Top-loading washing machines and their control methods

Abstract

This invention discloses a pulsator washing machine and its control method. The pulsator washing machine includes: a machine body shell, a top cover, a first display screen, a second touch display screen, a first thermal sensor, and a second thermal sensor. The top cover includes a front cover and a side cover connected to the front cover. The first display screen is disposed on the side cover of the top cover; the second touch display screen is disposed on the front cover of the top cover; the first thermal sensor is mounted on the side cover; the second thermal sensor is mounted on the front cover. The control module illuminates the first display screen when it receives a first sensing signal detected by the first thermal sensor, and extinguishes the first display screen and illuminates the second touch display screen when the top cover is closed and a second sensing signal detected by the second thermal sensor is received. This invention subdivides the display screen and assigns different functions according to the user's different positions, providing users with more effortless operation methods and improving the user experience of the pulsator washing machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of washing machine technology, specifically, it relates to a pulsator washing machine and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] A top-loading washing machine has a disc-shaped impeller at the bottom of the tub with protruding ribs. Driven by the impeller, the water flow inside the tub forms a vortex that rotates sometimes to the right and sometimes to the left, causing the laundry to rotate and tumble, thus removing dirt from the laundry.

[0003] Top-loading washing machines allow for easy addition of clothes if any are left behind during the washing process, and they also have the advantages of simple structure, convenient maintenance, and high washing efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a pulsator washing machine and its control method, which subdivides the display screen and assigns different functions according to the user's different positions, pushes more effortless operation mode to the user, and improves the user's experience of using the pulsator washing machine.

[0005] The present invention is implemented using the following technical solutions:

[0006] A pulsator washing machine is proposed, comprising: a casing with an open upper end; a top cover including a front cover and a side cover connected to the front cover; the front cover is rotatably connected to the open side of the casing so that the top cover completely covers the open side of the casing; further comprising: a first display screen disposed on the side cover of the top cover; a second touch display screen disposed on the front cover of the top cover; a first thermal sensor mounted on the side cover; a second thermal sensor mounted on the front cover; and a control module configured to illuminate the first display screen when the first thermal sensor detects a first sensing signal; and to extinguish the first display screen and illuminate the second touch display screen when the top cover is closed and a second sensing signal is received from the second thermal sensor.

[0007] Furthermore, the front cover of the top cover has a transparent area or the front cover is made of a transparent material; and the top cover is equipped with a light; the control module is also used to turn on the light of the top cover when the second sensing signal is received.

[0008] Furthermore, the control module is also used to adjust the brightness of the lamp on the top cover based on a set value or ambient light brightness, so as to adjust the transparency of the transparent area or the front cover made of transparent material.

[0009] Furthermore, the top cover is connected to the outer casing of the machine body via an electric hinge; the pulsator washing machine also includes: a voice module for recognizing user voice and converting it into voice commands; the control module is also used to activate the voice module when the first thermal sensor detects a first sensing signal, control the top cover to open when the voice module converts the voice command to open the lid, and control the top cover to close when the voice module converts the voice command to close the lid.

[0010] Furthermore, the side cover is provided with an opening touch area; the control module is used to control the top cover to open or close when it receives a third sensing signal detected by the opening touch area.

[0011] Furthermore, after the top cover is closed, the control module is also used to receive touch information from the second touch display screen and control the washing process of the pulsator washing machine based on the touch information.

[0012] Furthermore, the control module is also configured to: during the execution of the washing process, when receiving a first sensing signal detected by the first thermal sensor, control the display of washing parameters on the first display screen.

[0013] A control method for a pulsator washing machine is proposed and applied to the pulsator washing machine. The pulsator washing machine includes: a machine body shell with an open upper end; a top cover including a front cover and a side cover connected to the front cover; the front cover is rotatably connected to the open side of the machine body shell so that the top cover completely covers the open side of the machine body shell; a first display screen disposed on the side cover of the top cover; a second touch display screen disposed on the front cover of the top cover; a first thermal sensor mounted on the side cover; and a second thermal sensor mounted on the front cover. The method includes: when a first sensing signal detected by the first thermal sensor is received, controlling the first display screen to light up; when the top cover is closed and a second sensing signal detected by the second thermal sensor is received, turning off the first display screen and lighting up the second touch display screen.

