Dish washing machine

Abstract

The dish washing machine comprises a front panel and a projection device, a reflection structure is arranged in the projection device, and projection information projected by the projection device is projected to a display area after the projection path is changed through the reflection structure; wherein the projection device is mounted at the bottom of the dish washing machine; the display area is located on the ground on the front side of the dish washing machine; the reflecting structure at least comprises a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface, and under a space rectangular coordinate system where the dish washing machine is located, the mounting positions of the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface in the space are located on different planes; the projection information is sequentially reflected by the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface and then is projected to the display area; the projection direction is changed through light path design, and projection information is projected to the front ground of the dish-washing machine in a proper size to improve interaction experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of household appliance technology, and more particularly to a dishwasher. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, dishwashers have controls and corresponding displays on the top of the dishwasher. Users need to install a corresponding cabinet door on the dishwasher's outer door as needed. When the dishwasher door is closed, users cannot see the dishwasher's information, which causes inconvenience to users.

[0003] The existing dishwasher projection module is installed vertically, close to the ground, resulting in a small image that is located directly below the dishwasher, which is not conducive to user interaction. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a dishwasher that, through optical path design, changes the projection direction and projects the dishwasher's operating status information at an appropriate size and offset to the front of the dishwasher, thereby improving the interactive experience.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0006] A dishwasher includes a front panel, the dishwasher includes a projection device, the projection device is provided with a reflective structure, and the projection information projected by the projection device is projected onto the display area after the projection path is changed by the reflective structure.

[0007] The projection device is installed at the bottom of the dishwasher; the display area is located on the ground in front of the dishwasher.

[0008] Furthermore, the projection information of the projection device is projected onto the display area after the projection path is changed at least twice by the reflection structure.

[0009] Furthermore, the reflective structure includes at least a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface.

[0010] In the Cartesian coordinate system where the dishwasher is located, the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface are installed in different planes.

[0011] Furthermore, the projection information is reflected sequentially by the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface and then projected onto the display area.

[0012] Furthermore, the reflected light rays from the projected information, after being reflected by the first reflective surface, are perpendicular to the ground.

[0013] The angle between the second reflecting surface and the ground is greater than the angle between the reflected light rays after the projected information is reflected by the second reflecting surface and the ground.

[0014] Furthermore, the incident light rays from the first reflective surface are parallel to the ground.

[0015] Furthermore, the projection device is also equipped with an optical engine, which includes a light source, a condenser lens, and a display panel. The light emitted by the light source is focused by the condenser lens and projected onto the display panel.

[0016] Furthermore, the projection device also includes a shaping lens and a lens;

[0017] The reflected light from the second reflective surface passes through the shaping lens and is projected onto the display area.

[0018] A projection display method for a dishwasher is used in a dishwasher as described above, wherein projection information is projected onto the display area after the projection device changes the projection path.

[0019] The projection path includes at least a first path, and the display area includes at least a first position.

[0020] When the projection path is the first path, the projection information is located at the first position in the display area;

[0021] The projection information includes at least the operating status information of the dishwasher.

[0022] Furthermore, the projection device includes a reflective structure, through which the projection information changes its projection direction;

[0023] The projection path determines the position of the projection information in the display area.

[0024] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0025] 1. By designing the optical path and changing the projection direction, the dishwasher's operating status information is projected at an appropriate size and offset to the front of the dishwasher, improving the interactive experience.

[0026] 2. The light source is focused by the condensing lens and projected onto the display panel. The projection information on the display panel changes the projection path through the reflection structure, thereby reducing the volume of the reflection structure and the space it occupies.

[0027] 3. Ensure that the dishwasher's operating status information is projected onto a display area outside the dishwasher body at an appropriate size and position, so that users can easily obtain the device's operating status, thereby improving user convenience and efficiency.

[0028] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0029] 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:

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the projection device and display area of ​​the dishwasher of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the projection path of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the projection device and the display area of ​​the present invention.

[0033] The following are the labels in the diagram: 1. Dishwasher; 2. Projection device; 11. First reflective surface; 12. Second reflective surface; 3. Display area; 31. Dishwasher front panel; 4. Optical engine; 41. Light source; 42. Condensing lens; 43. Imaging panel; 51. Shaping lens; 52. Lens.

[0034] 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

[0035] 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.

[0036] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "inner" and "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0037] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "contact," and "communication" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections 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.

[0038] A dishwasher includes a front panel. The dishwasher 1 includes a projection device 2. A reflective structure is provided inside the projection device 2. The projection information projected by the projection device 2 is projected onto the display area 3 after the projection path is changed by the reflective structure.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the projection device 2 is installed at the bottom of the dishwasher 1; the display area 3 is located outside the front panel of the dishwasher 1. The display area 2 can also be a target object around the dishwasher 1. For example, it can be located on the surface of an object adjacent to the dishwasher 1, or it can be located on a wall adjacent to the dishwasher 1.

