CN110565333A - Clothes treating device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a clothes treatment device which can improve the operation performance related to operation setting and improve the visibility of the information related to operation. The clothes treatment device of the embodiment is provided with: an operation display having a display unit for displaying various screens including various information and operation keys for accepting various operations; and a control unit that controls display on the display unit and performs predetermined control in accordance with operation of the operation keys. Each of the plurality of processes in operation establishes correspondence with a mutually different color. During execution of the operation, the control unit causes the display unit to display a screen including all the currently-running processes including the currently-running process and the remaining running time, which is the time required until the completion of the operation, and sets a background display of a color of the same color system as the color of the currently-running process in an arbitrary region on the screen displayed during execution of the operation.

Description

Clothes treating device

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a laundry treating apparatus.

Background

In a laundry treatment apparatus such as a washing machine, for example, a configuration provided with a touch panel type liquid crystal operation panel has been proposed. However, in such a configuration, there is no improvement for improving visibility when a user checks information related to operation such as an operation state for the purpose of improving operability related to operation setting, and there is room for improvement in this point.

Prior art documents:

Patent documents:

Patent document 1: japanese patent No. 5938806

Disclosure of Invention

Accordingly, a laundry treating apparatus is provided which can improve the visibility of information on operation while improving the operability related to operation setting.

The clothes treatment device of the embodiment executes the operation for performing the specified treatment to the clothes, and the clothes treatment device is provided with: an operation display having a display unit that displays various screens including various information related to the operation and operation keys for accepting various operations related to the operation; and a control unit that controls display on the display unit and performs predetermined control in accordance with an operation performed on the operation key.

Each of the plurality of running processes establishes correspondence with a mutually different color. In the execution of the operation, the control unit causes the display unit to display a screen including all the currently-running processes in the operation including the currently-running process and a remaining operation time, which is a time required until the operation is completed, and sets a background display of a color of the same color system as a color of the currently-running process in an arbitrary region on the screen displayed in the execution of the operation.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an electrical configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a home screen in one embodiment, and shows a state in which the cleaning operation is selected.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a home screen in one embodiment, and is a diagram showing a state in which the washing and drying operation is selected.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a program selection screen corresponding to the cleaning operation according to the embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a program selection screen corresponding to the washing and drying operation according to the embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a program detailed screen corresponding to a standard program of the cleaning operation according to the embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a program detailed screen corresponding to a standard program of the washing and drying operation according to the embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a program detailed screen corresponding to a standard program of the washing and drying operation according to the embodiment, and is a diagram showing a state in which the execution of the washing process is cancelled.

Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a program detailed screen corresponding to a standard program of the washing and drying operation according to the embodiment, and is a diagram showing a state in which the washing time is changed from the initial setting.

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a dry setting screen according to an embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a bath water setting screen according to an embodiment.

fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a body setting screen according to an embodiment.

Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a hot water setting screen according to an embodiment.

Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a reservation setting screen according to an embodiment.

Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a home screen in the embodiment, and is a diagram showing a state in which the warm water setting is changed from the initial setting.

Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed when reservation setting is performed in one embodiment.

Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen in accordance with the embodiment, and is a diagram showing a state during execution of a washing process.

Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen in accordance with an embodiment, and is a diagram showing a state during execution of rinsing.

Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of an in-operation screen according to the embodiment, and is a diagram showing a state in which the dehydration process is executed.

Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen in accordance with an embodiment, and is a diagram showing a state during execution of the drying process.

fig. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a screen during temporary stop according to an embodiment.

Fig. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a program detailed screen during temporary suspension of operation in one embodiment.

Fig. 24 is a diagram showing modification 1 of the top screen.

Fig. 25 is a diagram showing a modification 2 of the top screen.

Fig. 26 is a diagram showing a modification 3 of the top screen.

Fig. 27 is a diagram showing a modification 1 of the program selection screen, and is a diagram showing an example of the program selection screen corresponding to the washing and drying operation.

fig. 28 is a diagram showing a modification 2 of the program selection screen, and is a diagram showing an example of the program selection screen corresponding to the washing and drying operation.

Fig. 29 is a diagram showing a modification 1 of the program detailed screen.

Fig. 30 is a diagram showing a modification 2 of the program detail screen, and is a diagram showing an example of the program detail screen corresponding to the standard program of the washing and drying operation.

Fig. 31 is a diagram showing a modification 3 of the program detail screen, and is a diagram showing an example of the program detail screen corresponding to the standard program of the washing and drying operation.

Fig. 32 is a diagram showing a modification 4 of the program detail screen, and an example of the washing setting screen.

Fig. 33 is a diagram showing a modification 4 of the program detail screen, and an example of the rinsing setting screen.

Fig. 34 is a diagram showing a modification 4 of the program detail screen, and an example of the dehydration setting screen.

Fig. 35 is a diagram showing a modification 1 of the screen during operation, and is a diagram showing a state in which the operation is executed by a standard program of the washing and drying operation.

Fig. 36 is a diagram showing a modification 2 of the screen during operation, and is a diagram showing a state in which the operation is executed by a standard routine of the washing and drying operation.

Description of the reference numerals

In the drawings, 1 denotes a washing machine (laundry processing apparatus), 4 denotes a control apparatus (control section), 5 denotes an operation panel (operation display), 20 denotes a display section, 21 denotes a head (arbitrary region), 22 denotes a washing operation icon (operation type icon), 23 denotes a washing-drying operation icon (operation type icon), 24 denotes a drying operation icon (operation type icon), 22a, 23a, and 24a denote operable regions, 26 denotes a setting key (operation key), 27 denotes a lighting switch key (operation key), 28 denotes a warm water setting key (operation key), 29 denotes a reservation setting key (operation key), 30 denotes a program selection key (operation key), 31 denotes a start key (operation key), 32 denotes a region (end region), 34 denotes a program icon, 35 denotes a program list display region, 37 denotes a program information display region, 39 denotes a washing icon (course display), 40 denotes a rinsing icon (course display), 41 denotes a dewatering icon (course display), 42 denotes a drying icon (course display), 43 denotes a setting change key (operation key), 46 denotes a washing icon (course display), 47 denotes a rinsing icon (course display), 48 denotes a dewatering icon (course display), 49 denotes a drying icon (course display), 50, 52, 54 denotes an add key (course condition change key), 51, 53, 55 denotes a subtract key (course condition change key), 56 denotes a course condition display (course condition change key), 57 to 59 denote a course on/off key (operation key), 61 denotes a setting clear key (operation key), 85 denotes a temporary stop key (operation key), and 86, 109, 110 denote areas (arbitrary areas).

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a laundry treatment apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings.

as shown in fig. 1, a washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment is an example of a laundry processing apparatus that can perform operations for performing processes such as washing, rinsing, spin drying, and drying on laundry. Specifically, the washing machine 1 is capable of performing a washing operation, a drying operation, and a washing-drying operation.

The washing machine 1 is a drum-type washer-dryer having a drying function, and includes a casing 2, a door 3, a control device indicated by reference numeral 4 in fig. 2, an operation panel 5, and the like. In this case, the door 3 side is set as the front side of the washing machine 1 with respect to the casing 2, and the side opposite to the door 3 is set as the rear side of the washing machine 1. In addition, a horizontal direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction is set as a left-right direction. In addition, a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction and the left-right direction is referred to as a vertical direction.

The casing 2 constituting the main body of the washing machine 1 is formed in a rectangular box shape whose front surface is smoothly inclined. An opening 6 is provided in a central portion of the front of the housing 2. The opening 6 communicates with a not-shown rotary tub provided inside the casing 2. Through which opening 6 the laundry is taken out of or put into the rotary tub.

The door 3 is provided to be able to open and close the opening 6. The door 3 is opened by operating a door button not shown. A water supply port 7 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 2. The water supply port 7 is connected to a faucet of tap water serving as a water source by a water supply pipe not shown. Water from a tap of tap water is supplied into a not-shown water tub provided in the housing 2 through a water supply pipe and a water supply port 7.

The control device 4 is mainly composed of a microcomputer, for example, and controls the entire operation of the washing machine 1 by executing a computer program stored in a storage device such as a ROM. As shown in fig. 2, the control device 4 is connected to the motor 11, the drain valve 12, the water supply valve 13, the compressor 14, the blower 15, and the like. A detailed description of the motor 11 for rotating a not-shown rotary tub provided in the casing 2 will be omitted.

The drain valve 12 is used to drain water in the not-shown tub to the outside of the machine. The water supply valve 13 opens and closes communication between the water supply port 7 and the inside of the not-shown tub, and supplies water into the tub. The compressor 14 constitutes a heat pump unit for the drying function. The blower 15 supplies the hot air generated by the heat pump unit to a not-shown rotary tub.

The control device 4 is connected to input devices such as a temperature sensor 16, a water level sensor 17, a rotation sensor 18, and a door switch 19, and the operation panel 5. Detailed descriptions are respectively omitted, in which the temperature sensor 16 detects a temperature inside the tub, not shown. The water level sensor 17 detects a water level inside the tub. The rotation sensor 18 detects a rotational position and a rotational speed of the drum, not shown. The door switch 19 detects opening and closing of the door 3.

As shown in fig. 1, the operation panel 5 is provided on the front side of the upper surface of the housing 2. The operation panel 5 includes a rectangular display unit 20 formed of, for example, a liquid crystal display. In this case, a direction along the front-rear direction of the washing machine 1 is defined as the up-down direction of the display unit 20, and a direction along the left-right direction of the washing machine 1 is defined as the left-right direction of the display unit 20.

Various screens containing various information related to the operation of washing machine 1 are displayed on display unit 20. The display surface of the display unit 20 also functions as a touch panel on which a user can perform a touch operation. Various screens including operation keys for accepting various operations related to the operation of washing machine 1 are displayed on display unit 20. The user can perform various operations related to the operation of the washing machine 1 by performing a touch operation on the operation keys.

As described above, the operation panel 5 is used for displaying various screens including various information related to operations and operation keys for accepting various operations related to operations, and corresponds to an operation display. In the present embodiment, a capacitance type touch panel in which a change in capacitance generated when a finger is touched is sensed by a sensor is used as the touch panel of the display unit 20. As the touch panel of the display unit 20, various types such as a resistive film type can be used. The display unit 20 is not limited to a liquid crystal display, and various display devices such as an organic EL display can be used.

The control device 4 executes a program for display control to control display on the display unit 20 of the operation panel 5. The control device 4 executes various controls such as selection of an operation type, selection of a program, setting of contents of the program, and start or temporary stop of the operation in accordance with an operation performed on the operation keys displayed on the display unit 20. In this way, the control device 4 controls the display on the display unit 20, and performs predetermined control in accordance with the operation of the operation keys, and corresponds to a control unit.

Next, the contents of the control related to the display on the display unit 20 in the above configuration will be described.

[1] Picture about home page

When a power switch, not shown, is operated by a user, power is supplied to the washing machine 1. After the power is turned on, a home screen as shown in fig. 3 and 4 is displayed on the display unit 20. Hereinafter, the display unit 20 is also referred to as a screen.

The home screen is a display screen before the first input operation is performed after the power is turned on, and corresponds to an operation type selection screen for selecting an operation type. In the top screen and various screens described later, the upper end of the screen is a header (header) portion 21 in common. Various states such as the name of the currently selected operation, the time, the presence or absence of door locking, and the radio wave state related to wireless communication with an external device are constantly displayed on the header 21.

in the home screen, a washing operation icon 22 as an operation key for selecting the washing operation, a washing/drying operation icon 23 as an operation key for selecting the washing/drying operation, and a drying operation icon 24 as an operation key for selecting the drying operation are arranged in the center of the screen.

In this case, the wash operation icon 22, the wash dry operation icon 23, and the dry operation icon 24 are arranged in parallel in order from the left side of the screen. In addition, the order of arrangement of these three icons can be appropriately changed. Further, the order of arrangement of the three icons may be changed according to the selection state of the operation. For example, the arrangement of the icons may be changed as needed so that the icon selected at that time is always arranged at the center.

