KR102248073B1 - laundry machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a laundry device, and to a laundry device having a convenient user interface. More specifically, the present invention relates to a washing apparatus that concentrates a user interface and provides a simple and intuitive user interface.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, in a laundry apparatus provided to provide a plurality of laundry courses, and to change at least one option of the specific laundry course when a specific laundry course is selected among the plurality of laundry courses, the annular shape A rotary knob assembly including a rotary knob of and provided to allow a user to select the specific washing course; A display area including a display selectively displaying a course screen for the specific washing course selected through the rotary knob and an option screen for changing the option, and provided inside the rotary knob in a radial direction; A single variable type input unit provided to be selected by a user separately from the rotary knob, having a plurality of input information and selectively displaying the plurality of input information; In addition, there may be provided a washing apparatus including a control unit for controlling the single variable input unit so that input information displayed by the single variable input unit is different according to the course screen and the option screen displayed on the display.

Description

Laundry machine

The present invention relates to a laundry device, and to a laundry device having a convenient user interface. More specifically, the present invention relates to a washing apparatus that concentrates a user interface and provides a simple and intuitive user interface.

A washing machine for washing clothes is a typical washing machine, and a dryer for drying clothes can also be referred to as a washing machine. Of course, a laundry and dryer that can wash and dry clothes can also be called a laundry device.

Recently, a refresher that refreshes clothes using hot air or steam instead of washing with water has been released, and this can also be referred to as a washing device.

Hereinafter, in the present specification, a washing machine is mainly described as a representative example of a washing apparatus, and it may be applied to another washing apparatus as long as it is exclusive and does not contradict other apparatuses.

1 shows a control panel of a conventional washing machine.

A control panel is provided for the user interface. Therefore, it is generally provided on the front of the washing machine to facilitate the user's access and operation. The control panel may be provided with an input unit or a selection unit such as various buttons for user manipulation, and various display units to provide information to the user. All of these input units, selection units, and display units may be referred to as user interfaces.

The main function of the washing machine is laundry. Accordingly, a course selection unit 110 or a main function selection unit for selecting various laundry courses is provided, and the user selects a course through this. For example, the course selection unit 110 may be provided in the form of a rotary knob. In order to facilitate the user's selection of a course, the control panel 100 may be provided with a course display unit 111, and the user may select a desired washing course by manipulating the course selection unit 110 to correspond to the course display unit. When the course selection unit 110 is operated, the course selected through the course display unit 111 can be identified.

In FIG. 1, a course display unit 111 in which various washing courses are displayed around the rotary knob 110 is shown, and a user may select a washing course corresponding to the rotary knob 110 by rotating the rotary knob 110. A display unit 121 for displaying the selected washing course may be provided, through which the user can easily grasp the selected washing course. That is, through the course display unit 111 and the LED display unit 121 that flashes corresponding thereto, the user can easily recognize the selected washing course. The course display unit 111 may be provided in a printed form on the front surface of the control panel.

The option selection unit 120 may be provided to select an optional function added or changed in performing the above-described main function. The option selection unit 120 may be provided in various ways. In FIG. 1, as an example, options for washing (120a), rinsing (120b), dehydration (120c), water temperature (120d), drying (120e), steam (122), and reservation (123) can be selected. The input unit 120 is shown. An option display unit 122 indicating whether such an option is selected may also be provided, and similarly, it may be implemented through an LED or the like.

The control panel 100 may include a state display unit 130 that displays the state of the washing machine. The state display unit 130 may display a current operating state of the washing machine, a user's course or option selection state, time information, and the like. In general, the status display unit 130 may be provided as a liquid crystal display.

For example, if the washing machine currently performs the rinsing step, it may be displayed as "in the rinsing step". In addition, when waiting for a user's input of a course, it may be displayed as "Please enter a laundry course". In addition, the current time or the remaining time (remaining time) until the washing machine performs all the washing courses and completes the operation may be displayed.

Meanwhile, the control panel 100 may include a power input unit 140 for applying and releasing power to the washing machine, and a start/pause input unit 150 for executing or temporarily stopping the washing machine operation.

The above-described control panel 100 and a washing apparatus including the same have the following problems.

Due to a space problem of the control panel 100, it is difficult to implement an additional user interface in addition to the configuration for a basic user interface. Of course, it is possible to implement a complex and diverse user interface on the control panel 100, but this has a problem that requires excessive concentration and prior knowledge from the user. In addition, there is a problem in that the washing machine itself is excessively expensive because it is difficult to manufacture the control panel 100 or a high-capacity memory is required.

In addition, since each of the selection units 110 and 120 and the display units 111, 121, and 122 is in a preset or set state, there is a problem that it is not easy to expand for an additional function. In addition, these various selection units 110 and 120 are exposed to the user as they are. That is, not only the required selection unit but also the unnecessary selection unit are exposed to the user at a specific time. Therefore, there is a problem in that the various functions provided by the washing machine are not used if the user is not an experienced user.

In addition, since the number of the selection units 110 and 120 and the display units 111, 121 and 122 are large and scattered, there is a problem that the user interface is very inconvenient. That is, it is because the information input to the washing apparatus can be grasped only when the gaze is fixed on each of the components.

Recently, a lot of minimal design is adopted in the design of home appliances. In addition, there is an increasing demand for a simple and intuitive user interface rather than a complex user interface. However, it is not easy to implement a simple and intuitive user interface in a laundry machine. This is because a simple and intuitive user interface must be provided while at least all of the user interfaces shown in FIG. 1 are included. In addition, this is because there is a need to allow a user familiar with the conventional user interface to adapt to the new user interface without much difficulty.

