JP2004121479A - Coin-operated washing machine, laundromat shop system having the washing machine and operation method for the laundromat shop - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To secure economical profits while efficiently operating a large-size washing machine having a low frequency of use in the laundromat shop. <P>SOLUTION: The large-size washing machine is provided with a capacity switching button for selecting a small-capacity operation on the assumption of small-quantity washing. When a user presses a capacity switching button in the state of displaying an ordinary charge for use at the beginning ( S2, S3), the display is switched to a lower price for the small-capacity charge for use (S7). When a preset sum of coins are thrown into a coin throw-in port in any selection between the normal operation and the small-capacity operation (S4, S9), the normal operation and the small-capacity operation are started. In the case of small-capacity operation, washing water level and the rinsing water level is set lower than that of the ordinary operation to thereby save water. Thus, all of the small-size washing machines installed in the shop are occupied, the user can perform washing for a small amount of washings using the large-size washing machine by adding a small mount of money to the charge for use. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is independent, or a coin-type washing machine installed in a coin laundry store provided in various facilities such as a dormitory, a hospital, and a coin laundry store system in which a plurality of such coin-type washing machines are installed. It relates to a method of operating a coin laundry store. Note that the coin-type washing machine referred to here is typically a washing machine that performs a washing operation when a user inserts money. In addition, a coin-type washing machine that collects a usage fee using a prepaid card, It includes at least all items that the user pays for and performs washing, such as those that collect charges after using the card or the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a so-called coin laundry store in which a plurality of coin-type washing machines and a plurality of coin-type dryers each having a significantly larger maximum washing capacity than a general household washing machine are installed has been widely used. This is due to lifestyle changes, such as wanting to do laundry once a week instead of washing daily at home, or futons, blankets, etc., which are difficult to wash at home but expensive when asked to a laundry shop. This is due to a request to wash large laundry items.
[0003]
In general, such coin laundry stores are provided with a plurality of washing machines having different washing capacities (maximum washing capacities) in order to respond to various users' requests. For example, as disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1, in a store having a size of about 30 tsubo, it is assumed that a coin-type washing machine having a maximum washing capacity of 8 kg, 12 kg, 17 kg, 22 kg, and 30 kg is installed. I have. In addition, the usage fee of such a coin-type washing machine is determined according to the washing capacity. According to the above-mentioned document, the usage fee is 400 yen for each of the washing machines having a maximum washing capacity of 8 kg, 12 kg, 17 kg, 22 kg and 30 kg. , 700 yen, 900 yen, 1200 yen, and 1600 yen. Of course, the usage fee is determined by the manager of the coin laundry store in consideration of the market price for each region.
[0004]
[Non-patent document 1]
"Coin Laundry Equipment, I'll Respond to Your Trouble", Introduction of Model Plan, [Online], Sanyo Electric Techno Clean Co., Ltd., [Retrieved September 10, 2002], Internet <URL: http: // www. sanyo. co. jp / techno-c / coin / trouble02_01. html>
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Among the various types of washing machines described above, a large-sized washing machine having a maximum washing capacity of 30 kg is mainly for washing bulky laundry such as a futon or a carpet. On the other hand, a washing machine having a maximum washing capacity of 12 kg or 17 kg is a small-sized coin-type washing machine, but has a considerably large capacity as compared with a home washing machine. Therefore, for many users who come to the store for the purpose of washing the laundry in bulk, a relatively small washing machine having a maximum washing capacity of 12 kg or 17 kg is often sufficient. In view of the frequency of users who visit the store, it can be said that users who need to use a large-sized washing machine having a maximum washing capacity of 30 kg are considerably low. Therefore, in any coin laundry store, the operating rate of the small-sized washing machine is high, while the operating rate of the large-sized washing machine tends to be low.
