JP2014050599A - Operating device and electrical equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operating device and an electrical equipment which have high operability not only for a user which is familiar with the operation but also for a user which is not familiar with the operation.SOLUTION: When a power of a washing and drying machine is turned on, an operating button B5 in which an operation is recommended is displayed with flicker state, and operating buttons B5, B6 and B7 in which any operations are available are displayed with lighting state. Operating buttons in which any operations are unavailable are not displayed. A user intuitively understands that the operation of the most attractive operating button B5 is recommended, the moderately attractive operating buttons B3, B6 and B7 are available for the operation and the undisplayed operating buttons are not available for any operation. Accordingly, the user which is not familiar with the operation can operate the operating button B5 without hesitation. On the other hand, the user which is familiar with the operation can operate any of the operating buttons B3 and B5 to B7 depending on own needs.

Description

  The present invention relates to an operating device and an electrical apparatus including a plurality of operating units each having a variable display mode.

The laundry dryer performs any one of a washing operation for washing the laundry, a drying operation for drying the laundry, and a laundry drying operation for washing and then drying the laundry according to the operation of the user.
Currently, the washing and drying machine is multi-functional. For example, the washing / drying machine has a function of washing according to the type of laundry or the degree of dirt, a function of washing with bath water pumped from a bathtub, a function of ending various operations at a preset reservation time, etc. Have

  Accordingly, the operation panel of the washing / drying machine is provided with an on button (and off button) for turning on / off the washing / drying machine and a start button, and further includes a washing operation course, a drying operation course, and a washing operation. A first operation button for selecting one of the drying operation courses, a second operation button for selecting a laundry adjustment course according to the type of laundry or the degree of dirt, and bath water is used during washing There are provided a third operation button for selecting whether or not, a fourth operation button for setting a reserved time at which the selected operation ends, and the like.

The user of the washing and drying machine first operates the on button to turn on the power, and then operates the first operation button to select a desired driving course. However, when selecting the default driving course, the user does not have to operate the first operation button.
When the washing operation course or the washing / drying operation course is selected, the user selects a desired washing adjustment course by operating the second operation button. However, when the default washing adjustment course is selected, the user does not have to operate the second operation button.

When the washing operation course or the washing / drying operation course is selected, the user who desires washing using bath water operates the third operation button. When washing using bath water is not desired, the user may not operate the third operation button.
There is no point in operating the second and third operation buttons when the drying operation course is selected. This is because the second and third operation buttons are for selecting an option unrelated to drying. Therefore, in such a case, the second and third operation buttons are temporarily disabled.

  As described above, the user operates the start button at the end without sequentially operating or operating the plurality of operation buttons. If the user has not set the reserved time, the washing / drying machine starts operation when the start button is operated. On the other hand, if the user has set a reserved time using the fourth operation button before operating the start button, the washing / drying machine reserves driving when the start button is operated.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an electric washing machine has been proposed in which operation buttons with high operation frequency are concentrated in one place (see Patent Document 1). In the case of the electric washing machine described in Patent Document 1, the operability is improved because the operation buttons with high operation frequency and the operation buttons with low operation frequency are not mixed.

In addition, a washing / drying machine in which a plurality of operation buttons are juxtaposed in the order in which they should be operated has been proposed (see Patent Document 2). In the case of the washer / dryer described in Patent Document 2, the operability is improved because the user intuitively understands that the user should operate in order from the operation button close to the on button after the on button is operated. doing.
The operation buttons as described above are configured to detect a user's operation by a change in electrostatic capacity, on / off of a mechanical contact, or the like (see Patent Document 3).

JP 2004-283269 A JP 2011-67310 A JP 2010-183940 A

  However, the electric washing machine described in Patent Document 1 is in a state where all operation buttons provided on the operation panel are always easily visible. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult for a user who is unfamiliar with the operation of the washing and drying machine (hereinafter referred to as a beginner), such as a young person or an elderly person, to distinguish between an operable button and an inoperable operation button. .

  In the case of the washer / dryer described in Patent Document 2, the option corresponding to the operation button that can be operated is lit and the option corresponding to the operation button that cannot be operated is not lit, thereby preventing an erroneous operation of the operation button. I'm going. However, the washing and drying machine described in Patent Document 2 is also in a state where all the operation buttons provided on the operation panel are always easily visible. For this reason, even if it is an operation button which cannot be operated, it cannot be said that there is no possibility that the user will make an erroneous operation.

Conventionally, an operation panel is configured using, for example, a touch panel, and only operation buttons that can be operated are displayed on the operation panel, thereby preventing erroneous operation of the operation buttons.
However, when there are a plurality of operation buttons that can be operated, it is difficult for a beginner to determine which operation button should be operated next.

  Therefore, it is conceivable to display only operation buttons that are recommended for operation on the operation panel among the operation buttons that can be operated. In this case, only the first operation button is displayed on the operation panel after the ON button is operated. When the user finishes operating the first operation button, only the second operation button is displayed instead of the first operation button.

However, a user who is accustomed to the operation of the washing / drying machine (hereinafter referred to as an “expert”) wants to operate the second operation button by omitting the operation of the first operation button after the operation of the ON button. There is a case. Therefore, a washing / drying machine in which only the first operation button is displayed after the operation of the on button is highly convenient for beginners, but is inconvenient for the skilled person.
The inconveniences as described above may also occur in general electric equipment other than the washing and drying machine such as the home appliance described in Patent Document 3.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and the main object of the present invention is that the operable operation unit has a higher visibility than the operation unit that is temporarily inoperable and can be operated. Among them, the operation unit recommended for operation is configured to have a higher degree of attention than other operation units that can be operated, so that operation guidance for beginners can be performed, and operation of a skilled person is not hindered. It is to provide an operating device and an electric device.

  The operation device according to the present invention includes a plurality of operation units each having a variable display mode, and displays the operable operation unit in a first display mode with high visibility, thereby temporarily disabling operation. In the operating device that is configured to display the operating unit in a second display mode with low visibility, the operating unit includes a recommendation determining unit that determines an operating unit that recommends an operation among the operable operating units. The operation unit determined by the recommendation determining unit is displayed in a third display mode having a higher degree of attention than the first display mode.

  In the operating device according to the present invention, a first timing unit that measures an elapsed time since the operation unit determined by the recommendation determination unit is displayed in the third display mode, and the recommendation determination unit determines Each time the operation unit is operated, a first resetting means for resetting the timekeeping by the first timekeeping means, and a first judgment for determining whether or not the time measurement result T1 by the first timekeeping means is equal to or longer than a predetermined time Ta. 1 determination means, second timing means for measuring an elapsed time since the operable operation section other than the operation section determined by the recommendation determination means, and an operation section determined by the recommendation determination means Each time the operable control unit other than the above is operated, the second resetting means for resetting the timekeeping by the second timekeeping means and the time measurement result T2 by the second timekeeping means is a predetermined time Tb or more? No. to determine whether And when the first determining means determines that T1 ≧ Ta or when the second determining means determines that T2 ≧ Tb, the determination by the recommended determining means is executed again. It is characterized by the above.

  In the operating device according to the present invention, when the operation unit determined by the recommendation determining unit is displayed in the third display mode, the recommendation determining unit determines when the operable operation unit is operated. The operation unit is displayed in the first display mode.

  The operation device according to the present invention further includes a light source corresponding to each operation unit, and each operation unit is illuminated by a light source corresponding to the operation unit, and the first, second, and third The display in the display mode is performed by any one of lighting, non-lighting, and blinking of the light source.

  The electrical device according to the present invention is stored in the first storage unit that stores the operation device according to the present invention, each operation unit included in the operation device, and a plurality of types of options in association with each other, and the first storage unit. A second storage unit that stores a default option or an option selected by operating the operation unit, and a display unit that displays the option. In the electric device that performs an operation according to the option stored in the unit, the display unit stores the option stored in the second storage unit in association with the operable operation unit with high visibility. 4 is displayed, and the options stored in the first storage unit in association with the operation unit that is disabled are displayed in the fifth display mode with low visibility. It is characterized by

  In the electric device according to the present invention, when the operable operation unit is operated, the display unit stores options stored in the second storage unit in association with the operated operation unit. , Among the options stored in the first storage unit in association with the operated operation unit that is operated and displayed in the sixth display mode having a higher degree of interest than the fourth display mode, Options other than the options stored in the second storage unit in association with the operable operation unit are displayed in the fourth display mode, and other than the operated operation unit that has been operated The options stored in the second storage unit in association with the operable operation unit are displayed in the fourth display mode and can be operated other than the operated operation unit operated. The first storage unit associated with the operation unit Among the stored options, options other than the options stored in the second storage unit in association with the operable operation unit are displayed in the fifth display mode. And

  In the electric device according to the present invention, when the power is turned on for the first time, the second storage unit stores default options, and when the power is turned on for the second time or later, the second storage unit stores the second option. The storage unit stores the options stored in the second storage unit when the power is turned off last time.