Due to these various difficulties, it was not easy to change the conventional user interface.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 1, the number of courses basically provided by the washing apparatus is preset. For example, 12 washing courses are shown in FIG. 1. Accordingly, it is difficult to add a new laundry course, and even if it is added, the added course is inevitably selected through a separate option button or the like without going through the course selection unit 110. That is, although the course is selected at the same level, the course must be selected through a selection unit other than the course selection unit 110 (for example, the shoe refresh course 124) in some cases. For this reason, when the user is not a very skilled user There is a problem that it is not easy to use the added laundry course.

The present invention basically aims to solve the above-described problem.

Through an embodiment of the present invention, it is intended to provide a washing apparatus having a simple and intuitive user interface.

An object of the present invention is to provide a washing apparatus that facilitates selection of a washing course and an option linked to the selected washing course. In addition, by visually showing the selected information to the user at the same time as the selection, it is intended to provide a washing apparatus with improved ease of use.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is intended to provide a washing apparatus capable of implementing a minimalist design by focusing on a specific location without the user interface being scattered on the control panel.

An embodiment of the present invention is to provide a washing apparatus capable of reducing the number of input units by providing a single variable input unit.

Through an embodiment of the present invention, even if a new course is added, it is intended to provide a washing apparatus that can be easily checked and used.

An object of the present invention is to provide a washing apparatus capable of excluding or minimizing characters printed on a control panel or various input units through an embodiment of the present invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is intended to provide a washing apparatus in which course selection and option selection are easy through a screen of a display.

In order to achieve the above object, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of laundry courses are provided, and when a specific laundry course is selected among the plurality of laundry courses, at least one or more options of the specific laundry course can be changed. A laundry apparatus comprising: a rotary knob assembly including an annular rotary knob and provided to allow a user to select the specific washing course; A display area including a display selectively displaying a course screen for the specific washing course selected through the rotary knob and an option screen for changing the option, and provided inside the rotary knob in a radial direction; A single variable type input unit provided to be selected by a user separately from the rotary knob, having a plurality of input information and selectively displaying the plurality of input information; In addition, there may be provided a washing apparatus including a control unit for controlling the single variable input unit so that input information displayed by the single variable input unit varies according to the course screen and the option screen displayed on the display.

It is preferable that the control unit determines that input information displayed by the variable input unit is input when the single variable input unit is selected.

The plurality of input information may be distinguished from each other through a vertical arrangement or a left and right arrangement in a single variable input unit.

The single variable input unit may include a plurality of light transmitting units respectively corresponding to the plurality of input information; A plurality of light sources corresponding to each of the plurality of light transmitting units; A single touch unit; And it may include a single switch corresponding to the single touch unit. The light transmitting part may be formed in an icon shape. Therefore, when light is emitted to the outside through the light transmitting part, the user can easily visually grasp the shape of the icon. For example, a plurality of icons may be arranged in a vertical arrangement. In this case, when light is emitted only through any one icon, the user can clearly grasp input information corresponding to the icon from which the light is emitted.

The single touch unit may be spaced apart by a user's touch and may be in the form of pressing the single switch through this. Therefore, the single switch may be a tact switch.

It is preferable that the control unit selectively control the brightness of the plurality of light sources so that specific input information among a plurality of input information of the single variable input unit is recognized by the user. It is preferable that the positions of the plurality of input information are different from each other. Therefore, it is preferable that the positions of the light sources corresponding to the respective input information are also different from each other. Of course, such a plurality of input information is preferably formed at different positions in a single variable input unit. Therefore, due to the difference in brightness of the plurality of light sources, specific input information may be visually prominent compared to other input information.

The controller may control the brightness of the light source at two levels of a maximum and a minimum, or three levels of a maximum, a middle, and a minimum.

It is preferable that the plurality of input information of the single variable input unit include entry of a reservation option when a specific washing course screen is displayed on the display and completion of option setting when an option screen is displayed on the display.

Preferably, the control unit controls the display to switch from the specific washing course screen to an option screen for setting reservation when the single variable input unit is selected to enter the reservation option.

Preferably, the control unit controls the display to switch from the option screen for reservation setting to the specific washing course screen when the single variable input unit is selected to complete the option setting.

The option may include at least one of a washing water temperature, a washing strength, a rinsing frequency, and a spin-drying strength, which are variably set within the specific washing course.

The option may include a reservation for delaying the end time of the specific washing course and variably setting the delayed time.

The display area may include the single variable input unit.

The display area may include a plurality of option selection units provided one-to-one to individually select the temperature, washing strength, rinsing frequency, and spin-drying strength of the washing water.

Preferably, the control unit controls the display to switch to an option screen for changing the selected specific option from the specific washing course screen when a specific option selection unit is selected among the option selection units.

The control unit determines that the specific option is set when the single variable input unit is input when the information of the specific option is displayed on the option screen, and controls the display to switch from the option screen to the specific washing course screen. This is desirable.

Each of the option selection units may include a light transmitting unit; A light source corresponding to the light transmitting unit; And it may include a touch sensing unit. The light transmitting part may be formed in an icon shape. In other words, the light transmitting part itself may have an icon shape. The light source may be an LED.

The controller may control the brightness of the light source to three levels of maximum, medium and minimum.

For example, you may need to select a default option on a course screen. Therefore, at this time, the icon is visible through the light transmitting part of the option selector. Accordingly, the user can intuitively select the option selector on the course screen and grasp which option is available.

You do not need to select the default option on the reservation options screen. Therefore, it is preferable that the option selection unit related to the basic option selection is not visible. That is, light is not transmitted through the light transmitting part of the option selection part. In other words, this is because the light source is controlled to be Off. In other words, when the basic option selection is impossible, information related to the basic option is not exposed.

When a specific option selector is selected from among a plurality of option selectors, it is preferable that the LED corresponding thereto is controlled brighter than the LED corresponding to the other option selector. Accordingly, through the brightness control, the user can easily visually grasp what is the currently selected option or the option to be changed.

The display area may be formed to have the same black background screen. This display area may include a display, a single variable input unit, and an option selection unit. In addition, the display, the single variable input unit, and the option selection unit may be partitioned from each other and provided.

