WO2017130759A1

WO2017130759A1 - Washing machine

Info

Publication number: WO2017130759A1
Application number: PCT/JP2017/001156
Authority: WO
Inventors: 橋本　和彦; 内山　亘; 尾関　祐仁
Original assignee: パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社
Priority date: 2016-01-27
Filing date: 2017-01-16
Publication date: 2017-08-03
Also published as: JP2017131387A; CN108495964A

Abstract

A washing machine has a main unit (1), a front door (21) installed on the front surface of the main unit (1), an operation display unit (20) provided in the front door (21), and a control unit. The operation display unit (20) has an image display unit (22) for displaying an operation screen, and an operation detection unit (23) configured from a contactless optical sensor comprising an infrared sensor.

Description

Washing machine

This disclosure relates to the operation display of the washing machine.

In recent years, the drum type of washing machines has become the mainstream, and in order to improve usability, most of the operation display boards are installed on the front upper part of the washing machine body.

Conventionally, in this type of washing machine, as shown in FIG. 6, an operation display panel 111 including an operation unit and a display unit is provided at the upper front of the main body. The operation display panel 111 includes a liquid crystal panel as a display unit and a touch sensor as an operation unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

However, in the conventional drum-type washing machine as described above, the lid for opening and closing the loading slot into which the laundry is loaded occupies most of the front surface of the main body, and the area occupied by the operation unit and the display unit There is a problem that the operation display panel 111 is difficult to use because it is difficult to perform operations such as input.

On the other hand, if the operation display panel 111 is enlarged, there is a problem in that it becomes difficult to load a large laundry such as a blanket because it is not possible to sufficiently increase the opening for loading the laundry.

Also, when the user touches the operation unit with his / her finger, if the finger is dirty, the operation unit itself will become dirty. If the operation unit itself becomes dirty, the next time the user touches the operation unit with a clean finger, the finger may become dirty, and even if the input operation is performed correctly on the operation unit with the finger, it will not work properly. Or cause malfunction.

Furthermore, if the surfaces of the operation unit and the display unit become dirty, there is a problem that it is difficult to see and to operate.

JP 2011-56145 A

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-described problems. The operation display unit is displayed in large size on the front surface of the opening / closing unit, and operations such as input to the operation screen can be performed without touching the operation display unit directly. To provide a washing machine that can be easily performed.

Specifically, a washing machine according to an example of the present disclosure includes a main body, a rotating drum that is provided in the main body and accommodates clothing that is a laundry, and an outer tub that rotatably includes the rotating drum. In addition, a washing machine according to an example of the present disclosure includes an open / close unit disposed on the front surface of the main body, a control unit provided in the main body and controlling at least a washing operation, and an operation display unit provided in the open / close unit. Prepare. The operation display unit includes an image display unit that displays an image on the front surface of the opening / closing unit, and an operation detection unit that detects an operation on the image displayed on the image display unit.

With such a configuration, since the operation screen (image) is displayed largely on the opening / closing part of the main body, the operation screen is very easy to see for the user. Further, with such a configuration, an operation such as an input on the operation screen, that is, the position of the user's finger or the like can be detected by an operation detection unit configured by a non-contact sensor or the like. Accordingly, an operation such as input on the operation screen can be easily performed without contact without the user directly touching the operation display unit with a finger or the like. In addition, this allows the user to operate the operation screen with a finger or the like attached with detergent, etc., without contaminating the operation display section, and can display the operation efficiently and accurately without causing malfunction. Operations in the section can be performed. With such a configuration, it is possible to provide a washing machine with improved accuracy and reliability of operations such as input on the operation screen.

Furthermore, since the operation display unit having the image display unit on which the operation screen is displayed is provided in the opening / closing unit, there is no need to provide an operation display unit for displaying the operation screen on the main body. Thereby, it is possible to provide a washing machine that can increase the loading port into which the laundry is thrown and can easily throw in a large laundry such as a blanket.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the washing / drying machine according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from an oblique direction. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration viewed from the side of the washing and drying machine according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in the washing and drying machine according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in the washing and drying machine according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in the washing and drying machine according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional washing machine.

A washing machine according to an example of the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a main body, a rotating drum that is provided in the main body and accommodates laundry, and an outer tub in which the rotating drum is rotatably mounted. The washing machine according to an example of the embodiment of the present disclosure further includes an opening / closing unit provided on the front surface of the main body, a control unit provided in the main body and controlling at least a washing operation, and an operation display provided on the opening / closing unit. A part. In the washing machine according to the example of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the operation display unit detects an operation on the image displayed on the front surface of the opening / closing unit by the image display unit, and the image display unit displaying an image on the front surface of the opening / closing unit. An operation detection unit.

