Display operation panel of laundry equipment

Abstract

To provide a display operation panel for a laundry machine, which provides excellent responsiveness even when it is operated without contact, with the laundry machine's program selection buttons consisting of contactless switch panels having a multiplex structure.SOLUTION: A display operation panel for a laundry machine, according to an embodiment is a display operation panel for 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, and includes: multiple program selection buttons which consist of multiple contactless switch panels and 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 a display area in which one or more than one of a load limit, a required time, and an usage fee corresponding to the washing and drying program, the washing program, or the drying program on one of the multiple program selection buttons is / are displayed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a display operation panel of laundry equipment for washing and / or drying laundry such as clothes and futons.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, this type of laundry equipment has been installed in dozens of units in stores such as coin laundries and provided to users. Users bring in laundry such as clothes and futons and pay a usage fee to perform the laundry. Since coin laundries are generally unmanned, an accounting system that automates settlement has been introduced. Users insert cash into an accounting machine provided for each laundry equipment or a centralized accounting machine that centrally settles each laundry equipment and use the laundry equipment in a self-service manner.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the invention is to provide a display operation panel for laundry equipment that is non-contact and has good responsiveness by configuring the course selection button of the laundry equipment with a non-contact switch panel and making the switch panel have a multiplexed structure.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The display operation panel of the laundry equipment according to the embodiment is a display operation panel of laundry equipment that performs any one of washing / drying, washing, and drying on the laundry to be washed, and is a course selection button composed of at least two capacitive switches with different sizes, and a plurality of course selection buttons for displaying any one of the washing / drying, washing, and drying courses of the laundry to be washed, and a display area provided for each of the plurality of course selection buttons, where two or more of the capacity, usage time, and usage fee corresponding to the washing / drying, washing, and drying are displayed. A capacitive block having a course selection button, a display area, a plurality of backlights for lighting up the course selection button and the display area, and a control unit for detecting ON / OFF based on a change in the capacitance of the course selection button is provided unitarily for each of the plurality of course selection buttons. It is characterized by this.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

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MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, the details of the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the case where the laundry equipment according to the present invention is applied to a washing and drying machine that washes and / or dries laundry will be taken as an example for explanation.

[0008] (Configuration of the washing and drying machine) The configuration of the washing and drying machine according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view showing the laundry equipment (here, a washing and drying machine) 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 opening and closing door of the washing and drying machine, showing the washing and drying machine in a plan view. In FIG. 3, the front panel and the display operation panel, which will be described later, are partially omitted for explanatory purposes.

[0009] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the washing and drying machine 1 includes a rectangular parallelepiped housing 20. Inside the housing 20, there are provided an outer cylinder (shell) 30 which is a horizontally oriented bottomed cylindrical body (see FIG. 10 to be described later), and a drum 40 which is a horizontally oriented bottomed cylindrical body disposed inside the outer cylinder 30 (see FIG. 3).

[0010] The housing 20 has a circular panel opening 20b substantially at the center of the front panel 20a provided on the front. The outer cylinder 30 has an inlet 60 for taking in and out laundry such as clothes and sheets, and is fixed so that the inlet 60 is exposed at the panel opening 20b. An opening and closing door 70 for opening and closing the inlet 60 is provided on the front panel 20a via a hinge mechanism (not shown). As shown in FIG. 3, the user opens the opening and closing door 70 to put the laundry to be washed into the drum 40, and after the operation of the washing process and / or drying process (hereinafter referred to as the laundry process) is completed, opens the opening and closing door 70 to take out the laundry in the drum 40. Also, a human sensor 50 for detecting the proximity of the user using the washing and drying machine 1 is provided on the front panel 20a.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 2, a combustion confirmation window 21 is provided at the upper part of the back surface of the housing 20 to visually check the combustion state of the gas burner of the heating unit 150 (see Fig. 10 described later). Note that the combustion confirmation window 21 may be provided on the side surface of the housing 20.

[0012] Further, the washing and drying machine 1 according to the present embodiment can handle a larger capacity of laundry to be processed with respect to the outer diameter dimensions. For example, while a conventional washing and drying machine of the same dimensions can handle 22 kg of washing and 15 kg of drying, the washing and drying machine 1 according to the present embodiment can handle 27 kg of washing and 16 kg of drying. Therefore, not only clothes but also large items to be washed such as futons can be processed. This can be achieved, for example, by expanding the diameter of the drum 40 or the import described later.

[0013] (Display operation panel 20c) As shown in Fig. 1, a display operation panel 20c for the user to operate the laundry processing operation is arranged at the upper part of the front panel 20a. The front surface of the display operation panel 20c is made of transparent resin or glass so that the surface can be easily cleaned and kept clean. For example, it has five course selection buttons 201. The course selection buttons 201 receive the user's input when selecting a washing and drying course on the washing and drying machine 1 side.

[0014] In the present embodiment, it is possible to arbitrarily set a dedicated course for each course selection button 201. For example, three washing and drying courses with different required times and fees according to the type of laundry (clothes, feather futons, mattress covers, etc.) and the processing amount (weight), one washing course, one drying course, etc. can be allocated. This enables course settings according to the regional needs, usage status, 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 more courses.

[0015] The course selection button 201 has a course name light-emitting part 201a that indicates each course name of washing / drying, washing, and drying, and a ring-shaped ring light-emitting part 201b that surrounds the periphery of the course name light-emitting part 201a. The course name light-emitting part 201a and the ring light-emitting part 201b can be lit, blinked, and 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 it has the same color (for example, 、 black Color ). That is, it is possible to make the user unable to see unnecessary dials and the like, and suppress unnecessary power consumption. The course name shown in the course name light-emitting part 201a can be freely changed by replacing the character sheet (refer to reference numeral 510b in FIG. 16) on the back or by character dot display control. The ring light-emitting part 201b may be arranged 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 white light, 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 different colors 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 system that associates with washing. Also, 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 system that associates with drying. Further, 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 system that associates with washing, and a second color corresponding to drying, for example, an orange system that associates with drying. That is, it is configured to simultaneously emit light in two colors, a blue ring light-emitting part and an orange ring light-emitting part, vertically or horizontally.