Includes an annular decor provided outside the radial direction of the rotary knob, and the decor includes a plurality of icon-shaped light transmitting parts representing each washing course along a circumferential direction, and a plurality of light transmitting parts corresponding to each of the light transmitting parts It is preferable that two light sources are provided.

An additional icon is provided in the decor, and the additional icon may correspond to a washing course added in addition to a washing course basically provided by the washing apparatus. Of course, the additional icon may correspond to a washing course with a low frequency of use.

The decor may be provided with a power input unit and a start/pause input unit.

The control unit controls the brightness of the light source, and when the specific course is selected through the rotary knob, the control unit controls the brightness of the light source corresponding to the specific washing course to be brighter than that of the light sources corresponding to other washing courses. desirable.

In the user interface of the laundry apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, printing of characters corresponding to a specific language may be excluded. That is, it is preferable that the language for the user interface is not printed on the control panel. These languages may be excluded and icons not related to language may be provided.

On the other hand, the language displayed on the display can be variously modified. This is because this is a software problem, not a hardware problem. Accordingly, the user interface of the laundry apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention can be flexibly used for various languages without changing hardware.

The rotary knob assembly may include a rotary knob and an encoder. Since the display area is provided inside the rotary knob in the radial direction, it is difficult to directly connect the rotary knob to the encoder. Accordingly, in order to connect the rotary knob to the encoder, the rotary knob assembly may include a display mounting unit and an encoder mounting unit.

It is preferable that the display mounting part is located at the rear of the rotary knob, and the encoder mounting part is located outside the display mounting part in a radial direction. Both can be connected to each other by gear meshing. Through this, the rotation of the rotary knob may be sequentially transmitted to the display mounting unit, the encoder mounting unit, and the encoder.

The rotary knob, the window forming the display area, the single touch part of the single variable input part, and the decor may be exposed in front of the control panel. In addition, other components of the rotary knob assembly described above may be located inside the control panel.

Therefore, only a minimum user interface can be exposed on the front of the control panel or the cabinet. In addition, the exposed user interface is substantially concentrated on the rotary knob. Through this, concentration of the user interface and minimal design can be realized.

On the other hand, through an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to maintain the sensitivity of a conventional rotary knob for selecting a course and a button for selecting a basic option as it is.

In order to achieve the above object, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an annular rotary knob provided to select a washing course; A display selectively displaying a course screen for the specific washing course selected through the rotary knob and an option screen for changing an option for performing the specific washing course; It is possible to provide a washing apparatus comprising a single variable input unit having a plurality of input information and selectively displaying the plurality of input information, and both the display and the single variable input unit are located radially inside the rotary knob. have.

In order to achieve the above object, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an annular rotary knob provided to select a washing course; A display selectively displaying a course screen for the specific washing course selected through the rotary knob and an option screen for changing an option for performing the specific washing course; In addition, it is possible to provide a washing apparatus including a single variable input unit that has a plurality of input information and displays input information displayed when the course screen and the input information displayed when the option screen are different from each other.

A display area formed inside the rotary knob in a radial direction may be included.

In the display area, the display and the single variable input unit may be partitioned and positioned from each other.

The plurality of input information may be displayed by transmitting light from a plurality of light transmitting units formed at different positions on the front surface of the single variable input unit. Specifically, the user can intuitively grasp input information corresponding to the specific light transmitting unit by allowing light to be transmitted only from a specific light transmitting unit or to transmit light brighter than light transmitted from other light transmitting units.

Meanwhile, a basic option selector may be included in the display area. The basic option selection unit may be provided to be partitioned from the display. The display may be provided only for a display, and the basic option selection unit may be provided so that a user can select it through a touch.

The basic option selection unit may be provided to select the temperature of the washing water, the degree of washing intensity, the number of times of rinsing, and the degree of spin-drying, respectively. Each of the basic option selection units may include a light transmission unit.

Through an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing apparatus having a simple and intuitive user interface.

An object of the present invention is to provide a washing apparatus that facilitates selection of a washing course and an option linked to the selected washing course. And, by visually showing the selected information to the user at the same time as the selection, it is possible to provide a washing apparatus with improved ease of use.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing apparatus capable of implementing a minimalist design by focusing on a specific location without the user interface being scattered on the control panel.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing apparatus capable of reducing the number of input units by providing a single variable input unit.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, even if a new course is added, it is possible to provide a washing apparatus that can be easily checked and used.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a washing apparatus capable of excluding or minimizing characters printed on a control panel or various input units may be provided.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing apparatus capable of intuitively grasping a current state of a user interface by controlling the brightness of a light source corresponding to various icons in multiple stages.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing apparatus capable of effectively selecting a course through the rotary knob while having a display inside the rotary knob in the radial direction.

1 is a front view of a user interface in a conventional laundry machine;
2 is a front view showing an example of a user interface according to the present embodiment;
3 is a front view showing an example of a reservation option screen displayed in the user interface of FIG. 2;
4 is a front view showing an example in which a rinsing option screen is displayed in the user interface of FIG. 2;
5 is a front view showing an example of displaying an additional course screen in the user interface of FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is a front view showing another example in which an additional course screen is displayed in the user interface of FIG. 2;
7 is a perspective view showing a relationship between the user interface of FIG. 2 and the control panel; And
8 is an exploded perspective view of the user interface of FIG. 2.

Hereinafter, a washing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In particular, the user interface of the laundry apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail.

2 shows a user interface 300 of a washing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The user interface 300 may be provided in a control panel 200 (refer to FIG. 7) of the washing apparatus or a cabinet forming the outer shape of the washing apparatus. Of course, the control panel 200 may be a part of a cabinet forming the outer shape of the laundry apparatus, and may be mounted on the cabinet.

