JP2023130995A - Laundry apparatus, and method of controlling display of laundry apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a laundry apparatus in which a user is easy to understand a usage state, and a method of controlling display of a laundry apparatus.SOLUTION: A laundry apparatus for conducting at least any processing of laundry and drying to an object includes: a plurality of course-displaying parts for conducting the processing, namely conducting display respectively corresponding to a plurality of courses different each other, which can be selected by a user of the laundry apparatus; a state display part capable of lighting to indicate a state of the laundry apparatus; and a display control part for conducting display control of the state display part, where the display control part makes the state display part light with a different color whether in a waiting state or in an operating state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to laundry equipment that washes and/or dries laundry such as clothes and bedding, and a display control method for the laundry equipment.

Conventionally, dozens of laundry machines of this type have been installed in stores such as coin laundries and provided to users. Users bring their clothes, futons, and other laundry items and pay a usage fee to have them washed. Coin-operated laundromats are generally unmanned, so they have a payment system that automates the payment process. Users use the laundry machines in a self-service manner by inserting cash into a payment machine provided for each laundry machine or a central payment machine that centrally performs payment for each laundry machine.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-57300

The problem to be solved by the invention is to provide a laundry machine and a display control method for the laundry machine in which the usage status is easily understood by the user.

The laundry equipment of the embodiment is a laundry equipment that performs at least one of washing and drying processing on an object, and the laundry equipment displays a display corresponding to a plurality of courses in which the processing to be performed is different from each other. a plurality of course display sections that can be selected by a user, a status display section that can be lit to indicate the status of the laundry equipment, and a display control section that controls display of the status display section, the display control section , characterized in that the status display section lights up in different colors in a standby state and an operating state.

It is a front view showing a washing dryer concerning an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a washer/dryer according to an embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of a display operation panel of a medium-sized washer-dryer from which five courses can be selected according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a control system of the washer/dryer according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a control device according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows the display control table when a charge is input into the washing/drying machine based on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the display control table when the washer/dryer based on embodiment is operated and controlled by the central payment machine. It is a flow chart showing operation of the washer dryer concerning an embodiment.

Hereinafter, details of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which a laundry device according to the present invention is applied to a washer/dryer that performs washing and drying processing for washing and/or drying laundry items.

(Configuration of washer dryer)
The configuration of the washer/dryer according to this embodiment will be explained. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a washer/dryer according to this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view thereof. Note that in FIG. 2, a front panel and an operation panel, which will be described later, are partially omitted for the sake of explanation.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the washer/dryer 1 includes a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped casing 20, and inside the casing 20 there is an outer shell 30, which is a horizontally oriented cylinder with a bottom, and an outer shell 30, which is a horizontally oriented cylinder with a bottom. A drum 40, which is a horizontally oriented cylindrical body with a bottom, is provided inside the body 30.

The housing 20 has a circular panel opening 20b approximately in the center of a front panel 20a provided at the front. The outer body 30 has an input port 60 for loading and unloading laundry such as clothes and sheets, and is fixed so that the input port 60 is exposed to the panel opening 20b. An opening/closing door 70 for opening and closing the input port 60 is provided on the front panel 20a via a hinge mechanism (not shown). As shown in FIG. 2, the user opens the door 70, puts the laundry into the drum 40, and after the washing process and/or drying process (hereinafter referred to as laundry processing) is finished, the user opens the door 70. Open the drum 40 and take out the laundry items inside the drum 40. A display/operation panel 20c is arranged above the front panel 20a, through which the user performs operations for laundry processing.

(Display operation panel 20c)
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display operation panel of a washer/dryer from which five courses can be selected according to the present embodiment. The display operation panel 20c has a front surface made of transparent resin or glass so that the surface can be easily cleaned and kept clean, and has a plurality of course selection buttons 201 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. . The course selection button 201 accepts user input when selecting a washing/drying course on the washer/dryer 1 side. The washer/dryer 1 according to this embodiment can arbitrarily set a dedicated course to each course selection button 201. For example, when the washer/dryer 1 according to the present embodiment is a medium-sized machine (middle size M) with five selectable courses, the types of laundry items (clothes, duvets, mattresses, etc.) are shown in FIG. It is possible to allocate 3 washing/drying courses, 1 washing course, 1 drying course, etc., which have different required times and fees depending on the processing amount (weight). This makes it possible to set courses that match the local needs, usage conditions, or characteristics of the coin laundry store. Note that the number of course selection buttons 201 is not limited to four, and more may be provided to cover many courses.

