Display operation panel of laundry equipment

Abstract

To provide a display operation panel of laundry equipment having excellent operability.SOLUTION: A display operation panel of laundry equipment comprises: a plurality of course selection buttons each for displaying any one of washing and drying / washing / drying courses; a plurality of display areas that are provided so as to correspond to the plurality of course selection buttons and display volume, use time, and use charge according to the washing and drying / washing / drying courses; and a control part for controlling display of the plurality of course selection buttons and the plurality of display areas by detecting ON / OFF of the plurality of course selection buttons. Determining that one of the course selection buttons is ON by detecting course selection operation by a user when all the plurality of course selection buttons and the plurality of display areas 203 are displayed by a first display, the control part maintains the first display of the course selection button determined to be ON and displays the course selection buttons other than the course selection button determined to be ON by a second display different from the first display.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 25

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a display and operation panel of a laundry machine that washes and / or dries laundry such as clothes and bedding. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, dozens of these types of laundry machines have been installed in stores such as coin laundries and provided to customers. Customers bring their laundry, such as clothes and bedding, and pay a usage fee to have it washed. Since coin laundries are generally unmanned, they have installed payment systems that automate payment. Customers use the laundry machines in a self-service manner by inserting cash into a payment machine installed at each laundry machine or into a centralized payment machine that centrally settles the payments for each laundry machine. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-57300 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the invention is to provide a display and operation panel for a laundry machine that is easy to operate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A display / operation panel of a laundry machine according to an embodiment is a display / operation panel of a laundry machine that performs either a wash / dry or wash / dry operation on items to be washed, and includes: a plurality of course selection buttons that display one of the wash / dry or wash / dry operations for the items to be washed; a plurality of display areas corresponding to the plurality of course selection buttons and that display a capacity, usage time, and usage fee corresponding to the wash / dry or wash / dry operation; and a control unit that detects the ON / OFF states of the plurality of course selection buttons and controls the display of the plurality of course selection buttons and the plurality of display areas. When the control unit determines that one of the course selection buttons that has been operated by a user to select a course is ON while all of the plurality of course selection buttons and the plurality of display areas are displayed in a first display, the control unit maintains the first display of the course selection button that has been determined to be ON, and displays the course selection buttons other than the course selection button that has been determined to be ON in a second display different from the first display. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing a washing / drying machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the washer-dryer according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view showing a washing / drying machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining the opening and closing angle of the opening and closing door of the washer-dryer according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] 6 is a side view showing the handle as viewed from the direction B shown in FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a handle according to a modified example. [Figure 9] 6 is a side view showing a handle according to a modified example, seen from a direction B shown in FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a water supply and drainage system of a washing and drying machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the washer / dryer according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display operation panel of a medium-sized laundry machine according to an embodiment, which allows the selection of five courses. [Figure 13] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the configuration of an upper panel of a display / operation panel according to an embodiment, and diagrams showing the internal configuration of a course electrostatic unit and other components of the display / operation panel when the upper panel is open. [Figure 14] 10 is a diagram showing the arrangement of backlights of electrostatic course blocks for each of the four washing courses on the display and operation panel of the compact laundry machine according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 15] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a mounting structure of one course electrostatic block and a flicker lamp according to an embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13(b) is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the acrylic panel shown in FIG. 13(a). [Figure 17] 13(b) is a diagram showing the configuration of a non-contact switch panel of the third electrostatic unit and its touch control section. FIG. [Figure 18] 18 is a diagram illustrating the operation steps of the microcomputer shown in FIG. 17. [Figure 19] 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating a substrate configuration of a display / operation panel according to an embodiment. [Figure 20] 5 is a flowchart showing an initial setting operation when power is turned on for the non-contact switch panel according to the embodiment. [Figure 21] 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of determining whether a touch sensor of a non-contact switch panel is ON / OFF according to the embodiment. [Figure 22] 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of acquiring scan data of a non-contact switch panel according to the embodiment. [Figure 23] 10 is a flowchart showing a display form of the display operation panel when a user is detected by a human presence sensor according to the embodiment. [Figure 24] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of the display operation panel for "standby state" and "course selection start" of the compact laundry machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 25] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of the display operation panel for "Selecting a course" and "In operation" of the compact laundry machine according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, details of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the laundry machine according to the present invention will be described as an example in which it is applied to a washer / dryer that washes and / or dries items to be washed.

[0008] (Washer / dryer configuration) The configuration of a washer-dryer according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a front view of a laundry device (here, a washer-dryer) according to this embodiment, Fig. 2 is a rear view thereof, and Fig. 3 is a perspective view thereof. Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining the opening and closing angle of the door of the washer-dryer, showing the washer-dryer in a plan view. Note that for the sake of explanation, Fig. 3 omits some of the front panel and display / operation panel, which will be described later.

[0009] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the washer / dryer 1 has a rectangular parallelepiped housing 20, and inside the housing 20 there are provided an outer body (shell) 30 (see Figure 10 described later), which is a horizontally oriented, bottomed cylindrical body, and a drum 40 (see Figure 3), which is a horizontally oriented, bottomed cylindrical body arranged inside the outer body 30.

[0010] The housing 20 has a circular panel opening 20b approximately in the center of a front panel 20a provided on the front side. The outer body 30 has an input opening 60 for inserting and removing laundry such as clothes and sheets, and the input opening 60 is fixed so that the input opening 60 is exposed through the panel opening 20b. The front panel 20a is provided with an opening / closing door 70 via a hinge mechanism (not shown) for opening and closing the input opening 60. As shown in FIG. 3 , a user opens the opening / closing door 70 to insert laundry into the drum 40, and after the washing process and / or drying process (hereinafter referred to as laundry process) is completed, the user opens the opening / closing door 70 and removes the laundry from the drum 40. In addition, the front panel 20a is provided with a human sensor 50 for detecting the proximity of a user using the washer / dryer 1.

[0011] 2, a combustion confirmation window 21 for visually checking the state of combustion of a gas burner of a heating unit 150 (see FIG. 10) described later is provided in the upper part of the back surface of the housing 20. The combustion confirmation window 21 may also be provided in the side surface of the housing 20.

[0012] Furthermore, the washer-dryer 1 according to this embodiment can process a larger volume of laundry relative to its outer diameter than conventional machines. For example, while a conventional washer-dryer of the same dimensions can wash 22 kg and dry 15 kg, the washer-dryer 1 according to this embodiment can wash 27 kg and dry 16 kg. Therefore, it can process not only clothes but also large laundry items such as futons. This can be achieved, for example, by expanding the diameter of the drum 40 or the in-load, which will be described later.

[0013] (Display operation panel 20c) As shown in Fig. 1, a display / operation panel 20c is disposed above the front panel 20a, where the user operates the laundry processing operation. The front surface of the display / operation panel 20c is made of transparent resin or glass so that the surface can be easily cleaned and kept clean, and has, for example, five program selection buttons 201. The program selection buttons 201 are used to receive input from the user when selecting a washing / drying program on the washer / dryer 1 side.