As shown, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a user interface 300 in which a conventional complex and various input units or selection units and a display are concentrated around a rotary knob 410 and a washing apparatus including the same.

That is, according to the present embodiment, unlike the conventional user interface illustrated in FIG. 1, various input units or displays are not scattered, and a user interface having a minimum input unit centered on the rotary knob 410 can be implemented. In addition, through such a user interface, it is possible to include substantially all of the conventional user interface functions or to easily add them.

The washing apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment may include a display area 430 disposed radially inside the annular rotary knob 410. The display area 430 may include a display 440. The display 440 may be provided to display course information and option information.

The display 440 may be implemented as a liquid crystal display and may be implemented as an LCD, LED or OLED display. Of course, it may be implemented as a touch display, such as a display of a smartphone.

However, when the display is implemented as a touch display, the production cost may be excessively increased due to the display. In addition, since the high performance of the processor constituting the control unit is required, the production cost may increase excessively. Therefore, it may be desirable to have a liquid crystal display capable of displaying simple characters or figures.

Specifically, the display 440 is for a specific washing course selected through the rotary knob. The course screen and the option screen for changing options can be selectively displayed. Of course, the display 440 may display not only a course screen and an option screen, but also a guide screen (not shown) or a course progress screen (not shown).

It is preferable that the washing apparatus according to the present embodiment provides a plurality of washing courses. The user selects a specific course from among a plurality of laundry courses according to the purpose of the laundry or the type of laundry. 2 shows an example in which 10 washing courses are basically provided. The number of washing courses can be known through the number of icons 425. In addition, as described later, at least one new washing course may be added through the additional icon 427.

The user may select a specific washing course from among a plurality of washing courses through the rotary knob 410. When the user holds and rotates the rotary knob 410, a course selected in a preset order may be changed. The selection of a course through the rotary knob 410 is similar to that shown in FIG. 1. Accordingly, a user who is accustomed to selecting a course through the rotary knob 410 can minimize the burden or difficulty of a new user interface.

When power is applied to the washing apparatus, an initial guide screen may be displayed on the display 440. For example, an initial guide screen with the phrase "Please select a laundry course" may be displayed.

As the user rotates the rotary knob 410 to select a course, a plurality of washing courses may be sequentially displayed on the display 440. The screen at this time may be referred to as a course screen. FIG. 2 shows a course screen providing information on a "standard laundry" course as an example of a course screen. When the user rotates the rotary knob 410 an additional pitch on the course screen of the standard laundry course, a course screen corresponding to the next course may be displayed on the display. Therefore, it can be said that the course displayed on the course screen is basically selected.

In the course screen, not only the name of the course but also various information on the selected specific course may be displayed. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, information on power consumption, course execution time, and administration within the course may be displayed.

The user can intuitively check the selected course information through the display 440 provided inside the rotary knob 410 for selecting the course. In other words, it is possible to easily check the selected course information without distracting or distracting the eyes.

Meanwhile, the language displayed on the display may be variously changed. That is, each language can be easily changed by software. In particular, the course name is determined according to each language, and even if the language is different, it is possible to easily cope with it without changing the hardware.

In the control panel shown in FIG. 1, the course name is provided in a printed form on the front of the control panel. A laundry machine manufactured by a single laundry machine manufacturer can be sold not only in Korea, but also in several countries with various languages. In this case, a problem arises in that the hardware needs to be changed according to each language. However, due to the radially inner side of the rotary knob 410 or the display surrounded by the rotary knob 410, it is possible to easily cope with the different languages with software. This may mean that there is no need to manufacture a control panel for each language.

In general, the washing course may include a washing operation, a rinsing operation and a spin-drying operation. Of course, at least one of the steps may be omitted depending on the course. In addition, depending on the course, for example, the execution time, the number of times, and the drum driving pattern of each of the strokes may be preset differently from each other.

In addition, each washing course has a basic set value. For example, the default setting value of the standard washing course shown in FIG. 2 has a washing water temperature of 60° C., a standard washing strength, three rinsing times, and strong dehydration. It is preferable that these basic settings can be set differently for each course and can be changed. Of course, this change may be restricted to certain courses.

After selecting a specific course among a plurality of washing courses, the user may select the start/pause input unit 421. This form can be said to be the most basic form of use of the washing machine. That is, when the start is input, the washing apparatus starts driving according to the selected specific course, sequentially performs preset strokes, and then ends the course.

As described above, various options can be selected for the laundry course. That is, various options for changing a preset value or condition may be selected. The selection of this option can be carried out on the premise of the selection of a specific washing course.

Such an option may include at least one of changing conditions of each of the administrations included in the course, performing additional administrations, and changing the completion time of the course (reservation setting).

In general, options may be provided to change the temperature of the washing water, the washing strength, the number of times of rinsing, and the spinning strength. Each of these options can be changed by selecting any one of a plurality of values. These four options can be called basic options.

For example, the dehydration strength option may be provided to select any one of strong, medium and low. Of course, it may be provided to select any one by varying the rotational RPM of the drum from each other. The rinsing frequency option may be provided to select any one of a value of 5 steps from no rinsing to 4 rinsing times.

Options may include reservation options. The reservation option may refer to an option of delaying the point at which the course ends. For example, when a specific course that takes 2 hours is selected, the time point at which the course ends may be set to 4 hours after the present. In this case, the washing apparatus may have a waiting time of 2 hours and may be terminated by performing a selected course for the remaining 2 hours. This reservation option is very useful if you are out for a long time. That is, it is possible to set the laundry to be terminated according to the time to return home. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the laundry from being left in the laundry apparatus for a long time while waiting for the laundry to be finished or after washing has been finished.

In this embodiment, in order to provide an intuitive and minimal user interface, a washing apparatus having a single variable input unit 460 may be provided.