The wash operation icon 22, the wash dry operation icon 23, and the dry operation icon 24 correspond to a plurality of operation type icons provided corresponding to each operation type. By operating these operation type icons, the operation corresponding to the operation type icon is selected, that is, the type of operation is determined.

Specifically, the cleaning operation is selected when the cleaning operation icon 22 is operated, the cleaning/drying operation is selected when the cleaning/drying operation icon 23 is operated, and the drying operation is selected when the drying operation icon 24 is operated. In addition, such selection and determination of the operation type can be performed any number of times before the operation is started.

When a predetermined operation type icon is operated, the control device 4 causes the operated operation type icon to be displayed relatively larger than the non-operated operation type icon. When a predetermined operation type icon is operated, the control device 4 relatively increases the operable area in which the operated operation type icon can be operated, compared with the operable area in which the non-operated operation type icon can be operated.

Therefore, when the wash operation icon 22 is operated, the wash operation icon 22 is displayed larger than the wash/dry operation icon 23 and the dry operation icon 24 which are not operated, as shown in fig. 3. At this time, the operable region 22a corresponding to the washing operation icon 22 is larger than the operable region 23a corresponding to the washing/drying operation icon 23 and the operable region 24a corresponding to the drying operation icon 24 which are not operated.

When the wash/dry operation icon 23 is operated, the wash/dry operation icon 23 is displayed larger than the wash operation icon 22 and the dry operation icon 24 which are not operated, as shown in fig. 4. At this time, the operable region 23a corresponding to the washing/drying operation icon 23 is larger than the operable region 22a corresponding to the washing/drying operation icon 22 and the operable region 24a corresponding to the drying operation icon 24 which are not operated.

When a predetermined operation type icon is operated, the control device 4 displays the name of the program selected for the operation corresponding to the operated operation type icon and the icon corresponding to the program. Specifically, when the washing operation icon 22 is operated, the washing operation icon 22 is changed to a display including the name of the program currently selected for the washing operation (in this case, the standard program) and an icon corresponding to the program (in this case, an icon schematically showing a T-shirt), as shown in fig. 3.

When the washing and drying operation icon 23 is operated, the washing and drying operation icon 23 is changed to a display including the name of the program currently selected for the washing and drying operation (in this case, the standard program) and an icon corresponding to the program (in this case, an icon schematically showing a T-shirt), as shown in fig. 4.

The control device 4 selects an operation corresponding to a predetermined operation type icon by performing one operation on the predetermined operation type icon, and the control device 4 displays a program selection screen for selecting a program corresponding to the operation by performing another operation on the predetermined operation type icon on which the one operation has been performed.

Therefore, as shown in fig. 3, when the wash operation icon 22 is further operated in a state where the wash operation icon 22 is operated once, a program selection screen (see fig. 5) for selecting a program corresponding to the wash operation is displayed, in other words, the program selection screen is changed to the program selection screen shown in fig. 5.

As shown in fig. 4, when the wash and dry operation icon 23 is further operated in a state where the wash and dry operation icon 23 is operated once, a program selection screen (see fig. 6) for selecting a program corresponding to the wash and dry operation is displayed, in other words, the program selection screen shown in fig. 6 is changed to.

In the top screen and various screens described later, the lower end of the screen is a common tail (footer) portion 25. The tail portion 25 is provided with a setting key 26, an illumination switch key 27, a warm water setting key 28, a reservation setting key 29, a program selection key 30, and a start key 31, which are arranged in a row in the horizontal direction of the screen from left to right.

The region 32 in which these four operation keys are arranged is a region provided at the end of the display unit 20 and in which at least one operation key is arranged, and corresponds to the end region. The control device 4 displays the four operation keys (the setting key 26, the lighting switch key 27, the hot water setting key 28, and the reservation setting key 29) arranged in the area 32 at the same position all the time. Further, details regarding these four operation keys will be described later.

The program selection key 30 is an operation key for shifting to a program selection screen. In this case, when the program selection key 30 is operated, the screen is shifted to a program selection screen for selecting a program corresponding to the operation selected at that time. Specifically, as shown in fig. 3, when the program selection key 30 is operated in a state where the washing operation is selected, the program is shifted to a program selection screen for selecting a program corresponding to the washing operation (see fig. 5). As shown in fig. 4, when the program selection key 30 is operated in a state where the washing and drying operation is selected, the program is shifted to a program selection screen for selecting a program corresponding to the washing and drying operation (see fig. 6).

The start key 31 is an operation key for starting operation, and is displayed at an end portion of the screen, more specifically, at a lower right end of the screen. When the start key 31 is displayed, the control device 4 always displays the same position. The control device 4 may be configured to display the start key 31 at a common position on at least the top screen, the program selection screen, and a program detailed screen described later as the operation type selection screen.

In this case, the colors are associated with different colors for each type of operation. For example, a cleaning operation corresponds to a blue color, a cleaning and drying operation corresponds to a green color, and a drying operation corresponds to an orange color. The colors corresponding to these are preferably set to colors that match the impression of each operation, for example, by setting the washing operation to a blue color (for example, blue or cyan) associated with water, and the drying operation to a red color (for example, orange or red) associated with hot air.

When a predetermined operation type icon is operated and an operation corresponding to the operated operation type icon is selected, the control device 4 displays a background display of a color of the same color system as the color of the selected operation on an arbitrary region on the screen displayed at that time (in this case, the home screen) and a screen displayed later (for example, a program selection screen).

In the home screen, the head 21, the area in which the run type icon is arranged, and the tail 25, that is, the entire area of the home screen are displayed as a background in the same color system as the color corresponding to the selected run. However, in this case, the background color of the head 21 and the region in which the operation type icon is arranged is darker than the background color of the tail 25.

The control device 4 is set to a state in which the operation type icon corresponding to the executed operation (previous operation) is selected on the home screen displayed after the washing machine 1 is powered on again after the operation is executed. However, the control device 4 may not perform such control when the previous operation is the dry operation. This is because the drying operation is used less frequently than the washing operation and the washing-drying operation.

Further, in the home screen displayed after the washing machine 1 is powered on again after the operation is executed, the control device 4 sets the program for the washing operation, the washing-drying operation, and the drying operation to the state in which the program for the previous operation is selected. When a predetermined operation type icon is selected, the control device 4 changes the selected operation type icon to a display including the name of the program that was operated last and an icon corresponding to the program.

For example, when the previously performed washing operation is the stored program and the previously performed washing and drying operation is the standard program, if the washing operation icon 22 is selected on the home screen after the power is turned on again, the control device 4 changes the washing operation icon 22 to a display including the name of the stored program and the icon corresponding to the stored program. In this case, when the wash/dry operation icon 23 is selected on the home screen after the power is turned on again, the control device 4 changes the wash/dry operation icon 23 to a display including the name of the standard program and the icon corresponding to the standard program.

However, when the program that has been previously run is a standard program or a program other than a stored program, the control device 4 may not perform such control. This is because the programs other than the standard program and the stored program are used less frequently than the standard program and the stored program. For example, when the program to be operated in the previous time is a standard program or a program other than a stored program, the control device 4 may be configured to select the standard program and change the operation type icon in the selected state to a display including the name of the standard program and an icon corresponding to the standard program.

The type, program, and the like of the operation performed in the preceding stage may be stored in a nonvolatile memory provided in a microcomputer constituting the control device 4. In addition, if a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM is provided outside the microcomputer, the type of operation, program, and the like may be stored in the external EEPROM. In this case, the microcomputer may write and read data such as the type of operation and the program to and from the EEPROM through various serial communications.

[2] About program selection screen

As described above, when the predetermined operation type icon is operated twice on the home screen or when the program selection key 30 is operated, the screen is shifted to the program selection screen for selecting the program corresponding to the operation selected at that time. Note that, although the contents of the program selection screen are described here by taking the program selection screen corresponding to the cleaning operation and the program selection screen corresponding to the cleaning/drying operation as examples, the contents are the same for the other program selection screens.

As shown in fig. 5 and 6, the program selection screen is provided with a head 21 and a tail 25, which are the same as those of the top page screen. However, a close key 33 is provided at the end 25 of the program selection screen instead of the program selection key 30. The close key 33 is an operation key for closing the program selection screen and returning to the home screen. Therefore, when the close key 33 is operated, the program selection screen is changed to the home screen.

The program selection screen is a display on which the user can select a program while referring to the outline and the process content of the program. Specifically, the program selection screen is provided with a program list display area 35 on the upper side of the central portion of the screen, the program list display area displaying a plurality of program icons 34 provided corresponding to each program in a manner aligned in the lateral direction of the screen.

In the program selection screen corresponding to the washing operation shown in fig. 5, program icons 34 corresponding to the standard program, the soak program, the quick wash program, the stored program, and the light program are displayed. In addition, on the program selection screen corresponding to the washing and drying operation shown in fig. 6, program icons 34 corresponding to the standard program, the soak program, the quick-wash program, the stored program, and the small 60-minute program are displayed.

Each program icon 34 is a display mode in which a program can be imagined. For example, the program icon 34 of the standard program is a display form schematically showing a T-shirt as an example of laundry. The program icon 34 of the soaking program is a display mode showing a state where the T-shirt is soaked in the container storing water.

Further, there are actually other types of programs that can be set on the program selection screen, and program icons corresponding to other programs can be displayed in accordance with an operation of an arrow icon 36 provided at the right end of the program list display area 35.

In the program selection screen, a program information display area 37 for displaying information related to the program is provided below the center of the screen. That is, the program information display area 37 is provided in an area other than the program list display area 35 on the program selection screen. The program information display area 37 includes a procedure information display area 38 for displaying procedure displays representing all the procedures in a time-series manner along the lateral direction of the screen.

Specifically, in the course information display area 38 in the program selection screen corresponding to the washing operation shown in fig. 5, a washing icon 39 displayed as a course indicating a washing course, a rinsing icon 40 displayed as a course indicating a rinsing course, and a spin-drying icon 41 displayed as a course indicating a spin-drying course are arranged in order from the left to the right, that is, in time series.

In the course information display area 38 on the program selection screen corresponding to the washing/drying operation shown in fig. 6, a washing icon 39, a rinsing icon 40, a dewatering icon 41, and a drying icon 42 displayed as a course indicating a drying course are arranged in a row in this order from left to right. As shown in fig. 5 and 6, the process information display area 38 also includes a display for showing the setting state of the bath water.

The above-described process displays (the wash icon 39, the rinse icon 40, the spin icon 41, and the dry icon 42) are associated with different colors. Specifically, the wash icon 39 corresponds to darker blue, the rinse icon 40 corresponds to lighter blue, the spin icon 41 corresponds to cyan, and the dry icon 42 corresponds to orange. The control device 4 displays the wash icon 39, the rinse icon 40, the spin icon 41, and the dry icon 42 in colors corresponding to each other.

In the program selection screen, the head 21, the program list display area 35, and the tail 25 are displayed as a background of the same color system as the color corresponding to the selected operation. However, in this case, the background color of the head portion 21 and the program list display region 35 is set to be a darker color than the background color of the tail portion 25.

When a predetermined program icon 34 is operated, the control device 4 selects a program corresponding to the operated program icon 34 and reverses the display color of the operated program icon 34. This makes it possible for the user to easily recognize which program the program selected at that time is.

when a predetermined program icon 34 is operated, the control device 4 causes the program information display area 37 to display information related to the program corresponding to the operated program icon 34. Therefore, when the program icon 34 corresponding to the standard program is operated, the display color of the program icon 34 corresponding to the standard program is reversed, and various kinds of information related to the standard program are displayed in the program information display area 37, as shown in fig. 5.

As described above, the start key 31 is also displayed on the program selection screen. In the program selection screen, a setting change key 43 is displayed at a position above the start key 31, that is, at the right end of the lower portion of the screen. The setting change key 43 is an operation key for shifting to a program detailed screen for setting the contents of a program.