With such a configuration, the operation screen (image) is displayed largely on the front door, which is an opening / closing part provided on the front surface of the main body, so that the visibility of the operation screen can be improved. Also, with such a configuration, the position of the user's finger or the like above the operation screen can be detected in a non-contact manner by the operation detection unit. That is, an operation such as input to the operation screen can be performed in a non-contact manner without directly touching the operation display unit with a finger or the like. Thereby, an operation such as an input to the operation screen can be easily performed with a finger or the like to which detergent or the like is attached. Also, with such a configuration, it is possible to perform operations such as input to the operation screen efficiently and accurately without polluting the operation display unit and without causing a malfunction. Therefore, with such a configuration, it is easy to see the operation screen, and a washing machine with improved visibility can be obtained. In addition, with such a configuration, a washing machine that can reliably improve the operability, accuracy, and reliability of operations such as input to the operation screen can be obtained.

Further, in the washing machine according to the example of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the opening / closing part may have a door front part. In addition, in the washing machine according to the example of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the image display unit may have a thin screen integrally formed with the door front part of the opening / closing part. Furthermore, the washing machine according to an example of the embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured such that the operation detection unit detects an operation on the image displayed on the front surface of the opening / closing unit by the image display unit using a non-contact sensor. .

Thus, the image display part of the operation display part and the door front part of the opening / closing part are integrally formed, so that the image display part on which the operation screen (image) is displayed is largely provided in the opening / closing part. it can. In addition, since there is no need to provide an operation display unit for displaying the operation screen in the main body, the opening / closing unit can be enlarged. Thereby, since the opening for taking in and out the laundry can be provided largely on the front surface of the main body, a washing machine capable of easily taking in and out the large laundry is obtained. Also, with such a configuration, a washing machine with an easy-to-see operation screen and improved visibility can be obtained. In addition, with such a configuration, a washing machine that can reliably improve the operability, accuracy, and reliability of operations such as input to the operation screen can be obtained.

Further, the washing machine according to an example of the embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to display an image on the image display unit when the opening / closing unit is closed and a human body is detected by the operation detection unit.

With such a configuration, the operation screen can be displayed when the user comes in front of the washing machine body and performs the operation with the front door closed. As a result, a washing machine with an easy-to-see operation screen and improved visibility is obtained, and a washing machine capable of reliably improving the operability, accuracy, and reliability of operations such as input to the operation screen is obtained.

Further, in the washing machine according to the example of the embodiment of the present disclosure, when the opening / closing unit is closed and the human body is not detected by the operation detection unit, the display of the image on the image display unit is terminated by the control unit, and the image display unit is You may be comprised so that it may become transparent.

With such a configuration, when the user does not need to operate the washing machine, the operation screen can be hidden, and the screen display section becomes transparent. Thereby, the user can visually recognize the inside of the tank. Further, with such a configuration, the operation screen can be displayed only when the user needs to operate the washing machine. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a washing machine with improved operability such as input to the operation screen, accuracy, and reliability, and energy saving can be realized.

Further, the washing machine according to the example of the embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured such that the image display unit can be switched between display and non-display of the image display unit. In this case, when the image display unit is not displayed, the image display unit may be configured to be transparent.

With such a configuration, when the user no longer needs to operate the washing machine or when he wants to check the inside of the tub, the operation screen can be switched to non-display, and the screen display unit can be made transparent. it can. Thereby, the user can visually recognize the inside of the tank. In addition, with this configuration, the user can perform a display switching or non-display switching operation by performing a predetermined display switching operation, so that only when the user performs an operation on the washing machine. The operation screen can be displayed. As a result, the operability and convenience of operations such as input to the operation screen can be reliably improved, and energy saving can also be realized.

Further, in the washing machine according to an example of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the operation detection unit may be configured with a non-contact sensor including an optical sensor including an infrared sensor or a capacitance sensor.

With this configuration, the position of the user's finger or the like above the operation screen can be detected easily and accurately. In addition, the user can perform operations such as input on the operation screen without directly touching the operation display unit with a finger or the like. As a result, operations such as input on the operation screen can be performed even with a dirty finger or the like, and the convenience of operation on the operation screen can be improved. Further, with such a configuration, the operability, accuracy, and reliability of operations such as input on the operation screen can be reliably improved.

Further, in the washing machine according to an example of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the image display unit may be configured with a self-luminous screen using an organic EL or a thin liquid crystal.

With this configuration, when the operation screen is not displayed, the image display unit can be made transparent. Thereby, when a user wants to confirm the state in a tank, since an image display part can be made transparent by hiding an operation screen, a user can visually recognize the inside of a tank. Thereby, the operativity and convenience with respect to an operation screen can be improved reliably.

Further, the washing machine according to an example of the embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured such that the operation of the washing machine is executed by a program. For example, the operation of the washing machine is a clothing detection step for detecting the volume and quality of laundry such as clothing, a drying determination step for determining a dry state after the clothing detection step, and a clothing detection result and a drying determination result Based on the above, it may be configured to be executed by a program for executing at least a part of the drying step for controlling the delay time of the drying operation. In addition, the washing machine according to the example of the embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured such that the program as described above is executed by the control unit of the washing machine.

