Laundry equipment display and operation panel

Abstract

To provide a display operation panel for a laundry machine, which is user-friendly and have excellent usability.SOLUTION: A display operation panel for a laundry machine, according to an embodiment is a display operation panel for a laundry machine which performs at least any one of a washing and drying cycle, a washing cycle, and a drying cycle on laundry to be washed / dried, and includes: program selection buttons each of which displays at least any one of a washing and drying program, a washing program, and a drying program for the laundry to be washed / dried; and light emitting parts which are placed in an inner or an outer area of the respective program selection buttons and display colors according to the washing and drying program, the washing program, or the drying program.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

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] Conventionally, dozens of laundry machines of this type are installed in stores such as coin laundries and made available to users. Users bring their own laundry items such as clothes and bedding, and wash them by paying a usage fee. Since coin laundries are generally unmanned, they have introduced a payment system that automates payment. Users use the laundry machines in a self-service manner by inserting cash into a payment machine installed for 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 for a user to understand and to operate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The display operation panel of the laundry machine of the embodiment is a display operation panel of the laundry machine that is installed in a coin laundry and performs either washing and drying or washing and drying for the laundry, and has a plurality of course buttons each including a function of either the washing and drying or washing and drying for the laundry, and each course button has a course display section and Surroundingand a color emitting unit that displays a color according to the washing and drying functions of the course indicated by the course display unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing a washing / drying machine according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the washing / drying machine according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a perspective view showing a washing / drying machine according to an embodiment; [Figure 4] 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining the opening and closing angle of the opening and closing door of the washer-dryer according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] 6 is a side view showing the handle as viewed from a direction B shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 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. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a water supply and drainage system of a washer / dryer 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. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a display operation panel of a medium-sized laundry machine (middle size M) according to an embodiment, which has five selectable courses. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a display operation panel in the "standby" state of the small-sized machine (small size S) according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a display operation panel for a "course selection" state of a small machine (small size S) according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display example of the display operation panel for "driving" of the small machine (small size S) according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating an example of a display transition of a flicker lamp according to an embodiment. [Figure 17] 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 configuration of an internal electrostatic unit of the display / operation panel when the upper panel is open. [Figure 18] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating the shapes of parts of an electrostatic unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 19] 18 is a diagram showing the shape of the acrylic panel shown in FIG. 17. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing one shape of the third electrostatic unit shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a course layout arbitrarily customized for a store or the like according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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

[0008] (Washer / dryer configuration) The configuration of the washer / dryer according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a front view of the 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 in Fig. 3, a front panel and an operation panel, which will be described later, are partially omitted for the sake of explanation.

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

[0010] The housing 20 has a circular panel opening 20b at approximately the center of a front panel 20a provided on the front side. The outer body 30 has an input port 60 for inserting and removing laundry such as clothes and sheets, and is fixed so that the input port 60 is exposed to the panel opening 20b. The front panel 20a is provided with an opening / closing door 70 for opening and closing the input port 60 via a hinge mechanism (not shown). 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) are completed, the user opens the opening / closing door 70 and removes the laundry from the drum 40.

[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 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, a conventional washer / dryer of the same dimensions can wash 22 kg and dry 15 kg, whereas 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-port, which will be described later.

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

[0014] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20 described later, it is possible to arbitrarily set a dedicated course for each course selection button 201, and for example, three washing / drying courses, one washing course, and one drying course, each of which has different required time and cost depending on the type of laundry (clothes, duvets, futons, etc.) and the amount of laundry to be processed (weight), can be assigned. This makes it possible to set courses according to 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 course selection button 201 has a course name light emitting portion 201a which indicates the name of each course (washing / drying / washing / drying), and a ring light emitting portion 201b which is in the shape of a ring and surrounds the course name light emitting portion 201a. The course name light emitting portion 201a and the ring light emitting portion 201b can be turned on, blinking, or turned off by a backlight such as an LED provided on the back of the display operation panel 20c. When the backlight is turned off, background and the same color (e.g. 、 black color ) In other words, unnecessary dials and the like can be hidden from the user, and unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed. The course name shown on the course name light-emitting unit 201a can be freely changed by replacing the character sheet (see reference numeral 510b in FIG. 19) on the back, or by controlling the character dot display. The ring light-emitting unit 201b may be disposed on the inside or outside of the course selection button 201.

