TWI468571B - Washing machine - Google Patents

Description

washing machine

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a washing machine.

In a washing machine that executes one setting content selected by a plurality of setting contents, since the number of selectable setting contents (operation mode, course, etc.) increases, it is necessary to continuously press the same operation key according to the setting contents. Select the settings.

In order to save this trouble, there is an operation knob that is operated by turning on the panel, and as a change operation means, the desired setting content is selected in accordance with the rotation of the operation knob. As the structure for operating the twist, for example, there is a patent document 1.

[Advanced technical literature] [Patent Literature]

[Patent Document 1] JP-A-2007-185237

Then, with the above configuration, the operation knob needs to be rotated by the hand, so that the operation knob becomes a protrusion for the panel plane, and the protruding operation knob has a problem of deteriorating the appearance.

Further, in order to provide an operation knob on the panel, it is necessary to form a through hole, so that countermeasures against water leakage are necessary, and the waterproof structure is complicated.

Then, in order to provide a washing machine that can change the appearance of the panel in the panel, the panel can be flattened and the appearance can be improved, and the waterproofing measure can be easily performed.

The washing machine of the present embodiment includes a panel that is attached to the main body of the washing machine, a display unit that is provided on the panel, and displays setting contents regarding the operating conditions, and a setting content changing operation means that is provided on the panel. In the setting content displayed on the display unit by the change operation, the setting content changing operation means includes a touch operation unit that is attached to the panel and has a surface for operating with a finger The touch control surface; the electrostatic capacitance type of plurality of touch detection electrodes are arranged on the back side of the touch operation portion, detecting the operation of the finger on the touch operation surface; and displaying control means, The setting content displayed on the display unit is changed based on the detection signals from the plurality of touch detection electrodes that are output in accordance with the movement of the finger on the touch operation surface.

In this way, it is possible to provide a washing machine that can easily change the setting content, flatten the panel, and beautify the appearance, and can easily perform waterproof measures.

[First Embodiment]

Hereinafter, a first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a drum type washing and drying machine will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 7 .

As shown in Fig. 2, the washing machine body 2 constituting the outer periphery of the washing and drying machine 1 is formed in a substantially rectangular box shape in which the front surface is smoothly inclined. A water supply port 3 and a top plate 4 are provided on the upper surface of the washing machine body 2. A door 5 is provided at the front center portion of the washing machine body 2, and a door button 6 for opening the door 5 is provided at the upper portion of the door 5.

Further, a panel 7 made of synthetic resin and a lotion-input unit 8 are provided on the upper front portion of the washing machine body 2. The surface of the panel 7 is formed into a smooth curved surface having a low front height and a rear height, and a display control device 9 (illustrated only in FIG. 6) as a display control means is provided on the back side of the panel 7.

In the panel 7, as shown in FIG. 3, the right end is provided with a power "on" button 10 and a power "off" button 11, and on the left side, there are various operations for selecting laundry, laundry drying (washing), and drying. The mode operation keys 12 to 14 of the mode and the door lock display unit 15 in which the display door 5 is locked in a closed state.

Each of the operation mode keys 12 to 14 has illumination units 12a to 14a. The illumination units 12a-14a and the door lock display unit 15 are illuminated by the backlight of the LED.

On the left side of the operation mode keys 12 to 14, the touch operation unit 16 is integrally provided with the panel 7. The surface of the touch operating portion 16 serves as a touch operation surface 17 for operating with a finger.

As shown in FIG. 1, the touch operation unit 16 has a curved surface along the surface of the surrounding panel 7 and a planar portion 16a formed in a planar shape on the back surface. A start operation portion 17a is provided at the center of the touch operation surface 17, and a touch rotation portion 17b having a twist function is provided around the start operation portion 17a.

Further, on the touch operation surface 17, as shown in FIG. 4, ribs 18 are provided. The rib 18 has a ring portion 18a that surrounds the periphery of the starting operation portion 17a, and a bar portion 18b that extends radially outward from the ring portion 18a. The rod portion 18b rotates the touch. The twisted portion 17b is divided into eight equal parts.

The touch rotation unit 17b is used to select the operation washing process for setting one of the operating conditions, or to set the reservation time. The start operation unit 17a is used to start and execute the operation washing process. The pauser in the running wash.

The internal configuration of the touch operation unit 16 will be described later.

Referring back to FIG. 3, a buzzer 19 is provided on the back side of the lower left panel 7 of the touch operation surface 17 of the touch operation unit 16.

Further, on the left side of the position of the buzzer 19, an operation washing display unit 20 (display unit) for displaying the operation washing is provided, and a display unit 21 for displaying other setting contents is provided on the left side.

Below the display unit 21, stroke keys 22 to 25 for selecting the number of times or times of each stroke of washing, washing, dehydrating, and drying, bath water keys 26 for selecting the presence or absence of bath water, and the like are provided. The reservation key 27 is selected by selecting a timer reservation time.

Next, the internal configuration of the touch operation unit 16 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the touch sensor unit 29 is tightly pressed on the surface of the touch sensor unit 29 in a cylindrical tubular portion 28 (see FIG. 5) provided to protrude to the back side of the panel 7. The flat portion 16 a on the back surface of the touch operation portion 16 is attached to the back side of the touch operation portion 16 . The touch sensor unit 29 is configured by accommodating a circular substrate 31, a touch detection electrode 32, a touch sensor IC 33, a connector 34, and a vibrator 35 in a cylindrical case 30.

The touch sensor unit 29 is configured such that the concave portion 30a provided on the outer circumferential surface of the casing 30 is fitted to the convex portion 28b provided on the inner circumferential surface of the tubular portion 28, and is fixed to the plurality of elastically deformable cards. The claw portion 28a is held under.

On the upper surface of the substrate 31, on the back side of the touch operation unit 16, a plurality of capacitive touch detection electrodes 32 are arranged in a line. The touch detection electrode 32 is for detecting that the finger is in contact with the touch operation surface 17 .

The touch sensor IC 33, the connector 34, and two vibrators 35 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 1) are provided on the back surface of the substrate 31. The substrate 31 is electrically connected to the display control device 9 via the connector 34 (refer to FIG. 6).

The upper surface of the touch detection electrode 32 is covered with a protective member 36 made of, for example, synthetic resin. The surface of the protective member 36 is flat and is in close contact with the flat portion 16a of the back surface of the touch operation portion 16.

Further, the back side of the substrate 31 is covered with the moisture-proof resin 37 in order to prevent moisture from entering the touch sensor IC 33.

