JP2014050598A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine capable of preventing an operation unintended by a user which has been performed to an operation button having a touch sensor from being detected.SOLUTION: On an operation panel 15, mechanical type buttons 151 and touch sensor type buttons 152 are provided. The touch sensor type buttons 152 come into an operable state when a menu button out of the mechanical type buttons 151 is operated. Therefore, when the menu button is not operated, the touch sensor type buttons 152 come into a non-display state and come into an inoperable state. In this case, even when one of the touch sensor type buttons 152 is operated, as an operation control unit ignores a signal output from the touch sensor type button 152, an action corresponding to the operation to the touch sensor type button 152 is not executed.

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine having an operation unit.

The operation panel can be configured to be thinner when a capacitive touch key is employed than when a mechanical operation key is employed. Capacitive touch keys have a clean appearance because they do not have a protruding shape like mechanical operation keys. In recent years, with emphasis on design, electrostatic capacitance has been applied to various home appliances. An operation panel that employs a touch key is being installed.
However, since the capacitance type touch key detects whether or not the touch key has been operated based on the change in the capacitance, there is a possibility that erroneous detection may occur depending on the use environment and the use situation. In particular, the washing machine is installed in an environment where water, detergents, softeners, bleach, etc. are likely to adhere to the operation panel, so the operation panel with capacitive touch keys is installed in the washing machine. In such a case, there is a high possibility of erroneous detection.

  Patent Document 1 proposes a device that is provided with a capacitive touch switch and a mechanical switch so as not to accept an input from the capacitive touch switch during operation. In the device disclosed in Patent Document 1, even when the user's finger accidentally touches the capacitive touch switch during the operation of the device, it is possible to prevent an operation unintended by the user from being performed. In addition, the device disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not accept input from the capacitive touch switch during operation, so even if water or the like adheres to the operation panel and erroneous detection occurs, It is possible to prevent an unintended operation based on erroneous detection.

JP 2010-183940 A

  However, the device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem that if an erroneous detection occurs on the operation panel when it is not operating, an unintended operation based on the erroneous detection cannot be prevented. For example, when various operating conditions are set before the operation is started, it is detected that an operation unintended by the user is performed when water or the like adheres to the operation panel or when a user's finger accidentally touches the operation panel. There is a risk. In this case, an operation condition not intended by the user is set based on the detected operation, the user needs to reset the operation condition, and the operation burden on the user cannot be reduced.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to prevent an operation unintended by the user from being detected for an operation button (touch switch) having a touch sensor. It is to provide a washing machine that can be used.

  The washing machine according to the present invention is a washing machine having an operation unit, wherein the operation unit includes a mechanical first operation button and a second operation button having a touch sensor, and the touch sensor includes the first operation button. When the operation button is operated, an operation on the second operation button is detected.

  According to the present invention, the washing machine is provided with the mechanical first operation button and the second operation button having the touch sensor, and the touch sensor is operated when the first operation button is operated. 2. Detects an operation on the operation button. That is, unless the first operation button is operated, the touch sensor does not detect an operation on the second operation button. Therefore, when the 1st operation button is not operated, the false detection by the touch sensor which may generate | occur | produce, for example when water etc. adhere to a 2nd operation button can be prevented. Further, when the first operation button is not operated, it is possible to prevent an operation unintended by the user from being detected when the user accidentally touches the second operation button.

  The washing machine according to the present invention includes a plurality of the first operation buttons, and the touch sensor detects an operation on the second operation button when a predetermined first operation button is operated. It is characterized by being.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of mechanical first operation buttons are provided, and the touch sensor detects an operation on the second operation button when a predetermined first operation button is operated. Therefore, the touch sensor can be configured to detect an operation on the second operation button by operating a predetermined button of the first operation buttons generally provided in the washing machine. In other words, since the operation on the second operation button can be performed by operating a predetermined first operation button among the plurality of first operation buttons, further prevention of malfunction of the second operation button is further ensured. be able to.

  In the washing machine according to the present invention, the predetermined first operation button includes a menu button for selecting operation details, and a lid lock release button for instructing release of a lock mechanism for a lid that covers a slot for loading laundry. , And at least one of a start / pause button for instructing start, pause or restart of operation.

  According to the present invention, a menu button for selecting operation contents, a lid lock release button for instructing release of a lock function of a lid covering a slot, generally provided in a washing machine, start of operation, pause Alternatively, the touch sensor can be configured to detect an operation on the second operation button by operating a button including at least one of a start / pause button for instructing restart. That is, it is not necessary to newly provide a first operation button for causing the touch sensor to detect an operation on the second operation button.