In this case, when the setting change key 43 is operated, the screen is shifted to a program detail screen for setting the contents of the program selected at that time. Specifically, as shown in fig. 5, when the setting change key 43 is operated in a state in which the standard program is selected in the program selection screen corresponding to the washing operation, the screen transitions to a program detail screen corresponding to the standard program for the washing operation (see fig. 7). As shown in fig. 6, when the setting change key 43 is operated in a state in which the standard program is selected in the program selection screen corresponding to the washing and drying operation, the screen transitions to a program detail screen corresponding to the standard program of the washing and drying operation (see fig. 8).

In this case, the control device 4 causes the process information display area 38 to function as an operation key for shifting to the program detailed screen, that is, an operation key equivalent to the setting change key 43. Therefore, when the process information display area 38 is operated, the screen is changed to a program detail screen for setting the contents of the program selected at that time.

[3] Detailed picture of program

As described above, when the setting change key 43 or the procedure information display area 38 is operated on the program selection screen, the screen is shifted to a program detail screen for setting the contents of the program selected at that time. Note that, although the contents of the program detail screen are described here by taking as an example a program detail screen corresponding to the standard program in the cleaning operation and a program detail screen corresponding to the standard program in the cleaning/drying operation, the same contents are also applied to the other program detail screens.

As shown in fig. 7 to 10, the program detailed screen includes a header 21 and a footer 25, which are the same as those of the program selection screen. In the program detailed screen, the head 21 and the tail 25 are displayed as a background of the same color system as the color corresponding to the selected operation. However, in this case, the background color of the head 21 is darker than the background color of the tail 25.

The program detail screen is displayed so that the user can confirm the detailed contents of the selected program and can set (change) the contents. Specifically, in the program selection screen, an area 44 is provided in the center of the screen, and details of the program and various operation keys for setting the program are displayed in the area 44.

The control device 4 displays the names of programs, process displays indicating all the processes, process condition displays indicating conditions of the respective processes, process condition change keys serving as operation keys for changing the conditions of the respective processes, and the like in the area 44. Specifically, in the area 44 in the program detail screen shown in fig. 7 to 10, a return key 45 is displayed at the right end of the upper part of the screen. The return key 45 is an operation key for closing the program detail screen and returning to the previous screen, that is, the program selection screen. Therefore, when the return key 45 is operated, the program detailed screen is changed to the program selection screen.

In the area 44 of the program detail screen shown in fig. 7, a washing icon 46 displayed as a course indicating a washing course, a rinsing icon 47 displayed as a course indicating a rinsing course, and a spin-drying icon 48 displayed as a course indicating a spin-drying course are arranged in a lateral direction in order from the left side of the screen, that is, in a time series. In the area 44 of the program detail screen shown in fig. 8 to 10, the washing icon 46, the rinsing icon 47, the spin-drying icon 48, and the drying icon 49 displayed as a course showing the drying course are arranged in the horizontal direction in order from the left to the right, that is, in the time series.

the above-described process displays (the wash icon 46, the rinse icon 47, the spin icon 48, and the dry icon 49) are the same as the process displays on the program selection screen, and are associated with different colors. The control device 4 displays the wash icon 46, the rinse icon 47, the spin icon 48, and the dry icon 49 in colors corresponding to each other.

In the area 44 of the program detailed screen shown in fig. 7, a process condition display "automatic (14 minutes)" showing the conditions of the washing process is displayed below the washing icon 46, a process condition display "automatic (2 times)" showing the conditions of the rinsing process is displayed below the rinsing icon 47, and a process condition display "automatic (3 minutes)" showing the conditions of the dehydrating process is displayed below the dehydrating icon 48.

In the area 44 of the program detail screen shown in fig. 8 to 10, a process condition display "automatic (14 minutes)" showing the conditions of the washing process is displayed below the washing icon 46, a process condition display "automatic (2 times)" showing the conditions of the rinsing process is displayed below the rinsing icon 47, a process condition display "automatic" showing the conditions of the dehydrating process is displayed below the dehydrating icon 48, and a process condition display "energy saving" showing the conditions of the drying process is displayed below the drying icon 49. In this way, the control device 4 displays the process display in a time-series manner along the lateral direction of the screen, and displays the process condition display in a manner juxtaposed to the process display.

An up key 50 and a down key 51 corresponding to the process condition change key are arranged above and below the wash icon 46 with the process condition display interposed therebetween. The plus key 50 located at the upper side of the process condition display is an operation key for increasing the washing time, and the washing time is increased by one minute every time the plus key 50 is operated once.

The down key 51 located on the lower side of the process condition display is an operation key for reducing the washing time, and the washing time is reduced by one minute each time the down key 51 is operated. In the program detailed screens shown in fig. 7 and 8, etc., the user can set (change) the washing time during washing to a desired time by operating the up key 50 and the down key 51.

Below the rinse icon 47, an up key 52 and a down key 53 corresponding to the process condition change key are arranged above and below the process condition display. The additional key 52 located on the upper side of the process condition display is an operation key for increasing the number of times of rinsing, and the number of times of rinsing is increased once every time the additional key 52 is operated once.

The down key 53 located at the lower side of the process condition display is an operation key for reducing the number of times of rinsing, and the number of times of rinsing is reduced once every time the down key 53 is operated once. In the program detailed screens shown in fig. 7 and 8, etc., the user can set (change) the number of times of rinsing during rinsing to a desired number of times by operating the up key 52 and the down key 53.

Below the spin-drying icon 48, an up key 54 and a down key 55 corresponding to the process condition change key are arranged above and below the process condition display. The additional key 54 located at the upper side of the process condition display is an operation key for increasing the dehydration time, which increases by one minute each time the additional key 54 is operated.

The minus key 55 located on the lower side of the process condition display is an operation key for reducing the dehydration time, and the dehydration time is reduced by one minute each time the minus key 55 is operated. In the program detail screen shown in fig. 7, the user can set (change) the spin-drying time during the spin-drying process to a desired time by operating the plus key 54 and the minus key 55.

In addition, the plus key 54 and the minus key 55 are not displayed on the program detailed screen corresponding to the standard program of the washing and drying operation shown in fig. 8 to 10. This is because the specification of the washing machine 1 is a specification in which the dehydration time in the washing-drying operation cannot be changed by the user. Therefore, in the program detailed screens shown in fig. 8 to 10, the user cannot set (change) the dehydration time in the dehydration process.

The process condition display 56 displayed below the drying icon 49 also functions as an operation key (process condition change key) for setting (changing) the conditions of the drying process. In this case, when the process condition display 56 is operated, a drying setting screen for setting the conditions of the drying process is displayed. The content of the drying setting screen will be described later.

The control device 4 displays a process switch key, which is an operation key for setting whether or not to execute each process, in the area 44. Specifically, in the area 44 on the program detail screen shown in fig. 7, the in-process switch keys 57, 58, and 59 are disposed below the down keys 51, 53, and 55, respectively. In the area 44 on the program detail screen shown in fig. 8 to 10, the in-process switch keys 57 and 58 are disposed below the down keys 51 and 53, respectively.

The course switches 57, 58, and 59 are operation keys for setting whether to perform the washing course, the rinsing course, and the spin-drying course, respectively. The user can switch between the setting for executing the washing course and the setting for not executing the washing course by operating the course switch key 57. The user can switch between the setting for performing the rinsing process and the setting for not performing the rinsing process by operating the process switch key 58. The user can switch between the setting for performing the dehydration process and the setting for not performing the dehydration process by operating the process switch key 59.

When the process switches 57 to 59 are operated to set the corresponding process, the process switches 57 to 59 are displayed to show the process. For example, when the washing course is set to be executed by operating the course switch key 57, an on indicating that the corresponding course is to be executed is displayed on the course switch key 57 as shown in fig. 7 and 8.

When the process switches 57 to 59 are operated to set a process for which no corresponding process is to be executed, the process switches 57 to 59 are set to a display mode indicating that no process is to be executed. For example, when the washing course is set not to be executed by operating the course switch key 57, "off" indicating that the corresponding course is not to be executed is displayed on the course switch key 57 as shown in fig. 9.

At this time, the process condition display indicating the conditions of the washing process, the plus key 50, and the minus key 51 are displayed in a light gray color, so-called graying, and the setting change of the conditions of the washing process is not accepted. That is, when the process switches 57 to 59 are operated and the corresponding process is set to none, the control device 4 invalidates the operation reception related to the process condition change key for changing the condition of the process.

Further, when the process switch key is operated and the execution of the process is set to none after the process condition change key is operated and the condition of the process corresponding to the process condition change key is changed, the control device 4 initializes the condition of the process set in accordance with the operation of the process condition change key.

For example, it is assumed that one or both of the up key 50 and the down key 51 are operated, and the washing time during the washing process is changed from "automatic (14 minutes)" as the initial setting to "5 minutes" as shown in fig. 10. When the course switch key 57 is operated from this state to a setting (the state shown in fig. 9) in which the washing course is not executed, the washing time during the washing course is automatically changed to "automatic (14 minutes)" as an initial setting, that is, initialized. Therefore, when the course switch key 57 is operated again to set the washing course to be executed thereafter, "automatic (14 minutes)" as the initial setting is displayed in the course condition display showing the conditions of the washing course as shown in fig. 8.

A bathtub water setting key 60 is disposed at the right end of the central portion of the area 44, and the bathtub water setting key 60 is an operation key for changing the setting of bathtub water as a water supply method. The setting state of the bath water at that time (none in fig. 7 and the like) is displayed on the bath water setting key 60. In this case, when the bathtub water setting key 60 is operated, a bathtub water setting screen for setting related to bathtub water is displayed. The contents of the bath water setting screen will be described later.

In the area 44, a setting clear key 61 is arranged on the left side of the return key 45. The setting clear key 61 is an operation key for initializing all process conditions. However, when all the process conditions are not changed but the initial settings are maintained, the setting clear key 61 is in the state of ashing as shown in fig. 7 to 9, and the control device 4 is in the state of not accepting the operation.

When at least one of the conditions of each process is changed, the setting clear key 61 is in a normal display state as shown in fig. 10, and the control device 4 is in a state of receiving the operation. Therefore, in this state, when the setting clear key 61 is operated, all the process conditions are automatically changed to the initial settings, that is, initialized.

[4] Drying setting screen

As described above, when the process condition display 56 is operated on the program detail screen, the drying setting screen is displayed. For example, when the process condition display 56 is operated on the program detail screen shown in fig. 8, the drying setting screen is displayed in a superimposed manner on the program detail screen as shown in fig. 11. The drying setting screen is smaller in size than the program detail screen, and a part of the program detail screen is displayed. In this case, at least a part of the start key 31 displayed on the program detail screen is covered with the dry setting screen.

However, in this case, the program detail screen is shaded, i.e., grayed out, and operation of all the operation keys including the start key 31 is not accepted. That is, the control device 4 invalidates the operation reception of the start key 31 when the dry setting screen as another screen is superimposed on the program detailed screen as the screen on which the start key 31 is displayed.

On the drying setting screen, icons 62 corresponding to a plurality of drying completion settings (in this case, energy saving, fast, high quality drying, hard drying, timer) are arranged. The user can set the conditions of the drying process to desired conditions by operating an icon corresponding to a desired setting among these icons 62.

Two operation keys for increasing and decreasing the drying time are arranged in the upper and lower sides with an icon 62 corresponding to the timer interposed therebetween. By operating these operation keys, the user can set the drying time to a desired time when the drying completion setting is a timer.

a setting information display area 63 for displaying information related to the drying completion setting is provided on the drying setting screen. When a predetermined icon 62 is operated, the control device 4 displays the operated icon 62 in a highlighted manner, and displays information related to the drying completion setting corresponding to the operated icon 62 in the setting information display area 63.

Specifically, when the icon 62 corresponding to "energy saving" is operated, as shown in fig. 11, the outer frame of the icon 62 corresponding to "energy saving" is displayed in a bold line as compared with the outer frames of the other icons 62. At this time, the setting information display area 63 displays the general contents of the drying completion setting "energy saving". Thus, the user can easily recognize the currently selected drying completion setting and can grasp the outline of the setting.

