JP2017018745A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve operability in an operation part having a touch panel display part.SOLUTION: A washing machine includes: a touch panel display part 38 having a liquid crystal panel 34 for displaying a setting condition of washing, rinsing, dewatering and setting buttons, and a transparent plate 31 arranged being overlapped with the liquid crystal panel 34 and having a transparent electrode 33 on a rear surface, and for performing an operation by the transparent plate 31 being touched by a finger; and a pressing operation button part 48 provided separately from the touch panel display part 38 and for performing an operation by being pressed by a finger. The touch panel display part 38 and the pressing operation button part 48 are provided on an operation display panel 25, and the pressing operation button part 48 is arranged separately and independently from the touch panel display part 38.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine having an operation unit equipped with a liquid crystal display.

Conventionally, an operation display device of this type of washing machine is configured as shown in FIGS. (For example, see Patent Document 1)
FIG. 12 shows a front view of an operation display device of a conventional washing machine, and FIG. 13 shows a front view of a control device of the operation display device of the conventional washing machine.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the operation display panel 1 is formed by insert-molding a panel sheet 2 made of a sheet material on the upper surface. The operation display panel 1 includes a display unit 3 and an operation unit 4, a liquid crystal panel 5 is disposed at a position corresponding to the display unit 3, and an operation button unit 6 is disposed at a position corresponding to the operation unit 4.

  By pressing the stroke button 6a, the operation time and setting conditions for washing, rinsing, dehydration, and drying displayed on the liquid crystal panel 5 can be changed, and the operation course displayed on the liquid crystal panel 5 by pressing the course button 6b. The mist can be switched only by washing, washing to drying, and drying by pressing the washing / drying switching button 6c.

  A power-on button 6d for turning on the power, a power-off button 6e for cutting off the power, and a start button 6f for starting the operation of the washing machine are provided on the washing machine body.

  A control device in which a button-type electric switch 7 provided at a corresponding position of the operation button unit 6 of the operation display panel 1, an LED element 8 for notifying that the operation button unit 6 is pressed, and the liquid crystal panel 5 are stacked. 9 is fixed to the resin case 10.

  A screw hole 11 is provided around the resin case 10, and an operation display device is formed by fixing it to the operation display panel 1 with screws (not shown) from the back side.

JP 2008-66163 A

  However, in the configuration of the conventional operation display device for a washing machine, there are a large number of operation buttons on the operation display panel, and the operation is complicated because there are many operation buttons when the user tries to set. . In addition, since the operation unit and the display unit are separated from each other, there is a problem that when the set content is confirmed on the display unit, the confirmation is troublesome and difficult to visually recognize.

  In order to solve the conventional problems, the washing machine of the present invention includes a touch panel display unit that detects a change in capacitance when touched with a finger, and a press operation button unit that is operated by pressing the finger. The touch panel display unit is arranged to be inclined, and the pressing operation button unit is arranged separately from the touch panel display unit.

  The washing machine of the present invention can reliably prevent a malfunction when a liquid detergent adheres to the pressing button section.

1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Same perspective view of washing machine Same as above, a plan view of the operation display section of the washing machine (A) Same as AA sectional view in FIG. 3, (b) Same as DD sectional view in FIG. BB sectional view in FIG. CC sectional view in FIG. (A) The figure which shows the 1st screen of the liquid crystal panel of the operation display part of a washing machine, (b) The figure which shows the 2nd screen, (c) The figure which shows the 3rd screen, (d) The same The figure which shows the 4th screen, (e) The figure which shows the 5th screen, (f) The figure which shows the 6th screen, the same The circuit diagram of the touch panel display of the washing machine Same as above, side sectional view of touch panel display of washing machine The figure which shows the detection state at the time of touch detection of the touchscreen display part of a washing machine similarly (A) The figure which shows the detection state when water adheres to the touch-panel display part of a washing machine, (b) The figure which shows the detection state when liquid detergent adheres, (c) The same, Touch with a finger Figure showing the detection status when Front view of conventional washing machine operation display device Front view of control device of operation display device of conventional washing machine

  1st invention is equipped with the touchscreen display part which detects the change of the electrostatic capacitance when touching with a finger, and the press operation button part which operates by pressing with a finger, The touchscreen display part inclines and arranges In addition, since the pressing operation button unit is arranged separately from the touch panel display unit, it is possible to reliably prevent malfunction when liquid detergent adheres to the pressing operation button unit. .

