Laundry Equipment

Abstract

To provide a laundry machine which can reduce power consumption by turning off all the backlights of the laundry machine when a user approaching has not been detected by a human detecting sensor placed on the laundry machine.SOLUTION: A laundry machine according to an embodiment includes: a laundry machine which performs any one of a washing and drying cycle, a washing cycle, and a drying cycle on laundry to be washed / dried; a human detecting sensor placed on the front face of the laundry machine, which detects a user approaching; multiple program selection buttons each of which displays any one of a washing and drying program, a washing program, and a drying program for the laundry to be washed / dried and which include a switch panel and a backlight for the respective program, placed on the front face of the laundry machine; and control means which turns on the backlights of all of the program selection buttons when a user approaching has been detected by the human detecting sensor for a number of seconds which is equal to or longer than a first set second, and turns off the backlights of all of the program selection buttons when a user approaching has not been detected for a number of seconds which is equal to or longer than the first set seconds.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

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 that the invention aims to solve is to provide a laundry machine that can reduce power consumption by turning off all of the backlights of the laundry machine when a human presence sensor installed in the laundry machine does not detect the approach of a user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The laundry machine according to the embodiment performs either washing and drying or washing and drying of the laundry, device a human presence sensor provided on the front surface of the laundry to detect the approach of a user; devicea plurality of course buttons provided on the front surface of the washing machine, each having a switch for each course, and displaying one of the washing / drying or washing / drying courses for the object to be washed; and a control means for controlling turning on and off the plurality of course buttons based on a signal from the human presence sensor, the control means comprising: The human presence sensor detects the approach of the user as a first setting. time More than In the case of the above-mentioned multiple All course buttons are lit up to notify the approach of the user. The first set time or longer Not Detected In the case of the above-mentioned multiple All course buttons are turned off and after all of the plurality of course buttons are lit, if no course selection signal is received from any of the plurality of course buttons and the approach of the user is not detected by the human presence sensor for a second set time or longer, all of the plurality of course buttons are turned off. It is characterized by: [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. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display operation panel of a medium-sized laundry machine capable of selecting five courses according to an embodiment. [Figure 13]3A and 3B are diagrams showing the configuration of an upper panel of the display / operation panel according to the embodiment, and diagrams showing the internal configuration of a course electrostatic unit and other components of the display / operation panel when the upper panel is open. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the arrangement of backlights of electrostatic blocks for each of the four washing courses on the display operation panel of the compact laundry machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a mounting structure of one course electrostatic block and a flicker lamp according to an embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13(b) is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the acrylic panel shown in FIG. [Figure 17] 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of a non-contact switch panel of the third electrostatic unit shown in FIG. 13(b) and its touch control section. FIG. [Figure 18] 18 is a diagram for explaining operation steps of the microcomputer shown in FIG. 17. [Figure 19] 2 is a diagram showing a substrate configuration of a display / operation panel according to an embodiment; [Figure 20] 5 is a flowchart showing an initial setting operation when power is turned on for the non-contact switch panel according to the embodiment. [Figure 21] 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of determining whether a touch sensor of a non-contact switch panel is ON / OFF according to the embodiment. [Figure 22] 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of acquiring scan data of a non-contact switch panel according to the embodiment. [Figure 23] 6 is a first flowchart showing a display form of the display operation panel when a user is detected by the human presence sensor according to the embodiment. [Figure 24] 11 is a second flowchart showing the display form of the display operation panel when a user is detected by the human presence sensor according to the embodiment. [Diagram 25] 13A to 13C are diagrams showing examples of the display of the display operation panel for "standby state" and "start course selection" of the compact laundry machine of the embodiment. [Figure 26]13A and 13B are diagrams showing examples of the display of the display operation panel for "course selection" and "operation" of the compact laundry machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 27] A figure showing an example of the display on the display / operation panel when the compact laundry device of the embodiment is in operation and no user is detected by the human presence sensor. 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 a washer / dryer according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a front view showing a laundry device (here, a washer / dryer) according to this embodiment, Fig. 2 is a rear view thereof, and Fig. 3 is a perspective view thereof. Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining the opening and closing angle of the door of the washer / dryer, showing the washer / dryer in a plan view. Note that for the sake of explanation, a front panel and a display / operation panel, which will be described later, are partially omitted in Fig. 3.

[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 the approximate center of the 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 the input port 60 is fixed so as to be 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 to remove the laundry from the drum 40. In addition, the front panel 20a is provided with a human sensor 50 for detecting the approach of a user who uses the washer / dryer 1. The human sensor 50 is provided on the upper right side of the front side of the housing, and has a directivity (dashed line) of about 2 to 3 m in the forward direction. The human sensor 50 is composed of a temperature sensor that operates in response to infrared heat emitted from the user's body. The temperature sensor elements are arranged in a lattice pattern, and a human is detected when the elements on the lattice surface that detect heat change.