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

[0017] FIG. 12 shows an example of the display operation panel 20c of a medium-sized laundry machine (middle size M) from which, for example, 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 one-sheet futon wash course. Therefore, the first (upper) ring light emitting unit 201b-1a of the 16 kg capacity wash / dry course is set to emit a blue-based light (a color corresponding to (associated with) washing), and the second (lower) ring light emitting unit 201b-1b is set to emit an orange-based light (a color corresponding to (associated with) drying). Similarly, the first ring light emitting unit 201b-2a of the 10 kg capacity wash / dry course is set to emit a blue-based light, and the second ring light emitting unit 201b-2b is set to emit an orange-based light. The first ring light emitter 201b-3a and the second ring light emitter 201b-3b for the 27 kg capacity washing course are both set to emit blue-based light (a color associated with washing). The first ring light emitter 201b-4a and the second ring light emitter 201b-4b for the 16 kg capacity drying course are both set to emit orange-based light (a color associated with drying). The first ring light emitter 201b-5a and the second ring light emitter 201b-5b for the single futon washing course are both set to emit blue-based light. 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 and below or to the left and right of the inside of the course selection button 201. Although the first ring light emitter and the second ring light emitter are each formed as a single semicircular ring, a semicircular ring may be formed by connecting a number of small rings.

[0018] In this way, in the case of only washing or only drying, one color that can be associated with the course content is illuminated, and in the case of a course that includes both washing and drying, two different colors that can be associated with each course are illuminated, so that the course selection button 201 (course name illumination units 201a-1 to 201a-5 in FIG. 12) visually expresses the course content, and the user can intuitively understand at a glance what the course selection button 201 indicates. 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), so that an easy-to-understand display can be provided to the user. The color scheme of this illumination is arbitrary, and it is preferable that the color scheme can be changed according to a remote change in course setting, which will be described later in detail.

[0019] Returning to FIG. 1, in the case of a centralized settlement machine connected to the washer-dryer 1 or in the case of standby before money is inserted into the washer-dryer 1 itself, it is preferable from the viewpoint of reducing electricity charges to control the course selection buttons 201 to be all turned off and to be all turned on when a user is detected by a human sensor. The human sensor here may be provided in the washer-dryer 1 or in the store. If provided in the store, the detection signal from the human sensor may be input directly to the washer-dryer 1, or may be input to a server or centralized settlement machine connected to the washer-dryer 1 so as to be able to communicate with the washer-dryer 1, and the detection result of the sensor may be input to the washer-dryer 1 via these. As a means for detecting the presence of a user using the laundry appliance 1, image processing using a camera image may be used in addition to the human sensor. The human sensor and the camera are installed in a predetermined position in the store (for example, near the entrance or near the front of the laundry appliance 1).

[0020] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the display operation panel 20c for "standby". FIG. 13 shows an example of a small-sized (small size S) laundry machine, and therefore has four courses, excluding the futon washing course shown in FIG. 12. Here, it is assumed that the human sensor has already detected the user's entry into the store. Therefore, all four courses are displayed so that the user can see that the laundry machine 1 is on standby. However, nothing is displayed in the display area 203 for "fee / remaining time" since the laundry machine 1 is on standby. In addition, the backlights of the drying temperature setting area 208, which allows the drying temperature to be changed in multiple stages according to the clothes, and the display area 210 for "burning" are turned off and set to a state that is not visible to the user. In addition, the lamp of the status display unit (hereinafter referred to as a flicker lamp in the embodiment) 205 described later is also turned off.

[0021] 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 non-selected course selection buttons 201 are turned off or the illumination is reduced, so that the user can easily identify the selected course. This turning off or reducing the illumination may 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 contents of the display area can be changed by replacing the character sheet according to the specifications of the laundry machine 1.

[0022] In addition, taking into consideration 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 the 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. In addition, this is not limited to this, and any means such as lighting, blinking, turning off, or dimming the illuminance may be used as long as the selected course is visually identifiable and control takes into consideration reselection.

[0023] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the display operation panel 20c of a small-sized (small size S) laundry machine 1, similar to Fig. 13. In Fig. 14, when a user wishes to select, for example, the 12 kg wash / dry course on the left side as a course selection operation, by holding a hand (or finger) over the course selection button (course name light-emitting unit 201a-1), a human sensor inside the machine is activated and the display of the course selection button (course name light-emitting unit 201a-1) maintains the same brightness. Meanwhile, the illuminance is controlled to be reduced so that the displays of the courses (course name light-emitting units 201a-2 to 201a-4) other than the course selection button (course name light-emitting unit 201a-1) look faint. In FIG. 14, the first ring light emitting units 201b-2a to 201b-4a and the second ring light emitting units 201b-2b to 201b-4b of the course selection buttons (course name light emitting units 201a-2 to 201a-4) other than the 12 kg wash / dry course are shaded to indicate that they are dimmed (low illumination). In addition, the drying temperature setting area 208 in FIG. 14 displays, for example, "high temperature" according to the user's setting. In addition, the display area 203 for "fee / remaining time" displays the amount of money deposited by the user, for example, 1200 yen. Instead of dimming the first ring light emitting units 201b-2a to 201b-4a and the second ring light emitting units 201b-2b to 201b-4b, all the courses other than the 12 kg wash / dry course may be dimmed.