[0017] FIG. 12 shows an example of a display operation panel 20c of a laundry device 1 of a medium-sized machine (middle size M) where, for example, five courses can be selected. The five courses are a washing and drying course with a capacity of 16 kg, a washing and drying course with a capacity of 10 kg, a washing course with a capacity of 27 kg, a drying course with a capacity of 16 kg, and a futon washing course for one futon. Accordingly, the first (upper) ring light-emitting part 201b-1a of the washing and drying course with a capacity of 16 kg (course name light-emitting part 201a-1) emits light in a blue color system (a color corresponding (associated) with washing), and the second (lower) ring light-emitting part 201b-1b is set to emit light in an orange color system (a color corresponding (associated) with drying). Similarly, the first ring light-emitting part 201b-2a of the washing and drying course with a capacity of 10 kg (course name light-emitting part 201a-2) emits light in a blue color system, and the second ring light-emitting part 201b-2b is set to emit light in an orange color system. Also, the first ring light-emitting part 201b-3a and the second ring light-emitting part 201b-3b of the washing course with a capacity of 27 kg (course name light-emitting part 201a-3) are both set to emit light in a blue color system (a color corresponding (associated) with washing). Further, the first ring light-emitting part 201b-4a and the second ring light-emitting part 201b-4b of the drying course with a capacity of 16 kg (course name light-emitting part 201a-4) are both set to emit light in an orange color system (a color corresponding (associated) with drying). Also, the first ring light-emitting part 201b-5a and the second ring light-emitting part 201b-5b of the futon washing course for one futon (course name light-emitting part 201a-5) are both set to emit light in a blue color system. Here, ring light-emitting parts (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-emitting parts may be arranged above and below or left and right inside the course selection button 201. Note that the first ring light-emitting part and the second ring light-emitting part are a single semi-circular ring, but a semi-circular ring may be formed by connecting a plurality of small rings.

[0018] In this way, when it is only for washing or only for drying, the relevant course content is made to emit light in one color that can be associated with it. In the case of a course that includes both washing and drying, it emits light in two different colors that can be associated with each respectively. By doing so, the course selection buttons 201 (the course name light-emitting parts 201a-1 to 201a-5 in Fig. 12) visually represent what kind of course content they are, enabling the user to intuitively understand at a glance what kind of course content the course selection buttons 201 are. That is, since the course name is displayed inside the circle formed by the first ring light-emitting part (for example, 201b-1a) and the second ring light-emitting part (for example, 201b-1b), it is possible to provide an easy-to-understand display for the user. The color scheme of this light emission is arbitrary, and it is preferably possible to change the color scheme, for example, according to the remote course setting change described in detail later.

[0019] Returning to Fig. 1, when the centralized calculator connected to the washing and drying machine 1 or when waiting before the fee is inserted into the washing and drying machine 1 itself, for example, it is preferable from the perspective of reducing electricity costs to control all the course selection buttons 201 to turn off, and when a user is detected by the human presence sensor 50, to control them to all light up. The human presence sensor 50 here may be provided in the washing and drying machine 1 or in the store. When it is provided in the store, the detection signal from the human presence sensor may be directly input into the washing and drying machine 1, or it may be input into a server or a centralized calculator communicably connected to the washing and drying machine 1, and the detection result of the sensor may be input into the washing and drying machine 1 via these. As a means for detecting the presence of a user using the laundry equipment 1, image processing using a camera image may also be used instead of the human presence sensor. The human presence sensor and the camera are installed at a predetermined position in the store (for example, near the entrance or near the front of the laundry equipment 1, etc.).

[0020] Returning to FIG. 1, when the user selects a desired course selection button 201, the ring light-emitting portion 201b of the selected button blinks, or the ring light-emitting portion 201b of the non-selected course selection button 201 turns off, dims (illuminance down), etc., so that the user can easily distinguish the selected course. It is preferable that this turning off and dimming be performed in the capacity display area 201c, the setting area 202, the option button 204, and the flicker lamp 205 described later. Note that the capacity display area 201c and the setting area 202 are referred to as the display area. The display content of the display area can be changed by replacing the character sheet according to the specifications of the laundry equipment 1.

[0021] Also, considering the re-selection of the course selection button 201, it is preferable that the course name light-emitting portion 201a of the non-selected course selection button 201 remains lit even when the ring light-emitting portion 201b turns off. Thereafter, simultaneously with or after the start of operation, only the course name light-emitting portion 201a and the ring light-emitting portion 201b of the selected course selection button 201 are lit, and the light-emitting portions of the other course selection buttons 201 are turned off. Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and any means such as lighting, blinking, turning off, dimming (illuminance down), etc. may be used as long as the selected course is visually distinguishable and the re-selection is considered in the control.

[0022] Returning to FIG. 1, above each of the course selection buttons 201, as one of the display areas, a capacity display area 201c indicating the capacity or the number of items of the laundry to be washed in the course content indicated by each course selection button is provided. Similar to the course name light-emitting portion 201a and the ring light-emitting portion 201b, the capacity display area 201c can be lit, blinked, and turned off by a backlight such as an LED. When turned off, it is Background the same color as (for example 、 black Color ). The numerical value shown in the capacity display area 201c (10 kg if the laundry is clothes, 1 if it is a futon, etc.) can be freely changed by replacing the character sheet on the back of the panel or by character dot display control.

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

[0024] For example, in FIG. 12, a display operation panel 20c that shows the course time and its fee in the setting area 202 for each course is illustrated. In FIG. 12, for the washing and drying course with a capacity of 16 kg, 1200 yen / 60 minutes is the default display. Also, for the washing and drying course with a capacity of 10 kg, 1000 yen / 50 minutes is the default display. For the washing course with a capacity of 27 kg, 800 yen / 30 minutes is the default display. For the drying course with a capacity of 16 kg, 100 yen / 10 minutes is the default display. Further, for the single futon washing course, 1200 yen / 30 minutes is the default display.

[0025] (Electrostatic unit) FIGS. 13 to 15 are diagrams showing the configuration of the internal electrostatic unit of the display operation panel 20c in the small-sized laundry equipment 1. FIG. 13(a) is a diagram showing the configuration of the upper panel 500 of the display operation panel 20c. The upper panel 500 is composed of, for example, an acrylic panel 510 on which four washing courses are indicated, 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 means such as pasting or screwing.

[0026] Figure 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. A touchless panel is formed by these first to third electrostatic units 610 to 630. That is, when a fingertip or the palm of a hand is held above a switch (button) provided on the first to third electrostatic units 610 to 630, the charge fluctuates at the location where the fingertip or the palm of the hand approaches. By transmitting this as a selection signal to a touch control unit described later, the touch ON / OFF of the non-contact switch is detected. The third electrostatic unit 630 of the small-sized 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 independent units, and each course electrostatic block detects non-contact selection by the user and operates to control the display of each backlight.