With such a configuration, since the operation of the washing machine is executed by a program, control related to the operation of the washing machine can be easily realized and updated in cooperation with hardware resources such as an electrical information device, a computer, and a server. can do. In addition, by adding a program to the control unit using a communication line by recording the program on a recording medium or adding a program related to the operation method of the washing machine, the program can be easily installed. Can do.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
First, the configuration of the washing and drying machine 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the washing / drying machine according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from an oblique direction. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration viewed from the side of the washing and drying machine according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a washing / drying machine 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure includes a washing / drying machine main body (main body) 1, a rotary drum 2 provided inside the main body 1, and a rotary drum 2. And an outer tub 3 that is rotatably mounted. The rotating drum 2 accommodates laundry such as clothes. The washing / drying machine 100 of the present embodiment is further provided on the front surface of the main body 1, and is installed on the front door 21 (opening / closing section) for putting clothes to be put in and out of the rotating drum 2 and the front door 21. The operation display unit 20 is provided. The front door 21 has a door front portion 21a on the front side. In addition, a transmission film may be provided on the front surface of the front door 21. The transparent film is transparent when the front door 21 is not dazzling for the user when an image is displayed on the image display unit 22 of the operation display unit 20 described later, and when the image is not displayed on the image display unit 22. It may be configured.

The operation display unit 20 is preferably provided on the door front portion 21a, and more preferably on the back side of the door front portion 21a of the front door 21, as shown in FIG. The operation display unit 20 includes an image display unit 22 and an operation detection unit 23. The image display unit 22 includes a high-luminance self-luminous display screen made of liquid crystal or organic EL.

The image display unit 22 has a thin screen, and the thin screen is provided in the door front portion 21a. The thin screen is preferably formed integrally with the door front portion 21a. The image display on the image display unit 22 can be performed by a known technique. For example, image data to be displayed on the image display unit 22 may be stored in the control unit 13 described later, and the image data stored in the control unit 13 may be displayed on the image display unit 22. A projector may be installed, and an image may be projected and displayed on the image display unit 22 from the projector.

The operation detection unit 23 includes an optical sensor that is an infrared sensor or a non-contact sensor that is a high-sensitivity capacitance sensor. The operation detection unit 23 operates the image (operation screen or the like) displayed on the image display unit 22 of the operation display unit 20, specifically, the position of the user's finger or the like with respect to the image displayed on the image display unit 22. Is detected without contact. The operation detection unit 23 is preferably installed in the vicinity of the image display unit 22, for example, on the side of the image display unit 22 as shown in FIG. 1 in the washing / drying machine 100 of the present embodiment. That is, the washing / drying machine 100 according to the present embodiment is configured such that an operation on an image displayed on the image display unit 22 is detected from the side of the image display unit 22. Moreover, in the washing / drying machine 100 of this Embodiment, the operation detection part 23 is comprised with the optical sensor which used the infrared sensor.

The operation detection unit 23 is not limited to the configuration described above, and a capacitive touch panel, an optical touch panel, or the like may be used.

With such a configuration, an operation (position of a user's finger or the like) on the image displayed on the image display unit 22 can be detected at a position close to the image display unit 22 on which an image such as an operation screen is displayed. Therefore, operations such as input can be detected more reliably and accurately. Further, with such a configuration, even when the image display unit 22 having a large display screen is provided on the front door 21, the operation detection unit 23 corresponding to the size of the display screen of the image display unit 22 is displayed on the image display unit 22. Therefore, an operation such as an input to an image displayed on the image display unit 22 having a large display screen can be detected more reliably and accurately. The position where the operation detection unit 23 is provided is not limited to the side portion of the image display unit 22, but a place where an operation such as an input to the image displayed on the image display unit 22 can be detected reliably and accurately. If there is, for example, it can be provided at an arbitrary position such as an upper part or a lower part of the image display unit 22.

Further, in the washing / drying machine 100 of the present embodiment, the operation detection unit 23 is configured to detect the presence or absence of a user (human body) in the vicinity of the main body 1. The washing / drying machine 100 is configured such that a human sensor is provided in the main body 1 separately from the operation detection unit 23, and the human sensor detects the presence or absence of a user (human body) in the vicinity of the main body 1. It may be.

The washing / drying machine 100 according to the present embodiment further includes a control unit that controls at least one of a washing operation and a drying operation of the washing / drying machine 100 (hereinafter collectively referred to as a washing operation) in the main body 1. 13 In addition to controlling the washing operation, the control unit 13 is configured to be able to control various devices constituting the washing / drying machine 100, for example, the image display unit 22 and the operation detection unit 23 of the operation display unit 20. May be. The control unit 13 of the washing and drying machine 100 according to the present embodiment constitutes the washing and drying machine 100 such as the image display unit 22 and the operation detection unit 23 of the operation display unit 20 in addition to the control of the washing operation of the washing and drying machine 100. It is configured to be able to control various devices.

