unit 44 to the communication unit 44. When the communication unit 44 receives the signal, the power supply of the communication unit 44 is turned off. Thus, the power supply of the main function of the washing machine 100 is kept on, and the power supply of the communication unit 44 is turned off.

The main control unit 50 is a control unit that integrally controls the entire washing machine 100. The main control unit 50 includes a circuit substrate 51 and a main microcomputer 52. The main microcomputer 52 is mounted on the circuit board 51. The main microcomputer 52 integrally controls the washing machine 100. The main microcomputer 52 controls the lock mechanism 13, the motor 16, the water supply valve 21, the drain valve 26, the blower 34, the display/input unit 41, the heat pump control unit 43, the communication unit 44, and the like.

<3 > Locking mechanism >

Next, the lock mechanism 13 will be described.

Fig. 5 and 6 are plan views schematically showing the lock mechanism 13. Fig. 5 shows an unlocked state. Fig. 6 shows a locked state.

As shown in fig. 5 and 6, the lock mechanism 13 includes, for example, an open/close detection switch 80, an engagement portion 81, a solenoid 82, an operating element 83, a spring 84, a lock pawl 85, a lock pawl movable mechanism 86, a lock detection switch 87, and a spring 88.

The open/close detection switch 80 is a sensing portion that senses the open/close state of the door 12. For example, when the door 12 is closed, the protrusion 80a of the opening/closing detection switch 80 contacts the door 12, and the opening/closing detection switch 80 is turned to an on state (see fig. 6). On the other hand, when the door 12 is opened, the protrusion 80a of the opening/closing detection switch 80 is separated from the door 12, and the opening/closing detection switch 80 is turned to the off state (see fig. 5). The state of the opening/closing detection switch 80 changes according to the opening/closing state of the door 12, whereby the opening/closing state of the door 12 can be sensed. The opening/closing detection switch 80 may be provided outside the lock mechanism 13.

The engagement portion 81 engages with the projection 71 (see fig. 3) of the door 12 in the closed state. A locking claw 85 is provided in the engagement portion 81. The lock pawl 85 is biased in the direction of arrow Q1 by a spring 88. When the lock mechanism 13 is in the unlocked state (see fig. 5), the lock pawl 85 is located at a position separated from the engagement portion 81. The lock pawl 85 moves up and down in conjunction with the movement of the operating member 83 by the lock pawl movable mechanism 86.

The movable piece 82a of the solenoid 82 is connected to the operating element 83, and moves the operating element 83 in the direction of arrow P1. The operating element 83 is provided with a knocking cam mechanism. The striking cam mechanism is a mechanism that alternately changes the position returned after the application of force to the acting element 83 between the first position L1 and the second position L2. The operating element 83 is biased in the direction of arrow P2 by a spring 84.

When the lock mechanism 13 is in the unlocked state (see fig. 5), the lock pawl 85 is positioned at a position separated from the engagement portion 81 due to the tension of the spring 88. From this state, the operating element 83 is moved in the direction of arrow P1 by the movable piece 82a of the solenoid 82, and when the operating element 83 is moved to the second position L2, the lock pawl 85 is moved in the direction of arrow Q2 by the lock pawl movable mechanism 86 as shown in fig. 6. Thereby, the locking claw 85 protrudes into the engaging portion 81, and the locking mechanism 13 is shifted to the locked state.

On the other hand, when the driving of the solenoid 82 is stopped, the acting element 83 is to return in the direction of arrow P2 due to the tension of the spring 84. At this time, the position where the acting member 83 returns alternately shifts between the first position L1 and the second position L2 every time the solenoid 82 is driven by the knocking cam mechanism. When the lock mechanism 13 is shifted from the unlock state (see fig. 5) to the lock state (see fig. 6), the position where the operating piece 83 returns is restricted to the second position L2. In this case, the state in which the locking claw 85 protrudes into the engaging portion 81 is continued, and even when the power supply to the locking mechanism 13 (for example, the power supply to the solenoid 82) is stopped at this time, the locking mechanism 13 maintains the locked state.

When the operation member 83 is moved in the direction of arrow P1 by the movable piece 82a of the solenoid 82 from the locked state shown in fig. 6, the operation member 83 is intended to return in the direction of arrow P2 by the tension of the spring 84 when the driving of the solenoid 82 is stopped. When the state is shifted from the locked state (see fig. 6) to the unlocked state (see fig. 5), the acting element 83 returns to the first position L1. In this case, as shown in fig. 5, the locking claw 85 is disengaged from the engagement portion 81, and the locking mechanism 13 is shifted to the unlocked state. When the lock mechanism 13 is shifted from the locked state (see fig. 6) to the unlocked state (see fig. 5), the return position of the operating element 83 is restricted to the first position L1. In this case, the state in which the locking claw 85 is disengaged from the engagement portion 81 continues, and even when the power supply to the locking mechanism 13 (for example, the power supply to the solenoid 82) is stopped at this time, the locking mechanism 13 is maintained in the unlocked state.