In the present invention, the operating device includes a plurality of operating units and recommendation determining means.
The recommendation determining means determines an operation unit (hereinafter referred to as a recommended operation unit) that recommends an operation from among operable operation units (hereinafter referred to as possible operation units).
Each operation unit has a variable display mode. The possible operation unit is displayed in a display mode having higher visibility than an operation unit that is temporarily disabled (hereinafter referred to as an impossible operation unit). Furthermore, the recommended operation unit is displayed in a display mode having a higher degree of attention than the possible operation unit. In other words, the high visibility and the high degree of attention are conspicuous.
That is, the recommended operation unit is most conspicuous, possible operation units other than the recommended operation unit (hereinafter referred to as possible non-recommended operation units) are moderately conspicuous, and inoperable operation units are least conspicuous.

The possible operation part has higher visibility than the impossible operation part. For this reason, the user can easily discriminate between the possible operation unit and the impossible operation unit. Therefore, erroneous operation is prevented.
The beginner is likely to try to operate from the most conspicuous operation unit for the time being. Therefore, making the recommended operation part most conspicuous functions as an operation guide for beginners.
The skilled person operates the desired possible operation unit. Since only the recommended operation unit is not displayed, the free operation of the expert is not hindered.

In the present invention, the operating device further includes first and second timing means, first and second reset means, and first and second determination means.
When the predetermined time Ta has elapsed after the recommended operation unit is displayed, the user does not want to operate the recommended operation unit and does not know which operation unit should be operated next. it is conceivable that.
In addition, when a predetermined time Ta has elapsed after the recommended operation unit has been operated, it is considered that the user has finished operating the recommended operation unit and does not know which operation unit should be operated next. It is done.

Furthermore, when a predetermined time Tb has elapsed since the operation unit other than the recommended operation unit has been operated, the user does not know which operation unit should be operated next after finishing the operation of the operation unit other than the recommended operation unit. It seems that it is in the situation.
Therefore, the first time measuring means measures the elapsed time after the recommended operation unit is displayed in the third display mode. The first reset means resets the time measurement by the first time measurement means every time the recommended operation unit is operated.
Similarly, the second time measuring means measures the time elapsed since the operation unit other than the recommended operation unit was operated. The second reset means resets the time measurement by the second time measurement means each time a possible operation unit other than the recommended one is operated.

When the first determination unit determines that the time measurement result T1 ≧ Ta or when the second determination unit determines that the time measurement result T2 ≧ Tb, the determination by the recommendation determination unit is executed again. As a result, the new recommended operation unit is displayed in the third display mode. On the other hand, new possible operation units other than the new recommended operation unit are displayed in the first display mode. And a new impossible operation part is displayed by the 2nd display mode.
Therefore, operation guidance for beginners can be performed smoothly.

In the present invention, when the recommended operation unit is displayed in the third display mode and the possible operation unit is operated, the recommended operation unit is displayed in the first display mode.
The case where the possible operation unit is operated is a case where the user operates the desired operation unit. Therefore, it is not necessary to continue the operation guidance for the user. If the operation guidance is unnecessary, there is no particular problem if the recommended operation unit is conspicuous to the same extent as the possible operation units other than the recommendation.

  In other words, the recommended operation unit does not stand out unnecessarily. Therefore, it is suppressed that the operability deteriorates because the recommended operation unit stands out unnecessarily. Further, when extra energy is consumed in order to make the recommended operation unit stand out from the possible operation units other than the recommended operation unit, energy saving can be achieved.

In the present invention, the operating device further includes a light source. The operation unit and the light source correspond to each other. The operation unit is illuminated by a corresponding light source.
When the light source is turned on, the operation unit is more conspicuous than when the light source is not turned on.
When the light source is blinking, the operation unit is conspicuous as compared with any of the case where the light source is turned on and the case where the light source is not turned on.
When the light source is lit brightly, the operation unit is conspicuous as compared with any of the case where the light source is lit darkly and the case where the light source is not lit.

When the light source is lit with a complementary color of the surrounding color, the operation unit is conspicuous as compared with the case where the light source is lit with the same color as the surrounding color or not lit.
As described above, the operation unit can be made inconspicuous or inconspicuous by lighting, non-lighting, or blinking of the light source.

In the present invention, the electrical apparatus includes the operation device according to the present invention, a first storage unit, a second storage unit, and a display unit.
The first storage unit stores each operation unit included in the operation device in association with a plurality of types of options. The user selects any one or a plurality of options among a plurality of types associated with the operation unit by operating or not operating the operation unit.
The second storage unit stores the currently selected option among the options stored in the first storage unit. That is, the second storage unit stores a default option or an option selected by operating the operation unit.

Hereinafter, the options stored in the first storage unit in association with each operation unit are referred to as all options related to each operation unit. An option stored in the second storage unit in association with each operation unit is referred to as a current option for each operation unit.
The electric device operates according to the current option.
The display unit displays the current option related to the possible operation unit in the fourth display mode, and displays all options related to the disabled operation unit in the fifth display mode. Here, the visibility of the fourth display mode is higher than that of the fifth display mode.
All the options related to the impossible operation unit have no particular problem even if the visibility is low.

On the other hand, the current option related to the possible operation unit should have high visibility. This is because the user can intuitively understand that the option with high visibility is the current option.
If the current option is not the desired option, the user may select the desired option by operating the possible operation unit. If the current option is a desired option, the user does not need to operate the possible operation unit.

  In the present invention, when the possible operation unit is operated, the display unit displays the current option related to the operated possible operation unit in the sixth display mode and other than the current option related to the possible operation unit Are displayed in the fourth display mode. The display in the sixth display mode has a higher degree of attention than the display in the fourth display mode. On the other hand, the current option related to the possible operation unit other than the possible operation unit operated is displayed in the fourth display mode, and all the options other than the current option related to the possible operation unit other than the operable operation unit operated are impossible All the options related to the operation unit are displayed in the fifth display mode.

That is, before the possible operation unit is operated, the current option related to the possible operation unit is conspicuous, and all options other than the current option related to the possible operation unit and all options related to the impossible operation unit are not conspicuous.
When the possible operation unit is operated, the current option related to the operated operation unit that has been operated becomes most noticeable, all options other than the current option related to the operated operation unit that has been operated, and the possible operation unit that has been operated The current options related to the other possible operation units become moderately conspicuous, and all the options other than the current option related to the possible operation units other than the operable operation unit operated and all the options related to the impossible operation unit are most noticeable. It will not be.

There is a high possibility that the user does not grasp all the options related to each operation unit. However, for example, when there are a plurality of possible operation sections, if all the options related to each possible operation section are presented, the user may be confused. Further, if all the options related to the possible operation unit are similarly noticeable, it is difficult to determine the current option related to the possible operation unit.
Therefore, when the possible operation unit is operated, that is, when the user desires the operation of the possible operation unit, the electrical device makes all the options related to the operated operation unit stand out, and Make the current choices related to the possible operating parts that were operated particularly prominent. For this reason, it is possible to appropriately present all options including the current option while clearly presenting the current option related to the possible operation unit to the user who wants to operate the possible operation unit.

  In the present invention, when the power is turned on for the first time, default options are stored in the second storage unit. As a default option, an option that is highly likely to be selected by a user is usually set when an electric device is manufactured. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience for the user by reducing the effort for the user to operate the operation unit.

  Further, when the power is turned on after the second time, the second storage unit stores the options stored in the second storage unit when the power is turned off last time. That is, the electric device performed the operation according to this option last time. Again, the user is likely to want this option. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience for the user by reducing the effort for the user to operate the operation unit.

  In the case of the operation device and the electric device of the present invention, a recommended operation unit can be presented. As a result, operation guidance for beginners can be performed. In addition to the recommended operation unit, possible operation units other than the recommended operation unit can be presented. Therefore, there is no inconvenience that the operability of the beginner is improved while the operability of the expert is sacrificed. That is, it is possible to improve convenience for all users regardless of whether they are beginners or experts.

  In addition, the recommended operation unit, the possible operation unit other than the recommended operation unit, and the impossible operation unit can be clearly distinguished. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the user performs an erroneous operation.

