Stacker-type laundry machine

Abstract

This stacker-type laundry device features a washer-dryer on the lower level and a dryer on the upper level, providing an inexpensive configuration while maintaining ease of operation. [Solution] The stacker-type laundry device of the embodiment includes a laundry device 10 having a washing machine 20 and a dryer 30 provided on the upper level of the washing machine 20, a shared operation panel 40 provided on the front of the laundry device 10 between the washing machine 20 and the dryer 30 for setting the operation of the washing machine 20 and the dryer 30, and a display control means 50 for performing display control of the operation panel 40. When the laundry device 10 is not in use, the display control means 50 displays an equipment selection screen consisting of a first image 412 for selecting the washing machine and a second image 414 for selecting the dryer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a stack-type laundry apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] As a stack-type laundry apparatus, configurations in which both the lower and upper stages are dryers or washer-dryers have been invented (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 4) or commercialized. However, a stack-type laundry apparatus in which the lower stage is a washer-dryer and the upper stage is a dryer has not been commercialized yet, and there is a demand for such a stack-type laundry apparatus.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the invention is to provide a stack-type laundry apparatus that has a lower stage as a washer-dryer, an upper stage as a dryer, a cheap configuration, and good operability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The stacker-type laundry apparatus of the embodiment comprises a laundry apparatus having a washing machine and dryer, and a dryer provided on the upper level of the washing machine and dryer, a shared operation panel provided on the front of the laundry apparatus between the washing machine and dryer and the dryer for setting the operation of the washing machine and dryer, and display control means for performing display control of the operation panel. The display control means is characterized in that when the laundry apparatus is not in use, it displays an equipment selection screen on the operation panel consisting of a first image for selecting the washing machine and dryer and a second image for selecting the dryer. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] (a) and (b) are front views of a stacker-type laundry device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the configuration of the control block for the stacker-type laundry machine 10. [Figure 3] (a) shows an example of the initial screen displayed on the touch panel, and (b) shows an example of the equipment selection screen that appears when you touch any position on the initial screen in (a) to select either the washer / dryer or the dryer you want to use. [Figure 4] (a) to (c) are diagrams showing examples of the washing machine operation selection screen that appears when the washing machine in the lower row is selected from the selection screen in Figure 3(b). [Figure 5] (a) and (b) show examples of wash and dry courses with 3 and 4 or more courses, (c) shows an example of a wash and dry course with 2 courses, (d) shows an example of a wash and dry course with 1 course, and (e) shows an example of the drying temperature selection screen for the washer-dryer. [Figure 6] (a) to (c) show examples of coin payment screens for a washer / dryer, and (d) is a diagram illustrating that after payment, the operation display of the lower washer / dryer changes to "Lower section in use" and the remaining time is "55 minutes 50 seconds". [Figure 7] (a) and (b) are diagrams showing examples of the operation screen for the upper dryer controlled by the display control unit. [Figure 8](a) and (b) show examples of coin payment screens for dryers, and (c) is a diagram illustrating that after payment, the operation display of the upper dryer changes to "Lower dryer in use" and the remaining time is "25 minutes 50 seconds". [Figure 9] (a) to (c) show the equipment selection screen for the three usage (operation) states of the washer-dryer and dryer, and (d) is a diagram showing an example of the English display in (c). [Figure 10] (a) to (d) show examples of detailed screens for the operating status of the washer / dryer, and (e) is a diagram showing an example of a detailed screen for the operating status of the dryer. [Figure 11] (a) shows an example screen that notifies the user that the washer-dryer has finished operating, and (b) and (c) show examples of the "drum cleaning" guidance screens of the washer-dryer when the "drum cleaning" button is touched. [Figure 12] Figures (a) to (c) are examples of screens showing error displays on a washer-dryer. [Figure 13] (a) and (b) are diagrams showing example screens 2 that display error messages on a washer-dryer. [Figure 14] Figures (a) to (c) show examples of instructions for paying usage fees using a payment machine installed inside a coin laundry store. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] Hereinafter, a stacker-type laundry apparatus according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0008] Figures 1(a) and 1(b) show front views of a stacker-type laundry device according to an embodiment. The two stacker-type laundry devices 10 are identical, but their color designs are different. The stacked laundry device 10 has a rectangular parallelepiped housing with dimensions of, for example, 800 mm in width, 1172 mm in depth, and 2200 mm in height. A washing and drying machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a washer-dryer) 20 is provided in the lower section, and a dryer 30 is provided in the upper section thereof. The washer-dryer 20 and the dryer 30 have a medium-sized drum and the same width and depth, but the height of the washer-dryer 20 is higher than that of the dryer 30.

