A washing machine and a method of displaying an operating state thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a washing machine and a running state display method thereof. The washing machine is provided with a plurality of LED lamps, and the running state of the washing machine is displayed by the lighting and extinguishing of each LED lamp. In a normal display mode, the LED lamps display water level gears; in a process display mode, the lighting and extinguishing time length ratio of the LED lamps correspondingly displays the rotation stop ratio or rotation speed of a motor; in a residual time display mode, the number of the LED lamps correspondingly displays the number of digits of residual time, a single LED lamp flashes with a first lighting and extinguishing time length ratio, and the number of flashes correspondingly displays each digit; in an abnormal alarm mode, the LED lamps first flash with a plurality of different lighting and extinguishing time length ratios, and the different lighting and extinguishing time length ratios and different flash numbers correspond to letters in an alarm code to display the letter digits of the alarm code, and then the LED lamps flash with the first lighting and extinguishing time length ratio, and the number of flashes correspondingly displays the digit digits of the alarm code. The application is intuitive and practical, simple and convenient to switch, and low in cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of electrical appliance operating status display technology, specifically, it relates to a low-cost method for displaying the operating status of a washing machine and a washing machine using this method. Background Technology

[0002] The current operating status of washing machines is mainly displayed using digital tubes. However, this method increases the complexity of the washing machine's display panel. Furthermore, for some low-end washing machines, digital tubes are obviously too expensive, increasing production costs.

[0003] Chinese patent application number 202110639411.5 discloses a technical solution that uses the color change of a breathing light to indicate the current status of a washing machine. However, it requires the use of colored LEDs, which increases the cost. Moreover, distinguishing the operating status of the washing machine by color requires memorizing a table of various colors and operating statuses, which cannot be displayed intuitively.

[0004] In view of this, the present invention is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a low-cost method for displaying the operating status of a washing machine.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0007] This invention provides a method for displaying the operating status of a washing machine. The method uses the on and off states of each LED to indicate the washing machine's operating status, including a normal display mode, a process display mode, a remaining time display mode, and an alarm mode.

[0008] In normal display mode, the LED light indicates the water level setting;

[0009] In the process display mode, the ratio of the duration of the LED lights being on to the duration of the LED lights being off corresponds to the rotation-to-stop ratio of the motor, or the ratio of the duration of the LED lights being on to the duration of the LED lights being off corresponds to the rotation speed of the motor.

[0010] In the remaining time display mode, the number of LEDs corresponds to the number of digits displayed for the remaining time. Each LED flashes with a first on-off duration ratio, and the number of flashes corresponds to the number displayed.

[0011] In the abnormal alarm mode, the LED first flashes with several different on-off duration ratios. The different on-off duration ratios and different flashing times correspond to the letters in the alarm code to display the letter position of the alarm code. Then the LED flashes with the first on-off duration ratio, and the number of flashes corresponds to the number position of the alarm code.

[0012] Furthermore, the process display modes include washing process, fixed-frequency intermittent spin process, fixed-frequency continuous spin process, and variable-frequency dehydration process, wherein,

[0013] During the washing process, the LED light illuminates as the motor rotates and turns off when the motor stops. The duration of the LED light's illumination and extinguishing is consistent with the duration of the motor's rotation and cessation.

[0014] During the fixed-frequency disconnection process, the LED lights up as the motor rotates and turn off when the motor stops. The duration of the LED lights on and off is the same as the duration of the motor rotation and stop.

[0015] During the constant frequency disconnection process, the LED light remains constantly lit;

[0016] During the variable frequency dehydration process, the LED lights display different motor speeds corresponding to different lighting durations.

[0017] Furthermore, during the variable frequency dehydration process, an LED light on for 0.3 seconds and off for 0.5 seconds corresponds to a motor speed of 30 rpm; an LED light on for 1 second and off for 0.5 seconds corresponds to a motor speed of 100 rpm; an LED light on for 3 seconds and off for 0.5 seconds corresponds to a motor speed of 300 rpm; and a constantly lit LED light corresponds to a motor speed of 600 rpm or higher.

[0018] Furthermore, in the remaining time display mode, there are three LEDs, which respectively represent the units digit of the hour, the tens digit of the minute, and the units digit of the minute of the remaining time, or respectively represent the hundreds digit of the minute, the tens digit of the minute, and the units digit of the minute of the remaining time.

[0019] Furthermore, the first on / off duration ratio is 0.5s on and 0.5s off, the number of flashes represents the number 1-9, and the LED light being off represents the number 0.

[0020] Furthermore, in the abnormal alarm mode, the LED first displays the letter part of the alarm code, and then displays the number part of the alarm code after an interval of 1 second.

[0021] Furthermore, in the abnormal alarm mode, a buzzer and an LED light are set to work synchronously, with the buzzer's beeping duration matching the LED light's illumination duration.

