Laundry equipment

Abstract

The present invention provides a laundry device that can be installed in various facilities and that can improve hygiene management by measuring and displaying the time clothes are left unattended after washing and drying is complete. [Solution] The laundry device of the embodiment is a laundry device 10 comprising at least a touch panel 30 for displaying an operation screen, a start button 40, a stop button 50, and a control device 100 for operation control and display control, wherein the control device 100 displays at least a course selection screen on the touch panel 30 in which multiple courses can be selected with the previously selected course selected, and a course content display screen for displaying the content of the course selected from the course selection screen, and when the start button 40 is pressed from the display of the course content display screen, the control device 100 operates the laundry device 10 according to the selected course.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a laundry apparatus used in various facilities and the like.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, coin-operated laundry stores have been built across the country, enabling users to use laundry equipment 24 hours a day with unmanned operation. A large number of various laundry devices such as washing and drying machines, dryers, and futon dryers are installed in the stores. Users select a desired laundry device, set a desired course, operate the laundry device, and perform washing and drying of dirty laundry or drying of wet laundry.

[0003] By the way, laundry devices installed in various facilities (for example, nursing facilities and care facilities) etc. cannot be covered by household washing and drying machines because the number of users is large, and there is a trend to install laundry devices for coin-operated laundry stores. The laundry device in a coin-operated laundry store is configured to operate the laundry device when it is confirmed that the fee for the course set for the selected laundry device has been paid by coin insertion or electronic payment. However, since coin insertion or electronic payment is not required in various facilities, a cheap laundry device having a simple operation mechanism is desired.

[0004] On the other hand, in nursing facilities etc., it is necessary to pay particular attention to hygiene management. For example, in the use of a laundry device, there is a risk that laundry taken out with the laundry after washing and drying left in the washing tub for a long time will be worn with bacteria having propagated. Also, when left for a long time, there is a possibility that bacteria are generated and propagated in the washing tub, so it is necessary to take measures when using the laundry device. In the prior art having a display unit that displays the overtime after the operation of the laundry device ends, the purpose of its use was to enable confirmation of the overtime fee (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-113879 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a laundry device that can be installed in various facilities and that can measure and display the time left unattended after washing and drying is complete, thereby improving hygiene management. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The laundry device of the embodiment is a laundry device comprising at least a touch panel for displaying an operation screen, a start button, a stop button, and a control device for operation control and display control, wherein the control device displays at least a course selection screen on the touch panel in which a previously selected course is selected and multiple courses are available for selection, and a course content display screen for displaying the content of the course selected from the course selection screen, and the control device operates the laundry device according to the selected course when the start button is pressed from the display of the course content display screen. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows the external shape of the laundry device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows the configuration of a control block that controls the operation and display of the laundry device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] (a) is a diagram showing an example of the course selection screen (page 1-1), (b) is a diagram showing an example of the course selection screen (page 1-2), (c) is a diagram showing an example of the course selection screen (page 1-2), and (d) is a diagram showing an example of the course content (wash and dry) screen. [Figure 4] (a) is a diagram showing an example screen when the laundry machine is in the "2 Wash & Dry Small Quantity" cycle (washing in progress), (b) is a diagram showing an example screen when the machine is paused with "Rinse 1" at 1 minute and 9 seconds (the current cycle and its remaining time), and the remaining time for the entire cycle is 42 minutes and 9 seconds, and (c) is a diagram showing an example screen that displays the elapsed time until the door can be opened. [Figure 5] (a) is an example of a screen displaying the course details when the "3 Wash Only" course in Figure 3(a) is selected, and (b) is an example of a screen display during the operation of the "3 Wash Only" course. [Figure 6] (a) is an example of a screen displaying the course details when the "4 Drying Only" course in Figure 3(a) is selected, and (b) is an example of a screen display during operation of the "4 Drying Only" course. [Figure 7] (a) to (c) are diagrams showing the full process details of the "Wash & Dry" course and the screen transitions for setting the path. [Figure 8] (a) and (b) are diagrams showing the full process details of the "wash only" course and the screen transitions for setting the path. [Figure 9] (a) and (b) are diagrams showing the full process details of the "Drying Only" course and the screen transitions for setting the path. [Figure 10] Figures 3 to 6 show examples of screens that monitor the operating status of the laundry machine when the monitor button is touched on each of the screens shown. [Figure 11] (a) shows an example of an error display when an open door is detected, and (b) shows an example of an error display when an imbalance is detected due to uneven distribution of laundry in the rotating drum. [Figure 12] This figure shows examples of error, warning, and caution screens displayed when a laundry machine is stopped. [Figure 13] Figures 3 through 9 show examples of the main screen that appears when the "Settings" mark 30f is touched. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of the "Various Settings" screen that appears when you touch the "Settings" button 30i on the main screen in Figure 13. [Figure 15]It is a diagram showing an example of the screen of "One Course" displayed when "Course Settings" is touched from the screen of FIG. 14. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing an example of the screen showing the details of "Main Wash" when "Main Wash" is touched with "One Course" from the screen of FIG. 15.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, the laundry apparatus according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the external shape of the laundry apparatus according to the embodiment. The laundry apparatus 10 in FIG. 1 is a product that is based on a coin-operated laundry apparatus (washing and drying machine) for coin-operated laundry shops and can be used in various facilities. Instead of being operated by coin insertion, it can be operated by a start button.