The course selection button 201 includes a course name light emitting section 201a that indicates each course name of washing/drying/washing/drying, and a ring-shaped ring light emitting section 201b surrounding the course name light emitting section 201a. Note that the ring light emitting section 201b according to the present embodiment includes a first ring light emitting section (numerals 201b-1a to 201b-5a shown in FIG. 3) located on the upper side, which are separated into upper and lower parts to form an arc shape, respectively; and a second ring light emitting section (numerals 201b-1b to 201b-5b shown in FIG. 3) located on the lower side. Note that the ring light emitting section 201b may be separated into left and right parts instead of upper and lower parts. The course name light emitting section 201a and the ring light emitting section 201b can be turned on, blinking, and turned off using a backlight such as an LED provided on the back of the display operation panel 20c.When the backlight is off, the display It has the same color (for example, black) as the back side of the upper panel that constitutes the operation panel 20c. In other words, it is possible to make unnecessary dials and the like invisible to the user and to suppress unnecessary power consumption. The course name shown in the course name light emitting section 201a can be freely changed by replacing the character sheet on the upper panel or by controlling the character dot display.

It is preferable that the course name light emitting section 201a and the ring light emitting section 201b emit light in different colors. For example, the course name light emitting section 201a may be caused to emit white light, and the ring light emitting section 201b may be caused to emit light in a color different from white. In particular, the ring light emitting section 201b may be configured to emit light in a different color for each course. For example, the ring light emitting portion 201b of the course selection button 201 corresponding to a washing course is configured to emit light in a first color corresponding to washing, for example, a blue color associated with washing. Further, the ring light emitting section 201b of the course selection button 201 corresponding to the drying course is configured to emit light in a second color corresponding to drying, for example, an orange color associated with drying. Further, among the ring light emitting part 201b of the course selection button 201 corresponding to the washing/drying course, one of the first ring light emitting part and the second ring light emitting part is a first color corresponding to washing, for example, blue, which is associated with washing. and the other is configured to emit light in a second color corresponding to dryness, for example an orange color associated with dryness. That is, the upper and lower portions are configured to simultaneously emit two colors of blue-based arcuate light and orange-based arcuate light.

Specifically, the five courses mentioned above are a washing/drying course with a capacity of 16 kg, a washing/drying course with a capacity of 10 kg, a washing course with a capacity of 27 kg, a drying course with a capacity of 16 kg, and a one-futon washing course. Therefore, the first ring light emitting part 201b-1a of the washing/drying course with a capacity of 16 kg emits blue light, that is, the color corresponding to (associated with) washing, and the second ring light emitting part 201b-1b emits orange light, that is, the color associated with washing. The light will be set to emit light in the corresponding color. Similarly, the first ring light emitting section 201b-2a of the washing/drying course with a capacity of 10 kg is set to emit blue light, and the second ring light emitting section 201b-2b is set to emit light orange. Further, both the first ring light emitting section 201b-3a and the second ring light emitting section 201b-3b of the washing course with a capacity of 27 kg are set to emit light in a blue color. Further, both the first ring light emitting section 201b-4a and the second ring light emitting section 201b-4b of the drying course with a capacity of 16 kg are set to emit light in an orange color. Further, both the first ring light emitting section 201b-5a and the second ring light emitting section 201b-5b of one futon washing course are set to emit light in a blue color. Here, the ring light emitting parts (201b-1a to 201b-5a, 201b-1b to 201b-5b) are arranged above and below the outside of the course selection button 201, but the rings are arranged above and below or left and right inside the course selection button 201. A light emitting section may also be provided. Although the first ring light emitting section and the second ring light emitting section are one semicircular ring, a plurality of small rings may be connected to form a semicircular ring.

In this way, when only washing or only drying, the course selection button is illuminated in one color that can be associated with the course contents, and when the course includes washing and drying, it is illuminated in two different colors that can be associated with each. The content of the course 201 is visually expressed, and the user can intuitively understand at a glance what the content of the course is with the course selection button 201. In other words, the course name is displayed inside the circle formed by the first ring light emitting section (for example, 201b-1a) and the second ring light emitting section (for example, 201b-1b), making it easy for users to understand. Display can be provided. The color scheme of this light emission is arbitrary, and it is preferable that the color scheme can be changed, for example, in response to a remote course setting change, which will be described in detail later.