[0006]
Therefore, especially during a busy season or a busy time, when a certain user brings a small amount of laundry, a small washing machine suitable for the amount of the laundry is often used. . As a tendency of the user's behavior, in such a case, even if a large washing machine is vacant, there are few cases where a large washing machine whose usage fee is expensive is intentionally used. In many cases, the user waits in the store until the washing machine is empty, or takes an action such as returning home once and coming back. However, if this occurs frequently, the reliability of the customer for the coin laundry store may be reduced, which may be a cause of leaving the customer.
[0007]
On the other hand, from the viewpoint of a coin laundry store manager, large-sized washing machines are investing more than small-sized washing machines, so it is a major management problem that the operating rate of large-sized washing machines does not increase. . That said, large-sized washing machines use more water and electricity than small-sized washing machines, so it is difficult to easily reduce the usage fee of large-sized washing machines. Also, for example, if the usage fee of a large washing machine is reduced to the same level as a small washing machine, the user who brought enough laundry that can be sufficiently washed with the small washing machine should use the large washing machine. It is conceivable that a user who has brought laundry that can only be washed with a large-sized washing machine suffers inconvenience.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a coin-type washing machine useful for efficiently operating a large-sized washing machine having relatively low frequency of use in a coin laundry store. Is to provide. Another object of the present invention is to promote efficient operation of a plurality of coin-operated washing machines installed in a coin-operated laundry store, to increase the customer's reliability for users, and to provide economic benefits to managers. It is an object of the present invention to provide a coin laundry store system and a method of operating a coin laundry store that are useful to bring about.
[0009]
Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention
The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, a coin-type washing machine used by paying a user,
a) The user selects one of a normal mode in which washing is performed in accordance with the maximum washing capacity determined for the washing machine and a small-capacity mode suitable for washing a smaller amount of laundry than the maximum washing capacity. Operating means for performing
b) When the normal mode is selected in response to the operation by the operation means, the reception of the predetermined first usage amount is confirmed or the first usage amount is charged and the washing operation is executed. On the other hand, when the small-capacity mode is selected, the reception of the second usage amount lower than the first usage amount is confirmed or the washing operation is executed after charging the second usage amount. Control means;
It is characterized by having.
[0010]
Here, "confirm the receipt of the usage amount" or "charge the usage amount" means, for example, that the coins and bills are not fraudulent in the case of a configuration for directly receiving coins and bills. After checking, it is to detect that the input amount has reached the set use charge. Further, in a configuration in which a prepaid card or its equivalent is used for payment, after checking the balance that can be provided for payment, the set usage fee is subtracted from the balance (the balance may be recorded). . Further, in a configuration in which a credit card or its equivalent is used for payment, it is checked that the card or the like is not unauthorized, and then the set use fee is charged to the card user. However, these can be changed as appropriate according to the fee payment method.
[0011]
When a user attempts to use the coin-type washing machine according to the present invention, if the amount of laundry brought is sufficient for washing in the small capacity mode, the washing tub (eg, drum) After the laundry is stored, the small capacity mode is selected by operating the operation means. Then, a fee payment procedure is performed in accordance with the fee payment method specified for the washing machine. For example, when paying coins or bills directly, a fee corresponding to the second usage amount specified in the small-capacity mode is inserted into a predetermined fee insertion slot. Then, the control unit confirms receipt of the usage amount, and starts the washing operation in the small capacity mode. If the door closing the washing tub is not closed at that time, the washing operation may be started when the door is confirmed to be closed.
[0012]
Of course, when the amount of laundry brought by the user is large or very bulky, the normal mode is selected by the operating means and the first mode set in the normal mode is selected. If a fee corresponding to the usage amount is paid, washing up to the maximum washing capacity can be performed as in the conventional coin-type washing machine.