[0011] In FIG. 1, the laundry apparatus 10 is composed of a cubic housing 20. On the operation part at the upper front, a touch-type display panel 30 (hereinafter simply referred to as a touch panel), a start button (switch) 40, and a stop button (switch) 50 are provided. On the touch panel 30, various courses (washing / drying, washing only, drying only courses) related to the use of the laundry apparatus 10 can be selected and set, and their operating conditions and the like can be operated and displayed. Also, a maintenance work menu, a standby time, and the like are displayed. These display controls will be described later.

[0012] On the left side of the touch panel 30, a power ON / OFF switch 60 is provided. Below the operation part of the laundry device 10, an opening / closing door 70 for putting laundry into the washing tub is provided. The opening / closing door 70 is provided with a handle 80 for opening / closing operation. The handle 80 is locked by a lock mechanism 90 so that the opening / closing door 70 cannot be opened / closed while the laundry device 10 is in operation. The interior of the laundry device 10 has a well-known configuration, which is not directly related to the present invention and thus will be omitted.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control block that performs operation control and display control of the laundry device 10 according to the embodiment. The control device 100 is composed of a microprocessor (CPU), and an operation control program 110, a display control program 120, etc. are stored in a built-in memory (not shown). Further, a work memory area for storing various screens, time data, etc. to be described later is provided in the built-in memory.

[0014] The control device 100 executes operation control of the laundry device 10 based on the operation control program 110. That is, it executes the operation control according to various courses (washing / drying, only washing, only drying) selected for the laundry device 10. The operation control program 110 outputs (transmits) a drum motor control signal for controlling the rotation of the rotary drum of the laundry device 10, for example. Also, it outputs a water supply valve control signal for controlling the opening / closing of the water supply valve and a drain valve control signal for controlling the opening / closing of the drain valve. Also, it outputs a heater control signal for controlling the ON / OFF of the dryer heater.

[0015] The control device 100 receives a temperature sensor signal from an inlet temperature sensor and an outlet temperature sensor provided in the laundry device 10. Also, it receives signals from a water level sensor for measuring the water level of the washing tub that houses the rotary drum and a water temperature sensor for measuring the water temperature. The control device 100 controls the operation state of the laundry device 10 while transmitting and receiving the above-described signals, and executes each operation of the selected course (washing / drying, only washing, only drying).