[0014] In this embodiment, it is possible to arbitrarily set a dedicated course for each course selection button 201. For example, it is possible to assign three washing and drying courses, one washing course, and one drying course, each with different required times and fees depending on the type of laundry (clothing, duvet, mattress, etc.) and the amount of laundry to be processed (weight). This makes it possible to set courses that suit the local needs, usage conditions, or characteristics of the coin laundry store. Note that the number of course selection buttons 201 is not limited to five, and more buttons may be provided to cover a wider range of courses.

[0015] The program selection button 201 includes a program name light-emitting element 201a that displays the name of each program (wash / dry / wash / dry) and a ring-shaped light-emitting element 201b that surrounds the program name light-emitting element 201a. The program name light-emitting element 201a and the ring light-emitting element 201b can be turned on, blinking, or turned off using a backlight such as an LED provided on the back of the display / operation panel 20c. When the backlight is off, the light-emitting element 201a displays the same color as the background (e.g., black). This prevents unnecessary dials and other elements from being visible to the user and reduces unnecessary power consumption. The program name displayed on the program name light-emitting element 201a can be freely changed by replacing the character sheet (see reference numeral 510b in FIG. 16) on the back or by controlling the character dot display. The ring light-emitting element 201b may be located inside or outside the program selection button 201.

[0016] It is preferable that these two light emitting units emit light in different colors. For example, the program name light emitting unit 201a may emit light in white, and the ring light emitting unit 201b may emit light in a color different from white. In particular, it is preferable that the ring light emitting unit 201b emit light in a different color for each program. For example, the ring light emitting unit 201b of the program selection button 201 corresponding to the wash program is configured to emit light in a first color corresponding to washing, for example, a blue color associated with washing. The ring light emitting unit 201b of the program selection button 201 corresponding to the dry program is configured to emit light in a second color corresponding to drying, for example, an orange color associated with drying. Furthermore, the ring light emitting unit 201b of the program selection button 201 corresponding to the wash / dry program is configured to emit light in a first color corresponding to washing, for example, a blue color associated with washing, and a second color corresponding to drying, for example, an orange color associated with drying. In other words, the two colors, a blue ring light emitting unit and an orange ring light emitting unit, are configured to emit light simultaneously from above and below or from left and right.

[0017] FIG. 12 shows an example of the display / operation panel 20c of a medium-sized (M) laundry machine 1, from which five courses can be selected. The five courses are a 16 kg capacity wash / dry course, a 10 kg capacity wash / dry course, a 27 kg capacity wash course, a 16 kg capacity dry course, and a single-bed wash course. Therefore, the first (upper) ring light emitting element 201b-1a of the 16 kg capacity wash / dry course (course name light emitting element 201a-1) is set to emit a blue-based color (a color associated with washing), and the second (lower) ring light emitting element 201b-1b is set to emit an orange-based color (a color associated with drying). Similarly, the first ring light emitting element 201b-2a of the 10 kg capacity wash / dry course (course name light emitting element 201a-2) is set to emit a blue-based color, and the second ring light emitting element 201b-2b is set to emit an orange-based color. Additionally, the first ring light emitter 201b-3a and the second ring light emitter 201b-3b of the 27 kg capacity washing course (course name light emitter 201a-3) are both set to emit blue (a color corresponding to (associated with) washing). Additionally, the first ring light emitter 201b-4a and the second ring light emitter 201b-4b of the 16 kg capacity drying course (course name light emitter 201a-4) are both set to emit orange (a color corresponding to (associated with) drying). Additionally, the first ring light emitter 201b-5a and the second ring light emitter 201b-5b of the single futon washing course (course name light emitter 201a-5) are both set to emit blue. Here, the ring light emitters (201b-1a to 201b-5a, 201b-1b to 201b-5b) are arranged above and below the outside of the course selection button 201, but the ring light emitters may be arranged above, below, or to the left and right of the inside of the course selection button 201. Note that the first ring light emitter and the second ring light emitter are each formed as a single semicircular ring, but a semicircular ring may also be formed by connecting multiple small rings.

[0018] In this way, for washing only or drying only, one color that can be associated with the course content is illuminated, and for a course that includes both washing and drying, two different colors that can be associated with each course are illuminated. This visually expresses the course content of the course selection button 201 (course name illumination units 201a-1 to 201a-5 in FIG. 12), allowing the user to intuitively understand at a glance what course content the course selection button 201 represents. In other words, the course name is displayed inside the circle formed by the first ring illumination unit (e.g., 201b-1a) and the second ring illumination unit (e.g., 201b-1b), providing an easy-to-understand display for the user. The color scheme of this illumination is arbitrary, and it is preferable that the color scheme be changeable, for example, in response to a remote change of course setting, which will be described in detail later.

[0019] Returning to FIG. 1 , from the perspective of reducing electricity costs, it is preferable to control the centralized payment machine connected to washer-dryer 1 or washer-dryer 1 itself to turn off all of the course selection buttons 201 and turn them all on when a user is detected by motion sensor 50. Motion sensor 50 may be installed in washer-dryer 1 or in the store. If it is installed in the store, the detection signal from the motion sensor may be input directly to washer-dryer 1, or may be input to a server or centralized payment machine connected to be able to communicate with washer-dryer 1, and the sensor detection result may be input to washer-dryer 1 via these. In addition to the motion sensor, image processing using camera footage may also be used as a means for detecting the presence of a user using laundry appliance 1. The motion sensor or camera is installed in a predetermined location in the store (for example, near the entrance or near the front of laundry appliance 1).

[0020] Returning to FIG. 1 , when a user selects a desired course selection button 201, it is preferable that the ring light emitting part 201b of the selected button flashes, or the ring light emitting parts 201b of the unselected course selection buttons 201 are turned off or dimly lit (diminished illumination), so that the user can easily identify the selected course. This turning off or dimly lit illumination may also be performed on the capacity display area 201c, setting area 202, option buttons 204, and flicker lamp 205, which will be described later. The capacity display area 201c and setting area 202 are referred to as the display area. The display content of the display area can be changed by replacing the character sheet depending on the specifications of the laundry machine 1.

[0021] Incidentally, taking into consideration the possibility of reselection of the course selection button 201, it is preferable that the course name light emitting unit 201a of the unselected course selection button 201 remains lit even when the ring light emitting unit 201b is turned off. Thereafter, simultaneously with or at the start of driving, only the course name light emitting unit 201a and ring light emitting unit 201b of the selected course selection button 201 are lit, and the light emitting units of the other course selection buttons 201 are turned off. However, this is not limited to this, and any means of control, such as lighting, flashing, turning off, or dimming (reduced illumination), may be used as long as the selected course is visually recognizable and the control takes into consideration the possibility of reselection.

[0022] Returning to FIG. 1, above each of the course selection buttons 201, there is provided, as one of the display areas, a capacity display area 201c that indicates the capacity or number of items to be washed for the course contents indicated by each course selection button. Like the course name light-emitting unit 201a and the ring light-emitting unit 201b, the capacity display area 201c can be turned on, blinking, or turned off using a backlight such as an LED, and when turned off, it is the same color as the background (e.g., black). The numerical value shown in the capacity display area 201c (e.g., 10 kg if the items to be washed are clothes, 1 piece if the items are futons, etc.) can be freely changed by replacing the character sheet on the back of the panel or by controlling the character dot display.