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in particular, in the washing machine of the first aspect, a button for returning the screen display to be displayed on the liquid crystal panel to the previous screen display is configured by the pressing operation button unit, so that the return button is displayed. It is possible to reliably prevent malfunction when liquid detergent adheres.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in particular, in the washing machine of the first aspect, the start button for instructing the start of operation is configured by the pressing operation button unit, so that when the start button is attached with liquid detergent or the like. It is possible to reliably prevent malfunction.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in particular, in the washing machine according to any one of the first to third aspects, the pressing operation button unit is configured to press a switch, an operating member that presses the switch, and the operating member. By having a configuration including a button opening provided in the operation display panel and a panel sheet integrally formed on the surface of the operation display panel that closes the button opening, water can be prevented from entering the inside of the pressing operation button. In addition, water and detergent do not adhere to the charging part, reducing failure and increasing reliability.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view of the washing machine in FIG.

  1 and 2, a water tub 13 is suspended in a body 12 of a washing machine, and a rotating drum 14 formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape in the water tub 13 has its axial direction from the front to the back. It is tilted downward toward the side and is rotatably arranged.

  A clothing doorway 15 leading to the opening end of the rotary drum 14 is formed on the front side of the water tank 13, and a charging opening provided on an upward inclined surface formed at the front portion of the front frame body 16 constituting the front surface of the main body 12. By opening the door 18 that opens and closes the portion 17, the laundry in the rotary drum 14 can be taken in and out through the clothing entrance 15.

  Since the door 18 is provided on the upward inclined surface, the work for putting in and out the laundry can be carried out without bending the waist, and compared with the drum type washing machine for taking in and out the laundry from the opening provided horizontally horizontally. Sex is getting better.

  A large number of through holes 19 communicating with the inside of the water tank 13 are formed on the peripheral surface of the rotating drum 14, and are driven to rotate in the forward and reverse directions by a motor 20 attached to the back side of the water tank 13. A water injection pipe 21 and a drain pipe 22 are connected to the water tank 13, and water is poured and drained into the water tank 13 by controlling the water injection valve 23 and the drain valve 24.

  An operation display panel 25 is arranged at the upper part of the front frame body 16, and a detergent charging case 26 is arranged at the lower part of the front frame body 16 so that it can be pulled out forward. Prior to driving, the user puts the detergent into the detergent case 26 and operates the operation display panel 25 as necessary to set the desired driving content, start driving, pause, and the driving progress state. Can be recognized.

  When the door 18 is opened and the laundry is put into the rotating drum 14 and the operation is started, the water injection valve 23 is opened, water is poured into the detergent charging case 26, and the detergent that has been poured therein is poured with water. However, a predetermined amount of water is injected into the water tank 13 through the water injection pipe 21.

  When the predetermined water level is reached, the rotary drum 14 is driven to rotate by the motor 20 and the washing process is started. The laundry in the washing process is laundered by repeating the stirring operation in which the laundry is lifted and dropped by the rotation of the rotating drum 14.

  After the required washing time, the drain valve 24 opens, the dirty washing liquid is discharged from the drain pipe 22, and the washing liquid contained in the laundry is dehydrated by a dehydrating operation that rotates the rotating drum 14 at a high speed.

  Thereafter, the drain valve 24 is closed, and water is injected into the water tank 13 from the water injection pipe 21 to carry out a rinsing process. Also in the rinsing process, the laundry is rinsed by repeating the stirring operation by the rotation of the rotating drum 14.