[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, 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 part 201a that indicates the names of the courses (washing / drying / washing / drying) and a ring-shaped light-emitting part 201b that surrounds the course name light-emitting part 201a. The course name light-emitting part 201a and the ring light-emitting part 201b can be turned on, blinked, or turned off by a backlight such as an LED provided on the back of the display operation panel 20c, and when the backlight is turned off, the color becomes the same as the back surface (e.g., black). 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 part 201a can be freely changed by replacing the character sheet (see reference numeral 510b in FIG. 16) on the back or by controlling the character dot display. The ring light-emitting part 201b may be disposed inside or outside 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 1 (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 (course name light emitting unit 201a-1) is set to emit a blue color (a color corresponding to (associated with) washing), and the second (lower) ring light emitting unit 201b-1b is set to emit an orange color (a color corresponding to (associated with) drying). Similarly, the first ring light emitting unit 201b-2a of the 10 kg capacity wash / dry course (course name light emitting unit 201a-2) is set to emit a blue color, and the second ring light emitting unit 201b-2b is set to emit an orange color. In addition, the first ring light emitter 201b-3a and the second ring light emitter 201b-3b of the 27 kg capacity washing course (course name light emitter 201a-3) are both set to emit light in a blue color (a color corresponding to (associated with) washing). In addition, the first ring light emitter 201b-4a and the second ring light emitter 201b-4b of the 16 kg capacity drying course (course name light emitter 201a-4) are both set to emit light in an orange color (a color corresponding to (associated with) drying). In addition, the first ring light emitter 201b-5a and the second ring light emitter 201b-5b of the single futon washing course (course name light emitter 201a-5) are both set to emit light in a blue color. Here, the ring light emitters (201b-1a to 201b-5a, 201b-1b to 201b-5b) are arranged above and below the outside of the course selection button 201, but the ring light emitters may be arranged above, below, or to the left and right of the inside of the course selection button 201. Note that the first ring light emitter and the second ring light emitter are each formed as a single semicircular ring, but a semicircular ring may be formed by connecting multiple 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 centralized settlement machine connected to the washer-dryer 1 or in the standby state before money is inserted into the washer-dryer 1 itself, for example, 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 the human presence sensor 50. The human presence sensor 50 here may be provided in the washer-dryer 1 or in the store. If provided in the store, the detection signal from the human presence sensor 50 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 presence sensor. The human presence sensor 50 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] 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 non-selected course selection buttons 201 are turned off or lit dimly (low illumination), so that the user can easily identify the selected course. This turning off or dim lighting 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 display areas. The display contents of the display area can be changed by replacing the character sheet according to the specifications of the laundry machine 1.

[0021] 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, low lighting (low illumination), etc. may be used as long as the selected course is visually identifiable and control takes into consideration reselection.

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

[0023] Above each capacity display area 201c, there is provided a setting area 202 that displays the course 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.

[0024] 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.

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

[0026] FIG. 13(b) is a diagram showing the configuration of the internal electrostatic unit 600 of the display / operation panel 20c when the upper panel 500 is opened. 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 located between the first electrostatic unit 610 and the second electrostatic unit 620. These first to third electrostatic units 610 to 630 form a touchless panel. That is, when a fingertip or a palm is held over a switch (button) provided on the first to third electrostatic units 610 to 630, the charge fluctuates at the location where the fingertip or palm is brought close, and the charge is transmitted as a selection signal to a touch control unit described later to detect touch ON / OFF of the non-contact switch. The third electrostatic unit 630 of the compact machine is composed of course electrostatic blocks 630a to 630d for each of the four washing courses. The course electrostatic blocks 630a to 630d are each an independent unit, and operate to detect a non-contact selection by a user in each course electrostatic block and to control the display of each backlight.

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

[0028] The second electrostatic unit 620 is located 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 Figure 12, and is provided with a backlit temperature selection switch (208 in Figure 12), a backlit "In operation" display (212 in Figure 12), a backlit "Combustion in progress" display (210 in Figure 12), a backlit "Sterilization" display (206 in Figure 12, installed in medium-sized machines or larger), and a backlit 7-segment display which displays the charge / remaining time.

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

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

[0031] (acrylic panel) FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the shape of the acrylic panel 510 shown in FIG. 13. The acrylic panel 510 is composed of a transparent base material 510a, a first printed layer 510b, and a second printed layer 510c, which are bonded together with an adhesive. The first printed layer 510b is formed with a design, printed characters, light blocking, 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.

[0032] (Other configurations of the display operation panel 20c) Returning to FIG. 1, when a user inserts a fee into a fee insertion unit 25 or a centralized settlement machine for paying a 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 corresponding to the course selection button 201 is executed. When the laundry processing operation is executed, information about the laundry processing operation is displayed in a 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 overtime fee). The usage fee can be paid by any of cash, card payment such as a credit card or prepaid card, or smartphone payment.

[0033] 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, and use the washer-dryer 1 in which the drum 40 has been washed for a set predetermined time and the inside of the drum 40 has been sterilized to some extent.

[0034] The course selection button 201 and option button 204 in FIG. 1 are capacitive switch panels, which will be described later. Therefore, the button responds and accepts input when the user approaches the button with their fingertip without touching it directly. This allows the user to operate without contact, which makes it possible to prevent virus infection through the button. Furthermore, anticipating the user's accidental touching, the course selection button 201 and option button 204 are antibacterial treated, which reduces bacteria and viruses and provides a double measure of infection prevention. Examples of antibacterial treatment include the use of antibacterial paint, antibacterial wax, and antibacterial cover glass.