4 is a view of the touch operation unit 16 as viewed from the front, and the arrangement of the touch detection electrode 32 and the touch sensor IC 33, the connector 34, and the vibrator 35 on the back side of the touch operation unit 16 is a broken line. To represent.

The touch detecting electrode 32 has a circular starting electrode 32a (D0) disposed at the center, and eight fan-shaped touch rotating electrodes 32b are annularly arranged around the starting electrode 32a (D0). (D1~D8).

The starter electrode 32a (D0) is disposed at _a position corresponding to the start operation portion 17a, and the eight touch rotation electrodes 32b (D1 to D8) are arranged in touch knobs corresponding to division into eight equal parts. The position of the portion 17b.

Further, the rod-shaped portion 18b of the rib 18 is disposed so as to span the two adjacent touch rotation electrodes 32b located on the back side of the panel 7 as viewed from the front side of the panel 7.

Further, the touch sensor IC 33 and the connector 34 are disposed on the back surface of the substrate 31 so as to be able to sandwich the center start electrode 32a (D0), and the two vibrators 35 are disposed. about.

Fig. 6 is a view showing the electrical configuration of the main part of the embodiment. The display control device 9 receives signals from the starter electrode 32a, the touch rotation electrode 32b, and the other switch 40 via the open switch 38, the off switch 39, and the touch sensor IC 33.

Then, the display control device 9 controls the illumination units 12a to 14a, the door lock display unit 15, the display units 20 and 21, the vibrator 35, and the buzzer 19 based on the input signals, and inputs them to the main control unit 41. Signal. The main control device 41 is the entire operator who controls the washing and drying machine 1.

The open switch 38 and the off switch 39 respectively input signals to the display control device 9 by operating the power "on" key 10 and the power "off" key 11. The other switch 40 inputs a signal to the display control device 9 by operating each of the operation keys 12 to 14, 22 to 27.

The display control device 9 operates the buzzer 19 and the vibrator 35 by operating the touch rotation portion 17b of the touch operation unit 16, and changes the setting contents displayed on the display units 20 and 21.

In the touch detection circuit shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of touch detection electrodes 32 can be connected to the touch sensor IC 33. In the present embodiment, one start electrode 32a (D0) and eight touches are connected. The rotation-control electrode 32b (D1 to D8) is controlled.

The starter electrode 32a (D0) is provided with a sensor circuit 42 including a charging capacitor 43 connected in series between the terminal P1 and the ground, a discharge resistor 44, and a terminal P1. The fixed capacitor 45 between P2 and P2 is connected to the starting electrode 32a (D0).

The sensor circuit 42 is also connected to each of the eight touch rotation electrodes 32b (D1 to D8).

When the user's finger touches the activation operation portion 17a of the touch operation surface 17, the touch detection electrode 32a (D0) is connected to the ground via the capacitor 46 by the electrostatic capacitance of the human body. The control detecting electrode 32a (D0) generates a voltage, and the touch sensor IC 33 sends the detection signal to the display control device 9.

Further, when the user moves the finger to the touch rotation portion 17b of the touch operation surface 17 to make contact, the voltage is sequentially generated in the touch rotation electrode 32b (D1 to D8), and the touch feeling is generated. The measuring device IC 33 sequentially sends the detection signal to the display control device 9.

Thereby, the display control device 9 can determine the moving direction of the user's finger.

According to the above configuration, when the user presses the power "on" key 10 to turn on the power, the laundry mode key 12 is pressed from among the three operation modes of washing, washing, drying (washing) and drying. When the laundry mode is selected, the display unit 9 causes the illumination unit 12a of the laundry mode key 12 and the "standard" of the operation washing display unit 20 to be illuminated by the backlight, and the display unit 21 displays the laundry time [minutes]. , the number of cleaning [times], dehydration time [minutes].

Each operation mode has a plurality of operation washes in different combinations. For example, in the laundry mode, there are "standard", "preheating", "energy saving", "cashmere", "towel (small amount)", "blanket" "Strong laundry", "memory", "clean", etc., as the running washing process, can select the desired running washing process.

If the user then touches the touch rotation portion 17b of the touch operation portion 16 while the user touches the touch rotation portion 17b to draw a circle on the touch rotation portion 17b, the finger moves according to the movement of the finger. The touch rotation knob electrodes 32b (D1 to D8) on the back side of the contact touch rotation portion 17b transmit the detection signal to the display control device 9 via the touch sensor IC 33.

Based on the detection signal, the display control device 9 determines the moving direction of the electrode and the finger that the finger touches, changes the setting contents displayed on the display units 20 and 21, and operates the vibrator 35 and the buzzer 19.

Thereby, the setting content is changed in accordance with the setting, the touch operation unit 16 is vibrated, and the buzzer 19 emits a sound.

By moving the finger in the first direction (for example, the clockwise direction indicated by the arrow A1 in FIG. 4) on the touch rotation portion 17b, the operation of the laundry mode is performed during the operation washing process of the washing range display unit 20. The washing process will be illuminated one by one by the backlight.

Further, when the finger is moved in the second direction opposite to the first direction (the counterclockwise direction indicated by the arrow A2 in Fig. 4), the operation washing process is illuminated one by one in the reverse order by the backlight. .

While confirming the display of the display unit 20, the user stops the movement of the finger of the touch rotation portion 17b at the point where the desired operation washing is illuminated, and determines the selection of the operation washing.

Further, when it is desired to change the washing time, the number of washings, and the dehydration time, after the operation keys 22 to 24 corresponding to the other are operated, the finger is brought into contact with the touch rotation portion 17b to be moved, thereby causing the display portion to be moved. The number of 21 changes.

Then, when the finger is brought into contact with the activation operation unit 17a, the detection signal is sent from the activation electrode 32a (D0) to the display control device 9 via the touch sensor IC 33, and the signal is transmitted from the display control device 9 to The main control unit 41 is operated by the main control unit 41.

In the above, the touch operation unit 16 , the touch detection electrode 32 , the touch sensor IC 33 , and the display control device 9 are implemented to change the setting contents displayed on the display units 20 and 21 for the change operation. Means of the task.

In another setting example, when the user inputs the desired operation mode and the operation wash by the above method and presses the reservation key 27, the timer reservation setting can be made. In this state, the reservation time can be displayed on the display unit 21. When the user moves in a predetermined direction while bringing the finger into contact with the touch rotation portion 17b, the reservation time displayed on the display unit 21 is changed.