As in this embodiment, when the washer/dryer 1 is on standby before the charge is inputted into the washer/dryer 1 itself or the central payment machine connected to the washer/dryer 1, for example, all the course selection buttons 201 are turned off, When a user is detected by the sensor 190 (see FIG. 4), it is preferable to control the lights to turn on all the lights from the viewpoint of reducing electricity charges. Note that specific control of turning on and off the course selection button 201 will be described in detail later. The human sensor 190 may be installed in the washer/dryer 1 (for example, near the front, etc.) or at a store (for example, near the entrance, etc.). When installed in a store, the detection signal from the human sensor 190 may be input directly to the washer/dryer 1, or may be input to a server or central payment machine communicatively connected to the washer/dryer 1. The detection results may be input to the washer/dryer 1 via these inputs. As a means for detecting the presence of a user using the washer/dryer 1, image processing using camera images may be used in addition to the human sensor 190.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, above each course selection button 201, a capacity display area 201c indicating the capacity or number of items to be washed in the course content indicated by each course selection button is provided as one of the display areas. is provided. The capacity display area 201c, like the course name light emitting part 201a and the ring light emitting part 201b, can be turned on, blinked, and turned off by a backlight such as an LED, and when the light is turned off, it constitutes the display operation panel 20c. The color is the same as the back of the upper panel (for example, black). The numerical value shown in the capacity display area 201c (10 kg if the item to be washed is clothes, 1 piece if it is a futon, etc.) can be freely changed by replacing the character sheet on the back of the panel or by controlling the character dot display. It is possible.

A setting area 202 is provided above each capacity display area 201c, which is a display area for displaying the course contents (time and fee) indicated by each course selection button. Here, two setting areas 202 are provided vertically for one course selection button 201. For example, the required usage time can be displayed on one of the two and the usage fee can be displayed on the other, allowing the user to recognize the content of each course. The setting area 202 and the charge/remaining time display area 203, which will be described later, are 7-seg displays, and the display can be switched according to setting changes by remote control, which will be described in detail later.

The course selection button 201 becomes selectable when the user inserts the fee into the fee input unit 25 (see FIG. 1) provided at the bottom of the display operation panel 20c for paying the usage fee. When the user selects (holds his fingertip over) a desired course selection button 201, laundry processing of the washing/drying course associated with the course selection button 201 is executed. In addition, when the washer/dryer 1 is connected to a central payment machine, by selecting a course corresponding to a plurality of course selection buttons 201 on the central payment machine and inserting the fee, the washer/dryer 1 is connected to the central payment machine. One washer/dryer 1 that is on standby among the plurality of washer/dryers 1 is selected and becomes available for use. By inserting the fee into the central payment machine, the washer/dryer 1 that is on standby among the multiple washer/dryers 1 is selected, and the course selection button 201 can be selected for the washer/dryer 1. You can do it like this. When the laundry process is executed, information regarding the laundry process is displayed in the fee/remaining time display area 203 adjacent to the course selection button 201. Information regarding laundry processing includes, for example, the usage time of the washer/dryer 1 and usage fees (including overage fees and weighted overage fees).

Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the display operation panel 20c has a plurality of option buttons 204. The option buttons 204 in this embodiment include, for example, a drum cleaning button 204a that cleans the inside of the drum 40 by rotating the drum 40 with no laundry to be washed, and a voice navigation button 204b that explains the functions of the washer/dryer 1. There is. Other option buttons 204 may include a sterilization button that inactivates and sterilizes viruses and the like in the drum 40 by sending ozone air into the drum 40 after cooling after drying. Some of these option buttons 204 can be operated without charging the fee into the fee input section 25. For example, the user may select the drum cleaning button 204a before loading the laundry into the drum 40. Thus, it is possible to use the washer/dryer 1 in which the drum 40 has been cleaned for a predetermined period of time and the inside of the drum 40 has been sterilized to some extent.

The course selection button 201 and option button 204 in FIG. 1 are capacitive touch switch panels. Therefore, even if the user does not directly touch the button, the button will respond and input can be accepted simply by bringing the user's fingertip close to the button. According to this, since the user can operate the button without contact, it is possible to prevent virus infection through the button. Furthermore, in anticipation of users accidentally touching them, the course selection button 201 and option button 204 are treated with antibacterial treatment to reduce bacteria and viruses and double prevent infection. There is. Examples of antibacterial treatments include the use of antibacterial paint, antibacterial wax, and antibacterial cover glass.

As shown in FIG. 3, the display operation panel 20c has an arc-shaped flicker on the border between the option button 204, the course selection button 201 at the left end in the figure, the capacity display area 201c above it, and the setting area 202 above it. A lamp 205 is provided. The flicker lamp 205 is formed by mounting a lamp (backlight) in an arc shape that is longer than the vertical width of the display operation panel 20c, and can emit light when the backlight is turned on. It is preferable to use an LED as the backlight.

The flicker lamp 205 turns on, turns off, flashes, and emits light in different colors depending on the usage status of the washer/dryer 1. This allows the user to visually recognize at a glance the usage status of the washer/dryer 1, specifically whether it is on standby (standby state) or in operation (operating state). In other words, the flicker lamp 205 is lit when the washer/dryer 1 is available for use, including a standby state, to notify the user of the state, and when the washer/dryer 1 is unavailable, including an operating state. In this case, display control different from the available state is performed so as to notify the user of this state. In addition, if the washer/dryer 1 is not equipped with a charge input section 25 and is used for remote payment using a centralized payment machine, the light is turned on to notify the user that the machine is the machine to be operated. , off, and blinking display control may be performed. Note that the flicker lamp (status display section) 205 is not limited to an arc shape, but may be formed in a curved shape longer than the vertical width of the display operation panel 20c, a diagonal shape, or a combination thereof.