[0035] 1 has an arc-shaped flicker lamp 205 between the course selection 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 (also called operation status) 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 the 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 inform 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.

[0036] The display operation panel 20c in FIG. 1 is provided with a sterilization / removal temperature lamp 206 above the "fee / remaining time" display area 203. The sterilization / removal temperature lamp 206 displays a plurality of sterilization stages according to the sterilization temperature for bacteria or viruses. The sterilization / removal 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 laundry 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.

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

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

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

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

[0041] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the board configuration of the display operation panel 20c. The display operation panel 20c is composed of a main board 750, touch control boards 720a to 720d corresponding to the electrostatic blocks 630a to 630d of the third electrostatic unit 630 described above, a touch control board 720f corresponding to the first electrostatic unit 610, a touch control board 720g corresponding to the second electrostatic unit 620, and a touch control board 720h corresponding to the 7-segment display. A signal from the human sensor 50 is input to the main control board 750. The main control board 750 is responsible for the overall control of the display operation panel 20c. That is, the main control board 750 manages and controls the touch judgment received from the touch control boards 720a to 720h, and transmits display commands such as turning on / off / low lighting the backlight LED to the touch control boards 720a to 720h. The touch control boards 720a to 720h perform non-contact touch ON / OFF determination, transmission of ON / OFF determination data to the main board 750, and execution control of display commands such as turning on / off / dimming the backlight LED received from the main board 750. In Fig. 19, the main board 750 and the touch control board 720f are connected via RS485, and the touch control boards 720f, 720a to 720d, and 720g are connected in a cascading manner in a chain.

[0042] That is, serial communication is always performed between each of the touch control boards 720a to 720g and the main board 750 using RS485. First, the main control unit 750a (second control means) sets the board number of the touch control board 720f connected closest, for example, and transmits inquiry data of "ST / touch display request / board number / END". This data is serially transmitted to all the touch control boards 720a to 720g in sequence using RS485. The microcomputer (first control means) of the touch control board 720f that receives this data determines that the data is inquiry data addressed to itself based on the board number, and returns response data of "ST / touch ON / OFF / board number / END" indicating touch detection information to the main control unit 750a. The board number of the response data is the board number of the touch control board 720f. The microcomputers of the touch control boards 720a to 720d and 720g other than the touch control board 720f determine that the data is not inquiry data addressed to themselves based on the board number, and do not respond.

[0043] The main control unit 750a, which has received the response data from the microcomputer of the touch control board 720f, generates "ST / LED display instruction / board No. / END" data (command) for controlling the back panel LED from the board No. and touch ON or OFF indicated in the response data, and transmits it to all the touch control boards 720a to 720g. The board No. of this command data is the board No. of the touch control board 720f. This command data is serially transmitted to all the touch control boards 720a to 720g in sequence using RS485. The microcomputer (first control means) of the touch control board 720f that has received this data determines that the command data is addressed to itself from the board No., and controls the display of the backlight LED in its own block according to the command of the LED display instruction (on / low light / off). The microcomputers of the touch control boards 720a to 720d and 720g other than the touch control board 720f determine that the command data is not addressed to itself from the board No., and do not process anything.

[0044] In this way, the main control unit 750a executes the above-mentioned operations sequentially for all the touch control boards 720a to 720g, at least from when it receives an ON signal from the human sensor 50 (S400) until the operation of the laundry device 1 is completed (S485), to obtain touch detection information and execute display control of the backlight LED accordingly. In serial communication using RS485, the exchange between the main board 750 and the touch control boards 720a to 720g can be identified by inputting the board number.

[0045] (Course electrostatic block operation) 20 to 22 are flow charts showing the processing operations in the respective microcomputers 721 of the course electrostatic blocks 630a to 630d. 20 is a flowchart showing the initialization process in its own block by each microcomputer 721. When the power supply of the laundry device 1 is turned on (S100), the microcomputer 721 initializes the electrostatic touch sensor unit 725 (S110). Specifically, the microcomputer 721 initializes registers, enables interrupts, and so on.

[0046] Next, the microcomputer 721 sets the correction threshold value in the memory 727 (S120). When it is desired to change the touch sensitivity, for example, the sensitivity level can be switched between the following four levels by a toggle switch provided on each touch control board. Sensitivity setting 0: Standard threshold (normal) Sensitivity setting 1: Standard threshold -200 (high sensitivity) Sensitivity setting 2: Standard threshold -400 (highest sensitivity) Sensitivity setting 3: Standard threshold +200 (weak sensitivity)

[0047] Next, the microcomputer 721 sets the touch interrupt timing (S130). Specifically, it sets the touch data scan timing (for example, 20 ms). After completing the above processing, the microcomputer 721 completes the initialization and starts non-contact touch detection at the interrupt of the set scan timing of 20 ms (S140).

[0048] Fig. 21 is a flow chart showing the touch data acquisition process by the CPU 723. The CPU 723 executes interrupt processing according to the scan timing of 20 ms set in step S130 of Fig. 20 (S300). Then, the CPU 723 starts reading the converted count value (scan data) from the electrostatic touch sensor unit 725 and starts the next scan (S305). If there is no error during the reading process (Yes in S310), the CPU 723 compares the acquired count value with a reference threshold value, and determines that touch is ON if the count value is equal to or greater than the reference threshold value, and that touch is OFF if the count value is equal to or less than the reference threshold value, and stores the touch determination data in the memory 727 (S315). Here, it is assumed that scan data is acquired first from the first switch panel 700, for example.