[0023] Above each capacity display area 201c, there is provided a setting area 202 that displays the course content (time and fee) indicated by each course selection button, which is another display area. Here, two setting areas 202 are provided vertically for one course selection button 201. For example, one of the two can display the required usage time and the other can display the usage fee, allowing the user to recognize the content of each course. The setting area 202 and fee / remaining time display area 203 are 7-segment displays, and the display can be switched according to settings changed by remote control, which will be described in detail later.

[0024] For example, Fig. 12 shows a display operation panel 20c that displays the course time and fee for each course in the setting area 202. In Fig. 12, for the 16 kg capacity wash / dry course, 1200 yen / 60 minutes is displayed as the default. Also, for the 10 kg capacity wash / dry course, 1000 yen / 50 minutes is displayed as the default. Also, for the 27 kg capacity wash course, 800 yen / 30 minutes is displayed as the default. Also, for the 16 kg capacity dry course, 100 yen / 10 minutes is displayed as the default. Furthermore, for the single futon wash course, 1200 yen / 30 minutes is displayed as the default.

[0025] (Electrostatic unit) 13 to 15 are diagrams showing the configuration of an internal electrostatic unit of the display / operation panel 20c in the compact laundry machine 1. FIG. 13(a) is a diagram showing the configuration of upper panel 500 of display / operation panel 20c. Upper panel 500 is composed of an acrylic panel 510 on which, for example, four washing courses are clearly displayed, and an upper panel mounting plate 520 to which acrylic panel 510 is attached. Acrylic panel 510 is attached to upper panel mounting plate 520 by gluing or screwing, etc.

[0026] FIG. 13(b) illustrates the internal electrostatic unit 600 of the display / operation panel 20c when the upper panel 500 is open. The electrostatic unit 600 is composed of a first electrostatic unit 610 on the left, a second electrostatic unit 620 on the right, and multiple third electrostatic units 630 positioned between the first and second electrostatic units 610 and 620. These first to third electrostatic units 610 to 630 form a touchless panel. Specifically, when a fingertip or palm is held over a switch (button) on the first to third electrostatic units 610 to 630, a charge fluctuates at the location where the fingertip or palm is placed. This signal is transmitted as a selection signal to a touch control unit (described later) to detect whether the non-contact switch is touched or not. The third electrostatic unit 630 of the compact model is composed of course electrostatic blocks 630a to 630d, one for each of the four washing courses. The course electrostatic blocks 630a to 630d are each an independent unit, and operate to detect a non-contact selection by the user in each course electrostatic block and control the display of each backlight.

[0027] The first electrostatic unit 610 is provided with a backlit drum wash switch (reference numeral 204a in FIG. 12), a backlit voice navigation switch (reference numeral 204b in FIG. 12), and, for example, two backlit spare switches (not shown in FIG. 13), which are located at positions corresponding to the option area of ​​the option button 204 in FIG. 12.

[0028] The second electrostatic unit 620 is located in a position corresponding to the status display area that displays at least the "Charge / Remaining Time" display area 203 and the drying temperature setting area 208 on the right side of Figure 12, and is provided with a backlit temperature selection switch (reference number 208 in Figure 12), a backlit "In Operation" display (reference number 212 in Figure 12), a backlit "Burning" display (reference number 210 in Figure 12), a backlit "Sterilization" display (reference number 206 in Figure 12, installed on medium-sized machines or larger), and a backlit 7-segment display that displays the charge / remaining time.

[0029] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the arrangement of backlights for each of the course electrostatic blocks 630a to 630d for each of the four washing courses of the third electrostatic unit 630. Backlight 640a is provided corresponding to the course selection switch (e.g., reference numeral 201a-1 in FIG. 12). Backlight 640b is provided corresponding to the ring light-emitting unit (e.g., reference numerals 201b-1a and 201b-1b in FIG. 12). Backlight 640c is provided corresponding to the capacity "Kg" display (e.g., 16 Kg in FIG. 12). Backlight 640d is provided corresponding to the time "minutes" display (e.g., 60 minutes in FIG. 12) of the 7-segment indicator. Backlight 640e is provided corresponding to the price "yen" display (e.g., 1200 yen in FIG. 12) of the 7-segment indicator.

[0030] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the attachment structure of the course electrostatic block (for example, course electrostatic block 630c) of the third electrostatic unit 630 and the flicker lamp 205. The course electrostatic block 630c is composed of a substrate 6301, a reflector 6302, and a diffusion sheet unit 6303, which are integrally fixed to a metal plate 650. The diffusion sheet unit 6303 is composed of a diffusion sheet and an electrostatic sheet. The flicker lamp 205 is attached to a mounting bracket 2053 with three fixing brackets 2051, and the mounting bracket 2053 is fixed to the metal plate 650. In this way, the course electrostatic blocks 630a to 630d are fixed one by one with screws and are therefore removable. Therefore, when changing the course layout, the course layout can be easily changed by swapping the course electrostatic blocks 630a to 630d.

[0031] (acrylic panel) FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the shape of the acrylic panel 510 shown in FIG. 13. The acrylic panel 510 is composed of a transparent base material 510a, a first printed layer 510b, and a second printed layer 510c, which are bonded together with an adhesive. The first printed layer 510b is formed with a design, printed characters, light-blocking features, etc. A background color (e.g., black smoke) is printed on the second printed layer 510c. The background color can be set to any color, such as a black model or a white model.

[0032] (Other configurations of the display / operation panel 20c) Returning to FIG. 1 , when a user inserts money into the payment slot 25 or centralized payment machine for paying the usage fee, which is provided at the bottom of the display / operation panel 20c, and selects (holds a finger over) the desired course selection button 201, the laundry processing operation of the wash / dry course associated with the course selection button 201 is executed. When the laundry processing operation is executed, information about the laundry processing operation is displayed in the fee / remaining time display area 203 adjacent to the course selection button 201. Examples of information about the laundry processing operation include the usage time of the washer / dryer 1 and the usage fee (including an overtime fee and an overtime fee). The usage fee can be paid by cash, by card payment such as a credit card or prepaid card, or by smartphone payment.

[0033] 1 also has a plurality of option buttons 204. Option buttons 204 can be set to, for example, a drum wash button (reference numeral 204a in FIG. 12) that rotates drum 40 when the laundry is empty to clean the inside of the drum, a voice navigation button (reference numeral 204b in FIG. 12) that explains the functions of washer-dryer 1, a sterilization button that inactivates and sterilizes viruses and the like inside drum 40 by, for example, sending ozone air into drum 40 after cooling after drying, and the like. Some of these option buttons 204 can be operated without inserting a fee into fee insert unit 25. For example, by selecting the drum wash button (reference numeral 204a in FIG. 12) before inserting laundry into drum 40, a user can use washer-dryer 1 in a state in which drum 40 has been washed for a set predetermined time and the inside of drum 40 has been sterilized to a certain extent.

[0034] The course selection button 201 and option button 204 in FIG. 1 are capacitive switch panels, which will be described later. Therefore, the buttons respond and accept input when the user approaches them with their fingertip, without the need for direct touch. This allows the user to operate the buttons without contact, preventing virus infections and other issues via the buttons. Furthermore, in anticipation of a user accidentally touching them, the course selection button 201 and option button 204 are antibacterial treated, which reduces bacteria and viruses and provides double infection prevention. Examples of antibacterial treatments include the use of antibacterial paint, antibacterial wax, and antibacterial cover glass.