  The washing machine according to the present invention includes a display unit that displays the second operation button, and a display control unit that displays the second operation button on the display unit when the first operation button is operated. It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, the washing machine includes a display unit that displays the second operation button, and when the first operation button is operated, that is, when the touch sensor is in a state of detecting an operation on the second operation button. The second operation button is displayed. That is, when an operation based on an operation on the second operation button is possible, the user can be notified that the second operation button can be operated by displaying the second operation button. Further, when the touch sensor is in a state where it does not detect an operation on the second operation button, that is, when an operation based on an operation on the second operation button is not possible, the second operation button is not displayed, thereby causing the second operation button to be displayed. Can be notified to the user that it cannot be operated. As a result, the user can intuitively recognize whether or not the second operation button can be operated from the presence or absence of the display of the second operation button, thereby improving the convenience for the user.

  In the washing machine according to the present invention, the display unit includes a plate portion having a light guide hole formed in a shape of a character indicating the second operation button, and a light source provided on the back side of the plate portion. And the display control unit turns on the light source and displays the second operation button by the light from the light source that has passed through the light guide hole.

  According to the present invention, by turning on the light source provided on the back side of the plate portion having the light guide hole formed in the shape of the character indicating the second operation button, the light source from the light source that has passed through the light guide hole is provided. The second operation button is displayed with light. Since the second operation button is displayed / hidden by turning on / off the light source, the second operation button is configured to be hard to break even when installed in an environment where water, detergent, or the like is likely to adhere. be able to.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the washing machine which can prevent that the operation which a user does not intend is detected with respect to the operation button (touch switch) which has a touch sensor can be provided.

It is a perspective view which outlines the appearance of a washing drier. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which briefly shows the internal structure of a washing-drying machine. It is a top view of the circulation air path seen from the back side of a washing tub. It is a block diagram which shows a part of structure of the control system of a washing dryer. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of an operation panel. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the control process of the operation panel by an operation control part. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the operation panel in the washing-drying machine in operation | movement. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the operation panel in the washing-drying machine in operation | movement.

  Below, the washing machine which concerns on this invention is explained in full detail based on drawing which shows the washing-drying machine which is the embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an external appearance of a washing / drying machine according to the embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing an internal configuration of the washing / drying machine according to the embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the washing and drying machine of the present embodiment includes a washing tub 2 and a rotating drum 3 inside an outer box 1 constituting an exterior. The washing tub 2 is a large-diameter bottomed cylindrical body having an opening 20 on one side, and a plurality of support legs 21 (only one is shown) erected on the bottom surface of the outer box 1. It is elastically supported with the side facing up and maintaining an inclined posture with the axis center inclined relative to the horizontal plane.

On the front surface (the left side surface in FIG. 2) of the outer box 1, a loading port 11 for the laundry A is opened at a position facing the opening 20 of the washing tub 2 so as to be opened and closed by the lid body 10. And the opening 20 of the washing tub 2 are liquid-tightly sealed by the bellows 12.
A rotating drum 3 is accommodated inside the washing tub 2. The rotating drum 3 is a bottomed cylindrical body slightly smaller in diameter than the washing tub 2, and is a drum fixed at the center of the bottom of the washing tub 2 with the opening 30 on one side facing the inside of the opening 20 of the washing tub 2. It is connected to the end of the output shaft 40 of the motor 4, and is configured to rotate inside the washing tub 2 by driving the drum motor 4.

  The rotary drum 3 includes a fluid balancer 31 provided around the opening 30. The fluid balancer 31 functions to absorb and mitigate vibrations associated with the rotation of the rotary drum 3. The drum motor 4 is configured inside a motor chamber 41 provided outside the bottom plate of the washing tub 2. The output shaft 40 of the drum motor 4 penetrates the bottom plate of the washing tub 2 in a liquid-tight manner and protrudes to the center of the bottom plate, and the rotary drum 3 is connected to the protruding end.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a large number of small holes 32 are formed through the entire surface of the peripheral wall of the rotating drum 3, and a baffle 33 extending in the axial length direction is formed on the inner surface of the rotating drum 3 in the circumferential direction. Plural protrusions are made evenly. In FIG. 2, only a part of the small hole 32 and one baffle 33 are shown in order to avoid complication of the drawing.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a door opening button 13 is provided in the vicinity of the lid 10 on the front surface of the outer box 1. The lid body 10 is provided with a pressing portion 14 for performing a pressing operation when the lid body 10 is closed. The lid 10 is opened by the operation of the door opening button 13, and is closed by gripping the peripheral edge portion and performing a closing operation, and pressing the pressing portion 14 from the outside. A slot 11 provided on the front surface of the outer box 1 faces the openings 20 and 30 of the washing tub 2 and the rotating drum 3. A lock mechanism (not shown) for preventing the closed lid 10 from being opened is provided at one of the peripheral portions of the closed lid 10. When the machine starts operation, the lid 10 is locked in a closed state.