In this way, the lock mechanism 13 alternately shifts to a locked state in which the lock pawl 85 protrudes into the engagement portion 81 and an unlocked state in which the lock pawl 85 is disengaged from the engagement portion 81 each time the solenoid 82 is driven. In addition, the locked state or the unlocked state is maintained even after the power of the solenoid 82 is cut off.

The lock detection switch 87 is shifted between an on state and an off state according to the state of the lock mechanism 13 (e.g., the position of the acting piece 83). As shown in fig. 5, when the lock mechanism 13 is in the unlock state, the operating element 83 is located at the first position L1, and the lock detection switch 87 is turned off. On the other hand, when the lock mechanism 13 is in the locked state, the operating element 83 is in the second position L2, and the lock detection switch 87 is in the on state. Thereby, whether the lock mechanism 13 is in the locked state or the unlocked state can be determined based on the state of the lock detection switch 87.

<4. Display and input System >

Next, a display and an input system will be described.

In the present embodiment, a display/input unit 41 is provided in the casing 11 of the washing machine 100. In addition, the cabinet 11 of the washing machine 100 is provided with a power button 45a and a start/pause button 45b.

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a display and input system disposed in the main body of the washing machine 100. As shown in fig. 7, a plurality of operation buttons B are arranged as a plurality of operation sections in the display/input unit 41. For example, in the display/input unit 41, as part of the plurality of operation buttons B, a bath water setting button B1, a hot water setting button B2, a detergent usage amount setting button B3, a softener usage amount setting button B4, and a reservation setting button B5 are arranged. In addition, as part of the plurality of operation buttons B, the display/input unit 41 is provided with a washing stroke setting button B6, a rinsing stroke setting button B7, a dehydration stroke setting button B8, a drying stroke setting button B9, a washing operation selection button B10, a washing drying operation selection button B11, and a drying operation selection button B12.

In the display/input unit 41, a remote standby button B13 is disposed as a part of the operation button B. The remote standby button B13 is a button for making the washing machine 100 transition to a special state (special standby state) for performing a remote operation. The special state is a state in which the user U receives no input to the operation unit (the operation unit 41b, the power button 45a, and the start/pause button 45 b) provided in the casing 11 of the washing machine 100, and receives an operation from the outside via the communication unit 44.

In addition, a display area D is provided in the display/input unit 41. Various setting states and operation states are displayed in the display area D. Further, a reservation setting time, a washing and drying end time, and the like are displayed in the display area D. In addition, various warnings are displayed in the display area D.

Further, the washing machine 100 can be operated using the terminal device 300 by communicating with the terminal device 300 via the server 200, for example. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a display screen 301a of the terminal apparatus 300. When the home appliance management application AP of the terminal apparatus 300 is started, a display screen 301a shown in fig. 8 is displayed. The home appliance management application AP performs display of the operation unit described below and reception of an operation of the displayed operation unit by the user U.

As shown in fig. 8, on the screen of the terminal apparatus 300, as an operation unit for receiving an operation of the user U, a setting button 311a, a reservation setting button 311b, a setting button 311c for washing/softening agent, a power button 311d, and a start/pause button 311e for a washing program are displayed. The setting buttons 311a, 311b, 311c for the washing program and the washing/softening agent are hierarchically structured, and when the buttons 311a to 311c are pressed, a more detailed setting screen is displayed.

The power button 311d is a button that can receive the same operation as the power button 45a of the washing machine 100. For example, when communication with the outside through the communication unit 44 is set (for example, when the use setting of the wireless router WR is made), the power button 311d can receive an operation of the user U to switch the washing machine 100 from the power-on state to the power-saving state (standby state for remote operation). The power button 311d is capable of receiving an operation of the user U to switch the washing machine 100 from the power saving state (standby state) to the power on state.

The start/pause button 311e is a button capable of accepting the same operation as the start/pause button 45 b. For example, the start/pause button 311e can receive an operation of the user U to start or temporarily stop the operation of the washing machine 100.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the operation of turning on/off the power supply of the washing machine 100 and the operation of starting/suspending the operation can be performed by the power supply button 45a and the start/suspend button 45b of the main body of the washing machine 100, and can be performed by using the power supply button 311d and the start/suspend button 311e of the terminal device 300.

<5 Control System >

Next, a control system will be described.

Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the washing machine 100. As shown in fig. 9, the communication unit 44 is connected to the control unit 52. The communication unit 44 transmits the transmission data TXD from the control unit 52 to the terminal device 300. The communication unit 44 also transmits the reception data RXD received from the external terminal device 300 to the control unit 52. Further, the communication unit 44 can transmit a power saving state release signal wake_up to the control unit 52. When receiving the power saving state release signal wake_up, the control unit 52 transitions from the power saving state (standby state for remote operation) to the normal state.

The display/input unit 41 is connected to the control unit 52. The display/input unit 41 includes a display portion 41a and an operation portion 41b. An operation input signal is sent from the operation unit 41b to the control unit 52. The control unit 52 transmits a display signal to the display unit 41 a.

Further, an operation signal associated with power on and power off is transmitted from the power button 45a to the control unit 52. Further, an operation signal associated with the start and pause is sent from the start/pause button 45b to the control section 52.