[0035] 1 has an arc-shaped flicker lamp 205 between the course selection buttons 201 and the option buttons 204. That is, the flicker lamp 205 is formed by mounting an arc-shaped flicker lamp that is longer than the vertical width of the display / operation panel 20c, allowing the user to know at a glance the usage status (operation status) of the washer / dryer 1. As shown in FIG. 12, the flicker lamp 205 is provided at the boundary between the plurality of course selection buttons 201, the plurality of light-emitting units 201b (201b-1a to 201b-5a and 201b-1b to 201b-5b), the capacity display area 201c and the setting area 202, which are display areas, and the option buttons 204. The flicker lamp 205 can emit light using a backlight, and is controlled to turn on, turn off, or blink to notify the user that the washer / dryer is the machine to be operated (in the state of being operated) during remote settlement using a centralized settlement machine. It is also preferable to visually identify the operating status by turning on, blinking, or changing the light color according to the operating status, such as washing or drying. It is also preferable to turn on the light during operation and turn off during standby, or vice versa, or change the light color, so that customers can immediately identify available washer-dryers 1 that are operable upon entering the store. The program selection button 201, setting area 202, and option button 204 may have the above-mentioned functions, including a flicker function, similar to the flicker lamp 205. The flicker lamp 205 may be configured to change its light color depending on whether the laundry machine 1 is unused, whether a program is selected, whether the laundry machine is being operated at the checkout machine, or whether the laundry machine 1 is in operation. The flicker lamp (status display unit) 205 is not limited to an arc shape and may be a curved shape longer than the vertical width of the display / operation panel 20c, a diagonal line shape, or a combination of these.

[0036] The display / operation panel 20c in FIG. 1 also has a sterilization / rejection temperature lamp 206 above the "fee / remaining time" display area 203. The sterilization / rejection temperature lamp 206 displays multiple germ-removal stages according to the temperature required to repel bacteria or viruses. The sterilization / rejection temperature lamp 206 estimates the temperature inside the drum 40 from the drum outlet temperature, etc., acquired by the outlet temperature sensor 130 (see FIGS. 10 and 11), which will be described later. In response to the sterilization button on the option button 204, the sterilization / rejection temperature lamp 206 lights up or blinks when the temperature reaches a range where sterilization effects are expected. One method for this estimation is to set the lowest drum outlet temperature when the temperature inside the drum 40 reaches a temperature sufficient for sterilization as a threshold value in the washer / dryer 1, and then estimate the temperature based on whether the detection result of the outlet sensor 130 is equal to or higher than the threshold value. This series of controls is performed by the laundry control unit 100 (see FIG. 11), which will be described later. It is also advisable to light or flash the sterilization and repelling temperature lamp 206 during the process of inactivating viruses, etc., typically with ozone, or during the process of sterilization.

[0037] 12, non-contact adjustment buttons (drying temperature setting means) for adjusting the drying temperature may be provided in drying temperature setting area 208 of display / operation panel 20c. If the adjustment buttons consist of, for example, a high temperature button, a medium temperature button, and a low temperature button, the user can freely set the drying temperature taking into consideration the material of the laundry.

[0038] (contactless switch panel) FIG. 17 shows the non-contact switch panels and their control blocks for the course selection buttons 201 for each of the course electrostatic blocks 630a-630d shown in FIG. 13(b). Each switch panel for the course selection button 201 is configured with multiple panels (multiplexed). FIG. 17 shows the course electrostatic block 630a corresponding to the course selection button 201a-1 and the course electrostatic block 630d corresponding to the course selection button 201a-4. Each course selection button 201 is configured with a capacitive non-contact panel and includes a ring-shaped first switch panel 700 and a circular second switch panel 710 located inside the ring. The first and second switch panels 700, 710 have a shape without corners, which eliminates resistance. The first switch panel 700 is connected to a microcomputer 721, which is a touch control unit, via two signal lines 702, 704, a connector 706, and a touch control board 720. Second switch panel 710 is also connected to microcomputer 721 via signal line 708, connector 706, and touch control board 720. First switch panel 700 has a wide ring-shaped detection range, so two signal lines 702 and 704 are used to input a signal indicating a change in capacitance to microcomputer 721. For example, the ring diameter of first switch panel 700 is approximately 60 mm, and the electrode width is approximately 5 mm, while the circle diameter of second switch panel 710 is approximately 40 mm. Although FIG. 17 shows a duplicated switch panel, for example, a triplex configuration may be used, in which two ring-shaped first switch panels, one large and one small, are configured, and a circular second switch panel is configured inside the smaller first switch panel.

[0039] The microcomputer 721 incorporates a CPU 723, an electrostatic touch sensor unit CTSU 725, a memory 727, a timer 729, and the like. The CPU 723 controls the entire coarse electrostatic block 630a and detects touch ON / OFF. The electrostatic touch sensor unit 725 measures and converts the electrostatic capacitance generated in the touch electrode. The memory 727 is composed of ROM / RAM, and stores a preset reference threshold value. The timer 729 counts the timing of timer interrupts.

[0040] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the operation steps of the microcomputer 721, which is the touch control unit. When the microcomputer 721 receives signals indicating changes in capacitance output from the first switch panel 700 and the second switch panel 710 via the connector 706 and the touch control board 720, it detects an analog value of the change in capacitance. The electrostatic touch sensor unit 725 converts the detected analog value into a frequency, and also converts the frequency into a count value and stores it in the memory 727. When the CPU 723 detects an interrupt timing signal from the timer 729, it compares the count value stored in the memory with a reference threshold value to determine whether the touch is ON or OFF without contact, and stores the touch ON / OFF determination result in the memory 727.

[0041] 19 is a diagram showing the board configuration of the display / operation panel 20c. The display / operation panel 20c is composed of a main board 750, touch control boards 720a to 720d corresponding to the course electrostatic blocks 630a to 630d of the third electrostatic unit 630, a touch control board 720f corresponding to the first electrostatic unit 610, a touch control board 720g corresponding to the second electrostatic unit 620, and a touch control board 720h corresponding to the 7-segment display. A signal from the motion sensor 50 is input to the main control board 750. The main control board 750 is responsible for overall control of the display / operation panel 20c. That is, the main control board 750 manages and controls touch determinations received from the touch control boards 720a to 720h and transmits display commands, such as turning on / off / dimming the backlight LEDs, to the touch control boards 720a to 720h. The touch control boards 720a to 720h determine touch ON / OFF without contact, transmit ON / OFF determination data to the main board 750, and control the execution of display commands such as turning on / off / dimming the backlight LED received from the main board 750. In Fig. 19, the main board 750 and touch control board 720f are connected via RS485, and the touch control boards 720f, 720a to 720d, and 720g are connected in a cascading chain.

[0042] (Course electrostatic block operation) 20 to 22 are flowcharts showing the processing operations performed by the microcomputer 721 of each of the course electrostatic blocks 630a to 630d in its own block. 20 is a flowchart showing the initialization process within its own block by each microcomputer 721. When the power of the laundry device 1 is turned on (S100), the microcomputer 721 initializes the electrostatic touch sensor unit 725 (S110). Specifically, it initializes registers, enables interrupts, etc.