[0049] In step S310, if an error is detected during the reading process of the first switch panel 700 (No in S310), but if there is no abnormality in the second switch panel 710 (Yes in S320), a count value corresponding to the analog signal from the second switch panel 710 is obtained from the electrostatic touch sensor unit 725, and ON / OFF is determined by comparing the count value with a reference threshold value, and the touch determination data is stored in the memory 727 (S325). In S320, if abnormalities are detected in both the first and second switch panels 700, 710, the abnormality detection is notified and the process ends (S355).

[0050] Next, the CPU 723 monitors each of the switch panels 700, 710 for a sustained ON abnormality (S330). If there is no sustained ON abnormality (Yes in S335), the CPU 723 ends the touch determination data acquisition process and waits for the next interrupt (S340). On the other hand, when the CPU 723 detects a constant ON abnormality (No in S335), it overwrites the judgment data of the switch panel that is determined to be abnormal and stored in the memory 727 with OFF data (S345). Then, it checks whether the constant ON abnormality is an abnormality of either the inside or outside (either the first or second switch panel 700, 710) (S350). If an abnormality is found in one of the panels (Yes in S350), it waits for the next interruption by a normal switch panel (S340). On the other hand, when it detects a constant ON abnormality in both the first and second switch panels 700, 710 (No in S350), it notifies the abnormality detection and ends the process (S355).

[0051] FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing touch determination processing by the CPU 723. The CPU 273 performs OR processing of ON detection associated with a change in capacitance of the first switch panel 700 (S210) and ON detection associated with a change in capacitance of the second switch panel 710 (S220) to determine touch ON (S230). If ON is not detected from either the first switch panel 700 or the second switch panel 710, it determines touch OFF (S240). In this way, since the course selection buttons are made into a dual structure using the first and second switch panels 700 and 710, the detection accuracy can be improved even in non-contact touch detection. In other words, even if a problem occurs in one of the dual structure switch panels 700 and 710, the other switch panel can continue to detect non-contact course selection.

[0052] 19, the microcomputers 721 of the touch control boards 720a to 720h that have detected touch ON / OFF transmit the detected touch ON / OFF data to the main board 750. The main control unit 750a of the main board 750 transmits commands to each of the microcomputers 721 of the touch control boards 720a to 720g based on the touch ON / OFF data received therefrom to control the turning on / low lighting (reducing illuminance) / off of the backlights, thereby controlling the turning on / off of the backlights.

[0053] (Display control of display operation panel 20c) Fig. 23 and Fig. 24 are flow charts showing the transition of the display form of the display operation panel 20c in response to detection of a user by the human presence sensor 50 in the laundry machine 1. Fig. 25 to Fig. 27 are diagrams showing an example of the transition of the display of the backlight LED of the display operation panel 20c in response to selection of one of the multiple course selection buttons. Fig. 25 to Fig. 27 show an example of a small-sized laundry machine 1, and therefore has a configuration with four courses, without the "futon washing course" shown in Fig. 12. Also, the shaded areas shown in Fig. 25 to Fig. 27 indicate that the light is off or low light is on.

[0054] 23, the main control unit 750a of the main board 750 which receives a signal from the human sensor 50 provided on the front side of the laundry machine 1 constantly judges whether or not an ON signal for detecting the approach of a user has been received from the human sensor 50 according to the procedure shown in Fig. 19 (S400). If the approach of a user is not detected (No in S400), the main control unit 750a transmits a display command indicating lights off to each of the microcomputers 721 of all the touch control boards 720a to 720g using RS485 so as to achieve the display form of all lights off as shown in Fig. 25(a) (S405). FIG. 25(a) is a diagram showing an example of the display operation panel 20c in the "standby" state of the laundry machine 1. In accordance with the command from the main control unit 750a, all the lights are off except for the 7-segment display of "fee / remaining time" of the second electrostatic unit 620, which is on during the "standby" state. That is, each microcomputer 721 of each course electrostatic block 630a-630d turns off all the backlights 640a-640e in its own block upon receiving the turn-off command from the main control unit 750a. In addition, the flicker lamp 205 and the option button 204 of the first electrostatic unit 610 are also turned off by the turn-off command from the main control unit 750a. This makes it possible to prevent unnecessary power consumption in the laundry machine 1 that is not in operation.

[0055] Next, when the main control unit 750a receives an ON signal from the human sensor 50 detecting the approach of a user (Yes in S400), it judges whether or not the ON signal has been received for a first set number of seconds (e.g., 1 to 3 seconds) or more (S410). If the main control unit 750a does not detect an ON signal for the first set number of seconds or more, it judges that a person has simply passed in front of the laundry device 1 (no detection) (S415) and maintains all lights off as shown in FIG. 25(a) (S405).