A close key 64 is disposed on the lower left side of the drying setting screen, and a decision key 65 is disposed on the lower right side. The close key 64 is an operation key for closing the drying setting screen without reflecting an operation of changing the setting on the drying setting screen. The decision key 65 is an operation key for turning off the drying setting screen in response to an operation reflecting a setting change in the drying setting screen.

[5] Picture about setting water in bathtub

As described above, when the bath water setting key 60 is operated on the program detail screen, the bath water setting screen is displayed. For example, when the bath water setting key 60 is operated on the program detail screen shown in fig. 8, the bath water setting screen is displayed in a superimposed manner on the program detail screen as shown in fig. 12. The size of the bath water setting screen is smaller than the program detail screen, and a part of the program detail screen is displayed. In this case, at least a part of the start key 31 displayed on the program detail screen is covered with the bath water setting screen.

However, in this case, the program detail screen is shaded, that is, grayed out, and the operation of all the operation keys including the start key 31 is not accepted. That is, the control device 4 invalidates the reception of the operation of the start key 31 when a bath water setting screen as another screen is superimposed on a program detailed screen as a screen on which the start key 31 is displayed.

Icons 67 corresponding to a plurality of tub water settings (in this case, none, wash and rinse 1, and rinse 1) are arranged on the tub water setting screen. The user can set the bath water setting to a desired content by operating an icon corresponding to a desired setting among these icons 67.

A setting information display area 68 in which information related to the setting of the bath water is displayed is provided on the bath water setting screen. When a predetermined icon 67 is operated, the controller 4 highlights the operated icon 67 and displays information related to the bath water setting corresponding to the operated icon 67 in the setting information display area 68.

Specifically, when the icon 67 corresponding to "none" is operated, the outer frame of the icon 67 corresponding to "none" is displayed in a bold line as compared with the outer frames of the other icons 67, as shown in fig. 12. At this time, the general contents of the bathtub water setting "none" are displayed in the setting information display area 68. Thus, the user can easily recognize the currently selected bath water setting and can grasp the outline of the setting.

A close key 69 is disposed on the lower left side of the bathtub water setting screen, and a decision key 70 is disposed on the lower right side. The close key 69 is an operation key for closing the bath water setting screen without reflecting an operation of setting change in the bath water setting screen. The decision key 70 is an operation key for closing the bath water setting screen in response to an operation reflecting a setting change in the bath water setting screen.

[6] Four operation keys with respect to the tail

As described above, the same tail portion 25 is provided on the home screen image, the program selection screen image, and the program detail screen image, and four operation keys (the setting key 26, the lighting switch key 27, the warm water setting key 28, and the reservation setting key 29) different from the program selection key 30 and the start key 31 are arranged in the area 32 of the tail portion 25. That is, these four operation keys are always displayed in a fixed manner on various display screens before the start of operation. In addition, these four operation keys are operation keys for making settings related to the operation of the washing machine 1, and are operation keys whose frequency of use is relatively high.

The setting key 26 is an operation key for making various settings regarding the washing machine 1. When the setting key 26 is operated, the screen is changed to the main body setting screen shown in fig. 13. In the main body setting screen, "brightness setting for display" for setting the brightness of the liquid crystal display, "time setting" for setting the clock time of the washing machine 1, "child safety lock" for forcibly locking the door, and the like can be executed.

The illumination switch key 27 is an operation key for turning on (turning on) or off (turning off) illumination (for example, an LED) for illuminating the inside of the tub of the washing machine 1. The illumination is turned on by the operation of the illumination switch key 27, and the inside of the tub of the washing machine 1 is illuminated by the light of the LED, so that the dark inside of the tub is made bright, which can help the user to take out and put in the laundry (clothes).

The warm water setting key 28 is an operation key for setting the temperature of water used during operation. When the warm water setting key 28 is operated, a warm water setting screen for setting the temperature of water to be heated to several degrees or the like during washing in the washing operation or the washing-drying operation is displayed.

For example, when the hot water setting key 28 is operated on the program detail screen shown in fig. 8, a hot water setting screen is displayed in a superimposed manner on the program detail screen as shown in fig. 14. The size of the warm water setting screen is smaller than the program detail screen, and a part of the program detail screen is displayed. In this case, at least a part of the start key 31 displayed on the program detail screen is covered with the hot water setting screen.

However, in this case, the program detail screen is shaded, that is, grayed out, and the operation of all the operation keys including the start key 31 is not accepted. That is, the control device 4 invalidates the reception of the operation of the start key 31 when the hot water setting screen as another screen is superimposed on the program detail screen as the screen on which the start key 31 is displayed.

Icons 71 corresponding to a plurality of warm water settings (in this case, none, 15 ℃, 30 ℃, 40 ℃, 50 ℃, 60 ℃ sterilization) are arranged on the warm water setting screen. The user can set the warm water setting to a desired setting by operating an icon corresponding to the desired setting among these icons 71.

A setting information display area 72 in which information related to the warm water setting is displayed is provided on the warm water setting screen. When a predetermined icon 71 is operated, the control device 4 displays the operated icon 71 in a highlighted manner, and displays information related to the hot water setting corresponding to the operated icon 71 in the setting information display area 72.

Specifically, when the icon 71 corresponding to "none" is operated, the outer frame of the icon 71 corresponding to "none" is displayed in a bold line as compared with the outer frames of the other icons 71, as shown in fig. 14. At this time, the general contents of "none" regarding the warm water setting are displayed in the setting information display area 72. This allows the user to easily recognize the currently selected hot water setting and to grasp the outline of the setting.

A close key 73 is disposed on the lower left side of the hot water setting screen, and a decision key 74 is disposed on the lower right side. The close key 73 is an operation key for closing the hot water setting screen without reflecting an operation of changing the setting on the hot water setting screen. The decision key 74 is an operation key for closing the hot water setting screen in response to an operation reflecting a setting change of the hot water setting screen.

The reservation setting key 29 is an operation key for setting a reservation for operation. When the reservation setting key 29 is operated, a reservation setting screen as shown in fig. 15 is displayed. A reservation setting screen for setting the end time of the operation and the like is displayed. The reservation setting screen is smaller in size than the top page screen, the program selection screen, and the program detail screen. However, in this case, almost the entire areas of the home screen, the program selection screen, and the program detail screen are covered with the reservation setting screen.

Icons 75 corresponding to a plurality of reservation settings (in this case, none, morning reservation, home reservation, and outside reservation) are arranged on the reservation setting screen. The user can set the reservation setting to a desired setting by operating an icon corresponding to the desired setting among these icons 75.

In addition, four operation keys 76 to 79 for setting the end time of the operation are provided on the reservation setting screen, and a time display area 80 for displaying the set end time is provided. On the reservation setting screen, a settable time display area 81 indicating an end time that can be set at the current time is provided for the currently selected operation and program. The user can set the end time of the operation to a desired time by operating the four operation keys 76 while confirming the time displayed in the time display area 80 and the settable end time displayed in the settable time display area 81.

A setting information display area 82 in which information related to reservation setting is displayed is provided on the reservation setting screen. When a predetermined icon 75 is operated, the control device 4 displays the operated icon 75 in a highlighted manner, and displays information related to the reservation setting corresponding to the operated icon 75 in the setting information display area 82.

Specifically, when the icon 75 corresponding to the "morning reservation" is operated, the outer frame of the icon 75 corresponding to the "morning reservation" is displayed in a thick line as compared with the outer frames of the other icons 75, as shown in fig. 15. At this time, the setting information display area 82 displays the contents of the reservation setting "morning reservation". Thus, the user can easily recognize the currently selected reservation setting and can grasp the outline of the setting.

A close key 83 is disposed on the lower left side of the reservation setting screen, and a decision key 84 is disposed on the lower right side. The close key 83 is an operation key for closing the reservation setting screen without reflecting an operation of changing the setting on the reservation setting screen. The decision key 84 is an operation key for closing the reservation setting screen in response to an operation reflecting a setting change in the reservation setting screen. In this case, the reserved operation is started by operating the decision key 84. The reason for this is as follows.

That is, if the screen is changed to various screens before operation when the decision key 84 is operated, there is a possibility that the program content and the like may be changed later. If a change is added to the program contents or the like in a state where the reservation setting is made, there is a fear that the operation cannot be ended before the set end time. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in order to prevent the case where the operation cannot be ended before the end time of the reservation by adding a change to the program content or the like after the execution of the reservation setting, the reserved operation is started when the decision key 84 is operated.

When a setting different from the initial setting is executed in accordance with the operation of the on/off switch key 27, the hot water setting key 28, and the reservation setting key 29 among the four operation keys, the control device 4 changes the display mode of the operated operation key. In addition, the background color of the four operation keys is generally darker gray. For example, when the illumination setting is changed from "off" as the initial setting to "on" in accordance with the operation of the illumination on/off key 27, the display mode of the illumination on/off key 27 is changed. Specifically, in this case, the background color of the illumination on/off key 27 is changed from a darker gray color to a color (for example, yellow) in which the illumination is supposed to be on.

When the hot water setting is changed from "none" as the initial setting to "50 ℃ by operating the hot water setting key 28, the display mode of the hot water setting key 28 is changed. Specifically, in this case, as shown in fig. 16, the background color of the warm water setting key 28 is changed from darker gray to a color (for example, red) in which warm water is conceivably present, and the display of "50 ℃" is added to the warm water setting key 28.

Further, when the reservation setting is changed from "none" as the initial setting to "home reservation" in accordance with the operation of the reservation setting key 29 and the end time thereof is set to "19: 00 ″, the display mode of the reservation setting key 29 is changed. Specifically, in this case, as shown in fig. 17, the background color of the reservation setting key 29 is changed from darker gray to lighter gray, and "19: 00 ".

Fig. 17 is a display screen displayed when a reservation setting is made in the standard program of the washing and drying operation. When a setting different from the initial setting is executed in accordance with the operation of the hot water setting key 28 and the reservation setting key 29 as described above, the control device 4 changes the display mode of the operation keys to indicate the state of the executed setting (status).

[7] About pictures in operation

As described above, the start key 31 is displayed on the home screen, the program selection screen, and the program detail screen, which are screens before operation. When the start key 31 is operated on these screens before operation, the operation type selected at that time and the operation under the program are started.

When the operation is started, an operation screen having the following contents is displayed. In this case, the contents of the in-operation screen will be described by taking as an example the in-operation screen corresponding to the standard program of the washing and drying operation, but the same contents will be applied to other in-operation screens. E.g. 18E

As shown in fig. 21, the in-operation screen displayed during execution of the operation includes a head 21 and a tail 25, which are the same as the various screens before the operation (the top screen, the program selection screen, and the program detail screen). However, the end portion 25 of the running screen is provided with a temporary stop key 85 instead of the program selection key 30 and the start key 31.

The temporary stop key 85 is an operation key for temporarily stopping the operation. In this case, the temporary stop key 85 is disposed in a region corresponding to a region in which the program selection key 30 and the start key 31 are disposed in various screens before operation. The arrangement of the temporary stop key 85 is not limited to this arrangement, and may be arranged in an area including at least a part of the area where the start key 31 is arranged in various screens before operation, for example. When the pause key 85 is operated, the operation is temporarily stopped, and a pause screen described later is displayed.

In the operation screen, an area 86 in which the remaining operation time, which is the time required until the operation is completed, is displayed is provided above the center of the screen. In the operation screen, a process status display unit 87 is provided below the center of the screen, and displays the setting status of each process and the progress status of the current operation (progress status of the process). A process display showing all the processes in operation including the currently-in-progress process is displayed in the process status display unit 87 in a time-series manner along the horizontal direction of the screen.

Specifically, in the operation screens shown in fig. 18 to 21, a washing icon 88 that is a process display showing a washing process, a rinsing icon 89 that is a process display showing a rinsing process, a dehydrating icon 90 that is a dehydrating process, and a drying icon 91 that is a process display showing a drying process are arranged in the process status display unit 87 in order from left to right, that is, in time series.