The operation of the touch rotation portion 17b is stopped at the number of times desired by the user, and the selection of the reservation time is determined. When the finger is brought into contact with the start operation portion 17a, the time selected by the main control device 41 is selected. After the operation.

According to the above embodiment, the next effect can be obtained.

When the user moves while touching the touch rotation portion 17b of the touch operation unit 16 with the finger, the setting contents of the operation washing display unit 20 and the display unit 21 can be easily changed.

Since the touch operation unit 16 is integrally provided on the panel 7, it is not necessary to provide a protrusion such as an operation knob on the panel 7, so that the panel 7 can be planarized and the appearance can be improved.

Moreover, since the actor like the operation knob is not required for the panel 7, the waterproof countermeasure can be easily performed. In particular, since the touch operation unit 16 is integrally provided to the panel 7, it is not necessary to provide a hole in the panel 7, so that the waterproof countermeasure can be made simpler.

Even if the touch operation surface 17 is curved along the surface of the surrounding panel 7, the back surface of the touch operation portion 16 is set to the flat portion 16a, so that the protection member 36 of the touch sensor unit 29 is only required. The surface is formed into a flat surface, and the surface of the touch sensor unit 29 can be easily processed.

Since the rib 18 is provided in the touch operation portion 16, the rod portion 18b of the rib 18 can be contacted when the finger moves to the touch rotation portion 17b, so that the user can obtain an operation feeling with the change operation of the setting content, and the operation can be easily performed. Change the operation settings. Further, instead of the rib 18, a groove may be formed.

Further, since the starting operation portion 17a and the touch rotation portion 17b of the touch operation surface 17 are separated by the ring portion 18a, the operation of the touch rotation portion 17b can be suppressed, and the erroneous operation start operation portion 17a can be suppressed. .

As the finger moves on the touch rotation portion 17b, the sound is emitted from the buzzer 19, and the touch operation portion 16 is vibrated by the vibrator 35, so that the user can recognize that the touch is actually touched by the sound and the vibration. The touch operation unit 16 can further obtain an operational feeling.

[Second Embodiment]

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 8 . In FIG. 8, the same portions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description is omitted, and only the different portions will be described.

In the second embodiment, the panel 48 is constituted by the panel main body 48a and the protective sheet 48b provided on the surface of the panel main body 48a. The panel body 48a is provided with a mounting hole 47. The touch sensor unit 29 is attached to the mounting hole 47 via the tubular portion 28, and the touch sensor unit 29 is held by the engaging claw portion 28a.

The surface of the panel body 48a and the surface of the touch sensor unit 29 are formed in a substantially planar shape, and the surfaces are covered by a thin protective sheet 48b on which the display content is printed.

The surface of the touch sensor unit 29, that is, the rib 18 (the ring portion 18a and the rod portion 18b) of the first embodiment is provided on the surface of the protective member 36, and is provided with a ring portion 51a and a radial shape. The ribs 51 of the plurality of rod portions 51b.

In the protective sheet 48b, a portion corresponding to the surface of the protective member 36 is a touch operation portion 49 that sets the surface as the touch operation surface 50.

In the touch operation unit 49, the portion corresponding to the starting electrode 32a of the center portion is the starting operation portion 50a, and the portion corresponding to the touch rotation electrode 32b located around the starting electrode 32a is annular. The touch knob 50b is touched.

When the finger touches the touch rotation portion 50b on the surface of the protective sheet 48b with the above-described configuration, the setting contents displayed on the display units 20 and 21 by the display control device 9 are changed. When the finger comes into contact with the starting operation unit 50a, the main control unit 41 performs the operation.

In the second embodiment, the panel main body 48a is provided with a mounting hole 47 for attaching the sensor unit 29. However, the protective sheet 48b may be provided so as to cover the mounting hole 47. Get waterproof measures.

[Third embodiment]

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 9 to 18 . It is noted that the same portions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals in FIGS. 9 to 18, and the description thereof will be omitted. Only the different portions will be described.

On the touch operation surface 17 of the touch operation unit 16, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, ribs 52 are provided. The ribs 52 are light-transmissive, and have an inner circumferential ring portion 52a similar to the ring portion 18a of the first embodiment, and a periphery surrounding the starting operation portion 17a, and a periphery surrounding the touch rotation portion 17b. The outer peripheral ring portion 52b is provided between the inner peripheral ring portion 52a and the outer peripheral ring portion 52b as a guide portion 53 that guides when the finger moves on the touch rotation portion 17b. Therefore, the guide portion 53 is formed in a ring shape corresponding to the arrangement of the touch rotation electrode 32b.

Further, on the back side of the substrate 31 on the back side of the touch operation unit 16 (the side opposite to the start electrode 32a side), as shown in FIG. 11, the light-emitting portion is disposed above the start-up electrode 32a. LED54.

The LED 54 is a light-emitting surface corresponding to the side of the back surface of the substrate 31, and a through-hole 54a is formed in the light-emitting surface of the substrate 31 corresponding to the LED 54. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 , on the back side of the substrate 31, eight LEDs 55 serving as light-emitting portions are disposed on the outer peripheral side of each of the touch-control coil electrodes 32b.

The LED 55 is a light-emitting surface corresponding to the side of the back surface of the substrate 31, and a through-hole 55a is formed in the light-emitting surface of the substrate 31 corresponding to the LED 55.

In the above configuration, when the LED 54 emits light, the user can visually recognize the light emission of the LED 54 through the through hole 54a of the substrate 31 and the inner circumferential ring portion 52a of the rib 52. Further, when the LED 55 emits light, the user can visually recognize the light emission of the LED 55 through the through hole 55a of the substrate 31 and the outer peripheral ring portion 52b of the rib 52.

In FIG. 12, the touch detection circuit is provided with a touch sensor IC 33A instead of the touch sensor IC 33. An electrolytic capacitor 56 is connected between the terminals P1 and P2 of the touch sensor IC 33A, and the terminal P1 is connected to a +5 V DC power supply line 57, and the terminal P2 is connected to the ground. In the touch sensor IC 33A, the terminal P1 is connected in series to the ground via the resistors 58, 59.

The touch sensor IC 33A has a terminal P3 that is connected to the start electrode 32a as the second touch detection electrode, and the start electrode 32a is connected to the touch sensor IC 33A via the resistor 60. Terminal P1.

In the touch sensor IC 33A, the terminal P3 is connected to the negative (-) terminal of the comparator 61, and is connected to the ground via the MOS type FET 62.

The output terminal of the comparator 61 is connected to the input terminal of the counter 63, and the positive (+) terminal of the comparator 61 is connected to the common connection point of the resistors 58, 59, giving a critical value of +2.5V.