  3 is a plan view of the operation display unit of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 3, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 3, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG.

  3, 4, 5, and 6, the operation display panel 25 is disposed above the front frame 16 and the top plate 27. The surface of the transparent resin portion 28 is covered with a panel sheet 29 made of a PET film insert-molded in the transparent resin portion 28. The panel sheet 29 has a decorative surface that has been colored and printed, and the transparent resin portion 28 and the panel sheet 29 are provided with an opening 30 having a substantially rectangular shape at the center thereof.

  The opening 30 is an area where neither transparent resin nor film is present, and a transparent plate 31 made of transparent glass is attached to the operation display panel 25 via an elastic body 32 on the back surface of the opening 30. The elastic body 32 is fixed while being pressed between the periphery of the opening 30 in the transparent resin portion 28 and the transparent plate 31.

  A touch panel display unit 38 is formed on the back surface of the transparent plate 31 by bonding a transparent electrode 33 with a transparent double-sided tape 37 called OCA. Therefore, the touch panel display unit 38 is transparent and translucent.

  In addition, a liquid crystal panel 34 is attached to a liquid crystal mounting base 35 below the back surface of the touch panel display unit 38. Further, on the opposite side of the liquid crystal mounting base 35 to the liquid crystal panel 34 mounting surface, transparent electrodes 33 and A main control board 36 for controlling the liquid crystal panel 34 is attached.

  In this way, the transparent plate 31, the transparent double-sided tape 37, the transparent electrode 33, the liquid crystal panel 34, and the main control board 36 are stacked in this order, and from the front side of the operation display panel 25, a transparent touch panel display unit 38 is formed. Through the plate 31, the transparent double-sided tape 37, and the transparent electrode 33, it is possible to visually recognize pictures and characters displayed on the liquid crystal panel 34. Note that a lighting device having a planar shape is arranged on the back side of the liquid crystal panel 34, that is, on the side opposite to the touch panel display unit 38, and the pattern or characters displayed on the liquid crystal panel 34 are irradiated by irradiating the liquid crystal panel 34. Visibility can be further enhanced.

  On the main control board 36, a touch panel dedicated IC 40 that determines whether or not a person has performed a touch operation by inputting / outputting a signal to / from the touch panel display unit 38 and transmits a determination signal to the microcomputer 39 is mounted.

  On the back side of the transparent plate 31, there are electrical components such as the liquid crystal panel 34 and the main control board 36, which require waterproofing. Therefore, the outer periphery of the substantially rectangular transparent plate 31 is covered with a frame-shaped elastic body 32, and attached to the back surface of the substantially rectangular opening 30 via the elastic body 32.

  Around the upper side 41 and the lower side 42 of the opening 30, the elastic body 32 holds the three directions of the front surface side, the back surface side, and the end surface side of the transparent plate 31. Waterproofness is ensured by pressing between the panel 25 and the liquid crystal mounting base 35.

  Further, around the left side 43 and the right side 44 of the opening 30, the two directions of the back surface side and the end surface side of the transparent plate 31 are brought into contact with the elastic body 32, and the elastic body 32 and the transparent plate 31 are connected to the operation display panel. 25 and the liquid crystal mounting base 35 are pressed against each other to ensure waterproofness.

  Here, a configuration different from the waterproof structure around the left side 43 and the right side 44 of the opening 30 and the waterproof structure around the upper side 41 and the lower side 42 of the opening 30 is illustrated, but the left side 43 of the opening 30 and Even if the waterproof structure around the right side 44 is configured similarly to the waterproof structure around the upper side 41 and the lower side 42 of the opening 30, a good effect can be obtained.

  On the back surface of the operation display panel 25, bosses 45 are provided at the four corners of the opening 30, and the liquid crystal mounting base 35 and the back cover 46 are fastened with screws 47. The back cover 46 is made of a resin member that covers the main control board 36 from the back.