  The washing operation of the washing / drying machine configured as described above is as described later after the opening 11 is opened by the lid 10 on the front surface of the outer box 1 and the laundry A is loaded and the lid 10 is closed. The washing water is supplied to the inside of the washing tub 2 and the drum motor 4 is driven to rotate the rotating drum 3. As described above, a large number of small holes 32 are formed through the peripheral wall of the rotary drum 3, and a plurality of baffles 33 project from the inner surface of the rotary drum 3. The object A is immersed in the wash water flowing into the rotary drum 3 through the small holes 32, and is repeatedly agitated and dropped by the action of the baffle 33, so that it is stirred and washed with the wash water.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an operation panel 15 including an operation unit for various operations and a display unit for various displays is provided on the front upper portion of the outer box 1. The operation panel 15 is connected to an operation control unit 16 (see FIG. 2) provided inside the outer case 1 and located inside the lower part of the front surface, and the washing operation described above and the drying operation described later, The rinsing operation and the dehydrating operation performed between these operations are executed by the operation of the operation control unit 16 according to the operation of the operation panel 15.

  A water supply port 17 serving as a connection end to the water supply is provided on the upper surface of the rear portion of the outer box 1, and the water supply port 17 is connected to a water supply valve 18 provided inside the outer box 1. The water supply valve 18 is a multiple solenoid valve having a plurality of water supply outlets. The first water supply outlet of the water supply valve 18 is connected to the upper peripheral surface in the vicinity of the bottom plate of the washing tub 2 via the water supply pipe 19, and when the water supply valve 18 is switched to the first water supply outlet, the water supply port 17 is connected. Is supplied to the inside of the washing tub 2 through the water supply valve 18 and the water supply pipe 19 and used as washing water in the above-described washing operation. A detergent case may be arranged in the middle of the water supply pipe 19 so that an appropriate amount of detergent is introduced together with the water supply.

  In addition, a water conduit 22 is connected to the washing tank 2 on the peripheral surface in the vicinity of the bottom plate, which is the lowest position, and this water conduit 22 is a cylindrical filter case fixedly supported at the front lower part inside the outer box 1. 23. Inside the filter case 23 is housed a lint filter 24 that captures foreign matters such as fiber scraps. The lower part of the filter case 23 is connected to a drain pipe 26 laid along the bottom surface of the outer box 1 through a drain valve 25. A circulation pump 27 is attached to the rear end of the filter case 23, and the discharge side of the circulation pump 27 communicates with the front upper portion of the washing tub 2 through a return pipe 28.

  The washing water supplied into the washing tub 2 is introduced into the filter case 23 through the water conduit 22 and fills the inside of the filter case 23. The washing water inside the filter case 23 is sucked into the circulation pump 27 by driving the circulation pump 27 to be pressurized, sent to the upper portion of the washing tub 2 through the return pipe 28, and the tip of the return pipe 28. To the inside of the rotary drum 3.

  The circulation pump 27 is driven continuously or intermittently during the aforementioned washing operation. The washing water supplied into the rotating drum 3 by this driving pours onto the laundry A in the rotating drum 3 and acts to enhance the washing effect. The lint filter 24 provided inside the filter case 23 functions to capture and remove foreign matters such as fiber waste contained in the circulating wash water as described above.

  The drain valve 25 provided in the lower part of the filter case 23 is opened after the washing operation. With this opening, the washing water inside the washing tub 2 is drained to the drain pipe 26 through the water conduit 22 and the filter case 23. Also during this drainage, foreign matters contained in the wash water are captured and removed by the lint filter 24 in the filter case 23 and are not likely to be discharged to the sewer pipe through the drain pipe 26, thereby reducing the environmental load. be able to.

  Further, the drying operation of the washing / drying machine is performed through the rinsing operation and the dehydrating operation after the above washing operation. In this drying operation, the rotating drum 3 is rotated by driving the drum motor 4, and drying air is circulated inside the rotating drum 3.

  In FIG. 2, a circulation air path for dry air is schematically shown. The circulation air passage 5 includes an ascending duct 52 and an ascending duct 53 formed between a lead-out port 50 established at the bottom of the lower part of the washing tub 2 and an introduction port 51 established at the peripheral edge of the opening 20 at the front of the washing tub 2. And configured to communicate with.