[0024] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the display on the display operation panel 20c when the course selected in Fig. 14 is "in operation". The "12 kg washing and drying course" selected in Fig. 14 is displayed with the same brightness, but the other courses are partially or entirely turned off (in Fig. 15, the turned off courses are indicated by diagonal shading), background and the same color (e.g. black color) and is not visible to the user. Similarly, option button 204 is also turned off to make it invisible to the user. This prevents unnecessary power consumption and allows the user to see at a glance that the laundry machine 1 is running the "12 kg wash and dry course." In FIG. 15, the drying temperature setting area 208 displays, for example, "high temperature" according to the user's setting. Furthermore, the "charge / remaining time" display area 203 displays a remaining time of 48 minutes. Furthermore, the "burning" display area 210 is backlit and displayed.

[0025] Returning to Fig. 1, a capacity display area 201c is provided above each of the course selection buttons 201 as one of the display areas, which displays the capacity or number of items to be washed in the course content indicated by each course selection button. The capacity display area 201c can be turned on, blinking, or turned off with a backlight such as an LED, similar to the course name light-emitting unit 201a and the ring light-emitting unit 201b. When turned off, background and the same color (e.g. 、 black color The value shown in the capacity display area 201c (10 kg if the laundry is clothes, 1 piece if the laundry is a futon, etc.) can be freely changed by replacing the character sheet on the back of the panel or by controlling the character dot display.

[0026] Above each capacity display area 201c, there is provided a setting area 202 that displays the course contents (time and fee) indicated by each course selection button, which is another of the display areas. 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 contents 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 a setting change made by remote control, which will be described in detail later.

[0027] For example, Fig. 12 shows a display operation panel 20c which displays the course time and the fee for each course in the setting area 202. In Fig. 12, for the 16 kg capacity washing / drying course, 1200 yen / 60 minutes is displayed as the default. Also, for the 10 kg capacity washing / drying course, 1000 yen / 50 minutes is displayed as the default. Also, for the 27 kg capacity washing course, 800 yen / 30 minutes is displayed as the default. Also, for the 16 kg capacity drying course, 100 yen / 10 minutes is displayed as the default. Furthermore, for the single futon washing course, 1200 yen / 30 minutes is displayed as the default.

[0028] Returning to FIG. 1, when a user inserts money into the fee insert section 25 or centralized payment machine for paying the usage fee provided at the bottom of the display operation panel 20c and selects (holds a fingertip over) a desired course selection button 201, a laundry processing operation of the washing / drying 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. Information about the laundry processing operation includes, for example, the usage time of the washer / dryer 1 and the usage fee (including an overtime fee and an increased overtime fee).

[0029] 1 has a plurality of option buttons 204. The option buttons 204 can be set to, for example, a drum wash button (204a in FIG. 12) for rotating the drum 40 when the laundry is empty to wash the inside of the drum, a voice navigation button (204b in FIG. 12) for explaining the functions of the washer-dryer 1, a sterilization button for inactivating and sterilizing viruses and the like in the drum 40 by sending ozone air into the drum 40 after cooling after drying, etc. Some of these option buttons 204 can be operated without inserting a fee into the fee insert unit 25. For example, a user can select the drum wash button (204a in FIG. 12) before inserting laundry into the drum 40 to use the washer-dryer 1 in which the drum 40 has been washed for a predetermined time and the inside of the drum 40 has been sterilized to a certain degree.

[0030] The course selection button 201 and option button 204 in FIG. 1 are capacitive touch switch panels. Therefore, the button responds when the user approaches the button with their fingertip without touching it directly, and input can be accepted. This allows the user to operate without contact, which can prevent virus infection through the button. Furthermore, anticipating the user's accidental touch, 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 treatment include the use of antibacterial paint, antibacterial wax, and antibacterial cover glass.

[0031] 1 has an arc-shaped flicker lamp 205 between the course selection button 201 and the option button 204. That is, the flicker lamp 205 is formed by mounting a flicker lamp longer than the vertical width of the display operation panel 20c in an arc shape, so that the user can see the usage status (operation) of the washer / dryer 1 at a glance. As shown in FIG. 12, the flicker lamp 205 is provided at the boundary between the multiple course selection buttons 201, the multiple 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 button 204. The flicker lamp 205 can emit light by a backlight, and is controlled to turn on, turn off, or blink so as to notify the user that the machine is the machine to be operated (operation target state) during remote settlement by the centralized settlement machine. It is also preferable to make the operation state visually recognizable by turning on, blinking, or changing the light color according to the operation state such as washing or drying. It is also preferable to make the light on during operation and off during standby, or vice versa, or change the light color, so that the customer can immediately recognize at a glance the washer-dryer 1 that is available for operation as soon as the customer enters the store. The course selection button 201, the setting area 202, and the option button 204 may have the above-mentioned functions including the flicker function, like the flicker lamp 205. The flicker lamp 205 may be switched to a different light color depending on the unused state of the laundry device 1, the course selection state, the state of being operated by the settlement machine, and the operating state of the laundry device 1. The flicker lamp (state display unit) 205 is not limited to a circular arc shape, and may be formed in a curved shape longer than the vertical width of the display operation panel 20c, a diagonal line shape, or a combination of these shapes.

