JP2015043890A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine capable of performing a setting/releasing operation of a function by using a slide touch operation unit even without using an operation key.SOLUTION: A washing machine 1 includes: an operation panel 10 provided at a washing machine body and performing various types of setting; a control unit 20 for controlling the operation panel 10; and a slide touch operation unit 40 provided at the operation panel 10 and operating content of setting by fingers touching. The slide touch operation unit 40 has a plurality of detection electrodes SP1-SP10 which are the plurality of capacitance type detection electrodes SP1-SP10 arranged in an annular shape for detecting the touch of fingers and notifying the detection to the control unit 20. The control unit 20 enables setting/releasing of the function corresponding to a specific position based on a detection signal from the plurality of detection electrodes SP1-SP10 in the plurality of positions where the fingers have touched.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a washing machine.

  Generally, home appliances such as washing machines are provided with an operation panel for performing various settings. For this operation panel, a mechanical switch such as a tact switch is often used. However, when a mechanical switch is used, a plurality of uneven portions due to the mechanical switch are generated on the surface of the operation panel, which causes a complicated impression to the user.

  Therefore, in recent years, it has been proposed to use a touch switch that can detect a user's touch operation instead of a mechanical switch for such an operation panel. As an operation panel of a washing machine, Patent Document 1 proposes a touch switch using a touch switch. As described above, when the touch switch is used as the operation panel of the washing machine, the operation panel can be flattened and the appearance can be improved, so that waterproof measures can be easily taken.

JP2011-240110A

  However, in such an operation panel using a touch switch, a child including an infant may accidentally press the touch switch. Further, the operation area of the operation panel is not always lit and displayed, and there is no uneven portion indicating the operation area. In a washing machine, since there are many setting items, the number of keys and buttons on the operation panel is relatively large. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to understand at first glance, and it is difficult for the user to perform an intuitive operation.

  Also, settings that prevent children including infants from touching the touch switch on the operation panel to operate the washing machine, settings of the washing machine operation performed when the dealer explains the operation of the washing machine, and the manufacturing process In the operation panel, a special setting operation such as a setting for confirming the operation when assembling the washing machine and during the maintenance of the washing machine may be performed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of performing a function setting / releasing operation using a rotary operation unit without using an operation key. There is.

  A washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention is a washing machine that includes an operation panel that is provided in a washing machine body and performs various settings, and a control unit that controls the operation panel. Has a slide touch operation unit that operates the content of the setting by touching, and the slide touch operation unit is a plurality of capacitance type detection electrodes that detect that the finger is touched. The control unit includes the plurality of detection electrodes for notifying the control unit of the detection, and the control unit corresponds to the specific position based on the detection signals from the plurality of detection electrodes touched by the finger. The gist is to enable the setting / cancellation of the function.

  The washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention is a washing machine including an operation panel that is provided in the washing machine body and performs various settings, and a control unit that controls the operation panel. And an operation unit that operates the content of the setting by touching with a finger, and the operation unit is a plurality of capacitance-type detection electrodes, and detects the detection by touching the finger. The control unit has a function corresponding to the specific position based on the detection signals from the plurality of detection electrodes touched by the finger. In addition to the slide touch operation unit, a plurality of operation keys are arranged on the operation panel, and the plurality of non-adjacent detection electrodes corresponding to the plurality of operation keys are pressed to perform a normal function. Allows input of functions other than And summarized in that the.