The control unit 52 is connected to an open/close detection switch 80, a lock detection switch 87, and a solenoid 82 of the lock mechanism 13. The control unit 52 determines the open/close state of the door 12 based on the state of the open/close detection switch 80. The control unit 52 determines whether the lock mechanism 13 is in the unlock state or the lock state based on the state of the lock detection switch 87. The control unit 52 drives the solenoid 82 to switch the lock mechanism 13 to the locked state or the unlocked state.

In the present embodiment, the lock detection switch 87 is disposed in the power supply path between the communication power supply unit 92 and the communication unit 44. This is to restrict the operation of the communication unit 44 when the lock mechanism 13 is in the unlocked state. This content will be described later.

The control unit 52 controls the washing/drying unit 95. The washing/drying processor 95 controls the motor 16, the heat pump 36, the water supply valve 21, the drain valve 26, and the like according to the operation mode, reservation setting, and the like, and executes various processes when performing the washing operation and the drying operation.

The control unit 52 controls the power supply unit 90. The power supply section 90 includes a main power supply section 91 and a communication power supply section 92. The main power supply unit 91 generates power for each unit necessary for the operation of the main function of the washing machine 100 from the commercial power supply 96. The communication power supply unit 92 generates power necessary for the communication unit 44. The communication power supply unit 92 can set on/off of the power supply independently of the main power supply unit 91. The communication power supply unit 92 can supply electric power to the communication unit 44 via the lock detection switch 87, for example. The communication power supply unit 92 can supply power to the functional unit associated with communication in the control unit 52 (main microcomputer 52). As the communication power supply 92, a battery may be used.

In the power saving state (standby state of remote operation) of the washing machine 100, the power supply to the respective parts (the motor 16, the heat pump 36, etc.) of the washing machine 100 is stopped, and the power supply to the display part 41a and the operation part 41b is also stopped. In addition, in the power saving state (standby state of remote operation) of the washing machine 100, the supply of electric power to the relevant functions such as the clock oscillation circuit used for the control of the main microcomputer 52 is also stopped.

In the power-on state of the washing machine 100, power can be supplied to each part of the washing machine 100, and power can also be supplied to the display part 41a and the operation part 41b. In addition, in the power-on state of the washing machine 100, a clock is generated at a normal frequency in the clock oscillation circuit.

The control unit 52 performs processing for realizing the following functions. (1) When the power button 45a of the washing machine 100 is operated in such a manner as to cut off the power, the control unit 52 changes the lock mechanism 13 to the locked state, and maintains the communication function of the communication unit 44. For example, when communication with the outside through the communication unit 44 is set (for example, when the on-line mode is set), when the power button 45a of the washing machine 100 is operated to cut off the power, the control unit 52 drives the solenoid 82 to switch the lock mechanism 13 to the lock state and switch the washing machine 100 from the power on state to the power saving state. On the other hand, when communication with the outside through the communication unit 44 is not set (for example, when the off-line mode is set), when the power button 45a of the washing machine 100 is operated in such a manner as to cut off the power, the control unit 52 changes the washing machine 100 from the power on state to the power off state while maintaining the lock mechanism 13 in the unlocked state.

(2) When the power button 45a of the washing machine 100 is operated in the power-off mode, the control unit 52 does not receive the operation in the power-off mode and notifies of an abnormality when the open/close detection switch 80 detects that the door 12 is in the open state. For example, as an example of the notification of the abnormality, the control unit 52 causes the display unit 41a to display a warning indicating that the door 12 is open, and outputs a warning indicating that the door 12 is open by sound from a speaker (or a voice conversation device provided separately) provided in the washing machine 100.

(3) When the power button 45a of the washing machine 100 is operated to turn on the power, the control unit 52 changes the lock mechanism 13 from the locked state to the unlocked state.

(4) When the power button 45a of the washing machine 100 is operated to turn on the power when the lock mechanism 13 is in the locked state, the control unit 52 changes the lock mechanism 13 from the locked state to the unlocked state. On the other hand, when the lock mechanism 13 is in the lock state and in the above-described special standby state, if the power button 45a of the washing machine 100 is operated to turn on the power, the control unit 52 does not receive the operation, but maintains the lock mechanism 13 in the lock state.

(5) When the power button 45a of the washing machine 100 is operated to turn on the power when the lock mechanism 13 is in the locked state, the control unit 52 changes the lock mechanism 13 from the locked state to the unlocked state. On the other hand, when the predetermined operation is performed in a state that is limited by the limiting unit 60 (described later) when a predetermined operation (for example, an operation to switch the washing machine 100 to the power-on state using the terminal device 300) is received from the outside via the communication unit 44, the control unit 52 maintains the lock mechanism 13 in the locked state.

