JP7186517B2 - clothing processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to clothes processing devices.

For example, in a laundry processing apparatus such as a washing machine, there has been proposed a configuration in which a touch panel type liquid crystal operation panel is provided in order to improve operability regarding operation settings. However, in such a conventional configuration, a dedicated screen is prepared for each process in order to change the detailed content settings for each process (washing, rinsing, drying, etc.). Therefore, when the user changes the setting of the detailed content of each process, the user must frequently perform an operation for switching screens. As described above, in the conventional configuration, the operability related to operation setting is not sufficiently enhanced, and there is room for improvement in this respect.

Japanese Patent No. 5938806

Therefore, a clothing processing apparatus is provided that can further improve operability regarding operation settings.

A clothes processing apparatus according to an embodiment is a clothes processing apparatus that executes an operation for performing a predetermined process on clothes, and includes operation keys for receiving various kinds of information regarding the operation and various operations regarding the operation. and a control unit that controls display on the display unit and performs predetermined control according to the operation of the operation keys.

The control unit is a screen for selecting one of a plurality of courses provided corresponding to each type of driving on the display unit, and a plurality of courses provided corresponding to each course A course list display area in which course icons are displayed so as to be arranged in one direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the display unit, and a course information display area provided in an area excluding the course list display area and in which information about the course is displayed is displayed, and when a predetermined course icon is operated, information about the course corresponding to the course icon is displayed in the course information display area. The course information display area includes a course information display area in which course displays representing all courses are displayed so as to be arranged in time series in one direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the display section.

A diagram schematically showing the configuration of a washing machine according to one embodiment. A diagram showing an electrical configuration of a washing machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a top screen according to one embodiment, showing a state in which the washing operation is selected; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the top screen according to one embodiment, showing a state in which the washing/drying operation is selected; A figure showing an example of a course selection screen corresponding to washing operation concerning one embodiment. A diagram showing an example of a course selection screen corresponding to the washing/drying operation according to one embodiment. A diagram showing an example of a course detail screen corresponding to a standard course of washing operation according to one embodiment. A diagram showing an example of a course detail screen corresponding to the standard course of the washing/drying operation according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a course detail screen corresponding to the standard course of the washing/drying operation according to one embodiment, showing a state in which the washing process is not performed; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a course detail screen corresponding to the standard course of the washing/drying operation according to one embodiment, showing a state in which the washing time has been changed from the initial setting; A diagram showing an example of a drying setting screen according to one embodiment. A diagram showing an example of a bath water setting screen according to an embodiment. A figure showing an example of a main part setting screen concerning one embodiment. A diagram showing an example of a hot water setting screen according to one embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the reservation setting screen which concerns on one Embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the top screen according to one embodiment, showing a state in which the hot water setting has been changed from the initial setting; A diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed when a reservation setting is made according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen during operation according to one embodiment, and a diagram showing a state in which a washing process is being performed; It is a figure which shows an example of the screen during driving|running which concerns on one Embodiment, and is a figure which shows the state in which the rinsing process is being performed. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen during operation according to one embodiment, and a diagram showing a state in which a dehydration process is being performed; FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen during operation according to one embodiment, and a diagram showing a state in which a drying process is being executed; A diagram showing an example of a paused screen according to an embodiment A diagram showing an example of a course details screen during temporary suspension of driving according to an embodiment The figure which shows the modification 1 of a top screen The figure which shows the modification 2 of a top screen The figure which shows the modification 3 of a top screen FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a modified example 1 of the course selection screen, and is a diagram showing an example of the course selection screen corresponding to the washing/drying operation; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a modified example 2 of the course selection screen, and is a diagram showing an example of the course selection screen corresponding to the washing/drying operation; The figure which shows the modification 1 of a course details screen FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a modified example 2 of the course detail screen, and is a diagram showing an example of the course detail screen corresponding to the standard course of the washing/drying operation; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modified example 3 of the course detail screen, and is a diagram showing an example of the course detail screen corresponding to the standard course of the washing/drying operation; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a modified example 4 of the course details screen, and is a diagram showing an example of the washing setting screen; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example 4 of the course details screen, and is a diagram showing an example of the rinse setting screen; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a modified example 4 of the course details screen, and is a diagram showing an example of the dehydration setting screen; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modification 1 of the in-operation screen, showing a state in which the washing and drying operation is being performed in the standard course. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modification 2 of the in-operation screen, and a diagram showing a state in which the washing and drying operation is being performed in the standard course.

An embodiment of a clothes processing apparatus will be described below with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment is capable of executing operations for washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying clothes, and is an example of a clothes processing apparatus. is. Specifically, the washing machine 1 is capable of executing a washing operation, a drying operation, and a washing/drying operation.

The washing machine 1 is a drum-type washing and drying machine having a drying function, and includes a housing 2, a door 3, a control device indicated by reference numeral 4 in FIG. 2, an operation panel 5, and the like. In this case, the door 3 side of the housing 2 is the front side of the washing machine 1 , and the side opposite to the door 3 is the rear side of the washing machine 1 . Also, the horizontal direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction is defined as the left-right direction. Moreover, let the direction orthogonal to the front-back direction and left-right direction be an up-down direction.

A housing 2 constituting a main body of the washing machine 1 is formed in a rectangular box shape with a smoothly inclined front surface. An opening 6 is provided in the central portion of the front surface of the housing 2 . The opening 6 communicates with a rotating tank (not shown) provided inside the housing 2 . The laundry is taken in and out of the rotating tub through this opening 6. - 特許庁

The door 3 is provided so that the opening 6 can be opened and closed. The door 3 is opened by operating a door button (not shown). A water supply port 7 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 2 . The water supply port 7 is connected to a water faucet serving as a water source by a water supply hose (not shown). Water from a tap of a tap is supplied through a water supply hose and a water supply port 7 into a water tank (not shown) provided in the housing 2 .

The control device 4 is mainly composed of a microcomputer, for example, and controls the overall operation of the washing machine 1 by executing a computer program stored in a storage device such as a ROM. The control device 4, as shown in FIG. 2, is connected to a motor 11, a drain valve 12, a water supply valve 13, a compressor 14, a blower 15, and the like. Although detailed description is omitted, the motor 11 is for rotating a rotating tank (not shown) provided in the housing 2 .

The drain valve 12 is for draining water in a water tank (not shown) to the outside of the machine. The water supply valve 13 opens and closes the communication between the water supply port 7 and the water tank (not shown) to supply water to the water tank. Compressor 14 constitutes a heat pump unit for the drying function. The blower 15 is for supplying hot air generated by the heat pump unit into a rotating tub (not shown).

The control device 4 is also connected to input devices such as a temperature sensor 16 , a water level sensor 17 , a rotation sensor 18 , a door switch 19 and the operation panel 5 . Although detailed description is omitted, the temperature sensor 16 detects the temperature inside the water tank (not shown). The water level sensor 17 detects the water level in the water tank. The rotation sensor 18 detects the rotation position and rotation speed of the rotating tub (not shown). The door switch 19 detects opening and closing of the door 3 .

As shown in FIG. 1 , the operation panel 5 is provided on the front side of the upper surface of the housing 2 . The operation panel 5 includes a rectangular display section 20 made up of, for example, a liquid crystal display. In this case, the direction along the front-rear direction of washing machine 1 is the up-down direction of display unit 20 , and the direction along the left-right direction of washing machine 1 is the left-right direction of display unit 20 .

The display unit 20 displays various screens containing various information regarding the operation of the washing machine 1 . The display surface of the display unit 20 also functions as a touch panel that allows a touch operation by the user. Display unit 20 displays various screens including operation keys for receiving various operations related to operation of washing machine 1 . The user can perform various operations related to the operation of the washing machine 1 by touching the operation keys.

As described above, the operation panel 5 is for displaying various screens including operation keys for receiving various information on driving and various operations on driving, and corresponds to an operation display. In the present embodiment, as the touch panel of the display unit 20, a capacitive touch panel is employed in which a sensor senses a change in capacitance that occurs when touched by a finger. As the touch panel of the display unit 20, various methods such as a resistive film method can be adopted. Moreover, the display unit 20 is not limited to a liquid crystal display, and various display devices such as an organic EL display can be employed.

The control device 4 controls display on the display unit 20 of the operation panel 5 by executing a display control program. In addition, the control device 4 performs various controls such as selection of the type of driving, selection of the course, setting of contents of the course, starting and pausing of driving, etc., according to the operation of the operation keys displayed on the display unit 20. to run. In this manner, the control device 4 controls display on the display section 20 and performs predetermined control according to the operation of the operation keys, and corresponds to a control section.

Next, the contents of control regarding display on the display unit 20 in the above configuration will be described.
[1] Top Screen When the user operates a power switch (not shown), the washing machine 1 is powered on. After the power is turned on, the display unit 20 displays a top screen as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. Note that the display unit 20 is hereinafter also referred to as a screen.

This top screen is a display screen before the first input operation is performed after the power is turned on, and corresponds to a driving type selection screen for selecting the driving type. In the top screen and various screens to be described later, the upper end portion of the screen is a common header portion 21 . In the header section 21, various statuses such as the name of the currently selected operation, the time, whether or not the door is locked, and the state of radio waves related to wireless communication with external devices are always fixedly displayed.

In the top screen, at the center of the screen, there are a washing operation icon 22 which is an operation key for selecting the washing operation, a washing/drying operation icon 23 which is an operation key for selecting the washing/drying operation, and a washing/drying operation icon 23 for selecting the drying operation. A drying operation icon 24, which is an operation key for , is arranged.

In this case, the washing operation icon 22, the washing/drying operation icon 23, and the drying operation icon 24 are arranged in parallel in this order from the left of the screen. Note that the order in which these three icons are arranged can be changed as appropriate. Also, the arrangement order of the three icons may be changed according to the selected state of driving. For example, the arrangement of the icons may be changed as needed so that the currently selected icon is always arranged in the center.

The washing operation icon 22, the washing/drying operation icon 23, and the drying operation icon 24 correspond to a plurality of operation type icons provided corresponding to each type of operation. By performing operations on these driving type icons, the driving corresponding to the driving type icon is selected, that is, the driving type is determined.

Specifically, the washing operation is selected when the washing operation icon 22 is operated, the washing/drying operation is selected when the washing/drying operation icon 23 is operated, and the drying operation is performed when the drying operation icon 24 is operated. driving is selected. It should be noted that such selection and determination of the type of operation can be performed any number of times until the operation is started.

When a predetermined driving type icon is operated, the control device 4 displays the operated driving type icon relatively larger than the non-operated driving type icon. In addition, when a predetermined driving type icon is operated, the control device 4 changes the operable region in which the operated driving type icon can be operated to an unoperated driving type icon. It is designed to be relatively large with respect to the operable area.

Therefore, when the washing operation icon 22 is operated, as shown in FIG. 3, the washing operation icon 22 is displayed larger than the washing/drying operation icon 23 and the drying operation icon 24 which are not operated. Further, at this time, the operable area 22a corresponding to the washing operation icon 22 is larger than the operable area 23a corresponding to the washing/drying operation icon 23 and the operable area 24a corresponding to the drying operation icon 24 which are not operated. Become.

Further, when the washing/drying operation icon 23 is operated, as shown in FIG. 4, the washing/drying operation icon 23 is displayed larger than the washing operation icon 22 and the drying operation icon 24 that are not operated. At this time, the operable area 23a corresponding to the washing/drying icon 23 is larger than the operable area 22a corresponding to the washing/drying icon 22 that is not operated and the operable area 24a corresponding to the drying icon 24. Become.