[0040] In some embodiments of this solution, the display area 3 is located on the ground in front of the dishwasher 1.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, the reflective structure includes at least a first reflective surface 11 and a second reflective surface 12. In the Cartesian coordinate system where the dishwasher is located, the first reflective surface 11 and the second reflective surface 12 are installed in different planes in space.

[0042] In the vertical direction, the extension lines of the planes containing the first reflecting surface 11 and the second reflecting surface 12 intersect, or the planes containing them are parallel to each other but not perpendicular.

[0043] The first reflecting surface 11 and the second reflecting surface 12 are arranged on the projection path; the reflected light after the projection information is reflected by the first reflecting surface 11 becomes the incident light of the second reflecting surface 12.

[0044] The reflected light is perpendicular to the ground, and the angle formed by the straight line of the second reflecting surface 12 and the straight line of the ground is the first angle.

[0045] The first included angle is an acute angle. Preferably, the first included angle is an angle less than 45° and greater than 0°.

[0046] The projected information is reflected by the first reflective surface 11 to change the projection direction, and then reflected by the second reflective surface 12 to change the projection direction again before being projected onto the display area 3.

[0047] A first distance is set between the display area 3 on the ground in front of the dishwasher 1 and the projection device 2 at the bottom of the dishwasher 1; a second distance is set between the display area 3 on the ground and the front panel 31 of the dishwasher.

[0048] The projection device is also equipped with an optical engine 4, which includes a light source 41, a condenser lens 42, and a display panel 43. The light beam emitted by the light source 41 is focused by the condenser lens 42 and then shines on the display panel 43.

[0049] The light emitted by the optical engine 4 strikes the first reflecting surface 11 at a non-perpendicular angle. After being reflected by the first reflecting surface 11, the incident light on the second reflecting surface 12 is the reflected light from the first reflecting surface 11.

[0050] The function of the reflective structure is to change the projection path of the projected information. After adjusting the path of the light to be perpendicular to the ground, the projection path of the projected information is changed again through the second reflective surface 12, so that the projected information can be obliquely projected onto the corresponding position to achieve the effect of arbitrary projection.

[0051] The projection device 2 also includes a shaping lens 51 and a lens 52;

[0052] The projection information after the projection path is changed is projected onto the display area 3 by the shaping lens 51 and the lens 52.

[0053] The display panel 43 is connected to the control system and is used to display projection information. For example, the display panel 43 can be a liquid crystal display screen.

[0054] In some embodiments of this solution, the projection device 2 is located at the bottom inside the dishwasher 1, with a certain gap between the bottom of the dishwasher 1 and the ground. This is to prevent the projected information from being projected onto the bottom of the dishwasher 1 and thus obstructing the user's view; therefore, the projection needs to be angled towards the ground in front of the dishwasher.

[0055] The display area 3 is positioned at a predetermined distance from the front panel 31 of the dishwasher. This distance refers to the horizontal distance between the display area 2 and the front panel 31 of the dishwasher. Preferably, there are no obstructions above the display area 2. The projection device 2 is installed at a certain distance from the ground, allowing the light beam to illuminate the ground in front of the dishwasher 1.

[0056] A predetermined distance is provided between the projection device 2 and the front panel 31 of the dishwasher.

[0057] The projected information is projected onto the display area, creating a projection path. This projection path can be generated within the projection device 2 or outside of it. The projection path determines the projection path. For example, the light rays emitted by the projection device 2 form an angle with the horizontal line representing the ground.

[0058] In this embodiment, the light source 41 emits visible light, projecting the projection information from the display panel 43 onto the first reflective surface 11. The first reflective surface 11 is tilted, and the reflected light from the first reflective surface 11 is emitted perpendicular to the ground. Therefore, in the preferred embodiment, the incident light from the first reflective surface 11 is parallel to the ground. This reduces the space occupied by the first reflective surface 11 and also reduces its size.

[0059] The projected information is reflected sequentially by the first reflective surface 11 and the second reflective surface 12 before being projected onto the display area 3. The reflected light from the first reflective surface 11 becomes the incident light from the second reflective surface 12. Therefore, the incident light from the first reflective surface 12 is perpendicular to the ground. The second reflective surface 12 is tilted away from the front of the dishwasher 1. The angle between the second reflective surface 12 and the ground is greater than the angle between the reflected light from the second reflective surface 12 and the ground. The angle between the reflected light from the second reflective surface 12 and the ground is acute; the reflected light from the second reflective surface 12 is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the ground.