In the present embodiment, the washing / drying machine 100 further includes the washing / drying machine based on the positional information such as the user's finger in the image displayed on the image display unit 22 detected by the operation detection unit 23. The calculation unit 12 calculates the position of a user's finger or the like on 100 operation screens. Note that the calculation unit 12 is not essential, and the washing and drying machine 100 is configured such that, for example, the control unit 13 has the function of the calculation unit 12 and the control unit 13 calculates the position of a finger or the like on the operation screen. Also good.

Next, an outline of the operation of the washing / drying machine 100 of the present embodiment will be described.

When a user (human body) comes in front of the washing / drying machine 100 and tries to touch the front door 21 to use the washing / drying machine 100, the operation detection unit 23 including an infrared sensor detects the user. When the presence of the user is detected by the operation detection unit 23, the control unit 13 displays the operation screen (image) of the washing / drying machine 100 on the image display unit 22 of the operation display unit 20. An operation such as an input to the operation screen displayed on the image display unit 22 of the operation display unit 20, that is, the position of the user's finger or the like is detected by the operation detection unit 23 without contact. Position information such as a user's finger above the operation screen is fed back to the operation display unit 20 via the control unit 13, and screen transition is executed in the image display unit 22.

With such a configuration, an operation screen for operating the washing / drying machine 100 is displayed large on a position that is easy for the user to see, that is, on the front surface of the front door 21 of the main body 1. Thereby, the visibility of the operation screen is improved, the operation on the operation screen is facilitated, and the operability of operations such as input to the operation screen can be improved.

In addition, with such a configuration, an operation screen (image) is displayed on the image display unit 22 of the operation display unit 20 provided on the front door 21 of the main body 1, and an operation such as an input to the operation screen is detected by a non-contact sensor. It becomes possible to do. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a washing machine in which operation display that is easy to see and handle for the user is performed. Further, with such a configuration, even when an operation such as an input to the operation screen is performed with a finger or the like to which detergent or the like is attached, the image display unit 22 of the operation display unit 20 is not contaminated and does not cause a malfunction. Thus, operations such as input to the operation screen can be performed efficiently and accurately. Thereby, while being able to improve the operativity in the operation screen for operating the driving | running | working of the washing / drying machine 100, it is possible to improve the accuracy and reliability of operations such as input on the operation screen of the washing / drying machine 100. it can.

Moreover, since the operation screen is displayed on the front surface of the front door 21 with such a configuration, the operation display unit for displaying the operation screen does not need to be provided on the front upper portion of the main body as in the conventional washing machine. . Therefore, with such a configuration, the main body 1 can be provided with a large opening through which the laundry is taken in and out, and a washing machine in which a large laundry such as a blanket can be easily put in can be provided.

It should be noted that the wiring from the operation display unit 20 can be connected to the control circuit of the main body 1 via a hinge portion between the front door 21 and the main body 1, for example.

Next, the operation flow of the washing / drying machine 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation in the washing and drying machine according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition, control of operation | movement of the washing dryer 100 of this Embodiment demonstrated below is performed by the control part 13. FIG.

First, when a user (human body) of the washing / drying machine 100 comes in front of the main body 1 and turns on the power of the main body (step S0), the image display unit 22 of the operation display unit 20 installed on the front door 21 is displayed. An operation screen (image) is displayed (step S1). Next, on the operation screen displayed on the image display unit 22 by the user, various conditions such as a washing level of the washing / drying machine 100 (hereinafter referred to as washing conditions for short) so as to operate on a conventional liquid crystal screen or the like. ) Is set (step S2). As described above, in the washing / drying machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the operation detection unit 23 configured with an optical sensor such as an infrared sensor is installed around the image display unit 22 on which the operation screen is displayed. The position of the user's finger or the like above the operation screen is detected by the operation detection unit 23 in a non-contact manner.

After the washing condition is set, the front door 21 is opened by the user, and when the laundry is put into the rotary drum 2 (step S3), the control unit 13 determines whether the front door 21 is closed. Determination is made (step S4). The control unit 13 determines that the front door 21 has been closed by, for example, providing at least one of the main body 1 and the front door 21 with an open / close detection unit or the like, and controlling whether the open / close detection unit or the like is open / closed. This is done by being sent to the unit 13.

When it is determined by the control unit 13 that the front door 21 is closed (Yes in Step S4 (hereinafter abbreviated as Y)), on the operation screen (image) displayed on the image display unit 22, the user Thus, an operation such as selecting an operation start menu of the washing / drying machine 100 is performed, whereby the washing operation of the washing / drying machine 100 is started (step S5).

The operation flow from step S0 to step S5 in the washing and drying machine 100 of the present embodiment is replaced with the operation flow from step S0 and step S21 to step S25 in the second embodiment described later (see FIG. 4). May be executed.