When a predetermined driving type icon is operated, the control device 4 displays the name of the course selected for the driving corresponding to the operated driving type icon and the icon corresponding to the selected course. there is Specifically, when the washing operation icon 22 is operated, as shown in FIG. 3, the washing operation icon 22 displays the name of the course currently selected for the washing operation (standard course in this case) and the name of the course. The display changes to include an icon corresponding to (in this case, an icon that schematically represents a T-shirt).

Further, when the washing/drying operation icon 23 is operated, as shown in FIG. 4, the washing/drying operation icon 23 displays the name of the course currently selected for the washing/drying operation (standard course in this case) and the name of the course. The display changes to include an icon corresponding to (in this case, an icon that schematically represents a T-shirt).

When a predetermined driving type icon is operated once, the control device 4 selects the driving corresponding to the predetermined driving type icon, and the predetermined driving type icon that has been operated once is again operated. By doing so, a course selection screen for selecting a course corresponding to the driving is displayed.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, when the washing operation icon 22 is operated once after the washing operation icon 22 has been operated once, the course selection for selecting the course corresponding to the washing operation is performed. The screen (see FIG. 5) is displayed, that is, the screen transitions to the course selection screen as shown in FIG.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, when the washing/drying operation icon 23 is operated once after the washing/drying operation icon 23 is operated once, the course corresponding to the washing/drying operation is selected. course selection screen (see FIG. 6) is displayed, that is, transition to the course selection screen as shown in FIG.

The top screen and various screens to be described later have a common footer portion 25 at the bottom end of the screen. In the footer portion 25, a setting key 26, a lighting on/off key 27, a hot water setting key 28, a reservation setting key 29, a course selection key 30, and a start key 31 are arranged in a line in the horizontal direction of the screen in this order from the left. are placed.

A region 32 in which these four operation keys are arranged is a region provided at the end of the display unit 20 and in which at least one operation key is arranged, and corresponds to the end region. When the control device 4 displays the four operation keys (the setting key 26, the lighting on/off key 27, the hot water setting key 28 and the reservation setting key 29) arranged in the area 32, they are always displayed in the same position. there is Details of these four operation keys will be described later.

A course selection key 30 is an operation key for transitioning to a course selection screen. In this case, when the course selection key 30 is operated, a transition is made to a course selection screen for selecting a course corresponding to the driving selected at that time. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, when the course selection key 30 is operated with the washing operation selected, a course selection screen (see FIG. 5) for selecting a course corresponding to the washing operation is displayed. ). Further, as shown in FIG. 4, when the course selection key 30 is operated with the washing/drying operation selected, a course selection screen (see FIG. 6) for selecting a course corresponding to the washing/drying operation is displayed. transition to

The start key 31 is an operation key for starting operation, and is displayed at the edge of the screen, more specifically at the lower right edge of the screen. When the control device 4 displays the start key 31, it is always displayed at the same position. The control device 4 only needs to display the start key 31 at a common position on at least the top screen, which is the operation type selection screen, the course selection screen, and the detailed course screen, which will be described later.

In this case, different colors are associated with the types of driving. For example, the washing operation is associated with blue, the washing/drying operation is associated with green, and the drying operation is associated with orange. The colors associated with these are, for example, blue-based colors (e.g., blue and light blue) associated with water for the washing operation, and red-based colors (e.g., orange and red) associated with warm air for the drying operation. , should be set to a color that matches the image of each driving.

When a predetermined operation type icon is operated and the operation corresponding to the operated operation type icon is selected, the control device 4 displays the screen displayed at that time (in this case, the top screen). And any area on the screen (for example, course selection screen) displayed thereafter is displayed with a background color similar to the color associated with the selected driving.

On the top screen, the header part 21, the area where the driving type icons are arranged, and the footer part 25, that is, all the areas of the top screen, are displayed with a background color similar to the color associated with the selected driving. . However, in this case, the background color of the area where the header section 21 and the driving type icons are arranged is darker than the background color of the footer section 25 .

The control device 4 selects the operation type icon corresponding to the executed operation (previous operation) on the top screen displayed after the operation is executed and the power to the washing machine 1 is turned on again. and However, the control device 4 does not have to perform such control when the previous operation was the drying operation. This is because the drying operation is used less frequently than the washing operation and the washing/drying operation.

Further, the control device 4 displays the top screen displayed after the power to the washing machine 1 is turned on again after the operation is executed. Selected state. Then, when a predetermined driving type icon is selected, the control device 4 changes the selected driving type icon to display including the name of the course in the previous driving and the icon corresponding to the course.

For example, when the washing operation performed last time is the memory course and the washing/drying operation performed last time is the standard course, the control device 4 selects the washing operation icon 22 on the top screen after the power is turned on again. In this state, the washing operation icon 22 is changed to display the name of the memory course and an icon corresponding to the memory course. In this case, when the washing/drying operation icon 23 is selected on the top screen after the power is turned on again, the control device 4 changes the washing/drying operation icon 23 to the name of the standard course and the icon corresponding to the standard course. Change the display to include

However, the control device 4 does not need to perform such control when the previous driving course was a course other than the standard course and the memory course. This is because the courses other than the standard course and the memory course are used less frequently than the standard course and the memory course. For example, if the previous driving course was a course other than the standard course and the memory course, the control device 4 selects the standard course, and displays the selected driving type icon as the name of the standard course and the memory course. The display may be changed to include icons corresponding to the standard course.

The type and course of driving performed last time may be stored in a non-volatile memory provided in the microcomputer that constitutes the control device 4 . If a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM is provided outside the microcomputer, the type of driving, course, etc. may be stored in the external EEPROM. In this case, the microcomputer may write and read data such as the type of driving and the course to/from the EEPROM via various serial communications.

[2] Course selection screen As described above, when a predetermined driving type icon is operated twice on the top screen, or when the course selection key 30 is operated, the selected icon is selected at that time. A transition is made to a course selection screen for selecting a course corresponding to the driving that is being performed. Although the course selection screen corresponding to the washing operation and the course selection screen corresponding to the washing/drying operation will be described here as an example, the contents of the course selection screen will be described, but the contents of the other course selection screens are the same. .

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the course selection screen is provided with a header section 21 and a footer section 25 similar to the top screen. However, a close key 33 is provided in place of the course selection key 30 in the footer portion 25 of the course selection screen. The close key 33 is an operation key for closing the course selection screen and returning to the top screen. Therefore, when the close key 33 is operated, the course selection screen is changed to the top screen.

The course selection screen is displayed so that the user can select a course while referring to the outline of the course and the contents of the course. Specifically, in the course selection screen, a course list display area 35 is displayed in the upper part of the center of the screen, in which a plurality of course icons 34 provided corresponding to each course are displayed so as to be arranged in the horizontal direction of the screen. is provided.

On the course selection screen corresponding to the washing operation shown in FIG. 5, course icons 34 corresponding to each of the standard course, soaking course, speed course, memory course, and very soft course are displayed. Further, on the course selection screen corresponding to the washing/drying operation shown in FIG. 6, course icons 34 corresponding to each of the standard course, soaking course, speed course, memory course, and small amount 60-minute course are displayed.

Each course icon 34 has a display mode that can be associated with each course. For example, the course icon 34 of the standard course has a display mode that schematically represents a T-shirt, which is an example of laundry. Also, the course icon 34 of the soaking course has a display mode representing a state in which a T-shirt is attached to a container containing water.

Note that there are actually other types of courses that can be set on the course selection screen. It is possible to display the course icon corresponding to .

Further, in the course selection screen, a course information display area 37 for displaying information about the course is provided in the lower part of the central portion of the screen. That is, the course information display area 37 is provided in an area other than the course list display area 35 on the course selection screen. The course information display area 37 includes a course information display area 38 in which course displays representing all courses are displayed in the horizontal direction of the screen so as to be arranged in chronological order.

Specifically, in the process information display area 38 on the course selection screen corresponding to the washing operation shown in FIG. Dehydration icons 41, which are process displays representing dehydration processes, are arranged in this order from the left, that is, in chronological order.

In addition, in the process information display area 38 on the course selection screen corresponding to the washing/drying operation shown in FIG. are arranged in a row in this order from Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the process information display area 38 also includes a display for showing the set state of the bath water.

A different color is associated with each process display described above (washing icon 39, rinsing icon 40, spin-drying icon 41, and drying icon 42). Specifically, the washing icon 39 is associated with dark blue, the rinsing icon 40 is associated with light blue, the dehydration icon 41 is associated with light blue, and the drying icon 42 is associated with orange. ing. The control device 4 displays the washing icon 39, the rinsing icon 40, the spin-drying icon 41, and the drying icon 42 in colors associated with them.

On the course selection screen, the header portion 21, the course list display area 35, and the footer portion 25 are displayed with a background color similar to the color associated with the selected driving. However, in this case, the background color of the header portion 21 and the course list display area 35 is darker than the background color of the footer portion 25 .

When a predetermined course icon 34 is operated, the control device 4 selects a course corresponding to the operated course icon 34 and inverts the display color of the operated course icon 34 . This allows the user to easily recognize which course is currently selected.

Further, when a predetermined course icon 34 is operated, the control device 4 displays information on the course corresponding to the operated course icon 34 in the course information display area 37 . Therefore, when the course icon 34 corresponding to the standard course is operated, the display color of the course icon 34 corresponding to the standard course is reversed as shown in FIG. It is displayed in the display area 37 .

As described above, the start key 31 is also displayed on the course selection screen. On the course selection screen, a setting change key 43 is displayed above the start key 31, that is, at the lower right end of the screen. The setting change key 43 is an operation key for transitioning to a course detail screen for setting the content of the course.

In this case, when the setting change key 43 is operated, a transition is made to a course detail screen for setting the contents of the course selected at that time. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, when the setting change key 43 is operated with the standard course selected on the course selection screen corresponding to the washing operation, a course corresponding to the standard course of the washing operation is selected. Transition to the detail screen (see FIG. 7). Further, as shown in FIG. 6, when the setting change key 43 is operated with the standard course selected on the course selection screen corresponding to the washing/drying operation, the details of the course corresponding to the standard course of the washing/drying operation are displayed. Transition to the screen (see FIG. 8).

In this case, the control device 4 functions as an operation key for changing the course information display area 38 to the course detail screen, that is, an operation key equivalent to the setting change key 43 . Therefore, when the process information display area 38 is operated, the screen transitions to the course detail screen for setting the content of the course selected at that time.

[3] About the course details screen As described above, when the setting change key 43 or the process information display area 38 is operated on the course selection screen, a screen for setting the contents of the course selected at that time is displayed. Transition to the course details screen. Here, the course detail screen corresponding to the standard course of the washing operation and the course detail screen corresponding to the standard course of the washing/drying operation will be described as examples of the contents of the course detail screen, but the same applies to the other course detail screens. It is the content of

As shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, the course detail screen is provided with a header section 21 and a footer section 25 similar to the course selection screen. On the course detail screen, the header portion 21 and the footer portion 25 are displayed with a background color similar to the color associated with the selected driving. However, in this case, the background color of the header section 21 is darker than the background color of the footer section 25 .

The course detail screen is a display that allows the user to confirm the detailed contents of the selected course and to set (change) the contents. Specifically, in the course selection screen, an area 44 is provided in the central portion of the screen in which detailed contents of the course and various operation keys for setting the course are displayed.