Further, the display operation panel 20c is provided with a sterilization repellent temperature lamp 206 above the charge/remaining time display area 203. The sterilizing temperature lamp 206 displays a plurality of germ repelling stages according to the temperature for repelling bacteria or viruses. The sterilization repelling temperature lamp 206 estimates the temperature inside the drum 40 from the drum outlet temperature etc. acquired by the outlet temperature sensor 130 (see FIG. 4), which will be described later, and works in conjunction with the sterilization button provided in the option button 204. Lights up or flashes when operating in a temperature range where sterilization effects are expected. As a method for this estimation, for example, the minimum value of the drum outlet temperature when the inside of the drum 40 reaches a temperature sufficient for sterilization is set as a threshold value in the washer/dryer 1, and the outlet temperature sensor 130 detects the temperature. One example is a method of estimating based on whether the result is greater than or equal to the threshold value. This series of controls is performed by a control device 100 (see FIG. 4), which will be described later. Furthermore, it is preferable to turn on or blink the sterilization repellent temperature lamp 206 during the process of inactivating viruses such as ozone and sterilizing them.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a drying temperature setting area 208 is provided between the sterilization repelling temperature lamp 206 and the charge/remaining time display area 203, in which the drying temperature can be changed in multiple stages according to the type of clothing. ing. It is preferable that this drying temperature setting area 208 is provided with an adjustment button that can adjust the temperature during drying.If the adjustment buttons are made of, for example, a high temperature button, a medium temperature button, and a low temperature button, it is possible to Users can freely set the drying temperature in consideration of the material. Further, above the sterilization-repelling temperature lamp 206, a "burning" display area 210 and an "operating" display area 212, which can be lit by a backlight, are provided.

Next, the control system of the washer/dryer 1 will be explained. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control system of the washer/dryer according to this embodiment. The washer/dryer 1 includes a control device 100 that performs main control of the main body of the device.

The control device 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a memory 102, an input/output I/F 103a, and a communication I/F 103b. The CPU 101 executes the main processing of the control device 100, and the memory 102 includes RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc., and is used as a work area for the CPU 101 and realizes various functions. It is a storage device that stores programs, data used in processing executed by the relevant functions, and the like. The memory 102 stores course information indicating the parameters of the washing/drying courses respectively set to the course selection buttons 201 described above, and a display control table whose details will be described later. Parameters include whether washing and/or drying processing is to be performed, the time required for the processing, the charge, the weight of the laundry, etc.

The input/output I/F 103a receives input signals from the display operation panel 20c, a water level sensor 110 that detects the water level in the drum 40, an inlet temperature sensor 120 that detects the temperature of air taken into the drum 40, and an inlet temperature sensor 120 that detects the temperature of air taken into the drum 40. It is used to input signals from the exit temperature sensor 130 that detects temperature, the opening/closing sensor 140 that detects opening/closing of the opening/closing door 70, and the human sensor 190. The input/output I/F 103a also includes a heating unit 150 that heats air taken into the drum 40, a fan 160 that takes air into the drum 40, a water supply valve 170 that supplies water to the drum 40, a drain valve 180 that drains water from the drum 40, and a drum 40, a door lock 80 that locks/unlocks the opening/closing door 70, and outputs a control signal to the display operation panel 20c. The communication I/F 103b is used for wireless communication with terminals such as smartphones and tablet terminals. Various wireless communication standards can be used, including short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and Wi-Fi communication.

The control device 100 mainly controls the heating unit 150, the fan 160, and the motor M by the cooperation of the CPU 101 and the memory 102 to perform a drying process in which the drum 40 is rotated while hot air is sucked into the drum 40, A washing process is performed in which the water supply valve 170, the drain valve 180, and the motor M are controlled to rotate the drum 40 while water is being supplied into the drum 40.

Furthermore, since the control device 100 includes the communication I/F 103b, it is possible to remotely perform batch and individual settings using wired or wireless communication. The settings here include, for example, course information stored in the memory 102 and associated with the course selection button 201, the required time, and fees.