Further, an ON/OFF command signal 64 is given to the gate of the FET 62 and the control terminal of the counter 63, thereby constituting the start switch 65.

In addition, the ON/OFF command signal 64 is a pulse signal that alternately repeats the high level and the low level.

The touch sensor IC33A has eight terminals P4 (only one is shown in FIG. 12), and the terminals P4 are connected to eight touch rotation electrodes 32b, respectively, and each touch The twisting electrode 32b is connected to the terminal P1 of the touch sensor IC 33A via the resistor 60.

In the touch sensor IC 33A, a comparator 61, an FET 62, and a counter 63 are also provided at the terminal P4, and an ON/OFF command signal 64 is given to the gate of the FET 62 and the control terminal of the counter 63. Twist switch 66.

The principle of detection of the sensor detecting circuit shown in Fig. 12 will also be described with reference to Figs. 13 and 14 .

First, the start switch 65 will be described. When the user's finger is not in contact with the start operation portion 17a of the touch operation unit 16, the start electrode 32a is connected to the ground via the capacitor 67.

In this case, when the user's finger is not in contact with the normal operation of the starting operation portion 17a, the capacitor 67 forms a parasitic capacitance to the starting electrode 32a. Further, when the user's finger comes into contact with the operation of the starting operation portion 17a, the capacitor 67 is a parasitic electrostatic capacitance formed on the starting electrode 32a plus an electrostatic capacitance generated by the human body, and is formed to be larger than the parasitic electrostatic capacitance. .

Since the ON/OFF command signal 64 is given to the gate of the FET 62 of the touch sensor IC33A and the control terminal of the counter 63, when the ON/OFF command signal 64 is a low level signal (off signal), the FET 62 is turned off, such as As shown in Fig. 13, the capacitor 67 is charged, the charging voltage rises slowly, and then forms a certain value.

The charging voltage of the capacitor 67 is a normal increase in the parasitic capacitance, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 13, and rises rapidly, but the electrostatic capacitance (parasitic capacitance + human body capacitance) increases in capacitance. During the operation, as shown by the broken line in Fig. 13, the formation is relatively moderate.

Then, once the ON/OFF command signal 64 forms a high level signal (on signal), the FET 6 is turned on, whereby the charge of the capacitor 67 is instantaneously discharged, and the charging voltage is formed to zero (0).

On the other hand, since the comparator 61 gives a critical value of +2.5 V to the positive (+) terminal, the operation generates a high level output signal when the charging voltage applied to the positive (+) terminal is less than +2.5V.

The counter 63 is activated by applying an ON/OFF command signal 64 to the control terminal, and triggering from the high level to the low level reset.

Moreover, once the output signal of the comparator 61 given at the input terminal forms a low level, the counting operation is stopped. Therefore, the count value of the counter 63 is indicative of the operation time of the comparator 31.

In the comparator 61, the time at which the charging voltage of the capacitor 67 given by the negative (-) terminal forms a critical value of +2.5 V and the output signal to the low level is the normal time of formation of the parasitic capacitance of the capacitor 67 is T1, However, the operation of the capacitor 67 to form an added electrostatic capacitance is to form a time T2 longer than this.

The count value (time T1, T2 signal) of this counter 61 is given as a detection signal to the display control device 9 (see Fig. 6). This embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6 for convenience of explanation. However, the display control device 9 can also control the LEDs 54, 55 as will be described later.

In the process of the start switch 65 when the user's finger approaches the start operation portion 17a of the touch operation portion 16, the distance between the start electrode 32a and the finger and the charging voltage of the capacitor 68 reach a critical point of reaching +2.5V. The relationship between the operation time of the comparator 31 (corresponding to time T2 in FIG. 13) is as shown in FIG.

That is, as the user's finger approaches the starting electrode 32a, the electrostatic capacitance of the capacitor 67 becomes larger, and the time T2 becomes longer.

As a result, the display control device 9 that inputs the count value of the counter 63 (time T2 signal) as the detection signal is set in advance with a threshold value (time Ta) of high sensitivity and a threshold value of low sensitivity (long). At time Tb), when the time T2 is a critical value (time Ta) of high sensitivity, it can be determined that the user's finger approaches the starting operation portion 17a, and when the time T2 is a critical value (time Tb) with low sensitivity, It is determined that the user's finger is in contact with the starting operation portion 17a.

Although the detection principle of the start switch 65 has been described above, the detection principle of the torque switch 66 is also the same. In the description of the start switch 65, the start operation portion 17a is replaced with the touch rotation portion 17b, and the start is started. The electrode 32a is replaced with the touch rotation electrode 32b, and the description thereof is omitted.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, the display control device 9 can set a threshold value (time Ta) having a high sensitivity and a threshold value (time) having a low sensitivity (long). Tb) to switch.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 15 to 18, but as described above, the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6 for convenience of explanation. Further, the flowchart shown in FIG. 18 is displayed by the operations of the integrated touch sensor IC 33A and the display control device 9.

When the user performs a rotation operation (twist operation) on the touch operation unit 16, the touch sensor IC 33A and the display control device 9 execute the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not there is a reaction in the twist portion switch 66 (determination step S1), and when there is no reaction (in the determination step S1, "NO"), the sensitivity of the start switch 65 is switched to high (process step S12).

Next, it is judged whether or not the twisting operation is performed (determination step S3), and it is judged by the detection signal of the twisting portion switch 66 whether or not the user's finger is rotated to operate the touch rotation twisting portion 17b, and when it is not operated ("NO" in the determining step S3) The sensitivity of the twist portion switch 66 is switched to high (process step S13).

It is determined whether the user's finger is near the vicinity of the touch operation unit 16 (process step S14), and if "NO", it is determined whether or not the LED 55 is turned off and alternately displayed (decision step S16), and when the display is not turned off (in the determination step S16) NO"), the process proceeds to decision step S7.

At the determination step S7, it is determined whether or not the user touches the touch rotation portion 17b to rotate the operation as described later, and when it is not operated ("NO" in the determination step S7), the process returns to the determination step S1.

Hereinafter, the standby determination step S1, the processing step S12, the determination step S3, the processing step S13, and the determination steps S14, S16, and S7 are performed.

In the above standby, if the user approaches the proximity of the start operation portion 17a or the touch rotation portion 17b of the touch operation portion 16, the sensitivity of the start switch 65 and the twist portion switch 66 is set to be high at this time. Therefore, it can be detected (YES in decision step S14), and the process proceeds to process step S15.