The control device 4 displays, in the area 44, the name of the course, a process display representing all processes, a process condition display representing conditions of each process, a process condition change key which is an operation key for changing the conditions of each process, and the like. display. Specifically, in the region 44 of the course detail screen shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, a return key 45 is displayed at the upper right end of the screen. The return key 45 is an operation key for closing the course detail screen and returning to the previous screen, that is, the course selection screen. Therefore, when the return key 45 is operated, the course details screen is changed to the course selection screen.

In the area 44 of the course detail screen shown in FIG. 7, a washing icon 46 representing the washing process, a rinsing icon 47 representing the rinsing process, and a spin-drying icon 48 representing the dehydration process are displayed. They are arranged horizontally in this order from the left of the screen, that is, in chronological order. In the area 44 of the detailed course screen shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, a washing icon 46, a rinsing icon 47, a spin-drying icon 48, and a drying icon 49, which is a process display representing a drying process, are horizontally arranged in this order from the left. , that is, arranged in chronological order.

Each process display described above (washing icon 46, rinsing icon 47, spin-drying icon 48, and drying icon 49) is associated with a different color, similarly to each process display on the course selection screen. The control device 4 displays the washing icon 46, the rinsing icon 47, the spin-drying icon 48, and the drying icon 49 in colors associated with them.

In the area 44 of the course detail screen shown in FIG. is displayed, and below the dehydration icon 48, a process condition display "automatic (three times)" representing the condition of the dehydration process is displayed.

In the area 44 of the course detail screen shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, a process condition display “automatic (14 minutes)” representing the condition of the washing process is displayed below the wash icon 46, and a rinse icon 47 is displayed below the rinse icon 47. A process condition display "automatic (twice)" representing the conditions of the process is displayed, a process condition display "automatic" representing the conditions of the dehydration process is displayed below the dehydration icon 48, and a drying process condition display "automatic" is displayed below the drying icon 49. A process condition display "energy saving" representing the condition of the process is displayed. In this manner, the control device 4 displays the process display so as to be arranged in time series in the horizontal direction of the screen, and displays the process condition display so as to be arranged side by side with the process display.

Below the wash icon 46, an addition key 50 and a subtraction key 51 corresponding to process condition change keys are arranged above and below the process condition display. An addition key 50 located above the process condition display is an operation key for increasing the washing time, and each time the addition key 50 is operated, the washing time is increased by one minute.

A subtraction key 51 located below the process condition display is an operation key for reducing the washing time, and each time the subtraction key 51 is operated, the washing time is reduced by one minute. there is On the course detail screens shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, etc., the user can set (change) the washing time in the washing process to a desired time by operating the addition key 50 and the subtraction key 51. FIG.

Below the rinse icon 47, an addition key 52 and a subtraction key 53 corresponding to process condition change keys are arranged above and below the process condition display. An addition key 52 located above the process condition display is an operation key for increasing the number of rinsing times, and each time the addition key 52 is operated, the number of rinsing increases by one.

A subtraction key 53 located below the process condition display is an operation key for decreasing the number of rinsing operations. Each time the subtraction key 53 is operated, the number of rinsing operations is decreased by one. there is 7 and 8, etc., the user can set (change) the desired number of rinses in the rinse step by operating the addition key 52 and the subtraction key 53.

Below the dehydration icon 48, an addition key 54 and a subtraction key 55 corresponding to process condition change keys are arranged above and below the process condition display. An addition key 54 located above the process condition display is an operation key for increasing the dehydration time, and each time the addition key 54 is operated, the dehydration time increases by one minute.

A subtraction key 55 located below the process condition display is an operation key for reducing the dehydration time. Each time the subtraction key 55 is operated, the dehydration time is decreased by one minute. there is On the course detail screen shown in FIG. 7, the user can set (change) the dehydration time in the dehydration process to a desired time by operating the addition key 54 and the subtraction key 55 .

Note that the addition key 54 and the subtraction key 55 are not displayed on the course detail screen corresponding to the standard course of the washing/drying operation shown in FIGS. This is due to the specifications of the washing machine 1 that do not allow the user to change the dehydration time in the washing/drying operation. Therefore, on the course detail screens shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the user cannot set (change) the dehydration time in the dehydration process.

A process condition display 56 displayed below the drying icon 49 also functions as an operation key (process condition change key) for setting (changing) the conditions of the drying process. In this case, when the process condition display 56 is operated, a drying setting screen for setting the conditions of the drying process is displayed. The contents of the drying setting screen will be described later.

The control device 4 displays in the area 44 process on/off keys, which are operation keys for setting whether or not each process is to be performed. Specifically, in area 44 of the course detail screen shown in FIG. 7, journey on/off keys 57, 58, and 59 are arranged below subtraction keys 51, 53, and 55, respectively. In the area 44 of the course detail screen shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, journey on/off keys 57 and 58 are arranged below the subtraction keys 51 and 53, respectively.

The process ON/OFF keys 57, 58, 59 are operation keys for setting whether or not the washing process, the rinsing process, and the spin-drying process are performed, respectively. By operating the process on/off key 57, the user can switch between setting to perform the washing process and setting not to perform the washing process. By operating the process on/off key 58, the user can switch between setting to perform the rinsing process and setting not to perform the rinsing process. By operating the process on/off key 59, the user can switch between a setting for executing the dehydration process and a setting for not executing the dehydration process.

When the operation of the process on/off keys 57 to 59 is set to carry out the corresponding process, the process on/off keys 57 to 59 are displayed in such a manner as to indicate that the process is to be carried out. For example, when it is set to carry out the washing process by operating the process on/off key 57, as shown in FIGS. is displayed.

When the process on/off keys 57 to 59 are operated to set the corresponding process not to be performed, the process on/off keys 57 to 59 are displayed in such a manner as to indicate that the process is not to be performed. For example, when the process ON/OFF key 57 is operated to set the washing process not to be performed, as shown in FIG. be.

Also, at this time, the process condition display indicating the conditions of the washing process, the addition key 50 and the subtraction key 51 are displayed in light gray, that is, in a so-called grayed out state, and the setting change regarding the conditions of the washing process is not accepted. state. In other words, when the process ON/OFF keys 57 to 59 are operated to set the corresponding process to not be executed, the control device 4 is operated by the process condition change key for changing the condition of the process. Reception is disabled.

Further, the control device 4 changes the condition of the process corresponding to the process condition change key by operating the process condition change key, and then, by operating the process on/off key, the process is not executed. is set, the process conditions set according to the operation of the process condition change key are initialized.

For example, by operating one or both of the addition key 50 and the subtraction key 51, as shown in FIG. and changed. From this state, when the process ON/OFF key 57 is operated to set the washing process not to be performed (the state shown in FIG. 9), the washing time in the washing process is changed to the initial setting "automatic (14 minutes)". is automatically changed, i.e. initialized. Therefore, when the process ON/OFF key 57 is operated again to set the washing process to be performed, as shown in FIG. A certain "automatic (14 minutes)" is displayed.

At the right end of the central portion of the area 44, a bath water setting key 60, which is an operation key for changing the bath water setting as the water supply method, is arranged. The bath water setting key 60 displays the setting state of the bath water at that time (“none” in FIG. 7, etc.). In this case, when the bath water setting key 60 is operated, a bath water setting screen for setting the bath water is displayed. The contents of the bath water setting screen will be described later.

A setting clear key 61 is arranged on the left side of the return key 45 in the area 44 . A setting clear key 61 is an operation key for initializing the conditions of all processes. However, the setting clear key 61 is grayed out as shown in FIGS. It will be in a state where no operation is accepted.

When at least one of the conditions of each process is changed, the setting clear key 61 is in a normal display state as shown in FIG. 10, and the control device 4 is in a state of accepting the operation. Therefore, in this state, when the setting clear key 61 is operated, the conditions of all processes are automatically changed to initial settings, that is, initialized.

[4] Drying setting screen As described above, when an operation is performed on the process condition display 56 on the course detail screen, the drying setting screen is displayed. For example, when an operation is performed on the process condition display 56 on the detailed course screen shown in FIG. 8, the drying setting screen is displayed in a form overlapping the detailed course screen, as shown in FIG. The size of the drying setting screen is smaller than the detailed course screen, and part of the detailed course screen is displayed. In this case, at least part of the start key 31 displayed on the course details screen is covered with the drying setting screen.

However, in this case, the course detail screen is shaded, that is, grayed out, and no operation of any operation key including the start key 31 is accepted. That is, when the drying setting screen, which is another screen, is superimposed on the course detail screen, which is the screen on which the start key 31 is displayed, the control device 4 disables acceptance of the operation by the start key 31. It has become.

On the drying setting screen, icons 62 corresponding to each of a plurality of drying finish settings (in this case, energy saving, quick drying, fine drying, careful drying, and timer) are arranged. The user can set the desired conditions for the drying process by operating the icon corresponding to the desired setting among these icons 62 .

Two operation keys for increasing or decreasing the drying time are arranged above and below the icon 62 corresponding to the timer. By operating these operation keys, the user can set the drying time to a desired time when the drying finish setting is set to a timer.

The drying setting screen is provided with a setting information display area 63 in which information on the drying finish setting is displayed. When a predetermined icon 62 is operated, the control device 4 highlights the operated icon 62 and displays information on the drying finish setting corresponding to the operated icon 62 in the setting information display area 63. It is designed to let

Specifically, when an operation is performed on the icon 62 corresponding to "energy saving", as shown in FIG. Shown as a thick line. Also, at this time, the setting information display area 63 displays the general contents of the drying finish setting “energy saving”. This allows the user to easily recognize the currently selected drying finish setting and to grasp the outline of the setting.

A close key 64 is arranged on the lower left side of the drying setting screen, and an enter key 65 is arranged on the lower right side. The close key 64 is an operation key for closing the drying setting screen without reflecting the setting change operation on the drying setting screen. The decision key 65 is an operation key for closing the drying setting screen after reflecting the setting change operation on the drying setting screen.

[5] Bath water setting screen As described above, when the bath water setting key 60 is operated on the course detail screen, the bath water setting screen is displayed. For example, on the course detail screen shown in FIG. 8, when the bath water setting key 60 is operated, the bath water setting screen is displayed in a form overlapping the course detail screen as shown in FIG. The size of the bath water setting screen is smaller than that of the detailed course screen, and a part of the detailed course screen is displayed. In this case, at least part of the start key 31 displayed on the course details screen is covered with the bath water setting screen.

However, in this case, the course detail screen is shaded, that is, grayed out, and no operation of any operation key including the start key 31 is accepted. In other words, the control device 4 disables the reception of the operation by the start key 31 when the bath water setting screen, which is another screen, is superimposed on the course detail screen, which is the screen on which the start key 31 is displayed. It's like

On the bath water setting screen, icons 67 corresponding to each of a plurality of bath water settings (in this case, none, wash, wash and rinse 1, rinse 1) are arranged. The user can set the desired bath water setting by operating the icon corresponding to the desired setting among these icons 67 .

The bath water setting screen is provided with a setting information display area 68 in which information relating to the bath water setting is displayed. When a predetermined icon 67 is operated, the control device 4 highlights the operated icon 67 and displays information on the bath water setting corresponding to the operated icon 67 in the setting information display area 68. It is designed to let

Specifically, when the icon 67 corresponding to "none" is operated, the outer frame of the icon 67 corresponding to "none" is larger than the outer frames of the other icons 67, as shown in FIG. Shown as a thick line. Also, at this time, the setting information display area 68 displays the general contents of the bath water setting "none". As a result, the user can easily recognize the currently selected bath water setting and can grasp the outline of the setting.