(6) The control unit 52 may be configured to change the lock mechanism 13 from the locked state to the unlocked state when a predetermined operation (for example, an operation of changing the washing machine 100 to the power-on state using the terminal device 300) is received from the outside via the communication unit 44, and when the predetermined operation is performed in a state that is limited by the limiting unit 60 (described later) and when a predetermined condition relating to the condition that the user U is located within a predetermined distance (for example, within a certain distance) from the washing machine 100 is satisfied. The predetermined condition associated with the presence of the user U within the predetermined distance from the washing machine 100 is satisfied, for example, when the communication of the terminal device 300 is completed by the communication in the house of the user U using the wireless router WR, when the position information of the terminal device 300 (for example, the position information using GNSS (Global Navigation SATELLITE SYSTEM: global navigation satellite system)) corresponds to the house of the user U, or the like. The predetermined condition related to the presence of the user U within the predetermined distance from the washing machine 100 may be that, when the user U is sensed by a human sensor provided in the washing machine 100 or another home appliance, the use of another home appliance disposed in the same house is sensed in a time zone which is the latest time zone within a predetermined time.

(7) The control unit 52 can be shifted to a special state (special standby state) in which it receives an operation from the outside via the communication unit 44 without receiving an input to the operation unit (the operation unit 41b, the power button 45a, or the start/pause button 45 b) of the washing machine 100. In the above-described special state, when the lock mechanism 13 is in the locked state, an operation performed from the outside via the communication unit 44 is received from the terminal device 300.

<6 > Restriction portion >

Next, the restricting portion 60 will be described.

As shown in fig. 9, the lock detection switch 87 is disposed in the power supply path between the communication power supply section 92 and the communication section 44. Thus, an example of the restriction portion 60 is realized.

The restriction unit 60 allows the predetermined operation to be received from the outside via the communication unit 44 when the lock mechanism 13 is in the locked state, and restricts the predetermined operation to be received via the communication unit 44 when the lock mechanism 13 is in the unlocked state. For example, the restriction unit 60 restricts reception of a predetermined operation via the communication unit 44 in association with the lock mechanism 13 being in the unlock state from the lock state. Here, the predetermined operation is, for example, an operation of turning the washing machine 100 into a power-on state using the terminal device 300, an operation of starting the operation of the washing machine 100 using the terminal device 300, or the like.

In the present embodiment, the communication power supply unit 92 can be controlled independently of the main power supply unit 91. Even in a state where power is not supplied from the main power supply portion 91 (the above-described power saving state), the communication power supply portion 92 can be moved.

When the lock mechanism 13 is in the locked state, the lock detection switch 87 is turned on. Accordingly, the power supply Vdd is supplied from the communication power supply section 92 to the communication section 44. Thus, the communication unit 44 is in a movable state, and can receive an operation signal input from the terminal device 300 via the communication unit 44.

On the other hand, when the lock mechanism 13 is shifted from the locked state to the unlocked state, the lock detection switch 87 is turned off. Therefore, no power is supplied to the communication unit 44. Thus, the communication unit 44 is no longer movable, and reception of the operation signal input from the terminal device 300 via the communication unit 44 is restricted.

In this way, the restriction portion 60 includes the lock detection switch 87 (switching portion), and the physical or electrical state of the lock detection switch 87 is changed between the case where the lock mechanism 13 is in the unlocked state and the case where the lock mechanism 13 is in the locked state. The communication unit 44 is configured to switch between a first state in which the predetermined operation is permitted to be accepted and a second state in which the predetermined operation is restricted from being accepted, based on the state of the lock detection switch 87. The lock detection switch 87 (switching unit) may be any member whose physical state or electrical state is changed between the unlocked state of the lock mechanism 13 and the locked state of the lock mechanism 13. The switching unit may be a member provided outside the lock mechanism 13.

In the present embodiment, the second state is a state in which the communication by the communication unit 44 is restricted to limit the predetermined operation. In the present embodiment, the second state is a state in which the communication of the communication unit 44 is restricted by cutting off the power supply to the communication unit 44.

The communication power supply unit 92 can be controlled independently of the main power supply unit 91, and can operate even in the above-described power saving state (remote operation standby state). In addition, even after the supply of electric power to the lock mechanism 13 is stopped, the lock mechanism 13 is maintained in the locked state or the unlocked state. Therefore, the restriction unit 60 can perform operation control of the communication unit 44 even in the above-described power saving state (standby state of remote operation).

<7. Flow of control >

Next, a control flow of the present embodiment will be described.

In the present embodiment, the operation of the power supply mode of the washing machine 100, the operation of starting the operation of the washing machine 100, and the operation of temporarily stopping the operation of the washing machine 100 can be performed by the power button 45a and the start/pause button 45b of the washing machine 100, and can be performed by using the power button 311d and the start/pause button 311e of the terminal device 300.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a control flow in the case where the terminal apparatus 300 performs an operation in the present embodiment. When the predetermined operation is received from the terminal device 300, the washing machine 100 is in a power saving state (a standby state for remote operation) (step S1). In the standby state, the main power supply 91 is turned off.

In order to turn the washing machine 100 to the power on state, the user U using the washing machine 100 operates the power button 311d of the terminal device 300 (step S2). When the power button 311d of the terminal device 300 is operated, an operation signal to perform power-on (an operation signal for turning the washing machine 100 into a power-on state) is transmitted from the terminal device 300 to the washing machine 100 via the server 200.