[0056] On the other hand, if an ON signal is detected for more than the first set number of seconds (Yes in S410), the main control unit 750a sends a display command indicating lighting to each microcomputer 721 of each touch control board 720a to 720g so as to achieve the display mode of all lights on in Figure 25(b) (S420). FIG. 25(b) is a diagram showing an example of a display on the display operation panel 20c of the laundry machine 1 for "Start Course Selection." In "Start Course Selection," the microcomputer 721 of each electrostatic block 630a-630d for each course receives a lighting command from the main control unit 750a and lights up all backlights 640a-640e in its own block. In addition, the lighting command from the main control unit 750a also controls the lighting of the flicker lamp 205 and the option button 204 of the first electrostatic unit 610. Note that, since FIG. 25(b) is before operation, the backlights of "burning" 210 and "operating" 212 in the operation status display of the second electrostatic unit 620 are turned off.

[0057] In FIG. 25(b), for example, when the user wishes to select the "6 kg washing and drying course" of the second course electrostatic block 630b from the left, the user places the fingertip (or palm) 55 over the course selection button (course name light-emitting unit 201a-2). Then, an analog signal of capacitance change is read into the electrostatic touch sensor unit 721 from the first and / or second switch panels 700, 710 in the course electrostatic block 630b, and response data indicating touch ON is sent from the microcomputer 721 to the main control unit 750a in response to an inquiry request from the main control unit 750a according to the procedure shown in FIG. 19 (Yes in S425). The main control unit 750a receiving the response data instructs the microcomputer 721 of the course electrostatic block 630b to blink the backlight LED, and the microcomputer 721 keeps the backlights 640a to 640e in its own block lit (S430). Furthermore, in response to receiving touch ON data from the course electrostatic block 630b, the main control unit 750a commands the first electrostatic unit 610 to turn on, and also keeps the flicker lamp 205 and the option button 204 on.

[0058] Furthermore, the main control unit 750a transmits a low-lighting command to each microcomputer 721 of the course electrostatic blocks 630a, 630c, and 630d that receive the touch-off data at the timing of receiving the touch-on data from the course electrostatic block 630b. The microcomputer 721 of each of the course electrostatic blocks 630a, 630c, and 630d that receives the low-lighting command controls the backlights 640a to 640c in the corresponding block to be low-lighted (lowering the illuminance) so that the display appears faint. As a result, the display mode changes to that shown in FIG. 26(a). This allows the user to know at a glance that the course electrostatic block 630b has been selected (S430).

[0059] FIG. 26(a) shows an example of the display of the display operation panel 20c during the selection of the "6 kg washing and drying course" (before the usage fee is paid) of the second from the left. The microcomputer 721 of the electrostatic block 630b of the "6 kg washing and drying course" of the second from the left controls the first ring light emitting unit 201b-2a and the second ring light emitting unit 201b-2b to slowly blink (breath light) in response to a blink command from the main control unit 750a. This makes it possible to clearly indicate to the user that the "6 kg washing and drying course" has been selected. Meanwhile, the microcomputers 721 of the electrostatic blocks 630a, 630c, and 630d of the other courses turn on the backlights 640a to 640c in their own blocks dimly (reducing the illuminance) in response to a dim light command from the main control unit 750a. However, the microcomputer 721 of each of the electrostatic course blocks 630a, 630c, and 630d keeps the backlights 640d and 640e in its own block on in response to a lighting command from the main control unit 750a. This is because there is a possibility that the user may change the course selection before the usage fee is paid, so the backlights 640d and 640e corresponding to the "yen" display and the "minute" display are kept on. This makes it possible to deal with changes in the course selection before the usage fee is paid. 26(a), for example, "high temperature" is displayed according to the user's setting. Also, the "fee / remaining time" display area 203 displays the usage fee paid by the user, for example, 1000 yen.

[0060] Returning to FIG. 23, the main control unit 750a monitors the ON / OFF data from the human sensor 50 after all the lights are turned on in step S420. Then, if touch ON data is not received from any of the electrostatic blocks of the courses after all the lights are turned on (No in S425) and OFF data is received from the human sensor 50 for a second set number of seconds (for example, 5 to 10 seconds) (Yes in S435), the main control unit 750a uses RS485 to send a display command indicating turning off to each microcomputer 721 of all the touch control boards 720a to 720g. As a result, the display operation panel 20c is turned off as shown in FIG. 25(a) (S440). As a result, the system is designed to return to the energy-saving state of turning off all the lights even if the laundry device 1 detects an action of a user simply approaching the device.

[0061] The operation of Fig. 23 continues to Fig. 24. In the course selection state of Fig. 26(a), if the main control unit 750a detects OFF data for a third set number of seconds (for example, 50 to 70 seconds) from the human sensor 50, it goes into a sleep mode state and waits (S450 in Fig. 24). This makes it possible to maintain the selection state even if the user stops the operation midway. Then, when the user deposits the usage fee (1000 yen) for the selected course from the laundry machine 1 or a centralized settlement machine (not shown) (the user selects the deposit method), the deposit signal is sent to the main control unit 750a of the main board 750 (Yes in S455). The main control unit 750a sends a rotation lighting command to the microcomputer 721 of the course electrostatic block 630b to start operation. In response to the rotation lighting command, the microcomputer 721 of the course electrostatic block 630b controls the operation so that the light of the first ring light emitting unit 201b-2a and the second ring light emitting unit 201b-2b rotates (indicating operation in progress) (S460). In FIG. 26(b), the rotation display of the ring on the display operation panel 20c is displayed by an arrow. This allows the user to see at a glance that the selected "6 kg wash and dry course" is "in operation."