It is a perspective view showing the whole washing machine concerning the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the example of an electrical connection containing the control part of the washing machine shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which turned on completely, in order to specify the operation key and display apparatus of an operation panel. It is a figure which shows the initial lighting display state of the operation panel immediately after a user presses the "on" button of a power supply and powers on. It is a figure which shows the operation example at the time of rotating operation (dial operation) of a slide touch operation part. It is a figure which expands and shows the structural example of the slide touch operation part shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the display specification when the key operation performed using the slide touch operation part shown in FIG. 6 is performed concretely. It is a figure which shows the example of the display specification when the key operation performed using the slide touch operation part shown in FIG. 6 is performed concretely. It is a figure which shows the example of the display specification when the key operation performed using the slide touch operation part shown in FIG. 6 is performed concretely. It is a figure which shows the example in the case of selecting and pressing (touching) two of detection electrodes SP1-SP10 of the slide touch operation part shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows detection of the amount of progress about the rotation direction in a slide touch operation part, and prohibiting detection of a rotation direction, and accepting only key operation. It is a figure which shows operation which pushes down one pressing position of a slide touch operation part long. It is a figure which shows the example which inputs another function operation | movement using a some key. It is a figure which shows the example which inputs another function operation | movement using a some key.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an entire washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of electrical connection including the control unit of the washing machine illustrated in FIG. 1.

  A washing machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 is, for example, a drum-type washing and drying machine having a drying function, and includes a washing machine main body 2, a door 3, a control unit 20 shown in FIG. 2, and a touch panel type operation panel 10. I have. In this washing machine 1, the door 3 side is the front side of the washing machine body 2, and the opposite side of the door 3 is the rear side of the washing machine body 2.

  A washing machine main body 2 shown in FIG. 1 constitutes an outer shell of the washing machine 1 and is formed in a rectangular box shape whose front surface is smoothly inclined. The washing machine main body 2 is configured based on, for example, white. A circular opening 4 is provided in the front center portion of the washing machine body 2. The opening 4 is connected to a rotating tub provided inside the washing machine body 2, and the laundry can be taken in and out of the rotating tub through the opening 4. The door 3 shown in FIG. 1 is provided in the front center part of the washing machine main body 2 so that the opening 4 can be opened and closed. The door 3 can be opened by operating the door button 5.

  A water supply port 6 is provided on the upper surface of the washing machine body 2. The water supply port 6 is connected to a water tap serving as a water source by a water supply hose (not shown). Water from the faucet is supplied to a water tank (not shown) provided in the washing machine body 2 through the water supply hose and the water supply port 6.

  The control unit 20 illustrated in FIG. 2 is connected to a motor 21, a drain valve 22, a water supply valve 23, a compressor 24, a blower 25, and the like. Although a detailed description of these elements is omitted, the motor 21 is for rotating a rotating tub (not shown) provided in the washing machine body 2. The drain valve 22 is for draining water in a water tank (not shown) out of the washing machine 1. The water supply valve 23 opens and closes communication between the water supply port 6 and a water tank (not shown) to supply water into the water tank. The compressor 24 constitutes a heat pump unit for a drying function. The blower 25 supplies the hot air generated by the heat pump unit into the rotating tub.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 20 is connected to a temperature sensor 26, a water level sensor 27, a rotation sensor 28, a door switch 29, and the operation panel 10. Although a detailed description of these elements is omitted, the temperature sensor 26 detects the temperature in a water tank (not shown). The water level sensor 27 detects the water level in the water tank. The rotation sensor 28 detects the rotation position and rotation speed of the rotation tank. The door switch 29 detects opening and closing of the door 3 in FIG.

  The operation panel 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 performs various settings relating to the operation of the washing machine 1. A configuration example of the operation panel 10 is shown in FIG. The operation panel 10 shown in FIG. 3 is fully lit to clearly show the slide touch operation unit 40, various operation keys, and the time display unit 60 of the operation panel.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the operation panel 10 includes a power “on” button 31, a power “off” button 32, a slide touch operation unit (for example, a so-called jog dial) 40, a first display region unit 49, and a second display. It has the area | region part 50, the time display part 60, and the 3rd display area part 61. FIG.

  The first display area 49 includes a “filter cleaning” display unit 33A, a “child lock” display unit 33B, a “door lock” display unit 33C, a “clothing offset” display unit 33D, a “tank clean” display unit 33E, It has a “with water in tank” display section 33F, an “Ag antibacterial water” display section 33G, a “capacity over” display section 33H, and an “eco mode” display section 33J.