When the power button 311d of the terminal device 300 is operated to instruct the power on, the process is branched according to whether or not the lock mechanism 13 is in the locked state (step S3). That is, when the lock mechanism 13 of the washing machine 100 is in the locked state (yes in step S3), the lock detection switch 87 is in the on state, and power is supplied from the communication power supply unit 92 to the communication unit 44. On the other hand, when the lock mechanism 13 of the washing machine 100 is in the unlock state (no in step S3), the lock detection switch 87 is in the off state, and no electric power is supplied from the communication power supply unit 92 to the communication unit 44.

Accordingly, when the lock mechanism 13 is in the locked state (yes in step S3), the communication unit 44 receives the power-on operation signal, and the operation of switching the washing machine 100 to the power-on state is performed (step S4). In this operation, for example, the communication unit 44 transmits a power saving state release signal wake_up to the control unit 52. The control unit 52 transitions from the power saving state to the normal state by the power saving state release signal wake_up. Then, the communication unit 44 transmits an operation signal for turning on the power to the control unit 52, and turns the washing machine 100 into the power-on state. When the power-on operation is completed, the main power supply unit 91 is started to supply power to the respective units.

On the other hand, if the lock mechanism 13 is in the unlock state (step S3: no), the communication unit 44 cannot receive the operation signal for turning on the power supply (step S5). Thus, the process ends.

Next, using the start/pause button 311e of the terminal device 300, the user U of the washing machine 100 operates to start the operation of the washing machine 100 (step S6). When the start/pause button 311e of the terminal device 300 is operated, an operation signal to start the execution operation is transmitted from the terminal device 300 to the washing machine 100 via the server 200.

When the start/pause button 311e of the terminal device 300 is operated to instruct the start of operation, the process is branched according to whether or not the lock mechanism 13 is in the locked state (step S7). For example, when the lock mechanism 13 of the washing machine 100 is in the locked state (yes in step S7), the lock detection switch 87 is in the on state, and power is supplied from the communication power supply unit 92 to the communication unit 44. On the other hand, when the lock mechanism 13 of the washing machine 100 is in the unlock state (step S7: no), the lock detection switch 87 is in the off state, and no electric power is supplied from the communication power supply unit 92 to the communication unit 44.

Accordingly, when the lock mechanism 13 is in the locked state (yes in step S7), the communication unit 44 can receive an operation signal to start the operation of the washing machine 100 (step S9).

On the other hand, if the lock mechanism 13 is in the unlock state (step S7: no), the communication unit 44 cannot receive the operation signal for starting the execution operation in step S5 (step S8). Thus, the process ends.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the lock mechanism 13 is in the locked state (open state), the supply of electric power to the communication unit 44 is stopped, and the communication unit 44 cannot receive an operation signal from the outside. Thus, even in an environment where the user U using the washing machine 100 cannot confirm the surroundings of the washing machine 100, safety can be ensured.

Next, the processing of the control unit 52 when the power-on operation is performed will be described.

Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the control unit 52 when the power-on operation is performed.

When the predetermined operation is received from the terminal device 300, the washing machine 100 is in a power saving state (a standby state for remote operation) (step S101). In the standby state, the main power supply 91 is turned off.

The control unit 52 determines whether or not the power-on operation has been performed (step S102). Here, the power-on operation may be performed by the power button 45a of the main body of the washing machine 100 or by the power button 311d of the terminal device 300.

When determining that the power-on operation is performed, the control unit 52 determines whether the power-on operation is performed by the power button 45a of the washing machine 100 or by a remote operation of the operation button 311d of the terminal device 300 (step S103). When the power button 45a of the washing machine 100 is operated to turn on the power (yes in step S103), the control unit 52 turns the lock mechanism 13 to the unlock state (step S106), and turns the washing machine 100 to the power on state (step S107).

When the power-on operation is performed by the power button 311d of the terminal device 300 (step S103: no), the control unit 52 determines whether or not the user U is present within a predetermined distance from the washing machine 100 (step S104). When the user U is present within the predetermined distance (yes in step S104), the control unit 52 changes the lock mechanism 13 to the unlock state (step S106), and changes the washing machine 100 to the power on state (step S107).

On the other hand, when there is no user U within the predetermined distance (no in step S104), the control unit 52 maintains the lock mechanism 13 in the locked state (step S105), and turns the washing machine 100 into the power-on state (step S107).

In this way, when the power button 45a of the main body of the washing machine 100 is operated to turn on the power (yes in step S102 and step S103), the control unit 52 changes the lock mechanism 13 to the unlock state (step S106). Thus, when the user U performs the power-on operation, the door 12 is opened, and the washing and drying operations are immediately performed.

In addition, when the power is turned on by the power button 311d of the terminal apparatus 300 (step S103: NO), the safety can be ensured by maintaining the lock mechanism 13 in the locked state (step S105).

Further, even if the power-on operation is performed by the operation in the terminal device 300, the user U can confirm the peripheral situation of the washing machine 100 as long as the user U is located in the vicinity of the washing machine 100. Therefore, even if the power-on operation is performed by the operation of the terminal device 300, if the user U is located in the vicinity of the washing machine 100 (yes in step S104), the control section 52 sets the lock mechanism 13 to the unlock state (step S105).

Next, the processing of the control unit 52 when the power-off operation is performed will be described.

Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the control unit 52 when the power supply is turned off.

The control unit 52 determines whether or not the power supply off operation is performed (step S201).