In the processing step S15, as shown in FIGS. 15(a) and 15(b), the display control unit 9 displays four of the eight LEDs 55 as one set, and alternately displays the light. In Fig. 15, the blackened portion indicates light emission.

Then, the process proceeds to decision step S7. Hereinafter, the determination step S1, the process step S12, the determination step S3, the process step S13, the determination step S14, the process step S15, and the determination step S7 are repeated to alternately display the LEDs 55.

When the user removes the finger from the touch operation unit 16 during the alternate display, the determination in step S14 is "NO", and it is determined that the LED is in the alternate display (YES in decision step S16). After the finger leaves the touch operation unit 16, the LED 55 is turned off after 5 seconds (process step S17).

In the alternate display of the LEDs 55, when the user brings the finger to the touch rotation portion 17b of the touch operation unit 16, the switch is reacted as the knob switch, and in the determination step S1, the determination is "YES", and the start switch is turned on. The sensitivity of 65 is switched to low (process step S2).

When the user's finger operates the touch rotation portion 17b (YES in the determination step S3), the sensitivity of the twist portion switch 66 is switched to be low (process step S4).

Then, when the LED 55 is alternately displayed in the dot-out (YES in the determination step S5), the dot-out alternate display of the LED 55 is stopped, and the process proceeds to the determination step S7. In addition, when it is determined that the LED 55 is not displayed in the dot-out interactive display ("NO" in the determination step S5), the process proceeds to the determination step S7.

In the determination step S7, the sensitivity switching of the twist portion switch 66 is set to be low, and it is determined whether the user is rotating in a state where the finger is brought into contact with the touch rotation portion 17b. When it is judged as "YES", It is judged whether or not the rotational operation direction of the finger is the arrow A1 direction (clockwise direction in FIGS. 9 and 16) (determination step S8). This can be judged by the change state of the detection signals of the eight knob switches 66.

When the direction of the arrow A1 is determined (YES in the determination step S8), the display control device 9 causes the arrow A1 from the uppermost portion of the touch operation unit 16 as shown in Fig. 16(a). The two LEDs 55 on the direction side emit light (process step S9).

Hereinafter, each time up to this processing step S9, as shown in FIGS. 16(b) and 16(c), the LED 55 is advanced by one lighting (lighting) in the direction of the arrow A1.

When it is determined that the direction is not the arrow A1 ("NO" in the determination step S8), since the operation direction of the user's finger is the direction of the arrow A2 (the counterclockwise direction in FIGS. 9 and 17), the display is used. As shown in Fig. 17 (a), the control device 9 causes the two LEDs 55 on the side of the arrow A2 to emit light from the uppermost portion of the touch operation portion 16 (process step S10), and thereafter, the process proceeds to step S10. As shown in Figs. 17 (b) and (c), the LED 55 is advanced by one light in the direction of the arrow A2.

Next, similarly to the first embodiment, the display is updated in accordance with the current selection mode such as the washing process selection or the time display (processing step S11).

Then, similarly to the first embodiment, the user confirms the display of the display unit 20, and stops the operation of the touch rotation unit 1b when the desired operation washing process is illuminated, thereby determining the selection of the operation washing process, or Change laundry time, number of cleanings, and dehydration time.

Then, when the finger is brought into contact with the start operation portion 17a, the detection signal is sent from the start switch 65 to the display control device 9 via the touch sensor IC 33A, and the signal is transmitted from the display control device 9 to the main control device 41. The operation is performed by the main control unit 41.

Further, when the display control device 9 gives a detection signal from the start switch 65, the LED 54 is caused to emit light.

In the third embodiment, the effect of changing the setting contents of the operation washing display unit 20 and the display unit 21 can be easily changed by moving the finger while in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the following can be obtained. That effect.

Since the LEDs 54 and 55 are provided in the substrate 31 corresponding to the starting electrode 32a and the touch rotation electrode 32b, the user can visually recognize the operation of the user's finger on the starting electrode 32a and the touch rotation electrode 32b. .

In this case, the LEDs 54 and 55 are provided on the back side of the surface of the substrate 31 opposite to the start-up electrode 32a and the touch-control electrode 32b. Therefore, the start-up electrode 32a and the touch-rotation electrode 32b can be disposed. The process is closely attached to the back surface of the touch operation unit 16. Therefore, the distance between the touch operation surface 17 and the starting electrode 32a and the touch rotation electrode 32b can be shortened, and the operational sensitivity (touch sensitivity) can be improved.

Further, on the touch operation surface 17 of the touch operation unit 16, the inner peripheral ring portion 52a that surrounds the periphery of the start operation portion 17a and the outer peripheral portion that surrounds the touch rotation portion 17b are provided. 52b, the guide portion 53 that becomes the guide when the finger moves on the touch rotation portion 17b is formed, so that the user can move the finger along the guide portion 53 to reliably move the operation on the touch rotation portion 17b.

Further, since the sensitivity of the start switch 65 and the torque switch 66 can be individually switched to be high or low, the sensitivity of the start switch 65 and the twist switch 66 is initially switched by the operation of the touch rotation portion 17b. When the user approaches the touch operation unit 16, the LED 55 can be alternately displayed, and the user can be notified that the touch operation unit 16 functions.

When the user rotates and operates the touch rotation portion 17b, the sensitivity of the twist portion switch 66 is switched to be low, thereby causing the user to perform the detection action according to the condition while the finger is in contact with the touch rotation portion 17b. The user's operation idea can be confirmed, and the operation can be confirmed.

Further, in the rotation operation of the touch rotation portion 17b of the user's finger, the sensitivity of the start switch 65 is switched to be low, whereby the finger other than the finger in the user's operation is erroneously approached to the start operation portion. 17a is also an erroneous operation that prevents the start of the operation from being sent to the main control unit 41.

Further, in the third embodiment, in the rotation operation of the touch rotation portion 17b of the user's finger, the sensitivity of the start switch 65 is switched to be low, but the user's finger touch may be used instead. In the rotation operation of the twisting portion 17b, the display control device 9 does not accept the detection signal of the start switch 65, and even if the invalidation is formed, the safety is further improved.

[Fourth embodiment]

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 19 and 20 . It is noted that the same portions as those in the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, and the description thereof will be omitted. Only the different portions will be described.

In the fourth embodiment, instead of the touch rotation electrode 32b (D1 to D8) provided on the substrate 31 as in the third embodiment, four touches are provided as shown in FIG. The rotation electrode 32c (D1 to D4).