[0009] In the stacked laundry device 10 shown in Fig. 1(a), in order for the user to easily identify that the washer-dryer 20 and the dryer 30 are of the stacked type, the inside of the door shell of the washer-dryer 20 is colored with a first color (for example, blue, which is associated with washing). Also, in the dryer 30, only the handle is colored with a second color (for example, orange, which is associated with drying).

[0010] In the stacked laundry device 10 shown in Fig. 1(b), in order for the user to easily identify that the washer-dryer 20 and the dryer 30 are of the stacked type, the entire door shell of the washer-dryer 20 is colored with a first color (for example, blue, which is associated with washing). Also, in the dryer 30, the entire door is colored with a second color (for example, orange, which is associated with drying). <( From Fig. 1(a) or (b), the user can easily identify that it is a washer-dryer type stacked laundry device.

[0011] A touch-type display operation panel 40 (hereinafter simply referred to as a touch panel), which is shared by the washer-dryer 20 and the dryer 30, is provided between the washer-dryer 20 and the dryer 30 (the overlapping part) on the front of the stacked laundry device 10. Also, a coin payment slot and a return lever shared by both, an insertion slot for a prepaid card shared by both, etc. are provided. As will be described later, the touch panel 40 displays the operation settings, operating status, etc. of the washer-dryer 20 and the dryer 30.

[0012] As described above, according to the stack-type laundry apparatus 10 of the embodiment, since the operation settings of the washing and drying machine 20 and the dryer 30 can be performed on one shared touch panel 40, the configuration becomes cheaper accordingly. Also, since one coin payment slot, return lever, and prepaid card insertion slot are sufficient, the configuration becomes cheaper accordingly.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control block of the stack-type laundry apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 2, a control device 50 that controls the stack-type laundry apparatus 10 is composed of a microprocessor and incorporates a display control unit 55 that controls the touch panel 40 by a display control program. The control device 50 is connected to a coin payment processing device 60 and a prepaid card payment processing device 70 provided in the stack-type laundry apparatus 10, and receives payment settlement information.

[0014] Also, an input / output interface 58 is provided in the control device 50. Through this input / output interface 58, various control members (for example, a drum rotation motor, a drying heater, a water supply valve, a discharge valve, a detergent / softener injection valve, etc.) that constitute the washing and drying machine 20 and the dryer 30 are controlled according to signals from various sensors (for example, a temperature sensor, a water level sensor, a vibration sensor, etc.), and the operating states of the various control members are monitored.

[0015] FIGS. 3 to 14 show examples of various operation screens displayed on the touch panel 40 that is display-controlled by the display control unit 55 of the control device 50. First, FIG. 3(a) shows an example of an initial screen 400 displayed on the touch panel 40. Instead of the initial screen 400 in FIG. 3(a), a screen saver may be periodically displayed to prevent deterioration of the touch panel 40. A user who enters a coin laundry store starts the use operation of the stack-type laundry apparatus 10 by touching an arbitrary position of this initial screen 400.

[0016] When any position on the initial screen 400 in Figure 3(a) is touched, the display control unit 55 displays an equipment selection screen 410 for selecting either the washer / dryer 20 or the dryer 30 to be used. Figure 3(b) shows an example of this equipment selection screen. When neither the washer-dryer 20 nor the dryer 30 of the laundry equipment is in use (first use), the display control unit 55 displays the equipment selection screen 410 shown in Figure 3(b). Specifically, the equipment selection screen 410 displays the first screen 412 and the second screen 414, which indicate that both the washer-dryer 20 and the dryer 30 are available for use, along with the message "Both upper and lower rows are available for use" on the first line.

[0017] The first screen 412 displays the English labeling "Wash / Dry" for the washer-dryer 20, with the word "Wash" displayed against a background of the first color (e.g., blue) representing washing, and the word "Dry" displayed against a background of the second color (e.g., orange) representing drying, with the Japanese text "Washer-dryer (lower row)" displayed below it. The second image 414 displays the English labeling "Dry Only" for the dryer 30 against a background of the second color (e.g., orange) representing drying, with the Japanese text "Dryer (upper row)" displayed below it.

[0018] Then, if you want to select the washer-dryer 20 from the equipment selection screen 410 in Figure 3(b), you touch the first screen 412 of the washer-dryer 20. The display control unit 55 then performs screen control to operate the washer-dryer 20, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, which will be described later. At this time, the entire screen of the touch panel 40 becomes a dedicated screen for setting the operation of the washer-dryer 20.

[0019] On the other hand, if you want to select the upper dryer 30, touch the second screen 414 of the dryer 30. Then, the display control unit 55 will execute screen control to operate the dryer 30 as shown in Figures 7 to 8, which will be described later. At this time, the entire screen of the touch panel 40 becomes a dedicated screen for setting the operation of the dryer 30. If you prefer to see the screen in English, touching the "English" button 405 will switch the display control unit 55 to the English screen.