  This “child lock” is a function that creates a state in which the door 3 cannot be unlocked arbitrarily, and is a function that prevents a child from accidentally unlocking the door 3 and entering the washing tub. When child lock is set, normal operation and operation are possible. However, even if the “door lock is unlocked” state such as before the start of operation, at the time of suspension, at the end of the operation, etc., the locked state is maintained and the door 3 is not opened even if the door is opened. The child lock can be set at any timing when the operation is disclosed, during the operation, or after the operation ends. The “door lock” is a function for automatically locking the door 3 when driving.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the operation panel 10 has a deodorizing and antibacterial key 41, a washing key 42, a washing / drying key 43, and a drying key 44 as operation keys. The operation panel 10 is provided with a second display area 50 on the left side of these operation keys. The operation panel 10 has a “wash” key 51, “rinse” key 52, “dehydration” key 53, “dry” key 54 as operation keys, and a digital display type time display on the left side of the second display area 50. Part 60 is arranged.

  This time display unit 60 is turned on immediately after the power is turned on to display the current time. During the setting before driving (when the washing time or the user makes a custom), the washing time, the rinsing time, the dehydration time, etc. are displayed. indicate. In addition, the time display unit 60 displays the remaining time until the end of driving during driving. Further, the operation panel 10 has a third display area unit 61 on the left side of the time display unit 60.

  Incidentally, the power “ON” button 31 and the power “OFF” button 32 shown in FIG. 3 are formed at the lower right position of the operation panel 10 by printing. In other words, the power “ON” button 31 and the power “OFF” button 32 allow the user to visually confirm the presence and position of the power “ON” button 31 and the power “OFF” button 32. . It should be noted that only the power “on” button 31 is printed, and the power “off” button 32 is lit when the power “on” button 31 is pressed, so that its presence and position can be visually confirmed. Anyway.

  A plurality of light emitting elements such as LEDs (light emitting diodes), EL (electroluminescence), or liquid crystal with a backlight are arranged inside the operation panel 10 shown in FIG. 3, and the surface transmits light from these light emitting elements. It is covered with a translucent white sheet. The light emission intensity of these light emitting elements is in two stages from the command of the control unit 20 shown in FIG. 2, and there are a “light up brightly” mode and a “light up darkly” mode. For example, in the display example shown in FIG. 5, when the washing / drying key 43 among the deodorizing antibacterial key 41, the washing key 42, the washing / drying key 43, and the drying key 44 is pressed and selected, the washing / drying key is selected. 43 lights up brightly, and other deodorizing antibacterial keys 41, washing keys 42 and drying keys 44 are lit up darkly.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the slide touch operation unit 40 can be lit and displayed in an annular shape (ring shape) by the light emitting element. Similarly, the power “ON” button 31 and the power “OFF” button 32, the first display area 49, the second display area 50, the third display area 61, the deodorizing antibacterial key 41, and the washing key 42. Also, the washing / drying key 43, the drying key 44, the “washing” key 51, the “rinse” key 52, the “dehydration” key 53, and the “drying” key 54 can be turned on by the light emitting element. The digital display type time display unit 60 can be lit by a light emitting element.

  The slide touch operation unit 40 shown in FIG. 3 is arranged immediately on the left side of the power “on” button 31 and the power “off” button 32, and the operation panel 10 has a slight dent so as to be lit and noticed. It is formed in an annular shape. Therefore, when the slide touch operation unit 40 is not lit, the presence of the slide touch operation unit 40 on the surface of the operation panel 10 is hardly conscious. In the “before power-on” diagram of FIG. 3, the arrangement of the transparent electrode pattern and the like provided on the back surface side of the top sheet is described for the purpose of explaining later. In addition, a “start / pause” display unit 68 is arranged in the center of the slide touch operation unit 40, and a “course / time setting” display unit 69 is arranged in the vicinity of the slide touch operation unit 40.