When determining that the power-off operation is performed (yes in step S201), the control unit 52 determines whether or not the communication setting on state (that is, whether or not the communication setting on state is the on-line mode or the off-line mode) (step S202). When the communication state is off (in the case of the off-line mode) (step S202: no), the control unit 52 performs a process of turning off the power supply to turn the washing machine 100 into the power supply off state (step S208).

When the communication state is on (in the case of the on-line mode) (yes in step S202), the control unit 52 determines whether the power-off operation is performed by the power button 45a of the washing machine 100 or by a remote operation by the operation button 311d of the terminal device 300 (step S203). When the power-off operation is performed by the remote operation of the operation button 311d of the terminal device 300 (no in step S203), the control unit 52 maintains the lock mechanism 13 in the locked state (step S206), performs the power-off process, and shifts the washing machine 100 to the power-saving state (remote operation standby state) (step S207).

When the power supply is turned off by the power button 45a of the main body of the washing machine 100 (yes in step S203), the control unit 52 determines whether or not the door 12 is in the open state based on the state of the open/close detection switch 80 (step S204).

When the control unit 52 determines that the door 12 is in the open state (yes in step S204), an abnormality indicating that the door 12 is open is displayed on the display unit 41a and notified to the user U (step S205).

When it is determined that the door 12 is in the closed state (step S204: no), the control unit 52 changes the lock mechanism 13 to the locked state (step S206), and performs the power off process to change the washing machine 100 to the power saving state (remote operation standby state) (step S207).

When the power is turned off by the power button 45a of the washing machine 100 in this way, if the door 12 is in the open state (yes in step S204), a display indicating that the door 12 is in the open state is displayed on the display portion 41a (step S205). By viewing such a display, the user U is urged to close the door 12.

When the power button 45a of the washing machine 100 is turned off (yes in step S203), the lock mechanism 13 is turned into the locked state (step S206). When the operation button 311d of the terminal apparatus 300 is operated to turn off the power supply (step S203: no), the lock state is maintained. Thus, in the standby state in which the power supply is turned off, the lock mechanism 13 is in the locked state, and safety is ensured.

In addition, when the communication is set to off (in the case of the off-line mode) (step S202: yes), the user U does not remotely operate the washing machine 100, and therefore the lock mechanism 13 is not set to the locked state.

Fig. 13 is an example of the notification displayed when the power supply is turned off in the state where the door 12 is opened in step S205. When the power-off operation is performed in a state where the door 12 is opened, as shown in fig. 13, a notification D1 prompting to close the door 12 is displayed in the display area D of the display portion 41a of the display/input unit 41.

When the door 12 is in the locked state, for example, the lock mechanism 13 can be changed from the locked state to the unlocked state by a specific operation of the operation unit 41b when the door 12 needs to be opened. In this case, as shown in fig. 14, a notification D2 confirming that the door 12 is opened is displayed in the display area D of the display portion 41a of the display/input unit 41. In addition, in consideration of miscreants of children, unlocking may be performed by a special operation method such as simultaneously pressing a plurality of buttons or setting the number of times the buttons are pressed. The specific operation on the operation unit 41b is an example of "an operation different from the operation of the power-on mode". Note that the notification D2 for confirming the opening of the door 12 may be displayed on the display screen 301a of the terminal device 300 instead of or in addition to the display portion 41a of the display/input unit 41. In this case, the user U may also transmit an operation signal allowing the door 12 to be opened from the terminal device 300 to the washing machine 100 via the server 200.

<8 > Remote Standby >

The operation of the washing machine 100 is preferentially performed in the terminal device 300 according to the use mode of the user U. Therefore, in this embodiment, the input from the main body of the washing machine 100 is not received, but the special state of receiving the input from the terminal device 300 via the communication unit 44 is changed.

That is, as shown in fig. 7, a remote standby button B13 is arranged in the display/input unit 41. The remote standby button B13 can be switched to a special state (special standby state). In the special state, when the lock mechanism 13 is in the locked state, an operation signal is received from the terminal device 300 via the communication unit 44 from the outside.

<8 > Modification example

In the above-described configuration, the configuration of the restriction unit 60 is changed to the first state in which the communication unit 44 is permitted to receive the predetermined operation and the second state in which the reception of the predetermined operation is restricted by supplying or cutting off the power to the communication unit 44 according to the state of the lock detection switch 87, but the configuration is not limited to this configuration. For example, even in the standby state of the power supply, the power supply may be supplied to the communication unit 44 at all times, and the communication unit 44 may be allowed to communicate data or restricted according to the state of the lock detection switch 87, so that the communication unit may be switched to a first state in which the predetermined operation is allowed to be accepted and a second state in which the predetermined operation is restricted to be accepted. In addition, the communication line between the communication unit 44 and the control unit 52 may be connected or disconnected according to the state of the lock detection switch 87. For example, the second state may restrict communication between the control unit 52 and the communication unit 44 (for example, the control unit 52 may not receive a signal from the communication unit 44) instead of cutting off the power supply to the communication unit 44, thereby restricting communication by the communication unit 44.