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

[0028] The second electrostatic unit 620 is located at a position corresponding to a situation display area that at least displays the display area 203 of "charge / remaining time" and the drying temperature setting area 208 on the right side of FIG. 12, and is provided with a temperature selection switch with a backlight (reference numeral 208 in FIG. 12), a "operating" display with a backlight (reference numeral 212 in FIG. 12), a "burning" display with a backlight (reference numeral 210 in FIG. 12), a "sterilization" display with a backlight (reference numeral 206, installed in medium-sized machines and above), and a 7-segment display for displaying the charge / remaining time with a backlight.

[0029] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the layout configuration of the 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 (for example, reference numeral 201a-1 in FIG. 12). The backlight 640b is provided corresponding to the ring light emitting part (for example, reference numerals 201b-1a and 201b-1b in FIG. 12). The backlight 640c is provided corresponding to the capacity “Kg” display (for example, 16 Kg in FIG. 12). The backlight 640d is provided corresponding to the time “min” display of the 7-segment display (for example, 60 min in FIG. 12). The backlight 640e is provided corresponding to the charge “yen” display of the 7-segment display (for example, 1200 yen in FIG. 12).

[0030] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the mounting 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, and they are integrally fixed to the sheet metal 650. The diffusion sheet unit 6303 is composed of a diffusion sheet and an electrostatic sheet. The flicker lamp 205 is attached to the attachment fitting 2053 by three fixing fittings 2051, and the attachment fitting 2053 is fixed to the sheet metal 650. Thus, since each of the course electrostatic blocks 630a to 630d is fixed by screwing, it can be removed. Therefore, in the case of 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 view 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 printing layer 510b, and a second printing layer 510c, which are laminated together with an adhesive. The first printing layer 510b has designs, printed characters, light shielding, etc. formed thereon. The second printing layer 510c has a background color (e.g., black smoke) printed thereon. The background color can be arbitrarily set not only for the black model but also for the white model, etc.

[0032] (Other configurations of the display operation panel 20c) Returning to FIG. 1, when the user inserts money into the fee input section 25 or the centralized settlement machine provided at the lower part of the display operation panel 20c for paying the usage fee and selects (holds a fingertip over) the desired course selection button 201, the laundry treatment operation of the laundry / drying course associated with the course selection button 201 is executed. When the laundry treatment operation is executed, information related to the laundry treatment operation and the like is displayed in the fee / remaining time display area 203 adjacent to the course selection button 201. Examples of the information related to the laundry treatment operation include the usage time of the washing and drying machine 1 and the usage fee (including the overtime fee and the overweight overtime fee). Note that the usage fee can be paid in any form, including cash, card payment such as a credit card or a prepaid card, or smartphone payment.

[0033] In addition, the display operation panel 20c in FIG. 1 has a plurality of option buttons 204. The option buttons 204 can be set, for example, a drum cleaning button (reference numeral 204a in FIG. 12) for rotating the drum 40 with the laundry inside empty to perform cleaning inside the drum, an audio navigation button (reference numeral 204b in FIG. 12) for explaining the functions of the washing and drying machine 1, a sterilization button for inactivating viruses and the like and performing sterilization inside the drum 40 by sending ozone air into the drum 40 after cooling after drying, and the like. Some of these option buttons 204 can be operated without inserting a fee into the fee input unit 25. For example, the user can select the drum cleaning button (reference numeral 204a in FIG. 12) prior to loading the laundry into the drum 40, and the drum 40 can be cleaned at a set predetermined time, and the user can use the washing and drying machine 1 in a state where the inside of the drum 40 is sterilized to a certain extent.

[0034] The course selection button 201 and the option button 204 in FIG. 1 are a capacitive switch panel, which will be described later. Therefore, the button can react and accept input just by the user bringing the fingertip close without directly touching it. According to this, since the user can operate without contact, it is possible to prevent virus infection etc. via the button. Further, assuming that the user may accidentally touch, the course selection button 201 and the option button 204 are subjected to antibacterial processing, reducing bacteria and viruses and realizing double infection prevention. Examples of the antibacterial processing include the use of antibacterial coating, antibacterial wax, antibacterial cover glass, and the like.

[0035] In addition, the display operation panel 20c in FIG. 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, and the user can immediately understand the usage status (during operation) of the washing and drying machine 1. As shown in FIG. 12, the flicker lamp 205 is provided at the boundary between a plurality of course selection buttons 201, a plurality of light emitting portions 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 display control of lighting, extinguishing, and blinking is executed so as to notify the user that the own machine is the operation target machine (during operation target state) during remote settlement by the centralized settlement machine. Further, it is preferable to make the operation state visually recognizable, such as changing the lighting, blinking, and emission color according to the operation state such as during washing or drying. Also, it is preferable to make the machine light up during operation and turn off or vice versa during standby, or change the emission color, so that the user can immediately recognize the available washing and drying machine 1 that can be operated as soon as entering the store. Note that the course selection button 201, the setting area 202, and the option button 204 may have the above functions including the flicker function, similar to the flicker lamp 205. The flicker lamp 205 may be switched to different emission colors according to the unused state, course selection state or operation target state by the settlement machine, or the operating state of the laundry equipment 1. Note that the flicker lamp (status display portion) 205 is not limited to an arc shape, and may be formed in a curved shape, a slanted line shape, or a combined shape thereof that is longer than the vertical width of the display operation panel 20c.

[0036] In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, a sterilization repulsion temperature lamp 206 is provided above the "Charge / Remaining Time" display area 203 on the display operation panel 20c. The sterilization repulsion temperature lamp 206 displays a plurality of bacteria repulsion stages in accordance with the temperature for repelling bacteria or viruses. The sterilization repulsion temperature lamp 206 estimates the temperature inside the drum 40 from the drum outlet temperature and the like acquired by an outlet temperature sensor 130 (see FIGS. 10 and 11) described later, and lights up or blinks when the operation state is in a temperature range where a sterilization effect is expected, in conjunction with a sterilization button provided on the option button 204. As a method for such estimation, for example, the minimum value of the drum outlet temperature when the temperature inside the drum 40 reaches a temperature sufficient for sterilization is set as a threshold value in the washing and drying machine 1, and it is estimated based on whether the detection result of the outlet sensor 130 is equal to or higher than the threshold value. This series of controls is performed by a laundry control unit 100 (see FIG. 11) described later. Also, during processes such as inactivation and sterilization of viruses typified by ozone, the sterilization repulsion temperature lamp 206 may be lit or blinked.