  The slide touch operation unit 40 shown in FIG. 3 has, for example, 4 to 10 light emitting elements (not shown), here 6 light emitting elements to emit light in an annular shape. Thus, the slide touch operation unit 40 can form a ring-shaped lighting portion 67. These light emitting elements light up and display the dial portion of the slide touch operation unit 40, but always light up before and during driving. As a result, when the power is turned on by pressing the “ON” button 31 of the power source, the slide touch operation unit 40 can be lit up, so that the position and shape of the slide touch operation unit 40 can be clearly displayed to the user.

  Further, the slide touch operation unit 40 includes a ring-shaped sensor sheet 66 for detecting by a change in capacitance, and the sensor sheet 66 includes, for example, ten transparent detection electrodes SP1 to SP10. ing.

  FIG. 4 shows an initial lighting display state of the operation panel 10 immediately after the user presses the “Power” button 31 to turn on the power. In this initial lighting display state, the slide touch operation unit 40, the “Ag antibacterial water” display unit 33G and the “eco mode” display unit 33J, the deodorizing antibacterial key 41, the washing key 42, the washing key 43, the drying key 44, the “standard” display portion 50A, and the time display portion 60 are lit. Further, the “start / pause” display section 68 and the “course / time setting” display section 69 are lit, and function as the “start / pause” key and the slide touch operation section 40 for “course / time setting”, respectively. Can be easily recognized.

  FIG. 5 shows an operation example when the slide touch operation unit 40 is rotated (dial operation).

  As shown in FIG. 5, for example, when the washing / drying button 43 is pressed, each item in the region 50 </ b> A of the second display region unit 50 is turned on. Similarly, when the dryer key 54 is pressed, for example, each item in another area 50B of the second display area 50 is lit. When the slide touch operation unit 40 is touched and rotated (dial operation), the “bright” state of each item in the area 50A is sequentially shifted to each item, and each item not in the “bright” state is “dark”. ”State. When the slide touch operation unit 40 is touched to perform a rotation operation (dial operation), the “bright” state of each item in the region 50B is sequentially shifted to each item, and each item that is not in the “bright” state is “dark”. ”State.

  FIG. 6 is an enlarged structural example of the slide touch operation unit 20 shown in FIG.

  On the sensor sheet 66 of the slide touch operation unit 40 shown in FIG. 6, for example, ten detection electrodes SP1 to SP10 are arranged in a ring shape in a state of being separated from each other. The detection electrodes SP1 to SP10 detect the position information touched by the user with a finger and send the position information, which is a detection signal, to the control unit 20 shown in FIG. Thereby, the control part 20 judges which detection electrode SP1-SP10 the user touched with a finger | toe.

  However, if the user touches only one of the detection electrodes, for example, the detection electrode SP3 of the slide touch operation unit 40 as indicated by an arrow K shown in FIG. Is not given, the control unit 20 makes no response and invalidates the key operation on the slide touch operation unit 40.

  When the user touches, for example, the detection electrode SP2, which is different from the detection electrode SP3 touched first, the control unit 20 in FIG. 2 indicates that the position of the touched detection electrode has changed in the direction of arrow R2 (counterclockwise). It is determined that the key operation in the slide touch operation unit 40 is valid for the first time. Thereby, since key operation can be performed using the slide touch operation part 40, the operativity improvement and the misdetection are prevented.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of display specifications when the key operation performed using the slide touch operation unit 40 shown in FIG. 6 is specifically performed.

  In the “standard course” when the power is turned on shown in FIG. 7A, for example, it is detected that the detection electrode SP2 is touched and then the adjacent detection electrode SP3 is touched, and the slide touch operation unit 40 is moved in the direction of arrow R1 (clockwise). ) Is rotated by “+1”, the process proceeds to the “saving course” shown in FIG. 7B, and when the slide touch operation unit 40 is further rotated by “+1” in the arrow R1 direction (clockwise), FIG. Move on to the “Memory Course”.