[0062] During operation as shown in FIG. 26(b), display control is performed so that courses other than the selected "6 kg washing and drying course" are partially or entirely turned off and turned the same color as the background (e.g., black) so that they cannot be seen by the user. That is, the main board 750 transmits a turn-off command to each of the microcomputers 721 of the other multiple course electrostatic blocks 630a, 630c, and 630d in accordance with the "operating" display of the course electrostatic block 630b upon receipt of the deposit. Each CPU 723 of the course electrostatic blocks 630a, 630c, and 630d turns off the backlights 640a to 640e of its own block in accordance with the turn-off command. This suppresses unnecessary power consumption, and at a glance, it is clear that the "6 kg washing and drying course" is operating in the laundry device 1. In FIG. 26(b), the flicker lamp 205 and the option button 204 remain on in response to the turn-on command from the main control unit 750a. Also, the drying temperature setting area 208 displays, for example, "high temperature" according to the user's setting. Furthermore, the remaining time of 48 minutes is displayed in the "Charge / Remaining Time" display area 203. Furthermore, the "Combustion in Progress" display area 210 is displayed with the backlight turned on in response to the ignition of the burner.

[0063] Returning to FIG. 24, when the laundry device 1 is in operation and the human sensor 50 no longer detects the user (Yes in S465), the main control unit 750a displays a message indicating that the laundry device 1 is "in operation" and transmits a display command to each microcomputer 721 of the touch control boards 720a to 720d to turn off all the electrostatic blocks 630a to 630d. As a result, the display operation panel 20c is displayed as shown in FIG. 27 (S470). In FIG. 27, the flicker lamp 205 and the option button 204 remain on in response to the lighting command from the main control unit 750a. Also, the drying temperature setting area 208 displays, for example, "high temperature" according to the user's setting. The lighting of the "operating" display area 212 indicates that the laundry device 1 is in operation.

[0064] While an ON signal is detected in step S465 of Fig. 24 (No in S465), or when an ON signal is detected again from the human sensor 50 after all lights are turned off (Yes in S475), the main control unit 750a returns the display operation panel 20c to the rotating ring display shown in Fig. 26(b) (S460). This allows energy saving by switching off the display as shown in Fig. 27 when the user moves away from the laundry machine 1 during operation. When the user who moved away (possibly a different user) approaches the laundry machine 1 again, the display operation panel 20c returns to the state shown in Fig. 26(b), making it clear at a glance that the laundry machine 1 is in operation. If the washing and drying are not completed (No in S480), the main control unit 750a turns off all the courses in step S470 and monitors the ON signal in step S475. If the washing and drying are completed in the laundry device 1 (Yes in S480), the main control unit 750a displays a message to inform the user that the washing and drying are completed, and then confirms that the human sensor 50 has not detected anything, and returns the display operation panel 20c to the all-off state shown in Fig. 25(a) and ends the process (S485).

[0065] (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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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. Locking and unlocking of the opening / closing door 70 is controlled by the laundry control unit 100, which will be described later. That is, the laundry control unit 100 can fix the handle 801 with the opening / closing door 70 closed and latched. That is, the laundry control unit 100 can lock the opening / closing door 70 with the door lock 80 and keep the input port 60 sealed. When the laundry 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 input 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.

[0069] (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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] (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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] Next, a description will be given of the control system of the washer / dryer 1. Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing the control system of the washer / dryer according to this embodiment. The washer / dryer 1 includes a laundry control unit 100 which mainly controls the main body of the washer / dryer.

[0080] The laundry control unit 100 comprises a main CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a memory 102, an input / output I / F 103a, and a communication I / F 103b. The main CPU 101 executes the main processing of the laundry control unit 100, and the memory 102 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory), and is used as a working area for the main CPU 101, and is a storage device for storing 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 course selection buttons 201 described above. The parameters include whether washing and / or drying processing is performed, the required processing time, the fee, the weight of the laundry, etc.

[0081] 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 the fingertip held up to select the course selection button 201 is detected by the human sensor 50, 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.

[0082] The laundry control unit 100, mainly through cooperation between the main 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 while hot air is sucked into the drum 40, and a washing process in which the drum 40 is rotated while water is supplied into the drum 40 by controlling the water supply valve 170, the drain valve 180, and the motor M.

[0083] Furthermore, the laundry control unit 100 has a communication I / F 103b, which allows remote collective or individual setting using wired or wireless communication. The setting here refers to, for example, course information associated with the course selection buttons 201 stored in the memory 102, the required time, the fee, and the like.

[0084] 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.

[0085] As described above, according to the laundry machine of the embodiment, when the human presence sensor installed in the laundry machine does not detect the approach of a user, the backlight of the laundry machine can be completely turned off to reduce power consumption.

