JP2014050604A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine which can select a desired operation by confirming selectable operations at a glance, which displays the selected operation clearly, and which prevents erroneous confirmation and a selection error.SOLUTION: A CPU 60 of an operation control unit 16 of a washing machine, when receiving an instruction of power-on, reads out an operation and a course of an initial display from a non-volatile memory 63 and displays it on a display unit of an operation panel 15. Also, when receiving a pressing of an operation switch key at the first time, it displays all the settable operations on the display unit. When receiving a pressing of an operation switch key at the second time or after, only the operation of the switching destination is displayed on the display unit. Also, when receiving a pressing of a course switch key at the first time, it displays all the settable courses on the display unit. When receiving a pressing of the course switch key at the second time or after, only the course of the switching destination is displayed on the display unit.

Description

  The present invention is provided with a drying air passage for circulating drying air in a rotating drum that rotates inside a water tank, and when the power is turned on, the washing operation, the drying operation, etc., and the conditions of the operation are shown. The present invention relates to a washing machine configured to accept a selection and set a driving and a course.

  A drum-type washing machine that has been widely used in recent years is a bottomed cylindrical water tank that supports a cylindrical tank with a bottom in a horizontal or oblique horizontal position, and rotates coaxially inside the water tank. The rotary drum is accommodated. The washing machine includes a drying air passage for circulating the drying air in the water tub and the rotating drum, and the drying air passage is provided with a blower fan for sucking air of the rotating drum and a heater for heating the air. .

  The aquarium and the rotating drum have an opening that opens to the same side, and during washing operation, the laundry is put into the rotating drum through the opening and is washed into the washing water collected at the bottom of the aquarium and the rotating drum. It is soaked and repeatedly lifted and dropped by the rotation of the rotating drum, and when dropped, it is struck against the circumferential surface of the rotating drum and washed. Then, during the drying operation, the laundry is repeatedly lifted and dropped by the rotation of the rotating drum in the same manner as the washing operation, repeatedly comes into contact with the drying air circulating through the drying air passage, and is deprived of moisture and dried.

When the user uses the washing machine as described above, first, the “power on” key is pressed to set the operation. Driving includes “washing and drying (hereinafter referred to as washing and drying)” in which washing and drying are performed, “washing” in which only washing is performed, and “drying” in which only drying is performed. Select the desired operation.
Next, set the course. The course shows the conditions of each operation such as washing time, number and time of rinsing, dehydration time, drying time, etc., "Standard", "Speed", "Soft", "My home (flow) ”,“ Indoor drying ”,“ careful ”,“ dry ”,“ blanket ”and the like. Courses that can be selected are determined by the set operation, and the user presses the “Course switching” key to select a desired course. The order of setting the driving and the course may be opposite to the above.

However, since the conventional washing machine has a configuration in which all keys can be visually recognized, there is a problem that it is difficult to know how to set the driving content by combining driving and course. For example, when the operation is “drying”, the course of “indoor drying” cannot be selected, but it is difficult for the user to determine only the information on the display panel.
In order to solve this problem, in Patent Document 1, the selected operation (or course) is blinked, other selectable operations (or courses) are turned on, and the user can smoothly set the operation content. An invention of a washing machine configured to be able to be performed is disclosed.

JP 2011-67310 A

  As in Patent Document 1, when the selected operation (or course) is flashed and other selectable operations (or courses) are displayed in a lit state, it is difficult to understand which is selected, There is a problem that it is troublesome for the user because the display amount is large. And since the selected operation (or course) blinks, there is a possibility that it will be mistaken for an error when the lighting cycle is short, and when the lighting cycle is long, the time during which all the keys are lit becomes long. There is a problem that it is difficult to understand whether the key is selected, and there is a risk of error and misunderstanding.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and can select a desired operation by checking a selectable operation at a glance, the selected operation is clearly displayed, and misidentification and selection errors occur. An object is to provide a washing machine that is prevented.

  A washing machine according to the present invention includes a drying air passage through which drying air supplied to a washing tub for storing laundry flows, and includes any one of a washing process, a dehydrating process, a rinsing process, and a drying process. In a washing machine configured to display an operation with a different combination of processes on the display unit and switch an operation to be set by operating the operation switching unit, the operation switching unit is turned on for the first time after the power is turned on. Means for displaying all settable operations when operated, and means for displaying only the operation at the switching destination when the operation switching unit is operated for the second time or later. .

Here, “when the power is turned on” refers to a case where the operation unit that receives an instruction to turn on the power is pressed.
In the present invention, after the power is turned on, all the operations that can be set are displayed when the operation switching unit is operated, and when the operation switching unit is operated next, only the switching destination operation is displayed. It is possible to check the selectable operations at a glance and select a desired operation. After the selection, the selected operation is clearly displayed. Thus, misidentification and selection errors are prevented. This is more effective in an operation panel configured so that display contents cannot be visually recognized when the display lamp is turned off.

  The washing machine according to the present invention includes means for displaying all the settable operations when the operation switching unit is operated again when a predetermined time has elapsed after the operation switching unit is operated. Features.

  In the present invention, after the previous operation switching unit was operated, the operation switching unit was operated when the operation was not set even after a predetermined time had elapsed, or when the operation unit for starting operation was not operated, etc. At this time, since all the operations that can be set again are displayed as the first operation, it is easy for the user to set the driving, the driving setting is prompted, and the convenience is good.

  The washing machine according to the present invention includes means for displaying all the settable operations when an operation unit other than the operation switching unit is operated and the operation switching unit is operated.