For example, if the washer/dryer 1 is connected to a server installed in a store, the owner of the washer/dryer 1 can start up a dedicated application program on the server and operate it to remotely control individual or multiple The settings of the washer/dryer 1 can be changed all at once. Another method for changing the settings of the washer/dryer 1 is to communicably connect multiple washer/dryers 1 to a gateway installed at a coin laundry store, and use wireless communication such as Wi-Fi to connect a terminal such as a smartphone. Alternatively, the settings may be changed via an external server.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control device according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the control device 100 includes a signal acquisition section 104, a determination processing section 105, a course information acquisition section 106, an operation control section 107, and a display control section 108 as functions. The signal acquisition unit 104 acquires various signals indicating detection results from various sensors, including a detection signal indicating that a user has been detected by the human sensor 190. The determination processing unit 105 performs various determination processes related to laundry processing in the washer/dryer 1, which will be described later. The course information acquisition unit 106 receives the user's selection of the course selection button 201 and acquires information on the course corresponding to the selected button. In addition, if the washer/dryer 1 is connected to the central payment machine, a course is selected at the central payment machine, and the own machine is selected as the machine to be operated, information on the selected selected course is obtained from the central payment machine. do.

The operation control unit 107 performs operation control related to laundry processing of the washer/dryer 1 based on the signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit 104 and the course information acquired by the course information acquisition unit 106. The display control unit 108 selects the course selection button 201 and the flicker lamp 205 based on the signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit 104, the course information acquired by the course information acquisition unit 106, the driving control status by the driving control unit 107, etc. Performs display control such as lighting, blinking, emitting light in different colors, and reducing illuminance.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display control table when a fee is input to the washer/dryer according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the display control table shows display control settings for the course selection button 201 and flicker lamp 205. For example, in the case of the washer/dryer 1 in which charges are inputted into the charge input unit 25 (see FIG. 1), the display control unit 108 controls the display of the course selection button 201 and the flicker lamp 205 based on this display control table. . The settings of the display control table can be changed by the owner of the washer/dryer 1.

Specifically, in the display control table shown in FIG. 6, pattern A is a state in which the washer/dryer 1 is available for use and no user is detected by the human sensor 190, that is, an unattended standby state. The flicker lamp 205 is turned on in blue, and the course name light emitting section 201a and ring light emitting section 201b of all the course selection buttons 201 are turned off. This allows the user to visually confirm that the washer/dryer 1 is available for use not only from inside the store but also from outside the store. Note that the state in which the washer/dryer 1 can be used is, for example, a state in which the washing/drying machine 1 is not in use when selecting a course or in the process of executing the washing/drying process, and also includes a state in which the opening/closing door 70 is opened/closed after the washing/drying process. It will be done. On the other hand, in states other than these, the washer/dryer 1 is in use, that is, it is in an unusable state. Pattern B is a display control that indicates a state in which the washer/dryer 1 is available and a user is detected by the human sensor 190, that is, a manned standby state, and the flicker lamp 205 lights up in blue. continues, and all course selection buttons 201 are lit. Thereby, the visibility of the course selection button 201 to be selected can be improved. At this time, it is preferable that the capacity display area 201c and the setting area 202 are also lit, from the viewpoint that the contents of the course selection button 201 can be easily understood. Note that the course selection button 201 in each pattern may be illuminated by both the course name light emitting section 201a and the ring light emitting section 201b, or at least one of them.

Pattern C is display control when one of the course selection buttons 201 is selected by the user, the flicker lamp 205 is changed to light in green, and the selected course selection button 201 is blinked. , the lighting of the unselected course selection button 201 that has not been selected is maintained in a state where the illuminance is reduced. Thereby, the selected course selection button 201 can be distinguished from other buttons, and the user can easily reconfirm the course he/she has selected. In addition, since the lighting color of the flicker lamp 205 changes to green, even if the selected user leaves the location temporarily, the person who is about to use the washer/dryer 1 ( Hereinafter, other users (hereinafter referred to as other users) can recognize at a glance that the washer/dryer 1 is in an unusable and in-use state (more specifically, in a state in which it will be used).

Pattern D is display control in a state (initial processing state) at the same time as the start of operation (execution of laundry processing) or immediately after that until a predetermined period of time has elapsed, in which the flicker lamp 205 remains lit in green and the selected The selected course selection button 201 is changed to turn on, and the unselected course selection button 201 is turned off. The predetermined time here can be set as appropriate, and the effects described below can be achieved if the predetermined time is about several seconds to several minutes. Further, the rotational lighting here means that, for example, when a plurality of backlights on the back of the ring light emitting part 201b are arranged in an arc shape, the backlights are sequentially turned on or off clockwise or counterclockwise along the circumference. This is realized by Alternatively, the ring light emitting section 201b may be formed of three or more arcuate light emitting sections, and the arcuate light emitting sections may be sequentially turned on or off clockwise or counterclockwise. This allows the user to intuitively recognize the washing course and the start of operation, and also prevents unnecessary power consumption. In particular, since the emission color of the flicker lamp 205 is changed to green, the user can recognize that the washer/dryer 1 has started operating without any problems, and also allows other users to know that the washer/dryer 1 is in use. The state can be intuitively recognized.