[0037] Further, as shown in FIG. 12, a non-contact adjustment button (drying temperature setting means) capable of adjusting the temperature during drying may be provided in the drying temperature setting area 208 of the display operation panel 20c. If the adjustment button is composed of, for example, a high-temperature button, a medium-temperature button, and a low-temperature button, the user can freely set the drying temperature in consideration of the material of the laundry.

[0038] (Non-contact switch panel) FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a non-contact switch panel of the course selection button 201 for each of the course electrostatic blocks 630a to 630d shown in FIG. 13(b) and its control block. Each switch panel of the course selection button 201 is composed of a plurality (multiplexed). In FIG. 17, 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 are illustrated. Each course selection button 201 is composed of a capacitive non-contact panel, and is provided with a ring-shaped first switch panel 700 and a circular second switch panel 710 provided inside the ring shape. Since the first and second switch panels 700 and 710 have a shape without corners, 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. Also, the second switch panel 710 is connected to the same microcomputer 721 via a signal line 708, a connector 706, and a touch control board 720. In the first switch panel 700, since the detection range of the ring shape is wide, two signal lines 702 and 704 are used to input a signal indicating a change in capacitance to the microcomputer 721. For example, the diameter of the ring of the first switch panel 700 is about 60 mm, the electrode width is about 5 mm, and the diameter of the circle of the second switch panel 710 is about 40 mm. In FIG. 17, a duplicated switch panel is shown. However, for example, as a triple configuration, two ring-shaped first switch panels of different sizes and a circular second switch panel provided inside the small first switch panel may be configured.

[0039] The microcomputer 721 incorporates a CPU 723, an electrostatic touch sensor unit CTSU 725, a memory 727, a timer 729, etc. 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 capacitance generated in the touch electrode. The memory 727 is composed of ROM / RAM, and the set reference threshold value is stored in advance. The timer 729 counts the timing of timer interrupts.

[0040] FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the operation steps of the microcomputer 721 which is a touch control unit. When the microcomputer 721 receives a signal indicating a capacitance change 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 the analog value of the capacitance change. The electrostatic touch sensor unit 725 converts the detected analog value into a frequency and further converts the frequency into a count value, which is then stored 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 the reference threshold value to determine touch ON / OFF in a non-contact manner, and stores the determination result of the touch ON / OFF in the memory 727.

[0041] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the substrate configuration of the display operation panel 20c. The display operation panel 20c includes a main substrate 750, touch control substrates 720a to 720d corresponding to the respective course electrostatic blocks 630a to 630d of the above-described third electrostatic unit 630, a touch control substrate 720f corresponding to the first electrostatic unit 610, touch control substrates 720g corresponding to the second electrostatic unit 620, and a touch control substrate 720h corresponding to the 7-segment display. A signal from the human sensor 50 is input to the main control substrate 750. The main control substrate 750 controls the overall operation of the display operation panel 20c. That is, the main control substrate 750 manages and controls touch determination received from the touch control substrates 720a to 720h, and transmits display commands such as lighting / extinguishing / dimming of backlight LEDs to the touch control substrates 720a to 720h. The touch control substrates 720a to 720h perform non-contact touch ON / OFF determination, transmit ON / OFF determination data to the main substrate 750, and execute control of display commands such as lighting / extinguishing / dimming of backlight LEDs received from the main substrate 750. In FIG. 19, the main substrate 750 and the touch control substrate 720f are connected by RS485, and the touch control substrates 720f, 720a to 720d, and 720g are connected in a chained subordinate manner.

[0042] (Operation of Course Electrostatic Block) FIGS. 20 to 22 are flowcharts showing the processing operations within their respective blocks by the respective microcontrollers 721 of the course electrostatic blocks 630a to 630d. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the initialization process within the respective blocks by the respective microcontrollers 721. When the power of the laundry apparatus 1 is turned on (S100), the microcontroller 721 initializes the electrostatic touch sensor unit 725 (S110). Specifically, initialization of registers, enabling of interrupts, etc. are performed.

[0043] Next, the microcontroller 721 sets a correction threshold value in the memory 727 (S120). When it is desired to change the sensitivity of touch, for example, the sensitivity level can be switched in the following four steps by a toggle switch provided on each touch control substrate. Sensitivity setting 0: Reference threshold (normal) Sensitivity setting 1: Reference threshold - 200 (higher sensitivity) Sensitivity setting 2: Reference threshold - 400 (highest sensitivity) Sensitivity setting 3: Reference threshold + 200 (lower sensitivity)

[0044] Next, the microcontroller 721 sets the touch interrupt timing (S130). Specifically, it sets the touch data scan timing (e.g., 20 ms). After the microcontroller 721 finishes the above processing, it completes the initialization and starts non-contact touch detection with an interrupt at the set scan timing of 20 ms (S140).

[0045] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the touch data acquisition process by the CPU 723. The CPU 723 executes an interrupt process according to the scan timing of 20 ms set in S130 of FIG. 20 (S300). Then, the CPU 723 starts reading the count value (scan data) converted 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 determines touch ON if the acquired count value is greater than or equal to the reference threshold, and touch OFF if the count value is less than the reference threshold, and stores the touch determination data in the memory 727 (S315). Here, for example, it is assumed that the scan data is first acquired from the first switch panel 700.

[0046] If an error is detected during the reading process of the first switch panel 700 in S310 (No in S310), and if there is no abnormality in the second switch panel 710 (Yes in S320), the CPU 723 acquires the count value corresponding to the analog signal from the second switch panel 710 from the electrostatic touch sensor unit 725, determines ON / OFF by comparing the count value with the reference threshold, and stores the touch determination data in the memory 727 (S325). If abnormalities in both the first and second switch panels 700 and 710 are detected in S320, an abnormality detection is notified and the process ends (S355).