  Further, from the “memory course” shown in FIG. 8C, when the slide touch operation unit 40 is rotated by “−1” in the arrow R2 direction (counterclockwise direction), the “rough course” shown in FIG. Move. When the slide touch operation unit 40 is rotated by “−1” in the arrow R2 direction (counterclockwise direction) from “Zab-Zab course” shown in FIG. 8D, the display returns to the “Memory course” shown in FIG. Then, from the “memory course” shown in FIG. 9E, when the slide touch operation unit 40 is rotated by “−1” in the arrow R2 direction (counterclockwise direction), the display returns to the “saving course” shown in FIG. . The arrow R1 direction (clockwise) is the first direction, and the arrow R2 direction (counterclockwise) is the second direction.

  Next, FIG. 10 illustrates an example in which two of the detection electrodes SP1 to SP10 of the slide touch operation unit 40 are selected and pressed (touched).

  In FIG. 10, when the user presses and operates a plurality of detection electrodes, for example, the pressing position PP1 of the detecting electrode SP3 and the pressing position PP2 of the detecting electrode SP8 simultaneously with a finger, the control unit 20 of FIG. A special function setting operation using the unit 40 can be accepted. Further, when the user once again presses and operates a plurality of detection electrodes, for example, the pressing position PP1 of the detection electrode SP3 and the pressing position PP2 of the detection electrode SP8 with a finger, the control unit 20 in FIG. The special function setting operation using 40 can be cancelled. The special function setting operation and release operation are, for example, the above-described “child lock” setting operation and release operation.

  As described above, the user can set and operate the special function by pressing a plurality of detection electrodes (plural pressing positions PP1 and PP2) with a finger in order to improve the usability of the user. It is. That is, as already described with reference to FIG. 4, in a state where the user presses the “ON” button 31 of the power source and the initial lighting display of the operation panel 10 immediately after the power is turned on, the slide touch operation unit 40, “Ag antibacterial water” display unit 33G, “eco mode” display unit 33J, deodorizing antibacterial key 41, washing key 42, washing key 43, drying key 44, “standard” display unit 50A, and time display unit 60 Is merely lit and displayed, and other keys and the like are not initially lit.

  Accordingly, since keys that are not lit cannot be used, the user does not use keys that are not initially displayed on the operation panel 10 by using the slide touch operation unit 40 to accept special function setting operations. However, it is possible to accept a key operation using the slide touch operation unit 40 displayed from the initial state when the power is turned on. For this reason, the initial display location on the operation panel 10 can be minimized.

  Next, FIG. 11 shows that the amount of progress in the rotation direction in the slide touch operation unit 40 and the detection of the rotation direction are prohibited, and only key operations are accepted.

  In FIG. 10, when the user operates, for example, the pressing position PP1 of the detection electrode SP3 and the pressing position PP2 of the detection electrode SP8 of the slide touch operation unit 40 at the same time, the control unit 20 of FIG. When a function setting operation is accepted and pressed again, the special function setting operation is canceled.

  However, when the user operates the slide touch operation unit 40 by simultaneously pressing, for example, the push position PP1 of the detection electrode SP3 and the push position PP2 of the detection electrode SP8, in this state, the progress in the rotation direction of the slide touch operation unit 40 is performed. Since the detection of the amount and the detection of the rotation direction are not prohibited, the control unit 20 in FIG. 2 malfunctions that receives the detection of the amount of progress in the rotation direction in the slide touch operation unit 40 and the detection of the rotation direction at the same time. There is a risk of

  Therefore, more preferably, when the user simultaneously “long presses” the push position PP1 of the detection electrode SP3 and the push position PP2 of the detection electrode SP9 in the slide touch operation unit 40, for example, the control unit of FIG. 20 prohibits the detection of the positional information change in the slide touch operation unit 40, that is, the detection of the amount of progress in the rotation direction and the detection of the rotation direction, so that the original operation of the slide touch operation unit 40 is not performed. Only the key operation in the slide touch operation unit 40 can be accepted as valid. “Long press operation” means that the press operation is continued for a longer time than “normal press operation”, for example, for 2 to 5 seconds.