1 is a perspective view schematically showing an external configuration of a washing / drying machine as an electrical apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which briefly shows the internal structure of a washing-drying machine. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control system of a washing / drying machine. It is a top view which shows the external appearance structure of the operation panel of a washing-drying machine. It is a top view which shows the external appearance of the operation panel at the time of power-off. It is a top view which shows the external appearance of the operation panel immediately after power-on. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the various information memorize | stored in the 1st and 2nd memory | storage part provided in the non-volatile memory of the washing / drying machine. It is a top view which shows the external appearance of the operation panel at the time of operating the recommended operation button. It is a top view which shows the external appearance of the operation panel at the time of operating the operation button which is not recommended. It is a top view which shows the external appearance of the operation panel at the time of operating the operation button recommended and operating the operation button which is not recommended next. It is a top view which shows the external appearance of the operation panel at the time of not operating an operation button. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the information which shows the recommendation order of the operation button memorize | stored in the 3rd memory | storage part provided in the non-volatile memory. It is a top view which shows the external appearance of the operation panel at the time of not operating an operation button, after operating the recommended operation button. It is a top view which shows the external appearance of the operation panel at the time of not operating an operation button, after operating the operation button which is not recommended. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the operation preparation process performed with a washing dryer. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the operation preparation process performed with a washing dryer. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the operation preparation process performed with a washing dryer.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings illustrating embodiments thereof. Here, the washing / drying machine 6 is illustrated as an electrical apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the external configuration of the washing / drying machine 6. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the internal configuration of the washing / drying machine 6. In the following description, the top, bottom, left, and right in FIG.
The washing / drying machine 6 includes an outer box 1 constituting an exterior. The washing / drying machine 6 includes a washing tub 2 and a rotating drum 3 inside the outer box 1.

The washing tub 2 is a large-diameter bottomed cylindrical body having an opening 20 on one side. The washing tub 2 is elastically supported in an inclined posture in which the opening 20 side is the upper side and the axis is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane. The washing tub 2 is elastically supported by a plurality of support legs 21 (only one is shown in FIG. 2) erected on the bottom surface of the outer box 1.
A motor chamber 41 is continuously provided outside the bottom of the washing tub 2. A drum motor 4 is arranged in the motor chamber 41. The output shaft 40 of the drum motor 4 penetrates the bottom of the washing tub 2 in a liquid-tight manner and protrudes from the center of the bottom of the washing tub 2 to the inside of the washing tub 2.

On the front surface of the outer box 1, an insertion port 11 is opened at a position facing the opening 20 of the washing tub 2 so as to be opened and closed by a lid 10. A space between the inlet 11 of the outer box 1 and the opening 20 of the washing tub 2 is liquid-tightly sealed by a bellows 12. The laundry A is input to the rotary drum 3 through the input port 11 of the outer box 1 and the opening 20 of the washing tub 2.
A rotating drum 3 is accommodated inside the washing tub 2. The rotating drum 3 is a bottomed cylindrical body having an opening 30 on one side and having a smaller diameter than the washing tub 2. The rotating drum 3 has the opening 30 facing the inside of the opening 20 of the washing tub 2, and the center of the bottom is connected to the tip of the output shaft 40 of the drum motor 4. The rotating drum 3 is rotated inside the washing tub 2 by driving of the drum motor 4.

The rotary drum 3 includes a fluid balancer 31 provided around the opening 30. The fluid balancer 31 absorbs and relaxes vibrations associated with the rotation of the rotary drum 3.
A large number of small holes 32 are formed in the peripheral wall of the rotary drum 3 so as to penetrate all over the entire surface (only a part is shown in FIG. 2). A plurality of baffles 33 (only one is shown in FIG. 2) extending in the axial direction are provided on the inner surface of the rotating drum 3 so as to be evenly spaced in the circumferential direction.

  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 10 is provided with a pressing operation unit 14. The lid 10 is opened when the user operates the door opening button 13. Further, the lid body 10 is closed when the user holds the peripheral edge portion of the lid body 10 to perform a closing operation and further presses the pressing operation portion 14.

  However, the lid 10 is automatically locked during dehydration, for example. In this case, the lock of the lid 10 is automatically released after the completion of the dehydration. The locked lid 10 is not opened even if the door opening button 13 is operated. When the user wants to release the lock manually before the lock is automatically released, the user needs to operate an operation button B4 described later.

On the rear upper surface of the outer box 1, a water supply port 17 serving as a connection end to the water supply is provided. The water supply port 17 is connected to a water supply valve 18 disposed inside the outer box 1. The water supply valve 18 is a multiple solenoid valve having a plurality of water supply outlets.
A first water supply outlet of the water supply valve 18 is connected to an upper peripheral surface near the bottom of the washing tub 2 through a water supply pipe 19. A silver ion generator 22 is arranged in the middle of the water supply pipe 19.

The silver ion generator 22 has a water reservoir (not shown) that retains water flowing through the water supply pipe 19 and a counter electrode (not shown) that elutes silver ions in the water remaining in the water reservoir when a voltage is applied. .
When the water supply valve 18 is switched to the first water supply outlet, the water flowing into the water supply port 17 is supplied to the inside of the washing tub 2 through the water supply valve 18 and the water supply pipe 19 and is used as washing water for washing or rinsing. used. When the silver ion generator 22 generates silver ions, the washing water contains silver ions. The laundry A rinsed with washing water containing silver ions is sterilized and deodorized.

In addition to the silver ion generator 22, a detergent case may be disposed in the middle of the water supply pipe 19 as is well known. In this case, an appropriate amount of detergent is introduced into the washing tub 2 together with the water supply.
A water conduit 23 is connected to the peripheral surface near the bottom, which is the lowest position of the washing tub 2. The water conduit 23 is connected to a cylindrical filter case 24 fixedly supported at the front lower part inside the outer box 1. Inside the filter case 24 is housed a lint filter 25 that captures foreign matter (for example, fiber waste). The lower part of the filter case 24 is connected to a drain pipe 27 laid along the bottom surface of the outer box 1 via a drain valve 26.

When the drain valve 26 is opened, the washing water in the washing tub 2 is discharged to the drain pipe 27 through the water conduit 23 and the filter case 24. Foreign matter contained in the washing water in the washing tub 2 is captured by the lint filter 25 in the filter case 24 and removed from the washing water. Therefore, since there is no possibility that foreign matter is discharged to the sewer pipe through the drain pipe 27, the environmental load can be reduced.
An operation panel (operation device) 15 is installed on the upper front of the outer box 1. An operation control unit 16 is provided at the front lower portion inside the outer box 1. Details of the operation panel 15 and the operation control unit 16 will be described later (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

Next, the main driving course of the washing / drying machine 6 will be described.
The washing / drying machine 6 has one main driving course among six main driving courses including a washing driving course, a drying driving course, a washing / drying driving course, an individual driving course, a maintenance driving course, and a refresh driving course. Carry out driving along
In the washing operation course of the washing / drying machine 6, the washing operation including the washing operation, the rinsing operation, and the dehydration operation of the laundry A is performed.

When the washing operation of the laundry A is performed, the laundry A is first put into the rotary drum 3 and then the lid 10 is closed. Next, the water supply valve 18 is switched to the first water supply port and opened. As a result, washing water (usually a washing water containing a detergent) is supplied into the washing tub 2. Then, the drum motor 4 is driven. At this time, the rotating drum 3 rotates.
The laundry A inside the rotary drum 3 is immersed in the wash water that has flowed into the rotary drum 3 through the small holes 32 and is stirred and washed together with the wash water including lifting and dropping due to the action of the baffle 33. After the washing of the laundry A is completed, the drain valve 26 is opened, and the washing water in the washing tub 2 is discharged to the drain pipe 27.

The rinsing operation of the laundry A is normally performed continuously after the washing operation of the laundry A.
When the rinsing operation of the laundry A is performed, first, the water supply valve 18 is switched to the first water supply port and opened with the drain valve 26 closed. As a result, the washing water not containing the detergent is supplied into the washing tub 2. The rotating drum 3 is rotated by driving the drum motor 4.
The laundry A is immersed in the washing water flowing into the rotating drum 3 and is rinsed by repeatedly lifting and dropping in the rotating drum 3 as in the case of washing the laundry A. After rinsing of the laundry A is completed, the drain valve 26 is opened, and the washing water in the washing tub 2 is discharged to the drain pipe 27.

The dehydration operation of the laundry A is normally performed continuously after the laundry A is rinsed. In addition, the rinsing operation and the dehydrating operation of the laundry A are normally performed a plurality of times alternately.
The dehydration operation of the laundry A is performed by rotating the rotary drum 3 in a state where the drain valve 26 is opened.
The laundry A in the rotating drum 3 rotates while sticking to the inner peripheral surface of the rotating drum 3. The water contained in the laundry is separated from the laundry A by the action of centrifugal force, and is discharged from the small hole 32 of the rotating drum 3 to the drain pipe 27 through the water conduit 23 and the filter case 24.

In the drying operation course of the washing / drying machine 6, while the rotating drum 3 rotates, a drying operation in which drying air circulates is performed as described below.
Here, the circulation air path 5 of the dry air will be described.
The circulation air passage 5 includes an outlet 50 opened at the lower bottom of the washing tub 2 and an inlet 51 opened at the upper part of the peripheral edge of the opening 20 of the washing tub 2. It is comprised by contacting using.

  The ascending duct 52 (and the preceding duct 53) is arranged on the rear side (and the upper side) inside the outer box 1. The lower end (and upper end) of the ascending duct 52 is connected to the outlet 50 (and the rear end of the preceding duct 53). A front end portion of the front duct 53 is connected to the introduction port 51.