A close key 69 is arranged on the lower left side of the bath water setting screen, and an enter key 70 is arranged on the lower right side. The close key 69 is an operation key for closing the bath water setting screen without reflecting the setting change operation on the bath water setting screen. The determination key 70 is an operation key for closing the bath water setting screen after reflecting the setting change operation on the bath water setting screen.

[6] Four operation keys in the footer portion As described above, the top screen, the course selection screen, and the course detail screen are provided with similar footer portions 25. In the area 32 of the footer portion 25, the course Four operation keys (setting key 26, lighting on/off key 27, hot water setting key 28 and reservation setting key 29) different from the selection key 30 and start key 31 are arranged. In other words, these four operation keys are always fixedly displayed on various display screens before operation is started. Note that these four operation keys are operation keys for making settings related to the operation of the washing machine 1, and are operation keys with a relatively high frequency of use.

The setting key 26 is an operation key for performing various settings related to the washing machine 1 . When the setting key 26 is operated, the main body setting screen as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. On the main unit setting screen, there are "display brightness setting" for setting the brightness of the liquid crystal display, "time setting" for setting the clock time of the washing machine 1, and "child lock" for forcibly locking the door. etc. can be executed.

The illumination on/off key 27 is an operation key for turning on (lighting) or off (extinguishing) the illumination (for example, an LED) for illuminating the inside of the tub of the washing machine 1 . By turning on the illumination in response to the operation of the illumination on/off key 27, the inside of the tub of the washing machine 1 is illuminated with LED light, illuminating the dim inside of the tub and contributing to the loading and unloading of laundry (clothes) by the user. can be done.

The hot water setting key 28 is an operation key for setting the temperature of water used in operation. When the hot water setting key 28 is operated, a hot water setting screen is displayed for setting the temperature of the water to be heated in the washing process of the washing operation or the washing/drying operation.

For example, when the hot water setting key 28 is operated on the detailed course screen shown in FIG. 8, the hot water setting screen is displayed over the detailed course screen as shown in FIG. The size of the warm water setting screen is smaller than that of the detailed course screen, and part of the detailed course screen is displayed. In this case, at least part of the start key 31 displayed on the course details screen is covered with the warm water setting screen.

However, in this case, the course detail screen is shaded, that is, grayed out, and no operation of any operation key including the start key 31 is accepted. In other words, when the warm water setting screen, which is another screen, is superimposed on the course detail screen, which is the screen on which the start key 31 is displayed, the control device 4 disables the reception of the operation by the start key 31. It has become.

On the hot water setting screen, icons 71 corresponding to each of a plurality of hot water settings (in this case, none, 15° C., 30° C., 40° C., 50° C., 60° C. sterilization) are arranged. The user can set the desired hot water setting by operating the icon corresponding to the desired setting among these icons 71 .

The hot water setting screen is provided with a setting information display area 72 in which information relating to hot water setting is displayed. When a predetermined icon 71 is operated, the control device 4 highlights the operated icon 71 and displays information on hot water setting corresponding to the operated icon 71 in the setting information display area 72. It's like

Specifically, when the icon 71 corresponding to "none" is operated, as shown in FIG. Shown as a thick line. Also, at this time, the setting information display area 72 displays the general contents of the hot water setting “none”. As a result, the user can easily recognize the hot water setting currently selected, and can grasp the outline of the setting.

A close key 73 is arranged on the lower left side of the hot water setting screen, and an enter key 74 is arranged on the lower right side. The close key 73 is an operation key for closing the hot water setting screen without reflecting the setting change operation on the hot water setting screen. The determination key 74 is an operation key for closing the hot water setting screen after reflecting the setting change operation on the hot water setting screen.

The reservation setting key 29 is an operation key for setting a reservation for driving. When the reservation setting key 29 is operated, a reservation setting screen as shown in FIG. 15 is displayed. A reservation setting screen for setting the end time of the operation, etc. is displayed. The size of the reservation setting screen is smaller than the top screen, course selection screen and course detail screen. However, in this case, almost the entire top screen, course selection screen and course detail screen are covered with the reservation setting screen.

On the reservation setting screen, icons 75 corresponding to each of a plurality of reservation settings (in this case, none, good morning reservation, welcome back reservation, reservation from outside) are arranged. The user can set the desired reservation setting by operating the icon corresponding to the desired setting among these icons 75 .

The reservation setting screen is also provided with four operation keys 76 to 79 for setting the end time of the operation, and a time display area 80 for displaying the set end time. Further, the reservation setting screen is provided with a settable time display area 81 that indicates the end time that can be set at present for the currently selected operation and course. The user operates the four operation keys 76 while confirming the time displayed in the time display area 77 and the settable end time displayed in the settable time display area 81 to set the end time of the operation. You can set the time to

The reservation setting screen is provided with a setting information display area 82 in which information related to reservation setting is displayed. When a predetermined icon 75 is operated, the control device 4 highlights the operated icon 75 and displays information on reservation setting corresponding to the operated icon 75 in the setting information display area 82. It's like

Specifically, when the icon 75 corresponding to "good morning reservation" is operated, the outer frame of the icon 75 corresponding to "good morning reservation" changes to the outer frame of the other icon 75 as shown in FIG. displayed as a thick line. Also, at this time, the setting information display area 82 displays the general contents of the reservation setting “good morning reservation”. As a result, the user can easily recognize the currently selected reservation setting and can grasp the outline of the setting.

A close key 83 is arranged on the lower left side of the reservation setting screen, and an enter key 84 is arranged on the lower right side. The close key 83 is an operation key for closing the reservation setting screen without reflecting the setting change operation on the reservation setting screen. The determination key 84 is an operation key for closing the reservation setting screen after reflecting the setting change operation on the reservation setting screen. In this case, the reservation operation is started by operating the enter key 84. FIG. The reason for doing so is as follows.

In other words, if the decision key 84 is operated to transition to various pre-driving screens, there is a possibility that the course content or the like will be changed thereafter. If the contents of the course or the like are changed after the reservation has been set, there is a risk that the operation cannot be completed by the set end time. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the enter key 84 is operated in order to prevent such a situation, that is, a situation in which the driving cannot be finished by the reserved end time due to changes in the course contents after the reservation setting is executed. , the reserved operation is started.

When a setting different from the initial setting is executed in accordance with the operation of the illumination ON/OFF key 27, the hot water setting key 28, and the reservation setting key 29 among the four operation keys described above, the control device 4 changes the operation to the operation performed. Change the way the keys are displayed. Note that the background color of the four operation keys is usually dark gray. For example, when the lighting setting is changed from the initial setting of "off" to "on" in accordance with the operation of the lighting on/off key 27, the display mode of the lighting on/off key 27 is changed. Specifically, in this case, the background color of the illumination on/off key 27 is changed from dark gray to a color (for example, yellow) suggesting that the illumination has been turned on.

In addition, when the hot water setting is changed from the initial setting of “none” to “50° C.” according to the operation of the hot water setting key 28, the display mode of the hot water setting key 28 is changed. Specifically, in this case, as shown in FIG. 16, the background color of the hot water setting key 28 is changed from dark gray to a color (for example, red) suggestive of hot water, and the hot water setting key 28 has The indication "50°C" is added.

In addition, according to the operation of the reservation setting key 29, when the reservation setting is changed from the initial setting of "none" to "return reservation" and the end time is set to "19:00", the reservation The display mode of the setting key 29 is changed. Specifically, in this case, as shown in FIG. 17, the background color of the reservation setting key 29 is changed from dark gray to light gray, and "19:00" is added on the reservation setting key 29. be done.

Note that FIG. 17 shows a display screen displayed when a reservation is set for the standard course of the washing/drying operation. In this way, when a setting different from the initial setting is executed in response to the operation of the hot water setting key 28 and the reservation setting key 29, the control device 4 displays the state (status) of the executed setting. It is designed to change the display mode of the keys.

[7] Screen During Driving As described above, the start key 31 is displayed on the top screen, the course selection screen, and the course detail screen, which are screens before driving. When the start key 31 is operated on these pre-driving screens, the driving of the driving type and course selected at that time is started.

When driving is started, a screen during driving is displayed as described below. In this case, while the operating screen corresponding to the standard course of the washing/drying operation will be used as an example to explain the contents of the operating screen, other operating screens have the same contents. As shown in FIGS. 18 to 21, on the driving screen displayed during driving, a header portion 21 and a footer portion 25 similar to those of various screens before driving (top screen, course selection screen, and course detail screen) are displayed. is provided. However, a pause key 85 is provided in the footer portion 25 of the driving screen instead of the course selection key 30 and the start key 31 .

A pause key 85 is an operation key for pausing the operation. In this case, the pause key 85 is arranged in an area corresponding to the area where the course selection key 30 and the start key 31 were arranged on various screens before driving. The arrangement of the pause key 85 is not limited to such an arrangement, and may be arranged, for example, in an area including at least a part of the area in which the start key 31 was arranged in various screens before driving. When the temporary stop key 85 is operated, the operation is temporarily stopped, and a temporary stop screen, which will be described later, is displayed.

In the driving screen, an area 86 for displaying the remaining driving time, which is the time required for the driving to end, is provided in the upper part of the central part of the screen. In addition, in the driving screen, at the bottom of the center of the screen, there is provided a process status display section 87 that displays the setting status of each process and the current progress of driving (process progress). there is In the process status display section 87, process displays representing all processes in driving including the process currently in progress are displayed so as to be arranged in time series in the horizontal direction of the screen.

Specifically, in the operating screens shown in FIGS. 18 to 21, the process status display portion 87 displays a wash icon 88 as a process display representing the washing process, a rinse icon 89 as a process display representing the rinsing process, and a dehydration icon 89 as a process display representing the rinsing process. A dehydration icon 90 representing a process and a drying icon 91 representing a process representing a drying process are arranged in this order from the left, that is, in chronological order.

Each process display described above (washing icon 88, rinsing icon 89, spin-drying icon 90, and drying icon 91) is associated with a different color, similarly to each process display on the course selection screen or the like. The control device 4 displays a background color similar to the color associated with the process being executed for any region of the driving screen. In this case, the header portion 21 and the area 86, which are areas including the edges of the screen, are arbitrary areas where the background is displayed in the same color as the color associated with the process being executed. That is, in this case, the control device 4 displays the remaining driving time in the arbitrary area.

Therefore, the background color of the header portion 21 and the area 86 of the screen during operation is set to a color similar to the color associated with the washing process during execution of the washing process, and to the rinsing process during execution of the rinsing process. A color similar to the associated color, during execution of the dehydration process, a color similar to the color associated with the dehydration process, and during execution of the drying process, associated with the drying process. It is considered to be a color similar to the color.

The control device 4 associates the background colors of the icon corresponding to the completed process and the icon corresponding to the process being executed among the washing icon 88, the rinsing icon 89, the dehydration icon 90, and the drying icon 91, respectively. It is designed to be a different color. In addition, the control device 4 sets the background color of the icon corresponding to the step that has not yet been performed, that is, the step that has not been performed among the washing icon 88, the rinsing icon 89, the dehydration icon 90, and the drying icon 91 to white. It's becoming

Below the washing icon 88, the rinsing icon 89, the spin-drying icon 90, and the drying icon 91, the implementation status of each process is displayed. Specifically, below the washing icon 88, if the washing process has already been performed, a check mark "*" is displayed, and if the washing process is in progress, it will take until the washing process ends. The remaining time of the process, which is time, is displayed, and when the washing process has not been performed, the set washing time, which is the set washing time, is displayed.