  FIG. 3 is a plan view of the circulation air passage 5 as seen from the rear side of the washing tub 2. The ascending duct 52 is provided at a position biased to one side from the central portion of the washing tub 2 in which the drum motor 4 is provided. The lower end portion of the ascending duct 52 is bent laterally in the vicinity of the lower position of the washing tub 2 and is connected to a cover tube 54 covering the outlet 50 via a bellows tube 55. The bellows tube 55 is provided to absorb vibration of the elastically supported washing tub 2 and prevent propagation to the ascending duct 52 fixedly supported.

  The upper end portion of the ascending duct 52 is connected to the rear end portion of the preceding duct 53. As shown in FIG. 2, the upstream duct 53 is arranged in the internal space of the outer box 1 on the upper side of the washing tub 2. The front end portion of the front duct 53 is connected to an introduction port 51 that opens to the periphery of the front upper portion of the washing tub 2. Further, a lint filter 56 for capturing dust, a blower fan 57 for raising dry air, and a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater 58 (or a sheathed heater) for heating the dry air are provided in the middle of the upstream duct 53. It is inserted in this order from the rear side to the front side.

  The second water supply outlet of the water supply valve 18 is connected to the ascending duct 52 via the cooling water pipe 59, and when the water supply valve 18 is switched to the second water supply outlet, the water supply to the water supply port 17 is the cooling water pipe. 59 is supplied to the inside of the ascending duct 52 via 59.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the cooling water pipe 59 extends downward along the ascending duct 52 from the position of the water supply valve 18, and the lower end of the cooling water pipe 59 is connected to the ascending duct 52 as shown in FIG. Connected to the bottom. This connection position is connected to a position that is biased to the inside of the bent circle on the bent portion provided as described above.

  The dry air generated by the blower fan 57 circulates in the circulation air passage 5 configured as described above, and this dry air is heated by the PTC heater 58 and reaches the inlet 51 through the upstream duct 53. The air is blown into the rotary drum 3 from the introduction port 51. At this time, the laundry A inside the rotating drum 3 is lifted by the action of the baffle 33 on the peripheral surface as the rotating drum 3 rotates, and spreads and falls as shown by a two-dot chain line in the figure. It is dried by repeatedly contacting the drying air.

  The drying air introduced into the rotating drum 3 takes moisture from the laundry A and is led to the outlet 50, returns to the ascending duct 52 through the cover tube 54 and the bellows tube 55, and rises in the ascending duct 52. Then, it moves into the upstream duct 53, passes through the lint filter 56, is captured by dust, is reheated by the PTC heater 58, and is introduced into the rotary drum 3.

The water supplied to the cooling water pipe 59 is used as cooling water for cooling the drying air led out to the outlet 50 and liquefying and separating the moisture taken from the laundry A.
The cooling water supplied from the cooling water pipe 59 accumulates on the bottom surface of the ascending duct 52 and comes into contact with the drying air led out to the outlet 50. By this contact, the drying air is cooled and dehumidified by heat exchange with the cooling water, and is introduced into the ascending duct 52, and ascends inside the ascending duct 52. Accordingly, dry air that does not contain moisture and water droplets is introduced into the upstream duct 53 that is continuous with the upper end of the upstream duct 52, and the occurrence of clogging of the lint filter 56 due to adhesion of water droplets can be effectively suppressed.

  During the drying operation performed as described above, the drain valve 25 is opened, and the cooling water supplied into the ascending duct 52 flows into the washing tub 2 through the bellows tube 55 and the cover tube 54, and is guided. The water is drained to the drain pipe 26 through the water pipe 22 and the filter case 23.

  The dehydrating operation of the washing / drying machine is performed by rotating the rotating drum 3 at a high speed by driving the drum motor 4 after the drain valve 25 is opened and the washing water in the washing tub 2 is drained. The laundry A in the rotating drum 3 rotates by being pressed against the inner surface of the rotating drum 3 by the action of centrifugal force accompanying high-speed rotation, and the water contained in the laundry A is a small amount provided on the peripheral wall of the rotating drum 3. It flows out into the washing tub 2 through the hole 32 and is drained to the drain pipe 26 through the water conduit 22 and the filter case 23.

Next, the configuration of the control system of the washing / drying machine of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a part of the configuration of the control system of the washing / drying machine.
The operation control unit 16 is a computer formed by connecting a central processing unit (CPU) 16a, a read only memory (ROM) 16b, a random access memory (RAM) 16c, and an input / output interface (I / O) 16d via a bus.