The touch rotation electrode 32c is formed in a substantially arc shape having an angular range of 180 degrees (°), and the central portion has a maximum width, and is formed in both directions from the central portion to the outer peripheral side (clockwise and counterclockwise) ) A shape with a narrower width.

Further, the touch rotation knob electrode 32c is concentric with the substrate 31 by substantially half of the clockwise direction of the center portion of the outer circumference, and substantially half of the counterclockwise side of the center portion of the inner circumference is concentric with the substrate 31. Round shape.

Then, the four touch rotation electrodes 32c (D1 to D4) are arranged in a ring shape so as to correspond to the touch rotation portion 17b (see FIG. 9), and specifically, for the touch rotation knob. The inner peripheral portion of the electrode 32c (D1, D2, D3, and D4) on the clockwise side is opposite to the outer circumference of the counterclockwise side of the adjacent touch rotation electrode 32c (D2, D3, D4, D1). Part will take the specified interval to correspond.

Further, although not shown, the actual touch rotation torque electrode 32c is the same as the touch rotation rotation electrode 32b, and constitutes a torque switch as shown in FIG. 12, and the detection signal is supplied to the display control. Device 9 (see Fig. 6).

Then, in FIG. 19, when the touch operation unit 16 of FIG. 9 is made to correspond to the substrate 31, the uppermost position is set to 0 degrees (°) to bring the user's finger into contact with the touch rotation portion. In the state of 17b, when the rotation operation is performed in the clockwise direction, the area of the touch-rotation-rotation electrode 32c corresponding to the finger changes relatively. Therefore, the electrostatic capacitance acting by the finger is also changed by the shape in which the area relatively changes. Will change.

Therefore, the detection signals (comparator operation time) of the twist switch of the four touch rotation electrodes 32c (D1, D2, D3, and D4) are formed in FIGS. 20(a), (b), ( As shown in (c) and (d), a signal which is continuously increased by 90 degrees and decreased by 90 degrees in a range of 180 degrees is formed, and detection signals which are shifted by 90 degrees from each other are sequentially formed.

Therefore, the detection signal shown in FIGS. 20(a) to (d) is given to the display control device 9, and the rotation operation angle of the user's finger can be detected without any step. Therefore, the fourth embodiment is also The same effect as that of the third embodiment can be obtained.

[Fifth Embodiment]

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 21 to 25 . It is noted that the same portions as those in the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals in FIG. 21 to FIG. 25, and the description thereof will be omitted. Only the different portions will be described.

In the substrate 31 of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22, the touch detection electrode 68 is provided instead of the touch detection electrode 32 of the third embodiment.

The touch detecting electrode 68 is configured as a starting electrode 69 as a second touch detecting electrode corresponding to the start operation portion 17a of the touch operation unit 16 and a ring shape corresponding to the touch rotation portion 17b. The eight touch rotation electrodes 70 (D1 to D8) are formed.

Further, the starting electrode 69 is composed of a rectangular signal side electrode 69a at the center portion and a rectangular frame-shaped power source side electrode 69b at the periphery thereof. Further, the touch rotation electrode 70 is composed of a rectangular signal side electrode 70a at the center portion and a rectangular frame power source side electrode 70b at the periphery thereof.

As shown in FIG. 23, in the touch rotation knob electrode 70, the signal side electrode 70a is connected to the connection electrode 71 provided in the substrate 31 via the through hole via the solder 72, and the power supply side electrode 70b is via the through hole. The solder electrode 74 is connected to the connection electrode 73 provided in the substrate 31 on the surface side of the connection electrode 71.

Further, although not shown, the signal electrode 69a and the power source electrode 69b of the actual starting electrode 69 are also connected to the connection electrode in the same manner. Further, a ground electrode (shield) 75 having a predetermined gap around the start electrode 69 and the touch rotation electrode 70 is provided on the surface of the substrate 31, and a ground electrode (shield) is provided over substantially the entire back surface of the substrate 31. 76. The ground electrode (shield) 75 and the ground electrode (shield) 76 are connected by solder 77 via via holes.

In FIG. 24, in the touch detection circuit, the touch sensor IC 33B is provided instead of the touch sensor IC 33A. The terminal P1 of the touch sensor IC 33B is connected to the base of the NPN-type transistor 79 via a resistor 78.

In this transistor 79, the base is connected to the emitter via a resistor 80, the emitter is connected to a +15V DC power line 81, and the collector is connected to ground via a resistor 82.

Further, in the touch sensor IC 33B, a square wave signal 83 is given to the terminal P1, and the square wave signal 83 alternately repeats the high level and low level signals in a predetermined period.

Therefore, the transistor 79 given to the base by the square wave signal 83 is turned on at a low level, and is turned ON/OFF at a high level.

The collector of the transistor 79 is connected to a power supply line 84 which becomes an emitter potential when the transistor 79 is turned on and a ground potential when the transistor 79 is turned off.

The power source line 84 is a power source side electrode 69b to which the starter electrode 69 is connected, and eight power supply side electrodes 70b for connecting the touch rotation power 70 (only one is shown in FIG. 24).

The touch sensor IC 33B has a terminal P2 which is connected to the A/D conversion circuit 85 in the touch sensor IC 33B.

The terminal P2 is connected to the signal side electrode 69a of the starting electrode 69 via the diode 86 in the reverse direction. The cathode of the diode 86 is connected to the ground via the resistor 87, and is connected to the ground via the capacitor 88. The starter switch 90 is constructed by connecting the diode 89 to the DC power supply line 57 in the forward direction.

The touch sensor IC 33B has eight terminals P3 (only one is shown in FIG. 24), and the terminal P3 and the signal side electrodes 70a of the eight touch rotation electrodes 70 are Similarly to the start switch 90, an A/D conversion circuit 85, a diode 86, a resistor 87, a capacitor 88, and a diode 89 are connected to each other, and the respective twist portion switches 91 are formed by these.

Next, the principle of detection of the sensor detecting circuit shown in Fig. 24 will be explained with reference to Fig. 25.

First, the start switch 90 will be described.

When the user's finger is not in contact with the start operation portion 17a of the touch operation unit 16, the power supply side electrode 69a and the signal side electrode 69b of the start electrode 69 are separated from each other and insulated.

When the user touches the start operation portion 17a with the finger, the power source side electrode 69a and the signal side electrode 69b of the starter electrode 69 are connected via the capacitor 92 generated by the electrostatic capacitance of the user's finger.