The single variable input unit 460 may be provided to select any one of a plurality of input information 461 and 462 according to a selection time point. That is, one input unit may be provided to perform a plurality of functions. The single variable input unit 460 may be provided to be selected by a user separately from the rotary knob 410. The single variable input unit 460 may be provided as a button selected by a user touching or pressing.

Specifically, the single variable input unit 460 may be provided to have a plurality of input information and to selectively display the plurality of input information 461 and 462. In other words, it is preferable to visually display the meaning of the selection of the single variable input unit 460 at the present time point.

2 shows an example in which a clock-shaped icon 461 is displayed on the single variable input unit 460. Through the clock-shaped icon, it can be seen that the input information is related to time, and more specifically, to reservation. Accordingly, the user can intuitively grasp the input information of reservation by looking at the clock-shaped icon 461.

For example, the user may select the single variable input unit 460 on the course screen “standard laundry” shown in FIG. 2. This can be said to directly reflect the user's intention to delay the time point at which the standard washing course is performed and terminated after selecting "standard washing".

When the input unit 460 on which the input information (ie, a clock-shaped icon) is displayed is selected, the display 440 switches from the course screen to the option screen. That is, an option screen for changing an option is displayed. In this case, the single variable type input unit 460 may be said to be provided for reservation entry. In addition, the display may be said to be provided to selectively display a course screen and an option screen.

3 shows an example of a "option screen" for changing a reservation option. That is, when a single variable input unit 460 displaying reservation information is selected on the course screen, the display displays an option screen for setting reservation as shown in FIG. 3. In other words, the reservation option screen is displayed to change the reservation time. In this case, a clock shape may be displayed and a current time may be displayed. Also, a preset course name and completion time may be displayed. The completion time can be said to mean how many hours after the present washing is finished. Assuming that the screen is switched from FIG. 2 to FIG. 3, it means that the standard course starts after a delay of 2 hours and 20 minutes from the present. And, it means that the standard course is performed for 1 hour and 10 minutes and ends 3 hours and 30 minutes from the present.

The reservation change or delay time change may be performed by turning the rotary knob 410. That is, in an option screen other than a course screen, particularly an option screen for changing a reservation, the rotary knob 410 may be said to be a means for changing the reservation time. For example, as the rotary knob 410 is rotated by 1 pitch in the clockwise direction, the delay time may increase by 10 minutes or 30 minutes, for example. In the opposite direction, the delay time can be reduced by 10 or 30 minutes by 1 pitch. Of course, it would be desirable that the delay time setting range and unit are preset.

After the user determines the reservation time through the rotary knob 410 as an example, the user may input an intention that the reservation setting has been completed through the single variable input unit 460. That is, an input indicating that the reservation setting has been completed may be input through the single variable input unit 460. In this case, the single variable input unit 460 may be said to be provided to complete setting of a reservation option, for example.

When the single variable input unit 460 is selected to complete the reservation option setting, the display switches from the option screen to the course screen and displays it. Of course, the time information shown in FIG. 2 may be changed from 1 hour 10 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes.

Accordingly, the single variable input unit 460 may be provided to selectively perform option entry for option change and option setting completion after option change. That is, in some cases, it is possible to select a plurality of inputs or functions through one input unit 460. Through this, it is possible to prevent an increase in the number of input units. In addition, a time point for selecting a course and a time point for selecting an option after selecting a course may be distinguished to induce a user to input necessary input. In addition, since the meaning of selecting the single variable input unit is visually displayed according to the viewpoint, it is possible to prevent the user from being mistaken and confused. In addition, since such input information is displayed on the single variable input unit 460 itself, the user can more intuitively grasp the meaning of selecting the input unit 460.

Meanwhile, as described above, the distinction between a course selection time point and an option selection time point after the course selection may be the same as that of the course screen display time point and the option screen display time point in the display.

For example, it is preferable to display the time icon 461 on the course screen and the OK display 462 on the option screen. The control unit may control the input information displayed by the single variable input unit to be different by dividing the screen displayed on the display.

That is, it is preferable that the control unit controls the input information corresponding to each course screen to be displayed on the single variable input unit. In addition, when the single variable input unit 460 is selected, it is preferable that the control unit determines that input information displayed by the single variable input unit is input. For example, when a single variable input unit 460 is input while the reservation option entry information is displayed, the controller controls the display to display an option screen for changing the reservation option. In addition, when the single variable input unit 460 is input while the setting completion information is displayed, the controller controls the display to display the course screen. Of course, it is preferable that the course screen at this time be a course screen in which the changed option is reflected.

Two icons 461 and 462 may be arranged vertically in one single variable input unit 460 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Of course, it can also be arranged left and right. And, the two icons may be selectively displayed.

The selective display of the plurality of input information may be implemented through control of a light source. For example, it can be implemented by controlling the brightness of the LED. Details about this will be described later.

Meanwhile, the single variable input unit 460 is preferably provided inside the rotary knob 410 in the radial direction. That is, it is preferable that the display area 430 includes not only the display 440 but also a single variable input unit 460. Accordingly, an intuitive input is possible while minimizing the movement of the user's gaze.

As described above, options may include basic options as well as reservation options. In other words, you can change the default options within a particular laundry course. Option selection units 471 to 474 may be provided to change these basic options. 2 shows four basic option selection units, and the number of these basic options may vary. The option selection units 471 to 474 may be implemented in the same or similar button shape as the single variable input unit 460. This will be described later.

In the course screen illustrated in FIG. 2, the user may select an option selector 473 corresponding to the rinse option in order to change the rinse option, for example. The selection of the option selection unit 473 may be performed by a user pressing or touching the option selection unit 473. When the rinsing option selection unit 473 is selected, an option screen for changing a rinsing option is displayed on the display 440. That is, when the rinse option selector 473 is input, the controller controls the display 440 to display an option screen corresponding thereto. 4 shows an example of an option screen for changing a rinsing option.