  An operation panel 15 is connected to the input / output interface 16d. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the operation panel 15. In the washing and drying machine of the present embodiment, the operation panel 15 includes a mechanical button (first operation button) 151 that is a mechanical operation button, a touch sensor type button (second operation button) 152 having a touch sensor 152a, and the like. Have. A plurality of mechanical buttons 151 and touch sensor buttons 152 are provided.

  The mechanical button 151 is a so-called tact key and has a switch circuit (not shown) such as a mechanical contact switch or a magnet switch. When operated (pressed), the mechanical button 151 turns on (connects) the switch circuit and operates ( If not pressed, the switch circuit is turned off (not connected). Therefore, the switch circuit determines whether or not the mechanical button 151 is operated based on whether or not it is connected. The switch circuit is connected to the input / output interface 16d, and notifies the input / output interface 16d when the mechanical button 151 is operated. Therefore, the CPU 16a can detect that the mechanical button 151 is operated via the input / output interface 16d.

The touch sensor type button 152 includes, for example, a capacitive touch sensor 152a. The touch sensor 152a determines whether or not the touch sensor type button 152 is operated based on the change in capacitance. The touch sensor 152a is connected to the input / output interface 16d, and notifies the input / output interface 16d when the touch sensor type button 152 is operated. Therefore, the CPU (detection unit) 16a can detect that the touch sensor type button 152 has been operated via the input / output interface 16d.
The touch sensor type button 152 includes, for example, a plate portion having a light guide hole formed in a character shape indicating information related to each button, and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that is a light source provided on the back side of the plate portion. ) 152b and the like. Therefore, when the CPU (display control unit) 16a turns on the LED 152b, the touch sensor type button 152 can be displayed and made conspicuous by the light from the LED 152b that has passed through the light guide hole of the plate part. Further, when the CPU 16a turns off the LED 152b, the touch sensor button 152 can be made inconspicuous. In each touch sensor type button 152, a state where the corresponding LED 152b is turned on is a display state, and a state where the corresponding LED 152b is turned off is a non-display state.

  In the operation panel 15, a mechanical button 151 includes a button that causes a problem when it is erroneously operated or erroneously detected, or a button that requires high reliability for determining whether or not it has been operated. In the operation panel 15 of this embodiment, the power button, the power off button, the start / pause button, the lid lock release button, the menu button, and the like are the mechanical buttons 151. The power on button is a button for instructing power on, and the power off button is a button for instructing end of power on. The start / pause button is a button for instructing the start of operation, the suspension of the operation, the resumption of the operation during the suspension, and the like, and the lid unlocking button is that the lid 10 is locked by the lock mechanism. This is a button for instructing the release of the state. The menu button is a button for selecting and setting the operation content. In the present embodiment, the user can operate the touch sensor button 152 by operating the menu button.

  Further, on the operation panel 15 of the present embodiment, a button for setting operation details is configured by a touch sensor type button 152. Specifically, the washing button, the rinsing button, the dehydration button, the drying button, the course selection button, the usage selection button, the reservation button, the bath water button, and the like are the touch sensor type buttons 152. The washing button, the rinsing button, the dehydration button, and the drying button are buttons for setting a washing time, a rinsing time, a dehydration time, and a drying time, respectively. In order to increase or decrease each time when setting each time, an upper triangle button (▲ button) and a lower triangle button (▼ button) are used. The course selection button is a button for selecting a course (operation content) that can be executed by the washing / drying machine such as a standard course, a soft course, a dry course, a tank washing course, and the like, and a washing time and a rinsing time for each course The dehydration time and the drying time are set in advance. The usage selection button is a button for selecting a course that can be selected by the washing and drying machine, such as a washing / drying course from washing operation to drying operation, a washing course that performs only washing operation, a drying course that performs only drying operation, etc. is there. The reservation button is a button for reserving execution of the washing operation and the drying operation, and the bath water button is a button for setting whether or not to use remaining hot water in the bath in the washing operation and the rinsing operation. is there.