In the middle of the upstream duct 53, a lint filter 54 for capturing dust, a blower 55 for raising dry air, and a heater 56 for heating dry air are interposed in this order from the rear side to the front side. is there. A PCI generator 57 for generating plasma cluster ions (PCI) is provided on the side wall of the upstream duct 53 connected between the blower 55 and the heater 56.
The PCI generator 57 has a discharge electrode and a dielectric electrode (not shown). When a high voltage is applied between the discharge electrode and the dielectric electrode, corona discharge occurs and PCI is generated. The PCI generated by the PCI generator 57 is added to the drying air flowing through the upstream duct 53.

The second water supply outlet of the water supply valve 18 is connected to the lower part of the rear wall of the ascending duct 52 via a cooling water pipe 58 that is arranged vertically along the ascending duct 52.
The dry air generated by the blower 55 circulates in the circulation air passage 5 configured as described above. The dry air is heated by the heater 56, reaches the inlet 51 through the upstream duct 53, and is blown into the rotary drum 3 from the inlet 51. At this time, the laundry A inside the rotary drum 3 spreads and drops after being lifted by the action of the baffle 33. The laundry A is dried by repeating contact with the drying air, particularly during the fall.

  The drying air introduced into the rotating drum 3 takes the moisture from the laundry A and is then led out from the outlet 50 to the ascending duct 52. The derived dry air rises in the ascending duct 52, moves into the preceding duct 53, and passes through the lint filter 54. At this time, dust contained in the dry air is captured by the lint filter 54. The dry air from which the dust is removed by the lint filter 54 is reheated by the heater 56 and then introduced into the rotary drum 3.

  During the drying operation, the water supply valve 18 is switched to the second water supply port, and the drain valve 26 is opened. The water supplied to the water supply port 17 flows out into the ascending duct 52 through the cooling water pipe 58 and reaches the outlet 50. The water that has reached the outlet 50 flows into the washing tub 2 and is then discharged to the drain pipe 27 through the water conduit 23 and the filter case 24.

The dry air derived from the outlet 50 comes into contact with the water flowing inside the ascending duct 52. At this time, the drying air is cooled by heat exchange with water. For this reason, the moisture contained in the drying air is condensed and removed. That is, the drying air introduced into the rotating drum 3 is high-temperature and low-humidity drying air dehumidified by the ascending duct 52 and heated by the heater 56.
In the washing / drying operation course of the washing / drying machine 6, the washing operation and the drying operation are successively performed in this order.

In the individual operation course, for example, one type desired by the user among washing, rinsing, and dehydration in the washing operation is performed, or a plurality of combinations are continuously performed.
In the maintenance operation course, washing of the washing tub 2 and the rotating drum 3 is performed.
In the refresh operation course, sterilization and deodorization of stuffed animals, scarves, boots, and the like that cannot be washed with water are performed. In the refresh operation, dry air including PCI is supplied to the inside of the rotating drum 3 in which non-washable products are accommodated.

Next, the auxiliary operation course of the washing / drying machine 6 will be described.
In the washing / drying operation course, the washing / drying machine 6 performs an operation along any one of the eight sub-operation courses such as the standard course, the soft course, and the indoor drying course. Here, the standard course, the soft course, and the indoor drying course among the eight subsidiary driving courses of the washing and drying operation course will be described, and the explanation of the other subsidiary driving courses will be omitted.

In the standard course of the washing and drying operation course, the laundry A having a standard cloth quality and general dirt is washed at a standard strength with a standard amount of detergent, Dry with a standard finish.
In the soft course of the washing and drying operation course, the laundry A having soft cloth quality such as clothes for infants or towels is gently washed and dried softly.
In the indoor drying course of the washing and drying operation course, the laundry A is washed in the same manner as the standard course, and is dried to the extent that it is completely dried if the indoor drying is performed for a short time.

  In the washing operation course, the washing / drying machine 6 performs an operation along one of the seven sub-operation courses. These exclude the sub-operation course related to only the drying operation (specifically, the indoor drying course) from the sub-operation course of the washing / drying operation course.

In the drying operation course, the washing / drying machine 6 is replaced with any one of the sub-operation courses among the plurality of types of sub-operation courses excluding the sub-operation course related only to the washing operation from the sub-operation course of the washing / drying operation course. Carry out driving along.
A description of the sub-driving course of the individual driving course and the maintenance driving course will be omitted.

In the refresh operation course, the washing / drying machine 6 performs an operation along one of the two sub-operation courses of the stationary course and the rotation course.
In the static course of the refresh operation course, the rotating drum 3 does not rotate. In this case, the unwashable product is accommodated in the rotary drum 3 in a state of being placed on a dedicated placement table.
In the rotation course of the refresh operation course, the rotary drum 3 rotates. In this case, the unwashable product is accommodated in the rotary drum 3 as it is.

Next, the control system of the washing / drying machine 6 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the washing / drying machine 6.
The operation control unit 16 shares a central processing unit (CPU) 60, a read only memory (ROM) 61, a random access memory (RAM) 62, a nonvolatile memory 63, and an I / O 65 that is an input / output interface. It is electrically connected by bus.

The nonvolatile memory 63 uses, for example, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) or an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). Part of the storage area of the nonvolatile memory 63 is used as the first, second, and third storage units M1, M2, and M3.
The I / O 65 is electrically connected to the drum motor 4, the operation panel 15, the water supply valve 18, the silver ion generator 22, the drain valve 26, the blower 55, the heater 56, and the PCI generator 57.

The CPU 60 uses the RAM 62 as a work area, controls the operation of each part of the apparatus according to a computer program stored in the ROM 61, and executes various processes. For example, the CPU 60 reads, writes, rewrites, or erases various information regarding the nonvolatile memory 63.
The CPU 60 controls the operations of the drum motor 4, the operation panel 15, the water supply valve 18, the silver ion generator 22, the drain valve 26, the blower 55, the heater 56, and the PCI generator 57. , Washing operation and / or drying operation.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the configuration of the operation panel 15.
The operation panel 15 includes a plurality of operation buttons (operation units) B1, B2,..., B18 exposed on the surface of the operation panel 15, a plurality of display units D1, D2,. A light source group L arranged so as to be covered with B1 to B18 and the display portions D1 to D13.
First, the operation buttons B1 to B18 will be described.
The operation buttons B1 to B18 are each pressed by the user. When any one of the operation buttons B1 to B18 is operated, an operation signal corresponding to the operated operation button is given to the CPU 60 of the operation control unit 16.

A frame line indicating the range of each operation button is arranged on the surface of the operation panel 15, and characters, symbols, and / or figures (hereinafter referred to as “names”, “functions”, etc.) of each operation button are arranged inside the frame line. , Called name letters).
Each of the operation buttons B1, B2, and B4 is made of an opaque member having a color with high light reflectivity. The frame lines and names of these operation buttons are written on the surface of the opaque member.

The operation button B3 is mainly composed of an opaque member having a color with high light reflectivity, but is composed of a partially transparent member. The frame of the operation button B3 is made of a transparent member, and the name characters of the operation button B3 are written on the surface of the opaque member.
Each of the operation buttons B5 to B18 is mainly composed of an opaque member having a color with high light absorption, but the frame line and the name letter of each of the operation buttons B5 to B18 are composed of a transparent member. Yes.

The light source group L includes LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) as light sources that correspond one-to-one to the operation buttons B3, B5 to B18. Each of the operation buttons B3, B5 to B18 is illuminated by a corresponding LED. Therefore, the display mode of each of the operation buttons B3, B5 to B18 changes depending on whether the LED is lit, not lit, or blinking.
Next, the display mode of each of the operation buttons B5 to B18 will be described by exemplifying the operation button B5.

When the LED is lit, the frame line and name characters of the operation button B5 are brightened. At this time, the user can easily visually recognize the operation button B5. That is, the operation button B5 is displayed in a display mode with high visibility. The display mode by turning on the LED is the first display mode.
When the LED is not lit, the frame line and the name character of the operation button B5 are darkened. At this time, it is difficult for the user to visually recognize the operation button B5. That is, the operation button B5 is displayed in a display mode with low visibility (hereinafter referred to as non-display). The display mode by non-lighting of the LED is the second display mode.

When the LED is blinking, the frame line and name characters of the operation button B5 are repeatedly blinked, so that the user can easily focus on the operation button B5. That is, the operation button B5 is displayed in a display mode having a higher degree of attention than the first display mode. The display mode by blinking of the LED is the third display mode.
The conspicuousness of each of the first, second, and third display modes has a magnitude relationship of “third display mode> first display mode> second display mode”.

  The display in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd display mode in this Embodiment is a lighting display, a non-lighting display, and a blinking display. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the display in the first, second, and third display modes may be appropriately brightly lit, darkly lit, and very brightly lit (that is, differentiated by the brightness of the LEDs). When the operation panel 15 is a touch panel, the display in the first, second, and third display modes may be a normal size display, a reduced display, and an enlarged display (that is, the operation button 15 Differentiation by size).