[0032] 16 is a diagram showing an example of the display transition of the above-mentioned flicker lamp 205. As shown in FIG. 16, when it is "standby", the flicker lamp 205 is controlled to be turned off (which has a power saving effect). background and the same color (e.g. 、 black color) so that it is not visible to the user. Next, when the user holds their finger over one of the course selection buttons to use laundry machine 1, the state changes to "course selection in progress," and the motion sensor is activated, causing flicker lamp 205 to blink. This makes it possible to notify the user that a course is being selected. Finally, when the state changes to "operating," flicker lamp 205 is controlled to be lit, and only flicker lamp 205 and the "12 kg wash / dry course" are displayed with the same brightness as shown in FIG. 15 above. This lets the user know that washer / dryer 1 is in operation.

[0033] The display operation panel 20c in FIG. 1 is provided with a sterilization and elimination temperature lamp 206 above the charge / remaining time display area 203. The sterilization and elimination temperature lamp 206 displays a plurality of sterilization stages according to the sterilization temperature for sterilization of bacteria or viruses. The sterilization and elimination temperature lamp 206 estimates the temperature inside the drum 40 from the drum outlet temperature acquired by the outlet temperature sensor 130 (see FIG. 10 and FIG. 11) described later, and lights up or blinks when the operation state is in a temperature range where the sterilization effect is expected in conjunction with the sterilization button provided in the option button 204. As a method of the estimation, for example, a method of setting the minimum value of the drum outlet temperature when the temperature inside the drum 40 becomes sufficient for sterilization as a threshold value in the washer / dryer 1 as a threshold value and estimating 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 control unit 100 (see FIG. 11) described later. Also, it is advisable to light or blink the sterilization and repelling temperature lamp 206 during the process of inactivating viruses and the like, sterilization, etc., as typified by ozone.

[0034] 12, an adjustment button (drying temperature setting means) for adjusting the temperature during drying may be provided in drying temperature setting area 208 of display operation panel 20c. If the adjustment button is made up 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.

[0035] 17 to 20 are diagrams showing the configuration of an internal electrostatic unit of the display / operation panel 20c in the small-sized laundry machine (small size S) shown in FIG. 17(a) is a diagram showing the configuration of an upper panel 500 of the display-operation panel 20c. The upper panel 500 is composed of an acrylic panel 510 and an upper panel mounting plate 520 to which the acrylic panel 510 is attached. The acrylic panel 510 is attached to the upper panel mounting plate 520 by gluing, screwing, or the like. 17(b) is a diagram showing the configuration of 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 side, a second electrostatic unit 620 on the right side, and a plurality of third electrostatic units 630 positioned between the first electrostatic unit 610 and the second electrostatic unit 620. A touchless panel is formed by these first electrostatic unit to third electrostatic unit 610 to 630. That is, when a fingertip, a palm, or the like is held over a switch (button) provided on the first electrostatic unit to the third electrostatic unit 610 to 630, the charge fluctuates at the location where the fingertip or palm is brought close, and this is sent as a selection signal to a control unit (not shown) to detect the ON / OFF state of the switch.

[0036] FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of the shapes of the parts of the electrostatic unit 600. As shown in FIG. The first electrostatic unit 610 is provided with a backlit drum wash switch (reference numeral 204a in FIG. 13), a backlit voice navigation switch (reference numeral 204b in FIG. 13), 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. 13. The second electrostatic unit 620 is located at a position corresponding to the status display area which displays at least the charge / remaining time display area 203 and the drying temperature setting area 208 on the right side of FIG. 13, and is provided with a backlit temperature selection switch (208 in FIG. 13), a backlit "In operation" display (212 in FIG. 13), a backlit "Combustion in progress" display (210 in FIG. 13), a backlit "Sterilization" display (206 in FIG. 12; not shown in FIG. 13 as it is installed in medium-sized or larger machines), and a 7-segment display which displays the charge / remaining time. The third electrostatic units 630a to 630d are provided at positions corresponding to the four course selection switches 201 in FIG. 13. The third electrostatic units 630a to 630d are provided with a backlit course selection switch (e.g., reference symbol 201a-1 in FIG. 13), a backlit "circle" display (e.g., 1200 yen in FIG. 13), a backlit "minute" display (e.g., 60 minutes in FIG. 13), a backlit vertical line display (a vertical line indicating the boundary between each course selection in FIG. 13), a backlit "Kg" display (e.g., 16 Kg in FIG. 13), a backlit ring light emitter (e.g., reference symbols 201b-1a and 201b-1b in FIG. 13), and a 7-segment display that displays the price / time. The third electrostatic units 630a to 630d are fixed by screws one by one, and therefore can be removed. Therefore, in changing the layout of the course, which will be described later, the layout of the course can be easily changed by replacing the third electrostatic units 630a to 630d.