  In the present invention, all the operations that can be set again as the first operation can be displayed by the user's intention. Alternatively, after the other operation unit is operated, the operation switching unit is operated because it is assumed that the operation setting has not been confirmed, and all the display is performed again to prompt the user to set the operation.

  The washing machine according to the present invention is configured to display a course having different operating conditions including the time of the process and the number of processes on the display unit, and switch the course to be set by operating the course switching unit. Yes, after the power is turned on, when the course switching unit is operated for the first time, a means for displaying all settable courses, and when the course switching unit is operated for the second time or later, the switching destination And means for displaying only the course.

  In the present invention, after the power is turned on, all courses that can be set are displayed when the course switching unit is operated, and then only the switching destination course is displayed when the course switching unit is operated. The courses that can be selected can be confirmed at a glance and a desired course can be selected. After the selection, the selected course is clearly displayed. Thus, misidentification and selection errors are prevented.

  The washing machine according to the present invention includes means for displaying all settable courses when the course switching unit is operated again when a predetermined time has elapsed after the course switching unit is operated. Features.

  In the present invention, the course switching unit is operated when the course has not been set even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the last time the course switching unit was operated, or when the course starting operation unit is not operated. Since all the courses that can be set are displayed, it is easy for the user to set the course, the course setting is prompted, and the convenience is good.

  The washing machine according to the present invention includes means for displaying all settable courses when an operation unit other than the course switching unit is operated and the course switching unit is operated.

  In the present invention, all the courses that can be set can be displayed according to the intention of the user. Alternatively, after the other operation unit is operated, it is assumed that the course switching unit is operated because the setting of the course is not fixed, and all the display is performed to prompt the setting of the course.

  According to the present invention, after the power is turned on, all the operations that can be set are displayed when the operation switching unit is operated, and only the switching destination operation is displayed when the operation switching unit is operated next. Can select a desired operation by checking the selectable operations at a glance, and after the selection, the selected operation is clearly displayed. Thus, misidentification and selection errors are prevented. This is more effective in an operation panel configured so that display contents cannot be visually recognized when the display lamp is turned off.

1 is a perspective view schematically showing an appearance of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing an internal configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control system of the washing machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the operation panel which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the display process of the display part D1 by CPU which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the other procedure of the display process of the display part D1 by CPU which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the other procedure of the display process of the display part D1 by CPU which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the display process of the display part D2 by CPU which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the other procedure of the display process of the display part D2 by CPU which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the other procedure of the display process of the display part D2 by CPU which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the state by which the initial display was performed in the operation panel at the time of power activation. FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a case where an operation button B5 is pressed in the display state of FIG. It is a top view which shows the case where operation button B5 is pressed in the display state of FIG. It is a top view which shows the case where operation button B6 is pressed in the display state of FIG. FIG. 15 is a plan view showing a case where an operation button B6 is pressed in the display state of FIG. FIG. 17 is a plan view showing a case where an operation button B6 is pressed in the display state of FIG. It is a top view which shows the state by which operation button B6 was pressed the 1st time when washing-drying operation was set. It is a top view which shows the state by which operation button B6 was pressed 1st time when drying operation was set.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an appearance of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing an internal configuration of the washing machine.

As shown in FIG. 2, the washing machine according to the present invention includes a rotating drum 3 that is a washing tub that houses a water tub 2 and laundry in an outer box 1 that constitutes an exterior, and performs washing and dehydration. The water tank 2 is a large-diameter bottomed cylindrical body having an opening 20 on one side, and a plurality of support legs 21 (only one is shown) erected on the bottom surface of the outer box 1, and the side of the opening 20 is The upper surface is elastically supported while maintaining an inclined posture in which the axis is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane.
On the front surface of the outer box 1 (the left side surface in FIG. 2), a loading port 11 for the laundry A is opened at a position facing the opening 20 of the water tank 2 so as to be opened and closed by the lid body 10. The space between the two openings 20 is liquid-tightly sealed by the bellows 12.

  A rotating drum 3 is accommodated in the water tank 2. The rotating drum 3 is a bottomed cylindrical body having a slightly smaller diameter than the water tank 2, and the drum motor 4 fixed to the center of the bottom of the water tank 2 with the opening 30 on one side facing the inside of the opening 20 of the water tank 2. It is connected to the end of the output shaft 40 and is configured to rotate inside the water tank 2 by driving the drum motor 4.

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

  As shown in FIG. 2, a large number of small holes 32 are formed through the entire surface of the peripheral wall of the rotating drum 3, and a plurality of baffles 33 extending in the axial length direction are formed on the inner surface of the rotating drum 3. Are protruded with equal distribution in the circumferential direction. In FIG. 2, only a part of the small hole 32 and one baffle 33 are illustrated in order to avoid complication of the drawing.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a door opening button 13 is provided in the vicinity of the lid 10 on the front surface of the outer box 1. Further, the lid body 10 is provided with a pressing portion 14 for performing a pressing operation when the lid body 10 is closed. The lid body 10 is opened by operating the door opening button 13, is closed by gripping the peripheral edge portion, and is operated by pressing the pressing portion 14 from the outside. A charging port 11 provided on the front surface of the outer box 1 faces the openings 20 and 30 of the water tank 2 and the rotating drum 3.