Below the rinse icon 89, if the rinse process has already been carried out, a check mark "x" is displayed. The number of times is displayed, and when the rinsing process has not been performed, the set number of times of rinsing, which is the set number of times of rinsing, is displayed.

Below the dehydration icon 90, if the dehydration process has already been carried out, a check mark "x" is displayed. Time is displayed, and when the dehydration process has not been performed, the set dehydration time, which is the set dehydration time, is displayed.

Below the drying icon 91, if the drying process has already been performed, a check mark "x" is displayed. Time is displayed, and if the drying process has not been performed, the set drying finish setting is displayed.

On the right side of the drying icon 91 in the process status display portion 87, a bath water icon 92 representing water supply with bath water is arranged. Below the bath water icon 92, a check mark "x" is displayed if water supply with bath water has already been performed, and if water supply with bath water is being performed or has not been performed yet. The bath water settings are displayed.

For example, as shown in FIG. 18, on the running screen during the washing process, "10 minutes", which is the remaining time of the washing process, is displayed below the washing icon 88, and "10 minutes" is displayed below the rinsing icon 89. The set number of times of rinsing "twice" is displayed, the set dehydration time "3 minutes" is displayed below the dehydration icon 90, and the drying finish setting "energy saving" is displayed below the drying icon 91. Below the bath water icon 92, the bath water setting content “wash” is displayed.

At this time, the area 86 displays "2 hours 00 minutes", which is the remaining operation time, and the header portion 21 and the area 86 display a background color similar to the color associated with the washing process, which is the process being executed. be done. At this time, the washing icon 88 is given a background color corresponding to the washing process, and the rinsing icon 89, dehydration icon 90, and drying icon 91 are not given a background color and have a white background. .

In addition, on the operating screen during execution of the rinsing process, as shown in FIG. A certain "once" is displayed, the set dehydration time "3 minutes" is displayed below the dehydration icon 90, the drying finish setting "energy saving" is displayed below the drying icon 91, and the bath water is displayed. A check mark “re” is displayed below the icon 92 .

At this time, the area 86 displays "1 hour and 30 minutes", which is the remaining operation time, and the header portion 21 and the area 86 display a background color similar to the color associated with the rinsing process, which is the process being executed. be done. At this time, the washing icon 88 is given a background color corresponding to the washing process, the rinsing icon 89 is given a background color corresponding to the rinsing process, the dehydration icon 90 and the drying icon 89 are given a background color corresponding to the rinsing process. The background color is not given to the icon 91, and the background is white.

20, both the wash icon 88 and the rinse icon 89 are displayed with a checkmark "*" on the operating screen during the dehydration process, and the dehydration icon 90 is displayed with a dehydration icon 90. "1 minute", which is the remaining time of the process, is displayed, "energy saving", which is the drying finish setting, is displayed below the drying icon 91, and a checkmark "re" is displayed below the bath water icon 92. be.

At this time, the remaining operation time "1 hour 00 minutes" is displayed in the area 86, and the header part 21 and the area 86 display a background color similar to the color associated with the dewatering process which is the process being executed. be done. At this time, the washing icon 88 is given a background color corresponding to the washing process, the rinsing icon 89 is given a background color corresponding to the rinsing process, and the spin-drying icon 90 is given a background color corresponding to the rinsing process. A background color corresponding to the dehydration process is given, and the drying icon 91 is not given a background color and has a white background.

21, on the screen during operation during the drying process, check marks "" are displayed below the washing icon 88, the rinsing icon 89, and the spin-drying icon 90, and the drying icon 91 is displayed. "30 minutes", which is the remaining time of the drying process, is displayed below, and a checkmark "re" is displayed below the bath water icon 92. FIG.

At this time, "30 minutes", which is the remaining operation time, is displayed in the area 86, and the header part 21 and the area 86 are displayed with a background color similar to the color associated with the drying process, which is the process being executed. . At this time, the washing icon 88 is given a background color corresponding to the washing process, the rinsing icon 89 is given a background color corresponding to the rinsing process, and the spin-drying icon 90 is given a background color corresponding to the rinsing process. A background color corresponding to the dehydration process is given, and the drying icon 91 is given a background color corresponding to the drying process.

As shown in FIGS. 18 to 21, the footer portion 25 of the screen during driving is provided with an area 32 in which four operation keys similar to those of various screens before driving are arranged. That is, the four operation keys, setting key 26, lighting on/off key 27, hot water setting key 28, and reservation setting key 29, are always displayed in the same position and in the same layout on both the various screens before driving and the screens during driving. It is

However, in the operating screen, the setting key 26, the hot water setting key 28, and the reservation setting key 29 are in a state with a light gray background color, that is, in a so-called grayed out state. , reception of operations by the setting key 26, the hot water setting key 28 and the reservation setting key 29 is disabled. Therefore, the user cannot make various settings related to the washing machine 1, hot water settings, and reservation settings during operation.

On the other hand, the illumination on/off key 27 is given a dark gray background color, and the control device 4 validates acceptance of operation by the illumination on/off key 27 even on the driving screen. ing. Therefore, the user can turn on/off the lighting by operating the lighting on/off key 27 even while driving.

[8] Temporary stop screen As described above, when the temporary stop key 85 is operated on the driving screen, the driving is temporarily stopped and the temporary stop screen is displayed. In this case, the contents of the temporary stop screen corresponding to the standard course of the washing/drying operation will be described as an example, but the contents of the other temporary stop screens are the same.

The pause screen shown in FIG. 22 is displayed when the pause key 85 is operated during the dehydration process. As shown in FIG. 22, the temporary stop screen is provided with a header portion 21 and a footer portion 25 similar to those of the driving screen. However, instead of the pause key 85, a start key 93 is provided in the footer portion 25 of the pause screen.

The start key 93 is an operation key for starting (resuming) operation. In this case, the start key 93 is arranged in an area corresponding to the area where the pause key 85 was arranged on the driving screen. Note that the arrangement of the start key 93 is not limited to such an arrangement, and may be arranged in an area including the lower right end of the screen. When the start key 93 is operated, the driving is resumed and the screen during driving is displayed again.

In the screen during temporary stop, an area 86 and a process status display section 87 similar to those in the screen during operation are provided. In this case, instead of the remaining operation time, the characters "paused" are displayed in the area 86 to indicate that the operation is being temporarily stopped. Further, the region 86 of the screen during temporary stop has a smaller length dimension in the vertical direction than the region 86 of the screen during driving. In addition, the travel status display portion 87 of the screen during temporary stop has a larger longitudinal dimension than the area 86 of the screen during driving.

That is, when the pause key 85 is operated, the control device 4 reduces the area 86 in which the remaining driving time is displayed, and allocates the area secured by the reduction to the process status display section 87. The process status display portion 87 is enlarged. The control device 4 displays a setting change key 94 in the enlarged area of the process status display section 87 , specifically above the bath water icon 92 .

The setting change key 94 is an operation key similar to the setting change key 43, that is, an operation key for transitioning to a course detail screen for setting the content of the course. Therefore, the user can change (review) the contents of the course by operating the setting change key 94 while driving is suspended.

However, when the setting change key 94 is operated on the paused screen, the course details screen displayed includes, as shown in FIG. The setting clear key 61 is not displayed. In other words, the control device 4 does not display the course on/off key and the setting clear key 61 on the course detail screen displayed while the driving is suspended.

The footer portion 25 of the screen during temporary stop is provided with an area 32 in which four operation keys similar to those of the screen during driving are arranged. That is, the four operation keys, setting key 26, lighting on/off key 27, hot water setting key 28, and reservation setting key 29, are always displayed in the same position and in the same layout on both the running screen and the pause screen. ing.

However, in the temporary screen, not only the lighting on/off key 27 but also the setting key 26 are given a dark gray background color. It is designed to enable reception of operations by. In other words, the control device 4 disables acceptance of operation of the setting key 26 during operation, and enables acceptance of operation during temporary suspension of operation. Therefore, the user can perform various settings related to the washing machine 1 by operating the setting key 26 while the operation is suspended.

According to this embodiment described above, the following effects are obtained.
The control device 4 displays a start key 31 for starting operation on the edge of the screen of the operation panel 5, more specifically, on the lower right edge of the screen. That is, in this embodiment, the start key 31 is arranged at the bottom right of the screen. It is generally known that the line of sight of a person moves from the upper left to the lower right of the screen. Therefore, by arranging the start key 31 at the lower right of the screen as in the present embodiment, the line of sight of the user looking at the screen progresses smoothly, and the user's line of sight is burdened and confused. is prevented. Therefore, the user can view and confirm various settings related to driving, and finally operate the start key 31 after grasping the contents. That is, the operation panel 5 of this embodiment has a screen layout with high operability.

In a conventional configuration in which a start key is provided separately from a touch panel type liquid crystal display, the user has to take his or her line of sight away from the liquid crystal display, which impairs operability and visibility. In contrast, according to the present embodiment, the start key 31 is displayed (arranged) on the display unit 20, which is a liquid crystal display, and the user can perform a series of driving operations including grasping the setting status on the liquid crystal display. It can be completed.

The start key 31 is arranged at the lower right end of the screen so as to follow the line of sight of a general person. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to realize a user interface with high operability and convenience without imposing an extra burden on the operation setting by the user. In other words, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain an excellent effect that the visibility and operability regarding the operation setting of the washing machine 1 can be further improved.

When the control device 4 displays the start key 31, it is always displayed at the same position. That is, the control device 4 displays the start key 31 at a common position on various screens (top screen, course selection screen, and course detail screen) before driving. In this case, the size of the start key 31 is also common.

In this way, the user can easily understand where the start key 31 is located on any of the various screens before driving, and there is no need to greatly move the line of sight. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the user's load related to the understanding of the operation is reduced, and the operability is such that the user can easily drive with the desired settings without unnecessary movement of the user's line of sight. A high user interface can be realized.

In the conventional configuration in which the start key is provided separately from the liquid crystal display, the start key is independent, so the user can check whether the start key is valid in the current setting state, that is, whether the operation can be started. It is not possible to easily ascertain whether or not On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when the control device 4 displays another screen (for example, a bath water setting screen, a warm water setting screen, etc.) superimposed on the screen on which the start key 31 is displayed, the start key 31 Disable acceptance of operations by . According to this embodiment, the user can easily determine whether the operation by the start key 31 is valid, that is, whether the driving can be started. can be realized.

In this case, the size of another screen is smaller than the screen on which the start key 31 is displayed, and a part of the screen on which the start key 31 is displayed is visible to the user. However, the screen on which the start key 31 is displayed is grayed out, so that the user can easily see that the operation with the start key 31 is invalid, that is, the driving cannot be started. can be recognized. In addition, since a part of the screen on which the start key 31 is displayed is visible in this way, even if another screen is superimposed and displayed, the user will not be able to see the previous screen. It is possible to grasp what kind of screen the screen was.

When displaying the top screen, the control device 4 displays a course selection key 30, which is an operation key for transitioning to the course selection screen. After turning on the power of the washing machine 1, the user can operate the start key 31 after confirming the contents on the top screen if there is no need to change the type of operation, the type of course, and the contents of the course. It is possible to start the operation as it is. On the other hand, when it is necessary to change the type of course, the user must operate the course selection key 30 on the top screen to switch to the course selection screen and select the desired course.