On the screen shown in FIG. 4, the user can select a desired rinse option. That is, it is possible to select a rinsing number different from the preset rinsing number. For example, the default setting of 3 rinse cycles can be set to 2 times.

The change of the number of rinses may be performed through the rotary knob 410. As the rotary knob 410 is turned, the number of times of rinsing may be sequentially changed. For example, when the number of rinsing times is changed from 3 times to 2 times, the rotary knob 410 may be rotated by 1 pitch in the counterclockwise direction.

Also, the change of the number of rinsing may be performed by pressing the rinsing option selection unit 473. Each time the user presses the rinsing option selection unit 473, the number of rinsing may be sequentially changed.

After changing the number of rinses, the user may input a single variable input unit 460 on the screen shown in FIG. 4. That is, the selection of a specific number of rinsing times may be completed by inputting the single variable input unit 460. In this case, it is preferable that the single variable input unit 460 displays OK information as an example, similar to the completion of the reservation option setting described above. That is, it is preferable to display OK information indicating completion of the rinsing option setting.

Therefore, it is preferable to display input information indicating that the option setting is completed in the single variable input unit on the option screen for changing the option. It is desirable that this also applies to other options such as wash water temperature, wash strength and spin strength.

4 shows an option screen for changing the rinsing option. Therefore, it is preferable that the rinse option selection unit 473 is displayed brighter than the other option selection units 471, 472, and 474. Of course, it may not be possible to select an option on the reservation setting screen as shown in FIG. 2. Therefore, it is preferable that the selection units 471 to 474 are not displayed on the reservation setting screen.

Meanwhile, as described above, it can be seen that both selection of a washing course and selection of an option can be performed in the rotary knob 410 and the display area 430. In other words, the user's hand and gaze for the user interface can be concentrated in a specific area without being distracted, making it convenient to use.

That is, since the operation of the rotary knob 410 and the screen by the display inside the rotary knob are immediately changed accordingly, the user interface can be performed very easily. In addition, selection and change of an option and completion of option setting may be performed in the display area inside the rotary knob 410. Due to this, the user interface can be performed very easily.

Meanwhile, a course indicator 121 is provided outside the rotary knob 110 shown in FIG. 1 in the radial direction. Accordingly, as the rotary knob 110 is rotated, the position of the emitting course display unit is changed. For the convenience of a user familiar with such a user interface, a similar annular decor 420 and an icon 425 provided in the decor may also be provided in this embodiment. A plurality of icons 425 may be formed to correspond to courses provided by default.

The icon 425 may be formed to intuitively represent each washing course in the form of a figure or a picture. Since the icon 425 is not a language, it may not be affected as the language is changed. In other words, it can be said to be very effective in a minimal design because it is independent of the language of the place where the laundry machine is sold.

The icon 425 may be referred to as an auxiliary means for facilitating course selection. In the present embodiment, the icon 425 may be provided to visually display information on a specific washing course selected as a prerequisite in a process of changing an option or the like to the user.

Meanwhile, the decor 420 may include an additional icon 427 as well as an icon representing each washing course. The additional icon 427 may be said to correspond to a washing course added in addition to the washing course basically provided by the washing apparatus.

As the material of clothing becomes more diverse and the frequency of use of functional clothing increases, a new washing course needs to be provided. In this case, a new washing course must be added to the washing apparatus, but it is not easy to change the conventional user interface.

When a new washing course is added, there is a problem that such information cannot be easily exposed to the user. Therefore, there is also a problem that the addition of a new washing course is not attempted.

In order to solve this problem, in an embodiment of the present invention, a user can easily check and use an added laundry course through an additional icon rather than a text.

In addition, among the conventionally provided laundry courses, there may be a laundry course with a very low frequency of use. Washing courses with a low frequency of use need not always be exposed to users. However, it may not be advisable to exclude less frequent washing courses. Accordingly, it is possible to correspond to the additional icon 427 a washing course in which the frequency of use is low. Through this, it is possible to prevent the number of icons 425 from deteriorating due to excessively large number of icons.

In other words, the additional icon 427 may correspond to a basic laundry course with a low frequency in addition to a new laundry course and/or a basic laundry course with a high frequency of use, in addition to the basic laundry course.

For example, when the user turns the rotary knob 410, each basic icon is sequentially displayed brighter. Thereafter, when the rotary knob 410 is further rotated, the additional icon is displayed brighter. At this time, a course corresponding to the additional icon is displayed on the display 440.

In the case of three new courses, the additional icon may still be displayed brighter until the rotary knob 410 is rotated 2 pitches. Of course, when the rotor pin 410 is rotated one pitch, a new course corresponding to this will be displayed on the display.

5 shows a swimsuit course as an example of the added new course. Therefore, the user can easily use a new course added through the additional icon. This may mean that no hardware changes are required for the user interface. Therefore, it is very easy to add, select, and use a new course while maintaining the conventional course selection method.

Meanwhile, the suit course may be a course provided by default. The frequency of use of courses for washing clothing can be very low. Therefore, it is also possible to correspond to the additional icon 427 such a course in which the frequency of use is low. Through this, it is possible to prevent a washing course with a low frequency of use from being always exposed to the user.

6 shows a swimsuit course as an example of an added new course. In this case, unlike in FIG. 5, a phrase describing the course may be displayed instead of the course name. Of course, the screens shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 may be displayed alternately. Meanwhile, in the case of an added course, it may be clearly displayed on the display 440. 5 and 6 illustrate examples clearly indicating that the course is added through the phrase "NEW".

As described above, the icon 425 provided on the decor 420 may be referred to as an additional means for facilitating course selection. Therefore, it is preferable that the icon corresponding to the selected washing course is visually different compared to other icons.

FIG. 2 shows an example in which an icon corresponding to a "standard laundry" course is displayed more outwardly than other icons.