[0060] The projection path is composed of the incident and reflected rays from the first reflecting surface 11 and the incident and reflected rays from the second reflecting surface 12.

[0061] By designing the optical path and changing the projection direction, the dishwasher's operating status information is projected at an appropriate size and offset onto the front of the dishwasher, enhancing the interactive experience. For example, the projection information before projection is displayed on the display panel inside the projection device 2, and through the reflective structure inside the projection device 2, the projection information is projected onto the display area 3 outside the dishwasher 1 under the action of light.

[0062] like Figure 3 As shown, for example, in the horizontal direction, the distance between the position of the projection device 2 mapped on the ground and the display area 3 is a; in the vertical direction, the distance between the projection device 2 and the position of the projection device 2 mapped on the ground is b; and the projection distance between the projection device 2 and the display area 3 is c. Then a, b, and c form a right triangle.

[0063] By changing the projection direction through optical path design, the original vertical projection effect can be altered, thus achieving arbitrary projection.

[0064] The mounting positions of the first reflective surface 11 and the second reflective surface 12 are adjustable.

[0065] By changing the projection direction through optical path design to achieve offset projection, the dishwasher's operating status information is projected at an appropriate size and position, allowing users to clearly see the projected information and improving the interactive experience.

[0066] By adjusting the positions of the first reflective surface and / or the second reflective surface, the effect of projecting information onto different positions in the display area can be achieved.

[0067] In some embodiments of this solution, based on the principles of optical reflection and focusing, the condenser lens is made of a transparent optical material, typically glass or plastic. When light enters through the lens surface, reflection occurs. Refraction refers to the phenomenon where light changes direction as it travels between two media, such as air and glass.

[0068] A condenser lens is designed to focus parallel incident light rays onto a single focal point. The focal point is a point behind the lens, and its location is determined by the lens's focal length. Different types of lenses have different focal lengths, thus affecting their light-gathering ability.

[0069] The condenser lens in this embodiment is a convex lens, which is a lens that is thicker in the middle and thinner at the edges. The working principle of a convex lens is to converge light rays to a focal point by focusing them towards the center of the lens.

[0070] Condensing lenses help focus light to enhance illumination. In projectors, lenses are used to focus the projected image onto the screen.

[0071] A condenser lens uses refraction and focusing to bring parallel incident light rays to a single point, thus achieving the focusing function in an optical system.

[0072] In this embodiment, the shaping lens involves the refraction and reflection of light. Lenses are typically made of transparent optical materials, such as glass or plastic, and light is refracted when it enters the lens. These lenses have different shapes and curvatures to achieve specific optical effects.

[0073] The purpose of shaping lenses is to adjust the propagation direction, focusing, and scattering characteristics of incident light through the shape and combination of lenses. By adjusting the curvature, thickness, and relative position of the lenses, the way light propagates can be changed.

[0074] In this embodiment, shaping lenses are used to correct various distortions in the optical path or optimize image quality. For example, in a camera lens, lens elements of different shapes and arrangements are designed to correct problems such as color distortion and aberrations in order to obtain a clearer and more realistic image.

[0075] Shaping lenses help optical systems achieve desired imaging, focusing, or other optical effects by optimizing the propagation path and properties of light. These lenses operate based on fundamental principles of optics, including refraction, reflection, and lens geometry.

[0076] A condenser lens helps focus light into a smaller area, enhancing the intensity and focus of the light. In the projection unit of a dishwasher, a condenser lens ensures that the projected light accurately illuminates the area to be processed.

[0077] By using a condenser lens, the distribution and intensity of light can be effectively controlled, making the projected information or indications clearer and more visible.

[0078] Shaping lenses can be used to adjust the size and shape of a projected light spot, or to enhance the uniformity of light. In the projection unit of a dishwasher, shaping lenses can be used to ensure that the size of the projected light spot is suitable for the target area, or to adjust the shape of the projected light spot to meet specific display requirements.

[0079] These lenses help overcome optical distortions that may be caused by optical path length or projection angle, thereby improving the clarity and quality of the projection. Optimizing the optical effects of the projection ensures that the projection system can accurately and efficiently display necessary information or user interfaces to the user, while also improving lighting effects and energy efficiency.

[0080] The display panel is connected to the control system in order to control the image generation and display process.

[0081] The display panel needs to receive electronic signals from the control system, which also includes an image processing unit or other components for processing image data.

[0082] The control system sends control signals and data to the display panel via an electronic signal interface.

[0083] The display panel requires a power supply to drive its electronic components, and the control system controls the projection information in the display panel.