In this case, the course selection key 30 is arranged along with the start key 31 at the lower right end of the screen. In this way, the user can check the setting status such as the current driving type displayed in the center of the screen on the top screen, and then recognize and operate the course selection key 30 by slightly moving the line of sight. can do. That is, in the present embodiment, the course selection key 30 is arranged at the lower right end of the screen, so that the user can transition to the course selection screen by moving the line of sight with no load.

The control device 4 has four operation keys (a setting key 26, a lighting on/off key 27, a setting key 26, a lighting on/off key 27), which are operation keys different from the course selection key 30 and the start key 31 in the footer portion 25, and are used to make settings related to the operation of the washing machine 1. , warm water setting key 28 and reservation setting key 29) are provided, and when these four operation keys are displayed, they are always displayed at the same position. In this way, the user can perform the same operation on the four operation keys arranged at the same position on any of various screens before driving (top screen, course selection screen, and course detail screen) and screens during driving. , it is possible to perform various settings using these four operation keys.

For example, if the user wants to additionally perform the hot water setting after selecting the desired course on the course selection screen, or if the reservation setting is performed after finishing setting the desired process operation on the course details screen, these settings Since the hot water setting key 28 and the reservation setting key 29 are displayed at fixed positions in the footer portion 25, the positions of these operation keys can be easily recognized and operated quickly and reliably.

As described above, in this embodiment, four operation keys for performing settings related to the operation of the washing machine 1 are displayed at fixed positions in the footer portion 25, and can be accessed from both the various screens before operation and the screen during operation. It is a layout that can be used, and there is no need to switch screens when operating the four operation keys. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the visibility and operability when making settings related to the operation of the washing machine 1 .

In this case, the four operation keys are arranged at the same positions on both the driving screen and the pause screen. However, in the operating screen, the setting key 26, the hot water setting key 28, and the reservation setting key 29 are given a light gray background color, and the control device 4 disables acceptance of operations by them. It has become. In the driving screen, the lighting on/off key 27 is given a dark gray background color, and the control device 4 validates the acceptance of that operation.

In the temporary stop screen, the hot water setting key 28 and the reservation setting key 29 are given a light gray background color, and the control device 4 disables acceptance of operations by them. there is In the paused screen, the setting key 26 and the lighting on/off key 27 are given a dark gray background color, and the control device 4 enables acceptance of their operations. . In this manner, the user can determine which of the four operation keys can be operated and which cannot be operated on the driving screen and the pause screen. can be easily determined by the background color of

The control device 4 changes the display mode of the operation keys when a setting different from the initial setting is executed according to the operation of the lighting on/off key 27, the hot water setting key 28 and the reservation setting key 29. . In this way, when the user operates the lighting ON/OFF key 27, the warm water setting key 28 or the reservation setting key 29 to make various settings, the display mode of the operation keys is changed so that the user himself/herself can make various settings. You can check that the settings you have made are reflected correctly.

When a setting different from the initial setting is executed in response to the operation of the hot water setting key 28 and the reservation setting key 29, the control device 4 displays the state of the executed setting specifically on the operation keys. The display mode of the operation keys is changed so that the status set to is given. In this way, when the user operates the hot water setting key 28 or the reservation setting key 29 to make various settings, the user can check the display mode of the operation key to check the setting state (for example, hot water temperature, operation end time, etc.) can be easily confirmed.

Among the four operation keys arranged in the area 32 of the footer portion 25, the hot water setting key 28 and the reservation setting key 29 are important for executing the operation of the washing machine 1. FIG. First, the hot water setting key 28 can set the temperature of the water used in the washing process, and the water temperature is an important factor that greatly affects the washing performance. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the hot water setting key 28 related to such an important element is fixedly displayed in the footer portion 25 so that the user can see it frequently.

The reservation setting key 29 is used by the user to set a reservation for driving (setting of the end time). When the reservation is set, the visibility of the setting (end time) can be improved. desirable. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the reservation setting key 29 related to such important elements is fixedly displayed in the footer portion 25 so that the user can see it frequently.

Thus, in this embodiment, the hot water setting key 28 and the reservation setting key 29 are displayed at the same position, with the same icon, and with the same layout on all of the various screens before operation, the screen during operation, and the screen during suspension. It is designed to be In this manner, the user can easily visually recognize the positions of the operation keys for setting the hot water setting and the reservation setting, which are important settings in the operation of the washing machine 1, and can easily see the setting contents. can be confirmed.

When a predetermined operation type icon is operated on the top screen on which a plurality of operation type icons (washing operation icon 22, washing/drying operation icon 23, and drying operation icon 24) are arranged, control device 4 controls the operation. The driving type icons that have been operated are displayed relatively larger than the driving type icons that have not been operated. In this way, the user can easily recognize which driving has been selected, that is, which driving is currently set.

When the operation type icon operated in this way is enlarged and displayed, if the operable area in which the operation is possible remains the size before enlargement, the size of the operation type icon and the size of the operable area are different. There is a possibility that a large difference may occur between the two, and the user may feel uncomfortable. Therefore, when a predetermined driving type icon is operated, the control device 4 changes the operable region in which the operated driving type icon can be operated to an unoperated driving type icon. It is designed to be relatively large with respect to the operable area. In this way, a large difference does not occur between the size of the driving type icon and the size of its operable area, and it is possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable.

When a predetermined driving type icon is operated, the control device 4 displays the name of the course selected for the driving corresponding to the operated driving type icon and the icon corresponding to the course. More specifically, when a predetermined driving type icon is operated, the control device 4 displays the operated driving type icon as the name of the course selected for the corresponding driving and the icon corresponding to the course. Change the display to include In this way, the user can easily recognize what courses exist according to the type of driving and which course is currently selected.

On the top screen, the washing operation icon 22, the washing/drying operation icon 23, and the drying operation icon 24 are arranged in parallel in this order from the left of the screen. In this way, the layout becomes easy for the user to understand, and the user's operability of the driving type icons can be improved.

A footer portion 25 of the top screen is provided with a course selection key 30 which is an operation key for transitioning to a course selection screen. A user can display a course selection screen by operating the course selection key 30 . However, after selecting a desired driving by operating a predetermined driving type icon provided at the center of the screen, the course selection key 30 provided at the lower right end of the screen is pressed to select the course corresponding to the driving. In the case of operation, there is a possibility that the movement distance of the user's line of sight, fingers, etc. is relatively long.

Therefore, the control device 4 selects the driving corresponding to the predetermined driving type icon by operating the predetermined driving type icon once, and selects the driving corresponding to the predetermined driving type icon. is performed again, a course selection screen for selecting a course corresponding to the driving is displayed.

In this manner, after a desired driving is selected by operating a predetermined driving type icon once, the driving type icon is operated again to select a course corresponding to the driving. Since the screen can be displayed, there is no possibility that the movement distance of the user's line of sight, fingers, etc. will become long. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the operability when displaying the course selection screen.

In this embodiment, a different color is associated with each type of driving, and the control device 4 selects the driving corresponding to the operated driving type icon when an operation is performed on a predetermined driving type icon. Then, any area on the screen displayed at that time and on the screen displayed thereafter will be displayed with a background color similar to the color associated with the selected operation. there is

In this way, the user can easily determine the type of driving selected by checking the background color of an arbitrary area on various screens. In this case, it is preferable to associate a color that matches the image of each driving with each type of driving. In this way, the user can more easily determine the type of driving based on the background color of any region. Thus, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to further improve the visibility of the driving settings.

The control device 4 selects the operation type icon corresponding to the executed operation (previous operation) on the top screen displayed after the operation is executed and the power to the washing machine 1 is turned on again. and In this way, when the user wants to execute the same type of driving as the previous driving, the user can immediately start driving by operating the start key 31 without performing an operation for selecting the type of driving. Convenience is improved because it can be started.

Further, the control device 4 displays the top screen displayed after the power to the washing machine 1 is turned on again after the operation is executed. Selected state. Then, when a predetermined driving type icon is selected, the control device 4 changes the selected driving type icon to display including the name of the course in the previous driving and the icon corresponding to the course.

In this way, when the user wants to execute a predetermined driving in the same course as the previous course, the user can immediately operate the start key 31 without performing an operation for selecting the course. Since driving can be started, convenience is improved. Also, in this case, based on the display of the driving type icon, it is possible to easily confirm the previous course and the currently set course.

In this embodiment, on the course selection screen for selecting a course corresponding to driving, a course list display area 35 in which a plurality of course icons 34 provided corresponding to each course are displayed so as to be aligned in one direction. and a course information display area 37 in which information about the course is displayed. When a predetermined course icon 34 is operated, the control device 4 displays information about the course corresponding to the course icon 34 in the course information display area 37 .

According to such a course selection screen, based on the contents displayed in the course information display area 37, the user can obtain an overview of the selected course and the contents of the process, that is, what kind of structure the selected course has. You can easily check whether it is set or not. Also, in this case, when the course to be selected is changed, the user can easily recognize the difference in the itinerary structure of the course before and after the change, based on the change in the display content of the course information display area 37 .

The course information display area 37 includes a course information display area 38 in which course displays representing all courses are displayed in the horizontal direction of the screen so as to be arranged in chronological order. In this way, the user can more easily understand the itinerary structure of the selected course based on the displayed contents of the itinerary information display area 38 .

The control device 4 displays, on the course selection screen, a setting change key 43, which is an operation key for transitioning to a course detail screen for setting the content of the course. Further, the control device 4 functions as an operation key for transitioning the process information display area 38 to the detailed course screen. In this way, after selecting a course on the course selection screen, if the user wants to change the contents of the course, he/she operates the setting change key 43 or the process information display area 38 to The course details can be displayed and the course content can be changed.

In this embodiment, a start key 31, which is an operation key for starting driving, is also displayed on the course selection screen. Therefore, when the user selects a desired course on the course selection screen and does not intend to change the contents of the course, the user must perform an operation to transition from the course selection screen to another screen. Since the driving can be started immediately by operating the start key 31 provided on the same screen, convenience is improved.

The control device 4 displays a process display representing all processes, a process condition display representing process conditions, and an operation for changing the conditions of each process on the course detail screen for setting the contents of the course corresponding to driving. Keys such as process condition change keys are displayed. In the conventional configuration in which a dedicated screen is prepared for each process, the user must frequently perform an operation for switching screens when changing the settings of the detailed contents of each process. In contrast, according to the present embodiment, the user can check the contents of all the courses and change the settings on one screen (course detail screen). Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the operability when setting the contents of the course.

The control device 4 displays each process display (washing icon 46, rinsing icon 47, spin-drying icon 48, drying icon 49, etc.) horizontally in this order from the left of the screen so as to be arranged in chronological order. there is Further, the control device 4 displays the process condition display and the process condition change key so as to be arranged side by side with the process display, specifically, so that the process condition display and the process condition change key are arranged under the process display. It is designed to let In this manner, the user can determine which display is the corresponding process condition display and which operation key is the corresponding process condition change key for each process arranged in chronological order. easily recognizable.

The control device 4 displays on the course detail screen process ON/OFF keys 57 to 59, which are operation keys for setting whether or not to implement each process. In a conventional configuration including a configuration provided with a liquid crystal operation panel, in order to set each process not to be performed, an increase/decrease button is operated, or an individual number button (for example, a button representing a number from 0 to 9) is pressed. I had to operate.

In the operation using the increase/decrease button, it may be necessary to perform the operation multiple times, and the operability may deteriorate. In addition, the operation using the count button has the problem that the number of buttons that must be arranged increases. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the user can switch between execution and non-execution of the corresponding process by operating the process on/off keys 57 to 59 only once. Thus, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the operability when setting whether or not to perform each process.