[0016] The control device 100 displays the operating status of the laundry machine 10 on the touch panel 30 based on the display control program 120. The operation of the laundry machine 10 can also be configured from the touch panel 30. The control device 100 is equipped with a timer 130 whose operation is controlled and time is acquired by the display control program 120. Multiple timers 130 are provided, for example, counting down the remaining time during operation of the laundry device 10 and the rinsing time in parallel. The timer 130 also measures the elapsed time after the end of operation, which will be described later.

[0017] Figures 3 to 16 show examples of screens for operating the laundry device 10 (screen transitions from course selection to washing and drying operation) displayed on the touch panel 30 based on the display control program 120 of the control device 100, as well as examples of screens for setting various operations from the touch panel 30. In Figures 3 to 9, solid arrows indicate transitions due to screen operation, and dashed arrows indicate transitions due to the program.

[0018] Figure 3(a) shows an example of the course selection screen (page 1-1) displayed on the touch panel 30, Figure 3(b) shows an example of the course selection screen (page 2), Figure 3(c) shows an example of the course selection screen (page 1-2), and Figure 3(d) shows an example of the course content screen (for example, wash and dry). Note that wash and dry refers to washing and drying.

[0019] The course selection screen (page 1-1) in Figure 3(a) is the initial screen that is first displayed on the touch panel 30 when the power switch 60 is turned on. In Figure 3(a), the entire "1 Wash & Dry Standard" course is displayed differently from other courses (for example, in blue) because it retains the previous settings (course selection). In other words, by default, the initial screen is displayed with the previous course selected, so if you are satisfied with the previous course, touching that course (anywhere within the area is fine) will transition to Figure 3(d) without going through Figure 3(c). This improves the ease of operation when repeatedly using the same course.

[0020] The course selection screen in Figure 3(a) (page 1-1) displays wash / dry icons (e.g., blue / orange), wash only icons (e.g., blue), and dry only icons (e.g., orange) on the first row. The use of two colors makes course selection easy to understand. Lines 2 through 4 should display the following: "Course Name," "Example of Laundry Items," and "Estimated Time." 1. Wash and dry standard pajamas: 60 minutes 2Wash and dry a small amount, black items, 45 minutes 3. Wash only: Yukata (Japanese summer kimono) - 30 minutes 4. Dry only: Towel drying for 13 minutes. All screen information described in this embodiment is pre-prepared in the working memory (not shown) of the control device 100 and executed by reading it.

[0021] Figure 3(b) shows an example of the course selection screen on the second page, which is displayed when the right arrow in Figure 3(a) is touched. Figure 3(b) shows a dummy screen, demonstrating that the administrator or operator of the laundry machine 10 can freely set the course. Note that the number of characters that can be entered when setting the course is limited to the number of characters shown on the illustrated screen (tally marks, the number 9).

[0022] Figure 3(c) shows an example screen when "2 Wash & Dry Small Amount" is newly selected from the initial screen in Figure 3(a). The entire "2 Wash & Dry Small Amount" section changes to a different color (for example, blue) for a short time (for example, a few seconds) compared to the other selected courses. This notifies (displays) the user that this course has been selected.

[0023] Figure 3(d) is an example screen showing the course details for "2 Wash & Dry Small Quantity" via Figure 3(c). Specifically, the user is notified (displayed) that the newly selected "2 Wash & Dry Small Quantity" course has settings of "Main Wash" 6 minutes 00 seconds (the process that runs after the operation and its set time), and a total time of 45 minutes 00 seconds. As mentioned above, if you touch "1 Wash & Dry Standard" in Figure 3(a), which retains the previous setting (course selection), Figure 3(c) will be skipped and the process will proceed to the course details (wash & dry) in Figure 3(d). In this case, the course details displayed in Figure 3(d) will be "1 Wash & Dry Standard". If the user is satisfied with the course details displayed in Figure 3(d), they press the start button 40 located on the right side of the touch panel 30. This causes the laundry machine 10 to start operating the selected "2 wash and dry small load" course.