[0013]
According to the coin-type washing machine according to the present invention, for example, when a small washing machine with a maximum washing capacity that is arranged side by side is in use, the user selects the small-capacity mode with the coin-type washing machine, It is possible to finish the laundry brought in at a lower usage fee than in the normal mode. Therefore, the user has less chance to wait until the small washing machine becomes empty or to give up washing and bring back the laundry, thereby increasing the customer reliability of the coin laundry store. In addition, even when the small washing machine is in use, the user can be guided to use the large washing machine, thereby improving the operation rate of the large washing machine, thereby increasing the normal mode and the small capacity mode. Sales can be increased while compensating for the difference in usage fees between the two. Furthermore, since a large-sized washing machine can cope with a small amount of laundry, even in a coin laundry store where it is difficult to install many types of coin-type washing machines with a small area, the coin-type washing machine according to the present invention can be used. The installation can meet the demands of customers who bring various types of laundry at an appropriate usage fee.
[0014]
In the small-capacity mode, it is assumed that the amount of laundry is smaller than that in the normal mode. Therefore, sufficient washing performance and rinsing performance can be exhibited even when the amount of water during rinsing is small. Therefore, in the coin-operated washing machine according to the present invention, the control means is configured to execute the normal mode when the small capacity mode is executed in at least one of the steps of storing water in the tub, such as a washing step and a rinsing step. It is preferable to adopt a configuration in which the set water level is lower than at the time of execution.
[0015]
According to this configuration, in the small-capacity mode, an unnecessary large amount of water is not used, and water can be saved. In addition, since the usage amount specified in the small-capacity mode is lower than that in the normal mode, a part of the fee difference can be compensated by reducing the amount of water used.
[0016]
In addition, the coin laundry store system according to the present invention includes the coin-type washing machine according to the present invention as a large-sized washing machine, and has a size corresponding to a laundry amount suitable for washing in the small-capacity mode of the coin-type washing machine. A coin laundry store system comprising one or more other coin-type washing machines having a maximum washing capacity determined as small washing machines,
Monitoring means for monitoring the use status of the one or more small washing machines;
Management means for generating a small capacity permission signal when the one or more small washing machines are all in use;
Transmission means for transmitting a small capacity permission signal by the management means to the large washing machine,
Wherein the control means enables the selection of the small capacity mode only when receiving the small capacity permission signal.
[0017]
In this coin laundry store system, for example, the monitor means includes at least a wired or wireless data communication line connected to the small washing machine, and determines whether the washing machine is in use from the small washing machine through the communication line. A signal is sent to represent it. The management means determines whether or not all of the one or more small washing machines installed in the coin laundry store are in use by using the result of monitoring by the monitoring means. Generate a signal. For example, the transmitting means includes at least a wired or wireless data communication line connected to the large washing machine, and sends a small capacity permission signal to the large washing machine. In the large washing machine, the control means enables the selection of the small capacity mode by the operating means only when the small capacity permission signal is received. The normal mode is maintained even if a selection operation is performed.
[0018]
According to the coin laundry store system according to the present invention, a user who comes with a small amount of laundry tries to select a small capacity mode with a large washing machine even though the small washing machine is vacant. However, since such a selection is not acceptable, it is possible to guide the user to use a small-sized washing machine according to the laundry amount. Therefore, contrary to the intention of the manager, the small-capacity mode in which the usage amount is lower than that in the normal mode when it is originally unnecessary is not executed, and an appropriate fee can be obtained. In addition, since it is possible to prevent the large washing machine from being used unnecessarily, when a user who wants to use the large washing machine comes to the store, the probability that the large washing machine is vacant increases, and the customer's trust is increased. It leads to improvement of degree.
[0019]
In addition, the method of operating a coin laundry store according to the present invention includes the coin-type washing machine according to the present invention as a large-sized washing machine, and corresponds to a laundry amount suitable for washing in the small-capacity mode of the coin-type washing machine. A method of operating a coin laundry store comprising as a small-sized washing machine another coin-type washing machine having a maximum washing capacity in which the maximum washing capacity is determined, wherein the usage amount of the large-sized washing machine in the normal mode is A, When the usage amount of the small-capacity mode is B and the usage amount of the small-sized washing machine is C, the usage amounts are determined so that C <B <A.