In the screw fastening state, the elastic body 32 is pressed against the liquid crystal mounting base 35, and the elastic body 32 is in close contact with the transparent plate 31 and the operation display panel 25, so that the waterproof property around the opening 30 is ensured. Therefore, even if the user accidentally spills water or liquid detergent into the opening 30, water does not adhere to the electrical components such as the liquid crystal panel 34 and the main control board 36 inside, and the reliability of the components is ensured. Failure and malfunctions are prevented.

  Moreover, since the transparent plate 31 is attached to the back surface of the opening part 30 via the elastic body 32, the impact applied from the outside can be relieved and glass can be prevented from being damaged by the impact. For example, when the user drops something or when the product is delivered to the user's home in a packaged state, an impact force is applied to the transparent plate 31 when it falls or falls over from the loaded state. . At that time, the elastic body 32 is arranged on the outer periphery of the transparent plate 31 to reduce the impact, and damage can be prevented even if an impact is applied from the outside.

  The operation display panel 25 is provided with a start button 54, a power-on button 52, a power-off button 53, and a return button 55 that are separated and independent from the touch panel display unit 38.

  The start button 54 is used by the user to instruct the start of the operation of the washing machine after completing various settings such as the operation course of the washing machine. The power-on button 52 and the power-off button 53 are for the user to turn on and off the washing machine. The return button 55 is used to give an instruction to return to the previous display screen when the user operates the touch panel display unit 38.

  The start button 54, the power-on button 52, the power-off button 53, and the return button 55 are provided in the operation display panel 25 separately from the touch panel display unit 38.

  The pressing operation buttons such as the start button 54, the power on button 52, the power off button 53, and the return button 55 are configured in the same manner. The sub-control board 50 on which the switch 49 is loaded is fixed to the back cover 46 so as to be provided inside the operation display panel 25, and the operation member 51 for pressing the switch 49 can be pressed from the outside of the operation display panel 25. As described above, the operation display panel 25 is provided with a button opening 80, and the button opening 80 is closed by a panel sheet 29 integrally formed on the surface of the operation display panel 25. This prevents water from entering the inside from the button opening 80.

  As described above, the operation member 51 is provided so as to be held between the operation display panel 25 and the back cover 46, and the pressing operation button portion 48 does not have the transparent resin portion 28 and only the panel sheet 29 exists. The user presses the panel sheet 29 to deform the panel sheet 29 and presses the switch 49 via the operation member 51.

  Thus, the user can operate the switch 49 with a light operating force. When the user presses the switch 49, an input signal of the switch 49 is transmitted from the sub control board 50 to the microcomputer 39 of the main control board 36.

  In addition, the panel sheet 29 prevents water from entering the operation display panel 25 from the pressing operation button portion 48 and ensures waterproofness. In other words, the start button 54, the power-on button 52, the power-off button 53, and the return button 55 that are separated and independent from the touch panel display unit 38 are ensured to be waterproof.

  FIGS. 7A to 7F are diagrams illustrating display contents displayed on the liquid crystal panel of the operation display unit of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The operation of the washing machine will be briefly described with reference to FIGS.
7A to 7F show screens in which display contents displayed on the liquid crystal panel 34 can be seen through the transparent electrode 33, the transparent double-sided tape 37, and the transparent plate 31, respectively. By touching the top of the board 31 with a finger, the screen is switched or the setting content is changed. In this way, touch-type setting buttons are displayed on the liquid crystal panel 34.

  When the user first supplies power to the washing machine main body by pressing the power-on button 52 on the operation display panel 25, the liquid crystal panel 34 is turned on, and FIG. 7A is displayed.

  Here, the reason why the power-on button 52 is separated from the touch panel display unit 38 and is made an independent button is to ensure operability and safety.