After the operation of the washing / drying machine 100 is started, when the control unit 13 determines that there is no user (person) near the main body 1 (Y in step S6), the display of the operation screen (image) on the image display unit 22 is ended. Then, the operation screen (image) displayed on the image display unit 22 of the operation display unit 20 is closed, and the image display unit 22 is not visually recognized by the control unit 13 (step S7). At this time, the image display unit 22 is made transparent by the control unit 13. Thereby, it will be in the state which can see the to-be-washed object accommodated in the rotating drum 2 in the main body 1. FIG. On the other hand, when the control unit 13 determines that there is a user (person) near the main body 1 (N in step S6), an operation screen (image) is displayed on the image display unit 22 of the operation display unit.

When the user (person) is in the vicinity of the main body 1 after the washing operation is started (N in Step S6), the operation screen displayed on the image display unit 22 is continuously displayed.

After the display of the operation screen (image) on the image display unit 22 is finished, if the user (person) does not come near the main body 1 until the washing operation is finished (N in step S8), the process proceeds to step S10. . When the washing operation ends (step S10), the image display unit 22 of the operation display unit 20 is displayed (step S11), and the end of the washing operation is notified.

On the other hand, when a user (person) comes in the vicinity of the main body 1 during the washing operation and the presence of the person is detected by the operation detection unit 23 (Y in step S8), an image indicating the current driving state and the like is displayed on the image display unit. 22 (step S9).

As described above, the operation display unit 20 having the image display unit 22 on which the operation screen or the like is displayed is displayed large on the front door 21, so that the operation screen is very easy to see and the visibility is improved. Furthermore, the washing / drying machine 100 according to the present embodiment uses the operation detection unit 23 formed of a reflective optical sensor such as an infrared sensor to perform an operation such as an input to the operation screen, that is, a user's finger on the operation screen. Since the position can be detected, operations such as input on the operation screen can be performed in a non-contact manner. Thereby, an operation such as an input can be performed on the operation screen even with a finger or the like to which detergent or the like is attached. Therefore, it is possible to provide a washing machine with improved convenience and operability of operations such as input on the operation screen.

In addition, the washing / drying machine 100 according to the present embodiment is configured such that when there is no user near the main body 1, the operation screen (image) is not displayed on the image display unit 22 and the image display unit 22 is also transparent. Yes. In addition, the washing and drying machine 100 according to the present embodiment is configured such that when the user comes in front of the main body 1, the image display unit 22 of the operation display unit 20 is displayed, thereby saving energy. It becomes feasible.

Furthermore, since the washing / drying machine 100 according to the present embodiment does not require a large operation display unit to be attached to the front upper part of the main body or the like, the main body 1 can be provided with a large opening through which the laundry is taken in and out. Thereby, it is possible to provide a washing machine in which the laundry can be easily taken in and out.

As described above, in the washing and drying machine 100 of the present embodiment, the operation display unit 20 having the image display unit 22 on which an operation screen (image) is displayed is provided on the front surface of the opening / closing unit (front door 21). Yes. As a result, the operation screen is displayed largely on the opening / closing part of the main body 1, so that the operation screen is very easy to see for the user. In addition, the washing / drying machine 100 according to the present embodiment is configured such that an operation such as an input to an image displayed on the image display unit 22, that is, a position of a user's finger or the like is an operation detection unit 23 configured by a non-contact sensor. It is configured to detect. With such a configuration, an operation such as input on the operation screen can be easily performed without contact without the user directly touching the operation display unit with a finger or the like. In addition, the operation display unit 20 is not contaminated, and even when the user performs an operation on the operation screen with a finger attached with detergent or the like, the operation screen can be input efficiently and accurately without causing a malfunction. An operation can be performed. Therefore, it is possible to provide a washing machine with improved operability, convenience, accuracy and reliability of operations such as input on the operation screen.

Furthermore, since the operation display unit 20 is provided in the opening / closing unit, a loading port into which the laundry is loaded can be enlarged. Thereby, it is possible to provide a washing machine in which a large laundry such as a blanket can be easily put.

In addition, the washing / drying machine 100 according to the present embodiment is configured so that the image display unit 22 is not displayed on the opening / closing unit when there is no user in the vicinity of the main body 1, so that energy saving can also be realized. .

(Embodiment 2)
Next, the washing / drying machine 200 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

Since the physical structure of the washing / drying machine 200 of the present embodiment is the same as that of the washing / drying machine 100 of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are used for the same configuration. The description is omitted.

The operation of the washing / drying machine 200 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The control of the operation of the washing and drying machine 200 of the present embodiment described below is performed by the control unit 13.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation in the washing and drying machine according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

The operation flow in the washing and drying machine 200 of the present embodiment is different from the operation flow in the washing and drying machine 100 of the first embodiment in at least the following points. That is, in the washing / drying machine 200 of the present embodiment, the operation display unit 20 is displayed on the front door 21 (opening / closing unit) after the user puts the laundry into the rotating drum 2 of the main body 1. Has been. Hereinafter, the operation flow of the washing / drying machine 200 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4.