[0022] Furthermore, in the remaining time display mode and the abnormal alarm mode, after the LED light completes one display, it displays again at fixed intervals, and so on in a cyclical manner.

[0023] Furthermore, the normal display mode and the process display mode are automatically switched by the washing machine according to the current washing status, the remaining time mode is manually switched by button control, and the abnormal alarm mode is automatically switched when a fault occurs.

[0024] The present invention also provides a washing machine, including a status display unit, mainly composed of LED lights, which displays the operating status of the washing machine by controlling the lighting and extinguishing of the LED lights.

[0025] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0026] 1. This invention can utilize the existing LED lights of the washing machine for display without increasing hardware costs, and can also reduce costs by improving the display method of existing washing machines;

[0027] 2. Display different content according to different stages of the washing process to achieve time-sharing reuse of LED lights;

[0028] 3. The displayed content is intuitive and practical, and switching between different display modes is simple and convenient.

[0029] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The accompanying drawings, as part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the invention are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0031] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the display mode principle of a washing machine operation status display method provided by the present invention.

[0032] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0034] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0035] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a method for displaying the operating status of a washing machine. Several LED lights are set, or, for the modification of an existing washing machine, the existing LED lights are used for display. The operation status of the washing machine is displayed by the lighting and turning off of each LED light. The displayed status includes normal display mode, process display mode, remaining time display mode, and abnormal alarm mode.

[0037] The normal display mode uses different LED lights to indicate the water level settings of the washing machine.

[0038] The process display mode uses the ratio of the duration of LED lights on and off to show the motor's rotation stop ratio and speed. Specifically, the process display mode includes the washing process and the spin-drying process. For different models (fixed frequency and variable frequency), the spin-drying process is further divided into fixed frequency intermittent spin-drying process, fixed frequency continuous spin-drying process, and variable frequency continuous spin-drying process.

[0039] During the washing process, the LED light displays the motor's start-stop ratio. The LED light illuminates as the motor rotates and turns off when the motor stops. The duration of the LED light's illumination and extinguishing is consistent with the duration of the motor's rotation and extinguishing. For example, if the motor operates with a start-stop ratio of 1.2s / 0.7s, the LED light will illuminate for 1.2s and turn off for 0.7s.

[0040] During the spin-drying process, washing machines are categorized into fixed-frequency and variable-frequency models, depending on the model. Fixed-frequency models offer both intermittent and continuous spin-drying cycles, while variable-frequency models offer only continuous spin-drying. During intermittent spin-drying, the fixed-frequency motor operates intermittently. The LED indicator shows the motor's on-off ratio, displayed in the same way as during the washing process. The duration of the LED's on / off time corresponds to the motor's on / off ratio; for example, if the LED is on for 5 seconds and off for 4 seconds, it means the motor rotates for 5 seconds and stops for 4 seconds. During continuous spin-drying, the motor runs continuously, and the LED remains constantly lit. For inverter models, the motor operates at different speeds during continuous inverter operation. The LED lights illuminate for varying durations to indicate these different motor speeds. In this embodiment, an LED on for 0.3 seconds and off for 0.5 seconds indicates a motor speed of 30 rpm; an LED on for 1 second and off for 0.5 seconds indicates a motor speed of 100 rpm; an LED on for 3 seconds and off for 0.5 seconds indicates a motor speed of 300 rpm; and a constantly lit LED indicates a motor speed of 600 rpm or higher. This allows users to visually observe the washing machine's current operating status and parameters through the LED lights.

[0041] The remaining time display mode uses multiple LEDs to display the remaining time in digits. Each LED flashes with a first on / off duration ratio, and the number of flashes represents the digit in that position. In this embodiment, three LEDs are used, corresponding to the units digit of the hour, the tens digit of the minute, and the units digit of the minute. The first on / off duration ratio is preset to 0.5 seconds on and 0.5 seconds off. The number of flashes of each LED represents the digits 1-9, and being off represents the digit 0. For example, if the remaining time is 12 minutes, the LED in the units digit of the hour will be off, the LED in the tens digit of the minute will flash once, and the LED in the units digit of the minute will flash twice. It should be noted that in other embodiments of the invention, the LED displaying the units digit of the hour can also be used to display the hundreds digit of the minute; the only difference is the number system, and the display method is exactly the same.