[0037] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the shape of the acrylic panel 510 shown in FIG. 17. 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, etc. The second printed layer 510c is printed with a background color (e.g., black smoke). The background color can be set arbitrarily, such as not only a black model but also a white model, etc.

[0038] Fig. 20 is a diagram showing one shape of the third electrostatic unit 630 shown in Fig. 17 and Fig. 18. The third electrostatic unit 630 is composed of a substrate 631, a reflector 632 made of ABS resin, and a diffusion sheet unit 633. The diffusion sheet unit 633 is composed of a diffusion sheet and an electrostatic sheet.

[0039] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a course layout customized according to the region, store, etc. In FIG. 21, the "16 kg wash and dry course" shown in FIG. 12 is replaced with a "16 kg down comforter wash and dry course." Also, the "27 kg wash course" shown in FIG. 12 is replaced with a "27 kg premium wash and dry course." Furthermore, the "single comforter wash course" shown in FIG. 12 is replaced with a "single futon wash course." The "10 kg wash and dry course" and "16 kg dry course" remain unchanged. The course layout has also been changed so that the "single futon wash course" is placed between the "10 kg wash and dry course" and the "27 kg premium wash and dry course."

[0040] (Opening and closing door 70) Returning to FIG. 1, the door 70 has a disk shape capable of blocking the input port 60, and a window is provided in the center to allow the user to see inside the door. A sealant (not shown) is placed between the door 70 and the edge of the input port 60 to improve airtightness. As shown in FIG. 4, the door 70 has an opening angle A of 110° to 120°. Conventionally, the opening angle is often 100°, but this angle is increased by 10° to 20°, improving operability for the user.

[0041] Moreover, the distance L from the bottom end of the opening / closing door 70 to the installation surface is about 600 mm. Generally, many carts for transporting laundry items are 600 mm or less. Therefore, by providing the opening / closing door 70 in this manner, even if a cart is positioned below the opening / closing door 70, the opening / closing door 70 can be opened and closed, so that laundry items can be easily moved to the cart after the laundry processing operation.

[0042] Furthermore, the opening and closing door 70, including the handle of the door lock 80 described below, is antibacterial treated since it is expected that many users will come into contact with it. Examples of antibacterial treatment include antibacterial paint or wax, and the use of antibacterial glass for the observation window.

[0043] A handle-type door lock 80 is provided at the center edge of the opening / closing door 70. As shown in FIG. 4, a user of the washer / dryer 1 can use a handle 801 of the door lock 80 to open and close the opening / closing door 70, latch (idle lock) the opening / closing door 70, and unlatch it. The locking and unlocking of the door lock 80 is controlled by the control unit 100, which will be described later. That is, the control unit 100 can fix the handle 801 when the opening / closing door 70 is closed and latched. That is, the control unit 100 can lock the opening / closing door 70 with the door lock 80 and keep the loading port 60 sealed. When the control unit 100 unlocks the opening / closing door 70, it becomes possible to manually pull the handle to unlatch it, and the opening / closing door 70 can be opened to open the loading port 60. The door lock 80 is provided with an opening / closing sensor 140 (see FIG. 11) that detects the closing and latching state of the opening / closing door 70. This door lock configuration is designed to facilitate maintenance.

[0044] (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 which a user grips when operating the opening / closing door 70 and the door lock 80, and a support portion 801b which supports the handle 801a rotatably relative to the opening / closing door 70.

[0045] The gripping part 801a is formed in a substantially rectangular column shape, and has inside it a removable display plate 802. The display plate 802 is formed in a flat plate shape, and on one side a predetermined display, such as the company name and logo of the owner company that operates the coin laundry store, product name, etc., can be displayed by printing, etc., and can be used as an advertising medium.

[0046] 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 surface 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.

[0047] 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 surface, 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 fitted into the gripping portion 801a through the exposure opening 801d.

[0048] (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 water, hot water, or a mixture of warm water (hereinafter referred to as supply water) used for washing and rinsing the laundry, on the upper side, and a box-shaped drain shell 920 for storing washing drain water and preventing dust from accumulating, on the lower side. A detergent injection pump (not shown) is provided in the water supply pipe 910, so that detergent can be injected. A water supply valve 170 is also provided in the water supply pipe 910, and when the water supply valve 170 is opened, water can be supplied into the outer body 30.

[0049] Drain shell 920 is connected to drain pipe 921, which has drain valve 180 installed in it. When drain valve 180 is opened, the supply water stored in outer body 30 can be drained. Drain pipe 921 has a diameter of 75A, i.e., an outer diameter of φ89 mm, which is larger than the conventional diameter of drain pipes used in typical washer-dryers, which are 65A, i.e., an outer diameter of 76.3 mm. This makes it possible to reduce the drain time.