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

[0048] FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the touch determination process by the CPU 723. The CPU 273 performs an OR process on the ON detection (S210) accompanying the capacitance change of the first switch panel 700 and the ON detection (S220) accompanying the capacitance change of the second switch panel 710, and determines that it is a touch ON (S230). If no ON detection is made from either the first switch panel 700 or the second switch panel 710, it determines that it is a touch OFF (S240). In this way, since the course selection button has a dual structure using the first and second switch panels 700, 710, even in the case of non-contact touch detection, the detection accuracy can be improved. That is, even if a problem occurs in one of the dual-structured switch panels 700, 710, non-contact course selection can continue to be detected by the other switch panel.

[0049] Then, as shown in FIG. 19, each microcomputer 721 of the touch control boards 720a to 720h that has detected touch ON / OFF transmits the detected touch ON / OFF data to the main board 750. The main control unit 750a of the main board 750 transmits a command to control the lighting / dimming (reducing the illuminance) / extinguishing of the backlight to each microcomputer 721 of each touch control board 720a to 720g based on the touch ON / OFF data received from each of them, whereby the backlight of each is controlled to be lit.

[0050] (Display control of the display operation panel 20c) FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the display form of the display operation panel 20c accompanying the detection of a user by the human sensor 50 in the laundry equipment 1. FIGS. 24 and 25 are diagrams showing display examples of the backlight display control of the display operation panel 20c according to the selection of one of a plurality of course selection buttons. In FIGS. 24 and 25, since the small-sized laundry equipment 1 is illustrated, it has a configuration with 4 courses without the "futon washing course" shown in FIG. 12. Also, the shaded portions shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 indicate that they are extinguished or dimmed.

[0051] First, in FIG. 23, when the main control unit 750a of the main board 750 that has received a signal from the human sensor 50 provided on the front surface of the laundry equipment 1 does not detect the proximity of the user for a predetermined time (No in S400), it transmits a display command indicating extinguishing to each microcomputer 721 of each touch control board 720a to 720g so as to obtain the all-extinguished display form of FIG. 24(a) (S410). FIG. 24(a) is a diagram showing a display example of the display operation panel 20c of the laundry device 1 in the "standby" state. In accordance with the command of the main control unit 750a, in the "standby" state, all are turned off except that only the 7-segment display of "charge / remaining time" of the second electrostatic unit 620 is lit. That is, each microcomputer 721 of each course electrostatic block 630a to 630d receives a turn-off command from the main control unit 750a and turns off all of the backlights 640a to 640e within its own block. Also, due to the turn-off command from the main control unit 750a, the flicker lamp 205 and the option button 204 of the first electrostatic unit 610 are also turned off. Thereby, it is possible to suppress wasteful power consumption in the non-operating laundry device 1.

[0052] And when the main control unit 750a detects the proximity of the user for a predetermined time (Yes in S400), it transmits a display command indicating lighting to each microcomputer 721 of each touch control board 720a to 720g so as to be in the fully lit display form of FIG. 24(b) (S420). FIG. 24(b) is a diagram showing a display example of the display operation panel 20c of the laundry device 1 in the "course selection start" state. In the "course selection start" state, each microcomputer 721 of each course electrostatic block 630a to 630d receives a lighting command from the main control unit 750a and lights all of the backlights 640a to 640e within its own block. Also, due to the lighting command from the main control unit 750a, the flicker lamp 205 and the option button 204 of the first electrostatic unit 610 are also controlled to be lit respectively. In FIG. 24(b), since it is before operation, the backlights of "burning" 210 and "operating" 212 for the operation state display of the second electrostatic unit 620 are turned off.

[0053] In FIG. 24(b), as an operation of course selection by the user, for example, when the user wants to select the “6 kg washing / drying course” of the second course electrostatic block 630b from the left, the fingertip (or palm) 55 is held over the course selection button (course name light emitting part 201a-2). Then, an analog signal of capacitance change is read from the first and / or second switch panels 700 and 710 in the course electrostatic block 630b by the electrostatic touch sensor unit 721, and the touch ON data is transmitted from the microcomputer 721 to the main control unit 750a. The main control unit 750a commands the microcomputer 721 in the course electrostatic block 630b to light up, and the microcomputer 721 maintains the lighting of the backlights 630a to 630e in its own block as it is. Also, due to the lighting command from the main control unit 750a, the flicker lamp 205 and the option button 204 of the first electrostatic unit 610 also maintain their lighting respectively. On the other hand, along with the reception of the touch ON data from the course electrostatic block 630b, the main control unit 750a transmits a command for dimming the lights to the microcomputers 721 of the course electrostatic blocks 630a, 630c, and 630d. Each of the microcomputers 721 of the course electrostatic blocks 630a, 630c, and 630d that has received the dimming command dims the backlights 630a to 630c in its own block to such an extent that the display looks dim. As a result, the display form shown in FIG. 25(a) is transitioned to. Thus, the user can immediately tell that the course electrostatic block 630b has been selected.

[0054] Figure 25(a) shows a display operation panel 20c during the selection of the second "6 kg washing and drying course" from the left (before payment of the usage fee). The microcomputer 721 of the course electrostatic block 630b of the second "6 kg washing and drying course" from the left controls the operation so that the first ring light emitting part 201b-2a and the second ring light emitting part 201b-2b blink slowly (breathing lighting) in response to the blinking command from the main control part 750a. Thereby, it is possible to clearly indicate to the user that the "6 kg washing and drying course" has been selected. On the other hand, the microcomputers 721 of the course electrostatic blocks 630a, 630c, and 630d of other courses dim the backlights 630a to 630c within their own blocks in response to the weak lighting command from the main control part 750a. However, the microcomputers 721 of the course electrostatic blocks 630a, 630c, and 630d maintain the lighting of the backlights 630d and 630e within their own blocks in response to the lighting command from the main control part 750a. This is because there is a possibility that the user may change the course selection before payment of the usage fee, so the backlights 630d and 630e corresponding to the "yen" display and the "minute" display are kept lit. Thereby, it is possible to cope with the change of the course selection before payment of the usage fee.

[0055] Also, in the drying temperature setting area 208 of Fig. 25(a), for example, "high temperature" is displayed according to the user's setting. Also, in the display area 203 of "fee / remaining time", the usage fee payment, for example, 1200 yen, is displayed to the user. When the user pays 1200 yen for the usage fee to the laundry device 1 (the payment method is selected by the user), the payment signal is transmitted to the main control part 750a of the main board 750. The main control part 750a transmits a rotation lighting command for starting operation to the microcomputer 721 of the course electrostatic block 630b. The microcomputer 721 of the course electrostatic block 630b controls the operation so that the light of the first ring light emitting part 201b-2a and the second ring light emitting part 201b-2b rotates (indicating during operation) in response to the rotation lighting command. In Fig. 25(b), the rotation display is indicated by an arrow. Thereby, the user can immediately understand that the selected "6 kg washing and drying course" is "in operation".