  An operation panel 15 is installed on the front upper portion of the outer box 1. The operation panel 15 includes operation buttons B1, B2,..., B15, which will be described later, for determining the operation details, and a display unit that displays characters and / or figures corresponding to the operation details determined by the plurality of operation buttons. , D10 (see FIG. 4). The operation panel 15 is connected to an operation control unit 16 (see FIG. 2) provided at the front lower portion inside the outer box 1, and the operation buttons B1, B2,. Operation information indicating the operation button pressed therein is given to the operation control unit 16. The operation control unit 16 sets the operation and the course based on the operation buttons related to the given operation information, and performs operations such as a washing operation, a washing and drying operation, and a drying operation described later based on the set operation and the course. Do.

  A water supply port 17 serving as a connection end to the water supply is provided on the upper surface of the rear portion of the outer box 1, and the water supply port 17 is connected to a water supply valve 18 provided inside the outer box 1. The water supply valve 18 is a multiple solenoid valve having a plurality of water supply outlets. A first water supply outlet of the water supply valve 18 is connected to an upper peripheral surface near the bottom plate of the water tank 2 through a water supply pipe 19.

  A silver ion generator 22 is provided 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 into the water remaining in the water reservoir when a voltage is applied. The silver ion generator 22, more specifically, each counter electrode, is connected to the operation control unit 16, and silver ions are retained in the water reservoir by voltage application between the counter electrodes by the operation control unit 16. Elute in water.

  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 water tank 2 through the water supply valve 18 and the water supply pipe 19, and is used for washing water for washing or rinsing. Used as rinse water. In addition to the silver ion generator 22, a detergent case can be arranged in the middle of the water supply pipe 19 so that an appropriate amount of detergent is introduced together with the water supply.

  Further, a water guide pipe 23 is connected to the circumferential surface near the bottom plate at the lowest position in the water tank 2, and the water guide pipe 23 is fixed to and supported by the front lower part inside the outer box 1. 24. Inside the filter case 24 is housed a lint filter 25 that captures foreign matters such as 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 or the rinsing water in the water tank 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 or rinsing water in the water tank 2 is captured by the lint filter 25 in the filter case 24 and removed from the washing water or rinsing 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.

  In the washing operation of the washing machine, the laundry A is washed, rinsed and dehydrated. For washing of the laundry A, the opening 11 is opened by the lid 10 on the front surface of the outer box 1 and the laundry A is introduced. After the lid 10 is closed, the water supply valve 18 is switched to the first water supply opening. Thus, washing water is supplied to the inside of the water tank 2, and the drum 3 is driven to rotate the rotating drum 3.

  As described above, the peripheral wall of the rotating drum 3 is formed with a large number of small holes 32 therethrough, and a plurality of baffles 33 project from the inner surface of the rotating drum 3. For this reason, the laundry A inside the rotary drum 3 is immersed in the wash water flowing 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. Is called. After the washing of the laundry A is completed, the drain valve 26 is opened, and the washing water in the water tank 2 is discharged to the drain pipe 27.

  The rinsing of the laundry A is performed by switching the water supply valve 18 to the first water supply port and opening it with the drain valve 26 closed, thereby supplying rinse water containing no detergent to the inside of the water tank 2. This is carried out by rotating the rotary drum 3 by driving. The laundry A is soaked in rinse water accumulated in the rotary drum 3 and rinsed by repeating lifting and dropping in the rotary drum 3 in the same manner as in the washing operation.

  After the rinsing is completed, the laundry A is dehydrated by opening the drain valve 26 and rotating the rotary drum 3. The laundry in the rotating drum 3 rotates while sticking to the inner peripheral surface of the rotating drum 3, and water contained in the laundry is separated from the laundry by the action of centrifugal force, and the peripheral wall of the rotating drum 3. Is discharged from the small hole 32 provided to the drain pipe 27 through the water conduit 23 and the filter case 24.

  The rinsing and dewatering of the laundry A are repeated a plurality of times alternately. When the operation content is determined to be rinsed with rinsing water containing silver ions, in the final rinsing, the water supply valve 18 is switched to the first water supply port and opened, and the rinsing water is supplied to the water supply pipe 19. The operation controller 16 applies a voltage to the counter electrode of the silver ion generator 22 while supplying the water to the inside of the water tank 2. As a result, silver ions are eluted from the counter electrode into the rinse water, and the laundry A is rinsed with rinse water containing silver ions. When the laundry A comes into contact with silver ions in the rinse water, antibacterial and deodorizing of the laundry A is performed.

  In addition, the drying operation of the washing machine is performed after the washing operation, the rinsing, and the dehydration are completed. In the drying operation, the rotating drum 3 is rotated by driving the drum motor 4, and drying air is circulated inside the rotating drum 3.

  FIG. 2 schematically shows a circulation air path for dry air. The circulation air passage 5 connects the outlet 50 opened at the lower bottom surface of the water tank 2 and the inlet 51 opened at the peripheral edge of the opening 20 of the water tank 2 by the ascending duct 52 and the upstream duct 53. It is configured.

  Each of the ascending duct 52 and the preceding duct 53 is disposed on the rear side and the upper side inside the outer box 1. The lower end and the upper end of the ascending duct 52 are connected to the outlet 50 and the rear end of the preceding duct 53, respectively. The front end portion of the front duct 53 is connected to an introduction port 51 that opens to the periphery of the front upper portion of the water tank 2.

  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. Further, plasma cluster ions (Plasma Cluster Ion; PCI) are generated on the side wall of the upstream duct 53 connected between the blower 55 and the heater 56, and the dry wind flowing through the upstream duct 53 is PCI. A PCI generator 57 is provided.