First, the user comes to the front of the main body 1 and the power of the main body 1 is turned on by the user (step S0). Next, the front door 21 is opened by the user, and the laundry is put into the rotating drum 2 (step S21). When the control unit 13 confirms that the front door 21 is closed (step S22), an image (operation screen or the like) is displayed on the image display unit 22 of the operation display unit 20 (step S23).

Next, an input operation for setting the washing condition of the washing / drying machine 200 is performed on the image displayed on the image display unit 22 by the user in the same manner as the input operation performed on the conventional liquid crystal screen. Performed (step S24).

After the washing condition is set, the operation of the washing / drying machine 200 is started by the control unit 13 by selecting the operation start menu on the operation screen (image) displayed on the image display unit 22 by the user ( Step S25).

The operation flow from step S0 and step S21 to step S25 in the laundry dryer 200 of the present embodiment is the operation flow from step S0 to step 5 in the above-described laundry dryer 100 of the first embodiment (FIG. 3). It may be replaced with (see) and executed.

When an operation such as an input to the image of the image display unit 22 is not detected by the operation detection unit 23 and the control unit 13 determines that there is no person (user) around the main body 1 (Y in step S26), the control unit 13 Thus, the image displayed on the image display unit 22 is closed, the image display unit 22 becomes transparent, and the image display unit 22 is not visually recognized (step S27). At this time, the entire front door 21 becomes transparent so that the laundry in the rotary drum 2 can be seen. On the other hand, when an operation such as an input to the image of the image display unit 22 is detected by the operation detection unit 23 and the control unit 13 determines that there is a person (user) around the main body 1 (N in step S26), the control unit 13 As a result, an image is displayed on the image display unit 22.

Next, when an operation such as an input to the image displayed on the image display unit 22 is detected by the operation detection unit 23 and the control unit 13 determines that there is a person around the main body 1 (Y in step S28), the control is performed. The image is displayed on the image display unit 22 by the unit 13 (step S29). On the other hand, the operation detection unit 23 does not detect an operation such as an input to the image displayed on the image display unit 22, and the control unit 13 determines that there is no person around the main body 1 (N in step S28). If there is no person around the main body 1 until the operation of the washing / drying machine 200 is finished, the process proceeds to step S30. On the other hand, if a person has come around the main body 1 by the end of the operation of the washing / drying machine 200, the process returns to step S28.

When the operation of the washing / drying machine 200 is completed (step S30), an image is displayed on the image display unit 22 (step S31), and the completion of the operation of the washing / drying machine 200 is notified. In addition, the current state of the washing / drying machine 200, past operation history, and the like can be displayed on the image display unit 22.

As described above, the washing / drying machine 200 according to the present embodiment is configured so that the image display unit 22 of the operation display unit 20 is displayed large on the front door 21, whereby the operation displayed on the image display unit 22. The screen (image) is very easy to see, and the visibility of the operation screen can be improved.

Furthermore, the washing / drying machine 200 according to the present embodiment has a user's finger on the operation screen (image) displayed on the image display unit 22 by the operation detection unit 23 configured by a reflection type optical sensor such as an infrared sensor. This position is configured to be detected without contact. Thereby, an operation such as an input to the operation screen can be easily performed even with a hand or the like to which a detergent or the like is attached. Thereby, it is possible to provide a washing machine in which a user-friendly operation screen is displayed without soiling the operation display unit 20.

Further, in the washing and drying machine 200 of the present embodiment, when there is no user around the main body 1, no image is displayed on the image display unit 22 of the operation display unit 20, and the image display unit 22 is controlled by the control unit 13. Is configured to be transparent. Further, in the washing / drying machine 200 of the present embodiment, when the user comes around the main body 1, the image display unit 22 of the operation display unit 20 is displayed, and the operation screen is displayed on the image display unit 22. It is configured as follows. With such a configuration, the operation screen is not always displayed, and is displayed only when necessary, thereby realizing energy saving. Furthermore, in the washing and drying machine 200 according to the present embodiment, since the operation display unit having the operation screen does not need to be separately attached to the upper front portion of the main body 1 or the like, the front door 21 can be enlarged, There is also an advantage that it is easy to take in and out.

As described above, according to the washing and drying machine 200 of the present embodiment, the operation screen can be displayed largely on the front portion of the front door 21 of the main body 1. Accordingly, the visibility of the operation screen is easy to see and the operation screen is displayed in a large size, thereby facilitating operations such as input on the operation screen and improving the operability.