[0056] During the operation shown in FIG. 25(b), the courses other than the selected "6 kg washing / drying course" are partially or entirely turned off Then , Background and are made the same color (for example 、 black Color ) so that they are not visible to the user through display control. That is, the main board 750 sends a turn-off command to the microcontrollers 721 of the other plurality of course electrostatic blocks 630a, 630c, 630d in accordance with the "during operation" display of the course electrostatic block 630b upon receiving payment. Each CPU 723 of the course electrostatic blocks 630a, 630c, 630d realizes this by turning off the backlights 630a to 630e of its own block according to the turn-off command. Thereby, unnecessary power consumption is suppressed, and it can be immediately seen that the "6 kg washing / drying course" is operating in the laundry device 1. In FIG. 25(b), the flicker lamp 205 and the option button 204 maintain lighting in response to the lighting command from the main control unit 750a. Further, the drying temperature setting area 208 displays, for example, "high temperature" according to the user's setting. Also, the remaining time of 48 minutes is displayed in the display area 203 of "fee / remaining time". Furthermore, the display area 210 of "burning" is displayed with the backlight turned on in response to the ignition of the burner.

[0057] (Opening / closing door 70) Returning to FIG. 1, the opening / closing door 70 has a disk shape that can close the inlet 60, and a viewing window for the internal laundry to be washed is provided in the central portion. A sealing material (not shown) for enhancing airtightness is arranged between the edge of the opening / closing door 70 and the inlet 60. As shown in FIG. 4, the opening / closing angle A of the opening / closing door 70 is 110° to 120°. Conventionally, the opening / closing angle is often 100°, but the angle is expanded by 10° to 20° compared to that, thereby realizing an improvement in the operability of the user.

[0058] In addition, for the opening / closing door 70, the distance L from its lower end to the installation surface is approximately 600 mm. Generally, many carts for transporting laundry items are 600 mm or less. Therefore, by providing the opening / closing door 70 in this way, even if the cart is positioned under the opening / closing door 70, the opening and closing of the opening / closing door 70 can be performed, making it possible to easily move the laundry items after the laundry treatment operation to the cart.

[0059] Furthermore, since the opening / closing door 70 is likely to be touched by many users including the handle of the door lock 80 described later, it is subjected to antibacterial treatment. Examples of the antibacterial treatment include antibacterial coating, antibacterial wax, and the use of antibacterial glass for the viewing window.

[0060] A handle-type door lock 80 is provided at the central edge of the opening / closing door 70. As shown in FIG. 4, the user of the washing and drying machine 1 can open and close the opening / closing door 70, latch (loosely lock) the opening / closing door 70, or unlock the latch using the handle 801 of the door lock 80. Also, the door lock 80 is controlled by a laundry control unit 100 described later to lock and unlock the opening / closing door 70. That is, the laundry control unit 100 can fix the handle 801 in a state where the opening / closing door 70 is closed and latched. In other words, the laundry control unit 100 can lock the opening / closing door 70 with the door lock 80 and maintain the state of sealing the inlet 60. When the laundry control unit 100 unlocks the opening / closing door 70, it becomes possible to manually pull the handle to unlock the latch, and further open the opening / closing door 70 to open the inlet 60. The door lock 80 is provided with an opening / closing sensor 140 (see FIG. 11) that detects a state where the opening / closing door 70 is closed and latched. The configuration of this door lock is designed to be easy to maintain.

[0061] (Handle 801) The configuration of the handle 801 will be described below. FIG. 5 is a front view showing the handle 801, and FIG. 6 is a plan view thereof. FIG. 7 is a side view showing the handle as viewed from the B direction shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the handle 801 has a gripping portion 801a that is gripped by a user when operating the opening / closing door 70 and the door lock 80, and a support portion 801b that pivotally supports the handle 801a so as to be rotatable with respect to the opening / closing door 70.

[0062] The gripping portion 801a is formed in a substantially prismatic shape and has a detachable display plate 802 inside. The display plate 802 is formed in a flat plate shape, and a predetermined display, such as the company name, logo, product name, etc. of an owner company operating a coin laundry store, can be displayed on one surface by printing or the like, and it can be used as an advertising medium.

[0063] An insertion port 801c for inserting the display plate 802 into the gripping portion 801a is formed on the side surface of the tip end side of the gripping portion 801a, and the display plate 802 is detachably inserted into the gripping portion 801a through this insertion port 801c. FIGS. 5 to 7 show a state in which the display plate 802 is inserted into this insertion port 801c. Further, an exposure port 801d is formed on the front surface of the gripping portion 801a, and in a state where the display plate 802 is inserted into the gripping portion 801a, the display of the display plate 802 can be visually recognized from the exposure port 801d.

[0064] Note that, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the insertion port 801c may be provided on the upper surface of the gripping portion 801a instead of the side surface, and the display plate 802 may be inserted and removed from above, or it may be fitted into the gripping portion 801a from the exposure port 801d without providing an insertion port.

[0065] (Water supply and drainage system) Next, the water supply and drainage system of the washing and drying machine 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 washing and drying machine 1. As shown in FIG. 10, the outer tub 30 is provided with a water level sensor 110 for detecting the water level, and a water supply pipe 910 for water, warm water, or a lukewarm mixture (hereinafter referred to as supply water) used for washing and rinsing the laundry is provided on the upper side. A drain shell 920 in the form of a box for storing washing drainage with measures against garbage accumulation is provided on the lower side. A detergent injection pump (not shown) is provided in the water supply pipe 910, enabling the injection of detergent. Further, a water supply valve 170 is interposed in the water supply pipe 910, and when this water supply valve 170 is opened, supply water can be supplied into the outer tub 30.

[0066] The drain shell 920 is connected to a drain pipe 921, and a drain valve 180 is interposed in the drain pipe 921. When this drain valve 180 is opened, the supply water stored in the outer tub 30 can be discharged. The diameter of the drain pipe 921 is 75A, that is, the outer diameter is φ89 mm. Since the drain pipe used in a general washing and drying machine is 65A, that is, the outer diameter is 76.3 mm, the diameter is larger than before. This enables shortening of the drainage time.