  The second water supply outlet of the water supply valve 18 extends downward along the ascending duct 52 via the cooling water pipe 58, and the lower end of the cooling water pipe 58 is connected to the lower rear wall of the ascending duct 52. .

  The dry air generated by the blower 55 circulates in the circulation air passage 5 configured as described above, and this dry air is heated by the heater 56 and reaches the inlet 51 through the upstream duct 53 and is introduced. The air is blown into the rotary drum 3 from the mouth 51. At this time, the laundry A inside the rotary drum 3 is lifted by the action of the baffle 33 on the peripheral surface as the rotary drum 3 rotates, and spreads and falls as indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. It is dried by repeatedly contacting with the drying air.

  The drying air introduced into the rotating drum 3 takes moisture from the laundry A and is led out to the outlet 50, returns to the ascending duct 52, rises in the ascending duct 52, moves into the preceding duct 53, and is subjected to a lint filter. Pass through 54. Thereby, the dust contained in the dry wind is captured by the lint filter 54. The dry air from which dust has been removed by the lint filter 54 is reheated by the heater 56 and 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 water tank 2 and is then discharged to the drain pipe 27 through the water conduit 23 and the filter case 24.

The drying air led out to the outlet 50 comes into contact with the water flowing inside the ascending duct 52 and is cooled by heat exchange with the water. Thereby, the moisture contained in the drying air is condensed and removed. The dry air thus dehumidified is heated by the heater 56 as described above. The heated high-temperature and low-humidity drying air circulates in the rotating drum 3.
The PCI generator 57 is used when the water tank 2 is sterilized and deodorized. The PCI generator 57 includes a discharge electrode and a dielectric electrode (not shown), and the operation control unit 16 generates a PCI by causing a corona discharge by applying a high voltage between the discharge electrode and the dielectric electrode.

  When the operation content is determined to sterilize and deodorize the water tank 2 by PCI, the operation control unit 16 drives the blower 55 and discharges the PCI generator 57 after the washing operation or the drying operation is completed. A high voltage is applied between the electrode and the dielectric electrode. The PCI generated by the PCI generator 57 is included in the dry air generated by the blower 55 and sent into the water tank 2. PCI sent into the water tank 2 adheres to bacteria in the water tank 2 and is sterilized. Further, PCI inactivates mold and suspended particles in the water tank 2 and denatures odor components. Thereby, sterilization and deodorization in the water tank 2 are performed.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the washing machine. The operation control unit 16 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 60, a read only memory (ROM) 61, a random access memory (RAM) 62, a nonvolatile memory 63, a timer (not shown), and an input / output interface (I / O) 65. Are computers connected by a shared bus.

The CPU 60 reads the control program stored in the ROM 61 into the RAM 62 and executes it.
The nonvolatile memory 63 is composed of, for example, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) or an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and the storage contents of the nonvolatile memory 63 can be rewritten by the CPU 60.

  The input / output interface 65 is connected to the drum motor 4, the water supply valve 18, the drain valve 26, the blower 55, the heater 56, the silver ion generator 22, the PCI generator 57, and the operation panel 15.

  The CPU 60 determines the operation content based on the operation information received from the operation panel 15 via the input / output interface 65. That is, the operation content is determined by operating a plurality of operation buttons B1, B2,. The CPU 60 displays characters and / or figures corresponding to the determined operation details on the display units D1, D2,..., D10 of the operation panel 15, respectively.

  The CPU 60 accepts power-on from the operation panel 15 by the user, and displays all settable operations when the operation button B5 (operation switching key; see FIG. 4) is pressed. From the second time on which the operation button B5 is pressed, only the selected operation (switching destination) is displayed, and each time the operation button B5 is pressed, the operation is displayed in order from the highest priority. Similarly, when the operation button B6 (course switching key) is pressed for the first time, all settable courses are displayed. From the second time on which the operation button B6 is pressed, only the selected (switched) course is displayed, and the course is displayed in order from the highest priority each time the operation button B6 is pressed.

  When the CPU 60 receives a start instruction for instructing start of operation from the operation panel 15 by the user, the drum motor 4, the water supply valve 18, the drain valve 26, the blower 55, the heater 56, the silver ion generator according to the set operation details. 22 and the PCI generator 57 are controlled, and operations such as a washing operation and a washing / drying operation according to the operation content are performed.

  FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the operation panel 15. On the surface of the operation panel 15, the above-described operation buttons B1, B2,..., B15 and display units D1, D2,. In FIG. 4, buttons relating to silver ions and PCI are omitted.

  When any one of the operation buttons B1, B2,..., B15 is pressed, the operation panel 15 notifies the operation control unit 16 of operation information indicating the pressed operation button. Each of the operation buttons B1, B2, B3, and B4 has characters and frame lines printed on the surface, and is always displayed.

  Each of the operation buttons B5, B6,..., B15 has a character part or a graphic part and a frame line part, and the character part or graphic part and the frame line part are made of a transparent member. The portion is made of a non-permeable member. On the back of each of the operation buttons B5, B6,..., B15, a light source (not shown) such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) is arranged, and each light source is turned on to irradiate light to the corresponding operation button. Thus, the character or figure and the frame line are displayed, and the operation buttons B5, B6,.

  The CPU 60 of the operation control unit 16 turns on / off the light source provided on the rear side of the operation buttons B5, B6,..., B15 via the operation panel 15, thereby operating buttons B5, B6,. ..Switching display / non-display for each of B15. Note that at least part of the operation buttons B5, B6,..., B15 may be always displayed.