Here, the visibility will be described.
In general, the higher the brightness difference, saturation difference, or hue difference between the color of the operation button frame and name characters and the background color inside and outside the operation button frame, the higher the visibility.
When the color of the operation button is changed, a plurality of LEDs having different emission colors may be associated with each operation button.

Next, the attention level will be described.
When the appearance of the operation button changes, the degree of attention becomes higher than those that do not change. In addition, the degree of attention is higher when it changes suddenly than when it changes slowly. As an example of the change in appearance, in addition to blinking as in the present embodiment, discoloration, movement, rotation, deformation, repetition of enlargement and reduction, and the like can be given.
Further, when there are a plurality (or many) of operation buttons similar in appearance to each other and one (or a small number) of operation buttons having a dissimilar appearance to these, the latter attracts attention. For example, when there are a plurality of red operation buttons and one green operation button, the latter attention level is increased.

Next, display modes of the operation buttons B1, B2, and B4 will be described.
The display mode of each of the operation buttons B1, B2, and B4 is unchanged. The frame lines and the name letters of the operation buttons B1, B2, and B4 are visually recognized by the user by reflecting the light emitted from the light source outside the washing / drying machine 6.

Next, the display mode of the operation button B3 will be described.
The operation mode of the operation button B3 is variable like the operation buttons B5 to B18. However, only the frame of the operation button B3 appears to be bright / dark when the LED is turned on / off. The name characters of the operation button B3 are visually recognized by the user by reflecting light emitted from an external light source, like the operation buttons B1, B2, and B4.
Accordingly, the operation button B3 displayed in the second display mode is not hidden even though the visibility is lower than that in the case of being displayed in the first display mode.

Next, the display units D1 to D13 will be described.
In each of the display units D1 to D13, one type or a plurality of types of predetermined display contents are displayed in any of the fourth, fifth, and sixth display forms. Each display content is composed of characters, symbols, figures, or the like.
Each of the display parts D1 to D13 is mainly composed of an opaque member having a color with high light absorption, but characters, symbols, figures, etc. indicating the display contents of the display parts D1 to D13 are transparent. It is composed of various members.

The conspicuousness of each of the fourth, fifth, and sixth display modes is such that the sixth display mode> the fourth display mode> the fifth display mode. Specifically, the display in the fourth, fifth, and sixth display modes of each display content is a lighting display by turning on an LED of the light source group L, a non-display by non-lighting, and a blinking display by blinking. is there. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
The CPU 60 controls lighting, non-lighting, and blinking of each LED included in the light source group L.

The display portions D1, D2, D3, D4, D5,..., D12 correspond one-to-one to the operation buttons B5, B6, B4, B8, B9,. The display unit D13 corresponds to the operation buttons B17 and B18.
Each of the display units D1 and D2 has a plurality of types of options as display contents. Each option can be individually switched between lit display / flashing display / non-display. For this purpose, the light source group L includes LEDs that correspond one-to-one to each option of the display units D1 and D2.
The display unit D13 displays the current time, the reservation time, the remaining time, the amount of detergent necessary for washing, an error message, and the like. For this purpose, the light source group L includes, for example, LEDs that correspond one-to-one to each of the seven segments of digital numbers.

In addition, the light source group L includes LEDs corresponding to one type of display contents or a plurality of types of display contents on the display units D3 to D12, respectively. When the power is off, each LED included in the light source group L Are all unlit. Therefore, the operation panel 15 has an appearance as shown in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the appearance of the operation panel 15 when the power is off.
As shown in FIG. 5, only the operation buttons B1 to B4 are displayed on the operation panel 15 when the power is turned off. On the other hand, the operation buttons B5 to B18 and the display units D1 to D13 are not displayed.

  On the operation panel 15 when the power is turned off, only the operation button B1 can be operated, and the operation buttons B2 to B4 are operation buttons that cannot be operated (hereinafter referred to as impossible operation buttons). However, since only four operation buttons are displayed, even beginners are unlikely to get lost. Although the operation buttons B5 to B18 are also disabled operation buttons, they are not displayed, and therefore do not confuse the user.

Here, the function of the operation button B1 will be described.
When the operation button B1 is operated while the power is off, the power is turned on. That is, the operation button B1 functions as an on button.
For this purpose, when the operation button B1 is operated, the CPU 60 starts from the commercial power supply electrically connected to the washing / drying machine 6 from the drum motor 4, the operation panel 15, the water supply valve 18, the silver ion generator 22, Power supply to the drain valve 26, the blower 55, the heater 56, and the PCI generator 57 is made possible.

  Further, the CPU 60 turns on or blinks a predetermined LED among the LEDs included in the light source group L of the operation panel 15. For this reason, the nonvolatile memory 63 stores LED information indicating the LEDs to be lit. The operation button corresponding to the LED to be lit is an operable operation button (hereinafter referred to as a possible operation button). Further, as will be described later, the third storage unit M3 of the nonvolatile memory 63 stores information on operation buttons for recommending operations (hereinafter referred to as recommended operation buttons). The LED corresponding to the recommended operation button is an LED to be blinked.

  When the CPU 60 controls the light source group L in accordance with the LED information stored in the nonvolatile memory 63 and the information stored in the third storage unit M3, the operation button B3 is turned on from the non-lit display when the power is turned on. The display is switched, the operation buttons B6 and B7 are each switched from non-display to lighting display, and the operation button B5 is switched from non-display to flashing display (see FIG. 6).

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the appearance of the operation panel 15 immediately after the power is turned on.
When the power is turned on, each of the operation buttons B3, B6, B7 is turned on and the operation button B5 is blinked. The display mode of the operation buttons B1, B2, B4 does not change.
In addition, on the display unit D1 corresponding to the operation button B5, an option currently selected in association with the operation button B5 (hereinafter, referred to as a current option related to the operation button B5) is lit. Similarly, the current option related to the operation button B6 is lit on the display unit D2 corresponding to the operation button B6.

Further, the current time is lit on the display unit D13. While the display of the current time is continued, the display content of the display unit D13 changes in time.
Information on the current option regarding each of the operation buttons B5 and B6 is stored in the second storage unit M2 of the nonvolatile memory 63. The current time to be displayed on the display unit D13 is measured by a clock unit (not shown) included in the operation control unit 16.

The flashing operation button B5 is most noticeable. For this reason, the user intuitively understands that the operation of the operation button B5 is recommended.
The operation buttons B3, B6, and B7 that are lit are conspicuous in the middle. Therefore, the user intuitively understands that the operation buttons B3, B6, B7 can be operated.
Since the display mode of the operation buttons B1, B2, and B4 does not change, it is not so noticeable. Therefore, the user intuitively understands that it is not necessary to pay attention to the operation buttons B1, B2, and B4 as compared to the operation buttons B3, B5 to B7.

When the power is on, the operation button B1 cannot be operated. However, since the operation button B1 is not so conspicuous, it is unlikely that the user will make an erroneous operation.
Here, the function of the operation button B2 will be described.
When the operation button B2 is operated while the power is on, the power is turned off. That is, the operation button B2 functions as a cut button.
For this reason, when the operation button B2 is operated, or when the operation of the washing / drying machine 6 ends normally, the CPU 60 starts from the commercial power supply to the drum motor 4, the operation panel 15, the water supply valve 18, the silver ion generator. 22, power supply to the drain valve 26, the blower 55, the heater 56, and the PCI generator 57 are shut off.

  The washing / drying machine 6 is automatically turned off when the operation ends normally. Therefore, the operation button B2 is to be operated when the operation of the washing / drying machine 6 is forcibly terminated. Therefore, there is no problem even if the operation button B2 is not so conspicuous. Further, it is unlikely that the user erroneously operates the operation button B2 which is not so conspicuous and turns off the power unnecessarily.

Here, the display unit D3 will be described.
The CPU 60 locks the lid body 10 by controlling a locking mechanism of the lid body 10 (not shown). At this time, the CPU 60 turns on the LED corresponding to the display content of the display unit D3. As a result, a word indicating that the door is locked is displayed on the display unit D3. Further, the CPU 60 receives an operation of the operation button B4 corresponding to the display unit D3. That is, the operation button B4 can be operated when the lid 10 is locked.

Next, the function of the operation button B4 will be described.
When the operation button B4 is operated, the CPU 60 unlocks the lid body 10. Moreover, the display content of the display part D3 is hidden. Further, the CPU 60 disables the operation button B4.
The operation button B4 is to be operated when an abnormality occurs during dehydration, for example. Therefore, there is no problem even if the operation button B4 is not so conspicuous. Further, it is unlikely that the user erroneously operates the operation button B4 that is not so conspicuous.

Next, the function of the operation button B5 will be described.
The operation button B5 is operated when the user selects the main driving course. For this purpose, the operation button B5 and six types of options indicating six types of main driving courses are stored in advance in the first storage unit M1. In addition, the second storage unit M2 stores the current option among all six types of options associated with the operation button B5 (hereinafter referred to as all options related to the operation button B5).

