U.S. patent application number 13/260203 was filed with the patent office on 2012-02-16 for washing machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to LG ELECTRONICS INC.. Invention is credited to Jae Won Chang, Sang Wook Hong, Ki Young Kang, Ji Hee Kim, Bon Kwon Koo, Sang Su Lee, Chang Kwon Park, Sun Young Park.
Application Number | 20120036900 13/260203 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43050587 |
Filed Date | 2012-02-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120036900 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hong; Sang Wook ; et
al. |
February 16, 2012 |
WASHING MACHINE
Abstract
A washing machine is disclosed which washes laundry using a
mechanical force. The washing machine includes a display unit (60)
formed at a door (40) to display information on washing,
accordingly expanding the installation space for the display unit
(60). In addition, when the display unit comprises a touch screen,
not only input and display of the washing information but also
visual inspection of laundry in a drum can be achieved by the
display unit.
Inventors: |
Hong; Sang Wook; (Seoul,
KR) ; Kim; Ji Hee; (Seoul, KR) ; Lee; Sang
Su; (Seoul, KR) ; Park; Sun Young; (Seoul,
KR) ; Chang; Jae Won; (Seoul, KR) ; Kang; Ki
Young; (Seoul, KR) ; Park; Chang Kwon; (Seoul,
KR) ; Koo; Bon Kwon; (Seoul, KR) |
Assignee: |
LG ELECTRONICS INC.
Seoul
KR
|
Family ID: |
43050587 |
Appl. No.: |
13/260203 |
Filed: |
September 11, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
September 11, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR2009/005181 |
371 Date: |
September 23, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
68/139 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 39/14 20130101;
D06F 34/28 20200201 |
Class at
Publication: |
68/139 |
International
Class: |
D06F 37/02 20060101
D06F037/02; D06F 33/00 20060101 D06F033/00; D06F 37/28 20060101
D06F037/28 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 4, 2009 |
KR |
10-2009-0039048 |
Claims
1. A washing machine comprising: a cabinet forming an exterior
appearance of the washing machine and including an opening; a drum
rotatably mounted in the cabinet and supplied with laundry through
the opening; a door mounted at the cabinet to open and close the
opening; and a display unit provided at the door to display washing
information.
2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the display
unit is disposed at a position corresponding to the opening.
3. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the display
unit comprises a transparent display panel which transmits light
from inside of the drum.
4. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the display
unit further comprises an input unit to select the washing
information being displayed on the transparent display panel.
5. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the input unit
comprises a touch panel formed on a surface of the transparent
display panel.
6. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the door
comprises a door frame shaped corresponding to the opening, and the
input unit is formed along an outer circumference of the door
frame.
7. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein the input unit
is a button-type input unit comprising operation buttons.
8. The washing machine according to claim 7, further comprising: a
light emitting unit disposed under the buttons to emit light.
9. The washing machine according to claim 2, further comprising: a
light transmission unit which transmits light from inside of the
drum, wherein the opening is partitioned by the light transmission
unit and the display unit.
10. The washing machine according to claim 9, wherein the display
unit is a touch screen comprising a transparent display panel
transmitting the light from inside of the drum, and a touch panel
disposed on an upper surface of the transparent display panel.
11. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the door
comprises a door frame shaped corresponding to a front outer
circumference of the cabinet, and a door glass fixed to an upper
surface of the door frame, thereby forming a front exterior
appearance of the cabinet, and the display unit is provided to the
door glass.
12. The washing machine according to claim 11, wherein the door
glass includes a penetration part into which the display unit is
inserted, and the display unit is supported by the door frame and
exposed out of the door glass through the penetration part.
13. The washing machine according to claim 11, wherein the display
unit is disposed at a position corresponding to the opening.
14. The washing machine according to claim 13, wherein the display
unit is a transparent display panel which transmits light from
inside of the drum.
15. The washing machine according to claim 14, wherein the display
unit further comprises an input unit to select the washing
information being displayed on the transparent display panel.
16. The washing machine according to claim 15, wherein the input
unit comprises a touch panel formed on a surface of the transparent
display panel.
17. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the display
unit supplies respectively different user interfaces to different
users based on user information input in advance.
18. The washing machine according to claim 17, wherein the user
information includes at least one of a user's age, gender, living
environment, and family members.
19. The washing machine according to claim 17, wherein the display
unit displays letters or icons of the user interface in different
sizes according to the user's age input as the user information.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine that
washes clothes using a mechanical force.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Generally, a washing machine refers to an apparatus to
remove various contaminants attached to clothes and the like, using
chemical degradation, for example emulsification by detergent, and
a physical impact such as friction of a water current and impact
applied to laundry generated by a pulsator or rotation of a
drum.
[0003] The washing machine, using an electric motor as a main power
source, performs washing, rinsing and spin-drying processes using
detergent and water, thereby separating contaminants from the
clothes, that is, laundry. For this purpose, the washing machine
includes a mechanical unit equipped with an electric motor as a
power unit to transmit power to laundry, a control unit to control
the overall washing process, and a water supply unit and a water
drain unit to supply and drain water.
[0004] According to methods of applying an impact to laundry, the
washing machine may be classified into a pulsator washing machine
that directly applies an impact to laundry and a drum washing
machine that applies an impact to laundry by tumbling the laundry
through rotation of a drum.
[0005] The drum washing machine has a reduced height compared to
the pulsator washing machine wherein a drum functioning as a
washing tub is rotated in a vertical position. Also, the drum
washing machine is more effective at preventing entanglement of
laundry and adding a drying function, than the pulsator washing
machine.