  As described above, unless the detection of the position information change in the slide touch operation unit 40, that is, the detection of the amount of progress in the rotation direction and the detection of the rotation direction are not prohibited, the key operation in the slide touch operation unit 40 causes, for example, When setting and releasing special functions such as setting and releasing a child lock, there is a risk of detecting the amount of progress and the direction of rotation at the same time. Because.

  Next, FIG. 12 shows that one push position of the slide touch operation unit 40 is “long push operation”.

  In FIG. 12, the user performs, for example, “long push operation” on one push position PP <b> 2 of the slide touch operation unit 10, thereby rotating the slide touch operation unit 10 along the arrow R <b> 1 direction (clockwise). The control unit 20 in FIG. 2 can set a special operation. By rotating the slide touch operation unit 10 along the arrow R2 direction (counterclockwise direction), the control unit 20 in FIG. Cancellation is possible. Thereby, the operativity of the slide touch operation part 40 improves, and it can differentiate from normal rotation operation of the slide touch operation part 40. FIG.

  Next, FIGS. 13 and 14 show an example in which another function operation is input using a plurality of keys.

  FIG. 13A shows when the power is turned on, and the user presses two keys that are not adjacent to each other, for example, the washing / drying key 43 and the “washing” key 51, and as shown in FIG. By pressing the “wash” key 51, it is possible to input a function different from the normal function. Since the washing / drying key 43 and the “washing” key 51 are preferably separated from each other by three or more, the user can be prevented from accidentally pressing another key.

  14A shows when the power is turned on, and in FIG. 14B, the slide touch operation unit 40 as the operation key is rotated in the direction of the arrow R2, and the “long” of the “washing” key 42 is displayed. Push operation ", and the operation of another function can be performed. That is, another function can be input by a combination of “normal pressing operation” of the different operation keys and “long pressing operation” that is pressed for a longer time than the normal pressing operation.

  In both the examples of FIGS. 13 and 14, since each key on the touch panel is not uneven, the user may simultaneously press adjacent keys. Therefore, by using a plurality of keys that are not adjacent to each other for inputting another function, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally pressing the adjacent key and inputting another function. Further, as shown in the example of FIG. 14, since it is possible to input different functions by combining key presses and key long presses for keys that are not adjacent to each other, it is unlikely that the user erroneously inputs another function. Become.

  The washing machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is provided in the washing machine main body to perform various settings, a control unit 20 that controls the operation panel 10, and the operation panel 10 that is touched by fingers. A slide touch operation unit 40 for operating the set content is provided. The slide touch operation unit 40 is a plurality of capacitance-type detection electrodes SP1 to SP10 arranged in a ring shape, and detects a touch with a finger and detects that the detection unit has detected that the control unit 10 has been detected. It has detection electrodes SP1 to SP10, and the control unit 10 can set / cancel a function corresponding to a specific position based on detection signals from a plurality of detection electrodes SP1 to SP10 at a plurality of positions touched by fingers. And

  Thereby, the setting / cancellation of the function can be performed based on the detection signals from the plurality of detection electrodes only by touching the plurality of positions of the slide touch operation unit from the initial stage when the power is turned on. In other words, the key operation can be received by the slide touch operation unit without using an operation key that is not displayed in the initial stage when the power is turned on. Accordingly, the function setting / cancelling operation can be performed using the slide touch operation unit without using the operation keys.