[0042] The abnormal alarm mode uses LEDs that flash with several different on-off duration ratios. The different on-off duration ratios, the different number of flashes, and the different combinations of these correspond to the letters in the alarm code. Then, the LEDs flash with the first on-off duration ratio, and the different number of flashes corresponds to the numbers in the alarm code, thus completely displaying the alarm code. For example, if the current alarm code is "E2", the LED lights up for 1 second to represent the letter "E". After a 1-second interval, the LED flashes twice with a 0.5-second on and 0.5-second off duration to represent the number "2", completing one full display. As another example, if the alarm code is "F1", the LED flashes twice with a 0.4-second on and 0.1-second off duration to represent the letter "F". After a 1-second interval, the LED flashes once with the first on-off duration ratio of 0.5 seconds on and 0.5 seconds off to represent the number "1". Preferably, in the abnormal alarm mode, a buzzer is set to work synchronously with an LED light. The buzzer sounds when the LED light illuminates and stops when the LED light turns off, with the duration of the buzzer's sound and the LED light's illumination being exactly the same. It should be noted that this invention provides a method for displaying numbers using the number of flashes corresponding to a first on-off duration ratio, and for displaying letters using different on-off duration ratios and flash counts. Simple modifications to the first on-off duration ratio, or modifications to the correspondence between different on-off duration ratios and flash counts with each letter, all fall within the protection scope of this invention.

[0043] The washing machine automatically switches between normal display mode and process display mode based on the current washing stage. The remaining time mode is manually switched via buttons, allowing users to easily view the remaining time. The fault alarm mode automatically switches when a malfunction occurs. After completing one full display cycle, the remaining time mode and fault alarm mode will cycle again at fixed time intervals.

[0044] The present invention provides a method for displaying the operating status of a washing machine, which can effectively display the water level setting, the current washing stage and operating parameters, the remaining time of the current stage and alarm fault codes. It is low in cost and intuitive and practical.

[0045] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. The implementation schemes in the above embodiments can also be further combined or replaced. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for displaying the operating status of a washing machine, characterized in that: The on / off state of each LED light indicates the washing machine's operating status, including normal display mode, process display mode, remaining time display mode, and fault alarm mode. In normal display mode, the LED light indicates the water level setting; In the process display mode, the ratio of the duration of the LED lights being on to the duration of the LED lights being off corresponds to the rotation-to-stop ratio of the motor, or the ratio of the duration of the LED lights being on to the duration of the LED lights being off corresponds to the rotation speed of the motor. In the remaining time display mode, the number of LEDs corresponds to the number of digits displayed for the remaining time. Each LED flashes with a first on-off duration ratio, and the number of flashes corresponds to the number displayed. In the abnormal alarm mode, the LED light first flashes with several different on-off duration ratios. The different on-off duration ratios and different flashing times correspond to the letters in the alarm code to display the letter position of the alarm code. The LED light then flashes with the first on-off duration ratio, and the number of flashes corresponds to the number position of the alarm code. The normal display mode and process display mode are automatically switched by the washing machine according to the current washing status. The remaining time mode is manually switched by button control. The abnormal alarm mode is automatically switched when a fault occurs.

2. The method for displaying the operating status of a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The process display modes include washing process, fixed-frequency intermittent spin process, fixed-frequency continuous spin process, and variable-frequency spin-drying process, wherein... During the washing process, the LED light illuminates as the motor rotates and turns off when the motor stops. The duration of the LED light's illumination and extinguishing is consistent with the duration of the motor's rotation and cessation. During the fixed-frequency disconnection process, the LED lights up as the motor rotates and turn off when the motor stops. The duration of the LED lights on and off is the same as the duration of the motor rotation and stop. During the constant frequency disconnection process, the LED light remains constantly lit; During the variable frequency dehydration process, the LED lights display different motor speeds corresponding to different lighting durations.

3. The method for displaying the operating status of a washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: During the variable frequency dehydration process, an LED light on for 0.3 seconds and off for 0.5 seconds corresponds to a motor speed of 30 rpm; an LED light on for 1 second and off for 0.5 seconds corresponds to a motor speed of 100 rpm; an LED light on for 3 seconds and off for 0.5 seconds corresponds to a motor speed of 300 rpm; and a constantly lit LED light corresponds to a motor speed of 600 rpm or higher.

4. The method for displaying the operating status of a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the remaining time display mode, there are three LEDs, which represent the units digit of the hour, the tens digit of the minute, and the units digit of the minute, respectively, or the hundreds digit of the minute, the tens digit of the minute, and the units digit of the minute, respectively.

5. The method for displaying the operating status of a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first on / off duration ratio is 0.5s on and 0.5s off, the number of flashes represents the numbers 1-9, and the LED light being off represents the number 0.

6. The method for displaying the operating status of a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the abnormal alarm mode, the LED first displays the letter part of the alarm code, and then displays the number part of the alarm code after an interval of 1 second.

7. The method for displaying the operating status of a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the abnormal alarm mode, a buzzer and an LED light are set to work synchronously, with the buzzer's beeping duration matching the LED light's illumination duration.

8. A method for displaying the operating status of a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the remaining time display mode and the abnormal alarm mode, after the LED light completes one display, it will display again at a fixed interval, and so on in a cycle.

9. A washing machine employing the washing machine operation status display method as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that: It includes a status display unit, mainly composed of LED lights, which displays the operating status of the washing machine by controlling the LED lights to turn on and off.

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