The above-described process displays (the washing icon 88, the rinsing icon 89, the spin-drying icon 90, and the drying icon 91) are associated with different colors, respectively, in the same manner as the process displays on the program selection screen and the like. The control device 4 sets a background display of a color of the same color system as the color corresponding to the process being executed, for an arbitrary region of the screen during operation. In this case, the head 21 and the area 86, which are areas including the end portions of the screen, are arbitrary areas that are displayed as a background in the same color system as the color corresponding to the process being executed. That is, in this case, the control device 4 displays the remaining operating time in the arbitrary region.

Therefore, the background color of the head 21 and the area 86 of the screen during operation is set to the color of the same color system corresponding to the washing process during the execution of the washing process, the color of the same color system corresponding to the rinsing process during the execution of the rinsing process, the color of the same color system corresponding to the dehydrating process during the execution of the dehydrating process, and the color of the same color system corresponding to the drying process during the execution of the drying process.

The control device 4 sets the background colors of the icon corresponding to the completed process and the icon corresponding to the process being executed, among the washing icon 88, the rinsing icon 89, the spin-dry icon 90, and the dry icon 91, to the colors corresponding to the respective colors. Further, the control device 4 sets the background color of the icon corresponding to the unexecuted process, that is, the unexecuted process, among the washing icon 88, the rinsing icon 89, the spin-drying icon 90, and the drying icon 91, to white.

The execution states of the respective processes are displayed below the wash icon 88, the rinse icon 89, the spin-dry icon 90, and the dry icon 91. Specifically, a check mark "レ" is displayed below the washing icon 88 when the washing course is completed, the course remaining time, which is the time required until the washing course is completed, is displayed when the washing course is in progress, and the set washing time, which is the set washing time, is displayed when the washing course is not completed.

Below the rinse icon 89, a check mark "レ" is displayed when the rinsing process is completed, the number of times required until the rinsing process is completed, that is, the number of times remaining in the process is displayed when the rinsing process is in progress, and the set number of times of rinsing, that is, the set number of times of rinsing is displayed when the rinsing process is not performed.

A check mark "レ" is displayed below the dewatering icon 90 when the dewatering process is completed, the remaining process time, which is the time required until the dewatering process is completed, is displayed when the dewatering process is in progress, and the set dewatering time, which is the set dewatering time, is displayed when the dewatering process is not completed.

Below the drying icon 91, a check mark "レ" is displayed when the drying process is completed, the process remaining time, which is the time required until the drying process is completed, is displayed when the drying process is in progress, and the set drying completion setting is displayed when the drying process is not completed.

In the process status display unit 87, a bathtub water icon 92 indicating supply of bathtub water is disposed on the right side of the dry icon 91. A check mark "レ" is displayed below the bath water icon 92 when the supply of bath water is completed, and the setting content of bath water is displayed when the supply of bath water is being performed or when the supply of bath water is not being performed.

For example, in the in-operation screen during execution of the washing process, as shown in fig. 18, "10 minutes" as the process remaining time of the washing process is displayed below the washing icon 88, "2 times" as the set rinsing frequency is displayed below the rinsing icon 89, "3 minutes" as the set dehydrating time is displayed below the dehydrating icon 90, "energy saving" as the drying completion setting is displayed below the drying icon 91, and "washing" as the tub water setting content is displayed below the tub water icon 92.

at this time, "2 hours and 00 minutes" as the remaining operating time is displayed in the area 86, and the head 21 and the area 86 are set to the background display of the same color system as the color corresponding to the washing course as the course being executed. At this time, the washing icon 88 is given a background color of a color corresponding to the washing course, and the rinsing icon 89, the spin-drying icon 90, and the drying icon 91 are given no background color and are provided as a white background.

In the in-operation screen during execution of the rinsing process, as shown in fig. 19, a check mark "レ" is displayed below the washing icon 88, "1 time" as the remaining number of the rinsing process is displayed below the rinsing icon 89, "3 minutes" as the set spinning time is displayed below the spinning icon 90, "energy saving" as the drying completion setting is displayed below the drying icon 91, and a check mark "レ" is displayed below the bath water icon 92.

At this time, "1 hour and 30 minutes" as the remaining operating time is displayed in the area 86, and the head 21 and the area 86 are displayed as a background of the same color system as the color corresponding to the rinsing process as the ongoing process. At this time, the washing icon 88 is given a background color of a color corresponding to the washing course, the rinsing icon 89 is given a background color of a color corresponding to the rinsing course, and the dehydration icon 90 and the drying icon 91 are given a white background without being given a background color.

In the in-operation screen during execution of the spin-drying process, as shown in fig. 20, a check mark "レ" is displayed below both the washing icon 88 and the rinsing icon 89, "1 minute" which is the process remaining time of the spin-drying process is displayed below the spin-drying icon 90, "energy saving" which is the drying completion setting is displayed below the drying icon 91, and a check mark "レ" is displayed below the bath water icon 92.

At this time, "1 hour 00 minute" as the remaining operating time is displayed in the area 86, and the head 21 and the area 86 are displayed as a background in the same color system as the color corresponding to the dehydration process as the process being executed. At this time, the washing icon 88 is given a background color of a color corresponding to the washing course, the rinsing icon 89 is given a background color of a color corresponding to the rinsing course, the spin-drying icon 90 is given a background color of a color corresponding to the spin-drying course, and the drying icon 91 is given a white background without being given a background color.

In the in-operation screen during the execution of the drying process, as shown in fig. 21, a check mark "レ" is displayed below all of the washing icon 88, the rinsing icon 89, and the dewatering icon 90, "30 minutes" which is the process remaining time of the drying process is displayed below the drying icon 91, and a check mark "レ" is displayed below the bath water icon 92.

At this time, "30 minutes" as the remaining operating time is displayed in the area 86, and the head 21 and the area 86 are displayed as a background in the same color system as the color corresponding to the drying process as the process being executed. At this time, the washing icon 88 is given a background color of a color corresponding to the washing course, the rinsing icon 89 is given a background color of a color corresponding to the rinsing course, the dehydrating icon 90 is given a background color of a color corresponding to the dehydrating course, and the drying icon 91 is given a background color of a color corresponding to the drying course.

As shown in fig. 18 to 21, the rear portion 25 of the screen image in operation is provided with an area 32 in which four operation keys similar to those of the various screen images before operation are arranged. That is, the setting key 26, the lighting switch key 27, the hot water setting key 28, and the reservation setting key 29, which are four operation keys, are always displayed in the same layout at the same position on any of the various screens before operation and the screen during operation.

However, in the on screen, the setting key 26, the hot water setting key 28, and the reservation setting key 29 are in a state of being given a background color of light gray, so-called graying, and the control device 4 invalidates the operation reception of the setting key 26, the hot water setting key 28, and the reservation setting key 29 in the on screen. Therefore, the user cannot perform various settings related to the washing machine 1, setting of warm water, and setting of reservation while the operation is being performed.

On the other hand, the on/off switch key 27 is in a state of being given a dark gray background color, and the control device 4 validates the operation reception of the on/off switch key 27 also on the running screen. Therefore, the user can switch the on/off of the illumination by operating the illumination switch key 27 even while the execution of the run is being performed.

[8] About temporarily stopped picture

As described above, when the pause key 85 is operated on the on screen, the operation is temporarily stopped, and the temporarily stopped screen is displayed. In this case, the contents of the temporarily stopped screen will be described by taking the temporarily stopped screen corresponding to the standard program of the washing and drying operation as an example, but the same contents will be applied to other temporarily stopped screens.

The temporary stop screen shown in fig. 22 is a screen displayed when the temporary stop key 85 is operated during the execution of the spin-drying process. As shown in fig. 22, the temporarily stopped screen is provided with a head 21 and a tail 25 similar to those of the running screen. However, the start key 93 is provided in place of the pause key 85 at the end 25 of the screen during the pause.

The start key 93 is an operation key for starting (restarting) the operation. In this case, the start key 93 is disposed in an area corresponding to an area in which the pause key 85 is disposed on the running screen. The arrangement of the start key 93 is not limited to this arrangement, and may be arranged in a region including the right end of the lower portion of the screen. When the start key 93 is operated, the operation is restarted and the in-operation screen is displayed again.

The temporary stop screen includes the same area 86 as the operation screen and a process status display unit 87. In this case, in the area 86, a character "temporarily stopped" indicating that the operation is temporarily stopped is displayed instead of the remaining operation time. The length of the area 86 of the temporarily stopped screen in the vertical direction is smaller than that of the area 86 of the running screen. The process status display unit 87 for the temporary stop screen has a larger vertical length than the area 86 for the running screen.

That is, when the temporary stop key 85 is operated, the control device 4 reduces the area 86 in which the remaining operating time is displayed, and allocates an area secured by the reduction to the process status display unit 87, thereby enlarging the process status display unit 87. The controller 4 causes the setting change key 94 to be displayed in an enlarged area of the process status display unit 87, specifically, above the bathtub water icon 92.

The setting change key 94 is the same operation key as the setting change key 43, that is, an operation key for shifting to a program detailed screen for setting the contents of a program. Therefore, the user can change (review) the contents of the program by operating the setting change key 94 while the operation is temporarily stopped.

However, in the program detail screen displayed by operating the setting change key 94 on the temporary stop screen, as shown in fig. 23, the procedure switch key and the setting clear key 61 for changing whether or not each procedure is to be executed are not displayed. That is, the control device 4 does not display the procedure on/off key and the setup clear key 61 on the program detail screen displayed during the temporary stop of the operation.

An area 32 in which the same four operation keys as those of the screen in operation are arranged is provided at the end 25 of the screen in temporary stop. That is, the setting key 26, the lighting switch key 27, the hot water setting key 28, and the reservation setting key 29, which are four operation keys, are always displayed in the same layout at the same position on any of the on-screen and the temporarily stopped screen.

However, not only the illumination switch key 27 but also the setting key 26 are in a state of being given a dark gray background color on the temporary middle screen, and the control device 4 validates the operation reception of the setting key 26 on the temporary stop screen. That is, the control device 4 invalidates the reception of the operation during execution of the operation and validates the reception of the operation during temporary stop of the operation with respect to the setting key 26. Therefore, the user can perform various settings for washing machine 1 by operating setting key 26 during the temporary stop of the operation.

According to the present embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.

The control device 4 displays a start key 31 for starting operation on an end portion of the screen of the operation panel 5, more specifically, a right end of a lower portion of the screen. That is, in the present embodiment, the start key 31 is disposed at the lower right of the screen. Generally, it is known that the flow of the human sight line is moving from the top left to the bottom right of the screen. Therefore, by disposing the start key 31 at the lower right of the screen as in the present embodiment, the flow of the user's sight line viewed on the screen smoothly proceeds, and it is possible to prevent a load or a disturbance from being imposed on the flow of the user's sight line. Therefore, the user can finally operate the start key 31 while roughly browsing, confirming settings related to various operations, and grasping the contents. That is, the operation panel 5 of the present embodiment has a screen layout with high operability.

In the conventional configuration in which the start key is provided independently of the touch panel type liquid crystal display, the user needs to look away from the liquid crystal display, and thus the operability and visibility are impaired. In contrast, according to the present embodiment, the start key 31 is displayed (arranged) on the display unit 20 as a liquid crystal display, and the user can complete a series of operation operations including the grasping of the setting status in the liquid crystal display.

The start key 31 is disposed at the right end of the lower part of the screen so as to conform to the general human visual line flow. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, a user interface with high operability and convenience can be realized without imposing an excessive load on the operation setting of the user. That is, according to the present embodiment, an excellent effect of being able to further improve visibility and operability related to the operation setting of the washing machine 1 can be obtained.

The control device 4 always displays the start key 31 at the same position when displaying it. That is, the control device 4 displays the start key 31 at a common position on various screens (the home screen, the program selection screen, and the program detail screen) before the operation. In this case, the size of the start key 31 is also common.