[0014] Furthermore, the front cover of the top cover has a transparent area or the front cover is made of a transparent material; and the top cover is equipped with a light; the method further includes: lighting up the light on the top cover when the second sensing signal is received; and adjusting the brightness of the light on the top cover based on a set value or ambient light brightness.

[0015] Furthermore, the method also includes:

[0016] During the washing process of the pulsator washing machine, when a first sensing signal detected by the first thermal sensor is received, the washing parameters are displayed on the first display screen.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of the present invention are as follows: In the pulsator washing machine and its control method proposed in this invention, the display screen of the pulsator washing machine is subdivided into a first display screen and a second touch display screen. The first display screen is disposed on the side cover of the top cover, and the second touch display screen is disposed on the front cover of the top cover. When a user approaches the pulsator washing machine to wash, the first thermal sensor disposed on the side cover of the top cover senses the user and generates a first sensing signal. After receiving the first sensing signal, the control module of the pulsator washing machine lights up the first display screen. The user can then control the washing machine by voice or trigger the top cover. The lid is opened and closed via a touch area on the side of the lid. After the lid is closed, a second thermal sensor on the front of the lid senses the user and generates a second sensing signal. Upon receiving this second sensing signal, the control module of the pulsator washing machine turns off the first display screen and illuminates the second touch display screen, allowing the user to set and operate the washing process on the second touch display screen. The pulsator washing machine of this invention subdivides the display screen and assigns different functions according to the user's different positions, providing users with a more effortless operation method and improving the user experience of the pulsator washing machine.

[0018] Furthermore, when the first thermal sensor detects the user's first sensing signal, the control module of the pulsator washing machine not only lights up the first display screen but also activates the voice module, allowing the user to control the opening and closing of the lid with voice commands, thus improving the user experience.

[0019] Furthermore, users can also open and close the lid using the touch area on the side of the lid, providing users with multiple ways to open and close the lid.

[0020] Furthermore, when the pulsator washing machine enters the washing process, if the user approaches the washing machine, the first thermal sensor on the side cover of the top cover detects the user's first sensing signal, and the control module lights up the first display screen again, displaying various parameters related to the current washing process, such as the remaining washing time, the current washing stage, etc., so that the user can clearly know the washing status.

[0021] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer after reading the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first embodiment of the pulsator washing machine proposed in this invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a functional architecture embodiment diagram of the pulsator washing machine proposed in this invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second embodiment of the pulsator washing machine proposed in this invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of the third embodiment of the pulsator washing machine proposed in this invention;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the pulsator washing machine control method proposed in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the pulsator washing machine proposed in this invention includes a machine body shell 1, a top cover 2, a first display screen 3, a second touch display screen 4, a first thermal sensor 5, and a second thermal sensor 6; the upper end of the machine body shell 1 has an open design; the top cover 2 includes a front cover 21 and a side cover 22 connected to the front cover 21; the front cover 21 is rotatably connected to one side of the open end of the machine body shell 1 so that the top cover 2 completely covers the open end of the machine body shell 1.

[0029] The first display screen 3 is disposed on the side cover 22 of the top cover; the second touch display screen 4 is disposed on the front cover 21 of the top cover; the first thermal sensor 5 is mounted on the side cover 22; and the second thermal sensor 6 is mounted on the front cover 21.

[0030] The pulsator washing machine proposed in this invention includes a control module 7, which is used to turn on the first display screen 3 when the first thermal sensor 5 detects a first sensing signal; and to turn off the first display screen 3 and turn on the second touch display screen 4 when the top cover 2 is closed and the second thermal sensor 6 detects a second sensing signal.

[0031] Specifically, when a user needs to wash, they hold the laundry close to the pulsator washing machine. The first thermal sensor 5 installed on the side cover 22 of the top cover 2 senses the user and generates a first sensing signal. The control module 7 receives the first sensing signal and lights up the first display screen 3, so that the user knows that the washing machine has started from standby mode and is ready to perform the washing task.

[0032] In some embodiments of the present invention, the user can manually open the top cover 2, put the laundry into the tub, and then manually close the top cover.