  The CPU 60 refers to the contents stored in the first storage unit M1, and each time the operation button B5 is operated, the option “washing to drying” indicating the washing / drying operation course → the option “washing” indicating the washing operation course → drying operation Option “Dry” indicating a course → Option “Individual driving” indicating an individual driving course → Option “Cleaning” indicating a cleaning driving course → Option “Refreshing” indicating a refresh driving course → Option “Washing” indicating a washing drying driving course Switch the current option in the order of “~ dry” →. Switching the current option means updating the current option stored in the second storage unit M2.

Next, the function of the operation button B6 will be described.
The operation button B6 is operated when the user who has selected the main driving course selects the sub driving course. However, the number and type of secondary driving courses differ depending on the main driving course. For this reason, when the current option related to the operation button B5 is the washing / drying operation course (or the washing operation course), for example, the operation button B6 has eight types of sub-operation courses (or the washing operation course). It functions as an operation button for selecting one of seven types of sub-operation courses). On the other hand, when the current option related to the operation button B5 is the refresh operation course, the operation button B6 functions as an operation button for selecting one of the two types of sub-operation courses of the refresh operation course.

For this purpose, the operation button B6 and a plurality of types of options indicating a plurality of types of sub driving courses for each main driving course are stored in association with each other in the first storage unit M1. In addition, the second storage unit M2 stores the current option among all the options of the sub-operation course for each main operation course.
The CPU 60 refers to the stored contents of the first storage unit M1, and switches the current option every time the operation button B6 is operated.

Next, the function of the operation button B7 will be described.
The operation button B7 is operated when a user who has selected the main driving course and the sub driving course browses a menu of driving items in order to select more detailed driving items.
The operation items correspond to the operation buttons B8 to B18.

For example, the user who desires the reserved operation selects the reserved operation by operating the operation button B8.
The reserved operation can be selected from either the washing / drying operation course or the refresh operation course. Therefore, regardless of whether the washing / drying operation course or the refresh operation course is the current option, if the operation button B7 is operated, the operation button B8 is turned on.
A symbol indicating a reserved operation is displayed on the display portion D4 corresponding to the operation button B8. Each time the operation button B8 is operated, the lighting / blinking display of the display content of the display unit D4 is switched.

  When the reserved operation is selected, the operation buttons B17 and B18 are displayed blinking. The user inputs the reserved time by operating the operation button B17 and / or the operation button B18. At this time, the input reservation time is displayed on the display unit D13.

In addition, a user who desires washing with bath water performs bath water operation by operating the operation button B9.
Bath water operation can be selected in the washing and drying operation course, but not in the refresh operation course. Therefore, when the washing / drying operation course is selected, when the operation button B7 is operated, the operation button B9 is lit. On the other hand, when the refresh operation course is selected, the operation button B9 remains hidden even when the operation button B7 is operated.

  The display section D5 corresponding to the operation button B9 can display an option “washing” indicating that the bath water operation is performed in the washing operation and an option “rinsing” indicating that the bath water operation is performed in the rinsing operation. . Each time the operation button B9 is operated, both the options “wash” and “rinse” blink, the option “wash” blinks, the option “rinse” lights, the option “wash” lights, and the option “rinse”. Blinking display → lighting display of both “washing” and “rinsing” options → flashing display of both “washing” and “rinsing” options →... In this order. That is, when performing bath water operation, both or one of the options “washing” and “rinsing” is selected.

Detailed descriptions of the operation buttons B10 to B16 and the display units D6 to D12 are omitted.
Information on operation buttons that become possible operation buttons when the operation button B 7 is operated is stored in the nonvolatile memory 63.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of various information stored in the first and second storage units M1 and M2.
In the first and second storage units M1 and M2, information indicating the type of the operation button B5, information indicating all options of the main driving course, and information indicating the current options are stored in association with each other. Here, the information indicating the current option of the main driving course is a flag (check mark in the figure) set in association with any one of all the options of the main driving course.

In the first and second storage units M1 and M2, information indicating the type of the operation button B6, information indicating all options of the main driving course, information indicating all options of the sub driving course of each main driving course, and Information indicating the current option is stored in association with each other.
When the washing / drying machine 6 is shipped from the factory (and when the washing / drying machine 6 is first turned on), the second storage unit M2 stores the default option as the current option. . When the power of the washing / drying machine 6 is turned on for the second time and thereafter, the second storage unit M2 stores the option that was the current option when the power was turned on the last time as the current option. As described above, the current option is updated by operating the operation buttons B5 and B6.

Next, a case will be described in which the operation button B5 that is blinking (that is, the operation button recommended for operation) is operated on the operation panel 15 in the state shown in FIG.
When the user operates the operation button B5, the state of the operation panel 15 changes from that shown in FIG. 6 to that shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an appearance of the operation panel 15 when the operation button B5 is operated.
The user who operates the operation button B5 is a user who desires to select a main driving course. For this purpose, all options of the main driving course are presented to the user.
When the operation button B5 is operated, the blinking display of the operation button B5 is switched to the lighting display. This is because the operation button B5 has already been operated, and it is not necessary to recommend the operation. Note that the blinking display of the operation button B5 may be continued.

When the operation button B5 is operated, all the options except the current option for the main driving course are lit on the display unit D1.
Each time the operation button B5 is operated, the current choices of the main driving course are sequentially switched. Then, the new current option is blinked and the old current option is lit.

Next, a description will be given of a case where the operation button B6 that is lit (that is, an operation button that can be operated but is not recommended) is operated on the operation panel 15 in the state shown in FIG.
When the user operates the operation button B5, the state of the operation panel 15 changes from that shown in FIG. 6 to that shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an appearance of the operation panel 15 when the operation button B6 is operated.
A user who operates the operation button B6 without operating the operation button B5 is a user who desires the current driving option for the main driving course and the selection of the sub driving course. For this purpose, the user is presented with all the alternative driving course options. In this case, since the washing and drying operation course is selected as the main operation course in the state shown in FIG. 6, all options of the sub-operation course of the washing and drying operation course are presented in the state shown in FIG.

  When the operation button B6 is operated, the blinking display of the operation button B5 is switched to the lighting display. This is because it is not necessary to recommend the operation of the operation button B5 because the operation button B6 has already been operated. Note that the blinking display of the operation button B5 may be continued, or the operation button B6 may be blinked instead of the operation button B5.

Further, when the operation button B6 is operated, all the options except the current option of the subsidiary driving course are lit on the display unit D2.
Each time the operation button B6 is operated, the current choice of the sub driving course is switched in order. Then, the new current option is blinked and the old current option is lit.
The user intuitively understands that the blinking option is the current option, and the lit option is all options other than the current option. The display unit D2 can also display alternative driving course options other than the auxiliary driving course of the washing and drying driving course, but these are not displayed. Therefore, the user intuitively understands that the non-display option cannot be selected.

Next, a case where the operation button B6 is operated on the operation panel 15 in the state shown in FIG. 8 will be described.
FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an appearance of the operation panel 15 when the operation button B5 is operated and then the operation button B6 is operated.

  The user who operates the operation button B5 and then operates the operation button B6 is a user who finishes selecting a desired main driving course and then desires to select a sub driving course. For this purpose, the user is presented with all the alternative driving course options. In this case, since the washing operation course is selected in the state shown in FIG. 8, in the state shown in FIG. 10, all options of the sub operation course of the washing operation course are presented. That is, on the display unit D2, the current option is blinked and all the options other than the current option are lit.

By the way, as for the main driving course that has already been selected, it is not necessary to present all options other than the current option to the user as long as the current option is presented. Therefore, on the display unit D1, the current option of the sub-operation course of the washing operation course is switched from the blinking display to the lighting display, and all the options other than the current option are not displayed.
The operation button B5 remains lit. That is, the operation button B5 can be operated even after the operation button B6 is operated. Therefore, if the operation button B5 is operated again, the main driving course can be selected again.

Next, a case where all the operation buttons including the operation button B5 blinking on the operation panel 15 in the state shown in FIG. 6 are not operated will be described.
After the operation button B5 is displayed blinking and the operation buttons B3, B6, B7 are lit and displayed, the state of the operation panel 15 changes from the one shown in FIG. 6 to the one shown in FIG. Change.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the appearance of the operation panel 15 when the operation buttons B5, B6, etc. are not operated.
A user who does not operate the operation buttons B5, B6, etc. even though the operation buttons B5, B7, etc. can be operated, is recommended for the operation course B5. However, the user is worried about which operation button should be operated next. For this purpose, the user is recommended to operate the operation button B5 and the next recommended operation button is presented.
The recommended order of the operation buttons is stored in the third storage unit M3.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of information indicating the recommended order of the operation buttons stored in the third storage unit M <b> 3 provided in the nonvolatile memory 63.
The third storage unit M3 stores information indicating that the operation button B5 is recommended immediately after the power is turned on, and then the operation buttons B6 and B7 are sequentially recommended. The third storage unit M3 stores information indicating that the operation buttons B17 and B18 are recommended at the same time when the reserved operation is selected.
Note that the operation button B3 may be recommended next to the operation button B7.