In this way, the user can easily understand where the start key 31 is located on any of the various screens before operation, and does not need to move the line of sight significantly. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to realize a user interface with high operability that can easily perform an operation under a desired setting content without moving the user's sight line while reducing the load on understanding of the user's operation.

In the conventional configuration in which the start key is provided independently of the liquid crystal display, the user cannot easily grasp whether the start key is valid in the current setting state, that is, whether the operation can be started, because the start key is independent. In contrast, in the present embodiment, when another screen (for example, a bath water setting screen, a hot water setting screen, or the like) is superimposed on the screen on which the start key 31 is displayed, the control device 4 invalidates the operation reception of the start key 31. According to the present embodiment, the user can easily determine whether or not the operation of the start key 31 is effective, that is, whether or not the operation can be started, and a user interface with high operability can be realized.

In this case, the size of the other screen is smaller than the screen on which the start key 31 is displayed, and a part of the screen on which the start key 31 is displayed can be visually recognized by the user. However, the screen on which the start key 31 is displayed is in a grayed-out state, and thus the user can easily recognize that the operation of the start key 31 is invalid, that is, the operation cannot be started. In addition, since a part of the screen on which the start key 31 is displayed can be visually confirmed in this way, the user can grasp which screen is displayed before even in a state where another screen is displayed in a superimposed manner.

When displaying the home screen, the control device 4 displays the program selection key 30, which is an operation key for shifting to the program selection screen. If the user does not need to change the type of operation, the type of program, and the contents of the program after the power of the washing machine 1 is turned on, the operation can be started as it is by confirming the contents on the home screen and then operating the start key 31. On the other hand, when the type of program needs to be changed, the user must operate the program selection key 30 on the home screen to switch to the program selection screen and select a desired program.

In this case, the program selection key 30 is arranged at the right lower end of the screen in parallel with the start key 31. In this way, the user can recognize and operate the position of the program selection key 30 by a slight line-of-sight movement after confirming the setting status such as the current operation type displayed in the center portion of the screen image on the home screen image. That is, in the present embodiment, by disposing the program selection key 30 at the right end of the lower portion of the screen, the user can shift to the program selection screen by a line-of-sight movement without a load.

The control device 4 is provided with a region 32 in which four operation keys (a setting key 26, a light switch key 27, a warm water setting key 28, and a reservation setting key 29) for performing settings related to the operation of the washing machine 1, which are different from the program selection key 30 and the start key 31, are arranged at the tail portion 25, and when the four operation keys are displayed, they are always displayed at the same position. In this way, the user can perform various settings using the four operation keys arranged at the same position by performing the same operation on the four operation keys in any of the various screens before operation (home screen, program selection screen, and program detail screen) and the screen during operation.

For example, when the user wants to additionally execute a hot water setting after selecting a desired program on the program selection screen, or when a reservation setting is executed after finishing a process operation for setting a desired program on the program detail screen, the hot water setting key 28 and the reservation setting key 29 for performing these settings are displayed at fixed positions on the tail portion 25, and therefore, the positions of these operation keys can be easily recognized and quickly and reliably operated.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the four operation keys for setting the operation of the washing machine 1 are displayed at the fixed positions of the tail portion 25, and the layout is such that access can be made from any of the various screens before the operation and the screen during the operation, and there is no need to switch the screens when the four operation keys are operated. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, visibility and operability at the time of setting relating to the operation of the washing machine 1 can be improved.

in this case, the four operation keys are disposed at the same position on both the on-screen and the temporarily stopped screen. However, in the running screen, the setting key 26, the hot water setting key 28, and the reservation setting key 29 are in a state of being given a background color of light gray, and the control device 4 invalidates the reception of their operations. Further, on the on-screen image, the illumination switch key 27 is set to a state in which a dark gray background color is given, and the control device 4 validates the reception of the operation.

In the temporary stop screen, the hot water setting key 28 and the reservation setting key 29 are set to a state in which a background color of light gray is given, and the control device 4 invalidates the reception of the operations thereof. In the temporary stop screen, the setting key 26 and the on/off lighting key 27 are in a state of being given a dark gray background color, and the control device 4 validates the operation reception thereof. In this way, the user can easily determine which of the four operation keys can be operated and which cannot be operated, from the background colors of these operation keys, on the on-screen and the temporarily stopped screen.

When a setting different from the initial setting is executed in accordance with the operation of the lighting switch key 27, the hot water setting key 28, and the reservation setting key 29, the control device 4 changes the display mode of the operation key. In this way, when the user operates the lighting switch key 27, the hot water setting key 28, or the reservation setting key 29 to make various settings, the user can confirm that the settings made by the user are being reflected reliably, in response to a change in the display mode of the operation keys.

When the setting execution different from the initial setting is executed in accordance with the operation of the hot water setting key 28 and the reservation setting key 29, the control device 4 changes the display form of the operation keys so as to indicate the state of the executed setting, specifically, the set state is given to the operation keys. In this way, when the user operates the hot water setting key 28 or the reservation setting key 29 to make various settings, the user can easily confirm the setting state (for example, the temperature of the hot water, the end time of the operation, and the like) by confirming the display form of the operation key.

The warm water setting key 28 and the reservation setting key 29 among the four operation keys disposed in the area 32 of the tail portion 25 are very important in performing the operation of the washing machine 1. First, the warm water setting key 28 can set the water temperature used in the washing process, which is an important factor having a large relationship with the washing performance. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the user can frequently visually confirm the hot water setting key 28 related to such an important element by fixedly displaying it on the tail portion 25.

The reservation setting key 29 is used for setting a reservation for operation (setting of an end time) by the user, and it is desirable to improve visibility of a setting content (end time) when the reservation setting is completed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the reservation setting key 29 relating to such an important element is fixedly displayed on the tail portion 25, so that the user can frequently visually confirm the reservation setting key.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the hot water setting key 28 and the reservation setting key 29 are displayed in the same position with the same icon and the same layout in any of the various screens before operation, the screen during operation, and the screen during temporary stop. In this way, the user can easily visually confirm the position of the operation key for performing the setting and easily confirm the setting contents for the hot water setting and the reservation setting, which are important settings during the operation of the washing machine 1.

When a predetermined operation type icon is operated on the home screen on which a plurality of operation type icons (the wash operation icon 22, the wash/dry operation icon 23, and the dry operation icon 24) are arranged, the control device 4 causes the operated operation type icon to be displayed relatively larger than the non-operated operation type icon. In this way, the user can easily recognize which operation is selected, that is, which operation is the current setting.

When the operation type icon is displayed in an enlarged size in this manner, if the size of the operable area in which the operation can be performed is maintained at the size before enlargement, a large difference is generated between the size of the operation type icon and the size of the operable area, and there is a fear that a sense of incongruity is given to the user. Therefore, when a predetermined operation type icon is operated, the control device 4 increases the operable area in which the operation type icon can be operated relative to the operable area in which the operation type icon that has not been operated can be operated. In this way, a large difference is not generated between the size of the operation type icon and the size of the operable area, and a sense of incongruity can be prevented from being given to the user.

When a predetermined operation type icon is operated, the control device 4 displays the name of the program selected for the operation corresponding to the operated operation type icon and the icon corresponding to the program. More specifically, when a predetermined operation type icon is operated, the control device 4 changes the operated operation type icon to a display including the name of the program selected for the corresponding operation and the icon corresponding to the program. In this way, the user can easily recognize what program exists or what program is currently selected, according to the type of operation.

In the home screen, the wash operation icon 22, the wash dry operation icon 23, and the dry operation icon 24 are arranged in parallel in order from the left side of the screen. In this way, the layout is easy for the user to understand, and the user's operability on the operation type icon can be improved.

A program selection key 30 as an operation key for changing to the program selection screen is provided at the end 25 of the top screen. The user can cause the program selection screen to be displayed by operating the program selection key 30. However, when a desired operation is selected by operating a predetermined operation type icon provided in the center portion of the screen and then the program selection key 30 provided at the right end of the lower portion of the screen is operated to select a program corresponding to the operation, there is a concern that the movement distance of the user's sight line, finger, or the like may be relatively long.

Therefore, the control device 4 selects an operation corresponding to a predetermined operation type icon by performing one operation on the predetermined operation type icon, and displays a program selection screen for selecting a program corresponding to the operation by performing another operation on the predetermined operation type icon on which the one operation has been performed.

In this way, after a desired operation is selected by operating a predetermined operation type icon once, the operation type icon is operated again to display a program selection screen for selecting a program corresponding to the operation, and therefore, there is no fear that the line of sight of the user or the moving distance of the finger or the like becomes long. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the operability when displaying the program selection screen can be improved.

In the present embodiment, the control device 4 is configured to correspond to mutually different colors for each type of operation, and when a predetermined operation type icon is operated and an operation corresponding to the operated operation type icon is selected, to display a background of a color of the same color system as the color corresponding to the selected operation on an arbitrary region on the screen displayed at that time and on a screen displayed later.

in this way, the user can easily determine the type of operation selected by checking the background color of any region on various screens. In this case, it is preferable to associate colors corresponding to the impressions of the respective operations with each type of operation. In this way, the user can more easily determine the type of operation based on the background color of an arbitrary region. As described above, according to the present embodiment, visibility regarding the operation setting can be further improved.

The control device 4 is set to a state in which the operation type icon corresponding to the executed operation (previous operation) is selected on the home screen displayed after the washing machine 1 is powered on again after the execution of the operation. In this way, when the user wants to execute the same kind of operation as the previous operation, the user can immediately start the operation by operating the start key 31 without performing an operation for selecting the kind of operation, and convenience is improved.

Further, the control device 4 is set to a state in which the program of the previous operation is selected for each of the washing operation, the washing-drying operation, and the drying operation in the top page screen displayed after the washing machine 1 is powered on again after the execution of the operation. When a predetermined operation type icon is selected, the control device 4 changes the selected operation type icon to a display including the name of the program of the previous operation and an icon corresponding to the program.

In this way, when the user wants to execute a predetermined operation using the same program as the previous program, the user can immediately start the operation by operating the start key 31 without performing an operation for selecting the program, which improves convenience. In this case, the program of the previous time and the program currently set can be easily confirmed based on the display of the operation type icon.

In the present embodiment, the program selection screen for selecting a program corresponding to operation includes a program list display area 35 and a program information display area 37, the program list display area 35 being for displaying a plurality of program icons 34 provided in association with each program so as to be aligned in one direction, and the program information display area 37 being for displaying information related to the program. When a predetermined program icon 34 is operated, the control device 4 causes the program information display area 37 to display information related to the program corresponding to the program icon 34.

According to such a program selection screen, the user can easily confirm the outline and the procedure content of the selected program, that is, what configuration of the procedure is set in the selected program, based on the display content of the program information display area 37. In this case, when the user changes the selected program, the user can easily recognize the difference in the process configuration of the program before and after the change based on the change in the display content of the program information display area 37.

The program information display area 37 includes a procedure information display area 38 for displaying procedure displays representing all the procedures in a time-series arrangement in the lateral direction of the screen. In this way, the user can more easily understand the procedure configuration of the selected program based on the display content of the procedure information display area 38.

The control device 4 displays a setting change key 43 on the program selection screen, and the setting change key 43 is an operation key for shifting to a program detailed screen for setting the contents of the program. The control device 4 causes the process information display area 38 to function as an operation key for shifting to a program detailed screen. In this way, when the user wants to change the contents of the program after selecting the program on the program selection screen, the user can change the contents of the program by operating the setting change key 43 or the procedure information display area 38 to display the program detail screen.

In the present embodiment, a start key 31 as an operation key for starting the operation is also displayed on the program selection screen. Therefore, when the user selects a desired program on the program selection screen, if there is no intention to change the contents of the program, the user can immediately start the operation by operating the start key 31 provided on the same screen without an operation for changing from the program selection screen to another screen, and thus the convenience is improved.