[0024] If you want to cancel the "2 Wash & Dry Small Amount" course after looking at the course details displayed in Figure 3(d), touch the reset button 30a on the same screen to return to the course selection (page 1-1) in Figure 3(a). Additionally, on any screen where the reset button 30a is provided, touching this button 30a will return you to the course selection (page 1-1) in Figure 3(a). Furthermore, if you want to know the detailed steps of the entire "2 Wash & Dry Small Quantity" course, touch the "Full Step Details" button 30b on the same screen. Then, as shown in Figures 7 to 9 below, you can see the detailed information. Note that the "Full Step Details" button 30b is only valid before the operation starts.

[0025] Figure 4(a) shows an example screen when the laundry device 10 is running the "2 Wash & Dry Small Quantity" course (Wash & Dry_Washing). Figure 4(a) shows that the laundry machine 10 is currently in the "rinse 1" cycle for 2 minutes and 59 seconds (the current cycle and its remaining time), and that the remaining time for the entire cycle is 44 minutes and 59 seconds. Each of these times is counted down by the output from the timer 130 in conjunction with the operation of the laundry machine 10. Furthermore, as shown in the screen of Figure 4(a), an animation 150 corresponding to the operation of the laundry device 10 is displayed. In this figure, an animation 150 indicating that washing is in progress (water level moves up and down) is displayed so that it is clear that washing is in progress.

[0026] When the stop button 50 is pressed while the laundry device 10 is in operation, the screen transitions from Figure 4(a) to the paused (wash and dry stopped) screen shown in Figure 4(b), and the laundry device 10 temporarily stops its operation. Figure 4(b) shows that the process paused at 1 minute and 9 seconds for "Rinse 1" (the current process and its remaining time) and 42 minutes and 9 seconds for the entire process. The screen also displays the operation status 155, indicating that the process is paused, to notify the user. When the start button 40 is pressed from the paused state shown in Figure 4(b), the screen returns to the one shown in Figure 4(a), and the laundry machine 10 resumes operation from the paused state.

[0027] Furthermore, touching the pass button 30c on the screen shown in Figure 4(a) will switch the operation of the laundry device 10 from the current process, "rinse 1," to the next process. This shortens the total process time. When the selected course ("2 Wash & Dry Small Quantity" course) of the laundry machine 10 is completed, the touch panel 30 transitions from the state shown in Figure 4(a) to the operation completion screen shown in Figure 4(c). Then, as the operation ends, the timer 130 starts (counts up) and displays the elapsed time as 200 until the opening / closing door 70 can be opened, as shown in Figure 4(c). When the door 70 is opened, the touch panel 30 screen returns to the screen shown in Figure 3(c) (or Figure 3(a)). In other words, it returns to the screen that retains the previous settings (course selection).

[0028] As described above, the laundry device of this embodiment displays the elapsed time of 200 after the end of the cycle, so it is possible to tell if laundry has been forgotten to be hung up. This function visually shows the amount of time that has been left unattended after the end of the cycle, encouraging users to take the laundry out as soon as possible. In various facilities, facility workers can improve hygiene management by managing the time the washing machine is left idle after operation has finished, thereby preventing the use of laundry in which bacteria have grown and multiplied in the washing machine's tub. Furthermore, if another user attempts to use the laundry machine without realizing that the washed and dried laundry has been left in it for an extended period (up to 3 hours; some detergents maintain a fresh-wash state for about 3 hours), they will end up using the machine with bacteria present in the drum. To address this, the machine can prompt users to run a drum cleaning cycle before use, ensuring that the machine is in a clean condition.