[0067] Also, an air intake is provided on the outer tub 30, and a warm air supply path 301 for supplying warm air into the drum 40 by supplying it as warm air for drying to an import provided between the drum 40 and the opening and closing door 70 is connected. A warm air discharge path 303 for discharging warm air to the outside is connected to an exhaust hole 302 provided at the rear of the upper surface of the outer tub 30. The import is designed to have a larger diameter and a shorter overhanging portion than before, so that large items such as futons can be easily put into the drum 40.

[0068] The warm air supply path 301 is provided with a heating unit 150 composed of a gas burner for heating the intake air, an inlet temperature sensor 120, a heat prevention device (not shown), a safety device, and the like. On the other hand, the warm air discharge path 303 is provided with a lint filter 190 for capturing lint such as threads, a fan 160 for taking in air into the washing and drying machine 1 and performing intake and exhaust, an outlet temperature sensor 130, a check damper for preventing backflow (not shown), a heat prevention device, and the like.

[0069] Thereby, the lint filter 190 can be cleaned by the lint cleaning function. This lint cleaning function is a process of rotating the drum 40 while supplying more water from the water supply pipe than during the laundry treatment operation, causing the supply water to flow excessively, and allowing the supply water to reach the lint filter 190 to clean the lint filter 190. According to such a lint cleaning function, it is possible to reduce the frequency of maintenance such as replacing the lint filter 190.

[0070] The drum 40 is arranged with a predetermined gap from the outer cylinder 30 such that its opening coincides with the loading port 60 of the outer cylinder 30. The drum 40 is rotationally driven by its rotation axis being supported by the outer cylinder 30 and connected to the motor M.

[0071] Next, the control system of the washing and drying machine 1 will be described. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the control system of the washing and drying machine according to the present embodiment. The washing and drying machine 1 includes a laundry control unit 100 that performs main control of the equipment body.

[0072] The laundry control unit 100 includes 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. The memory 102 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc., and is used as a work area for the main CPU 101, and is also a storage device that stores programs for realizing various functions, data used for the processing executed by the functions, etc. The memory 102 stores course information indicating the parameters of the washing / drying courses respectively set for the aforementioned course selection buttons 201. The parameters include whether to perform washing and / or drying processing, the required time for the processing, the fee, the weight of the laundry, etc.

[0073] The input / output I / F 103a is used for inputting input signals from the display operation panel 20c, 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 for outputting 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. Also, although not shown here, when a fingertip held over 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 terminal devices such as smartphones and tablet terminals. Various wireless communication standards can be used, for example, short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and Wi-Fi communication.

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

[0075] In addition, by having the communication I / F 103b, the laundry control unit 100 enables batch and individual remote settings using wired or wireless communication. The settings here include, for example, the course information associated with the course selection buttons 201 stored in the memory 102, the required time, the fee, and so on.

[0076] For example, when the washing and drying machine 1 is connected to a server provided in a store, the owner of the washing and drying machine 1 can start a dedicated application program on the server and operate it to remotely change the settings of an individual or multiple washing and drying machines 1 in batch. As another method of changing the settings of the washing and drying machine 1, a plurality of washing and drying machines 1 can be communicably connected to a gateway provided in a coin laundry store, and the settings can be changed via a terminal such as a smartphone or an external server by wireless communication such as Wi-Fi.

[0077] As described above, according to the display operation panel of the laundry equipment according to the embodiment, by configuring the course selection buttons of the laundry equipment with a non-contact switch panel and making the switch panel have a multiplexed structure, a display operation panel with excellent responsiveness even in a non-contact state can be provided.

[0078] The display operation panel of the laundry equipment according to the embodiment is the display operation panel 20c of the laundry equipment 1 that performs any one of washing / drying, washing, and drying on the laundry, and is composed of a plurality of non-contact switch panels 700 and 710. It has a plurality of course selection buttons 201a-1 to 201a-4 for displaying any one of the above-mentioned washing / drying, washing, and drying courses of the laundry, and display areas 201c and 202 for displaying one or more of the capacity, usage time, and usage fee corresponding to the washing / drying, washing, and drying of the plurality of course selection buttons 201a-1 to 201a-4. Therefore, by making the non-contact switch panels 700 and 710 have a multiplexed structure, even if one switch panel fails, the operation can continue with the other switch panel, and a display operation panel with excellent responsiveness even in a non-contact state can be provided.

[0079] In addition, since the switch panel of the display operation panel 20c of the laundry equipment 1 is composed of a ring-shaped first switch panel 700 without corners and a circular second switch panel 710 formed inside the first switch panel 700, a double-layered shape can be configured in a small shape, and a display operation panel with excellent responsiveness even in a non-contact state can be provided.

[0080] In addition, the display operation panel 20c of the laundry equipment 1 includes course selection buttons (201a-1 to 201a-4), display areas 201c and 202, a plurality of backlights 640a to 640e for lighting up the course selection button (201a-1) and the display areas 201c and 202, and a touch control unit 721 for detecting non-contact ON / OFF of the course selection buttons (201a-1 to 201a-4). A plurality of electrostatic blocks 630a to 630d are unitized and provided for each of the plurality of course selection buttons 201a-1 to 201a-4. Therefore, even if a failure occurs, it can be maintained by simply replacing the faulty electrostatic block, and it has excellent maintainability.

[0081] In addition, each touch control unit 720 of the plurality of electrostatic blocks of the display operation panel 20c of the laundry equipment 1 determines that it is touch ON when detecting a signal of capacitance change by at least one of the first switch panel 700 or the second switch panel 710, and determines that it is touch OFF when not detecting a signal of capacitance change by both the first switch panel 700 and the second switch panel 710. Therefore, even if a problem occurs in either of the double-layered switch panels, touch detection can be continued by the other switch panel.

[0082] In addition, each touch control unit 720 of the plurality of electrostatic blocks of the display operation panel 20c of the laundry equipment 1 monitors the ON-stuck abnormality of the first switch panel 700 and the second switch panel 710, and when detecting the ON-stuck abnormality, sets the touch sensor output of the switch panel to OFF. Therefore, even if a problem occurs in either of the double-layered switch panels, touch detection can be continued by the other switch panel.