The control device 4 is configured to display a process display indicating all the processes, a process condition display indicating conditions of the processes, a process condition change key which is an operation key for changing the conditions of each process, and the like on a program detailed screen for setting the contents of the program corresponding to the operation. In the conventional configuration in which dedicated screens are prepared for each process, the user must frequently perform an operation for switching the screens when changing the setting of the details of each process. In contrast, according to the present embodiment, the user can confirm the contents of all the procedures and change the settings on one screen (program detail screen). Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the operability in setting the contents of the program can be improved.

The control device 4 displays the respective process displays (the washing icon 46, the rinsing icon 47, the spin-drying icon 48, the drying icon 49, and the like) in time series in the horizontal direction in order from the left side of the screen. The control device 4 displays the process condition display and the process condition change keys in a manner of being arranged in parallel with the process display, specifically, in a manner of arranging the process condition display and the process condition change keys below the process display. In this way, the user can easily recognize, for each process arranged in time series, which display the process condition display corresponds to and which operation key the process condition change key corresponds to.

The control device 4 displays process switch keys 57 to 59, which are operation keys for setting whether or not to execute each process, on the program detailed screen. In a conventional configuration including a configuration in which a liquid crystal operation panel is provided, in order to eliminate the implementation of each process, it is necessary to operate an increase/decrease button or a separate number-of-operations button (for example, a button representing a number of 0 to 9).

In the operation by the up-down button, the operation may be required to be performed a plurality of times, and the operability may be degraded. In addition, in the operation based on the number button, there is a problem that the number of buttons that must be arranged increases. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the user can switch whether or not to execute the corresponding procedure by operating the procedure switch keys 57 to 59 only once. As described above, according to the present embodiment, the operability when setting whether or not to execute each process can be improved.

When the corresponding process is set to none by operating the process switches 57 to 59, the control device 4 invalidates the operation reception of the process condition change key for changing the condition of the process. In this way, the difference between the operation by the process switch keys 57 to 59 and the operation by the process condition change keys (the plus keys 50, 52, 54 and the minus keys 51, 53, 55) is clarified, and therefore the user can clearly use these operation keys separately.

When the process condition change key is operated to change the process condition corresponding to the process condition change key and then the process switch keys 57 to 59 are operated to set the process to none, the control device 4 initializes the process condition set in accordance with the operation of the process condition change key.

In this way, the behavior of the process switches 57 to 59 when operated is simplified, and the user can easily grasp the feeling of use of the process switches 57 to 59. In this case, the user can use the process switches 57 to 59 as operation keys for initializing the conditions of the corresponding process, which improves convenience.

The control device 4 displays a setting clear key 61, which is an operation key for initializing all the process conditions, on the program detail screen. In the conventional configuration, in order to restore, that is, initialize, the condition in which the changed process is added, it is necessary to perform an extra operation such as turning off the power supply once and then turning it on again, and selecting the program again.

In contrast, according to the present embodiment, when the user wants to initialize the changed condition after changing the condition of the process on the program detail screen, the condition of the process after the change can be initialized by operating the setting clear key 61 provided on the same screen without performing an extra operation for turning on the power supply again, changing the screen, or the like.

In the present embodiment, a start key 31 as an operation key for starting the operation is also displayed on the program detailed screen. Therefore, when the user sets the contents of the program in the program detailed screen, the user can immediately start the operation by operating the start key 31 provided on the same screen without an operation for changing the program detailed screen to another screen.

The control device 4 does not display the process switches 57 to 59 and the setting clear key 61 on the program detail screen displayed during the temporary stop of the operation. The washing machine 1 has the same configuration as the conventional one, and is a standard that does not allow a change in the implementation or non-implementation of the process after the start of operation. If the procedure switch keys 57 to 59 or the setting clear key 61 are displayed on the program detail screen displayed during the temporary stop of the operation, there is a possibility that the user erroneously recognizes that the procedure can be changed by the operation thereof. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the unnecessary operation keys (the procedure switch key and the setting clear key) are not displayed, thereby preventing the user from understanding erroneously.

The process condition display 56 displayed below the drying icon 49 also functions as a process condition change key for changing the conditions of the drying process, and when the process condition display 56 is operated, a drying setting screen for setting the conditions of the drying process is displayed. In general, the condition setting of the drying process is not only a change in time or frequency, but also a selection of an arbitrary setting from a plurality of drying completion settings.

If all of the plurality of drying completion settings are displayed on the program detail screen, various information may be displayed without a gap, and there is a concern that visibility may be significantly reduced. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the process condition display 56 is operated, the screen is intentionally shifted to display a drying setting screen in which a plurality of drying completion settings are displayed in a list. In this way, when the condition of the drying process is set, the user needs to perform an operation for changing the screen once, but can select a desired setting while checking a list of a plurality of drying completion settings, and thus the convenience is improved.

The control device 4 displays a procedure display (a wash icon 88, a rinse icon 89, a spin-dry icon 90, and a dry icon 91) indicating all the procedures in operation including the currently-in-operation procedure and the remaining operating time on the in-operation screen displayed during execution of the operation. In this way, the user can easily grasp a series of operation states such as the time required until the operation is completed (or the elapsed time) and the progress of the process with respect to the elapsed time, through one screen (the operation screen) displayed during the execution of the operation.

In the present embodiment, each of the plurality of running processes is associated with a different color, and the control device 4 sets a background display of the same color system as the color associated with the running process in an arbitrary region of the running screen. In this way, the user can easily recognize the currently executed, i.e., ongoing, process by confirming the background color of an arbitrary region of the screen in operation while the operation is being executed.

In this case, the user can recognize the process by the color, and thus can quickly and reliably grasp the process in progress even at a relatively distant position from the washing machine 1. In this case, it is preferable that each process is associated with a color that matches the impression of each process. In this way, the user can more easily determine the ongoing process based on the background color of an arbitrary region of the screen in operation.

The arbitrary area of the background display in which the color of the same color system as the color corresponding to the process being executed is set includes the area 86 in which the remaining operating time is displayed. In this way, the user can easily grasp both the remaining operating time and the ongoing process simply by checking the area 86. As described above, according to the present embodiment, visibility of the screen during operation can be improved.

In addition, the region 86 is provided above the center of the screen in the screen during operation, ensuring a relatively large area. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the display of the remaining operating time can be made relatively large, and in addition, the region of the background color that is set to the same color system as the color corresponding to the process being executed can be made relatively large. Therefore, the user can more easily grasp both the remaining operating time and the ongoing process.

The control device 4 displays the remaining time of the process, which is the time required until the currently ongoing process ends, and the remaining number of processes, which is the number of times required until the currently ongoing process ends, on the on-screen display. In this way, the user can grasp the time required until each process ends. The user can study setting changes and the like related to the subsequent operation (procedure) based on the information grasped in this way.

In the present embodiment, the head 21 and the area 86 are arbitrary areas in which a background display is made in the same color system as the color corresponding to the ongoing process, and the head 21 is an area including the edge of the screen. Therefore, the background color of the region including the end portion of the screen changes in accordance with the process being executed. In this way, the user can more easily recognize the background color that changes according to the process being executed, and as a result, the process being executed can be more easily and reliably recognized.

For each of the process displays (the wash icon 88, the rinse icon 89, the spin icon 90, and the dry icon 91), the control device 4 sets the background color of the process display corresponding to the process being performed and the process having been performed to the corresponding color, and sets the background color of the icon corresponding to the process not being performed to white. Further, the control device 4 displays a check mark "レ" below the completed process display.

As described above, in the present embodiment, each of the process displays is provided with a visual effect of changing (inverting) the background color of the icon or displaying "レ" below the icon according to the state of the process display. Thus, the user can easily confirm the execution status (non-execution, or completion) of each process.

The start key in the conventional configuration functions not only as an operation key for starting operation but also as an operation key for temporarily stopping operation, that is, a temporary stop key. In view of this, in the present embodiment, the control device 4 displays the temporary stop key 85 for temporarily stopping the operation in an area corresponding to the area where the program selection key 30 and the start key 31 are arranged in the various screens before the operation on the operation screen. That is, in the present embodiment, the temporary stop key 85 is disposed in a region including the region where the start key 31 is disposed.

In this way, when the user wants to temporarily stop the operation for some reason after starting the operation, the user can intuitively grasp the position of the temporary stop key 85 and can easily operate the temporary stop key 85 to temporarily stop the operation. As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user can perform operations related to the start and temporary stop of the operation with the same feeling as the conventional configuration.

The control device 4 displays a setting change key 94 as an operation key for shifting to a program detailed screen on the temporary stop screen displayed when the temporary stop key 85 is operated. When the user temporarily stops the operation, the content of the program that has already started to be operated may be changed against the intention. In this case, the user can change the contents of the program to the intended contents by operating the setting change key 94 displayed on the temporarily stopped screen.

In this case, the setting change key 94 is not displayed on the screen during operation, but is displayed only on the screen during temporary stop. In this way, since the setting change key 94 as an unnecessary operation key is not displayed on the screen during operation, a region for use by another display or operation key can be secured, and the visibility of the screen during operation and the operability can be maintained satisfactorily.

Further, since the remaining operating time does not need to be displayed, the size of the area 86 in the temporary stop screen may be smaller than the size of the area 86 in the operating screen. Therefore, the control device 4 reduces the area 86 in the temporary stop screen from the operation screen, and displays the setting change key 94 in the area secured by the reduction. In this way, the setting change key 94 can be displayed while the visibility of the screen during temporary stop and the operability are maintained.

< modification 1 of the front Page view

in the home screen or the like, the tail 25 including the area 32 as the end area may be provided at the end of the screen. Therefore, for example, a screen as shown in fig. 24 can be used as the top screen. In the top screen of modification 1 shown in fig. 24, the tail 25 is disposed at the right end of the screen.

In this case, the start key 31 is provided at the end of the screen, specifically, at the right lower end of the screen, and the program selection key 30 is arranged above the start key 31. The top screen in modification 1 as described above can also achieve the same visibility and operability as those of the top screen described in the above embodiment.

< modification example 2 of header Picture

in the home screen or the like, the start key 31 may be displayed at the end of the screen. Therefore, for example, a screen as shown in fig. 25 can be used as the top screen. In a tail portion 25 of the home screen in modification 2 shown in fig. 25, a start key 31, a program selection key 30, a setting key 26, an illumination switch key 27, a hot water setting key 28, and a reservation setting key 29 are arranged in a row in the lateral direction of the screen from left to right in this order.

That is, in this case, the start key 31 is disposed at the lower left end of the screen, and the program selection key 30 is disposed so as to be lined up on the right side of the start key 31. The top screen of modification 2 as described above can also achieve the same visibility and operability as those of the top screen described in the above embodiment.

Further, the control device 4 may be configured as follows: the mode of displaying the start key 31 at the left end portion of the screen (the lower left end of the screen) as in the home screen shown in fig. 25 and the mode of displaying the start key 31 at the right end portion of the screen (the lower right end of the screen) as in the home screen shown in fig. 3 can be switched.

Generally, if the user is right-handed, the operation keys provided on the right end of the screen are easily operated, and if the user is left-handed, the operation keys provided on the left side of the screen are easily operated. According to the above configuration, the user can change the arrangement of the start key 31 to a position where the user can easily operate the start key according to his own dominant hand, and thus the operability of the start key 31 can be further improved.

< modification 3 of the front Page view

In the home screen, the display mode of the operation type icon can be changed as appropriate. Therefore, for example, a screen as shown in fig. 26 can be used as the top screen. In the home screen of modification 3 shown in fig. 26, the wash operation icon 22, the wash/dry operation icon 23, and the dry operation icon 24, which are operation type icons, are displayed as the treatment display of the clothes suitable for each. In this way, the user can set the type of operation, program, and the like while confirming the processing display, and convenience is improved.

< modification example 1 of program selection Screen

In the program selection screen, the program information display area 37 may be provided in an area other than the program list display area 35. Therefore, a screen as shown in fig. 27 can be used as the program selection screen. In the program selection screen of modification 1 shown in fig. 27, the arrangement of the program list display area 35 and the program information display area 37 is switched with respect to the program selection screen shown in fig. 6.