[0020] Figures 4(a) to 4(c) are examples of the operation selection screen 420 for the washer-dryer 20 that is displayed when the first screen 412, which is used to select the washer-dryer 20 from the equipment selection screen 410 in Figure 3(b), is touched. The first line of the operation selection screen 420 displays the message "Please select your desired option" along with a label 426 that reads "Lower unit in operation" with the first color representing the washer / dryer 20 as the background color.

[0021] Figure 4(a) shows an example screen with three courses available, for example, a "wash and dry" course, a "wash only" course, and a "dry only" course. Figure 4(b) shows an example screen with two courses available, for example, a "wash and dry" course and a "wash only" course. Figure 4(c) shows an example screen with one course available, a "wash and dry" course. The names and display positions of these courses can be arbitrarily combined and provided to suit the user's convenience. The touch panel 40 of the stacker-type laundry machine 10 is designed to display an operation selection screen 420 for one of the one to three courses shown in Figures 4(a) to (c). In addition, the message "Detergent and fabric softener will be automatically dispensed" is displayed on each screen to inform the user in an easy-to-understand manner.

[0022] On the operation selection screen 420, the first row of the touch area for the "Wash and Dry" course displays the first color (including the mark) and the second color (including the mark), the first row of the button area for the "Wash Only" course displays the first color (including the mark), and the first row of the button area for the "Dry Only" course displays the second color (including the mark). The label 426 at the top of the operation selection screen 420, as well as the color display at the top of the touch area for each course, provide a user-friendly touch panel 40, thereby reducing user touch errors.

[0023] Figure 5 shows the course selection screen 430 of the washer-dryer 20. The display control unit 55 displays the course selection screen 430 when, for example, the "Wash and Dry" course button 425 is touched from the operation selection screen 420 in Figure 4(a). The same applies when the "Wash and Dry" course button is touched from the operation selection screen 420 in Figures 4(b) and (c). The first row of the course selection screen 430 displays the message "Please select a course" along with the same "Lower row in operation" label 426, with the first color representing the washer / dryer 20 as the background color.

[0024] Figures 5(a) and 5(b) show examples of wash and dry courses with 3 and 4 or more courses. For example, the wash and dry courses pre-configured on the course selection screen 430 include the "Standard / 60 mins / 1800 yen" course, the "Small load / 60 mins / 1600 yen" course, the "Premium / 60 mins / 1500 yen" course, and the "Down comforter / 60 mins / 2000 yen" course. You can transition from Figure 5(a) to Figure 5(b) by touching the > arrow. You can transition from Figure 5(b) to Figure 5(a) by touching the < arrow.

[0025] Figure 5(c) shows examples of two wash and dry courses. Two courses are pre-configured on the course selection screen 430: the "Standard / 60 minutes / 1800 yen" course and the "Small load / 60 minutes / 1600 yen" course.

[0026] Figure 5(d) shows an example of a single wash and dry cycle. The administrator can customize the wash and dry cycles on the cycle selection screen 430, and can set the "cycle name / duration / cost" as needed to suit the user's needs. In the course selection screens 430 shown in Figures 5(a) to 5(d), the first row of the touch area for each course is displayed with two colors representing the washer-dryer 20: a first color (including the mark) representing washing and a second color (including the mark) representing drying. Thus, a similarly easy-to-understand touch panel 40 can be provided.

[0027] Figure 5(e) shows the drying temperature selection screen 440 of the washer-dryer 20. The first line of the drying temperature selection screen 440 displays the message "Please select a drying temperature" along with the same "Lower row in operation" label 426, with the first color representing the washer-dryer 20 as the background color.

[0028] When one of the wash / dry courses is selected from Figures 5(a) to (d), the display control unit 55 displays the screen shown in Figure 5(e) to guide the user to select the drying temperature. In Figure 5(e), three types of temperatures can be selected: "low temperature," "medium temperature," and "high temperature," so the user touches to select their desired drying temperature. After the course selection operation is performed from the screen shown in Figure 5, the display control unit 55 changes the display on the touch panel 40 to the payment screen shown in Figure 6. Touching the "Back" button displayed on each screen in Figure 5 will return you to the operation selection screen 420 in Figure 4. Touching the "Cancel" button will stop the use of the washer / dryer 20.

[0029] Figures 6(a) to 6(c) show the coin payment deposit guidance screen 450 for the washer-dryer 20. The first line of the deposit guidance screen 450 displays the message "Please insert coins after confirming the course" along with the same "Lower row in operation" label 426, with the first color representing the washer-dryer 20 as the background color. When the display control unit 55 receives a course selection operation from the screen in Figure 5, it displays the coin payment deposit guidance screen 450 for settling the usage fee for the selected wash and dry course.