[0020]
According to the operation method of the coin laundry store, since the usage amount B in the small capacity mode of the large washing machine is higher than the usage amount C of the small washing machine, the user who comes with a small amount of laundry is Also, it is possible to easily prevent the large-sized washing machine from selecting the small-capacity mode and performing the washing even though the small-sized washing machine is empty. If the small washing machine is in use and the usage fee of the large washing machine remains at A, even if the user is hesitant to use it, the usage fee is B, which is lower than that of A, and the large It becomes easy to guide to the washing machine. Further, since the range of choices for the user is widened, even if the user pays a slightly higher fee, for example, the user who wants to use the large-sized washing machine can be encouraged to use the large-sized washing machine. As a result, the operating rate of the large-sized washing machine is increased, and efficient operation can be performed together with the small-sized washing machine. In addition, during busy seasons and busy hours, users are conscious that they can use large washing machines even when small washing machines are in use, thereby improving customer reliability and promoting visits to stores. Can be done. Furthermore, compared with the case where the usage fee of the large-sized washing machine is reduced to the same level as the small-sized washing machine, the sales can be improved and the operation of the coin laundry store can be stabilized.
[0021]
Here, it is preferable that the large washing machine has the largest maximum washing capacity among coin-type washing machines installed in the coin laundry store. Thereby, usually, the operating rate of the washing machine with the lowest operating rate can be improved, and the overall operation can be ensured, and the efficient operation of the washing machine can be achieved.
[0022]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of a coin-type washing machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front external view of a coin-type washing machine according to the present embodiment.
[0023]
As shown in FIG. 1, a door 2 whose center can be seen through is provided on the front surface of a housing 1 of the coin-type washing machine in a laterally open manner, and an operation panel 3 is disposed on the right side thereof. When the door 2 is opened, the clothes input port of the drum appears inside the door 2, so that the laundry can be stored in the drum from the clothes input port. The operation panel 3 includes a coin insertion unit 4 for inserting coins and bills, which are usage charges of the washing machine, a capacity switching button 5 for selecting a washing capacity as described later, a usage charge and a balance of the washing operation. A display unit 6 for displaying time is provided.
[0024]
In a coin-operated washing machine in which a prepaid card or a credit card can be used for payment of a usage fee, a mechanism for reading magnetic data attached to the card or memory data of an IC chip embedded in the card is provided. It may be provided.
[0025]
FIG. 2 is an electric block diagram of the coin-type washing machine according to the present embodiment. At the center of the control, a control unit 10 mainly composed of a microcomputer including a CPU, a timer, a ROM, a RAM, and the like is installed. The control unit 10 includes a drum driving unit 11 including a motor for driving a drum 12 to rotate. A water supply unit 13 including a water supply valve for supplying water to an outer tank in which the drum 12 is installed, and a drainage unit 14 including a drain valve for discharging water from the outer tank are connected. The control unit 10 receives a detection signal for detecting the open / closed state of the door 2 from the door switch 15, an operation signal from the capacity switching button 5, and a money amount detection signal from the coin identification unit 16. , And outputs a display signal to the display unit 6. The coin identification unit 16 also has a function of checking whether coins and bills inserted from the coin insertion unit 4 are not illegal.
[0026]
Next, the characteristic operation of the coin-type washing machine of the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described with reference to the control flowchart of FIG.
[0027]
When the power of the washing machine is turned on (step S1), the control unit 10 displays “1600 yen”, which is a normal usage fee, on the fee display of the display unit 6 (step S2). This is the initial state. Next, it is determined whether or not the capacity switching button 5 has been pressed (step S3). If it is determined that the capacity switching button 5 has not been pressed, the insertion amount is determined by the detection signal from the coin identification unit 16 to the set amount (in this case, Is determined to have reached 1600 yen (step S4). If the set amount has not been reached, the process returns to step S3. When it is determined in step S4 that the inserted amount has reached the set amount, the normal operation corresponding to the normal mode of the present invention is started (step S5). However, at this time, when it is determined from the detection signal from the door switch 15 that the door 2 is in the open state, the operation waits until the door 2 is closed, and starts operation when the door 2 is detected to be closed.