  If a touch-on button is provided on the touch panel display unit 38, the touch panel display unit 38 is not energized until the power on button is operated, and the touch panel display unit 38 displays nothing including the power-on button. become. Therefore, operability can be ensured by providing the power-on button separately from the touch panel display unit 38 and independently.

  Further, as will be described later, since the input operation on the touch panel display unit 38 is performed by detecting the change in the capacitance due to the fingertip of the user, it is difficult to completely prevent the malfunction. If it is provided on the touch panel display unit 38 and water or detergent adheres to the power-on button (not shown) on the screen, it will be erroneously detected as being operated by the user and malfunctioned. It is possible that the washing machine will turn on.

  When such a malfunction occurs, it is assumed that the power is turned on carelessly and the operation is started, and it is difficult to ensure safety. However, since the power-on button 52 is provided separately from the touch panel display unit 38, such a malfunction can be prevented and safety is improved.

  FIG. 7A shows the first screen after the power is turned on. On the screen, the washing touch button 56a for switching between washing and drying, the washing to drying touch button 56b, and the drying touch button 56c select the washing / drying mode. It is arranged as a setting button.

  In addition, in each washing and drying mode, the Omakase touch button 57a, which is considered to be used frequently by the user, is located in the center of the screen, the personal touch button 57b is located on the left side of the screen, and other courses that summarize other courses. A total of three touch buttons are arranged on the right side of the screen with the touch buttons 57c.

  In addition, a menu touch button 58 that summarizes contents that can be useful information for the user is arranged as a setting button at the bottom of the screen.

  In FIG. 7A, the user sets the course after selecting the washing / drying mode. In the present embodiment, an operation example in which the display is switched to the display of FIG. 7B by touching the washing touch button 56a and then touching the automatic touch button 57a will be described.

  FIG. 7B is a second screen that transitions when the Omakase touch button 57a is touched in FIG. 7A, and a touch button indicating each process time is set at the approximate center in the vertical direction of the screen. A washing touch button 59a indicating the washing time, a rinsing touch button 59b indicating the number of times of rinsing, and a dehydrating touch button 59c indicating the dehydrating time are arranged in order from the left side of the screen.

Further, touch buttons indicating other detailed setting contents in operation are arranged at the bottom of the screen, a water level touch button 60a indicating a water level setting method, a bath water touch button 60b indicating whether or not to use bath water, and performing a reserved operation. Whether or not the reservation touch button 60c is arranged as a setting button.

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that the user changes the washing time, and an operation example that switches to FIG. 7C by touching the washing touch button 59a will be described.

  FIG. 7C shows a third screen that transitions when the washing touch button 59a is touched in FIG. 7B. The washing slide button 61 that changes the washing time is set as a setting button in the approximate center of the screen. The decision touch button 62 for instructing the decision of the changed time is arranged at the bottom of the screen.

  The user changes the washing time by moving the washing slide button 61 in the left-right direction, and confirms the changed washing time by pressing the decision touch button 62. When the enter touch button 62 is pressed, the screen transitions again to the second screen in FIG. However, on the second screen in FIG. 7B, the display content of the cleaning time of the cleaning touch button 59a is displayed as the changed content.

  FIG. 7 (d) is a fourth screen that transitions when the other course touch button 57c of FIG. 7 (a) is touched. The screen is displayed on the first screen, except for private and automatic modes. The night touch button 63a, the house cleaning touch button 63b, the high cleaning deodorizing touch button 63c, the blanket touch button 63d, the careful finishing touch button 63e, and the tank cleaning touch button 63f that can be used as a course are arranged as setting buttons. The user selects a course by pressing each touch button, and changes to the second screen in FIG. 7B again by pressing each touch button.

  FIG. 7E shows a fifth screen that transitions when the menu touch button 58 in FIG. 7A is touched. As shown in FIG. 7 (e), the screen is provided with touch buttons for excerpting part of the contents of the instruction manual and explaining to the user how to use, and an easy operation guide touch button 64a for explaining the operation method. The course explanation touch button 64b for explaining the course and the care method touch button 64c for explaining the maintenance method of the washing machine are arranged as setting buttons. In addition, a setting change touch button 64d in which setting contents that do not change the basic once set are arranged.