[0050] In addition, a hot air supply passage 301 is connected to the outer body 30, which draws in air from the outside and supplies it as hot air for drying to an in-port provided between the drum 40 and the opening and closing door 70, thereby supplying it into the drum 40, and a hot air exhaust passage 303, which exhausts hot air to the outside, is connected to an exhaust hole 302 provided at the rear of the upper surface of the outer body 30. The in-port is designed to have a larger diameter than conventional ones, and its overhanging part is designed to be shorter than conventional ones, so that even large items to be washed, such as futons, can be easily placed into the drum 40.

[0051] The hot air supply path 301 is provided with a heating unit 150 composed of a gas burner for heating 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 exhaust path 303 is provided with a lint filter 190 for capturing debris such as threads, a fan 160 for taking in air into the washer / dryer 1 and for exhausting it, an outlet temperature sensor 130, a check damper for preventing backflow, an overheat prevention device (not shown), etc.

[0052] This allows the lint filter 190 to be washed by the lint washing function. This lint washing function is a process in which the drum 40 is rotated in a state in which more supply water is supplied from the water supply pipe than during laundry processing operation, and the supply water is made to flow excessively, so that the supply water reaches the lint filter 190 and washes the lint filter 190. This lint washing function makes it possible to reduce the frequency of maintenance such as replacement of the lint filter 190.

[0053] The drum 40 is disposed with a predetermined gap from the outer body 30, so that its opening coincides 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.

[0054] Next, a description will be given of a 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 control unit 100 which mainly controls the main body of the device.

[0055] The control unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a memory 102, an input / output I / F 103a, and a communication I / F 103b. The CPU 101 executes the main processing of the control unit 100, and the memory 102 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory), and is used as a working area for the CPU 101, and is a storage device that stores programs for realizing 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 above-mentioned course selection buttons 201. The parameters include whether washing and / or drying processing is performed, the required time for processing, the fee, the weight of the laundry, etc.

[0056] The input / output I / F 103a is used to input an input signal from the display operation panel 20c and detection signals from the water level sensor 110, the inlet temperature sensor 120, the outlet temperature sensor 130, and the open / close sensor 140, and is also used to output control signals to the heating unit 150, the fan 160, the water supply valve 170, the drain valve 180, the motor M, the door lock 80, and the display operation panel 20c. Although not shown here, when a fingertip held up to select the course selection button 201 is detected by a human sensor, 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 a terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. Various wireless communication standards can be used, such as short-distance wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and Wi-Fi communication.

[0057] The control unit 100, mainly through cooperation between the CPU 101 and memory 102, controls the heating unit 150, the fan 160, and the motor M to perform a drying process in which the drum 40 is rotated with hot air being sucked into the drum 40, and a washing process in which the drum 40 is rotated with water being supplied into the drum 40 by controlling the water supply valve 170, the drain valve 180, and the motor M.

[0058] Furthermore, the control unit 100 has a communication I / F 103b, which allows remote collective and individual settings using wired or wireless communication. The settings here include, for example, course information associated with the course selection buttons 201 stored in the memory 102, the required time, the fee, and the like.

[0059] 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 settings of individual or multiple washer-dryer 1s at once. Another method for changing the settings of the washer-dryer 1 may be to connect multiple washer-dryer 1s to a gateway installed in the coin laundry store so that they can communicate with each other, and change the settings via a terminal device such as a smartphone or an external server using wireless communication such as Wi-Fi.

[0060] As described above, display operation panel 20c of the laundry machine according to the embodiment is a display operation panel 20c of a laundry machine that performs at least one of washing and drying / washing / drying on the items to be washed, and is configured to include course selection button 201 (course name light-emitting units 201a-1 to 201a-5) that displays at least one of the courses of washing and drying / washing / drying the items to be washed, and light-emitting units 201b (201b-1a to 201b-5a and 201b-1b to 201b-5b) that are located inside or outside course selection button 201 and display a color corresponding to washing and drying / washing / drying. Therefore, the course content of course selection button 201 is visually represented, and the user can understand at a glance what course content course selection button 201 represents.

[0061] In addition, the laundry machine display operation panel 20c is configured so that the light-emitting portions (e.g., 201b-1a, 201b-1b) of the course selection button 201 representing the wash / dry course emit a first color corresponding to washing and a second color corresponding to drying. Therefore, by emitting light in two different colors that can be associated with the wash / dry course, the user can understand at a glance that the course selection button 201 represents the wash / dry course.