[0028]
When it is determined in step S3 that the capacity switching button 5 has been pressed, the control unit 10 changes the display of the fee indicator on the display unit 6 from the normal usage fee of "1600 yen" to the small capacity usage fee of "800 yen". (Step S7). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the capacity switching button 5 has been pressed again (step S8). When it is determined that the capacity switching button 5 has been pressed, the process returns to step S2, and the control unit 10 displays the charge display on the display unit 6 Is changed from "800 yen" which is a small-capacity usage fee to "1600 yen" which is a normal usage fee. Accordingly, when the user repeatedly presses the capacity switching button 5, the display amount of the charge display is alternately set to "1600 yen" and "800 yen" by the processing of steps S2 → S3 → S7 → S8 → S2 →. Switch.
[0029]
If it is determined in step S8 that the capacity switching button 5 has not been pressed, it is determined whether or not the inserted amount has reached the set amount (800 yen in this case) based on the detection signal from the coin identification unit 16. Then, if the set amount has not been reached, the process returns to step S8. When the inserted amount reaches the set amount in step S9, the small-capacity operation, which is the small-capacity mode of the present invention, is started (step S10). Also in this case, when it is determined that the door 2 is in the open state, the standby state for starting the operation is the same as when the normal operation is started.
[0030]
The user who brings the laundry opens the door 2, stores the laundry in the drum 12 from the clothing slot, and closes the door 2. Thereafter, the normal operation or the small capacity operation is determined according to the amount of the laundry, and the capacity switching button 5 is pressed to select one of them. For example, assuming that the maximum washing capacity of the coin-type washing machine is 30 kg, the small-capacity operation is a mode suitable for washing laundry of an amount of 12 to 15 kg or less (in other words, a mode that is larger than that). If a quantity of laundry is stored in the drum 12, the washing performance is not guaranteed). After selecting the capacity, coins or bills of the amount indicated on the fee display are inserted from the coin insertion unit 4. Thereby, the normal operation or the small capacity operation is automatically started. In order to allow the user to determine whether or not the amount of the laundry stored in the drum 12 is suitable for the small-volume driving, a guide line for the small-volume load is drawn on the transparent window at the center of the door 2. Good to keep.
[0031]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a washing process in the washing machine. The flow of the washing process is the same in the normal operation and the small capacity operation. When the operation is started by the processing in step S5 or S10, a washing step is executed (step S21). In the washing step, first, water (actually, hot water of an appropriate temperature) is supplied into the outer tub by the water supply unit 13 until the washing water level is reached, and the drum 12 is inverted by the drum driving unit 11 at a predetermined rotation speed. Slap the laundry. When the predetermined washing operation time is completed, the water in the outer tub is discharged to the outside by the drainage unit 14.
[0032]
The washing water level is set to 6 degrees in the normal operation and 5 degrees in the small capacity operation. In the small capacity operation assuming that the amount of laundry is small, the water supply amount is reduced to save water. Here, the water level is represented by dividing the height from the bottom of the outer tank to the center of the outer tank into 10 equal parts, and expressing the center as a water level = 10 degrees and the bottom as a water level = 0 degrees.
[0033]
After the washing process, the rotation speed of the drum 12 is increased, and an intermediate dewatering process of scattering the detergent water impregnated in the laundry by centrifugal force is executed (step S22). Thereafter, the first rinsing step is performed by supplying water into the outer tub as in the washing step (step S23). The water level at the time of the first rinsing stroke is set to 7 degrees in the normal operation and 6 degrees in the small-capacity operation. In this case as well, the water supply is reduced by reducing the amount of water supply in the small-capacity operation.