  Here, by pressing the return button 55 on the operation display panel 25, the display screen can be returned from the currently displayed screen to the previous operation screen. The reason why the return button 55 is separated from the touch panel display unit 38 and made independent is to enable the user to operate the return button 55 immediately when the user is lost in operation or wants to change the display contents. , Operability is improved.

  If the return button is provided on the touch panel display unit 38, it is necessary to display a return touch button (not shown) in all screens in FIGS. 7A to 7E, and the screen display is complicated. As a result, visibility and operability are deteriorated. However, since the return button 55 is provided separately and independently from the touch panel display unit 38, it is possible to prevent such deterioration in visibility and operability.

  In the first screen to the fifth screen shown in FIG. 7A to FIG. 7E, when the setting of the operation content is finished, the user operates by pressing the start button 54 provided on the operation display panel 25. Start. At this time, the screen transitions to a sixth screen shown in FIG. 7F, which is an operation display screen for displaying the operation status.

Note that the operation can be paused and resumed by pressing the start button 54 when it is desired to pause the operation during the operation and by pressing the start button 54 again when it is desired to be resumed.

  Here, the reason that the start button 54 is separated from the touch panel display unit 38 and is made a single button independently is to improve the operability and ensure safety.

  If the start button is provided on the touch panel display unit 38, it is necessary to display a start touch button (not shown) in any of the screens of FIGS. Complicated, visibility and operability are reduced. However, since the start button 54 is separated from the touch panel display unit 38 and provided independently, such a decrease in visibility and operability can be prevented, and the operability is improved.

  Further, as will be described later, since the input operation on the touch panel display unit 38 is performed by detecting a change in capacitance due to the fingertip of the user, it is difficult to completely prevent a malfunction. If it is provided on the display unit 38 and water or detergent adheres to the start button (not shown) on the screen, it may be erroneously detected as being operated by the user and malfunctioned. Can be considered.

  When such a malfunction occurs, operation is inadvertently started, and it is difficult to ensure safety. However, since the start button 54 is provided separately from the touch panel display unit 38, such a malfunction can be prevented and safety is improved.

  Further, by pressing the power-off button 53 provided on the operation display panel 25, the washing machine can be reliably turned off at any timing.

  Here, the reason why the power-off button 53 is separated from the touch panel display unit 38 and is made an independent button is to improve operability, ensure safety, and terminate the operation normally.

  If the power-off button is provided on the touch panel display unit 38, in order to ensure that the washing machine can be turned off at any timing, all of FIGS. 7A to 7E are used. It becomes necessary to display a power-off button (not shown) in the screen, the screen display becomes complicated, and visibility and operability are deteriorated. However, since the power-off button 53 is provided separately from the touch panel display unit 38, it is possible to prevent such deterioration in visibility and operability. Further, when the user notices an unsafe driving situation, the power can be turned off immediately, and safety can be ensured.

  Further, as will be described later, since the input operation on the touch panel display unit 38 is performed by detecting a change in capacitance due to the fingertip of the user, it is difficult to completely prevent a malfunction. When the touch panel display unit 38 is provided with water or detergent on the power-off button (not shown) on the screen, it is erroneously detected as being operated by the user and malfunctions. It is possible to end up.

  When such a malfunction occurs, the operation is inadvertently stopped before the set series of operations is completed. However, since the power-off button 53 is provided separately and independently from the touch panel display unit 38, such a malfunction can be prevented and the operation can be performed reliably.

  FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of the touch panel display unit 38 of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a side sectional view of the touch panel display unit of the operation display unit of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is shown.