[0029] Figure 5(a) is an example of a screen displaying the course details when the "3 Wash Only" course in Figure 3(a) is selected. The "3 Wash Only" course is set to "Main Wash" for 6 minutes 00 seconds (the process that runs after the main wash and its set time), and the total time for all processes is 30 minutes 00 seconds. When the start button 40 is pressed from the screen shown in Figure 5(a), the laundry machine 10 starts the "3 Wash Only" course, similar to Figure 3(d) described above. Figure 5(b) shows the screen during the operation of the "3 Wash Only" course. From this figure, the user is notified (displayed) of the operation content of the laundry machine 10 and the remaining time, which is 0 minutes and 59 seconds for the current process "loosening". In addition, the operation status 150 "Washing..." is displayed and notified (displayed) to the user.

[0030] Figure 6(a) is an example of a screen displaying the course details when the "4 Drying Only" course in Figure 3(a) is selected. The "4 Drying Only" course is set to "Drying" for 12 minutes 00 seconds (the process that runs after the operation and its set time), and the total time for all processes is 13 minutes 00 seconds. In addition, in the drying only course, the total time can be changed (increased or decreased) by touching the "-" button or "+" button to the right of the total time the desired number of times. In other words, the drying time can be set arbitrarily.

[0031] When the start button 40 is pressed from the screen shown in Figure 6(a), the laundry machine 10 starts operating the "4 Dry Only" course, similar to Figure 3(d) described above. Figure 6(b) shows the screen during operation of the "4 Dry Only" course. From this figure, the operating status of the laundry machine 10 and the remaining time are notified (displayed) to the user, starting from the current process "Cooling" at 0 minutes and 09 seconds, and the "Remaining Time" for the entire process at 0 minutes and 09 seconds. In addition, the operating status 150 "Drying..." is displayed to notify (display) the user.

[0032] Figures 7 through 9 show examples of the full process details screens that can be viewed before starting operation, illustrating the screen transitions for manual path setting. In Figures 7 through 9, the steps for which paths can be set are indicated in black text. Additionally, the course names are displayed using the same two-color coding as in Figure 3(a). Furthermore, in Figures 7 to 9, regardless of whether a path has been set or not, pressing the start button 40 from the full process details screen will cause the laundry machine 10 to start operating based on the current full process details.

[0033] Figure 7 is an example of a screen showing the full process details for the "Wash & Dry" course when the "Full Process Details" button 30b is touched on the "2 Wash & Dry Small Load" course screen in Figure 3(d). The header row displays the "2 Wash & Dry Small Load" course and a total time of 45 minutes and 00 seconds. In the "Wash & Dry" course, all processes related to washing are listed in the "Washing" column, and all processes related to drying are listed in the "Drying" column. In Figure 7(a), the light-colored text indicates items that have already been set as paths. The second line, "Main Wash 5 minutes 00 seconds" 210 (for example, highlighted in blue), shows a line that can be set as a path by default. From the screen shown in Figure 7(a), the path is set by touching the process you want to set as a path and then touching the path button 30c.

[0034] For example, if you select "Main Wash 5 minutes 00 seconds" 210 in the second row of Figure 7(a), and then touch the pass button 30c on the same screen, you will be taken to the screen shown in Figure 7(b) (Wash & Dry Pass Setting 1). In other words, "Main Wash 5 minutes 00 seconds" 210 (shown in gray shading) is set as a pass, and the screen will then display the state of transitioning to the pass setting for the next item, "Rinse 1 2 minutes 00 seconds".

[0035] Touching the reset button 30a on the screen shown in Figure 7(b) will return you to the course selection screen (page 1-1) shown in Figure 3(a). Furthermore, in the screens shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b), touching the cancel button 30d on the screen cancels the manually set path and returns you to the course content screen, for example, in Figure 3(d).

[0036] The screen shown in Figure 7(c) (Wash & Dry Path Setting 2) displays the full process details in the paused state shown in Figure 4(b). As shown in the screen in Figure 7(c), the processes from "Main Wash 5 minutes 00 seconds" to "Drying 16 minutes 00 seconds" are color-coded (for example, shaded in gray) to indicate that the operation has already been completed. Figure 7(c) illustrates that the "Cooling / Loosening 1 minute 00 seconds" process remains unprocessed. If you skip all steps up to the final step, the manually set path will be canceled, and you will return to the first step, shown in Figure 7(a).