[0034]
After draining in the first rinsing step, an intermediate dewatering step is performed as in step S22 (step S24). Then, the second rinsing step is performed by supplying water into the outer tank in the same manner as in the first rinsing step (step S25). The water level at the time of the second rinsing stroke is set to 7 degrees in the normal operation and 5 degrees in the small-capacity operation. In this case, the water supply in the small-capacity operation is further reduced to save water.
[0035]
After the second rinsing stroke, the final dehydration stroke is executed by increasing the rotation speed of the drum 12 as much as possible (step S26), and the operation is terminated when a predetermined final dehydration time has elapsed. It should be noted that the time is substantially determined for each stroke, and as the stroke progresses, the remaining time until the end of the operation is subtracted and displayed on the remaining time indicator of the display unit 6.
[0036]
Returning to FIG. 3, when the normal operation or the small-capacity operation is completed as described above (“Yes” in step S6 or S11), the process returns to step S2. Therefore, even when the small-capacity operation is performed, the usage fee is the normal usage fee when the next user views the display on the display unit 6.
[0037]
As described above, the conventional coin-type washing machine is configured so that the operation corresponding to the maximum washing capacity of the washing machine (normal operation in the above example) is always performed. While there is no room for selection, in the coin-operated washing machine of this embodiment, when the amount of laundry is small, the user can himself select the small-capacity operation. Further, when the small-capacity operation is performed, the amount of water used is smaller than that in the normal operation, so that useless water is not used. In addition, if it is specified in the washing machine or its vicinity that the amount of water used during small-capacity operation is reduced, the reduced amount of water used (part of the amount) is returned to the user, and the usage fee is reduced. It is also possible to inform the user of the possibility that washing may not be performed sufficiently when a small volume operation is selected by storing an unnecessarily large amount of laundry.
[0038]
Next, as an embodiment of the method of operating a coin laundry store according to the present invention, a coin laundry in which at least one coin-type washing machine as described above is installed and a conventionally known coin-type washing machine is installed in addition to the above. A description will be given using a store as an example.
[0039]
The coin laundry store 20 shown in FIG. 5 has two coin-type washing machines (hereinafter referred to as “small washing machines”) having a maximum washing capacity of 12 kg as washing machines suitable for washing relatively small amounts of laundry. 23), one coin-type washing machine having a maximum washing capacity of 17 kg (hereinafter referred to as "medium-sized washing machine") 22, large laundry such as futons, blankets, carpets, and a large amount of laundry. One coin-type washing machine (hereinafter referred to as a "large washing machine") having a maximum washing capacity of 30 kg suitable for washing items is provided. Although a dryer is installed in the coin laundry store 20 in addition to the washing machine, the description is omitted here.
[0040]
Among the four washing machines 21, 22, and 23, the largest washing machine 21 having the largest washing capacity of 30 kg is the coin-operated washing machine of the above-described embodiment, that is, the coin-operated washing machine in which small-capacity operation can be selected. Other washing machines are capable of simply washing up to the maximum washing capacity as in the prior art. In the coin laundry store 20 of this embodiment, the usage fee of each of the washing machines 21, 22, and 23 is 700 yen for the small washing machine 23, 900 yen for the medium washing machine 22, and 1600 yen for the normal operation of the large washing machine 21. And 800 yen for small capacity operation. Here, the usage fee for the small capacity operation is set higher than the usage fee for the small washing machine 23 corresponding to the washing capacity assumed for the small capacity operation.
[0041]
Most of the users of the coin laundry store 20 come to the store with an amount (approximately 8 to 15 kg) of laundry that can be sufficiently washed by the small washing machine 23 or the medium washing machine 22. Unless the small washing machine 23 or the medium-sized washing machine 22 is in use, it is considered that such a user usually uses the washing machines for washing.