In the state shown in FIG. 6, the operation button B5 was recommended (in other words, the operation button B5 was supposed to be operated). Referring to the stored contents of the third storage unit M3, it can be seen that the operation button B6 is recommended to be operated after the operation button B5. Therefore, in the state of FIG. 11, the operation button B6 is blinked.
On the other hand, the operation button B5 is lit up. That is, the operation button B5 can be operated. Therefore, if the operation button B5 is operated again, the main driving course can be selected.

Next, the case where all the operation buttons including the operation button B5 are not operated on the operation panel 15 in the state shown in FIG.
When a predetermined time Ta elapses after the operation button B5 is operated once or a plurality of times, the state of the operation panel 15 changes from that shown in FIG. 8 to that shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the appearance of the operation panel 15 when the operation buttons B5, B6, etc. are not operated after the operation button B5 is operated.
A user who operates the operation button B5 but does not operate the operation buttons B5, B6, etc. after that has selected the desired main driving course, but is wondering which operation button should be operated next. It is. Therefore, the following recommended operation buttons are presented to the user.

  The state shown in FIG. 8 is a state in which the operation button B5 has been operated most recently. Referring to the stored contents of the third storage unit M3, it can be seen that the operation button B6 is recommended to be operated after the operation button B5. Therefore, in the state of FIG. 13, the operation button B6 is blinked.

Next, the case where all the operation buttons including the operation button B6 are not operated on the operation panel 15 in the state shown in FIG.
When the predetermined time Tb elapses after the operation button B6 is operated once or a plurality of times, the state of the operation panel 15 changes from that shown in FIG. 10 to that shown in FIG. Here, the predetermined time Tb may be the same length as the predetermined time Ta or may be a different length.

FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the appearance of the operation panel 15 when the operation buttons B5, B6, etc. are not operated after the operation button B6 is operated.
The user who operated the operation button B5 and then operated the operation button B6, and then the user who does not operate the operation buttons B5, B6, etc. has finished selecting the desired main driving course and sub driving course, The user is worried about which operation button to operate.

The state shown in FIG. 10 is a state in which the operation button B6 has been operated most recently. Referring to the stored contents of the third storage unit M3, it can be seen that the operation button B7 is recommended to be operated after the operation button B6. Therefore, in the state of FIG. 14, the operation button B7 is blinked.
By the way, regarding the sub-operation course that has already been selected, it is not necessary to present all options other than the current option to the user as long as the current option is presented. Therefore, on the display unit D2, the current option of the sub-operation course of the washing operation course is switched from the blinking display to the lighting display, and all the options other than the current option are not displayed.

The blinking display of the recommended operation button may be switched to the lighting display after a predetermined time Tc shorter than the predetermined times Ta and Tb.
Further, the present invention is not limited to the configuration in which the next recommended operation button blinks when the predetermined times Ta and Tb elapse. For example, when the operation button B4 is operated, the next recommended operation button may be blinked.

Next, the function of the operation button B3 will be described.
The operation button B3 functions as a start button and a pause button.
When the operation button B3 is operated when the reserved operation is not selected, the CPU 60 starts the operation according to the current option stored in the second storage unit M2. When the operation button B3 is operated when the reserved operation is selected, the CPU 60 reserves the operation according to the current option stored in the second storage unit M2, and when the reservation time is reached, Start driving.
Further, when the operation button B3 is operated during the driving, the CPU 60 temporarily stops the driving.

15 to 17 are flowcharts showing the procedure of the operation preparation process executed in the washing / drying machine.
As shown in FIG. 15, the CPU 60 determines whether or not the operation button B1 has been operated (S11). If the operation button B1 has not been operated (NO in S11), the process of S11 is repeated.
When the operation button B1 is operated (YES in S11), the CPU 60 enables power supply to each part of the apparatus (S12).

  Further, the CPU 60 refers to the LED information stored in the non-volatile memory 16, determines the possible operation button and the impossible operation button among the operation buttons B1 to B18 (S13), and accepts the operation of the possible operation button. (S14). Immediately after the power is turned on, as a result of the processing of S13, the operation buttons B2, B3, B5 to B7 are made operable buttons, and the operation buttons B1, B4, B8 to B18 are made impossible operation buttons.

Furthermore, the CPU 60 refers to information stored in the third storage unit M3 and determines a recommended operation button (S15). If it is immediately after the power is turned on, the operation button B5 is recommended as a result of the process of S14. The CPU 60 that executes the process of S14 functions as a recommendation determining unit in the embodiment of the present invention.
Furthermore, the CPU 60 reads out the current option related to the possible operation button determined in S13 from the second storage unit M2 (S16).

  Next, the CPU 60 switches on / off / flashing of appropriate LEDs (S17). Immediately after the power is turned on, as a result of the processing of S17, each of the operation buttons B3, B6, B7 is switched from non-lighting display or non-display to lighted display, and the operation button B5 is switched from non-display to blinking display. In the parts D1 and D2, the current options related to the operation buttons B5 and B6 are switched from non-display to lighting display.

Then, the CPU 60 starts measuring the first elapsed time T10 (S18). The CPU 60 that executes the process of S18 functions as the first time measuring means in the embodiment of the present invention.
The first elapsed time T10 (and second elapsed time T20 described later) by the CPU 60 may be measured using, for example, the above-described clock unit or a timer (not shown), and count the clocks input to the CPU 60. May be performed.

  Next, the CPU 60 determines whether or not the operation button B3 has been operated (S19). When the operation button B3 is operated (YES in S19), the CPU 60 ends the time measurement currently being executed (S20), and operates according to the current option stored in the second storage unit M2. Or start driving (S21). After the process of S21 ends, the CPU 60 ends the operation preparation process.

When the operation according to the current option is normally completed, the CPU 60 newly executes the process of S11.
The stored contents of the second storage unit M2 are retained even after the processing of S21 is completed. Therefore, when the process of S16 is newly executed, the current option stored in the second storage unit M2 at the end of the process of S21 is read.
By the way, when the operation button B2 is operated during the operation preparation process, the operation preparation process is forcibly terminated. In this case, the stored contents of the second storage unit M2 may be stored at the time when the operation is forcibly terminated, or may be stored at the time when the operation preparation process forcibly ended is started.

  If the operation button B3 is not operated (NO in S19), the CPU 60 determines whether or not the operation button determined in S15 (that is, the recommended operation button) is operated as shown in FIG. 16 (S31). ).

  When the recommended operation button has been operated (YES in S31), the CPU 60 updates the stored content of the second storage unit M2, thereby updating the current option related to the recommended operation button (S32). Next, the CPU 60 blinks the LED corresponding to the updated current option to blink the current option (S33). Further, the CPU 60 turns on the LEDs corresponding to all the options other than the updated current option among all the options related to the recommended operation buttons, thereby lighting them (S34). When performing the process of S34, the CPU 60 keeps the already lit LEDs on, and switches the non-lit LEDs or the blinking LEDs to lit.

Further, the CPU 60 determines whether or not the first elapsed time T10 has already been timed (S35), and when it has not been timed (NO in S35), starts counting the first elapsed time T10. (S36). If the first elapsed time T10 has already been timed (YES in S35), the time measurement of the first elapsed time T10 is reset (S37). As a result of the process of S37, the time measurement result T1 of the first elapsed time T10 is initialized.
The CPU 60 that executes the processes of S36 and S37 functions as the first time measuring means and the first resetting means in the embodiment of the present invention.

After the process of S36 or S37 ends, the CPU 60 determines whether or not the recommended operation button is blinking (that is, the LED corresponding to the recommended operation button is blinking) (S38). When the recommended operation button is displayed blinking (YES in S38), the CPU 60 switches the recommended operation button from blinking display to lighting display (S39).
After the process of S39 ends, or when the LED corresponding to the recommended operation button is lit (NO in S38), the CPU 60 returns the process to S19.

  Here, the case where the operation button B5 is first operated after the power is turned on, that is, the case where the operation button B5 is operated in the state of FIG. 6 will be described. The CPU 60 determines YES in S31. As a result of the process of S32, the current option of the main driving course is updated from one showing the washing and drying driving course to one showing the washing driving course. As a result of the processing of S33 and S34, the option indicating the washing and drying operation course that is the old current option is lit on the display unit D1, and the option indicating the washing operation course that is the new current option is displayed blinking. Each option indicating the main driving course is displayed. As a result of the process of S38, the operation button B5 is switched from blinking display to lighting display. That is, the state of FIG. 6 changes to the state of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 16, when the recommended operation button is not operated (NO in S31), the CPU 60, as shown in FIG. 17, among the possible operation buttons determined in S13, the recommended operation determined in S15. It is determined whether an operation button other than the button (that is, a possible operation button excluding the recommended operation button, hereinafter referred to as a possible non-recommended operation button) has been operated (S51).