  The control unit 10 detects information on a plurality of positions touched by a finger, a progress amount when the finger moves along the ring, and a rotation direction when the finger moves along the ring. When the position of one detection electrode touched by a finger is long pressed, detection of the amount of progress and detection of the rotation direction are prohibited, and the slide touch operation unit 40 accepts key operations. As a result, when the slide touch operation unit is operated in the rotation direction, if the position of one detection electrode touched by a finger among the plurality of detection electrodes is long pressed, detection of the progress amount and detection of the rotation direction are prohibited. Since the slide touch operation unit 40 accepts key operations, the original operation of the slide touch operation unit can be prevented from being performed, and the operability of the slide touch operation unit can be improved and erroneous detection can be prevented.

  The control unit 10 detects information on a plurality of positions touched by a finger, a progress amount when the finger moves along the ring, and a rotation direction when the finger moves along the ring. If the finger moves along the ring in a state where the position of one detection electrode touched by the finger is long pressed, the setting of the special operation is permitted. Thereby, the operativity of a slide touch operation part can be improved.

  The control unit 10 permits the setting of the special operation when the finger moves in the first direction R1 along the ring, and performs the special operation when the finger moves in the second direction R2 opposite to the first direction along the ring. Cancel the setting. Thereby, setting and cancellation | release of special operation can be performed using a slide touch operation part, and the operativity of a slide touch operation part can be improved.

  Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the operation panel 10 of the washing machine 1 has an operation unit (for example, a slide touch operation unit) that operates a setting content by touching a finger, and the operation unit has a capacitance. A plurality of detection electrodes of a type having a plurality of detection electrodes for detecting that the finger is touched and notifying the control unit that the detection has been made, and the control unit is provided at a plurality of positions touched by the finger The function corresponding to the specific position can be set / released based on the detection signal from the detection electrode, and the operation panel has a plurality of operation keys. It is possible to input a function different from the above. Thereby, the setting / cancellation of the function can be performed based on the detection signals from the plurality of detection electrodes only by touching the plurality of positions of the operation unit from the initial stage when the power is turned on. That is, the operation unit can accept key operations without using operation keys that are not displayed at the initial stage when the power is turned on. In addition, a plurality of operation keys are arranged on the operation panel 10, and a function different from the normal function can be input by pressing a plurality of operation keys that are not adjacent to each other. Thereby, it can prevent that a user inputs another function accidentally.

  A different function can be input by combining a normal pressing operation of different operation keys and a long pressing operation of pressing for a longer time than the normal pressing operation. Thereby, it is possible to input another function by a combination of a normal pressing operation of different operation keys on the operation panel 10 and a long pressing operation of pressing for a longer time than the normal pressing operation. Thereby, it can prevent that a user inputs another function accidentally.

  The operation panel 10 includes touch keys. The touch keys include a “start / pause” display unit 68 (hereinafter also simply referred to as a start key 68) for starting the operation of the washing machine, and a plurality of touch keys other than the start key 68. With a plurality of keys other than the start key 68, a function different from the normal function can be input. As a result, a function different from the normal function can be input using a plurality of keys prepared separately from the start key 68.

  The operation panel 10 on which a plurality of keys are arranged is formed to be inclined or vertical (not horizontal). Therefore, it is difficult for water to remain on the operation panel 10 and erroneous detection is unlikely to occur. In addition, a plurality of keys that are not adjacent to each other are arranged apart from each other in the horizontal direction (that is, not arranged in the vertical direction). As a result, even when water is dripped from the wet clothing, such as when the wet clothing is placed on the top panel 10 or the like, it is difficult for the water from the clothing to be simultaneously positioned on a plurality of keys. It is difficult for water to be put on a plurality of keys, and it is difficult to be erroneously detected.

  The plurality of keys are preferably selected from distant display area. For example, as the plurality of keys, one of a deodorizing antibacterial key 41, a washing key 42, a washing key 43, and a drying key 44 shown in FIG. 3 is selected, and a “washing” key 51, a “rinse” key 52, A plurality of keys, such as selecting one of the “dehydration” key 53 and the “drying” key 54, are selected from separate display portions (groups). Thereby, it can prevent that a user inputs another function accidentally.