[0043] Next, the microcomputer 721 sets the correction threshold value in the memory 727 (S120). When it is desired to change the touch sensitivity, for example, the sensitivity level can be switched between the following four levels using a toggle switch provided on each touch control board. Sensitivity setting 0: Standard threshold (normal) Sensitivity setting 1: Standard threshold -200 (high sensitivity) Sensitivity setting 2: Standard threshold -400 (highest sensitivity) Sensitivity setting 3: Standard threshold +200 (weak sensitivity)

[0044] Next, the microcomputer 721 sets the touch interrupt timing (S130). Specifically, it sets the touch data scan timing (for example, 20 ms). After completing the above process, the microcomputer 721 completes the initialization and starts non-contact touch detection with an interrupt of the set scan timing of 20 ms (S140).

[0045] 21 is a flowchart showing the touch data acquisition process by the CPU 723. The CPU 723 executes interrupt processing according to the scan timing of 20 ms set in S130 of FIG. 20 (S300). Then, the CPU 723 starts reading the converted count value (scan data) from the electrostatic touch sensor unit 725 and starts the next scan (S305). If there is no error during the reading process (Yes in S310), the CPU 723 compares the acquired count value with a reference threshold, and determines that touch is ON if the count value is equal to or greater than the reference threshold, or that touch is OFF if the count value is equal to or less than the reference threshold, and stores the touch determination data in the memory 727 (S315). Here, for example, it is assumed that scan data is acquired first from the first switch panel 700.

[0046] In S310, if an error is detected during the reading process of the first switch panel 700 (No in S310), but if there is no abnormality in the second switch panel 710 (Yes in S320), a count value corresponding to the analog signal from the second switch panel 710 is obtained from the electrostatic touch sensor unit 725, and ON / OFF is determined by comparing the count value with a reference threshold, and the touch determination data is stored in memory 727 (S325). If abnormalities are detected in both the first and second switch panels 700, 710 in S320, the abnormality detection is notified and the process ends (S355).

[0047] Next, the CPU 723 monitors whether there is a constant ON abnormality in each of the switch panels 700 and 710 (S330). If there is no constant ON abnormality (Yes in S335), the CPU 723 ends the touch determination data acquisition process and waits for the next interrupt (S340). On the other hand, if the CPU 723 detects a constant ON abnormality (No in S335), it overwrites the judgment data for the switch panel determined to be abnormal, stored in the memory 727, with OFF data (S345). Then, it checks whether the constant ON abnormality is an abnormality on either the inside or outside switch panel (either the first or second switch panel 700, 710) (S350). If an abnormality is detected on one side (Yes in S350), it waits for the next interrupt from a normal switch panel (S340). On the other hand, if constant ON abnormalities are detected on both the first and second switch panels 700, 710 (No in S350), it notifies the abnormality detection and ends the process (S355).

[0048] 22 is a flowchart showing the touch determination process by the CPU 723. The CPU 273 performs OR processing on the ON detection associated with a change in capacitance of the first switch panel 700 (S210) and the ON detection associated with a change in capacitance of the second switch panel 710 (S220) to determine a touch ON (S230). If an ON is not detected on either the first switch panel 700 or the second switch panel 710, a touch OFF is determined (S240). In this way, the course selection buttons are configured in a dual structure using the first and second switch panels 700, 710, so that the detection accuracy can be improved even in non-contact touch detection. In other words, even if a malfunction occurs in one of the dual-structure switch panels 700, 710, the other switch panel can continue to detect non-contact course selection.

[0049] 19, the microcomputers 721 of the touch control boards 720a to 720h that have detected touch ON / OFF transmit the detected touch ON / OFF data to the main board 750. Based on the touch ON / OFF data received from each, the main control unit 750a of the main board 750 transmits a command to each microcomputer 721 of each touch control board 720a to 720g to control the turning on / low lighting (reducing the illuminance) / off of the backlight, thereby controlling the turning on / off of each backlight.

[0050] (Display control of display operation panel 20c) Fig. 23 is a flowchart showing the display mode of the display operation panel 20c in response to the detection of a user by the human presence sensor 50 in the laundry machine 1. Figs. 24 and 25 are diagrams showing examples of backlight display control of the display operation panel 20c in response to the selection of one of multiple course selection buttons. Since Figs. 24 and 25 illustrate a compact laundry machine 1, the machine has four courses, excluding the "futon wash course" shown in Fig. 12. The shaded areas in Figs. 24 and 25 indicate that the lights are off or dimly lit.

[0051] First, in Figure 23, the main control unit 750a of the main board 750 receives a signal from the human presence sensor 50 provided on the front surface of the laundry equipment 1. If the main control unit 750a does not detect the approach of a user for a predetermined period of time (No in S400), it sends a display command indicating lights off to each microcomputer 721 of each touch control board 720a to 720g (S410) so that the display mode of all lights off as shown in Figure 24(a) is displayed. FIG. 24(a) shows an example of the display on the display / operation panel 20c of the laundry machine 1 when it is in standby mode. In response to a command from the main control unit 750a, all indicators are off during standby mode except for the seven-segment indicator for "Price / Remaining Time" on the second electrostatic unit 620, which is on. That is, upon receiving a light-off command from the main control unit 750a, each microcomputer 721 in each electrostatic block 630a-630d turns off all backlights 640a-640e within its own block. Furthermore, the flicker lamp 205 and option button 204 of the first electrostatic unit 610 are also turned off in response to the light-off command from the main control unit 750a. This prevents unnecessary power consumption in the non-operating laundry machine 1.

[0052] Then, when the main control unit 750a detects the user's proximity for a predetermined period of time (Yes in S400), it sends a display command to each microcontroller 721 of each touch control board 720a to 720g to turn on the lights, so that the display mode shown in Figure 24(b) is displayed as fully lit (S420). FIG. 24(b) is a diagram showing an example of a display on the display / operation panel 20c for "Start Course Selection" in the laundry machine 1. In "Start Course Selection," the microcomputer 721 of each electrostatic block 630a-630d receives a lighting command from the main control unit 750a and turns on all backlights 640a-640e in its own block. The lighting command from the main control unit 750a also controls the lighting of the flicker lamp 205 and option button 204 of the first electrostatic unit 610. Note that, since FIG. 24(b) shows the state before operation, the backlights for "Burning" 210 and "In Operation" 212 in the operating status display of the second electrostatic unit 620 are off.

[0053] In FIG. 24(b), a user may select a course by holding a fingertip (or palm) 55 over the course selection button (course name light-emitting unit 201a-2) of the electrostatic block 630b, the second from the left. An analog signal representing a change in capacitance is then read by the electrostatic touch sensor unit 721 from the first and / or second switch panels 700 and 710 in the electrostatic block 630b, and the microcomputer 721 transmits the touch-ON data to the main control unit 750a. The main control unit 750a instructs the microcomputer 721 of the electrostatic block 630b to turn on the backlights 630a-630e in the block. The microcomputer 721 then maintains the illumination of the backlights 630a-630e in the block. The illumination command from the main control unit 750a also maintains the illumination of the flicker lamp 205 and option button 204 of the first electrostatic unit 610. Meanwhile, upon receiving touch-on data from course electrostatic block 630b, main control unit 750a sends a dim lighting command to each microcomputer 721 of course electrostatic blocks 630a, 630c, and 630d. Receiving this dim lighting command, each microcomputer 721 of course electrostatic blocks 630a, 630c, and 630d dims the backlights 630a-630c in its own block (reducing the illuminance) so that the display appears faint. As a result, the display transitions to the display mode shown in FIG. 25(a). This allows the user to see at a glance that they have selected course electrostatic block 630b.