[0037] Figure 8 is an example of the screen showing the full process details for the "Wash Only" course, as seen when the "Full Process Details" button 30b is touched on the "3 Wash Only" course screen in Figure 5(a). The header row displays the "3 Wash Only" course and the total time of 30 minutes and 00 seconds. The full process details for the "Wash Only" course display all steps involved in the washing process.

[0038] In the screen shown in Figure 8(a), the faint text indicates items that have already been set as paths. The second line, "Main Wash 6 minutes 00 seconds" 220 (for example, highlighted in blue), shows a line that can be set as a path by default. To set a path, touch the process you want to set as a path on the screen shown in Figure 8(a), and then touch the path button 30c. For example, touching the pass button 30c from the screen shown in Figure 8(a) will transition to the screen showing the full process details (washing only pass setting) shown in Figure 8(b).

[0039] In Figure 8(b), the full process details (wash only, pass settings) screen shows the "Main Wash 6 minutes 00 seconds" process and the "Rinse 1 3 minutes 00 seconds" process as color-coded (for example, shaded in gray) to indicate that they are pass settings. The screen then shows the state after moving on to the pass setting for the next item, "Rinse 2 2 minutes 00 seconds".

[0040] Touching the reset button 30a on the screens shown in Figures 8(a) and 8(b) returns you to the course selection screen (page 1-1) in Figure 3(a). Similarly, if you skip all steps, the manually set path is canceled, and you return to the initial screen shown in Figure 8(a).

[0041] Figure 9 is an example of the screen showing the full process details for the "Drying Only" course, as seen when the "Full Process Details" button 30b is touched on the "4 Drying Only" course screen in Figure 6(a). The header row displays the "4 Drying Only" course and the total time of 30 minutes and 00 seconds. The full process details for the "Drying Only" course display all processes related to drying.

[0042] In the screen shown in Figure 9(a), the faint text indicates items that have already been set as paths. "Drying 29 minutes 00 seconds" 20 (for example, highlighted in blue) shows a row where path setting is possible by default. Touching the path button 30c on this screen will take you to the next screen showing the full process details (drying only, path setting).

[0043] Figure 9(b) shows the full process details (drying only, path settings) screen, which displays the state after transitioning to the next item, "loosening 1 minute 00 seconds" path settings. Touching the reset button 30a on the screens shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b) returns you to the course selection screen (page 1-1) in Figure 3(a). Similarly, if you skip all steps, the manually set path is canceled, and you return to the initial screen shown in Figure 9(a).

[0044] Figure 10 shows an example screen for monitoring the operating status of the laundry device 10 when the "Monitor" button 30e is touched on each of the screens shown in Figures 3 to 6. Touching the back button 30g on the screen in Figure 10 returns you to the previous screen.

[0045] The header row in Figure 10 displays the course selected by touching the "Monitor" button 30e, for example, the "2 Wash & Dry Small Load" course, and the total time for the entire process. The daily count shows the number of uses for the day, and the total count shows the total number of uses in the past. The outlet temperature is measured from the exhaust duct at the exhaust port of the washing tub and is displayed, and the inlet temperature is measured from the heater at the inlet of the washing tub and is displayed. The water temperature is measured and displayed at the temperature of the washing tub. All displays use dummy displays.

[0046] Figures 11 and 12 show examples of error display screens when the control device 100 detects an error in the laundry device 10. Figure 11(a) shows the error display when the open door 70 is detected as open. It displays the message, "Please close the door." Figure 11(b) shows the error message displayed when an imbalance is detected due to uneven distribution of laundry in the rotating drum. The message "Please loosen the laundry" is displayed. Figure 12 shows an error, warning, or caution screen during a shutdown, and is an example of a screen displayed when an error occurs that stops the operation of the laundry machine 10. The example display in Figure 12 indicates that an abnormality has occurred in the unbalance sensor.