[0083] The display operation panel of the laundry equipment according to the embodiment is the display operation panel 20c of the laundry equipment 1 that performs any one of washing / drying / washing / drying on the laundry to be washed, and is composed of a plurality of non-contact switch panels 700 and 710. A plurality of course selection buttons 201a-1 to 201a-4 for displaying any one of the washing / drying / washing / drying courses of the laundry to be washed, and a plurality of display areas 201c and 202 provided for each course selection button and displaying one or more of the capacity, usage time, and usage fee according to washing / drying / washing / drying. A plurality of backlights 640a to 640e for lighting up the course selection buttons 201a-1 to 201a-4, the display areas 201c and 202, the course selection buttons, and the display areas. A plurality of electrostatic blocks 630a to 630d for each course in which a touch control unit 721 for detecting non-contact touch ON / OFF of the course selection buttons is implemented, and a main control unit 750a that receives a touch ON / OFF signal from each touch control unit 721 of the plurality of electrostatic blocks 630a to 630d and transmits a display command indicating lighting to each touch control unit 721. Therefore, by multiplexing the non-contact switch panels 700 and 710, even if one switch panel fails, the operation can be continued with the other switch panel, and a display operation panel with excellent responsiveness can be provided even if it is non-contact.

[0084] In addition, a detection signal from a human presence sensor 50 for detecting a user is input to the main control unit 750a of the display operation panel 20c of the laundry equipment 1. When the main control unit 750a does not receive a detection signal from the human presence sensor 50, the main control unit 750a transmits a display command indicating turning off the light to each touch control unit 721 of the plurality of electrostatic blocks 630a to 630d. Therefore, it is possible to suppress wasteful power consumption in the non-operating laundry equipment 1.

[0085] In addition, when the main control unit 750a of the display operation panel 20c of the laundry device 1 receives a detection signal from the human sensor 50, it is configured to send a display command indicating full lighting to each touch control unit 721 of the plurality of electrostatic blocks 630a to 630d. Therefore, an easy-to-understand display operation panel 20c can be provided for users who want to use the laundry device 1.

[0086] In addition, the display operation panel 20c of the laundry device 1 includes a main board 750 equipped with the main control unit 750a, and touch control boards for each of the plurality of electrostatic blocks 720a to 720d and other electrostatic blocks 720f, 720g. The main board 750 is connected to one of the touch control boards (720f), and the other touch control boards 720a to 720d, 720g are connected subordinate to it with this touch control board (720f) as the head. Therefore, the connection distance between the main board 750 and the touch control boards 720a to 720d, 720f, 720g can be shortened.

[0087] In addition, the display operation panel 20c of the laundry device 1 further includes ring light emitting parts 201b-2a, 201b-2b provided inside or outside each course selection button (201a-1) of the plurality of electrostatic blocks 630a to 630d. When the main control unit 750a receives touch ON data from one of the plurality of electrostatic blocks by course selection, it controls the ring light emitting parts 201b-2a, 201b-2b of the electrostatic block that sent the touch ON data to blink and display. Therefore, the course selection can be displayed in a way that is easy for the user to understand at a glance.

[0088] In addition, when the payment of the usage fee is completed and the operation starts, the main control unit 750a of the display operation panel 20c of the laundry device 1 rotates and displays the light of the ring light emitting parts 201b-2a, 201b-2b. Therefore, the course during the operation of the laundry device 1 can be displayed in a way that is easy for the user to understand at a glance.

[0089] In addition, in this embodiment, an example in which the laundry equipment according to the present invention is applied to a washing and drying machine has been described. Needless to say, the laundry equipment can also be applied to a washing machine or a dryer.

[0090] The embodiments of the present invention are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0091] 1... Laundry equipment (washing and drying machine) 20c... Display operation panel, 201... Course selection button 201a, 201a-1 to 201a-5... Course name light-emitting part 201b... Ring light-emitting part, 201b-1a to 201b-5a... First ring light-emitting part 201b-1b to 201b-5b... Second ring light-emitting part, 201c... Display area 202... Setting area, 203... Display area for "fee / remaining time" 204... Option button, 204a... Drum cleaning button, 204b... Voice navigation button 205... Flicker lamp, 2051... Fixed fitting, 2053... Mounting fitting 206... Bacteria-killing temperature lamp, 208... Drying temperature setting area 210... Combustion display area, 50... Human sensor, 60... Loading port 70... Opening / closing door, 500... Upper panel, 510... Acrylic panel 510a... Base material, 510b... First printing layer, 510c... Second printing layer 510c 520... Upper panel mounting part, 600... Electrostatic unit 610... First electrostatic unit, 620... Second electrostatic unit 630... Third electrostatic unit, 630a to 630d... Cord electrostatic block 631... substrate 631, 632... reflector, 633... diffusion sheet unit 650... sheet metal, 6301... substrate, 6302... reflector 6303... diffusion sheet unit, 700... first switch panel 702, 704, 708... signal lines, 706... connector 710... second switch panel, 720... touch control substrate 721... microcomputer (touch control unit), 723... CPU 725... electrostatic touch sensor unit CTSU, 727... memory 729... timer, 750... main substrate, 750a... main control unit 801a... gripping part, 801c... insertion port 801d... exposure port, 802... display plate (display part)

Claims

1. A display operation panel for a laundry device that performs any one of washing / drying / washing / drying on an object to be washed, A course selection button composed of at least two capacitance-type switches of different sizes, and a plurality of course selection buttons for displaying any one of the washing / drying / washing / drying courses of the object to be washed, A display area provided for each of the plurality of course selection buttons, where two or more of the capacity, usage time, and usage fee corresponding to the washing / drying / washing / drying are displayed, having, The electrostatic block having the course selection button, the display area, a plurality of backlights for lighting up the course selection button and the display area, and a control unit for detecting ON / OFF based on a change in the capacitance of the course selection button is provided unitarily for each of the plurality of course selection buttons. A display operation panel for a laundry device characterized by this.

2. The switch is composed of a ring-shaped first switch without corners and a circular second switch provided inside the first switch, Each control unit of the plurality of electrostatic blocks, determines that it is ON when a signal of capacitance change is detected by at least one of the first switch and the second switch, and determines that it is OFF when a signal of capacitance change is not detected by both the first switch and the second switch A display operation panel for a laundry device according to Claim 1, characterized by this.

3. Each control unit of the plurality of electrostatic blocks, monitors the ON-stuck abnormality of the first switch and the second switch, and when the ON-stuck abnormality is detected, sets the sensor output of the switch to OFF A display operation panel for a laundry device according to Claim 2, characterized by this.

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