[0054] FIG. 25(a) shows an example of the display on the display / operation panel 20c when the "6 kg wash / dry course" (second from the left) is selected (before the usage fee is paid). The microcomputer 721 of the electrostatic block 630b for the "6 kg wash / dry course" (second from the left) controls the first ring light emitter 201b-2a and the second ring light emitter 201b-2b to slowly blink (breath light) in response to a blink command from the main control unit 750a. This clearly indicates to the user that the "6 kg wash / dry course" has been selected. Meanwhile, the microcomputer 721 of each of the electrostatic blocks 630a, 630c, and 630d for the other courses dims (reducing the illuminance) the backlights 630a-630c within its own block in response to a dim light command from the main control unit 750a. However, the microcomputer 721 of each of the electrostatic course blocks 630a, 630c, and 630d keeps the backlights 630d and 630e in its own block lit in response to a lighting command from the main control unit 750a. This is because there is a possibility that the user will change the course selection before paying the usage fee, so the backlights 630d and 630e corresponding to the "yen" display and the "minutes" display remain lit. This makes it possible to deal with changes in the course selection before paying the usage fee.

[0055] The drying temperature setting area 208 in FIG. 25(a) displays, for example, "High Temperature" according to the user's setting. The "Fee / Remaining Time" display area 203 also displays the user's usage fee, for example, 1,200 yen. When the user deposits the usage fee of 1,200 yen into the laundry machine 1 (the user selects the payment method), a payment signal is sent to the main control unit 750a of the main board 750. The main control unit 750a sends a rotating lighting command to the microcomputer 721 of the electrostatic course block 630b to start operation. In response to the rotating lighting command, the microcomputer 721 of the electrostatic course block 630b controls the operation of the first ring light emitter 201b-2a and the second ring light emitter 201b-2b so that the lights rotate (indicating operation). In FIG. 25(b), the rotation display is displayed with an arrow. This allows the user to see at a glance that the selected "6 kg wash / dry course" is "in operation."

[0056] During operation as shown in FIG. 25(b), when all or part of the indicators for courses other than the selected "6 kg wash and dry course" are turned off, they are displayed in the same color as the background (e.g., black) to make them invisible to the user. That is, upon receiving payment, the main board 750 sends a light-off command to each of the microcomputers 721 of the other electrostatic course blocks 630a, 630c, and 630d in accordance with the "In Operation" indication on the electrostatic course block 630b. The CPUs 723 of the electrostatic course blocks 630a, 630c, and 630d then turn off their own backlights 630a-630e in response to the light-off command. This reduces unnecessary power consumption and allows the user to see at a glance that the "6 kg wash and dry course" is running in the laundry device 1. Note that in FIG. 25(b), the flicker lamp 205 and the option button 204 remain lit in response to the light-on command from the main control unit 750a. Furthermore, the drying temperature setting area 208 displays, for example, "high temperature" according to the user's setting. The "fee / remaining time" display area 203 displays a remaining time of 48 minutes. Furthermore, the "burning" display area 210 is backlit and displayed in response to the ignition of the burner.

[0057] (Opening and closing door 70) Returning to FIG. 1, the door 70 has a disk shape that can close the loading opening 60, and a viewing window is provided in the center to allow the laundry to be seen inside. A sealant (not shown) is placed between the door 70 and the edge of the loading opening 60 to improve airtightness. As shown in FIG. 4, the opening and closing angle A of the door 70 is 110° to 120°. While most conventional opening and closing angles are 100°, this angle has been widened to 10° to 20°, thereby improving operability for the user.

[0058] Furthermore, the distance L from the bottom end of the door 70 to the installation surface is approximately 600 mm. Generally, carts for transporting laundry items are often 600 mm or less. Therefore, by providing the door 70 in this manner, even if a cart is positioned below the door 70, the door 70 can be opened and closed, making it possible to easily move laundry items to the cart after the laundry processing operation.

[0059] Furthermore, the opening and closing door 70, including the handle of the door lock 80 (described later), is treated with an antibacterial coating since it is expected to be touched by many users. Examples of antibacterial coating include antibacterial paint or antibacterial wax, and the use of antibacterial glass for the viewing window.

[0060] A handle-type door lock 80 is provided at the center edge of the door 70. As shown in FIG. 4, a user of the washer / dryer 1 can use the handle 801 of the door lock 80 to open and close the door 70, latch (idle lock) the door 70, and unlatch it. The door lock 80 controls the locking and unlocking of the door 70 by the laundry control unit 100, which will be described later. That is, the laundry control unit 100 can fix the handle 801 with the door 70 closed and latched. That is, the laundry control unit 100 can lock the door 70 with the door lock 80 to keep the loading slot 60 sealed. When the laundry control unit 100 unlocks the door 70, the handle can be manually pulled to unlatch it, and the door 70 can then be opened to open the loading slot 60. The door lock 80 is provided with an open / close sensor 140 (see FIG. 11) that detects whether the door 70 is closed and latched. This door lock configuration is designed for easy maintenance.

[0061] (Handle 801) The configuration of the handle 801 will be described below. Fig. 5 is a front view showing the handle 801, and Fig. 6 is a plan view thereof. Fig. 7 is a side view showing the handle as viewed from direction B shown in Fig. 5. As shown in Figs. 5 to 7, the handle 801 has a gripping portion 801a that a user grips when operating the opening / closing door 70 and the door lock 800, and a support portion 801b that pivotally supports the handle 801a so that it can rotate relative to the opening / closing door 70.

[0062] Grip 801a is formed in a roughly rectangular pillar shape and has a removable display plate 802 inside. Display plate 802 is formed in a flat plate shape and can display predetermined information on one side, such as the name and logo of the owner company that operates the coin laundry store, product names, etc., by printing, and can be used as an advertising medium.

[0063] An insertion opening 801c for inserting the display plate 802 into the gripping portion 801a is formed on the side surface at the tip end of the gripping portion 801a, and this insertion opening 801c allows the display plate 802 to be inserted into and removed from the gripping portion 801a. Figures 5 to 7 show a state in which the display plate 802 is inserted into this insertion opening 801c. In addition, an exposure opening 801d is formed on the front of the gripping portion 801a, and when the display plate 802 is inserted into the gripping portion 801a, the display on the display plate 802 can be seen through the exposure opening 801d.

[0064] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the insertion opening 801c may be provided on the top surface of the gripping portion 801a rather than on the side, so that the display plate 802 can be inserted and removed from above, or no insertion opening may be provided and the display plate 802 may be inserted into the gripping portion 801a through the exposure opening 801d.