When the process on/off keys 57 to 59 are operated to set the corresponding process to not be executed, the control device 4 accepts the operation by the process condition change key for changing the condition of the process. It is disabled. By doing so, the difference between the operations by the process on/off keys 57 to 59 and the operations by the process condition change keys (the addition keys 50, 52, 54 and the subtraction keys 51, 53, 55) is clarified. can clearly distinguish between these operation keys.

After the process conditions corresponding to the process condition change key are changed by operating the process condition change key, the control device 4 starts the process by operating the process on/off keys 57 to 59. When none is set, the process conditions set according to the operation of the process condition change key are initialized.

This simplifies the behavior when the stroke on/off keys 57-59 are operated, so that the user can easily grasp the feeling of use of the stroke on/off keys 57-59. Further, in this case, the user can use the process on/off keys 57 to 59 as operation keys for initializing the conditions of the corresponding process, thus improving convenience.

The control device 4 displays a setting clear key 61, which is an operation key for initializing the conditions of all processes, on the course detail screen. In the conventional configuration, in order to undo, that is to say, to initialize the conditions of the trip that has been changed, extra operations such as turning the power off and then on again, selecting the course again, etc. had to do

On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, when the user wants to initialize the changed condition after changing the condition of the course on the course detail screen, the extra By operating the setting clear key 61 provided on the same screen, the changed conditions of the process can be initialized without any special operation.

In this embodiment, a start key 31, which is an operation key for starting driving, is also displayed on the course details screen. Therefore, when setting the contents of the course on the course details screen, the user can operate the start key 31 provided on the same screen without performing an operation for transitioning from the course details screen to another screen. By performing the operation, the operation can be started immediately, so the convenience is improved.

The control device 4 does not display the course on/off keys 57 to 59 and the setting clear key 61 on the course detail screen displayed while the operation is suspended. As with the conventional configuration, the washing machine 1 has a specification that does not allow a change in whether or not the process is performed after the start of operation. If the process on/off keys 57 to 59 or the setting clear key 61 are displayed on the course details screen displayed while the driving is temporarily stopped, the user can change whether or not the process is performed by operating these keys. There is a risk of erroneous recognition. Therefore, in this embodiment, these unnecessary operation keys (process ON/OFF key and setting clear key) are not displayed, thereby preventing the user from misunderstanding.

A process condition display 56 displayed below the drying icon 49 also functions as a process condition change key for changing the conditions of the drying process. A drying setting screen for setting the process conditions is displayed. Usually, the condition setting of the drying process is not limited to changing the time and number of times, but is in the form of selecting an arbitrary setting from a plurality of drying finish settings.

If all of these multiple drying finish settings are displayed on the course detail screen, there is a possibility that various pieces of information will be displayed without gaps, and visibility will be greatly reduced. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when an operation is performed on the process condition display 56, the screen is intentionally changed to display a drying setting screen in which a list of a plurality of drying finish settings are displayed. In this way, when setting the conditions for the drying process, the user is required to perform an operation for changing the screen only once, but selects the desired setting while checking the list of a plurality of drying finish settings. convenience is improved.

The control device 4 displays a process display (washing icon 88, rinsing icon 89, dehydration icon 90 and drying icon 91) representing all processes in the operation including the process currently in progress on the screen during operation displayed during execution of the operation. and the remaining driving time are displayed. In this way, the user can view a series of information such as the time (or elapsed time) required until the end of the driving (or the elapsed time), the progress of the process with respect to the elapsed time, etc., using one screen (during driving screen) displayed during the execution of the driving. It is possible to easily grasp the driving situation of the vehicle.

In the present embodiment, a different color is associated with each of a plurality of stages in driving, and the control device 4 displays a color similar to the color associated with the stage being executed for any region of the driving screen. It is designed to be displayed as a background. In this way, the user can easily recognize the process currently being executed, that is, the process in progress, by checking the background color of any region of the screen during driving while driving.

Further, in this case, since the user can identify the process by color, the user can quickly and reliably grasp the process in progress even from a relatively distant position away from the washing machine 1 . In this case, it is preferable to associate a color that matches the image of each process with each process. In this way, the user can more easily determine the journey in progress based on the background color of any region of the driving screen.

A region 86 in which the remaining driving time is displayed is included in the arbitrary region that is displayed as a background color similar to the color associated with the process being executed. In this way, the user can easily grasp both the remaining driving time and the ongoing process by simply checking the area 86 . Thus, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the visibility of the driving screen.

Further, the area 86 is provided on the upper side of the central portion of the screen during driving, and a relatively large area is ensured. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the display of the remaining driving time can be displayed in a relatively large size, and the area of the background color similar to the color associated with the process being executed can be relatively wide. can be a region. Therefore, the user can more easily grasp both the remaining driving time and the ongoing journey.

The control device 4 displays on the operating screen the remaining stroke time, which is the time required to complete the currently ongoing stroke, and the remaining number of strokes, which is the number of times required to complete the currently ongoing stroke. It has become. In this way, the user can grasp the time required to complete each process. Then, based on each piece of information grasped in this way, the user can consider setting changes and the like regarding the subsequent operation (process).

In this embodiment, the header portion 21 and the area 86, which are areas including the edge of the screen, are arbitrary areas that are displayed as a background color similar to the color associated with the process being executed. Therefore, the background color of the area including the edges of the screen changes according to the process being executed. In this way, the user can more easily recognize the background color that changes according to the process being executed, and as a result, can more easily and reliably recognize the process being executed.

For each process display (washing icon 88, rinsing icon 89, spin-drying icon 90, and drying icon 91), the control device 4 sets the background color of the process display corresponding to the process in progress and the process that has already been performed to the color associated with each. , and the background color of the icon corresponding to an unexecuted process is set to white. In addition, the control device 4 displays a check mark "re" below the completed process display.

Thus, in this embodiment, for each process display, visual effects such as changing (inverting) the background color of the icon according to the implementation status, or displaying a "check" below the icon, are added. It's like In this way, the user can easily check the implementation status (unimplemented, in progress, completed) of each process.

The start key in the conventional configuration functions not only as an operation key for starting operation, but also as an operation key for temporarily stopping operation, that is, as a pause key. Based on this point, in the present embodiment, the control device 4 temporarily stops driving in the area corresponding to the area where the course selection key 30 and the start key 31 were arranged in various screens before driving on the screen during driving. A temporary stop key 85 for stopping is displayed. That is, in this embodiment, the pause key 85 is arranged in an area including the area where the start key 31 was arranged.

In this way, when the user intends to temporarily stop driving for some reason after starting driving, the user can intuitively grasp the position of the temporary stop key 85, and can easily operate the temporary stop key 85. can be operated to temporarily stop the operation. As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user can perform the operations related to starting and pausing driving with the same feeling as in the conventional configuration.

The control device 4 displays a setting change key 94, which is an operation key for transitioning to the course detail screen, on the screen during suspension displayed when the suspension key 85 is operated. there is When the driving is temporarily stopped, the user may want to change the content of the course of the started driving, which is not intended. In such a case, the user can change the content of the course to the intended content by operating the setting change key 94 displayed on the screen during suspension.

In this case, the setting change key 94 is not displayed on the driving screen, but is displayed only on the temporary stop screen. In this way, since the setting change key 94, which is an unnecessary operation key, is not displayed on the driving screen, it is possible to secure an area for other displays and operation keys, thereby improving the visibility of the driving screen. And good operability can be maintained.

Further, the size of the region 86 on the screen during temporary stop may be smaller than the size of the region 86 on the screen during driving, since it is not necessary to display the remaining driving time. Therefore, the control device 4 reduces the area 86 in the temporary stop screen as compared to the driving screen, and displays the setting change key 94 in the area secured by the reduction. In this way, the setting change key 94 can be displayed while maintaining good visibility and operability of the pause screen.

<Modified example 1 of the top screen>
In the top screen or the like, the footer section 25 including the area 32 which is the edge area may be provided at the edge of the screen. Therefore, for example, a screen as shown in FIG. 24 can be adopted as the top screen. In the top screen of Modification 1 shown in FIG. 24, the footer section 25 is arranged at the right end of the screen.

Also in this case, the start key 31 is provided at the edge of the screen, specifically at the lower right end of the screen, and the course selection key 30 is arranged above the start key 31 . The same visibility and operability as those of the top screen described in the above embodiment can be realized for such a top screen of Modification 1 as well.

<Modified example 2 of the top screen>
In the top screen or the like, the start key 31 may be displayed at the edge of the screen. Therefore, for example, a screen as shown in FIG. 25 can be adopted as the top screen. In the footer portion 25 of the top screen of Modification 2 shown in FIG. They are arranged in order in a row in the horizontal direction of the screen.

That is, in this case, the start key 31 is arranged at the lower left end of the screen, and the course selection keys 30 are arranged to the right of the start key 31 . The same visibility and operability as those of the top screen described in the above embodiment can be realized for such a top screen of Modification 2 as well.

25, the control device 4 displays the start key 31 at the left end of the screen (lower left end of the screen), and the top screen shown in FIG. , and the mode in which the start key 31 is displayed at the right end of the screen (lower right end of the screen).

In general, a right-handed person can easily operate the operation keys provided on the right side of the screen, and a left-handed person can easily operate the operation keys provided on the left side of the screen. According to the above configuration, the user can change the placement of the start key 31 to a position that is easy to operate according to the user's dominant hand, so that the operability of the start key 31 can be further improved.

<Modified example 3 of the top screen>
The display mode of the driving type icons on the top screen can be changed as appropriate. Therefore, for example, a screen as shown in FIG. 26 can be adopted as the top screen. On the top screen of Modification 3 shown in FIG. 26, the washing operation icon 22, the washing/drying operation icon 23, and the drying operation icon 24, which are the operation type icons, are clothing handling displays adapted to each. In this way, the user can set the type of driving, the course, etc. while confirming the handling display, thereby improving convenience.

<Modification 1 of course selection screen>
In the course selection screen, the course information display area 37 may be provided in an area other than the course list display area 35 . Therefore, a screen as shown in FIG. 27 can be adopted as the course selection screen. In the course selection screen of Modification 1 shown in FIG. 27, the arrangement of the course list display area 35 and the course information display area 37 is switched with respect to the course selection screen shown in FIG.

That is, in this case, in the course selection screen, the course information display area 37 is provided in the upper part of the screen central part, and the course list display area is provided in the lower part of the screen central part. For such a course selection screen of Modification 1 as well, it is possible to realize visibility and operability similar to those of the course selection screen described in the above embodiment.

<Modification 2 of course selection screen>
In the course selection screen, the course list display area 35 may be displayed so that a plurality of course icons 34 are arranged in one direction. Therefore, a screen as shown in FIG. 28 can be adopted as the course selection screen. The course selection screen of the above-described embodiment shown in FIG. 6 and the like is configured on the assumption that the display unit 20 is a horizontally long screen, but in the second modification shown in FIG. It is configured on the assumption that it is a screen of

In the course selection screen of Modification 2 shown in FIG. 28 , the left end portion of the screen is the header portion 21 and the right end portion of the screen is the footer portion 25 . In this case, on the course selection screen, a course list display area 35 is provided on the left side of the center of the screen, and a course information display area is provided on the right side of the center of the screen. Further, in this case, as the screen is changed from landscape to portrait, the display mode of each operation key, each icon, etc. is also changed. The course selection screen of Modification 2 can also achieve the same visibility and operability as the course selection screen described in the above embodiment.