[0030] Figure 6(a) shows the deposit guidance screen 450 for coin payment under the conditions of the "Wash and Dry" standard course, drying temperature "High," wash and dry time "60 minutes," and usage fee "1800 yen." The user inserts coins corresponding to the payment amount into the coin payment slot of the stacker-type laundry machine 10 (Figure 1) according to the display on the touch panel 40. The inserted coins are input into the coin payment processing device 60 shown in Figure 2, and the information of the inserted coins (or remaining balance information) is transmitted to the control device 50. The display control unit 55 of the control device 50 reduces the usage fee on the screen 450 according to the coins inserted.

[0031] Figure 6(b) shows the screen at the moment when 900 yen worth of coins are inserted, with the remaining balance decreasing to 900 yen. In the deposit information screen 450 shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), the first line of the coin insertion instructions is displayed in a first color (including the symbol) representing washing and a second color (including the symbol) representing drying, making it easy to understand that the charges are for washing and drying.

[0032] Figure 6(c) shows the payment guidance screen 450 for the usage fee when the "wash only" course is selected on the washer-dryer 20. In Figure 6(c), the "wash only" course is selected, the washing time is "30 minutes", and the remaining usage fee is "900 yen". The user then follows the instructions on the touch panel 40 and inserts the appropriate number of coins into the coin payment slot.

[0033] In the deposit information screen 450 in Figure 6(c), the first line of the coin insertion instructions is displayed in the first color (including the mark) that represents laundry, making it easy to understand that the charge is for laundry only. In the case of payment by prepaid card, when a prepaid card is inserted into the prepaid card slot, the prepaid card payment processing device 70 executes the payment process and notifies the control device 50.

[0034] Once payment of the amount shown on the payment notification screen 450 in Figure 6(b) or (c) is completed, the coin payment processing device 60 transmits a payment completion message to the control device 50. The control device 50 then operates the washer / dryer 20 according to the selected course. The operating status of the washer / dryer 20 is displayed on the touch panel 40 at any time.

[0035] For example, as shown in Figure 6(d), the display for the lower washer-dryer 20 shows the words "Lower row in use" (the same display as label 426) with the first color as the background color, and a third image 412a showing the remaining time for the washer-dryer 20 (for example, "55 minutes 50 seconds"). On the other hand, if the upper dryer 30 is not in use, the message "Upper row (dryer) is available" is displayed in the first row (top), and the display status of the equipment selection screen for the dryer 30 (second screen 414) does not change. Note that here we have described the transition from Figure 6(b) or (c) to Figure 6(d), but it is also acceptable to transition from Figure 6(b) or (c) to the screen shown in Figure 10(a), which will be described later.

[0036] Next, Figures 7 and 8 show examples of the operation screen for the upper dryer 30 controlled by the display control unit 55. Figure 7 shows the drying temperature selection screen 460 for the dryer 30. The first line of the drying temperature selection screen 460 displays the message "Please select a drying temperature" along with a label 461 that says "Upper rack in operation" with the second color representing the dryer 30 as the background color.

[0037] For example, if you touch the second screen 414 for the upper dryer 30 from the equipment selection screen 410 in Figure 3(b), the display control unit 55 displays the drying temperature selection screen 460 shown in Figure 7(a). If you then touch the "high temperature" button 460a, the screen on the touch panel 40 is controlled to immediately transition to Figure 8(a).

[0038] Figure 7(b) shows the screen 460 that appears when the "Change Drying Temperature" button 480a (described later in Figure 10) is touched. In the screen 460 of Figure 7(b), the current drying temperature is indicated by a color. The user can check the current drying temperature and change it from the screen 460.

[0039] Once the selection of the drying temperature is complete as shown in Figure 7, the display control unit 55 displays the payment notification screen 470 for the usage fee of the dryer 30, as shown in Figure 8(a). In Figure 8(a), the first line of the payment information screen 470 for usage fees displays the message "Please check the course and then insert coins," along with a label 461 that reads "Upper rack in operation," with the second color representing the dryer 30 as the background color. The user inserts coins into the coin payment slot of the stacker-type laundry machine 10 (Figure 1) following the instructions displayed on the touch panel 40. The inserted coins are input into the coin payment processing device 60 shown in Figure 2, which transmits the coin insertion information (amount inserted) to the control device 50. The control device 50 counts up the "amount inserted" on the screen 470 in response to the coin insertion and displays the drying time according to the amount.