  Further, the operation panel 15 performs various displays such as a display for assisting operation and a display of an operation state. Specifically, Braille indicating information about each button is provided in the vicinity of each of the mechanical button 151 and the touch sensor type button 152. In the figure, the exact Braille is omitted. Further, a display area for displaying the contents selected and set by each button is provided in the vicinity of each button. Specifically, there is a display area of “door lock” displayed when the lid 10 is locked by the lock mechanism in the vicinity of the lid lock release button. In addition, each of the “wash”, “rinse”, “dehydration”, and “dry” displayed when each operation (operation details) is selected in the vicinity of the wash button, rinse button, dehydration button, and dry button. There is a display area. In addition, there is a “reservation” display area that is displayed in the vicinity of the reservation button when execution of a washing operation, a drying operation, or the like is reserved. In addition, there are display areas for “washing” and “rinsing” which are displayed when the use of the remaining hot water in the bath is set in the washing operation and the rinsing operation in the vicinity of the bath water button. There are display areas for clearly indicating the selected courses in the vicinity of the course selection button and the usage selection button. Each display area provided on the operation panel 15 includes a light guide hole formed in a character shape indicating each information, and an LED that emits light from the back side of the light guide hole. Each information is displayed / hidden by turning on / off.

  Further, the operation panel 15 is provided with a number display area for displaying numbers using a 7-segment LED display. In the number display area, for example, the start time of the reserved operation, the time until the end of the operation during the operation, the amount of detergent to be put in before the operation starts, and the like are displayed. In addition, a display area is provided in the vicinity of the number display area for displaying information relating to the number being displayed in the number display area. Specifically, the amount of detergent to be displayed is displayed in the "Reservation", "Remaining: minutes", "Minute" display areas, and the number display area that are displayed when various times are displayed in the number display area. A display area of “detergent: cup” is provided. In addition, in the rinsing operation, the “Water injection” display area displayed when the irrigation rinse is set, and the “Number of times” displayed when the number of times of rinsing operation is displayed in the number display area. Display area is provided.

  The content operated via the operation panel 15 is given to the CPU 16a via the input / output interface 16d, and the CPU 16a gives a lighting instruction to the LED corresponding to each display area via the input / output interface 16d. Thereby, the operation panel 15 performs a predetermined display.

  The input / output interface 16d of the operation control unit 16 is connected to the drum motor 4, the water supply valve 18, the drain valve 25, the blower fan 57, and the PTC heater 58, and more specifically, these drive circuits. The CPU 16a executes a control program stored in the ROM 16b according to the contents operated through the operation panel 15, and gives operation commands to the drum motor 4, the water supply valve 18, the drain valve 25, the blower fan 57, and the PTC heater 58, The above-described washing operation and drying operation, and further the rinsing operation and the dehydrating operation are performed.

  As described above, since the buttons that require high reliability are configured by the mechanical buttons 151 and the other buttons are configured by the touch-sensitive buttons 152, the operation panel 15 of the present embodiment has high reliability and design. Satisfy both.

  The operation panel 15 of the present embodiment is in a state where only the mechanical button 151 can be operated when the user operates the power-on button and the washing / drying machine is powered on. The operable state is a state in which when a user operates any button, an operation corresponding to the operation is performed. In other words, even when the washing / drying machine is turned on, the touch-sensitive button 152 is not operable. Note that the state incapable of operation is a state in which an operation corresponding to the operation is not performed even when the user operates any button. Specifically, even when the touch sensor 152a notifies the CPU 16a of a signal indicating that the touch sensor type button 152 has been operated, the CPU 16a invalidates the signal from the touch sensor 152a. The operation corresponding to the operation on the expression button 152 is not performed.

  In the operation panel 15 of the present embodiment, when the menu button of the mechanical buttons 151 is operated, the touch sensor type button 152 becomes operable. The touch-sensitive button 152 may be erroneously detected as being operated when water, detergent, or the like adheres. Further, when a user who reads Braille is reading Braille, it is erroneously detected that the user has operated. Therefore, by making it possible to operate the touch sensor type button 152 only when the menu button is operated, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection that an operation not intended by the user has been performed.

  Below, the control process of the operation panel 15 by the operation control part 16 is demonstrated. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of control processing of the operation panel 15 by the operation control unit 16, and FIGS. 7 and 8 are schematic views showing the configuration of the operation panel 15 in the washing / drying machine in operation. In FIGS. 7 and 8, only the rectangular button frame is shown for each button that is not displayed when the corresponding LED is turned off, but in reality, each button is dark. Is displayed. In addition, each button that is in a non-display state is in an inoperable state. In FIGS. 7 and 8, the display areas that are in the non-display state are not shown, but are actually displayed in a dark state.

  FIG. 7A shows a display state of the operation panel 15 in the washing / drying machine in which the power is turned on. When the power is turned on, only the mechanical button 151 can be operated. That is, since the touch sensor type button 152 is not operable, the touch sensor type button 152 and the display areas corresponding to the buttons are not displayed. In the washing and drying machine, a standard course and a washing / drying course are set as preset operation contents, and the standard course and the washing / drying course are selected on the operation panel 15 shown in FIG. 7A. Is displayed.