[0086] The laundry machine according to the embodiment includes laundry machine 1 which either washes and dries or washes and dries the laundry, a human presence sensor 50 provided on the front of laundry machine 1 to detect the approach of a user, a plurality of course selection buttons 201 provided on the front of laundry machine 1, each having a switch panel and a backlight for each course, and displaying either the wash and dry course or the wash and dry course for the laundry, and when the human presence sensor 50 detects the approach of a user for a first set number of seconds or more, the backlights of all course selection buttons 210 are fully lit to notify the user of the approach of the user. of The configuration includes a control means (750a, 721) that turns off all the backlights of all the course selection buttons 201 when no detection is made. Therefore, when the human presence sensor 50 provided in the laundry machine 1 does not detect the approach of a user, all the backlights are turned off, thereby reducing the power consumption of the laundry machine 1.

[0087] The control means (750a, 721) of the laundry equipment of the embodiment detects the approach of a user from the human sensor 50 for a first set number of seconds or more, and then turns off the backlights of all course selection buttons 201 when the human sensor 50 does not detect the approach of a user for a second set number of seconds or more, thereby reducing power consumption of the laundry equipment 1.

[0088] The control means (750a, 721) of the laundry machine according to the embodiment waits in sleep mode if the human presence sensor 50 does not detect the approach of a user for a third set number of seconds or more after turning on the backlight of the selected course selection button, thereby reducing power consumption of the laundry machine 1. In addition, the selected state can be maintained even if the user stops the operation midway.

[0089] The control means (750a, 721) of the laundry equipment according to the embodiment shows that the laundry equipment is in operation and turns off the backlights of all course selection buttons when the human presence sensor 50 no longer detects the approach of a user while the selected course selection button is in a display mode indicating that the equipment is in operation. Therefore, if the user moves away from the laundry equipment 1 while the equipment is in operation, all lights are turned off, thereby saving energy.

[0090] The control means (750a, 721) of the laundry equipment according to the embodiment, when the human presence sensor 50 detects the approach of a user while the laundry equipment 1 is displaying an operation in progress and the backlights of all the course selection buttons are all turned off, returns the selected course selection button to a display mode indicating operation. Therefore, when a user who was away (possibly a different user) approaches the laundry equipment 1, the display mode returns to a display mode indicating operation, so that it is clear at a glance that the laundry equipment 1 is in operation.

[0091] The laundry machine according to the embodiment includes laundry machine 1 which either washes and dries or washes and dries the items to be washed, a human presence sensor 50 provided on the front of laundry machine 1 and which detects the approach of a user, a plurality of course selection buttons 201 provided on the front of laundry machine 1 and each having a switch panel and a backlight for each course and which display either the washes and dries or the washes and dries the items to be washed, and a first control means 721 for each of the plurality of course selection buttons which detects touches on the switch panel and controls the backlight display of the backlight, and when the human presence sensor 50 detects the approach of a user for a first set number of seconds or more, the first control means 721 for all of the course selection buttons 201 commands the first control means 721 to turn on all of the backlights, thereby detecting the approach of the user. of If no detection is made, the second control means 750a instructs the first control means 721 of all course selection buttons 201 to turn off all of the backlights. Therefore, if the human presence sensor 50 provided in the laundry machine 1 does not detect the approach of a user, all of the backlights are turned off, thereby reducing power consumption of the laundry machine 1.

[0092] When the second control means 750a of the laundry machine according to the embodiment receives a touch detection signal from the first control means (one of 721) of the selected course selection button (one of 201), it commands the first control means to turn on the backlight, and commands the first control means (the rest of 721) of the course selection buttons (the rest of 201) that do not receive a touch detection signal to turn off or dim the backlight, thereby reducing power consumption of the laundry machine 1. In addition, since the backlight of the selected course selection button is turned on, the user can easily see the selected course.

[0093] The second control means 750a of the laundry equipment according to the embodiment instructs the first control means 721 of all course selection buttons 201 to turn off all backlights when the human presence sensor 50 detects the approach of a user for a first set number of seconds or more and then does not detect the approach of a user for a second set number of seconds or more from the human presence sensor 50, thereby reducing power consumption of the laundry equipment 1.

[0094] The second control means 750a of the laundry machine according to the embodiment waits in sleep mode if the human presence sensor 50 does not detect the approach of a user for a third set number of seconds or more after issuing a command to turn on the backlight to the first control means (one of 721) of the selected course selection button (one of 201), thereby reducing power consumption of the laundry machine 1. In addition, even if the user stops the operation midway, the selected state can be maintained.

[0095] After issuing a command to the first control means (one of 721) of a selected course selection button (one of 201) to turn on the backlight, or when a notification of the payment of the course fee corresponding to the selected course selection button is received while waiting in sleep mode, the second control means 750a of the laundry machine according to the embodiment commands the first control means of the selected course selection button to display in an operating mode, and commands the first control means (the rest of 721) of the other course selection buttons (the rest of 201) to turn off the backlight, thereby reducing power consumption of the laundry machine 1. This also allows the user to know at a glance that the selected course is "in operation".

[0096] When the second control means 750a of the laundry equipment according to the embodiment does not detect the approach of a user from the human presence sensor 50 while instructing the first control means (one of 721) of the selected course selection button (one of 201) to display a mode indicating operation, it instructs the first control means of the selected course selection button to display "in operation" and instructs the first control means 721 of all course selection buttons 201 to turn off all of the backlights. Therefore, when the user moves away from the laundry equipment 1 during operation, all lights can be turned off to save energy.