[0047] Figure 13 shows an example of the main screen when the "Settings" mark 30f is touched on each of the screens in Figures 3 to 9. The main screen can also be accessed by touching the "Main" button 30h, as shown in Figures 14 to 16, which will be described later. As shown in the main screen of Figure 13, the input / output status and operating status of the laundry machine 10 are displayed in real time. Therefore, users can observe the operating status of the laundry machine 10 at a glance. Furthermore, by touching the "START" button 30k on the screen shown in Figure 13, you can switch the operation to start; by touching the "STOP" button 30m, to stop; by touching the "RESET" button 30n, to reset; and by touching the "PASS" button 30p, to pass (skip a process). This allows you to control the operation of the laundry machine 10 from the same screen. Furthermore, touching the "Settings" button 30i on the screen shown in Figure 13 will take you to various settings screens, and touching the "Data" button 30j will take you to the history viewing screen.

[0048] Figure 14 shows an example of the "Various Settings" screen that appears when you touch the "Settings" button 30i on the main screen of Figure 13. As shown in Figure 14, the laundry machine 10 is designed so that the "course settings," "user settings," "date and time settings," "option settings," and "pump test run" can be viewed or configured.

[0049] Figure 15 shows an example of the "Course 1" screen that appears when you touch "Course Settings" from the screen shown in Figure 14. Figure 16 shows an example screen displaying the details of the "Main Wash" setting when "Course 1" is selected and "Main Wash" is touched on the screen shown in Figure 15. In this way, the system is designed so that each item can be set or viewed using a hierarchical display. When an administrator needs to change settings, they will touch the area to be changed and then enter the new data.

[0050] As described above, the laundry device of this embodiment eliminates the billing mechanism from existing laundry devices, and the operation unit consists of a touch panel, a start button, and a stop button, making it possible to provide a simple and inexpensive laundry device to facilities. In addition, the operating status of the laundry device can be checked on the touch panel, resulting in improved operability. Furthermore, the elapsed time after the end of operation is displayed, allowing for the implementation of the aforementioned hygiene management measures.

[0051] The laundry device of this embodiment comprises at least a touch panel 30 for displaying an operation screen, a start button 40, a stop button 50, and a control device 100 for operation control and display control. The control device 100 displays at least a course selection screen on the touch panel 30, in which multiple courses can be selected with the previously selected course already selected, and a course content display screen, which displays the content of the course selected from the course selection screen. When the start button 40 is pressed from the display of the course content display screen, the control device 100 operates the laundry device 10 according to the selected course. This makes it possible to provide a simple and inexpensive laundry device to facilities, etc., by configuring the operation unit with a touch panel, a start button, and a stop button.

[0052] Furthermore, the control device 100 of the laundry machine in this embodiment displays a screen indicating that the machine is in operation on the touch panel 30, depending on the operating status of the laundry machine 10. When the stop button 50 is pressed while the screen indicating operation is displayed, a screen indicating that the machine is paused is displayed on the touch panel 30, and the operation of the laundry machine 10 is temporarily paused. When the start button 40 is pressed, the laundry machine is restarted from the paused state. This makes it easy to pause and restart the operation of the laundry machine using the stop button and the start button.

[0053] Furthermore, the screen of the laundry machine in operation displays the process currently in operation, its remaining time, the remaining time for the entire course, and the operating status (animations and messages) 150. This allows the operating status and remaining time of the laundry machine to be visually confirmed, enabling hygiene management measures to be taken.

[0054] Furthermore, the screen of the laundry machine in this embodiment displays the current process and its remaining time, the remaining time for the entire course, and the pause status. This allows the operating status and remaining time of the laundry machine to be visually confirmed, enabling the implementation of hygiene management measures.