[0065] (Water supply and drainage system) Next, the water supply and drainage system of the washer-dryer 1 and its associated components will be described. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the water supply and drainage system of the washer-dryer 1. As shown in FIG. 10, the outer body 30 is provided with a water level sensor 110 for detecting the water level, a water supply pipe 910 for cold, hot water, or a mixture of lukewarm water (hereinafter referred to as supply water) used for washing and rinsing laundry, on the upper side, and a box-shaped drain shell 920 for storing washing wastewater and preventing debris from collecting on the lower side. A detergent dispensing pump (not shown) is provided in the water supply pipe 910, allowing detergent to be dispensed. A water supply valve 170 is also provided in the water supply pipe 910, and opening this water supply valve 170 allows supply water to be dispensed into the outer body 30.

[0066] Drain shell 920 is connected to drain pipe 921, which has drain valve 180 installed in it. Opening this drain valve 180 allows the supply water stored in outer body 30 to be discharged. Drain pipe 921 has a diameter of 75A, or an outer diameter of φ89 mm, which is larger than conventional drain pipes used in typical washer-dryers, which are 65A, or an outer diameter of 76.3 mm. This enables the drain time to be shortened.

[0067] In addition, a warm air supply passage 301 is connected to outer body 30, which draws in air from the outside and supplies it as warm drying air to an import port located between drum 40 and opening / closing door 70, thereby supplying it into drum 40. A warm air exhaust passage 303, which exhausts warm air to the outside, is connected to exhaust hole 302 located at the rear of the upper surface of outer body 30. The import port is designed to be larger in diameter and with a shorter protruding portion than conventional import ports, which makes it easy to load large items such as futons into drum 40.

[0068] The hot air supply path 301 is provided with a heating unit 150 which is made up of a gas burner and heats the drawn-in air, an inlet temperature sensor 120, an overheat prevention device and a safety device (not shown), etc. On the other hand, the hot air discharge path 303 is provided with a lint filter 190 which captures debris such as thread, a fan 160 which takes in air into the washer-dryer 1 and performs intake and exhaust, an outlet temperature sensor 130, a check damper for preventing backflow, an overheat prevention device (not shown), etc.

[0069] This allows the lint filter 190 to be cleaned by the lint cleaning function. This lint cleaning function is a process in which the drum 40 is rotated while more supply water is supplied from the water supply pipe than during laundry processing operation, causing the supply water to flow excessively, thereby causing the supply water to reach the lint filter 190 and cleaning the lint filter 190. This lint cleaning function makes it possible to reduce the frequency of maintenance such as replacing the lint filter 190.

[0070] The drum 40 is positioned with a predetermined gap between it and the outer body 30, with its opening coinciding with the insertion opening 60 of the outer body 30. The drum 40 is rotated by having its rotation shaft supported by the outer body 30 and connected to a motor M.

[0071] Next, a description will be given of the control system of the washer-dryer 1. Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing the control system of the washer-dryer according to this embodiment. The washer-dryer 1 includes a laundry control unit 100 that mainly controls the main body of the washer-dryer.

[0072] The laundry control unit 100 includes a main CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, memory 102, an input / output I / F 103a, and a communication I / F 103b. The main CPU 101 executes the main processing of the laundry control unit 100, and the memory 102 includes RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory), and is used as a work area for the main CPU 101 as well as a storage device for storing programs that realize various functions and data used in the processing executed by the functions. The memory 102 stores course information indicating parameters of the washing and drying courses set in the aforementioned course selection buttons 201. The parameters include whether washing and / or drying processing is performed, the required processing time, the fee, the weight of the laundry, etc.

[0073] The input / output I / F 103a is used to input input signals from the display / operation panel 20c and detection signals from the water level sensor 110, inlet temperature sensor 120, outlet temperature sensor 130, and open / close sensor 140, and is also used to output control signals to the heating unit 150, fan 160, water supply valve 170, drain valve 180, motor M, door lock 80, and display / operation panel 20c. Although not shown here, when a human sensor detects a fingertip held over the button to select a course selection button 201, the detection signal is also input to the input / output I / F 103a. The wireless communication I / F 103b is used for wireless communication with terminal devices such as smartphones and tablet devices. Various wireless communication standards can be used, including short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and Wi-Fi communication.

[0074] The laundry control unit 100, mainly through cooperation between the main CPU 101 and memory 102, controls the heating unit 150, fan 160, and motor M to perform a drying process in which the drum 40 rotates while hot air is sucked into the drum 40, and a washing process in which the drum 40 rotates while water is supplied into the drum 40 by controlling the water supply valve 170, drain valve 180, and motor M.

[0075] Furthermore, the laundry control unit 100 has a communication I / F 103b, which allows remote and collective setting or individual setting via wired or wireless communication. The setting here refers to, for example, course information associated with the course selection buttons 201 stored in the memory 102, the required time, the fee, and the like.

[0076] For example, if the washer-dryer 1 is connected to a server installed in the store, the owner of the washer-dryer 1 can launch a dedicated application program on the server and operate it to remotely change the settings of individual or multiple washer-dryer machines 1 at once. Another method for changing the settings of the washer-dryer 1 is to connect multiple washer-dryer machines 1 to a gateway installed in the coin laundry store so that they can communicate with each other, and change the settings via a terminal such as a smartphone or an external server using wireless communication such as Wi-Fi.

[0077] As described above, according to the display operation panel of the laundry equipment of the embodiment, the course selection buttons of the laundry equipment are configured as a non-contact switch panel, and by making the switch panel a multiplexed structure, it is possible to provide a display operation panel that is highly responsive even when non-contact.

[0078] The display and operation panel of the laundry machine according to the embodiment is display and operation panel 20c of laundry machine 1 which performs either washing and drying or washing and drying on the items to be washed, and is composed of a plurality of non-contact switch panels 700, 710, and has a plurality of course selection buttons 201a-1 to 201a-4 which display either the washing and drying or washing and drying course for the items to be washed, and display areas 201c, 202 which display one or more of the capacity, usage time and usage fee corresponding to the washing and drying or washing and drying of the plurality of course selection buttons 201a-1 to 201a-4. Therefore, by making non-contact switch panels 700, 710 a multiplexed structure, even if one switch panel breaks down, operation can continue using the other switch panel, and a display and operation panel with excellent responsiveness can be provided even though it is non-contact.

[0079] Furthermore, the switch panel of the display / operation panel 20c of the laundry equipment 1 is composed of a first switch panel 700 in the shape of a ring with no corners and a second switch panel 710 in the shape of a circle formed inside the first switch panel 700, so that the dual configuration can be made small and a display / operation panel with excellent responsiveness can be provided even without contact.

[0080] Furthermore, the display operation panel 20c of the laundry machine 1 includes electrostatic blocks 630a to 630d, each of which has a plurality of course selection buttons (201a-1 to 201a-4), display areas 201c and 202, a plurality of backlights 640a to 640e that light up the course selection button (201a-1) and display areas 201c and 202, and a touch control unit 721 that detects the non-contact ON / OFF of the course selection buttons (201a-1 to 201a-4). As a result, even if a malfunction occurs, maintenance can be performed simply by replacing the malfunctioning electrostatic block, resulting in excellent maintainability.