[0097] When the second control means 750a of the laundry equipment of the embodiment detects the approach of a user from the human presence sensor 50 while displaying the in-operation indication and instructing the first control means 721 of all course selection buttons 201 to turn off the backlights, it instructs the first control means (one of 721) of the selected course selection button (one of 201) to change the display mode to indicate operation, so that when a user who was away (which may be a different user) approaches the laundry equipment 1, the display returns to the mode indicating operation, so that it can be seen at a glance that the laundry equipment 1 is in operation.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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]

[0100] 1. Laundry equipment (washer / dryer) 20c...display operation panel, 201...course selection button 201a, 201a-1~201a-5…Course name Light-emitting section 201b... ring light emitting unit, 201b-1a to 201b-5a... first ring light emitting unit 201b-1b to 201b-5b: second ring light emitting unit; 201c: display area 202: Setting area; 203: "Charge / remaining time" display area 204...option button, 204a...drum wash button, 204b...voice navigation button 205...Flicker lamp, 2051...Fixing bracket, 2053...Mounting bracket 206...sterilization and repelling temperature lamp, 208...drying temperature setting area 210: Burning display area; 50: Human presence sensor; 60: Insertion port 70...Opening door, 500...Upper panel, 510...Acrylic panel 510a...base material, 510b...first printed layer, 510c...second printed layer 510c 520: Upper panel mounting section, 600: Electrostatic unit 610: first electrostatic unit; 620: second electrostatic unit 630... third electrostatic unit, 630a to 630d... course electrostatic blocks 631: substrate 631; 632: reflector; 633: diffusion sheet unit 650... Sheet metal, 6301... Substrate, 6302... Reflector 6303... Diffusion sheet unit, 700... 1st switch panel 702, 704, 708...signal lines, 706...connector 710: second switch panel; 720: touch control board 721...Microcomputer (touch control unit), 723...CPU 725... Capacitive touch sensor unit CTSU, 727... Memory 729: timer; 750: main circuit board; 750a: main control unit 801a: gripping portion, 801c: insertion port 801d... Exposure opening, 802... Display plate (display section)

Claims

1. In a laundry machine that washes and dries or washes and dries items, a human presence sensor provided on a front surface of the laundry device to detect the approach of a user; a plurality of course buttons provided on a front surface of the laundry device, each having a switch for each course, and displaying one of the wash and dry courses or the wash and dry course for the laundry items; a control means for controlling turning on and off of the plurality of course buttons based on a signal from the human presence sensor, The control means When the human presence sensor detects the approach of the user for a first set time or longer, all of the plurality of course buttons are turned on, and when the human presence sensor does not detect the approach of the user for the first set time or longer, all of the plurality of course buttons are turned off. After all of the plurality of course buttons are lit, if no course selection signal is received from any of the plurality of course buttons and the approach of the user is not detected by the human presence sensor for a second set time or longer, all of the plurality of course buttons are turned off. A laundry appliance characterized by:

2. The laundry machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means waits in sleep mode when any one of the plurality of course buttons is selected and the selected course button is lit and the human presence sensor does not detect the approach of the user for a third set time or longer.

3. The laundry machine according to claim 2, characterized in that when any one of the plurality of course buttons is selected and the laundry machine is operating according to the selected course, the control means displays that the laundry machine is operating according to the selected course and turns off all of the plurality of course buttons.

4. The laundry machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, when the control means detects the approach of the user from the human presence sensor while all of the plurality of course buttons are turned off, it returns only the course button of the selected course to an operating display mode.

5. In a laundry machine that washes and dries or washes and dries items, a human presence sensor provided on a front surface of the laundry device to detect the approach of a user; a plurality of course buttons provided on a front surface of the laundry device, each having a switch for each course, and displaying one of the wash and dry courses or the wash and dry course for the laundry items; a first control means for each of the plurality of course buttons that controls display of the switch; a second control means for instructing a first control means for each of the plurality of course buttons to turn on and off the plurality of course buttons based on a signal from the human presence sensor; having The second control means is when the human presence sensor detects the approach of the user for a first set time or longer, the first control means for each of the plurality of course buttons is instructed to turn on all of the lights, and when the human presence sensor does not detect the approach of the user for a first set time or longer, the first control means for each of the plurality of course buttons is instructed to turn off all of the lights, after the command to light up all of the plurality of course buttons, if a course selection signal is not received from any of the plurality of course buttons and the approach of the user is not detected by the human presence sensor for a second set time or longer, a command to turn off all of the plurality of course buttons is issued to the first control means for each of the plurality of course buttons. A laundry appliance characterized by:

6. The laundry machine according to claim 5, characterized in that the second control means waits in sleep mode when any one of the plurality of course buttons is selected and the second control means instructs the first control means of the selected course button to turn on the button, and when the human presence sensor does not detect the approach of the user for a third set time or longer.

7. The laundry equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that when any one of the plurality of course buttons is selected and the laundry equipment is operating for the selected course and the human presence sensor no longer detects the approach of the user, the second control means indicates that the selected course is in operation and instructs the first control means for each of the plurality of course buttons to turn off all lights.

8. The laundry machine according to claim 7, characterized in that when the second control means detects the approach of the user from the human presence sensor while instructing the first control means for each of the plurality of course buttons to turn off all of them, it instructs the first control means of the course button for the selected course to return to an operating display mode.

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