<9. Advantage >

In the present embodiment, the washing machine 100 includes the casing 11, the door 12, the lock mechanism 13, the communication unit 44, the control unit 52, and the restricting unit 60. The case 11 has an opening 11a into which laundry can be put. The door 12 closes the opening 11a to be openable and closable. The lock mechanism 13 is capable of transitioning between an open state that allows the door 12 to be changed from a closed state to an open state, and a restricting state that restricts the door 12 to the closed state. The communication unit 44 can communicate with the outside of the washing machine 100. The control section 52 controls the lock mechanism 13 and the communication section 44. The restricting unit 60 allows the predetermined operation to be received from the outside via the communication unit 44 when the lock mechanism 13 is in the restricting state, and restricts the predetermined operation to be received via the communication unit 44 when the lock mechanism 13 is changed from the restricting state to the open state. According to this configuration, when the lock mechanism 13 is in the open state, reception of a predetermined operation from the outside via the communication unit 44 is restricted. Therefore, even in an environment where the user U using the washing machine 100 cannot confirm the surroundings of the washing machine 100, the user U can secure safety and perform a predetermined operation from the outside, and thus can improve the convenience of the washing machine 100.

In the present embodiment, the restricting unit 60 restricts reception of a predetermined operation via the communication unit 44 in association with the lock mechanism 13 changing from the restricting state to the open state. With this configuration, when the lock mechanism 13 is in the open state, the washing machine 100 can more reliably restrict the reception of the predetermined operation from the outside through the communication unit 44.

In the present embodiment, the restriction portion 60 includes a lock detection switch 87 (switching portion), and the physical or electrical state of the lock detection switch 87 is changed between the case where the lock mechanism 13 is in the open state and the case where the restriction state is in the restricted state. The restriction unit 60 transitions between a first state in which the predetermined operation is permitted to be accepted and a second state in which the predetermined operation is restricted to be accepted, based on the state of the lock detection switch 87. According to such a configuration, even when the washing machine 100 is in the standby state in which the power supply is turned off, it is possible to reliably determine whether the door 12 is in the restricted state and transition between the first state and the second state.

In the present embodiment, the second state is a state in which reception of a predetermined operation is restricted by restricting communication by the communication unit 44. With such a configuration, even when the terminal device 300 is used to operate the washing machine 100, safety can be ensured.

In the present embodiment, the washing machine 100 includes a power button 45a provided in a casing. When the power button 45a is operated to cut off the power, the control unit 52 changes the lock mechanism 13 to the restricted state and maintains the communication function of the communication unit 44. According to such a configuration, when the operation unit 41b of the washing machine 100 is operated in such a manner as to cut off the power supply, the door 12 is in the restricted state. Accordingly, while in the standby state in which the power supply is turned off, the door 12 is in the locked state, and even if the terminal apparatus 300 is operated, the safety can be ensured.

In the present embodiment, the washing machine 100 includes an open/close detection switch 80 that senses the open/close state of the door 12. When the power button 45a is operated to shut off the power, the control unit 52 does not receive the operation of shutting off the power and notifies an abnormality when the open/close detection switch 80 senses that the door 12 (closing member) is in the open state. According to such a configuration, when the operation of the power-off mode is performed, the user U can be prompted to close the door 12 when the door 12 of the washing machine 100 is sensed to be in the open state.

In the present embodiment, when the power button 45a is operated to turn on the power, the control unit 52 turns the lock mechanism 13 to the open state. According to such a configuration, when the power is turned on by the operation unit 41b of the washing machine 100, the lock mechanism 13 is turned to the open state, and therefore the user U turns the door 12 to the open state, and the washing and drying operations can be smoothly performed.

In the present embodiment, the predetermined operation is an operation of turning on the power supply from the outside via the communication unit 44. When the power button 45a is operated to turn on the power, the control unit 52 turns the lock mechanism 13 to the open state, and when the predetermined operation is performed in a state in which the reception of the predetermined operation is restricted by the restricting unit 60, the control unit 52 does not turn the lock mechanism 13 to the open state. With this configuration, the user U who performs the operation can smoothly perform the washing and drying operations by opening the door 12 before the washing machine 100. In addition, when the washing machine 100 is operated using the terminal device 300, the safety can be ensured by keeping the lock mechanism 13 in the restricted state.

In the present embodiment, the predetermined operation is an operation of turning on the power supply from the outside via the communication unit 44. When the predetermined operation is performed in a state in which the restriction unit 60 restricts the reception of the predetermined operation, the control unit 52 changes the lock mechanism 13 to the open state when a predetermined condition related to the condition that the user U is located within a certain distance from the washing machine 100 is satisfied. Even if the power-on operation is performed by the operation in the terminal device 300, if the user U is located near the washing machine 100, the user can confirm the situation of the periphery of the washing machine 100. According to such a configuration, when the user U operates the terminal device 300 in the vicinity of the washing machine 100, the door 12 can be opened, and washing and drying operations can be allowed.