[0081] Furthermore, each touch control unit 720 of the multiple electrostatic blocks on the display operation panel 20c of the laundry machine 1 determines that touch is ON when it detects a capacitance change signal on at least one of the first switch panel 700 or the second switch panel 710, and determines that touch is OFF when it does not detect a capacitance change signal on either the first switch panel 700 or the second switch panel 710. Therefore, even if a malfunction occurs in one of the duplicated switch panels, touch detection can continue using the other switch panel.

[0082] Furthermore, each touch control unit 720 of the multiple electrostatic blocks on the display / operation panel 20c of the laundry machine 1 monitors the first switch panel 700 and the second switch panel 710 for abnormalities such as being left ON, and if an abnormality such as being left ON is detected, the touch sensor output of the switch panel in question is set to OFF. Therefore, even if a malfunction occurs in one of the duplicated switch panels, touch detection can continue using the other switch panel.

[0083] The display operation panel of the laundry machine according to the embodiment is a display operation panel 20c of the laundry machine 1 that performs either washing and drying or washing and drying for the items to be washed, and is composed of a plurality of non-contact switch panels 700, 710, and includes a plurality of course selection buttons 201a-1 to 201a-4 that display either the washing and drying or washing and drying course for the items to be washed, a plurality of display areas 201c, 202 that are provided for each course selection button and that display one or more of the capacity, usage time, and usage fee corresponding to the washing and drying or washing and drying course selection buttons 201a-1 to 201a-4, the display areas 201c, 202, and a display area that lights up and displays the course selection buttons and the display areas. The touch panel 700, 710 has a configuration including a plurality of backlights 640a to 640e for displaying the courses, a touch control unit 721 for detecting touch ON / OFF of the course selection buttons without contact, a plurality of electrostatic blocks 630a to 630d for each course on which the backlights are mounted, and a main control unit 750a that receives touch ON / OFF signals from each of the touch control units 721 of the plurality of electrostatic blocks 630a to 630d and sends a display command to each of the touch control units 721 to turn on the lights. Therefore, by using a multiplexed structure for the contactless switch panels 700, 710, even if one switch panel fails, operation can continue using the other switch panel, and a display operation panel with excellent responsiveness can be provided even without contact.

[0084] In addition, a detection signal from a human presence sensor 50 that detects users is input to the main control unit 750a of the display operation panel 20c of the laundry machine 1, and when the main control unit 750a does not receive a detection signal from the human presence sensor 50, it is configured to send a display command to each touch control unit 721 of the multiple electrostatic blocks 630a to 630d to turn them off, thereby preventing unnecessary power consumption in the laundry machine 1 that is not in operation.

[0085] Furthermore, when the main control unit 750a of the display operation panel 20c of the laundry machine 1 receives a detection signal from the human presence sensor 50, it is configured to send a display command to each touch control unit 721 of the multiple electrostatic blocks 630a to 630d to indicate that all are lit, thereby providing an easy-to-understand display operation panel 20c for users who wish to use the laundry machine 1.

[0086] In addition, the display operation panel 20c of the laundry machine 1 has a main board 750 equipped with a main control unit 750a, and touch control boards for each of a plurality of electrostatic blocks 720a to 720d and other electrostatic blocks 720f and 720g. The main board 750 is connected to one of the touch control boards (720f), and the other touch control boards 720a to 720d and 720g are connected in a subordinate manner to that touch control board (720f). This enables the connection distance between the main board 750 and the touch control boards 720a to 720d, 720f and 720g to be shortened.

[0087] In addition, the display operation panel 20c of the laundry machine 1 further includes ring light emitting units 201b-2a, 201b-2b provided on the inside or outside of each course selection button (201a-1) of each of the multiple electrostatic blocks 630a to 630d, and when the main control unit 750a receives touch-on data from one of the multiple electrostatic blocks upon course selection, it controls the ring light emitting units 201b-2a, 201b-2b of the electrostatic block that sent the touch-on data to flash, so that the course selection can be displayed so that the user can see it at a glance.

[0088] In addition, when the payment of the usage fee is completed and operation begins, the main control unit 750a of the display operation panel 20c of the laundry machine 1 displays the light of the ring light emitting units 201b-2a and 201b-2b in a rotating manner, so that the user can see at a glance the course currently being operated by the laundry machine 1.

[0089] In this embodiment, an example in which the laundry machine according to the present invention is applied to a washer / dryer has been described, but it goes without saying that the laundry machine can also be applied to a washing machine or a dryer.

[0090] The embodiments of the present invention are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1. Laundry equipment (washer / dryer) 20c...Display operation panel, 201...Course selection button 201a, 201a-1~201a-5...Course name Light-emitting section 201b... ring light emitting unit, 201b-1a to 201b-5a... first ring light emitting unit 201b-1b to 201b-5b... second ring light emitting unit, 201c... display area 202...Setting area, 203..."Charge / remaining time" display area 204...Option button, 204a...Drum wash button, 204b...Voice navigation button 205...Flicker lamp, 2051...Fixing bracket, 2053...Mounting bracket 206...sterilization and repellent temperature lamp, 208...drying temperature setting area 210...Combustion display area, 50...Human sensor, 60...Inlet 70...Opening and closing door, 500...Upper panel, 510...Acrylic panel 510a...base material, 510b...first printing layer, 510c...second printing layer 520...Upper panel mounting section, 600...Electrostatic unit 610...first electrostatic unit, 620...second electrostatic unit 630... third electrostatic unit, 630a to 630d... cord electrostatic blocks 631...substrate 631, 632...reflector, 633...diffusion sheet unit 650... Sheet metal, 6301... Substrate, 6302... Reflector 6303... Diffusion sheet unit, 700... First switch panel 702, 704, 708...Signal lines, 706...Connector 710...second switch panel, 720...touch control board 721...microcomputer (touch control unit), 723...CPU, 725... Capacitive Touch Sensor Unit CTSU, 727... Memory 729...Timer, 750...Main board, 750a...Main control unit 801a...gripping portion, 801c...insertion opening 801d...exposure opening, 802...display plate (display section)

Claims

1. A display and operation panel of a laundry machine that performs either washing and drying or washing and drying of laundry items, a plurality of course selection buttons for displaying either the washing and drying course or the washing and drying course of the laundry item; a plurality of display areas provided corresponding to the plurality of course selection buttons, each displaying a capacity, a usage time, and a usage fee corresponding to the wash / dry / wash / dry selection buttons; a control unit that detects ON / OFF of the plurality of course selection buttons and controls display of the plurality of course selection buttons and the plurality of display areas; and The control unit When all of the plurality of course selection buttons and the plurality of display areas are displayed in a first display, if one of the course selection buttons for which a course selection operation by a user has been detected is determined to be ON, the first display of the course selection button determined to be ON is maintained; The course selection buttons other than the course selection button determined to be ON are displayed in a second display different from the first display. A display and operation panel for a laundry machine.

2. The control unit maintain the display of at least the capacity of the display area corresponding to the course selection button determined to be ON in the first display; At least the capacity of the display area corresponding to the course selection button other than the course selection button determined to be ON is displayed in the second display.

2. A display and operation panel for a laundry machine according to claim 1.

3. a display unit that displays a usage fee corresponding to the course selection button that is maintaining the first display so that the user can see the course selected; 2. The display / operation panel of claim 1, wherein the display unit notifies the user that the usage fee has been paid.

Images