Thereby, when the transistor 79 is turned on, the capacitor 88 is charged via the power source line 84 and the capacitor 92 to generate a voltage, and the generated voltage is supplied to the A/D conversion circuit 85.

However, in the process of the start switch 90 when the user's finger approaches the start operation portion 17a of the touch operation portion 16, the distance between the start electrode 69 and the finger and the charge voltage (voltage generation) of the capacitor 88 are generated. The relationship is as shown in Figure 25.

That is, as the user's finger approaches the starting electrode 69, the electrostatic capacitance of the capacitor 92 becomes smaller, and the generated voltage becomes larger. As a result, the display control device 9 that inputs the output signal of the A/D conversion circuit 85 as the detection signal sets a critical value (voltage Va) having a high sensitivity and a low sensitivity at a voltage Vb larger than the voltage Va. The value (voltage Vb) enables switching sensitivity and low sensitivity.

Therefore, when the generated voltage is a critical value (voltage Va) having a high sensitivity, it can be determined that the user's finger approaches the starting operation portion 17a, and when the generated voltage is a critical value (voltage Vb) with low sensitivity, it can be judged that the voltage is used. The finger of the person is in contact with the starting operation portion 17a.

Although the detection principle of the start switch 90 has been described above, the detection principle of the torque switch 91 is also the same. In the description of the start switch 90, the start operation portion 17a is replaced with the touch rotation portion 17b, and the start electrode 69 is used. The electrode for touch rotation is replaced with the electrode 70, and the description thereof is omitted.

Therefore, in the knob switch 91, as shown in FIG. 25, the display control device 9 can set a critical value (voltage Va) having a high sensitivity and a threshold value (voltage Vb) having a low sensitivity. Switch.

Even if the touch sensor IC 33B is used instead of the touch sensor IC 33A of the third embodiment, the flowchart shown in FIG. 18 can be implemented in the touch sensor IC 33B and the display control device 9. According to the fifth embodiment, the same effects as those of the third embodiment can be obtained.

[Sixth embodiment]

Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 26 . In the sixth embodiment, for convenience of explanation, reference is also made to Figs. 21 and 24 of the fifth embodiment.

In the sixth embodiment, the square wave frequency of the square wave signal 83 given to the terminal P1 of the touch sensor IC 33B of FIG. 24 can be switched to a high frequency for high sensitivity and a low frequency for low sensitivity.

26 is a graph showing the relationship between the distance between the electrode (the starting electrode 69 or the touch-control electrode 70) and the user's finger, and the voltage and frequency of the capacitor 88 being high and low. The frequency is higher than the frequency. The current in the capacitor 92 is large, and the voltage generated by the capacitor 88 is high.

Therefore, even if the threshold value of the voltage is set to a certain Vb, it is possible to detect that the finger is close to the start operation portion 17a or the touch rotation portion 17b when the frequency is high, and to detect the finger contact with the start operation when the frequency is low. The portion 17a or the touch knob portion 17b.

In addition, when the sensitivity of the starter switch 90 and the torque switch 91 is individually switched to be high or low, the terminal P1 dedicated to the start switch 90 and the terminal dedicated to the torque switch 91 are provided in the touch sensor IC 33B. P1 can be used to switch frequencies individually.

According to the sixth embodiment, the same effects as those of the fifth embodiment can be obtained.

[Seventh embodiment]

A seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 27 and 28 . In the seventh embodiment, the same portions as those in FIGS. 21 and 22 of the fifth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only the different portions will be described below.

In the seventh embodiment, the touch operation unit 16 provided on the panel 7 has a substantially circular convex portion 93 located at the center portion, and a substantially annular shape as a guide portion located around the convex portion 93. The ridge portion 94 has a convex portion 93 that is open at the lower surface, and has a surface (upper surface) that serves as the starting operation portion 17a, and the ridge portion 94 is open to the lower surface, and the surface (upper surface) is a ring-shaped touch rotation portion 17b.

In the seventh embodiment, the substrate 31 is divided into a circular substrate 31A located at the center portion and an annular substrate 31B located around the substrate 31A. The substrate 31A is provided with a starting electrode 69. On the substrate 31B, eight touch rotation electrodes 70 are provided.

Further, the substrate 31A is disposed in the lower concave portion of the convex portion 93, the starting electrode 69 corresponds to the starting operation portion 17a, and the substrate 31B is disposed in the lower concave portion of the ridge portion 74, and the touch rotation electrode 70 It corresponds to the touch twist portion 17b.

In the seventh embodiment, the portion where only the touch operation portion 17a is operated is formed with the convex portion 93, and the portion where the guide portion guided along the touch rotation portion 17b is formed with the convex portion 94 is different from the fifth embodiment. The same operational effects as those of the fifth embodiment can be obtained.

[Eighth Embodiment]

An eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 29 and 30. In the eighth embodiment, the same portions as those in the fourth and fifth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only the different portions will be described below.

In the eighth embodiment, the starting electrode 69 similar to that of the fifth embodiment is provided in the center portion of the substrate 31, and four similar to the fourth embodiment are provided so as to surround the periphery of the starting electrode 69. The touch rotation electrode 32c is touched.

However, in the eighth embodiment, the four touch rotation electrodes 32c are formed to have smaller diameters than in the fourth embodiment.

Further, in the substrate 31, a substantially annular common power source side electrode 32d is provided so as to surround the periphery of the four touch rotation knob electrodes 32c. The four touch-rotation-side electrodes 32c and the power-side electrode 32d are four pairs of electrodes corresponding to the touch-rotation portion 17b (see FIG. 21) of the touch operation portion 16, and constitute a symbol 91 as shown in FIG. A twister switch as shown.

Then, once the user rotates the touch rotation portion 17b by the finger, the electrostatic capacitance of the finger acts on the power source side electrode 32d and the four touch rotation electrode 32c in sequence, by the power source side electrode. The four twisting portion switches formed by the 32d and four touch-rotation electrodes 32c sequentially generate voltages, and the generated voltages are respectively formed in FIGS. 30(a), (b), (c), and (d). Show. Therefore, the same effects as those of the fourth embodiment can be obtained by the eighth embodiment.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be modified or expanded as follows.

In the case where the touch rotation electrodes 32b (D1 to D8) and 70 (D1 to D8) are arranged in a ring shape, a plurality of touch detection electrodes may be arranged in a straight line. It suffices that the touch operation unit 16 is extended in the straight line direction in this manner. Also in such a configuration, similarly to the above-described embodiment, the setting operation can be changed by moving the finger while touching the touch operation surface 17.