[0040] Figure 8(b) shows the screen at the moment when 300 yen worth of coins are inserted, clearly indicating that a drying time of 30 minutes has been set. For example, if the dryer 30 is a device that starts the drying operation as soon as coins are inserted (additional coins can be inserted during drying), the display control may be configured to transition directly to Figure 8(c) or Figure 10(e) after inserting coins from Figure 8(a), without going through Figure 8(b). In the deposit information screen 470 shown in Figures 8(a) and 8(b), the first line of the coin insertion instructions is displayed in the second color (including the mark) that represents the dryer 30, making it easy to understand that it is the usage fee for the dryer 30.

[0041] When the set amount (coins) is inserted, the coin payment processing device 60 transmits the deposit information to the control device 50. The control device 50, via the input / output interface 58, sets the set time for the dryer 30 based on the deposit information and instructs it to perform the drying operation. The operating status of the dryer 30 is monitored by the control device 50, and the remaining time is displayed on the touch panel 40 in real time.

[0042] For example, as shown in Figure 8(c), the upper dryer 30 displays the text "Upper Dryer in Use" (the same display as label 461) with a second color background, and the fourth screen 414a shows the remaining time for the dryer 30 (for example, "25 minutes 50 seconds"). On the other hand, if the lower washer-dryer 20 is not in use, the message "Lower (Washer-Dryer) is Available" is displayed on the first line, and the display status of the washer-dryer 20 equipment selection screen (first screen 412) does not change. Note that here we have described the transition from Figure 8(b) to Figure 8(c), but it is also acceptable to transition from Figure 8(b) to Figure 10(e), which will be described later.

[0043] Figure 9 shows the equipment selection screen 410 for the washer-dryer 20 and dryer 30 in three different operating states. In Figure 9(a), as in Figure 8(c), the fourth screen 414a is displayed, showing that the upper dryer 30 is in use and the remaining time is "25 minutes and 50 seconds". On the other hand, the lower washer-dryer 20 is not in use, and the first screen 412 of the equipment selection screen is displayed, with the message "The lower (washer-dryer) is available" at the top. This allows the operating status of the dryer 30 to be viewed from the equipment selection screen 410.

[0044] In Figure 9(b), as in Figure 6(d), the lower washer-dryer 20 is in use, and the third screen 412a is displayed showing a remaining time of "55 minutes and 50 seconds". On the other hand, the upper dryer 30 is not in use, so the second screen 414, which is the equipment selection screen for that unit, is displayed, with the message "Upper unit (dryer) is available" at the top. This allows the operating status of the washer-dryer 20 to be viewed from the equipment selection screen 410.

[0045] In Figure 9(c), the third screen 412a is displayed, showing that the lower washer-dryer 20 is in use with a remaining time of "55 minutes and 50 seconds," and the fourth screen 414a is displayed, showing that the upper dryer 30 is also in use with a remaining time of "25 minutes and 50 seconds." The message "Both upper and lower units are in use" is displayed at the top of the screen. This allows the operating status of the washer-dryer 20 and dryer 30 to be viewed from the equipment selection screen.

[0046] Figure 9(d) shows the screen 410a in English as shown in Figure 9(c). When the "English" button 405 in Figure 9(c) is touched, the display control unit 55 switches to the English display shown in Figure 9(d). Conversely, when the "Japanese" button 405a is touched, it switches back to the display shown in Figure 9(c). The English display makes the operation panel easy to understand for foreigners as well.

[0047] Users of the washer-dryer 20 and the dryer 30 can check the remaining time on the touch panel 40, as shown in Figures 9(a) to 9(c). Furthermore, users entering the laundry store can check which machines (washer-dryers or dryers) are in operation on the touch panel 40, as shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b), allowing them to quickly determine whether the machine they wish to use is available.

[0048] Figures 10(a) to (d) are example screens showing details of the operating status of the washer / dryer 20. When the "Detailed Display" button 500 is touched from the operating status screens shown in Figures 6, 8, and 9, the display control unit 55 switches the display to the detailed screen 480 shown in Figure 10. The first row of the detail screen 480 shown in Figure 10 displays the message "Press 'Back' to return to the top screen" along with a "Lower row in operation" label 426, which has the first color representing the washer / dryer 20 as its background color.

[0049] Figures 10(a) and (b) show the detailed screen 480 when the washer-dryer 20 is set to the "wash and dry" standard course. Figure 10(a) shows that the current stage is "Washing" and that there are "52 minutes" remaining in the cycle. Figure 10(b) shows that the current stage is "Drying" and that there are "9 seconds" remaining in the cycle.

[0050] Figure 10(c) shows the detailed screen 480 when the washer-dryer 20 is on the "wash only" course, displaying "Washing" along with the remaining time for the course being "25 minutes". Figure 10(d) shows the detailed screen 480 when the washer-dryer 20 is on the "dry only" course, displaying "Drying" and indicating that the remaining time for the course is "12 minutes". In the images of the detailed screen 480 in Figures 10(a) to (d), the operation status is clearly displayed. For example, the "washing" operation is shown in the first color (washing icon and "washing"), and the "drying" operation is shown in the second color (drying icon and "drying"), making the operation status easy to understand.