  Each of the display portions D1, D2,..., D10 is provided with one or a plurality of character portions or graphic portions, and the character portions and the graphic portions are made of transparent members. A light source (not shown) is arranged on the rear side of each. When the light source is turned on and the corresponding character part and graphic part are irradiated with light, the character or graphic is displayed.

  The CPU 60 of the operation control unit 16 performs display by turning on / off the light source provided on the rear side of the character part or graphic part of the display parts D1, D2,..., D10 via the operation panel 15. In each of the parts D1, D2,..., D10, display / non-display of characters or figures is switched.

The operation button B1 is used to accept a power-on instruction.
When the operation button B1 is pressed, the CPU 60 of the operation control unit 16 receives a power-on instruction, and from the commercial power source connected to the washing machine, the drum motor 4, the water supply valve 18, the drain valve 26, the blower 55, and the heater 56. The operation and course to be initially displayed are read from the nonvolatile memory 63. The CPU 60 displays characters corresponding to driving on the display unit D1, and displays characters corresponding to the course on the display unit D2.

The operation button B2 is used for receiving a power-off instruction that instructs to cut off power supply from a commercial power source connected to the washing machine.
The operation button B3 is used for receiving an operation start instruction for instructing start of an operation with the determined operation content or an operation stop instruction for instructing a temporary stop of the operation.
The operation button B <b> 4 is used for receiving a release instruction for instructing the unlocking of the lid 10.

  The operation button B5 is used for receiving an operation switching instruction for instructing operation switching. The non-volatile memory 63 stores the current operation content (hereinafter simply referred to as operation content) in addition to the initial display content. When the operation button B5 is pressed after the initial display, the CPU 60 displays all of the settable operation items as described above, and then sets each time the operation button B5 is pressed and an operation switching instruction is received. The operation is changed in the order of “wash and dry”, “washing”, “dry”, “individual (individual operation)”, “care”, and “refresh”. Hereinafter, this cycle is referred to as an operation selection cycle. In the case of full display, the CPU 60 displays characters corresponding to the settable operation on the display unit D1 provided on the upper side of the operation button B5. When switching, only the characters corresponding to the operation of the switching destination are displayed on the display unit D1. To display.

  The “washing” operation and the “drying” operation are performed separately for the aforementioned washing operation and drying operation, and the “washing and drying” operation is an operation for performing both the washing operation and the drying operation. The “refresh” operation is an operation for sterilizing and deodorizing a non-washable product that cannot be washed such as a stuffed animal, a scarf, or boots, and is performed in a state where the non-washable product is put in the rotary drum 3. Specifically, PCI is generated by the PCI generator 57, the blower 55 is driven, and the PCI generated by the PCI generator 57 is sent to the rotating drum 3.

The “care” operation is an operation for cleaning the water tank 2 and the rotating drum 3, and is performed in a state where a detergent for cleaning the water tank 2 and the rotating drum 3 is put in.
In the “individual” operation, an operation selected by the user from among washing, rinsing and dehydration, and drying operation of the washing operation is performed. The CPU 60 determines the item to be executed in the washing, rinsing, dehydration and drying operations, determines the time or number of times to execute the selected item, and the operation buttons B8 to B15, and performs the operation with the received contents. . The operation buttons B8, B9, B10, and B11 are used to receive instructions for drying, dehydration, rinsing, and washing, respectively, when the operation content is determined as “individual”.

The operation button B6 is used for receiving a course switching instruction for instructing a change (switching) of a course displayed according to driving. The courses that can be set vary depending on the driving.
When the operation button B6 is pressed for the first time, the CPU 60 displays all of the course items that can be set as described above, and then each time the operation button B6 is pressed to accept a course change instruction, the set operation is performed. The course corresponding to is sequentially changed in the course that can be determined. Each time the operation button B6 is pressed, the CPU 60 sets the setting course to “standard”, “speed”, “soft”, “home (flow)”, “room drying”, “careful”, “dry”, “blanket” The courses are sequentially changed to selectable courses corresponding to the set operation. Hereinafter, this cycle is referred to as a course selection cycle. In the case of full display, the CPU 60 displays characters corresponding to a course that can be set on the display unit D2 provided on the upper side of the operation button B6, and when switching, only the characters corresponding to the course to be switched are displayed on the display unit D2. To display.

  The “dry” course is a course for washing or drying delicate clothes such as sweaters such as wool or cashmere, blouses, skirts or slacks. The “Blanket” course is a course in which a large and thick laundry such as a blanket or carpet cover is carefully washed, rinsed carefully, and dried with mild warm air. The “indoor drying” course is a course in which washing and drying are performed so that the laundry is dried by drying the room for a short time.

  The “careful” course is a course for washing clothes that are heavily mud-stained. When the “careful” course is implemented, the clothes are washed strongly and rinsed firmly. The “soft” course is a course for washing clothes such as baby clothes or towels, and when the “soft” course is performed, the laundry is finished softly in a state in which it is not stiff.

  The “My Home” course is a user-specific course in which items to be washed, rinsed and dehydrated in the washing operation, and items to be performed in the drying operation and the time or number of times to perform each item are set by the user. The “standard” course is a general washing and / or drying course. The “speed” course is a course in which washing and / or drying is performed in a short time.