  In the washing / drying machine with the power turned on, the operation control unit 16 determines whether or not the menu button is operated based on a signal from the operation panel 15 (mechanical button 151) (S1). If it is determined that the menu button is not operated (S1: NO), the process waits until the menu button is operated. When the mechanical button 151 other than the menu button is operated, the operation control unit 16 performs an operation according to the operated button. For example, when the power-off button is operated, power-on to each part of the washing / drying machine is finished, and when the start / pause button is operated, the operation with the preset operation content is started. In addition, in the washing and drying machine which has not started operation, since the lid 10 is not locked, the lid unlocking button cannot be operated.

  When it is determined that the menu button has been operated (S1: YES), the operation control unit 16 displays the touch sensor type button 152 (S2) and enables the touch sensor type button 152 to be operated. FIG. 7B shows a display state of the operation panel 15 when the menu button is operated. When the menu button is operated, the touch sensor type button 152 can be operated. On the operation panel 15 shown in FIG. 7B, all touch sensor type buttons 152 and a display area indicating the contents selected and set by each touch sensor type button 152 are displayed.

  The operation control unit 16 determines whether or not any of the touch-sensitive buttons 152 has been operated (S3), and when it is determined that the touch-sensitive buttons 152 have been operated (S3: YES) A corresponding setting is accepted (S4). For example, when the washing time is set, the operation control unit 16 detects the operation of the upper triangle button or the lower triangle button after detecting the operation of the washing button, and sets the washing time based on the number of operations of each button. Accept. The operation control unit 16 changes the display state of the operation panel 15 according to the received setting (S5). For example, when 20 minutes is set as the washing time, the operation control unit 16 displays 20 in the number display area and displays “minutes” in the vicinity of the number display area. Further, when the course selection button or the usage selection button is operated, the operation control unit 16 switches to the display of the selected course.

When it is determined that the touch sensor type button 152 is not operated (S3: NO), the operation control unit 16 skips the processes of steps S4 and S5.
The operation control unit 16 determines whether or not a start / pause button (described as a start button in FIG. 6) has been operated (S6). If it is determined that the start / pause button has not been operated (S6: NO), the operation control unit 16 returns the process to step S3 and continues to accept operations for the touch sensor button 152. When it is determined that the start / pause button has been operated (S6: YES), the operation control unit 16 starts operation by controlling each part of the washing / drying machine according to the content operated through the operation panel 15 ( S7), the control process for the operation panel 15 is terminated.

  FIG. 8A shows a display state of the operation panel 15 in the washing / drying machine which has started operation. In the washing / drying machine of the present embodiment, the touch sensor type button 152 is not operable even after the operation is started, and therefore the touch sensor type button 152 is not displayed. However, each display area corresponding to each button is in a display state according to the contents set via each button. For example, when execution of a washing operation and a drying operation is instructed as operation details, the display areas of “washing”, “rinsing”, “dehydration”, and “drying” are displayed. Further, although not displayed in FIG. 8A, when the setting is made to use the remaining hot water of the bath for the washing operation, the “washing” display area in the vicinity of the bath water button is displayed. In the number display area of the operation panel 15, the remaining time until the end of the operation is displayed.

  When the start / pause button of the operation panel 15 in the state shown in FIG. 8A is operated in the washing / drying machine in operation, the operation control unit 16 stops the operation of each part of the washing / drying machine and temporarily stops the operation. Stop. When the menu button is operated in the paused washing and drying machine, the touch sensor type button 152 becomes operable. Therefore, the operation control part 16 performs the process shown in FIG.

  Specifically, in the washing and drying machine that is temporarily stopped, the operation control unit 16 determines whether or not the menu button is operated (S1), and determines that the menu button is not operated (S1: NO), the menu Wait until the button is operated. When it is determined that the menu button has been operated (S1: YES), the operation control unit 16 displays the touch sensor type button 152 (S2). FIG. 8B shows a display state of the operation panel 15 when the menu button is operated in the washing / drying machine whose operation is temporarily stopped, and the touch sensor type button 152 which can be operated when the menu button is operated. And a display area indicating the content selected and set by each touch sensor type button 152 is displayed.