Pattern E is display control that indicates a state (operating state) after the initial processing state, that is, after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of operation, and a state in which no user is detected by the human sensor 190, that is, an unmanned operating state. , the flicker lamp 205 continues to be lit in green, and all course selection buttons 201 are turned off. As a result, since the course selection button 201 is turned off when no users are present, unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed, and since the flicker lamp 205 continues to be lit in green, it is possible to prevent other users from outside the store. The user can easily recognize that the washer/dryer 1 is in use. By changing the display control from pattern D to pattern E immediately after the start of operation and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the selected course selection button 201 will turn on until the predetermined time has elapsed, so the user can It is possible to give sufficient time to reconfirm the course that the user has selected, and since the light is turned off after a predetermined time has elapsed, unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed.

Pattern F is a display control that indicates the driving state and a state in which a user is detected by the human sensor 190, that is, a manned driving state, and the flicker lamp 205 continues to be lit in green and the selected course is selected. The button 201 is turned on and the unselected course selection buttons 201 are turned off. If the detected person is the user of the washer/dryer 1 in use, the user can recognize that the washer/dryer 1 is continuing to operate without any problem. On the other hand, if the detected person is another user, the other user can easily recognize that the washer/dryer 1 is in use and that a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

Pattern G is a display control indicating a state in which the laundry processing is completed and no user is detected by the human sensor 190, that is, an unattended end state, and the flicker lamp 205 is blue and compared with patterns A and B. At the same time, all the course selection buttons 201 are turned off. This allows users outside the store and other users to know that the washer/dryer 1 has finished processing laundry, and that even though the washer/dryer 1 has finished operating, the laundry to be washed is on the drum 40. It can be easily recognized that it is in a state where it is housed inside. Further, since the flicker lamp 205 is lit in blue at low illuminance and the display control is different from pattern A, there is no possibility that it will be mistaken that the washer/dryer 1 is in a usable state.

Pattern H is a display control that indicates a state in which a user is detected by the human sensor 190 after the laundry processing is completed, that is, a completed state in which a person is present. The selected course selection button 201 is lit at a lower illuminance compared to pattern B, and the unselected course selection button 201 is turned off. As a result, the user can check the course he/she has selected once again, and also intuitively recognize that the washer/dryer 1 has finished operating and there is no problem with taking out the laundry. The user can easily recognize that although the washer/dryer 1 has finished operating, the laundry items are still stored in the drum 40. Furthermore, if there are a plurality of washer/dryers 1 that are subjected to display control using pattern H, there is a possibility that the user may misidentify the washer/dryer 1 that he or she used. However, since the selected course selection button 201 is lit at low illuminance, such a situation can be reduced. When the opening/closing door 70 is opened and then closed again, the display control will shift from pattern H to pattern B again, and if the user leaves the store and is no longer detected, the display control will shift to pattern A. That will happen.

Furthermore, when the washer/dryer 1 is in operation or on standby, it becomes unusable due to an error state, for example, a state where an internal device failure is detected or the operation stops (freezes) without being accepted. It is preferable that the display control unit 108 causes the flicker lamp 205 and the course selection button 201 to emit red light as an error display. Pattern I is a display control that indicates the general state of the error; the flicker lamp 205 blinks in low-intensity red, and the course selection button 201 maintains the display control pattern at the time of failure occurrence. Pattern J is a display control that indicates a touch sensor abnormality (for example, a failure of the course selection button 201 or the course selection button of the central payment machine), and the flicker lamp 205 is lit in low-intensity red, and the course selection button 201 is The display control pattern at the time of failure is maintained. This allows users, owners, and repair workers to recognize in which operating state of washer/dryer 1 an error has occurred and the general type of error. Furthermore, pattern K is a display control that indicates a state after repair or during adjustment such as setting change or cleaning, and the flicker lamp 205 and all course selection buttons 201 are turned off.

In addition, although it has been explained that the display control table shown in FIG. 6 is for the case where charges are placed in the washer/dryer 1, a central payment machine (not shown) controls the operation of multiple washer/dryers 1 in the store. In this case, the display control table shown in FIG. 7 is used. When using a centralized payment machine, since a plurality of washer/dryers 1 are arranged in the store, the user does not know which washer/dryer 1 he/she will use after selecting a course. However, according to pattern C, which is the display control after course selection shown in FIG. 7, unlike the display control table shown in FIG. 6, the flicker lamp 205 can be made to blink in green. As a result, since the flicker lamp 205 of the washer/dryer 1 not used is lit in blue, the user can intuitively identify and recognize the washer/dryer 1 to be used. In the case of course selection using such a centralized payment machine, it is preferable that the course selection button 201 does not accept course selection and does not react even when the user approaches it with a fingertip.