[0051] Figure 10(e) is the details screen 482 of the dryer 30, which displays "Drying" along with the remaining time for the course being "12 minutes". The first line of the details screen 482 displays the message "Press 'Back' to return to the top screen" along with the label 461 "Upper rack in operation" with a second color (for example, orange) representing the dryer 30 as the background color. In addition, the operation indicator of the dryer 30 "Drying" is displayed in the second color (drying mark and "Drying"), making the operating status easy to understand. Furthermore, touching the "Change Drying Temperature" button 480a on each screen 480 in Figure 10 will transition to the screen shown in Figure 7(b), where you can change the drying temperature of the washer / dryer 20 or dryer 30 during the drying process.

[0052] Figure 11(a) shows an example of a screen that notifies the user that the operation of the washer-dryer 20 has finished. When the control device 50 receives an operation completion signal from the washer / dryer 20 via the input / output interface 58, it commands the display control unit 55 to display the screen 490 shown in Figure 11(a). The user can identify the end of the washer-dryer 20's operation from the screen 490 displayed on the touch panel 40 and remove the laundry from the washer-dryer 20. The screen 490 also displays the elapsed time since the end of the operation (for example, "9 minutes") to prompt the user to remove the laundry as soon as possible.

[0053] Figure 11(b) shows the guidance screen 491 when the washer-dryer 20 performs "drum cleaning". When the user touches the "Drum Wash" button 420a on the operation selection screen 420 shown in Figures 4(a) to 4(c), the display control unit 55 displays the drum washing guidance screen 491 shown in Figure 11(b) as a pop-up.

[0054] If a user of the washer-dryer 20 wishes to have the drum cleaned, following the instructions on screen 491, they should touch the "OK" button 491a. The control device 50 then controls the operation to clean the drum that makes up the washing tub of the washer-dryer 20 via the input / output interface 58. The display control unit 55 then switches the screen of the touch panel 40 to screen 492 shown in Figure 11(c), indicating that "drum cleaning" is in progress and displaying the remaining time of "120 seconds". It is preferable to perform drum cleaning of the washer-dryer 20 before selecting an operation. If you wish to stop drum cleaning, touch the "Cancel" button 491b.

[0055] Figures 12 and 13 show example screens displaying error messages for the washer-dryer 20. Since both screens display error messages for the washer-dryer 20, the first color is used as the background color and the label "Lower row in operation" is displayed. If the control device 50 does not receive a signal from the washer-dryer 20 via the input / output interface 58 indicating that the door is completely closed, it commands the display control unit 55 to display the message screen 493 "Please close the door" shown in Figure 12(a) on the touch panel 40, prompting the user to close the door.

[0056] Furthermore, if the control device 50 receives an error indicating an abnormality from the washer-dryer 20 via the input / output interface 58, it commands the display control unit 55 to display the message screen 494, 495 of "Please contact the call center" shown in Figure 12(b) or (c) on the touch panel 40, prompting the user to contact the call center. In Figure 12(c), a "Start" button 495a is provided, allowing the system to be restarted once the malfunction is resolved.

[0057] Furthermore, if the control device 50 receives an error from the washer-dryer 20 via the input / output interface 58 indicating an uneven distribution of laundry, it commands the display control unit 55 to display the message screen 496 "Laundry is unevenly distributed" shown in Figure 13(a) on the touch panel 40, prompting the user to loosen the laundry in the drum. Once the user has finished loosening the laundry, they can touch the "Start" button 496a to restart the washer-dryer 20. Figure 13(b) shows the message screen 487 that appears when the stacker-type laundry machine 10 is unavailable, such as when it is undergoing maintenance, and the message reads, "Please use other equipment."

[0058] Figure 14 shows an example of instructions for when payment for the use of the stacker-type laundry machine 10 is made using a payment machine installed in the coin laundry store, rather than using coin payment or prepaid card payment on the machine itself. It is also possible to configure the system so that the stacker-type laundry machine 10 is operated from the payment machine.

[0059] Figure 14(a) shows screen 498 when the operation of the lower washer / dryer 20 is being processed by the payment machine. The lower part of screen 498 has the first color as the background color and displays the words "Lower section in use" (the same display as label 426), and the message "Operating on the payment machine" is displayed to notify the user that the lower washer / dryer 20 is in operation (third image with different display text). The upper section has the dryer 30 unused, so it displays the second screen 414 of the equipment selection screen 410, and the message "Upper section (dryer) is available" is displayed at the beginning of screen 498.