The operation control unit 16 determines whether or not any of the operable touch sensor buttons 152 has been operated (S3). If it is determined that it has been operated (S3: YES), the operated touch sensor type button 152 is operated. A setting corresponding to the button 152 is accepted (S4). The operation control unit 16 changes the display state of the operation panel 15 according to the received setting (S5). When it is determined that the touch sensor type button 152 is not operated (S3: NO), the operation control unit 16 skips the processes of steps S4 and S5.
The operation control unit 16 determines whether or not the start / pause button has been operated (S6). If the operation control unit 16 determines that the start / pause button has not been operated (S6: NO), the process returns to step S3. The operation reception for the operable touch sensor button 152 is continued. When it is determined that the start / pause button has been operated (S6: YES), the operation control unit 16 controls each part of the washing and drying machine according to the content operated through the operation panel 15 to resume operation ( S7). After restarting the operation, the operation panel 15 returns to the display state shown in FIG. 8A.

In the washing and drying machine of the present embodiment, the touch sensor type button 152 is operable only when the menu button is operated. Therefore, the touch sensor type button 152 is not operable unless the menu button is operated. Become. Therefore, when water, detergent, or the like adheres to the touch-sensitive button 152, or when the user's finger accidentally touches the touch-sensitive button 152, the user does not intend to operate the touch-sensitive button 152. It is possible to prevent erroneous detection. As a result, it is possible to prevent unnecessary operations from being performed based on operations not intended by the user.
The washing / drying machine of the present embodiment makes it possible to operate the touch-sensitive button 152 only when the menu button of the mechanical button 151 is operated, thereby improving the reliability of the input operation via the touch-sensitive button 152. Can be increased.

  In the washing / drying machine of the present embodiment, each touch-sensitive button 152 is displayed only when it can be operated. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine whether each touch sensor type button 152 is in an operable state or not.

  In the above-described embodiment, the touch-sensitive button 152 can be operated only when the menu button is operated. In addition to this, for example, when the start / pause button and the lid unlock button are operated at the same time, or when operated simultaneously for a predetermined time or more, the touch sensor type button 152 is made operable. Also good. In this case, the menu button is not always necessary, and the mechanical button 151 that is generally provided in the washing and drying machine can be used as the mechanical button 151 that is used to make the touch-sensitive button 152 operable. The number of mechanical buttons 151 can be reduced.

  In the embodiment described above, when the washing / drying machine is in operation, the touch sensor type button 152 is operated by operating the menu button after operating the start / pause button to pause the operation of the washing / drying machine. It was a possible configuration. In addition, the touch-sensitive button 152 may be operable by operating the menu button without temporarily stopping the operation of the washing / drying machine. For example, when it is desired to change the dehydration time during the washing operation of the washing / drying machine, it is not necessary to stop the operation of the washing / drying machine. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the extension of the operation time that occurs when the operation is temporarily stopped by operating the touch sensor button 152 and accepting the change of the dehydration time without temporarily stopping the operation of the washing and drying machine.

  In the above-described embodiment, each touch sensor type button 152 and the display area indicating the content selected and set by each touch sensor type button 152 pass through a light guide hole formed in the shape of a character indicating each information. It was the structure displayed by the light from LED which did. In addition, for example, each touch sensor button 152 and each display area are displayed on a touch panel including a display unit such as a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display and a touch sensor. Also good.

  In the above-described embodiment, the washing machine according to the present invention has been described based on an example in which the washing machine according to the present invention is applied to a washing / drying machine capable of performing a washing operation and a drying operation. However, the washing machine according to the present invention is also applicable to a washing machine that performs only a washing operation and a dryer that performs only a drying operation.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been specifically described above. However, each configuration, operation, and the like can be changed as appropriate, and are not limited to the above-described embodiments.

15 Operation panel (operation unit, display unit)
151 Mechanical button (first operation button)
152 Touch-sensitive button (second operation button)
152a Touch sensor 152b LED (light source)
16 Operation control unit 16a CPU (display control unit, detection unit)

Claims (5)

In a washing machine having an operation unit,
The operation unit is
A mechanical first operation button;
A second operation button having a touch sensor;
The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the touch sensor detects an operation on the second operation button when the first operation button is operated. A plurality of the first operation buttons are provided,
The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the touch sensor detects an operation on the second operation button when a predetermined first operation button is operated.   The predetermined first operation button includes a menu button for selecting operation details, a lid lock release button for instructing release of a lock mechanism for a lid covering the insertion port for loading laundry, and start of operation, temporary The washing machine according to claim 2, further comprising at least one of a start / pause button for instructing stop or restart. A display unit for displaying the second operation button;
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a display control unit configured to display the second operation button on the display unit when the first operation button is operated. . The display unit
A plate portion having a light guide hole drilled in the shape of a letter indicating the second operation button;
A light source provided on the back side of the plate portion,
The laundry according to claim 4, wherein the display control unit is configured to turn on the light source and display the second operation button by light from the light source that has passed through the light guide hole. Machine.

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