  Further, the plurality of keys are preferably selected from a plurality of keys other than the keys near the detergent case, for example, keys other than the keys in the third display area 61 shown in FIG. Thereby, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection by causing a liquid detergent or a softener to hang from the detergent case and adhere to the key.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, embodiment is shown as an example and is not intending limiting the range of invention. The novel embodiment can be implemented in various other modes, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  The structure of the washing machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and an arbitrary structure can be adopted. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the slide touch operation unit 40 is preferably formed in an annular shape, but is not limited thereto, and may be formed in, for example, an elliptical shape, an oval shape, a rectangular shape, The shape may be a straight line, a parallel line, or a semicircular shape.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Washing machine 2 Main body 3 Door 4 Opening 5 Door button 10 Operation panel 20 Control part 40 Slide touch operation part R1 Clockwise direction (1st direction)
R2 Counterclockwise (second direction)

Claims (11)

A washing machine provided with an operation panel that is provided in the washing machine body and performs various settings, and a control unit that controls the operation panel,
The operation panel has a slide touch operation unit that operates the contents of the setting by touching with fingers.
The slide touch operation unit
A plurality of capacitance-type detection electrodes, wherein the plurality of detection electrodes notify the control unit that the detection has been made by detecting that the finger has touched;
The control unit can set / cancel a function corresponding to the specific position based on the detection signals from the plurality of detection electrodes touched by the finger.   The control unit detects information on a plurality of positions touched by the fingers, a progress amount when the fingers move along the slide touch operation unit, and a moving direction of the fingers, When the position of the one detection electrode touched by the finger is long pressed, detection of the amount of progress and detection of the moving direction are prohibited, and the slide touch operation unit accepts as a key operation. Item 2. A washing machine according to Item 1.   The control unit includes information on a plurality of positions touched by the fingers, a progress amount when the fingers move along the slide touch operation unit, and movements when the fingers move along the slide touch operation unit. When a finger is moved along the slide touch operation unit in a state where a direction is detected and the position of the one detection electrode touched by the finger among the plurality of detection electrodes is long pressed, a special operation is set. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein permission is given.   The control unit permits the setting of the special operation when the finger moves in the first direction along the slide touch operation unit, and the finger is opposite to the first direction along the slide touch operation unit. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the special operation setting is canceled when moving in the second direction. A washing machine provided with an operation panel that is provided in the washing machine body and performs various settings, and a control unit that controls the operation panel,
The operation panel has an operation unit for operating the contents of the setting by touching with fingers.
The operation unit is
A plurality of capacitance-type detection electrodes, wherein the plurality of detection electrodes notify the control unit that the detection has been made by detecting that the finger has touched;
The control unit enables setting / cancellation of a function corresponding to the specific position based on the detection signals from the plurality of detection electrodes touched by the finger,
In addition to the slide touch operation unit, a plurality of operation keys are arranged on the operation panel, and a function different from the normal function is input by pressing the plurality of non-adjacent detection electrodes corresponding to the plurality of operation keys. A washing machine characterized by enabling.   6. The washing machine according to claim 5, wherein a different function can be input by a combination of a normal pressing operation of the different operation keys and a long pressing operation of pressing for a longer time than the normal pressing operation.   The operation panel includes a touch key that can set another function, and the touch key includes a start key that starts an operation of the washing machine and a plurality of keys other than the start key. 6. The washing machine according to claim 5, wherein a setting different from the normal function is set to be input by using the plurality of keys other than. 6. The washing machine according to claim 5, wherein the operation panel on which the plurality of keys capable of setting another function is arranged is formed to be inclined or vertical. The washing machine according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of keys of the operation panel on which the plurality of keys capable of setting another function are arranged are spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction.   6. The washing machine according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of keys that can be set with the different functions are selected from remote display area.   6. The washing machine according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of keys that can be set with another function are selected from a plurality of keys other than keys near the detergent case.

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