[0055] Furthermore, the control device 100 of the laundry machine in this embodiment displays the elapsed time 200 after the laundry machine 10 has finished operating on the touch panel 30, and when the opening / closing door 70 of the laundry machine 10 is opened, the display on the touch panel 30 returns to the previous course selection screen. This allows the elapsed time after the laundry machine has finished operating to be visually confirmed, enabling hygiene management measures to be taken.

[0056] Furthermore, the control device 100 of the laundry machine in this embodiment is configured such that when the full process details button 30b provided on the course content display screen is touched, a screen showing the full process details of the selected course is displayed on the touch panel 30. This allows the user to understand all the steps of each course in the laundry machine.

[0057] Furthermore, the control device 100 of the laundry machine in this embodiment is configured to set a process as a pass when a process to be passed is selected from a screen showing the details of all processes. This allows users to manually set processes that they want to skip as passes.

[0058] Furthermore, the control device of the laundry machine in this embodiment displays a main screen (Figure 13) that shows the input / output status and operating status of the laundry machine 10 in real time when the "Settings" mark 30f displayed on the course selection screen, course content display screen, and full process details screen is touched. The laundry machine 10 can also be started and stopped from the main screen. This allows the user to observe the operating status of the laundry machine at a glance. In addition, the operation of the laundry machine can also be controlled from the main screen.

[0059] The embodiments of the present invention are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0060] 10…Laundry machine, 20…Housing, 30…Touchscreen display panel (touch panel) 30a... Reset button, 30b... All process details button, 30c... "Pass" button 30d... "Cancel" button, 30e... "Monitor" button 30f... "Settings" icon, 30g... "Back" button, 30h... "Main" button 30i: "Settings" button, 30j: "Data" button 30k, 40... Start button; 30m, 50... Stop button 30n... Reset button, 30p... Pass button, 60... Power switch 70...Opening / closing door, 80...Handle, 90...Handle locking mechanism 100...Control device, 110...Operation control program, 120...Display control program 130...Timer, 150...Operating status, 200...Elapsed time

Claims

1. A laundry machine comprising at least a touch panel for displaying an operation screen, a start button, a stop button, and a control device for controlling operation and display, The control device has the following on the touch panel: The course selection screen displays multiple courses as selectable, with the previously selected course already selected. A course content display screen that displays the content of the course selected from the aforementioned course selection screen, Display at least this, When the start button is pressed after the course content display screen is shown, the control device operates the laundry machine according to the selected course. A laundry device characterized by the following features.

2. The control device is Depending on the operating status of the laundry machine, a screen indicating that it is in operation is displayed on the touch panel. When the stop button is pressed while the screen indicating operation is displayed, the touch panel displays a paused screen and temporarily suspends the operation of the laundry machine. When the start button is pressed, the laundry machine restarts from the paused state. The laundry apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The laundry apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the screen indicating operation displays the process in progress and its remaining time, the remaining time for the entire course, and the operating status.

4. The laundry apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the screen during pause displays the current process and its remaining time, the remaining time for the entire course, and the pause status.

5. The control device is Upon completion of the operation of the laundry device, the elapsed time since the end of operation is displayed on the touch panel. The laundry device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the door of the laundry device is opened, the display on the touch panel returns to the previous course selection screen.

6. The laundry apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that when the control device touches the all-process details button provided on the course content display screen, it displays an all-process details screen showing all the steps of the selected course on the touch panel.

7. The laundry apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the control device sets a process to be passed when a process to be passed is selected from the screen showing the details of all processes.

8. When the setting mark displayed on the course selection screen, the course content display screen, and the full process details screen is touched, the control device displays a main screen that shows the input / output status and operating status of the laundry machine in real time. The laundry device according to claim 7, characterized in that the laundry device can also be started and stopped from the main screen.

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