[0033] In some embodiments of the present invention, the user can automatically open and close the top cover 2 via voice control; specifically, the pulsator washing machine proposed in this invention also includes a voice module 8 for recognizing the user's voice and converting it into voice commands; such as Figure 3 As shown, the top cover 2 is connected to the outer casing 1 via an electric hinge 9, which is controlled by the control module 7. When the control module 7 receives the first sensing signal and illuminates the first display screen 3, it also activates the voice module 8. The user can initiate an opening command via voice, and the voice module 8 converts the user's voice into an opening command and sends it to the control module 7. The control module 7 then controls the electric hinge 9 to open the top cover 2. After the top cover is opened, the user puts laundry into the tub and closes the top cover in the same way.

[0034] In some embodiments of the present invention, the user can automatically open and close the upper cover 2 via touch sensing; specifically, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the pulsator washing machine proposed in this invention also includes a lid-opening touch area 10. The user can initiate a lid-opening command by touching this touch area 10. The touch area 10 detects a third sensing signal and sends it to the control module 7. The control module 7 controls the electric hinge 9 to open the lid 2. After the lid is opened, the user puts laundry into the tub and closes the lid in the same way.

[0035] After the top cover 2 is closed, the second thermal sensor 6 set on the front cover 21 of the top cover 2 detects the user and generates a second sensing signal. The control module 7 receives the second sensing signal, turns off the first display screen 3, and lights up the second touch display screen 4.

[0036] The second touch screen 4 lights up after the top cover 2 is closed and waits to receive touch commands from the user. The user can operate the second touch screen 4 to set washing parameters, start the washing process, etc. The control module 7 generates control commands based on the touch information of the second touch screen 4 to control the washing process of the pulsator washing machine.

[0037] After the washing process starts, if the user leaves, the second thermal sensor 6 will not detect the user and will not generate a second sensing signal. Then the control module 7 will control the second touch display screen 4 to turn off.

[0038] During the washing process, if the user approaches the pulsator washing machine again, the first thermal sensor 5 on the side cover 22 of the top cover 2 will sense the user again and generate the first sensing signal. Then the control module 7 will obtain the washing parameters and light up the first display screen 3 again, displaying the washing parameters on the first display screen 3 so that the user can know the washing status without performing any operation.

[0039] The washing parameters here include the remaining washing time, the current washing stage, and the water temperature.

[0040] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 4 As shown, the front cover 21 of the top cover 2 has a transparent area 23, or the entire front cover 21 is made of transparent material; lights are installed on the outside, inside or in the cover of the top cover 2; when the top cover 2 is closed, and the control module 7 is still receiving the second sensing signal, the lights on the top cover are lit, and the brightness of the lights on the top cover can also be adjusted based on the user's settings or the ambient light brightness, so as to adjust the transparency of the transparent area or the front cover made of transparent material; the user can observe the condition inside the bucket through the transparent area or the transparent front cover.

[0041] Based on the aforementioned pulsator washing machine, this invention also proposes a control method for the pulsator washing machine, such as... Figure 5 As shown, it includes the following steps:

[0042] Step S51: The first thermal sensor detects whether the user has appeared.

[0043] In the embodiment of the present invention, the pulsator washing machine enters a standby state after completing the previous washing process. In the standby state, the first thermal sensor is activated for monitoring.

[0044] Step S52: Upon receiving the first sensing signal detected by the first thermal sensor, control the first display screen to light up.

[0045] After the first thermal sensor detects the presence of the user, it generates a first sensing signal, and the control module illuminates the first display screen on the side cover of the top cover.

[0046] The first display screen lights up to inform the user that the top cover can be opened via voice control or touch.

[0047] Users can choose to issue a voice command to open the lid, or touch the opening touch area on the side of the lid to initiate the opening command.

[0048] After the lid is opened, users can put in laundry and choose to close the lid by voice or touch.

[0049] Step S53: When the top cover is closed and the second sensing signal detected by the second thermal sensor is received, turn off the first display screen and turn on the second touch display screen.

[0050] After the lid is closed, the second thermal sensor on the front of the lid detects the user and generates a second sensing signal. The control module then turns off the first display screen and illuminates the second touch display screen. The user can then use the second touch display screen to set washing parameters and start the washing process.

[0051] Simultaneously, the control module illuminates the light on the top cover and adjusts its brightness based on user settings or ambient light levels. This alters the transparency of the transparent area or the entire front cover, allowing the user to clearly observe the contents of the container. For example, the brightness of the light on the top cover is increased when ambient light is low.