In addition, the washing and drying machine 200 according to the present embodiment is configured such that an operation such as an input on the operation screen displayed on the front door 21 of the main body 1 is detected by the operation detection unit 23 configured by a non-contact sensor. ing. With such a configuration, it is possible to provide a washing machine that displays an operation screen that is easy to see and handle for the user. In addition, with such a configuration, an operation such as input on the operation screen can be performed even with a dirty hand or the like. Therefore, even if an operation such as an input to the operation screen is performed with a finger or the like to which detergent or the like is attached, an input to the operation screen is performed without contaminating the image display unit 22 on which the operation screen is displayed or causing a malfunction. Etc. can be operated. Thereby, the operativity with respect to an operation screen improves, operation, such as input, can be performed efficiently and correctly, and the precision and reliability of operation with respect to the washing dryer 200 can be improved reliably.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, the washing / drying machine 300 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

Since the physical structure of the washing and drying machine 300 of the present embodiment is the same as that of the washing and drying machine 100 of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are used for the same configuration. The description is omitted.

The washing / drying machine 300 according to the present embodiment is different from the washing / drying machine 100 according to the first embodiment or the washing / drying machine 200 according to the second embodiment in at least the following points. The washing / drying machine 300 of the present embodiment is configured such that switching between display and non-display of the operation screen is performed by a predetermined display switching operation. As the predetermined display switching operation, for example, an operation (operation) in which the user moves a hand or the like above the image display unit 22 from the upper left to the lower right of the image display unit 22 or a predetermined part of the image display unit 22 For example, an operation (operation) in which the user holds the upper part of the upper corner of the image display unit 22 with a hand or the like. When the predetermined display switching operation is performed, it is detected that the predetermined display switching operation is performed by the operation detection unit 23 provided in the vicinity of the image display unit 22, and the control unit 13 displays the operation screen. Alternatively, non-display switching is performed.

In the washing / drying machine 300 of the present embodiment, a display switching button or the like for switching between display and non-display of the operation screen is provided on the main body 1 or the front door 21 and the display switching button or the like is provided by the user. The operation screen may be switched between display and non-display by a display switching operation such as being pressed. In this case, it may be determined by the control unit 13 that the display switching button or the like has been pressed, and the control unit 13 may switch between display and non-display of the operation screen.

Next, the operation of the washing / drying machine 300 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The control of the operation of the washing and drying machine 300 according to the present embodiment described below is performed by the control unit 13.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation in the washing and drying machine according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

When the user of the washing and drying machine 300 comes in front of the main body 1 and turns on the power of the main body 1 (step S0), an operation screen is displayed on the image display unit 22 of the operation display unit 20 (step S1). Next, the user sets the washing conditions of the washing / drying machine 300 so as to operate on the conventional liquid crystal screen or the like on the operation screen displayed on the image display unit 22 (step S2). The position of the user's finger or the like above the operation screen is detected in a non-contact manner by the operation detection unit 23 installed around the image display unit 22 on which the operation screen is displayed. That is, without the user's finger or the like touching the image display unit 22 on which the operation screen is displayed, the position of the user's finger or the like above the operation screen is detected by the operation detection unit 23 configured by an infrared sensor or the like. Detected.

After the washing condition is set, the front door 21 is opened by the user, the laundry is put into the rotary drum 2 (step S3), and the control unit 13 determines whether the front door 21 is closed. (Step S4). If it is determined by the control unit 13 that the front door 21 is closed (Y in step S4), an operation for starting the operation on the operation screen by the user (for example, selecting the operation start menu displayed on the operation screen). Thus, the operation of the washing / drying machine 300 is started (step S5).

When the predetermined display switching operation described above is performed by the user while the front door 21 is closed (step S46), the control unit 13 switches between display and non-display of the operation screen. When non-display is selected, the control unit 13 closes the operation screen displayed on the image display unit 22 so that the operation screen is not visually recognized. The control unit 13 causes the image display unit 22 to be in a transparent state. (Step S47). Thereby, when the operation screen is not displayed, the front door 21 becomes transparent, and the user can see the situation in the tank.

About the operation | movement flow after step S47 in the washing / drying machine 300 of this Embodiment, step S8 to step S11 in the washing / drying machine 100 of Embodiment 1 or step S28 to step S31 in the washing / drying machine 200 of Embodiment 2. FIG. An operation flow similar to the operation flow is executed. Therefore, detailed description of the operation flow after step S47 in the washing and drying machine 300 of the present embodiment is omitted here.

The operation flow from step S0 to step S5 in the washing and drying machine 300 of the present embodiment is the same as the operation flow from step S0 to step S5 in the washing and drying machine 100 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 3). is there. The operation flow from step S0 to step S5 in the washing / drying machine 300 of the embodiment is the operation flow from step S0 and step S21 to step S25 in the washing / drying machine 200 of the second embodiment (see FIG. 4). It may be replaced and executed.

As described above, in the washing and drying machine 300 according to the present embodiment, the operation screen is displayed largely on the front door 21, and the user's finger above the operation screen is detected by the operation detection unit 23 configured by an infrared sensor or the like. It is configured to detect non-contact positions. In addition to this, the washing and drying machine 300 of the present embodiment is configured to arbitrarily switch the display or non-display of the operation screen. Furthermore, the washing and drying machine 300 of the present embodiment is configured such that when the operation screen is not displayed, the operation screen is closed by the control unit 13 and the image display unit 22 is made transparent by the control unit 13. Yes. With such a configuration, when the operation screen is not displayed, the user can see the state in the tank. Further, with such a configuration, the operation screen is not always displayed while the power of the washing / drying machine 300 is turned on, and can be displayed on the front door 21 only when necessary, so that energy saving can be realized. It becomes.