  In FIG. 8, highly transparent indium tin oxide called ITO is vapor-deposited on a glass substrate 65 and etched to form the transparent electrode 33. In the transparent electrode 33, several tens of X electrodes 66 are formed in a matrix in the vertical direction at intervals of about 5 to 6 mm, and several tens of Y electrodes 67 are formed in the horizontal direction at intervals of about 5 to 6 mm. The X electrode 66 and the Y electrode 67 are electrically connected to the touch panel dedicated IC 40, and the touch panel dedicated IC 40 is electrically connected to the microcomputer 39 via the wiring portion 68.

  In FIG. 9, a shield electrode 69 on which ITO is deposited is formed on the back surface of the transparent electrode 33. The shield electrode 69 is connected to the GND line of the main control board 36 via the FPC wiring 70 to increase power noise resistance and prevent malfunction of the touch panel display unit 38 due to switching noise from the liquid crystal panel 34 disposed below. To do.

  The transparent electrode 33 is bonded and fixed to the transparent plate 31 with a transparent double-sided tape 37.

  Here, the change in capacitance is determined by the dielectric constant of the material touched by the finger, and the larger the dielectric constant, the larger the change in capacitance and the higher the sensitivity. High sensitivity means that the position pressed by the finger can be recognized quickly and accurately, for example, it is less likely to cause false detection due to the touch of a finger when a drop of water is attached, or due to the influence of external noise. Say. For example, the dielectric constant of glass is about 9, ABS resin or PET resin is about 3, and the change in capacitance is inversely proportional to the thickness. Therefore, if the material touched by the finger is a glass plate, ABS resin or Even if the thickness is three times that of PET resin, the sensitivity can be made equivalent.

  In addition, although the transparent electrode was made into the glass base material in a present Example, the same effect is acquired even if it comprises with a resin sheet like PET. Further, in order to reduce the cost, the X electrode and the Y electrode are formed on one side of the transparent electrode. However, even if the X electrode and the Y electrode are separately formed on both sides of the transparent electrode, the same performance can be obtained.

  A detection mechanism at the time of a touch operation will be briefly described with reference to FIGS.

  There is a very small capacitance component (about 2 to 3 PF) between the X electrode and the Y electrode formed on the transparent electrode 33, and the touch panel dedicated IC 40 always has a certain cycle with respect to the X electrode 66. The voltage is applied repeatedly.

  The Y electrode 67 always outputs a voltage applied from the X electrode 66 and passes through the electrostatic capacitance component, and returns a voltage signal to the touch panel dedicated IC 40, so that the voltage at the electrostatic capacitance component always present in the touch panel display unit 38 is obtained. Monitor changes.

  When a person touches the transparent plate 31, it is electrically connected from the person's finger to the transparent plate 31, the transparent double-sided tape 37, and the transparent electrode 33, and the electrostatic capacitance component (generally about 100 to 150 PF) possessed by the person. As a result, the voltage of the electrostatic capacitance component existing in the touch panel display unit 38 detected by the touch panel dedicated IC 40 changes greatly. The touch panel-dedicated IC 40 confirms that the touch operation has been performed by this change, and transmits a confirmation signal to the microcomputer 39.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a detection state at the time of touch detection of the touch panel display unit 38 of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a diagram of the touch panel display unit 38 of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a simplified diagram showing a detection state at the time of touch detection.

FIG. 10 shows data displayed so that the touch signal detected by the touch panel dedicated IC 40 can be confirmed on a personal computer (not shown). 10, the X-axis direction indicates the long side of the transparent plate 31, the Z-axis direction indicates the short side of the transparent plate 31, the Y-axis direction indicates touch sensitivity when a touch operation is performed, and the Y-axis direction. This shows that the more you move on the screen, the higher the sensitivity when you perform a touch operation.

  Generally, a threshold value S for determining a touch operation is set in the touch panel dedicated IC 40, and whether or not the touch operation is performed is determined by whether or not the height H of the touch signal exceeds the threshold value S.