In the present embodiment, when the power button 45a is operated in such a manner as to cut off the power supply in the case where communication with the outside is set by the communication unit 44, the control unit 52 maintains the communication function of the communication unit 44 and changes the lock mechanism 13 to the restricting state. When communication with the outside through the communication unit 44 is not set, if the power button 45a is operated to cut off the power, the control unit 52 does not switch the lock mechanism 13 to the restricted state, but switches the washing machine 100 to the power-off state. According to such a configuration, when the communication unit 44 is not set to communicate with the outside, the door 12 can be opened at the time of standby of the power supply, and thus washing and drying operations can be smoothly performed.

In the present embodiment, the washing machine 100 includes an operation unit (an operation unit 41b, a power button 45a, and a start/pause button 45 b) provided in the casing 11. The control unit 52 can be shifted to a special state in which an operation performed from the outside via the communication unit 44 is received without receiving an input to the operation unit, and in the special state, when the lock mechanism 13 is in the restricted state, the control unit 52 can receive an operation performed from the outside via the communication unit 44. With such a configuration, the terminal device 300 can perform the operation of the washing machine 100 in priority.

The embodiments and modifications have been described above. However, the embodiments and modifications are not limited to the above examples.

According to at least one embodiment described above, the laundry machine according to the embodiment includes a casing, a closing member, a locking mechanism, a communication unit, and a control unit. The case has an opening into which laundry can be put. The closing member closes the opening portion so as to be openable and closable. The locking mechanism is transitionable between an open state that allows the closure member to be changed from a closed state to an open state and a restrained state that restrains the closure member to the closed state. The communication part is capable of communicating with the outside of the laundry machine. The control section controls the lock mechanism and the communication section. The restricting portion allows a predetermined operation to be received from the outside via the communication portion when the lock mechanism is in the restricting state, and restricts the predetermined operation to be received via the communication portion when the lock mechanism is in the opening state. With such a configuration, convenience can be improved.

While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other modes, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

Description of the reference numerals

The portable electronic device includes a case, an 11a opening, a door, 12, and 13, a locking mechanism, 44, a communication unit, 52, a control unit, 60, a restriction unit, 80, an open/close detection switch, 82, a solenoid, 87, a lock detection switch, 91, a main power unit, and 92, a communication power unit

Claims (11)

1. A clothes processing machine, characterized by comprising: The box body has an opening into which clothes can be put; a closing member for closing the opening in an openable and closable manner; a locking mechanism capable of switching between an open state allowing the closure member to change from the closed state to the open state and a restricted state restricting the closure member to the closed state; a communication unit capable of communicating with the outside of the laundry processing device; a control unit that controls the locking mechanism and the communication unit; and The restricting portion allows acceptance of a predetermined operation from the outside via the communication portion when the lock mechanism is in the restricted state, and restricts acceptance of the predetermined operation from the outside via the communication portion when the lock mechanism is in the released state. 2. The laundry processing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The restriction portion restricts acceptance of the predetermined operation from the outside via the communication portion in conjunction with the lock mechanism being switched from the restricted state to the released state. 3. The laundry processing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The restricting portion includes a switching portion whose physical or electrical state changes between when the lock mechanism is in the released state and when the lock mechanism is in the restricted state. 4. The laundry processing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Limiting the acceptance of the predetermined operation from the outside via the communication unit by the limiting unit means limiting the acceptance of the predetermined operation by limiting communication by the communication unit. 5. The laundry processing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: It also includes a power supply operating unit provided on the box body, When the power operation unit is operated to turn off the power, the control unit switches the lock mechanism to the restricted state while maintaining the communication function of the communication unit. 6. The laundry machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes a sensor for sensing the open and closed state of the sealing member. When the power operating unit is operated to shut off the power and the sensor detects that the sealing member is in the open state, the control unit does not accept the operation to shut off the power but instead notifies of an abnormality. 7. The laundry machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: When the power operation unit is operated to turn on the power, the control unit switches the lock mechanism to the open state. 8. The laundry processing machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: The predetermined operation is an operation of turning on the power supply via the communication unit from the outside. When the power operation unit is operated to turn on the power, the control unit switches the lock mechanism to the open state. When the predetermined operation is performed in a state where acceptance of the predetermined operation is restricted by the restriction portion, the control portion does not cause the lock mechanism to transition to the released state. 9. The laundry machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: The predetermined operation is an operation of turning on the power supply via the communication unit from the outside. When the prescribed operation is performed in a state where the acceptance of the prescribed operation is restricted by the restriction unit, and when the following prescribed conditions are satisfied, the control unit causes the locking mechanism to change to the open state, wherein the prescribed conditions are conditions associated with the presence of a user within a prescribed distance from the laundry machine. 10. The laundry machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: When the power operation unit is operated to cut off the power supply in a case where communication with the outside is set via the communication unit, the control unit maintains the communication function of the communication unit and changes the locking mechanism to the restricted state. When communication with the outside through the communication unit is not set, when the power operation unit is operated to cut off the power, the control unit does not change the locking mechanism to the restricted state but puts the laundry machine into the power-off state. 11. The laundry processing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: It also includes an operating unit provided on the box body, The control unit can be changed to a special state in which it does not accept input to the operation unit but accepts an operation from the outside via the communication unit. In the special state, when the lock mechanism is in the restricted state, the control unit accepts an operation performed from the outside via the communication unit.