The start operation portion 17a of the touch operation portion 16 may be further recessed than the surrounding touch operation surface 17. Thereby, the erroneous operation starting operation portion 17a can be suppressed.

When the washing machine of the present embodiment is used as described above, the user can move the finger while touching the touch rotation portion of the touch operation unit, whereby the setting content displayed on the display unit can be easily changed.

Since the touch operation portion is integrally provided on the panel, it is not necessary to provide a protrusion such as a manipulation knob on the panel, so that the panel can be planarized and beautified. Moreover, since it is not necessary for the panel to act as a manipulation knob, it is easy to perform waterproof countermeasures.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the embodiments are presented as examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The various embodiments of the invention may be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention and the scope of the invention are included in the scope of the invention and the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

2. . . Washing machine body

7. . . panel

9. . . Display control device (display control means, change operation means)

16. . . Touch operation unit (change operation means)

17. . . Touch operation surface (change operation means)

17a. . . Starting operation department

17b. . . Touch rotation part (change operation means)

20. . . Operation washing process display unit (display unit)

twenty one. . . Display department

29. . . Touch sensor unit

32, 68. . . Touch detection electrode (change operation means)

32a, 69. . . Starting electrode (second touch detection electrode)

32b, 32c. . . Touch rotation electrode (change operation means)

53. . . Guide

55. . . LED (lighting part)

Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a touch operation unit according to the first embodiment.

2 is an external perspective view of a drum type laundry dryer.

Figure 3 is a front elevational view of the panel.

4 is a layout view showing electrodes for touch detection.

Fig. 5 is a cylindrical view of the panel as seen from the back side.

Fig. 6 is a view showing an electrical configuration.

Fig. 7 is an equivalent circuit diagram showing a touch detection circuit.

Fig. 8 is a view corresponding to Fig. 1 showing a second embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a front elevational view showing a touch operation unit according to a third embodiment;

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the touch operation unit.

Figure 11 is a front elevational view of the substrate.

Fig. 12 is an equivalent circuit diagram showing a touch detection circuit.

Fig. 13 is a characteristic diagram for explaining the principle of detection.

Fig. 14 is a characteristic diagram for explaining sensitivity switching.

Fig. 15 is a view for explaining alternate display of LEDs.

Fig. 16 is a view for explaining a rotation display in one direction of the LED.

Fig. 17 is a view for explaining a rotation display of the opposite direction of the LED.

Fig. 18 is a flow chart for explaining the operation.

Fig. 19 is a front elevational view showing the substrate of the fourth embodiment.

Fig. 20 is a view showing detection characteristics of an electrode for touch rotation.

Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the touch operation unit of the fifth embodiment.

Figure 22 is a front elevational view of the substrate.

Figure 23 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the substrate.

Fig. 24 is an equivalent circuit diagram showing the sensor detecting circuit.

Fig. 25 is a characteristic diagram for explaining sensitivity switching.

Fig. 26 is a view corresponding to Fig. 25 showing a sixth embodiment.

Fig. 27 is a cross-sectional view showing the touch operation unit of the seventh embodiment.

28 is a front elevational view of the substrate.

Fig. 29 is a front elevational view showing the substrate of the eighth embodiment;

Fig. 30 is a view showing detection characteristics of an electrode for touch rotation.

7. . . panel

16. . . Touch operation unit (change operation means)

16a. . . Plane department

17. . . Touch operation surface (change operation means)

17a. . . Starting operation department

17b. . . Touch rotation part (change operation means)

18a. . . Ring

18b. . . Rod

28. . . Tube

28a. . . Clamping claw

28b. . . Convex

29. . . Touch sensor unit

30. . . box

30a. . . Concave

31. . . Substrate

32. . . Touch detection electrode (change operation means)

32a. . . Starting electrode (second touch detection electrode)

32b. . . Touch rotation electrode (change operation means)

33. . . Touch sensor IC

34. . . Connector

35. . . Vibrator

36. . . Protective member

37. . . Moisture-proof resin

Claims (8)

A washing machine includes a panel that is attached to an upper front portion of a box-shaped washing machine body that is inclined at the front, a display unit that is provided on the panel, displays setting contents relating to operating conditions, and a setting content changing operation means. The setting panel is configured to change the setting content displayed on the display unit, and the setting content changing operation means includes a touch operation unit that is disposed on the panel and has a surface a touch operation surface for operating by touching a finger; a plurality of capacitive touch detection electrodes are arranged in front of a substrate disposed on a back side of the touch operation portion, and detecting a finger to the foregoing The operation of the touch operation surface; the moisture-proof resin is disposed to cover the back side of the substrate; and the display control means is outputted according to the movement of the finger according to the movement of the touch operation surface The detection signals of the touch detection electrodes are used to change the setting content displayed on the display unit, and the plurality of touch switches are powered out The finger contact system arranged in a state moved in the direction of the touch operation surface. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the plurality of touch sensing electrodes are arranged in a ring shape. The washing machine of the first or second aspect of the invention, wherein the touch operation unit is integrally formed on the panel, and the surface of the touch operation surface is formed into a curved shape, and the back surface of the touch operation surface is formed into a planar shape. And a touch sensor unit having the plurality of touch detection electrodes is mounted on the back surface of the touch operation unit in a state in which the surface is along the back surface of the touch operation unit. The washing machine according to the second aspect of the invention, wherein the touch control unit is configured such that a guide portion that is guided when the finger is moved on the touch operation surface is provided in a ring shape corresponding to the arrangement of the touch detection electrodes. . The washing machine of claim 3, wherein a plurality of light emitting portions are disposed on the back side of the touch operation portion, and the display control means causes the light to be emitted when the finger moves on the touch operation surface The illuminating state of the part changes. The washing machine of claim 5, wherein the sensitivity of the touch detecting electrode is set such that a finger can be detected at a level close to the touch operating surface, and the display control means is based on the touch detection. The detection signal of the electrode detects that the light-emitting state of the light-emitting portion changes when the finger approaches the touch control surface. The washing machine of the second aspect of the invention, wherein the second touch of the plurality of touch sensing electrodes arranged in a ring shape is provided with a capacitive second touch that detects a finger contact with the touch control surface Controlling the detection electrode to set the sensitivity of the second touch detection electrode to be larger than the touch The sensitivity of the detecting electrode is lower. The washing machine of claim 2, wherein a capacitive touch type second touch that detects a finger contact with the touch control surface is provided at a central portion of the plurality of touch detection electrodes disposed in a ring shape The display control means disables the detection signal from the second touch detection electrode during the operation of the touch detection electrode.