Note that the display control table is not limited to those shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. In order to recognize at a glance whether the washer/dryer 1 is on standby or in operation, it is only necessary to change one of lighting, blinking, and off to the other and/or change the color of the light emitted. It is also possible to emit light in other colors, such as yellow, purple, and orange, instead of only blue and green.

(Device operation)
Hereinafter, the operation of the washer/dryer 1 according to this embodiment based on this display control table will be described in detail. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the washer/dryer according to this embodiment. Note that the display control here refers only to the flicker lamp 205 and course selection button 201, and includes the capacity display area 201c, setting area 202, charge/remaining time display area 203, option button 204, and sterilization repellent temperature lamp 206. , drying temperature setting area 208, and display control of display areas 210 and 212 will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the washer/dryer 1 is first powered on, the display control unit 108 performs display control of pattern A indicating that the washer/dryer 1 is on standby (S101). Next, the determination processing unit 105 determines whether the user is detected based on whether the detection signal from the human sensor 190 is acquired by the signal acquisition unit 104 (S102). If no user is detected (S102, NO), display control of pattern A is continued. On the other hand, if a user is detected (S102, YES), the display control unit 108 performs display control of pattern B (S103).

After controlling the display of pattern B, the determination processing unit 105 determines whether a course has been selected based on whether the course information selected by the user has been acquired by the course information acquisition unit 106 (S104). If the course information has not yet been obtained because the user has not inputted the specified fee into the fee input unit 25, or has inserted the fee but has not selected the course selection button 201 (S104, NO). Since there is a possibility that the detected person is not the user, the process moves to step S102 to determine whether or not the user is detected. On the other hand, if the course information has been acquired (S104, YES), the display control unit 108 performs display control of pattern C (S105).

After controlling the display of pattern D, the operation control unit 107 executes laundry processing based on the acquired course information (S106). Simultaneously with or immediately after executing the laundry process, the display control unit 108 performs display control of pattern D (S107). After a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the display control of pattern D, the determination processing unit 105 determines whether or not the user has been detected (S108). The predetermined time here is a preset time during which the display control of pattern D is continued, and is a sufficient time for the user to confirm the course he/she has selected, specifically, from several seconds to several minutes. Bye. If the user is not detected (S108, NO), the display control unit 108 controls the display of pattern E (S109). On the other hand, if a user is detected (S108, YES), the display control unit 108 controls the display of pattern F (S110).

After controlling the display of either pattern E or F, the determination processing unit 105 determines whether or not the laundry processing is finished (S111). Whether or not the laundry processing has been completed is based on the processing time of the laundry processing that is associated with the acquired course information, and the processing time is determined by clicking the course selection button for "16kg washing/drying course", for example. If 201 is selected, it will be 60 minutes. If the laundry processing has not been completed yet (S111, NO), the process moves to step S108 to determine whether or not a user has been detected. On the other hand, when the laundry processing is completed (S111, YES), the determination processing unit 105 determines whether or not a user has been detected (S112). If the user is not detected (S112, NO), the display control unit 108 performs display control of pattern G (S113), and proceeds to step S112, which determines whether or not the user is detected. On the other hand, if a user is detected (S112, YES), the display control unit 108 controls the display of pattern H (S114).

After controlling the display of pattern H, the determination processing unit 105 determines whether the opening/closing door 70 is opened based on whether the detection signal from the opening/closing sensor 140 is acquired by the signal acquisition unit 104 (S115). . If the detection signal from the opening/closing sensor 140 is not acquired and the opening/closing door 70 is not opened (S115, NO), the drum 40 is in a state where the laundry is stored and the detected person is not using it. Since there is a possibility that the user is not the user, the process moves to step S112 to determine whether or not the user has been detected. On the other hand, if the detection signal from the opening/closing sensor 140 is acquired and the opening/closing door 70 is opened (S115, YES), it is assumed that the laundry has been taken out and the washer/dryer 1 is ready for use, and step S102 The process moves on to a process of determining whether or not the user has been detected. Immediately after the opening/closing door 70 is opened, the user is in a detected state, so the display control of pattern B in step S103 is naturally performed. On the other hand, when the user takes out the laundry to be washed and leaves the store, the determination processing result in step S102 leads to a NO route in step S102, so the display control is switched to pattern A in step S101.

In addition, if the washer/dryer 1 is operated and controlled by a central payment machine, after the course has been selected and the fee has been charged at the central payment machine, whether or not the washer/dryer 1 has been selected as the machine to be operated by the central payment machine. It is preferable to determine in step S104. If the own machine is selected as the target machine, the process moves to step S105; if it is not selected, the display control of pattern B is maintained and the process moves to step S102, which determines whether the user has been detected. Transition. At the time of this determination, it is preferable that course information is acquired from the central payment machine. Note that this determination may be made based on whether or not course information has been acquired from the central payment machine, or may be determined based on whether or not a signal indicating that the own aircraft is the target aircraft has been received. good.