[0084] The control system can also adjust and calibrate the projection effect of the projection information on the display panel to ensure the quality and accuracy of the displayed image. This includes functions such as brightness, contrast, and color correction, which are achieved by sending corresponding control signals.

[0085] In some embodiments, the optical path design primarily involves a light source generating visible light. The visible light beam is reflected by a condenser lens, passes through a liquid crystal display panel, and is then redirected from a horizontal to a vertical direction by a reflector. Another reflector then alters the reflection angle of the vertical beam, which is finally projected onto the ground through a shaping lens and a camera lens.

[0086] A projection display method for a dishwasher is used in a dishwasher, wherein projection information is projected onto the display area after the projection device changes the projection path.

[0087] The projection path includes at least a first path, and the display area includes at least a first position.

[0088] When the projection path is the first path, the projection information is located in the first position of the display area;

[0089] The projected information includes at least the dishwasher's operating status information.

[0090] The projection device includes a reflective structure, through which the projection information changes its projection direction;

[0091] The projection path determines the position of the projected information in the display area. The projected information from the projection device is projected onto the display area after the projection path is changed at least twice by the reflection structure.

[0092] Projected information can be text, images, or other data.

[0093] The dishwasher's operating status information can refer to data that displays the dishwasher's current operating status, such as the washing cycle and remaining time.

[0094] When projecting images, if the projection ratio is too large, it can easily cause problems such as image blurring, distortion, and significant light scattering loss.

[0095] Projecting operational status information onto the floor in front of the dishwasher improves the user experience. Users can intuitively understand the dishwasher's current status, such as the remaining time of the wash cycle and the dishwasher's operating mode, without having to move or look at other displays. This intuitive information presentation not only improves the ease of operation but also enhances the overall user experience.

[0096] The projection device is small in size and occupies little space. When the distance between the display area and the projection device is too small or too large, the projection can be made to a suitable position by adjusting the reflective structure inside the projection device or by adjusting the direction of the projection device's lens.

[0097] When the distance between the projection device and the display area is small, if you want to obtain a small projected pattern, you can reduce the size of the light emitting surface or reduce the extent of total internal reflection. The same principle applies when the distance is large. The width or size of the display area can also be adjusted by adjusting the amount of light emitted.

[0098] 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. 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 dishwasher comprising a front panel, characterized in that The dish washing machine (1) comprises a projection device (2) provided with a reflecting structure, and the projection information projected by the projection device (2) is projected on a display area (3) after changing the projection path through the reflecting structure. The projection device (2) is installed at the bottom of the dish washing machine (1), and the display area (3) is located on the ground in front of the dish washing machine (1).

2. A dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized in that The projection information of the projection device (2) is projected on the display area (3) after changing the projection path at least twice through the reflecting structure.

3. A dishwasher according to claim 2, characterised in that The reflecting structure comprises at least a first reflecting surface (11) and a second reflecting surface (12), In the rectangular coordinate system of the space where the dish washing machine (1) is located, the installation positions of the first reflecting surface (11) and the second reflecting surface (12) in space are located on different planes.

4. A dishwasher according to claim 3, characterised in that The projection information is reflected by the first reflecting surface (11) and the second reflecting surface (12) in sequence and then projected on the display area (3).

5. A dishwasher according to claim 4, characterised in that The reflected light of the projection information after being reflected by the first reflecting surface (11) is perpendicular to the ground, The angle formed by the second reflecting surface (12) and the ground is larger than the angle formed by the reflected light of the projection information after being reflected by the second reflecting surface (12) and the ground.

6. A dishwasher according to claim 5, characterised in that The incident light of the first reflecting surface (11) is parallel to the ground.

7. A dishwasher according to claim 6, characterised in that An optical engine (4) is further provided in the projection device (2), and the optical engine (4) comprises a light source (41), a condensing lens (42) and an imaging plate (43).

8. The dishwasher according to claim 6, characterized in that The projection device (2) further comprises a shaping lens (51) and a lens (52). The reflected light of the second reflecting surface (12) passes through the shaping lens (51) and the lens (52) and is projected on the display area (3).

9. A projection display method for a dishwasher for use in a dishwasher as claimed in any one of the claims 1-8, characterized in that, The projection information is projected in the display area after changing the projection path through the projection device, The projection path comprises at least a first path, and the display area comprises at least a first position, When the projection path is the first path, the projection information is located at the first position of the display area. The projection information comprises at least the running state information of the dish washing machine.

10. The projection display method of claim 9, wherein, The projection device comprises a reflecting structure, and the projection information changes the projection direction through the reflecting structure. The projection path determines the position of the projection information in the display area.

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