The operation button B7 is used for receiving a display instruction for instructing display of an operation button related to determination of detailed contents in the operation buttons B8 to B15. The operation button B15 is used to accept a reservation instruction for the end time of the washing operation and the drying operation.
Each of the operation buttons B12 and B13 is used to receive a decrease instruction and an increase instruction for numerical values such as time, time, or number of times displayed on the display unit D6. The operation button B14 is used to accept a change instruction or the like for changing the washing to washing when using the bath water.

Hereinafter, display processing of the display units D1 and D2 by the CPU 60 of the operation control unit 16 will be described.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the display process of the display unit D1 by the CPU 60.
After receiving power-on, that is, when it is determined that the operation button B1 (power-on key) is pressed by the user, the CPU 60 performs the initial display operation set by default or set based on the usage history or the like. The form is shown on the display unit D1, and the course is shown on the display unit D2 (an example is shown in FIG. 11).
Then, the CPU 60 determines whether or not the operation button B5 (operation switching key) is pressed (S1). If the CPU 60 determines that the operation button B5 is not pressed (S1: NO), the process returns to step S1.

When the CPU 60 determines that the operation button B5 is pressed (S1: YES), the CPU 60 determines whether or not the operation button B5 is pressed for the first time (S2).
When the CPU 60 determines that the pressing of the operation button B5 is not the first time, that is, when it is determined that the operation button B5 is the second or subsequent time (S2: NO), the CPU 60 advances one operation in the operation selection cycle (S3) and is selected. The (switched) operation is displayed (S6), and the process is terminated.

When it is determined that the operation button B5 is pressed for the first time (S2: YES), the CPU 60 displays all selectable operations (S4).
The CPU 60 determines whether or not the first predetermined time has elapsed (S5). For example, 5 seconds can be set as the first predetermined time. When it is determined that the first predetermined time has not elapsed (S5: NO), the CPU 60 returns the process to step S4.

  When it is determined that the first predetermined time has elapsed (S5: YES), the CPU 60 displays the selected operation (S6) and ends the process. Here, when the operation button B5 is pressed before the first predetermined time elapses, the operation button B5 is pressed for the second time or later, so that the operation in which one operation selection cycle is forwarded is displayed. Will be. If the operation button B5 has not been pressed before the first predetermined time has elapsed, the initial display operation that was displayed before the operation button B5 was pressed in step S1 is displayed.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another procedure of the display process of the display unit D1 by the CPU 60.
First, the CPU 60 determines whether or not the operation button B5 is pressed (S11). If the CPU 60 determines that the operation button B5 is not pressed (S11: NO), the process returns to step S11.
When determining that the operation button B5 is pressed (S11: YES), the CPU 60 determines whether or not a second predetermined time has elapsed since the operation button B5 was last pressed (S12). For example, 10 seconds can be set as the second predetermined time.
When it is determined that the second predetermined time has not elapsed (S12: NO), the CPU 60 advances one operation in the operation selection cycle (S13), and displays the selected operation (S16).

When it is determined that the second predetermined time has elapsed (S12: YES), the CPU 60 displays all selectable operations (S14).
Next, the CPU 60 determines whether or not a first predetermined time has elapsed (S15). CPU60 returns a process to step S14, when it determines with 1st predetermined time not having passed (S15: NO).

  When it is determined that the first predetermined time has elapsed (S15: YES), the CPU 60 displays the selected operation (S16) and ends the process. Here, when the operation button B5 is pressed before the first predetermined time elapses, the operation button B5 is pressed after the operation button B5 is pressed in step S11 (after the last press), after the second predetermined time. Since it corresponds to the press before the lapse of time, an operation in which one operation selection cycle is forwarded is displayed. If the operation button B5 is not pressed before the first predetermined time has elapsed, the operation that was displayed before the operation button B5 was pressed in step S11 is displayed.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing another procedure of the display process of the display unit D1 by the CPU 60.
First, the CPU 60 determines whether or not the operation button B5 is pressed (S21). When it is determined that the operation button B5 is not pressed (S21: NO), the CPU 60 returns the process to step S21.
When it is determined that the operation button B5 is pressed (S21: YES), the CPU 60 determines whether or not a predetermined operation button (for example, a dehydration key of the operation button B9) is pressed (S22).
When it is determined that the predetermined operation button is not pressed (S22: NO), the CPU 60 advances one operation in the operation selection cycle (S23), and displays the selected operation (S26).

When it is determined that the predetermined operation button has been pressed (S22: YES), the CPU 60 displays all selectable operations (S24).
The CPU 60 determines whether or not the first predetermined time has elapsed (S25). CPU60 returns a process to step S24, when it determines with 1st predetermined time not having passed (S25: NO).

When it is determined that the first predetermined time has elapsed (S25: YES), the CPU 60 displays the selected operation (S26) and ends the process. Here, when the user presses the operation button B5 to switch the driving before the first predetermined time elapses, the predetermined operation button is not pressed, so that the driving in which one driving selection cycle is forwarded is displayed. Will be. If the operation button B5 is not pressed before the first predetermined time has elapsed, the operation that was displayed before the operation button B5 was pressed in step S21 is displayed.
In addition, when the operation button B5 and the predetermined operation button are pressed at the same time, a full display may be performed.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the display process of the display unit D2 by the CPU 60.
The CPU 60 first determines whether or not the operation button B6 (course switching key) has been pressed (S31). When it is determined that the operation button B6 is not pressed (S31: NO), the CPU 60 returns the process to step S31.
When it is determined that the operation button B6 is pressed (S31: YES), the CPU 60 determines whether or not the operation button B6 is pressed for the first time (S32).
When determining that the pressing of the operation button B6 is not the first time (S32: NO), the CPU 60 advances one course in the course selection cycle (S33) and displays the selected course (S36).