As described above, according to the washing / drying machine 300 of the present embodiment, the operation screen can be displayed largely on the front door 21 of the main body 1, the visibility of the operation screen is improved, and the operation screen is easy to see. Become. Further, according to the washing and drying machine 300 of the present embodiment, since the operation screen is displayed largely on the front door 21, operations such as input to the operation screen are facilitated, and usability is very good. Further, according to the washing and drying machine 300 of the present embodiment, an operation detection unit configured to detect an operation such as an input to the operation screen displayed on the front door 21 of the main body 1 is configured by a non-contact sensor such as an infrared sensor. 23 is performed without contact. Thereby, an operation such as an input to the operation screen with a hand or the like to which detergent or the like is attached can be easily performed. Therefore, operations such as input to the operation screen can be performed efficiently and accurately without fouling the image display unit 22 of the operation display unit 20 with a finger or the like to which detergent or the like is attached, and without causing a malfunction. Thereby, the operability, accuracy, and reliability of operations such as input to the operation screen of the washer / dryer 300 can be reliably improved.

In the washing / drying machines 100, 200, and 300 according to the first to third embodiments described above, even if a program that can be executed by the control unit 13 and the calculation unit 12 is used to perform the above-described operation flow. Good. That is, a computer-readable program in which a program to be executed by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) computer is recorded may be used. The washing / drying machines 100, 200, and 300 may be configured such that various controls in the control unit 13, the calculation unit 12, and the like are performed by a hardware circuit or the like instead of a program.

Various controls in the control unit 13 and the arithmetic unit 12 described in the present disclosure are performed by a CPU (or a microcomputer), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read-Only Memory), a storage recording device, and an I / O (Input / It may be configured to be executed by a program for cooperating hardware resources such as an electric information device, a computer, and a server provided with Output). Since various controls in the control unit 13 and the calculation unit 12 are configured to be executed by a program, a program recorded on a recording medium such as a magnetic medium and an optical medium can be used, or a communication line such as the Internet. Can be installed in the control unit 13 of the washer / dryer 100, 200, 300 or the like. Thereby, in the washer / dryer 100, 200, 300, addition or update of a new function and installation of a program for executing the new function can be easily performed.

In addition, although the present disclosure has been described with the embodiments of the washing and drying machines 100, 200, and 300 as an example, the present disclosure can also be applied to a washing machine having no drying function. Further, the washing machine of the present disclosure is not limited to the drum type washing and drying machine, and can be applied to a vertical washing machine or a washing and drying machine.

As described above, the present disclosure provides a washing machine in which an operation screen for operating the washing machine is easy to see and operate. In addition, the present invention provides a washing machine with improved convenience, operability, accuracy, and reliability that allows operations such as input to an operation screen to be performed without bringing a finger or the like into contact with the operation display unit. Therefore, the present disclosure can be used for household and commercial washing machines, washing machines without a drying function, and the like.

1 Washing / drying machine (main unit)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 Rotating drum 3 Outer tub 12 Calculation part 13 Control part 20 Operation display part 21 Front door 21a Door front part 22 Image display part 23 Operation detection part 100,200,300 Washing and drying machine

Claims

A main body, a rotary drum provided in the main body and containing laundry, an outer tub in which the rotary drum is rotatably mounted, an opening / closing part provided on a front surface of the main body, and the main body Provided with a control unit that controls at least the washing operation, and an operation display unit provided in the opening and closing unit,
The operation display unit includes an image display unit that displays an image on a front surface of the opening / closing unit, and an operation detection unit that detects an operation on the image displayed on the front surface of the opening / closing unit by the image display unit. Machine.
The opening / closing part has a door front part,
The image display unit has a thin screen integrally formed with the door front portion of the opening and closing unit,
The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the operation detection unit is configured to detect, with a non-contact sensor, the operation on the image displayed on the front surface of the opening / closing unit by the image display unit.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the image is displayed on the image display unit when the opening / closing unit is closed and a human body is detected by the operation detection unit. .
The image display unit according to claim 1, wherein when the opening / closing unit is closed and no human body is detected by the operation detection unit, the display of the image on the image display unit is terminated and the image display unit becomes transparent. The washing machine according to any one of claims.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the image display unit is configured to be switchable between display and non-display of the image display unit.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the image display unit is configured such that the image display unit is transparent when the image display unit is not displayed.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the operation detection unit includes a light sensor including an infrared sensor or a non-contact sensor including a capacitance sensor.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the image display unit includes a self-luminous screen using organic EL or thin liquid crystal.