  In FIG. 11, FIG. 11C illustrates the sensitivity height when the finger touches the transparent plate 31, that is, when the transparent plate 31 is touched with the finger, and FIG. FIG. 11B illustrates the high sensitivity when the liquid detergent adheres to the transparent plate 31.

  11 (a) to 11 (c), the sensitivity height Ha of water having low conductivity with respect to the sensitivity height is equal to or less than the threshold value S, but if the sensitivity height Hb of a highly conductive liquid detergent is used. It turns out that it may become more than the threshold value S, and a misdetection may occur and it may malfunction.

  In order to solve such a problem, for example, when the threshold value S is set to be equal to or higher than the sensitivity height Hb of the liquid detergent, if the threshold value S is increased too high, the sensitivity height Hc when a touch operation is performed with a finger. And the threshold value S becomes small, the responsiveness and detection accuracy at the time of a touch operation with a finger are deteriorated, and there is a possibility that the operability is lowered and erroneous detection occurs.

  FIG. 11C shows an example of the high touch sensitivity by the touch operation with the finger. However, since the area where the finger touches the transparent plate 31 affects the capacitance, the size of the finger and when the touch is made. The touch sensitivity height Hc changes depending on the instantaneous touch area, which leads to a decrease in responsiveness and detection accuracy.

  In order to prevent such erroneous detection, in addition to setting the threshold value S, the touch area, the touch time, and the like are excluded to remove other than the finger, but the false detection is not performed completely. It ’s difficult.

  However, as described above, the start button 54, the power-on button 52, the power-off button 53, and the return button 55 are separated and independent from the touch panel display unit 38, thereby starting operation, power-on, power-off, and display. The function to return the screen to the previous one eliminates false detection and ensures operability and safety.

  In this way, a touch panel display unit that can set the washing machine by directly touching the switch pattern displayed on the liquid crystal panel through the transparent plate is provided, and the touch panel display unit overlaps the operation unit and the display unit. By configuring it integrally, intuitive operation is possible, usability is improved, and the size of the switch pattern etc. is changed according to the setting contents, thereby improving visibility and improving universal design. Can do.

  Unlike pressure-sensitive touch panels, it detects the presence or absence of an operation by detecting a change in capacitance, enabling touch operations by simply touching the transparent glass plate. Can be operated easily.

  Even when water or detergent adheres to the touch panel display, safety buttons such as power on, power off, and start button that are closely related to safety are separated from the touch panel display and provided independently. It can be secured. Note that the content to be operated in the touch panel display unit is limited to content that does not lead to unsafe connection such as time setting in course setting.

  In this way, since the return button is separated and provided independently from the touch panel display unit, if the user is lost in operation or wants to change the display contents, the return button can be operated immediately, The display screen can be easily returned from the displayed screen to the previous operation screen, improving operability.

  As described above, since the operation display device of the washing machine according to the present invention is provided with a button that is operated separately and independently from the touch panel display unit, it is safe to prevent malfunction due to erroneous detection of the touch panel display unit. Therefore, it can be applied to various devices using water having a touch panel display unit.

25 Operation display panel 29 Panel sheet 30 Opening 31 Transparent plate 32 Elastic body 33 Transparent electrode 34 Liquid crystal panel 38 Touch panel display section 48 Press operation button section 49 Switch 51 Operation member 52 Power-on button 53 Power-off button 54 Start button 55 Return button 80 button opening

Claims (4)

A touch panel display unit that detects a change in capacitance when touched with a finger; and a press operation button unit that performs an operation by pressing with a finger. The washing machine is characterized in that the unit is arranged separately from the touch panel display unit. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein a button for returning the screen display displayed on the liquid crystal panel to the previous screen display is configured by the pressing operation button unit. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein a start button for instructing start of operation is configured by the pressing operation button unit. The pressing operation button portion includes a switch, an operating member for pressing the switch, an opening provided for the operation display panel to press the operating member, and a surface of the operation display panel for closing the opening. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the washing machine is configured to have an integrally molded panel sheet.

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