[0060] Figure 14(b) shows screen 499 when the operation of the upper dryer 30 is being processed by the payment machine. The upper part of screen 499 has the words "Upper Dryer in Use" (same display as label 461) with the second color as the background color, and the message "Operating at the payment machine" is displayed to notify the user that the upper dryer 30 is in operation (fourth image with different display text). The lower washer-dryer 20 is not in use, so the first screen 412 is displayed, and the message "Lower (washer-dryer) is available for use" is displayed at the beginning of screen 499.

[0061] Figure 14(c) shows screen 4990 when the upper dryer 30 is in use and the operation of the lower washer-dryer 20 is being processed by the payment machine. The upper part of screen 4990 has the text "Upper Unit in Use" (same display as label 461) with the second color as the background color, and the fourth image showing the remaining time as "25 minutes 50 seconds" is displayed. On the other hand, the lower part has the text "Lower Unit in Use" (same display as label 426) with the first color as the background color, and since the operation of the washer-dryer 20 is being processed by the payment machine, the message "Operation in Progress at Payment Machine" is displayed. Finally, the message "Both Upper and Lower Units are in Use" is displayed at the beginning of screen 4990.

[0062] In systems where the stacker-type laundry machine 10 is used by operating an external device other than the payment machine, such as a portable device (e.g., a smartphone), the touch panel 40 may display a message such as "Operating remotely" while the portable device is being used. In this case, it would be even clearer if the touch panel 40 displayed a color indicator or communication mark to identify the portable device along with the message.

[0063] As described above, the stacker-type laundry device of this embodiment provides a laundry device with a washer-dryer and a dryer, and since the operation settings of both the washer-dryer and the dryer can be set using a single shared touch panel, the configuration is more economical. Furthermore, the coin payment slot, return lever, and prepaid card slot are all handled by a single unit, resulting in a more economical configuration. In addition, the equipment selection screen displayed on the touch panel allows users to quickly see the availability (availability) of the washer-dryer or dryer they wish to use. Moreover, the screen for setting the operation of the washer-dryer or dryer displayed on the touch panel uses the entire touch panel screen, providing a large, easy-to-use screen.

[0064] The stacker-type laundry device of this embodiment includes a laundry device 10 having a washer-dryer 20 and a dryer 30 installed on top of the washer-dryer 20, a shared operation panel 40 located between the washer-dryer 20 and the dryer 30 on the front of the laundry device 10 for setting the operation of the washer-dryer 20 and the dryer 30, and a display control means 50 for performing display control of the operation panel 40. The display control means 50 is configured to display a device selection screen 410 on the operation panel 40 when the laundry device 10 is not in use, consisting of a first image 412 for selecting the washer-dryer 20 and a second image 414 for selecting the dryer 30. This provides a laundry device with a washer-dryer and a dryer, and allows operation settings such as device selection for the washer-dryer and dryer to be performed using a single shared touch panel, resulting in a lower cost configuration.

[0065] In this embodiment, the equipment selection screen 410 of the stacker-type laundry machine is configured to display a first image 412 on the lower side of the operation panel 40 and a second image 414 on the upper side of the operation panel 40, in accordance with the arrangement of the laundry machine 10. This allows users to easily select equipment using an equipment selection screen that matches the arrangement of the laundry machine 10.

[0066] The display control means 50 of the stacker-type laundry device in this embodiment is configured to display a second image 414 on the upper side of the operation panel 40 when the dryer 30 is not in use, and to display a third image 412a on the lower side of the operation panel 40 when the washer-dryer 20 is in use, showing the remaining operating time according to the course set for the washer-dryer 20. This allows the user to view the operating status of the washer-dryer from the equipment selection screen.

[0067] The display control means 50 of the stacker-type laundry device in this embodiment is configured to display a first image 412 on the lower side of the operation panel 40 when the washer-dryer 20 is not in use, and to display a fourth image 414a on the upper side of the operation panel 40 when the dryer 30 is in use, indicating the remaining operating time of the dryer 30. This allows the user to view the operating status of the dryer from the equipment selection screen.

[0068] The display control means 50 of the stacker-type laundry device in this embodiment displays a third image 412a on the lower side of the operation panel 40 when the washer-dryer 20 is in use, showing the remaining operating time according to the course set for the washer-dryer 20, and displays a fourth image 414a on the upper side of the operation panel 40 when the dryer 20 is in use, showing the remaining operating time for the dryer 30. This allows the user to view the operating status of the washer-dryer and dryer from the equipment selection screen.

[0069] The stacker-type laundry device of this embodiment is configured such that at least a portion of the first image 412 displays two colors representing washing and drying, at least a portion of the third image 412a displays a first color representing the washer-dryer 20, and at least a portion of the second image 414 and fourth image 414a displays a second color representing the dryer 30. As a result, the operation images (screens) and images (screens) showing the operating status of the washer-dryer and dryer are clearly displayed with two colors to identify the model, making the control panel easy for users to use.