[0042]
Unfortunately, it is assumed that both small washing machines 23 are in use when a certain user who has enough laundry to wash the small washing machine 23 comes to the store. Now, it is assumed that both the medium-sized washing machine 22 and the large-sized washing machine 21 are not used. The charge for normal operation of the large-sized washing machine 21 is 1600 yen, which is more than twice as large as the charge for the small-sized washing machine 23. Therefore, if it is assumed that there is no function of selecting the small-capacity operation, a large user is required. It is almost impossible to consider using the small-sized washing machine 21. The difference between the usage fee of the medium-sized washing machine 22 and the usage fee of the small-sized washing machine 200 is 200 yen, and the remaining operation time of the two small-sized washing machines 23, etc. Considering comprehensively, to decide to take extra 200 yen and use the medium-sized washing machine 22 or wait for the small-sized washing machine 23 to be empty, or take action to take the laundry back and return Become.
[0043]
On the other hand, in the coin laundry store 20, the large-sized washing machine 21 has a function of selecting a small-capacity operation, and the usage fee is the sum of the usage fee of the small-sized washing machine 23 and only 100 yen. A new option of performing small-capacity operation in the washing machine 21 is presented to the user. Although ultimately determined by the judgment of each user, if a relatively small charge of, for example, about 100 yen can be accommodated, a large proportion of users who use the small capacity operation of the large washing machine 21 occur. Can be expected. On the other hand, the usage fee for the small-capacity operation of the large-sized washing machine 21 is set to be the same as the usage fee for the small-sized washing machine 23, or the usage fee is such that almost all users consider that there is almost no difference in the fee. If it is set, the large-sized washing machine 21 will be used even by a user who would normally only need to use the small-sized washing machine 23, and the operation rate of the large-sized washing machine 21 becomes too high. The chance that the user who has brought the laundry that can be washed only by the washing machine 21 will be increased. The above-mentioned charge setting can appropriately disperse the users while suppressing the guidance of the undesired users on the management side, and can improve the operating rate of the washing machine in the coin laundry store 20 as a whole.
[0044]
The coin laundry store 20 is intended to guide the person to use the large washing machine 21 when the small washing machine 23 is in use and cannot be used by another person. It is. Therefore, if the small washing machine 23 is not in use, the use of the small washing machine 23 should be promoted to a user who has brought a sufficient amount of laundry to be washed by the small washing machine 23. Is desirable.
[0045]
FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a coin laundry store system considering such points. That is, in order to grasp the usage status of the two small washing machines 23 and to give an instruction to the large washing machine 21 from the outside, the large washing machine 21 and (the control unit of) the small washing machine 23 It is connected to a communication line 24 and can be controlled by a centralized management unit 25 via the data communication line 24. The data communication line 24 can use a so-called LAN or the like, and the central management unit 25 can be configured by mounting dedicated processing software on a general-purpose personal computer, for example.
[0046]
An example of a typical operation of the coin laundry store system will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0047]
In this store system, the centralized management unit 25 collects usage status data from at least two small washing machines 23 via the data communication line 24 at all times or at predetermined time intervals (step S31). As a result, data indicating whether or not each small washing machine 23 is in use is sent to the central management unit 25. The central management unit 25 determines whether or not both of the two small washing machines 23 are in use from the received data (step S32), and sends a small capacity permission signal only when both are in use. It is sent out to the large washing machine 21 via 24 (step S33). In the large washing machine 21, the control unit 10 determines the presence or absence of the small capacity permission signal (step S34), and enables the above capacity switching button 5 only when the small capacity permission signal is present (step S35). When there is no small capacity permission signal, the capacity switching button 5 is invalidated (step S36). If the capacity switching button 5 is invalid, for example, the process may always proceed to No in the process of step S3 in the control flowchart of FIG.