When power is applied to the washing machine, it is common that the washing course is selected first. Therefore, when power is applied, it is preferable that all icons corresponding to a plurality of washing courses are displayed with the same brightness first. In addition, as the rotary knob 410 is rotated, it is preferable that only icons corresponding to the washing course corresponding thereto are displayed brighter.

Therefore, it is preferable that not only the icon 425 but also the degree of brightness of the additional icon 427 is controlled to be plural. For example, it can be controlled at the lowest level (or OFF state), the middle level, and the highest level.

It may be the lowest level in a state in which power is not applied and in a state in which the washing course cannot be selected. It can be of an intermediate level with a choice of laundry courses. And, it may be the highest level in the state selected as the washing course.

In FIG. 2, since the standard washing course is selected, the icons for the standard washing course are at the highest level, and the remaining icons are at the intermediate level. That is, in this state, it means that the washing course can be changed. Therefore, it is possible to intuitively grasp the current state through the difference in the brightness level of the icons.

3 and 4 illustrate examples in which a reservation option change and a rinsing option change are performed on the premise that a standard washing course is selected. Since this option change already presupposes the selection of the standard laundry course, it is impossible to change the course at this point. Accordingly, the icons for the standard washing course are displayed at the highest level and the remaining icons are displayed at the lowest level. Thus, the user can clearly grasp the relationship between the course selection and the option selection.

The icons 425 and 427 may be implemented through the light transmitting unit 426. Similarly, input information of the above-described single variable input unit may be implemented through the light transmitting unit.

As shown in FIG. 2, the decor 420 may be provided with a power input unit 422 and a start/pause input unit 421. The input units 421 and 422 may be provided in the form of a button. The positions of the input units 421 and 422 substantially mean that all of the user interface 300 can be concentrated on the rotary knob 410. Icons representing the input units 421 and 422 may also be implemented through a light transmitting unit.

Meanwhile, the display area 430 preferably includes a display 440, option selectors 471 to 474, and a single variable input unit 460. That is, it is preferable that the display area 430 is divided into a plurality of pieces.

Accordingly, it can be said that the circular area inside the radial direction of the rotary knob 410 is divided into a display 440, an option selector 471 to 474, and a single variable input unit 460. In addition, when a rectangular display is used, the display area 430 may further include a dummy area 450.

It is preferable that the display area 430 has a background screen of the same color. For example, it is desirable to have a black background. That is, the entire radially inner side of the rotary knob 410 may be implemented as a single black display. Of course, it is desirable that only part of the display is actually a display. Therefore, it is possible to realize a feeling of satisfaction and design as if using a touch display without having an expensive touch display.

This black display effect may be more pronounced through the above-described light transmitting units. This is because light is not transmitted through the light transmitting part when power is not applied. That is, it is because all the icons shown in FIG. 2 may appear as if disappeared. That is, light is not transmitted from the light transmitting unit corresponding to the option selection units 471 to 474 and the light transmitting unit corresponding to the single variable input unit 460. In addition, the display 440 is also turned off. Accordingly, the display area can be viewed as if it is a black display. In addition, light is not transmitted through the light transmitting unit 426 corresponding to the washing course icons 425 and 427. Through this, it is possible to implement a minimalist design without characters or languages in a printed form on the front of the control panel.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the structure of the user interface 300 described above will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

7 illustrates a positional relationship between the control panel 200 and the user interface 300. The rotary knob 410 and the decor 420 are exposed on the front surface of the control panel 200, and the remaining components may be located inside the control panel 200. In addition, the display area 430 is exposed from the front of the control panel 200 so that the user can access it.

The rotary knob 410 is rotatably provided, and the display area 430 provided inside the rotary knob 410 in the radial direction is not rotated.

The rotation of the rotary knob 410 is transmitted to the display mounting unit 436, and the rotation of the display mounting unit 436 is transmitted to the encoder mounting unit 437 again. The encoder 439 rotates due to the rotation of the encoder mounting part 437. The rotation signal of the encoder 439 is transmitted to the control unit 435. The control unit may be implemented through a controller mounted on a PCB.

A display 440 may be positioned inside the display mounting part 436 in the radial direction. Although the display mounting part 436 rotates, the display 440 is preferably fixed so as not to rotate. That is, it can be said that the rotary knob 410 and the display mounting unit 436 are rotatably provided with respect to the display area 430. For this reason, it is difficult to position the encoder 439 behind the rotary knob 410. Therefore, in order to transmit the rotation of the rotary knob 410 to the encoder 439, it is preferable to position the encoder mounting part 437 outside the display mounting part 436 in the radial direction.

The display mounting part 436 and the encoder mounting part 437 may be provided to mesh with each other in a gear shape. This allows rotation to be transmitted.

8 is an exploded perspective view of the user interface 300 shown in FIG. 7.

A portion of the rotary knob 410 may be inserted inside the decor 420 in the radial direction to be connected to the display mounting unit 436. A window 431 and a single touch unit 462a of the single variable input unit 462 are positioned on the front surface of the display area 430.

An input unit housing 432 and an LED PCB 433 may be positioned behind the window 431 and the single touch unit 462.

The input unit housing 432 may be equipped with four touch sensing units 471a corresponding to the optional input units 471 to 474 and a tact switch 462b corresponding to the single touch unit 462a.

The LED PCB 433 may be provided with a plurality of LEDs 471b and a plurality of LEDs 462c and 462d corresponding to the single touch unit 462 as light sources respectively corresponding to the option input units 471 to 474. have.

Four LEDs 471b may be provided to correspond to each of the four basic options, and their brightness may be controlled differently. Likewise, the brightness of the LEDs 462c and 462d may be controlled differently from each other so as to selectively display input information from the single variable input unit 462.

A main PCB constituting the control unit 435 may be provided at the rear of the decor 420, and a plurality of LEDs 425a corresponding to each washing course may be provided on the main PCB. In addition, an LED supporter 434 may be positioned between the LED 425a and the decor 420.