CPU60 displays all the courses which can be selected, when it determines with pressing of operation button B6 being the 1st time (S32: YES) (S34).
The CPU 60 determines whether or not a third predetermined time has elapsed (S35). For example, 5 seconds can be set as the third predetermined time. CPU60 returns a process to step S34, when it determines with the 3rd predetermined time not having passed (S35: NO).

  When it is determined that the third predetermined time has elapsed (S35: YES), the CPU 60 displays the selected course (S36) and ends the process. Here, when the operation button B6 is pressed before the third predetermined time elapses, the press of the operation button B6 is the second and subsequent presses, and therefore the courses that have been sequentially advanced through the course selection cycle are displayed. If the operation button 6 has not been pressed before the third predetermined time has elapsed, the initial display course that was displayed before the operation button B6 was pressed in step S31 is displayed.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing another procedure of the display process of the display unit D2 by the CPU 60.
First, the CPU 60 determines whether or not the operation button B6 is pressed (S41). When it is determined that the operation button B6 is not pressed (S41: NO), the CPU 60 returns the process to step S41.
When it is determined that the operation button B6 has been pressed (S41: YES), the CPU 60 determines whether or not a fourth predetermined time has elapsed since the last time the operation button B6 was pressed (S42). For example, 10 seconds can be set as the fourth predetermined time.
When it is determined that the fourth predetermined time has not elapsed (S42: NO), the CPU 60 advances one course in the course selection cycle (S43) and displays the selected course (S46).

When determining that the fourth predetermined time has elapsed (S42: YES), the CPU 60 displays all selectable courses (S44).
Next, the CPU 60 determines whether or not a third predetermined time has elapsed (S45). When it is determined that the third predetermined time has not elapsed (S45: NO), the CPU 60 returns the process to step S44.

  When it is determined that the third predetermined time has elapsed (S45: YES), the CPU 60 displays the selected luck course (S46) and ends the process. Here, when the operation button B6 is pressed before the elapse of the third predetermined time, the operation button B6 is pressed before the fourth predetermined time elapses after the operation button B6 is pressed in step S41. A course that has been forwarded by one course selection cycle is displayed. If the operation button B5 is not pressed before the third predetermined time has elapsed, the operation displayed before the operation button B6 is pressed in step S41 is displayed.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing another procedure of the display process of the display unit D2 by the CPU 60.
The CPU 60 first determines whether or not the operation button B6 has been pressed (S51). When it is determined that the operation button B6 is not pressed (S51: NO), the CPU 60 returns the process to step S51.
When it is determined that the operation button B6 has been pressed (S51: YES), the CPU 60 determines whether or not a predetermined operation button (for example, the dehydration key of the operation button B9) has been pressed (S52).
When it is determined that the predetermined operation button is not pressed (S52: NO), the CPU 60 advances one course in the course selection cycle (S53) and displays the selected course (S56).

When it is determined that the predetermined operation button has been pressed (S52: YES), the CPU 60 displays all selectable courses (S54).
The CPU 60 determines whether or not a third predetermined time has elapsed (S55). When it is determined that the third predetermined time has not elapsed (S55: NO), the CPU 60 returns the process to step S54.

  When it is determined that the third predetermined time has elapsed (S55: YES), the CPU 60 displays the selected course (S56) and ends the process. Here, if the user presses the operation button B6 to switch the course before the third predetermined time elapses, the predetermined operation button is not pressed, and thus the course in which one course selection cycle is forwarded is displayed. The If the operation button B6 is not pressed before the third predetermined time has elapsed, the operation displayed before the operation button B6 is pressed in step S51 is displayed.

The above content will be specifically described based on the display on the operation panel 15.
FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a state where the initial display is made on the operation panel 15 when the power is turned on. Here, as the initial display, “washing” is displayed on the display portion D1, and “standard” is displayed on the display portion D2.

  FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a case where the operation button B5 is pressed in the display state of FIG. Since the operation button B5 is pressed for the first time, all the operations that can be set are displayed on the display unit D1. Since the operation button B6 is not pressed, the display of “standard” as the initial display is maintained on the display unit D2.

  FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a case where the operation button B5 is pressed in the display state of FIG. In this case, since the operation button B5 is pressed for the second time, one operation in the operation selection cycle is sequentially advanced, and “washing” is displayed.

  FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a case where the operation button B6 is pressed in the display state of FIG. Since the operation button B6 is pressed for the first time, all the courses that can be selected when the operation is “washing” are displayed on the display unit D2. Since “drying indoors” requires a drying operation as described above, it cannot be selected and is not displayed.

  FIG. 15 is a plan view showing a case where the operation button B6 is pressed in the display state of FIG. In this case, since the operation button B6 is pressed for the second time, one course of the course selection cycle is sequentially advanced, and “speed” is displayed.

FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a case where the operation button B6 is pressed in the display state of FIG. In this case, one course of the course selection cycle is sequentially advanced and “soft” is displayed.
Here, when the operation button B5 is pressed, this corresponds to “when the operation button B5 is pressed when a predetermined operation button is pressed” (the flowchart in FIG. 7). Will be.