[0070] The display control means 50 of the stacker-type laundry apparatus in this embodiment displays the entire screen of the operation panel 40 for setting the operation of the washing machine 20 in response to a touch of the first image 412 when the washing machine 20 is not in use, and each screen for setting the operation includes a first color representing the washing machine 20. As a result, the screen for setting the operation of the washing machine is displayed using the entire screen of the touch panel, providing a large screen that is easy for the user to operate.

[0071] The display control means 50 of the stacker-type laundry device in this embodiment displays the entire screen of the operation panel 40 for setting the operation of the dryer 30 in response to a touch of the second image 414 when the dryer 30 is not in use, and each screen for setting the operation includes a second color representing the dryer 30. As a result, the screen for setting the operation of the dryer is displayed using the entire screen of the touch panel, providing a large screen that is easy for the user to operate.

[0072] In this embodiment of the stacker-type laundry system, at least a portion of the opening and closing doors of the washer-dryer 20 are colored in a first color, and at least a portion of the opening and closing doors of the dryer 30 are colored in a second color different from the first color. This allows users to easily identify that it is a washer-dryer-dryer type stacker-type laundry system.

[0073] In addition, while each image (for example, the first to fourth images) or screen displays marks and message text against a background color of the first or second color, if the color indication is for distinguishing between washer-dryers and dryers, then for example, marks and message text may be displayed in the first or second color, and the background color may be a unified color (the same color).

[0074] 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]

[0075] 10...Stacker-type laundry machine, 20...Washer-dryer (washer-dryer), 30...Dryer 40...Touch-type display and operation panel (touch panel), 50...Control device 55...Display control unit, 58...Input / output interface, 60...Coin payment processing unit 70... Prepaid card payment processing unit, 400... Initial screen 405... "English" button, 410... Device selection screen 412…Image 1, 412a…Image 3, 414…Image 2, 414a…Image 4 420... Washer / dryer operation selection screen, 420a... "Drum Wash" button 425... "Wash and Dry" course button, 426... "Lower Drain Operation in Progress" label 430... Washer / dryer course selection screen, 440... Washer / dryer drying temperature selection screen 450... Screen for payment instructions for the course fee, 460... Screen for setting the drying temperature of the dryer 461... "Upper rack in operation" label, 470... Screen showing payment instructions for dryer usage fees. 480, 482...Details screen, 500..."Show Details" button

Claims

1. A laundry device having a washing machine and dryer, and a dryer installed on the upper level of the washing machine and dryer, A shared control panel is provided on the front of the laundry device, between the washer-dryer and the dryer, for setting the operation of the washer-dryer and the dryer. A display control means that performs display control of the aforementioned operation panel, The display control means is A stacker-type laundry device characterized in that, when the laundry device is not in use, the control panel displays a device selection screen consisting of a first image for selecting the washer-dryer and a second image for selecting the dryer.

2. The stacker-type laundry apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the equipment selection screen displays the first image on the lower side of the operation panel and the second image on the upper side of the operation panel, in accordance with the arrangement of the laundry apparatus.

3. The display control means is When the dryer is not in use, the second image is displayed on the upper side of the control panel. The stacker-type laundry device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the washing and drying machine is in use, a third image indicating the remaining operating time according to the course set for the washing and drying machine is displayed on the lower side of the control panel.

4. The display control means is When the washing and drying machine is not in use, the first image is displayed on the lower side of the control panel. The stacker-type laundry apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that when the dryer is in use, a fourth image indicating the remaining operating time of the dryer is displayed on the upper side of the control panel.

5. The display control means is When the washing and drying machine is in use, the third image is displayed on the lower side of the control panel. The stacker-type laundry apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the fourth image is displayed above the control panel when the dryer is in use.

6. At least a portion of the first image shows two colors representing washing and drying. At least a portion of the third image displays a first color representing the washing machine and dryer. The stacker-type laundry apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least a portion of the second image and the fourth image displays a second color representing the dryer.

7. The display control means is The stacker-type laundry device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the washing machine is not in use, the entire screen of the operation panel is displayed for setting the operation of the washing machine in response to a touch of the first image, and each screen for setting the operation includes a first color representing the washing machine.

8. The stacker-type laundry device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the dryer is not in use, the entire screen of the operation panel is displayed for setting the operation of the dryer in response to a touch of the second image, and each screen for setting the operation includes a second color representing the dryer.

9. The stacker-type laundry device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a portion of the opening and closing doors of the washing and drying machine is colored with a first color, and at least a portion of the opening and closing doors of the drying machine is colored with a second color different from the first color.

Images