[0062] In addition, the laundry equipment display operation panel 20c is configured so that the light-emitting portions (e.g., 201b-3a, 201b-3b) of the course selection buttons 201 representing the washing courses emit a first color corresponding to washing, and the light-emitting portions (e.g., 201b-4a, 201b-4b) of the course selection buttons 201 representing the drying courses emit a second color corresponding to drying. Therefore, by emitting light in a single color that can be associated with the washing course or the drying course, the user can understand at a glance that the course selection button 201 represents the washing course or the drying course.

[0063] In addition, since the light-emitting element 201b of the laundry equipment display operation panel 20c is shaped to surround the course selection button 201, for example, the course name is displayed inside the circle formed by the ring light-emitting elements (e.g., 201b-1a, 201b-1b), thereby providing the user with an easy-to-understand display.

[0064] In addition, the display operation panel 20c of the laundry equipment further includes display areas 201c, 202 which display at least one of the course capacity, usage time, and usage fee in correspondence with the course selection button 201 (course name light-emitting sections 201a-1 to 201a-5). Therefore, the user can understand at a glance the course contents, capacity, usage time, usage fee, etc. by looking at the course selection button 201 and the display areas 201c, 202.

[0065] In addition, the display operation panel 20c of the laundry equipment is configured so that the display contents of the display areas 201c, 202 can be changed by replacing the character sheets according to the specifications of the laundry equipment 1, so that the display contents of the display areas 201c, 202 can be easily changed by replacing the character sheets.

[0066] The display operation panel 20c of the laundry machine is further provided with a sterilization repellent lamp that displays multiple germ repellent stages according to the time it takes to repell bacteria or viruses, and a drying temperature setting means that allows the drying temperature to be set to multiple stages according to the clothes, so that it can be emphasized to users that it is a sterilization laundry. Also, since the drying temperature can be set to multiple stages to accommodate delicate clothes, the laundry machine 1 can be used with peace of mind.

[0067] The display operation panel 20c of the laundry machine according to the embodiment is a display operation panel 20c of the laundry machine 1 which performs at least one of washing and drying / washing and drying for the laundry, and includes a course selection button 201 which displays at least one of the courses of washing and drying / washing and drying for the laundry, a light emitting unit 201b which is located inside or outside the course selection button 201 and displays a color corresponding to washing and drying / washing and drying, and display areas 201c, 202 which display at least one of the capacity, usage time, and usage fee of the course corresponding to the course selection button 201. When the presence of a user who uses the laundry machine 1 is detected, the course selection button 201, the light emitting unit 201b, and the display areas 201c, 202 are displayed in a state visible to the user, so that the user who enters the store can see at a glance whether the laundry machine 1 is available for use. Furthermore, if the presence of a user is not detected, unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed by turning off the display operation panel 20c, so that energy saving measures for the laundry machine 1 can be taken.

[0068] In addition, when a user selects a course selection button (e.g., course name light-emitting unit 201a-1), the laundry equipment display operation panel 20c maintains the illuminance of the course selection button and the light-emitting units corresponding to that course selection button (e.g., 201b-1a, 201b-1b) and the display area, while the illuminance of non-selected course selection buttons (e.g., course name light-emitting units 201a-2 to 201a-4) and at least the light-emitting units corresponding to the non-selected course selection buttons (e.g., 201b-2a to 201b-4a, 201b-2b to 201b-4b) is reduced and displayed dimly, allowing the user to correctly select the desired course.

[0069] In addition, the display operation panel 20c of the laundry equipment is configured to turn off the non-selected course selection buttons (e.g., course name light-emitting units 201a-2 to 201a-4) and the light-emitting units corresponding to the non-selected course selection buttons (e.g., 201b-2a to 201b-4a, 201b-2b to 201b-4b) and part or all of the display area while a selected course is in operation, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption.

[0070] In addition, the display operation panel 20c of the laundry machine is configured to turn off the option buttons 204, which include at least the drum wash button 204a and the voice navigation button 204b, while the selected course is in operation, thereby making it possible to reduce unnecessary power consumption.

[0071] In addition, the display operation panel 20c of the laundry machine, the course selection button 201, the light-emitting section 201b, and the display areas 201c and 202 can be customized according to the region, store, or usage situation, so that a laundry machine 1 that is easy for the user to use can be provided.

[0072] The display operation panel 20c of the laundry machine according to the embodiment is a display operation panel 20c of a laundry machine 1 which performs at least one of washing and drying / washing / drying on the items to be washed, and is equipped with a course selection button 201 which displays at least one of the courses of washing and drying / washing / drying for the items to be washed, and an illuminating unit 201b which is located inside or outside the course selection button 201 and displays a color corresponding to washing and drying / washing / drying, and as the course selection button 201 is touchless, the user can operate the button without contacting it, which makes it possible to prevent virus infection, etc. due to touching the button.

[0073] In addition, the display operation panel 20c of the laundry equipment has an electrostatic unit 630 that forms a touchless button corresponding to the course selection button. The electrostatic unit 630 has a substrate 631, a reflector 632, and a diffusion sheet unit 633 composed of a diffusion sheet and an electrostatic sheet. Since the electrostatic unit 630 provides a touchless course selection button 201, it is possible to prevent virus infection, etc. caused by touching the button.