  When an operation button other than the recommended operation is operated (YES in S51), the CPU 60 updates the stored contents of the second storage unit M2, thereby updating the current option related to the operation buttons other than the recommendation (S52). ). Next, the CPU 60 blinks the LED corresponding to the updated current option to blink the current option (S53). Further, the CPU 60 turns on LEDs corresponding to all the options other than the recommended options other than the recommended ones other than the current option after the update by lighting them (S54). When performing the process of S54, the CPU 60 keeps the already lit LED as it is, and switches the non-lit LED or the blinking LED to lit.

Further, the CPU 60 determines whether or not the second elapsed time T20 has already been timed (S55), and when it has not been timed (NO in S55), starts counting the second elapsed time T20. (S56). If the second elapsed time T20 has already been timed (YES in S55), the time measurement of the second elapsed time T20 is reset (S57). As a result of the process of S57, the time measurement result T2 of the second elapsed time T20 is initialized.
The CPU 60 that executes the processes of S56 and S57 functions as the second time measuring means and the second reset means in the embodiment of the present invention.

After the process of S56 or S57 is completed, the CPU 60 determines whether or not the recommended operation button is blinking as in the process of S38 (S58). When the recommended operation button is displayed blinking (YES in S58), the CPU 60 switches the recommended operation button from blinking display to lighting display as in the process of S39 (S59).
After the process of S59 ends, or when the LED corresponding to the recommended operation button is lit (NO in S58), the CPU 60 returns the process to S19.

  Here, the case where the operation button B6 is first operated after the power is turned on, that is, the case where the operation button B6 is operated in the state of FIG. 6 will be described. The CPU 60 determines YES in S51. As a result of the process of S52, the current choice of the sub driving course is updated from the standard driving course to the soft driving course. As a result of the processing of S53 and S54, the option indicating the standard driving course which is the old current option is lit on the display unit D2, and the option indicating the soft driving course which is the new current option is flashed. Each option indicating the driving course is lit up. As a result of the process of S58, the operation button B5 is switched from blinking display to lighting display. That is, the state of FIG. 6 changes to the state of FIG.

When the possible operation buttons other than those recommended are not operated (NO in S51), if the CPU 60 is measuring the first elapsed time T10, the time measurement result T1 of the first elapsed time T10 is equal to or greater than the predetermined time Ta. If the second elapsed time T20 is being measured, it is determined whether or not the time measurement result T2 of the second elapsed time T20 is equal to or longer than the predetermined time Tb (S60).
When the elapsed time is less than the predetermined time (NO in S60), the CPU 60 returns the process to S19.

When the elapsed time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time (YES in S60), the CPU 60 returns the process to S13.
The CPU 60 that executes the process of S60 functions as first and second determination means in the embodiment of the present invention.

  Here, after the power is turned on, a case where the predetermined time Ta has passed without any operation of the operation buttons B5, B6, etc., that is, the case where the operation button B5, B6, etc. is left until reaching the predetermined time Ta in the state of FIG. explain. The CPU 60 determines YES in S60. As a result of the process of S13, the operable buttons remain the operation buttons B2, B3, B5 to B7. As a result of the process of S15, the recommended operation button is switched from the operation button B5 to the operation button B6. As a result of the process of S17, the operation button B5 is switched from the blinking display to the lighting display, and the operation button B6 is switched from the lighting display to the blinking display. That is, the state of FIG. 6 changes to the state of FIG.

  By the way, when the operation button operated by the process of S31 or S51 is the operation button B7, although not illustrated, the CPU 60 refers to the non-volatile memory 63 and cannot be operated as a possible operation button among the operation buttons B8 to B18. The operation button is determined, the possible operation button is lit, and the operation of the possible operation button is accepted. When the operation button B7 is operated again, the CPU 60 makes the possible operation buttons of the operation buttons B8 to B18 again impossible operation buttons.

  When the washing / drying machine 6 as described above is used, the recommended operation buttons are sequentially blinked. The beginner operates the recommended operation button blinking. That is, operation guidance for beginners can be performed. The skilled person operates a desired operation button among the recommended operation buttons that are blinking and the possible operation buttons that are lit. That is, the free operation of the skilled person is not hindered. Further, the disabled operation button is not displayed. For this reason, erroneous operation can be prevented.

When the possible operation button is not operated, the current option related to the possible operation button is lit and all options other than the current option are not displayed. For this reason, it is possible to intuitively understand the correspondence between possible operation buttons and the current option.
When the possible operation button is operated, the current option related to the possible operation button is blinked and all the options other than the current option are lit. For this reason, it is possible to intuitively understand the correspondence between possible operation buttons and all options or current options.

  Further, after the operation of the washing / drying machine 6 is completed, the stored contents of the second storage unit are retained. The stored content of the second storage unit is an option selected by the user in the current driving. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the user will select the next driving. Since such options are presented to the user preferentially, it is possible to save the user from operating the operation buttons. That is, user convenience can be improved.

The embodiment disclosed this time is to be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is not intended to include the above-described meanings, but is intended to include meanings equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope of the claims.
For example, the electrical device according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to a washing and drying machine, and may be a washing machine, a dryer, a dishwasher, a humidifier, or the like.
In addition, as long as the effects of the present invention are obtained, the washing / drying machine 6 or the operation panel 15 may include components that are not disclosed in the embodiment.

6 Washing dryer (electric equipment)
15 Operation panel (operation device)
60 CPU (recommendation determination means, first and second timing means, first and second reset means, first and second determination means)
B1, B2, ..., B18 Operation buttons (operation unit)
D1, D2, ..., D13 Display part L Light source group (light source)
M1, M2 first and second storage units

Claims (7)

Each display mode has a plurality of variable operation units,
An operable operation unit is displayed in a first display mode with high visibility,
In the operating device that is configured to display the operation unit temporarily disabled in the second display mode with low visibility,
Among the operable operation units, comprising a recommendation determining means for determining an operation unit that recommends an operation,
An operation device characterized in that the operation unit determined by the recommendation determining means is displayed in a third display mode having a higher degree of attention than the first display mode. A first time measuring means for measuring an elapsed time since the operation section determined by the recommendation determining means is displayed in the third display mode;
A first reset unit that resets the time measured by the first time measuring unit each time the operation unit determined by the recommendation determining unit is operated;
First determination means for determining whether or not the time measurement result T1 by the first time measurement means is equal to or longer than a predetermined time Ta;
Second time measuring means for measuring an elapsed time since the operable operation section other than the operation section determined by the recommendation determining means is operated;
A second reset unit that resets the time measured by the second time measuring unit each time the operable operation unit other than the operation unit determined by the recommendation determining unit is operated;
And second determination means for determining whether or not the time measurement result T2 by the second time measurement means is equal to or longer than a predetermined time Tb,
When the first determining means determines that T1 ≧ Ta or when the second determining means determines that T2 ≧ Tb, the determination by the recommendation determining means is executed again. The operating device according to claim 1.   When the operation unit determined by the recommendation determination unit is displayed in the third display mode, the operation unit determined by the recommendation determination unit is displayed in the first display when the operable operation unit is operated. The operation device according to claim 2, wherein the operation device is displayed in a manner. A light source corresponding to each operation unit;
Each operation unit is illuminated by a light source corresponding to the operation unit,
4. The display in the first, second, and third display modes is performed by any one of lighting, non-lighting, and blinking of the light source, respectively. The operating device according to any one of the above. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A first storage unit that stores each operation unit included in the operation device in association with a plurality of types of options;
Of the options stored in the first storage unit, a default option, or a second storage unit that stores an option selected by operating the operation unit, and
It has a display section that displays options,
In an electrical device that performs an operation in accordance with an option stored in the second storage unit,
The display unit
The options stored in the second storage unit in association with the operable operation unit are displayed in a fourth display mode with high visibility,
An electric device characterized in that the option stored in the first storage unit in association with the operation unit that is disabled is displayed in a fifth display mode with low visibility. When the operable operation unit is operated, the display unit is
The options stored in the second storage unit in association with the operated operation unit that has been operated are displayed in the sixth display mode having a higher degree of attention than the fourth display mode and are operated. Among the options stored in the first storage unit in association with the operable operation unit, options other than the options stored in the second storage unit in association with the operable operation unit are selected. , In the fourth display mode,
The options stored in the second storage unit in association with the operable operation unit other than the operated operation unit operated are displayed in the fourth display mode, and the operated operation is performed. Among the options stored in the first storage unit in association with the operable operation unit other than the operable operation unit, the options are stored in the second storage unit in association with the operable operation unit. The electrical apparatus according to claim 5, wherein options other than the options are displayed in the fifth display mode. When the power is turned on for the first time, the second storage unit stores default options,
When the power is turned on after the second time, the second storage unit stores the options stored in the second storage unit when the power is turned off last time. The electric device according to claim 5 or 6.

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