<Modification 1 of course details screen>
On the course detail screen, the process display, process conditions, arrangement of process condition change keys, display mode, etc. can be changed as appropriate. Here, the process display corresponding to the washing process, the process condition display, the arrangement of the process condition change keys, and the modification of the display mode will be described, but other processes can be similarly modified.

As shown in FIG. 29(a), an addition key 50 and a subtraction key 51 corresponding to process condition change keys may be arranged below the wash icon 46 on either side of the process condition display. As shown in FIG. 29(b), an addition key 50 and a subtraction key 51 may be arranged below the wash icon 46 and on the left side of the process condition display. As shown in FIG. 29(c), an addition key 50 and a subtraction key 51 may be arranged below the wash icon 46 and on the right side of the process condition display.

As shown in FIG. 29(d), an addition key 50 and a subtraction key 51 may be arranged below the wash icon 46 and above the process condition display. As shown in FIG. 29(e), an addition key 50 and a subtraction key 51 may be arranged below the wash icon 46 and below the process condition display.

As shown in FIG. 29(f), a condition setting display section 95 may be provided below the washing icon 46 for selecting the washing time and displaying the selected washing time. The condition setting display section 95 is configured so that a desired washing time can be selected from a plurality of washing times (0 to 30 minutes). In this case, the condition setting display section 95 corresponds to both the process condition display and the process condition change key. As shown in FIG. 29G, the wash icon 46 and the process condition display are arranged vertically, and an addition key 50 and a subtraction key 51 are arranged above and below the wash icon 46 and the process condition display. may be

<Modification 2 of course details screen>
The control device 4 may cause at least a part of the process display on the course detail screen to function as an operation key for setting whether or not to implement the process corresponding to the process display, that is, a process on/off key. Therefore, a screen as shown in FIG. 30 can be adopted as the course detail screen.

The course detail screen of Modification 2 shown in FIG. 30 differs from the course detail screen shown in FIG. 8 in that the journey on/off keys 57 and 58 are omitted. Further, in this case, the control device 4 causes the washing icon 46 and the rinsing icon 47 corresponding to the process display to function as process ON/OFF keys for setting whether or not the washing process and the rinsing process should be performed. .

In this way, the user can switch whether or not the washing process is performed by operating the washing icon 46, and can switch whether or not the rinsing process is performed by operating the rinsing icon 47. Also, in this case, the area for displaying the process on/off keys 57 and 58 can be allocated to the area for other displays, so that the visibility can be further improved.

<Modification 3 of course details screen>
On the course detail screen, it may be possible to set the operation type (strong, weak, finish, etc.) of each process. Therefore, a screen as shown in FIG. 31 can be adopted as the course detail screen. The course detail screen of Modification 3 shown in FIG. 31 differs from the course detail screen shown in FIG. 8 in that strong keys 96 and 97 and weak keys 98 and 99 are added.

In this case, a strong key 96 and a weak key 98 are arranged below the wash icon 46 and between the subtraction key 51 and the stroke on/off key 57 . The user can set the action type of the washing process to "strong" by operating the strong key 96, and set the action type of the washing process to "light" by operating the weak key 98. can do.

Also, in this case, a stronger key 97 and a weaker key 99 are arranged below the rinse icon 47 and between the subtraction key 53 and the stroke on/off key 58 . The user can set the action type of the rinsing process to "strong" by operating the strong key 97, and set the action type of the rinsing process to "weak" by operating the weak key 99. can do.

As described above, according to the course detail screen of Modification 3, it is possible not only to change the numerical value (time, number of times) of each process, but also to switch the operation type of each process. Therefore, according to Modified Example 3, the user can drive as desired with content that is more in line with his or her tastes.

<Modification 4 of course details screen>
The control device 4 may cause at least one of the process display and the process condition display on the course detail screen to function as an operation key for changing process conditions, that is, a process condition change key. Therefore, the wash icon 46 and the process condition display corresponding to the wash process may function as process condition change keys for changing the conditions of the wash process.

In this case, when the washing icon 46 or the process condition display corresponding to the washing process is operated, a washing setting screen for setting the conditions of the washing process shown in FIG. 32 is displayed. As shown in FIG. 32, the washing setting screen is displayed in the same manner as the drying setting screen shown in FIG.

On the wash setting screen, icons 100 corresponding to each of a plurality of wash finish settings (in this case, weak wash, normal wash, strong wash, low water level, normal water level, and high water level) are arranged. The user can set the desired washing process conditions by operating the icon corresponding to the desired setting among these icons 100 . Specifically, the user can set the strength of washing and the water level on the washing setting screen.

A close key 101 is arranged on the lower left side of the washing setting screen, and an enter key 102 is arranged on the lower right side. A close key 101 is an operation key for closing the wash setting screen without reflecting the setting change operation on the wash setting screen. The determination key 102 is an operation key for closing the washing setting screen after reflecting the setting change operation on the washing setting screen.

Further, the rinse icon 47 and the process condition display corresponding to the rinse process may function as process condition change keys for changing the conditions of the rinse process. In this case, when the rinse icon 47 or the process condition display corresponding to the rinse process is operated, a rinse setting screen for setting the conditions of the rinse process shown in FIG. 33 is displayed. As shown in FIG. 33, the rinse setting screen is displayed in the same manner as the drying setting screen shown in FIG.

On the rinse setting screen, icons 103 corresponding to a plurality of rinse finish settings (in this case, weak rinse, normal rinse, strong rinse, short rinse time, normal rinse time, long rinse time) are arranged. The user can set desired conditions for the rinsing process by operating the icon corresponding to the desired setting among these icons 103 . Specifically, the user can set the strength of rinsing and the rinsing time on the rinsing setting screen.

A close key 104 is arranged on the lower left side of the rinse setting screen, and an enter key 105 is arranged on the lower right side. The close key 104 is an operation key for closing the rinse setting screen without reflecting the setting change operation on the rinse setting screen. The determination key 105 is an operation key for closing the rinse setting screen after reflecting the setting change operation on the rinse setting screen.

Further, the dehydration icon 48 and the process condition display corresponding to the dehydration process may function as process condition change keys for changing the conditions of the dehydration process. In this case, when the dehydration icon 48 or the process condition display corresponding to the dehydration process is operated, a dehydration setting screen for setting the conditions of the dehydration process shown in FIG. 34 is displayed. As shown in FIG. 34, the dehydration setting screen is displayed in the same manner as the drying setting screen shown in FIG.

On the dehydration setting screen, icons 106 corresponding to each of a plurality of dehydration finish settings (in this case, weak dehydration, normal dehydration, strong dehydration, with loosening, and without loosening) are arranged. The user can set the dehydration process conditions as desired by operating the icon corresponding to the desired setting among these icons 106 . Specifically, on the dehydration setting screen, the user can set the strength of dehydration and the presence/absence of loosening operation.

A close key 107 is arranged on the lower left side of the dehydration setting screen, and an enter key 108 is arranged on the lower right side. The close key 107 is an operation key for closing the dehydration setting screen without reflecting the setting change operation on the dehydration setting screen. The determination key 108 is an operation key for closing the dehydration setting screen after reflecting the setting change operation on the dehydration setting screen.

<Modified examples 1 and 2 of the driving screen>
In the screen during driving, the area of the background display having the same color as the color associated with the process being executed can be changed as appropriate. Therefore, a screen as shown in FIG. 35 or 36 can be adopted as the driving screen. The driving screen of Modification 1 shown in FIG. 35 differs from the driving screen shown in FIG. 18 in that an area 109 is added.

In this case, the vertical dimension of the area 86 is reduced, and an area 109 is provided between the area secured by the reduction, that is, between the header section 21 and the area 86 . In this case, the control device 4 displays the background of the region 109 in a color similar to the color associated with the process being executed.

The driving screen of Modification 2 shown in FIG. 36 differs from the driving screen shown in FIG. 18 in that an area 110 is added. In this case, the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the area 86 are reduced, and the area 110 is provided at the location secured by the reduction. Specifically, region 110 is provided to surround region 86 .

In this case, the control device 4 displays the background of the area 110 in a color similar to the color associated with the process being executed. The same visibility and operability as the driving screen described in the above-described embodiment can be realized for the driving screens of Modifications 1 and 2 as well.

(Other embodiments)
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings, and can be arbitrarily modified, combined, or expanded without departing from the scope of the invention.
The numerical values and the like shown in each of the above embodiments are examples, and are not limited to them.

The present invention is not limited to the washing machine 1, which is a drum-type washing and drying machine, but is also applicable to, for example, a vertical shaft type washing machine, a washing and drying machine, a dryer, etc., for performing predetermined processing (washing, drying, deodorizing, etc.) on clothes. It can be applied to all clothing processing apparatuses that perform the operation of

The operation display device is not limited to the operation panel 5 provided in the washing machine 1, and may be, for example, an operation display unit of a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal possessed by the user who uses the washing machine 1. . In this case, the washing machine 1 may be configured to be able to exchange data for display, data representing the operation results of the displayed operation keys, etc. with the portable terminal via communication or the like. .

While several embodiments of the invention have been described above, these embodiments are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

In the drawings, 1 is a washing machine (clothes processing device), 4 is a control device (control section), 5 is an operation panel (operation display), 20 is a display section, 21 is a header section (arbitrary area), and 22 is a washing machine. Operation icon (operation type icon), 23 is a washing and drying operation icon (operation type icon), 24 is a drying operation icon (operation type icon), 22a, 23a, 24a are operable areas, 26 is a setting key (operation key), 27 is a lighting on/off key (operation key), 28 is a hot water setting key (operation key), 29 is a reservation setting key (operation key), 30 is a course selection key (operation key), 31 is a start key (operation key), 32 is an area (end area), 34 is a course icon, 35 is a course list display area, 37 is a course information display area, 39 is a wash icon (process display), 40 is a rinse icon (process display), 41 is a dehydration icon ( 42 is a drying icon (process display), 43 is a setting change key (operation key), 46 is a washing icon (process display), 47 is a rinse icon (process display), 48 is a dehydration icon (process display), 49 is a drying icon (process display), 50, 52, 54 are addition keys (process condition change keys), 51, 53, 55 are subtraction keys (process condition change keys), 56 is a process condition display (process condition change key). , 57 to 59 are process on/off keys (operation keys), 61 is a setting clear key (operation key), 85 is a pause key (operation key), and 86, 109 and 110 are areas (arbitrary areas).

Claims (4)

A clothing processing apparatus that executes an operation for performing a predetermined processing on clothing,
an operation display having a display unit for displaying various screens including operation keys for receiving various information related to the driving and various operations related to the driving;
a control unit that controls display on the display unit and performs predetermined control according to the operation of the operation key;
with
The control unit
A screen for selecting one of a plurality of courses provided corresponding to each type of driving on the display unit, and a plurality of course icons provided corresponding to each course are displayed on the display unit. Course selection including a course list display area displayed so as to line up in one direction that is the longitudinal direction of the display unit and a course information display area provided in an area excluding the course list display area and displaying information about the course It is designed to display the screen,
when a predetermined course icon is operated, information about the course corresponding to the course icon is displayed in the course information display area;
The garment processing apparatus, wherein the course information display area includes a course information display area in which course displays representing all courses are displayed so as to be arranged in time series in one direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the display unit. 2. The clothing processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit displays, on the course selection screen, a setting change key that is the operation key for transitioning to a course detail screen for setting the content of the course. . 3. The clothing according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the process information display area to function as a setting change key that is the operation key for transitioning to a course detail screen for setting the content of the course. processing equipment. The clothing processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit displays a start key, which is the operation key for starting the operation, on the course selection screen.

Images