[0074] Furthermore, the display operation panel 20c of the laundry machine is configured to have an electrostatic unit 610 corresponding to the option area including the drum wash button 204a, and an electrostatic unit 620 corresponding to the status display area that displays at least the charge / remaining time (203) and the drying temperature setting (208), so that touchless operation is provided for areas other than the course selection button 201 as well, making it possible to prevent virus infection and the like over the entire display operation panel 20c.

[0075] The display operation panel 20c of the laundry machine according to the embodiment is a display operation panel 20c of a laundry machine 1 which performs at least one of washing and drying / washing / drying on the items to be washed, and is configured to include a course selection button 201 which displays at least one of the courses of washing and drying / washing / drying for the items to be washed, a light-emitting unit 201b which is located inside or outside the course selection button 201 and displays a color corresponding to washing and drying / washing / drying, and a status display unit 205 which displays the usage status of the laundry machine 1 or indicates that it is being operated from the settlement machine, so that by simply looking at the status display unit 205, it is possible to determine the usage status (operating / not operating) of the laundry machine 1 or whether it is being operated from the settlement machine.

[0076] In addition, the laundry equipment display operation panel 20c has a status display unit 205 that is turned off, blinking or lit depending on whether the laundry equipment 1 is unused, a course is selected or being operated by the settlement machine, or the laundry equipment 1 is in operation, so that the user can see at a glance the usage status of the laundry equipment 1 depending on whether the status display unit 205 is off, blinking or lit.

[0077] In addition, the display operation panel 20c of the laundry equipment has a status display unit 205 that can be switched to different illuminated colors depending on whether the laundry equipment 1 is unused, whether a course is selected or is being operated by the payment machine, or whether the laundry equipment 1 is in operation, so that the user can see the usage status of the laundry equipment 1 at a glance depending on the illuminated color of the status display unit 205.

[0078] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the laundry machine according to the present invention is applied to a washer / dryer, but it goes without saying that the laundry machine can also be applied to a washing machine or a dryer.

[0079] 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 implemented 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 in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1. Washer / dryer (laundry equipment) 20c…Display and operation panel 201...Course selection button 201a, 201a-1~201a-5…Course name Light-emitting section 201b…Ring light emitting part 201b-1a~201b-5a…First ring light emitting part 201b-1b~201b-5b…Second ring light emitting section 201c…display area 202...Setting area 203…"Charge / Remaining time" display area 204...Option button 204a…Drum wash button 204b…Voice navigation button 205...Status display section 206…Bacteria repellent temperature lamp 208…Drying temperature setting area 210…Combustion display area 60…Inlet 70...Opening and closing door 500…Upper panel 510…Acrylic panel 510a…Base material 510b…1st printing layer 510c…Second printing layer 510c 520…Upper panel mounting section 600…Static unit 610…First electrostatic unit 620…Second electrostatic unit 630, 630a to 630d...Third electrostatic unit 631...Substrate 631 632…Reflector 633... Diffusion sheet unit 801a...Gripping part 801c…insertion slot 801d…Exposed mouth 802...Display plate (display section)

Claims

1. A display and operation panel of a laundry machine that is installed in a coin laundry and performs either washing and drying or washing and drying of laundry items, A plurality of course buttons including one of the washing and drying / washing / drying functions of the laundry object, Each course button is A course display unit; a color emitting section that surrounds the course display section and displays a color corresponding to the washing and drying functions of the course indicated by the course display section; A display and operation panel for a laundry machine comprising:

2. The color light emitting unit surrounding the course display unit representing washing / drying emits a first color corresponding to the washing and a second color corresponding to the drying, the color light emitting unit surrounding the course display unit representing the washing emits the first color corresponding to the washing, The color light emitting portion surrounding the course display portion representing dryness emits the second color corresponding to the dryness.

2. The display and operation panel of claim 1, wherein:

3. A display and operation panel for laundry equipment as described in Claim 2, characterized in that the color light-emitting portion of each course button is ring-shaped surrounding the outside of the course display portion representing washing / drying or washing or drying.

4. A display area is provided above each of the course buttons for displaying a course capacity, a usage time, and a usage fee, which represent the course contents; The display / operation panel for a laundry machine according to claim 1 , wherein the display content of the display area is changeable according to the capacity of the course of the laundry machine.

5. A plurality of lights provided for each of the course buttons, the lights being capable of turning on and off the corresponding course buttons; an acrylic panel covering each of the course buttons and the display area corresponding to each of the course buttons; The display and operation panel of claim 4, further comprising:

6. The device further includes option buttons including a drum wash button and a voice navigation button, 2. The display and operation panel of claim 1, wherein the option button is turned off when the laundry machine is in operation.

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