[0052] After the user sets the washing parameters and starts the washing process based on the second touch screen, if the first thermal sensor detects the user generating the first sensing signal again during the washing process of the pulsator washing machine, it controls the first display screen to light up and displays washing parameters such as the remaining time and the current washing stage, so that the user can know the washing status without performing any operation.

[0053] It should be noted that the above description is not intended to limit the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the examples given above. Any changes, modifications, additions or substitutions made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention should also fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pulsator washing machine, comprising: a machine housing with an open top end; a top cover including a front cover and a side cover connected to the front cover; the front cover is pivotally connected to the open side of the machine housing so that the top cover as a whole covers the open top end of the machine housing; characterized in that the display screen is divided according to different positions of a user, comprising: a first display screen arranged on the side cover of the top cover; a second touch display screen arranged on the front cover of the top cover; a first thermal sensor installed on the side cover; a second thermal sensor installed on the front cover; a control module configured to light up the first display screen when a first sensing signal detected by the first thermal sensor is received, so that the user knows that the washing machine has started from standby state and is ready to perform a washing task, and to turn off the first display screen and light up the second touch display screen when the top cover is closed and a second sensing signal detected by the second thermal sensor is received; after the top cover is closed, the control module is further configured to receive touch information of the second touch display screen and control a washing process of the pulsator washing machine based on the touch information; the control module is further configured to: control the first display screen to display a washing parameter when a first sensing signal detected by the first thermal sensor is received during the washing process; control the second touch display screen to be turned off when the second thermal sensor cannot detect the user after the washing process is started.

2. A pulsator washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, the front cover of the top cover is provided with a transparent area or is made of transparent material; and the top cover is provided with a lamp; the control module is further configured to light up the lamp of the top cover when the second sensing signal is received.

3. A pulsator washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, the control module is further configured to adjust the brightness of the lamp of the top cover based on a setting or ambient brightness, so as to adjust the transparency of the transparent area or the front cover made of transparent material.

4. A pulsator washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, the top cover is connected to the machine housing by an electric hinge; and the pulsator washing machine further comprises: a voice module configured to recognize a user voice and convert the user voice into a voice instruction; the control module is further configured to activate the voice module when the first sensing signal detected by the first thermal sensor is received, to control the top cover to be opened when an open cover voice instruction converted by the voice module is received, and to control the top cover to be closed when a close cover voice instruction converted by the voice module is received.

5. A pulsator washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, the side cover is provided with an open cover touch area; the control module is configured to control the top cover to be opened or closed when a third sensing signal detected by the open cover touch area is received. 6.A pulsator washing machine control method applied to a pulsator washing machine, the pulsator washing machine dividing a display screen according to different positions of a user, comprising: a machine housing with an open top end; a top cover including a front cover and a side cover connected to the front cover; the front cover is pivotally connected to the open side of the machine housing so that the top cover as a whole covers the open top end of the machine housing; A first display screen is arranged on a side cover of the upper cover; A second touch display screen is arranged on a front cover of the upper cover; A first thermal sensor is installed on the side cover; A second thermal sensor is installed on the front cover; The method comprises: When a first sensing signal detected by the first thermal sensor is received, the first display screen is controlled to be lighted up, so that the user knows that the washing machine has been started from standby state and is ready to perform a washing task; When the upper cover is closed and a second sensing signal detected by the second thermal sensor is received, the first display screen is turned off and the second touch display screen is lighted up; Touch information of the second touch display screen is received, and a washing process of the pulsator washing machine is controlled based on the touch information; During the execution of the washing process of the pulsator washing machine, when the first sensing signal detected by the first thermal sensor is received, the first display screen is controlled to display a washing parameter; After the washing process is started, when the second thermal sensor does not detect a user and no second sensing signal is generated, the second touch display screen is controlled to be turned off.

7. The control method of the impeller washing machine according to claim 6, wherein The front cover of the upper cover is provided with a transparent area or is made of transparent material; the upper cover is provided with a lamp; the method further comprises: When the second sensing signal is received, the lamp of the upper cover is lighted up; The brightness of the lamp of the upper cover is adjusted based on a setting or ambient brightness.

Images