Meanwhile, a light transmitting part is formed in the window 431, the single touch part 462a of the single variable input part, and the decor 420. The light transmitting part itself may be in the form of an icon. That is, light can be substantially transmitted only through the icon-shaped portion. Accordingly, the current state can be visually displayed by differently controlling the brightness of light transmitted through the icon.

These light-transmitting portions may correspond to respective light sources. Of course, the light source can be an LED. It is preferable that the controller 435 selectively controls the brightness of these light sources. As described above, the level of brightness can be achieved in three stages. In addition, brightness control may be implemented through on/off control or duty ratio control for a plurality of LEDs.

The control of these light sources, especially LEDs, can be said to be in order to show the information displayed through the light transmitting part in a timely manner. That is, in a state where selection or input is required or is possible, light is transmitted through the light transmitting unit to show that selection and input are possible. In addition, it can be shown that any selection and input is possible due to the shape of the icon of the light transmitting part. On the other hand, when selection or input is unnecessary or impossible, light is not transmitted. Therefore, by exposing such information, it is possible to effectively prevent a user from being mistaken and confused.

In particular, in this embodiment, since one input unit selectively shows which input is possible according to the current state, a reduction in the number of input units, convenience of the user, and misunderstanding of the user can be effectively prevented.

300: user interface 400: rotary knob assembly
410: rotary knob 420: decor
430: display area 440: display
460: single variable input unit 471 to 474: option selection unit

Claims (24)

A laundry apparatus provided to provide a plurality of laundry courses, and to change at least one or more options of the specific laundry course when a specific laundry course is selected from among the plurality of laundry courses,
A rotary knob assembly including an annular rotary knob and provided for a user to select the specific washing course;
A display area including a display selectively displaying a course screen for the specific washing course selected through the rotary knob and an option screen for changing the option, and provided inside the rotary knob in a radial direction;
A single variable type input unit provided to be selected by a user separately from the rotary knob, having a plurality of input information and selectively displaying the plurality of input information; And
And a control unit for controlling the single variable input unit so that input information displayed by the single variable input unit varies according to the course screen and the option screen displayed on the display. The method of claim 1,
The control unit, when the single variable input unit is selected, determines that input information displayed by the variable input unit has been input. The method of claim 2,
The single variable input unit,
A plurality of light transmitting units respectively corresponding to the plurality of input information;
A plurality of light sources corresponding to each of the plurality of light transmitting units;
A single touch unit; And
Washing apparatus comprising a single switch corresponding to the single touch unit. The method of claim 3,
Wherein the control unit selectively controls brightness of the plurality of light sources so that specific input information among a plurality of input information of the single variable input unit is recognized by a user. The method of claim 4,
Wherein the control unit controls the brightness of the light source at two levels of a maximum and a minimum, or three levels of a maximum, a middle, and a minimum. The method of claim 2,
The plurality of input information of the single variable input unit,
And entering a reservation option when a specific washing course screen is displayed on the display and completing option setting when an option screen is displayed on the display. The method of claim 6,
And the control unit, when the single variable input unit is selected for entering the reservation option, controls the display to switch from the specific washing course screen to an option screen for setting reservation. The method of claim 7,
And the control unit, when the single variable input unit is selected to complete the option setting, controls the display to switch from the option screen for reservation setting to the specific washing course screen. The method of claim 1,
The option includes a reservation for delaying the end point of the specific washing course and variably setting the delayed time. The method of claim 1,
And the display area includes the single variable input unit. The method of claim 1,
The option includes at least one of a washing water temperature, a washing strength, a rinsing frequency, and a spin-drying strength, which are variably set within the specific washing course. The method of claim 11,
And the display area includes a plurality of option selection units provided one-to-one to individually select a temperature of the washing water, a washing strength, a rinsing frequency, and a spinning strength. The method of claim 12,
And the control unit controls the display to switch to an option screen for changing the selected specific option from the specific washing course screen when a specific option selection unit is selected among the option selection units. The method of claim 13,
When the information of the specific option is displayed on the option screen, the control unit determines that the specific option is set when the single variable input unit is input, and controls the display to switch from the option screen to the specific washing course screen. Washing device, characterized in that. The method of claim 12,
Each of the option selection units,
Light transmitting part;
A light source corresponding to the light transmitting unit; And
Washing apparatus comprising a touch sensing unit. The method of claim 15,
Wherein the control unit controls the brightness of the light source to a maximum, a middle, and a minimum of three levels. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16,
Washing apparatus, characterized in that the display area is formed to have the same black background. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16,
Including an annular decor provided outside the radial direction of the rotary knob,
The decor is provided with a plurality of icon-shaped light transmitting parts representing each washing course along the circumferential direction,
A washing apparatus, characterized in that a plurality of light sources corresponding to each of the light transmitting parts are provided. The method of claim 18,
An additional icon is provided in the decor, and the additional icon corresponds to a washing course added in addition to a washing course basically provided by the washing device. The method of claim 18,
A washing apparatus, characterized in that the decor includes a power input unit and a start/pause input unit. The method of claim 18,
The control unit controls the brightness of the light source, and when the specific course is selected through the rotary knob, the control unit controls the brightness of the light source corresponding to the specific washing course to be brighter than that of the light source corresponding to other washing courses. Washing device characterized by. An annular rotary knob provided to select a washing course;
A display selectively displaying a course screen for the specific washing course selected through the rotary knob and an option screen for changing an option for performing the specific washing course; And
A single variable input unit that has a plurality of input information and displays input information displayed when the course screen and the input information displayed when the option screen are different from each other,
It includes a display area formed inside the radial direction of the rotary knob,
The laundry apparatus, characterized in that the display and the single variable input unit are partitioned and positioned in the display area. delete The method of claim 22,
The plurality of input information is displayed by transmitting light from a plurality of light transmitting units formed at different positions on a front surface of the single variable input unit.

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