[0048]
Thereby, even if the user tries to select the small-capacity operation with the large-sized washing machine 21 when the small-sized washing machine 23 is vacant, such a selection instruction is not accepted, and the user is suitable for the amount of laundry. The small washing machine 23 will be used. Therefore, a user who brings laundry that can only be washed by the large-sized washing machine 21 waits undesirably or returns with the laundry as it is because the large-sized washing machine 21 is in use. Opportunities to perform are reduced, and convenience for the user can be improved. In addition, since the entire washing machine can be efficiently operated, economic benefits are provided to the manager.
[0049]
In order to achieve the above function, only the necessary washing machines need to be connected to the data communication line 24. However, all the washing machines installed in the coin laundry stores are connected to the data communication line 24, and the operation status etc. Is configured to be able to collect the above data, for example, the operating state of the entire washing machine can be easily grasped. By analyzing the data collected in this way, for example, the shortage or excess of a washing machine with a specific washing capacity will be clarified, so it will be helpful when updating the facilities of that store and when opening a new coin laundry store It will also be helpful.
[0050]
Further, each of the above embodiments is an example of the present invention, and it is apparent that changes and modifications can be appropriately made within the spirit of the present invention.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external front view of a coin-type washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an electric block diagram of the coin-type washing machine of the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a control flowchart in the coin-type washing machine of the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a washing process of the coin-type washing machine according to the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a coin laundry store in which the coin-type washing machine of the present embodiment is installed.
FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a coin laundry store system in which the coin-type washing machine of the present embodiment is installed.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the coin laundry store system in FIG. 6;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... housing
2 ... door
3. Operation panel
4 ... Coin insertion part
5. Capacity switching button
6 Display unit
10 ... Control unit
11 ... Drum drive unit
12 ... Drum
13 ... Water supply department
14 ... Drainage section
15 ... Door switch
16 ... Coin identification unit
20… Coin laundry store
21 Large washing machine
22… Medium-sized washing machine
23… Small washing machine
24 ... Data communication line
25 ... Central Management Department

Claims (5)

In coin-operated washing machines that users pay and use,
a) The user selects one of a normal mode in which washing is performed in accordance with the maximum washing capacity determined for the washing machine and a small-capacity mode suitable for washing a smaller amount of laundry than the maximum washing capacity. Operating means for performing
b) When the normal mode is selected in response to the operation by the operation means, the reception of the predetermined first usage amount is confirmed or the first usage amount is charged and the washing operation is executed. On the other hand, when the small-capacity mode is selected, the reception of the second usage amount lower than the first usage amount is confirmed or the washing operation is executed after charging the second usage amount. Control means;
A coin-operated washing machine comprising: The control means may set the water level lower at the time of executing the small-capacity mode than at the time of executing the normal mode in at least one of the steps of storing water in the tank such as the washing step and the rinsing step. The coin-operated washing machine according to claim 1, wherein The coin-type washing machine according to claim 1 or 2 is provided as a large-sized washing machine, and a maximum washing capacity corresponding to a laundry amount suitable for washing in the small-capacity mode of the coin-type washing machine is determined. A coin laundry store system including one or more other coin-type washing machines as small washing machines,
Monitoring means for monitoring the use status of the one or more small washing machines;
Management means for generating a small capacity permission signal when the one or more small washing machines are all in use;
Transmission means for transmitting a small capacity permission signal by the management means to the large washing machine,
Wherein the control means enables the selection of the small capacity mode only when receiving the small capacity permission signal. The coin-type washing machine according to claim 1 or 2 is provided as a large-sized washing machine, and a maximum washing capacity corresponding to a laundry amount suitable for washing in the small-capacity mode of the coin-type washing machine is determined. A method of operating a coin laundry store including another coin-type washing machine as a small washing machine,
When the usage amount of the large-size washing machine in the normal mode is A, the usage amount of the large-size washing machine in the small-capacity mode is B, and the usage amount of the small-size washing machine is C, C <B <A. The method of operating a coin laundry store, wherein each usage amount is determined as described above. The method according to claim 4, wherein the large-sized washing machine has the largest washing capacity among coin-type washing machines installed in the coin laundry store.

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