That is, in this case, in the program selection screen, the program information display area 37 is provided on the upper side of the screen center portion, and the program list display area is provided on the lower side of the screen center portion. The program selection screen according to modification 1 can also achieve the same visibility and operability as those of the program selection screen described in the above embodiment.

< modification example 2 of program selection Screen

In the program selection screen, the plurality of program icons 34 may be displayed in the program list display area 35 so as to be aligned in one direction. Therefore, a screen as shown in fig. 28 can be used as the program selection screen. The program selection screen of the above-described embodiment shown in fig. 6 and the like is configured on the assumption that the display unit 20 is horizontally long, but in the present modification 2 shown in fig. 28, it is configured on the assumption that the display unit 20 is vertically long.

In the program selection screen of modification 2 shown in fig. 28, the left end of the screen is a head 21, and the right end of the screen is a tail 25. In this case, in the program selection screen, the program list display area 35 is provided on the left side of the screen center portion, and the program information display area is provided on the right side of the screen center portion. In this case, the display modes of the operation keys, icons, and the like are changed as the screen is changed from the horizontal length to the vertical length. The program selection screen according to modification 2 can also achieve the same visibility and operability as those of the program selection screen described in the above embodiment.

< modification example 1 of program detailed Screen >

In the program detailed screen, the process display, the arrangement and display mode of the process condition and the process condition change key, and the like can be changed as appropriate. Here, a modified example of the arrangement and display mode of the course display, the course condition display, and the course condition change key corresponding to the washing course will be described, but other courses can be similarly modified.

As shown in fig. 29 (a), an up key 50 and a down key 51 corresponding to the process condition change key may be disposed on the left and right sides of the wash icon 46 with the process condition display interposed therebetween. As shown in fig. 29 (b), an up key 50 and a down key 51 may be arranged below the wash icon 46 so as to be aligned on the left side of the process condition display. As shown in fig. 29 (c), an up key 50 and a down key 51 may be arranged below the wash icon 46 so as to be aligned on the right side of the process condition display.

As shown in fig. 29 (d), an up key 50 and a down key 51 may be arranged below the wash icon 46 so as to be aligned above the process condition display. As shown in fig. 29 (e), an up key 50 and a down key 51 may be arranged below the wash icon 46 so as to be aligned below the process condition display.

As shown in fig. 29 (f), a condition setting display unit 95 for selecting a washing time and displaying the selected washing time may be provided below the washing icon 46. The condition setting display unit 95 is configured to select a desired washing time from a plurality of washing times (0 to 30 minutes). In this case, the condition setting display unit 95 corresponds to both the process condition display and the process condition change key. As shown in fig. 29 (g), the wash icon 46 and the process condition display may be arranged vertically, and the plus key 50 and the minus key 51 may be arranged vertically with the wash icon 46 and the process condition display interposed therebetween.

< modification example 2 of program detailed Screen >

The control device 4 may cause at least a part of the procedure display to function as a procedure switch key, which is an operation key for setting whether or not to execute a procedure corresponding to the procedure display, on the program detailed screen. Therefore, as the program detailed screen, a screen as shown in fig. 30 can be used.

The program detail screen of modification 2 shown in fig. 30 is different from the program detail screen shown in fig. 8 in that the process switches 57 and 58 are omitted. In this case, the control device 4 causes the wash icon 46 and the rinse icon 47 corresponding to the course display to function as a course switch key for setting whether to perform the wash course and the rinse course.

In this way, the user can switch whether to perform the washing process by operating the washing icon 46, and can switch whether to perform the rinsing process by operating the rinsing icon 47. In this case, the area for displaying the on/off switch keys 57 and 58 can be used as the other area for display, and therefore, the visibility can be further improved to a certain extent.

< modification example 3 of program detailed Screen >

In the program detailed screen, the operation type (reinforcement, weakening, degree of completion, etc.) of each process may be set. Therefore, as the program detailed screen, a screen as shown in fig. 31 can be used. The program detail screen of modification 3 shown in fig. 31 is different from the program detail screen shown in fig. 8 in that the reinforcement keys 96 and 97 and the reduction keys 98 and 99 are added.

In this case, a reinforce key 96 and a weaken key 98 are disposed below the wash icon 46 between the weaken key 51 and the open/close key 57. The user can set the operation type of the washing course to "strong" by operating the strong key 96, and can set the operation type of the washing course to "weak" by operating the weak key 98.

In this case, a reinforcement key 97 and a weakening key 99 are disposed below the rinse icon 47 between the reduction key 53 and the open/close key 58. The user can set the operation type of the rinsing course to "strong" by operating the strong key 97, and can set the operation type of the rinsing course to "weak" by operating the weak key 99.

As described above, according to the program detailed screen of modification example 3, not only the numerical values (time and frequency) of each process are changed, but also the operation types of each process can be switched. Therefore, according to modification 3, the user can perform desired operations with contents more suitable for his/her preference.

< modification example 4 of program detailed Screen >

The control device 4 may cause at least one of the process display and the process condition display to function as a process condition change key, which is an operation key for changing a condition of the process, on the program detail screen. Therefore, the washing icon 46 and the process condition display corresponding to the washing process may be made to function as a process condition change key for changing the conditions of the washing process.

In this case, when the wash icon 46 or the course condition display corresponding to the wash course is operated, the wash setting screen for setting the conditions of the wash course shown in fig. 32 is displayed. As shown in fig. 32, the washing setting screen is displayed in the same manner as the drying setting screen shown in fig. 11.

On the washing setting screen, icons 100 corresponding to a plurality of washing completion settings (in this case, weak washing, normal washing, strong washing, low water level, normal water level, and high water level) are arranged. The user can set the conditions of the washing course to desired conditions by operating an icon corresponding to a desired setting among the icons 100. Specifically, the user can set the washing intensity and water level on the washing setting screen.

A close key 101 is disposed on the lower left side of the washing setting screen, and a decision key 102 is disposed on the lower right side. The close key 101 is an operation key for closing the washing setting screen without reflecting an operation of changing the setting on the washing setting screen. The decision key 102 is an operation key for closing the washing setting screen in response to an operation reflecting a setting change in the washing setting screen.

The rinse icon 47 and the process condition display corresponding to the rinsing process may also function as a process condition change key for changing the conditions of the rinsing process. In this case, when the rinsing icon 47 or the process condition display corresponding to the rinsing process is operated, the rinsing setting screen for setting the conditions of the rinsing process shown in fig. 33 is displayed. As shown in fig. 33, the rinsing setting screen is displayed in the same manner as the drying setting screen shown in fig. 11.

Icons 103 corresponding to a plurality of rinse completion settings (in this case, weak rinse, normal rinse, strong rinse, short rinse time, normal rinse time, and long rinse time) are arranged on the rinse setting screen. The user can set the conditions of the rinsing process to desired conditions by operating an icon corresponding to a desired setting among these icons 103. Specifically, the user can set the intensity of rinsing and the rinsing time on the rinsing setting screen.

A close key 104 is disposed on the lower left side of the rinsing setting screen, and a decision key 105 is disposed on the lower right side. The close key 104 is an operation key for closing the rinsing setting screen without reflecting an operation of changing the setting in the rinsing setting screen. The decision key 105 is an operation key for closing the rinse setting screen in response to an operation reflecting a setting change in the rinse setting screen.

Further, the dehydration icon 48 and the process condition display corresponding to the dehydration process may function as a process condition change key for changing the conditions of the dehydration process. In this case, when the dewatering icon 48 or the process condition display corresponding to the dewatering process is operated, the dewatering setting screen for setting the conditions of the dewatering process shown in fig. 34 is displayed. As shown in fig. 34, the dehydration setting screen is displayed in the same manner as the drying setting screen shown in fig. 11.

Icons 106 corresponding to a plurality of dewatering completion settings (in this case, weak dewatering, normal dewatering, strong dewatering, loosening, and no loosening) are arranged on the dewatering setting screen. The user can set the conditions of the dehydration process to desired conditions by operating an icon corresponding to a desired setting among these icons 106. Specifically, the user can set the dehydration intensity and the presence or absence of the loosening operation on the dehydration setting screen.

A close key 107 is disposed on the lower left side of the dehydration setting screen, and a decision key 108 is disposed on the lower right side. The close key 107 is an operation key for closing the dehydration setting screen without reflecting an operation of changing the setting on the dehydration setting screen. The decision key 108 is an operation key for closing the spin setting screen in response to an operation reflecting a setting change in the spin setting screen.

< modifications 1, 2 > of the on-the-fly Screen

In the running screen, the area of the background display in which the color of the same color system as the color corresponding to the process being executed is set can be changed as appropriate. Therefore, the screen shown in fig. 35 or 36 can be used as the operation screen. The operation screen of modification 1 shown in fig. 35 is different from the operation screen shown in fig. 18 in that an area 109 is added.

In this case, the vertical dimension of the region 86 is reduced, and a region 109 is provided between the head 21 and the region 86 at a position secured by the reduction. In this case, the control device 4 displays a background of the same color system as the color corresponding to the process being executed on the area 109.

The operation screen of modification 2 shown in fig. 36 is different from the operation screen shown in fig. 18 in that an area 110 is added. In this case, the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the region 86 are reduced, and a region 110 is provided at a position secured by the reduction. Specifically, the region 110 is provided so as to surround the region 86.

In this case, the control device 4 sets the background display of the same color system as the color corresponding to the process being executed for the region 110. The screens during operation in the modifications 1 and 2 can also achieve the same visibility and operability as those of the screens during operation described in the above embodiments.

(other embodiments)

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings, and can be arbitrarily modified, combined, or expanded without departing from the scope of the invention.

The numerical values and the like shown in the above embodiments are examples, and are not limited thereto.

The present invention is not limited to the washing machine 1 as a drum type washing and drying machine, and can be applied to all laundry processing apparatuses that perform operations for performing predetermined processing (washing, drying, deodorization, etc.) on laundry, such as a vertical axis type washing machine, a washing and drying machine, and a drying machine.

The operation display is not limited to the operation panel 5 provided in the washing machine 1, and may be, for example, an operation display unit of a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal held by a user of the washing machine 1. In this case, it is sufficient that data for display, data indicating the operation result for the displayed operation key, and the like can be exchanged between the washing machine 1 and the mobile terminal via communication and the like.

While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments are provided as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in other various ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope and equivalents of the invention described in the claims.

Claims (6)

1. A laundry treatment apparatus that performs an operation for performing a predetermined treatment on laundry, the laundry treatment apparatus comprising:

An operation display having a display unit that displays various screens including various information related to the operation and operation keys for accepting various operations related to the operation; and

A control unit for controlling display on the display unit and performing predetermined control in accordance with operation of the operation keys,

Each of the plurality of processes in operation establishes correspondence with a mutually different color,

In the execution of the operation, the control unit causes the display unit to display a screen including all the currently-in-operation processes including the currently-in-operation process and an operation remaining time, which is a time required until the operation is completed,

The control unit sets a background display of a color of the same color system as the color corresponding to the process being executed, for an arbitrary area on the screen displayed during execution of the operation.

2. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1,

The control unit displays a screen displayed during execution of the operation, with a remaining process time or a remaining number of processes, the remaining process time being a time required until the currently-in-progress process is completed, and the remaining number of processes being a number of times required until the currently-in-progress process is completed.

3. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1,

The control unit causes the arbitrary area to display the remaining operating time.

4. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1,

The control unit sets a region including an end portion of the display unit as the arbitrary region, and sets the arbitrary region as the background display.

5. The laundry treating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

The control unit causes an end portion of a screen displayed before the execution of the operation to display a start key, which is the operation key for starting the operation,

The control unit displays a temporary stop key, which is the operation key for temporarily stopping the operation, on a screen displayed during execution of the operation,

The temporary stop key is disposed in a region including at least a part of a region in which the start key is disposed.

6. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 5,

When the temporary stop key is operated, the control unit reduces the area in which the remaining operation time is displayed, and displays a setting change key for changing to a program detailed screen for setting the content of the program corresponding to the operation in the area secured by the reduction.