According to the present embodiment described above, when the washer/dryer 1 is on standby and available for use, the flicker lamp 205 is lit in blue and the course selection button 201 is turned off, and the washer/dryer 1 is in a state where it is used. In this case, the course selection button 201 is turned off and the flicker lamp 205 is turned on in green. Therefore, even from outside the store, it is possible for the user to easily recognize the usage status of the washer/dryer 1, that is, whether it is in a usable standby state or an unusable operating state, while reducing power consumption. can.

In this embodiment, an example in which the laundry device according to the present invention is applied to a washer/dryer has been described, but it goes without saying that the laundry device can also be applied to a washing machine and a dryer.

Further, in this embodiment, even if the opening/closing door 70 is opened/closed at the time of course selection or at a stage before that, the display control of the course selection button 201 and flicker lamp 205 does not change. However, the display control may be changed according to the opening/closing operation of the opening/closing door 70. For example, when the opening/closing operation is performed, the flicker lamp 205 may be lit in green, and all the course selection buttons 201 may be lit. Thereby, not only the user but also other users can recognize that the washer/dryer 1 is in a state where the opening/closing door 70 is opened/closed. Note that the opening/closing operation here means a state in which the opening/closing door 70 is opened and a state in which it is closed, and the display control may be returned to the one before the opening/closing operation is performed immediately after the opening/closing door 70 is closed. The display control related to the opening/closing operation may be maintained until a predetermined number of seconds have elapsed since the door was closed.

The embodiments of the invention are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

1 Washing dryer (laundry equipment)
104 Signal acquisition unit (detection signal acquisition unit)
106 Course information acquisition unit 108 Display control unit 190 Human sensor (detection unit)
201 Course selection button (course display section, detection section)
205 Flicker lamp (status display section)

Claims (11)

A laundry device that performs at least one of washing and drying on an object,
a plurality of course display sections that are selectable by a user of the laundry equipment and display a display corresponding to a plurality of courses in which the processes to be performed differ from each other;
a status display section that can be lit to indicate the status of the laundry equipment;
a display control unit that controls the display of the status display unit;
The laundry equipment, wherein the display control section lights up the status display section in different colors in a standby state and an operating state. further comprising a course information acquisition unit that acquires course information indicating the course selected by the user,
The laundry equipment according to claim 1, wherein when the course information is acquired by the course information acquisition unit in the standby state, a lighting color of the status display unit is changed to a lighting color in the operating state. When the course information is acquired by the course information acquisition unit, the display control unit causes the course display unit corresponding to the course information to blink, and the laundry equipment executes the process based on the acquired course information. 3. The laundry equipment according to claim 2, wherein the course display section is changed to a display different from a blinking display in an initial processing state from when the laundry starts to a predetermined time period. The status display unit lights up the status display unit when the laundry equipment is available for use, including the standby state, so as to notify the user of the status, and the status display unit lights up the status display unit when the laundry equipment is available for use, including the operating state. Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in an unavailable state, a display control different from that in the available state is performed on the state display unit so as to notify the user of the state. laundry equipment. The display control unit changes the lighting color of the status display unit to the lighting color of the standby state in the end state where the processing is completed, and causes the display control unit to turn on the light at a lower illuminance compared to the standby state. The laundry equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 4. Further comprising a detection signal acquisition unit that acquires a detection signal indicating that a user has been detected from a detection unit that detects a user of the laundry equipment,
The display control unit lights up a course display unit corresponding to the selected course when the processing is completed and the detection signal is acquired by the detection signal acquisition unit. The laundry equipment according to any one of Item 5. In contrast to a centralized payment machine that selects one of the plurality of laundry machines as the laundry machine to be used by the user when a selection of one of the plurality of courses is received from the user, the laundry machine is communicably connected,
The laundry equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of course display sections light up when the laundry equipment is selected by the central payment machine as a laundry equipment for use by a user. The display control unit is characterized in that, when the laundry equipment is in an unusable error state, the display control unit lights the status display unit in a color different from that in the standby state and the operating state. 7. The laundry equipment according to any one of 7. When the laundry equipment is in an unusable error state, the display control unit maintains the display control of the plurality of course display units at the time when the error state occurs. Laundry equipment according to any one of item 8. The laundry equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the status display section is larger in size at least in the vertical direction than the course display section. A laundry machine that performs at least one of washing and drying on an object, the laundry machine displaying a display corresponding to a plurality of courses in which the processes to be performed are different from each other, and which can be selected by the user of the laundry machine. In a display control method for laundry equipment including a plurality of course display sections,
A display control method for laundry equipment, characterized in that a display control unit lights up a lightable status display unit indicating a state of the laundry equipment in different colors in a standby state and an operating state.