  FIG. 17 is a plan view showing a state in which the operation button B6 is pressed for the first time when the washing / drying operation is set. Since the operation button B6 is pressed for the first time, all the courses that can be selected when the operation is “washing” are displayed on the display unit D2. “Dry” products are not shown because they cannot be dried.

  FIG. 18 is a plan view showing a state in which the operation button B6 is pressed for the first time when the drying operation is set. Since the operation button B6 is pressed for the first time, all the courses that can be selected when the operation is “dry” are displayed on the display unit D2. Since “indoor drying” requires a washing operation as described above, it cannot be selected and is not displayed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, after the power is turned on, all the operations that can be set are displayed when the operation button B5 is operated, and only when the operation button B5 is operated next, only the switching destination operation is displayed. Therefore, the user can check the selectable driving at a glance and select the desired driving, and the selected driving is clearly displayed. Thus, misidentification and selection errors are prevented. As in the present embodiment, when the display lamp on the operation panel 15 is turned off, it is more effective when the display content cannot be visually recognized. However, the present invention is not limited to this case.

  In this embodiment, after the power is turned on, all settable courses are displayed when the operation button B6 is operated, and only the switching destination course is displayed when the operation button B6 is operated next. Therefore, the user can confirm a selectable course at a glance and select a desired course, and the selected course is clearly displayed. Accordingly, misidentification and selection errors are prevented in the same manner as described above.

  In the present embodiment, after the operation button B5 is operated, the operation is not set even when the second predetermined time has elapsed, or the operation button B3 (start pause key) is not operated. For example, when the operation button B5 is operated, all the operations that can be set are displayed. Therefore, the user can easily set the operation, prompt the user to set the operation, and the convenience is good.

  Similarly, when the operation button B6 is operated, such as when the operation is not set even after the fourth predetermined time has elapsed after the operation button B6 is operated, or when the operation button B3 is not operated, Since all the courses that can be set are displayed, the user can easily set the course, prompt the user to set the course, and the convenience is good.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when an operation unit other than the operation button B5 is operated and the operation button B5 is operated, or when an operation unit other than the operation button B6 is operated and the operation button B6 is operated, Since all settable driving or courses are displayed, all settable driving or courses can be displayed according to the user's intention. Then, after the other operation unit is operated, the operation button B5 or B6 is operated, assuming that the setting of the driving or the course is not finalized, and displaying all, prompting the setting of the driving or the course it can.

The embodiment described above is an exemplification of the present invention, and the present invention is implemented in variously modified forms within the scope defined by the matters described in the claims and the description of the claims. Can do.
For example, in order to notify the user of the passage of the first time, the second time, the third time, and the fourth time, inform the user by voice before the passage, change the display color before the passage, flash, You may make it blink.
Moreover, although the washing machine illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a drum type washing machine, the present invention can be similarly applied not only to a drum type washing machine but also to a vertical washing machine. This vertical washing machine has a well-known configuration, and is provided with a laundry dewatering tub that is a washing tub that stores laundry and performs washing and dehydration in a water tub that is open and has a bottomed cylindrical body. ing. This washing and dewatering tank has a cylindrical shape with a bottom at the bottom and an opening at the top. The openings of the water tank and the washing and dewatering tank correspond to an upper lid that can be opened and closed at the top, and are configured to be opened and closed. A configuration greatly different from the drum type washing machine is that a pulsator is provided at the bottom of the laundry dewatering tub, connected to the laundry dewatering tub during dehydration and rotated.
In such a vertical washing machine, drying air is sent to a washing / dehydrating tub containing at least laundry for drying, and moist air is sucked from the washing / dehydrating tub, and the air is dehumidified and then heated. Is provided with a circulation air passage for repeatedly blowing air.
Even in such a vertical washing machine, the above-described present invention can be applied as it is. In addition, there are vertical washing machines that have many holes in the entire circumferential surface of the washing and dewatering tank, and non-hole type that have holes only in the upper circumferential surface of the washing and dehydrating tank for dehydration. The present invention can naturally be applied to this type of washing machine.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Outer box 2 Water tank 3 Rotating drum 4 Drum motor 5 Circulating air path 15 Operation panel B1, B2, ..., B15 Operation button D1, D2, ..., D10 Display part 16 Operation control part 60 CPU
63 Nonvolatile memory

Claims (6)

A dry air passage through which the dry air supplied to the washing tub for storing the laundry flows, and displays a combination of processes including any one of the washing process, dewatering process, rinsing process, and drying process. In the washing machine configured to switch the operation to be set by being displayed on the part and operated by the operation switching unit,
Means for displaying all settable operations when the operation switching unit is operated for the first time after turning on the power;
A washing machine comprising: means for displaying only the operation at the switching destination when the operation switching unit is operated from the second time onward.   2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means for displaying all of the settable operations when the operation switching unit is operated again after a predetermined time has elapsed after the operation switching unit is operated. Washing machine.   The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising means for displaying all the settable operations when an operation unit other than the operation switching unit is operated and the operation switching unit is operated. It is configured to display a course with different operating conditions including the time of the process and the number of processes on the display unit, and to switch the course to be set by operating the course switching unit,
Means for displaying all settable courses when the course switching unit is operated for the first time after turning on the power;
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising means for displaying only a course to be switched when the course switching unit is operated for the second time or later.   5. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising means for displaying all settable courses when the course switching unit is operated again after a predetermined time has elapsed after the course switching unit is operated. Washing machine.   The washing machine according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising means for displaying all settable courses when an operation unit other than the course switching unit is operated and the course switching unit is operated.

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