[0006] Various functions of the washing machine, including
starting, stopping, time setting, control of a supplied water
quantity, and selection of courses are input through an input unit.
A display unit is provided near the input unit to display various
operational states of the washing machine.
[0007] However, since the display unit of general washing machines
only displays washing information, a dedicated input unit becomes
necessary for input of control commands.
[0008] Furthermore, the increase of the size of the display unit is
restricted in general washing machines because an installation
space supplied for the display unit is insufficient.
[0009] Meanwhile, in addition, a door for introduction and removal
of laundry is disposed on a front side in general washing machines.
Nevertheless, aesthetic appeal of the door has rarely been taken
into practical use.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0010] An object of the present invention devised to solve the
problem lies on a washing machine having a display unit not only
functioning as a general input unit for input of information
regarding washing but also as an output unit to display the washing
information.
[0011] Another object of the present invention devised to solve the
problem lies on a washing machine capable of maximizing the size of
the display unit that displays the washing information.
[0012] A further object of the present invention devised to solve
the problem lies on a washing machine with improved aesthetics for
users by designing a front exterior appearance thereof in various
patterns.
[0013] A further object of the present invention devised to solve
the problem lies on a washing machine capable of supplying
respectively different user interfaces to different users in
accordance with information on the users.
Solution to Problem
[0014] The object of the present invention can be achieved by
providing a washing machine including a cabinet forming an exterior
appearance of the washing machine and including an opening; a drum
rotatably mounted in the cabinet and supplied with laundry through
the opening; a door mounted at the cabinet to open and close the
opening; and a display unit provided at the door to display washing
information.
[0015] The display unit may be disposed at a position corresponding
to the opening.
[0016] The display unit may include a transparent display panel
which transmits light from inside of the drum.
[0017] The display unit may further include an input unit to select
the washing information being displayed on the transparent display
panel.
[0018] The input unit may include a touch panel formed on a surface
of the transparent display panel.
[0019] The door may include a door frame shaped corresponding to
the opening, and the input unit may be formed along an outer
circumference of the door frame.
[0020] The input unit may be a button-type input unit including
operation buttons.
[0021] The washing machine may further include a light emitting
unit disposed under the buttons to emit light.
[0022] The washing machine may further include a light transmission
unit which transmits light from inside of the drum, and the opening
may be partitioned by the light transmission unit and the display
unit.
[0023] The display unit may be a touch screen including a
transparent display panel transmitting the light from inside of the
drum, and a touch panel disposed on an upper surface of the
transparent display panel.
[0024] The door may include a door frame shaped corresponding to a
front outer circumference of the cabinet, and a door glass fixed to
an upper surface of the door frame, thereby forming a front
exterior appearance of the cabinet, and the display unit may be
provided to the door glass.
[0025] The door glass may include a penetration part into which the
display unit is inserted, and the display unit may be supported by
the door frame and exposed out of the door glass through the
penetration part.
[0026] The display unit may be disposed at a position corresponding
to the opening.
[0027] The display unit may be a transparent display panel which
transmits light from inside of the drum.
[0028] The display unit may further include an input unit to select
the washing information being displayed on the transparent display
panel.
[0029] The input unit may include a touch panel formed on a surface
of the transparent display panel.
[0030] The display unit may supply respectively different user
interfaces to different users based on user information input in
advance.
[0031] The user information may include at least one of a user's
age, gender, living environment, and family members.
[0032] The display unit may display letters or icons of the user
interface in different sizes according to the user's age input as
the user information.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0033] The present invention provides a washing machine having a
display unit capable of both input and display of information.
[0034] In addition, a front exterior appearance of the washing
machine may be variously designed so as to be aesthetically
pleasing to users.
[0035] Also, according to the embodiment of the present invention,
the washing machine may have a display unit which outputs
respectively different user interfaces differently set according to
users.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0036] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and together with the description serve to explain
the principle of the invention.
[0037] In the drawings:
[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a washing machine
according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 illustrate views showing the operational
state of a display unit of the washing machine according to the
first embodiment;
[0040] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a washing machine
according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 illustrate perspective views of a washing
machine according to a third embodiment of the present
invention;
[0042] FIG. 7 illustrates a view of a user interface displayed on a
display unit; and
[0043] FIG. 8 illustrates a view of the user interface being varied
in size on the display unit.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0044] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred
embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In describing the
embodiments, the same elements and structures will be denoted by
the same reference numerals throughout and will not be repeatedly
explained in detail.
[0045] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a washing machine
according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0046] The washing machine includes a cabinet 10 having an open
front side and constituting the overall exterior appearance of the
washing machine, a front panel 20 connected at the front side of
the cabinet 10, thereby constituting the front exterior appearance
of the washing machine, a drawer 30 disposed at a lower part of the
cabinet 10 to be withdrawable to the front of the cabinet 10, a
door 40 fixed to the cabinet 10, and a display unit 60 provided to
the door 40 to display information on washing to a user or through
which the user may input washing information.
[0047] Here, the washing information refers to various information
regarding washing for the user, including information on a
plurality of washing courses classified according to types and
characteristics of laundry, information on controlling factors set
to the respective washing courses, such as a water temperature, a
water level and a steam temperature, and information on the
progress of the washing courses, such as an elapsed time and an
expected finishing time.
[0048] The cabinet 10 has a front side which is opened for
connection with the front panel 20 having an opening 241, and is
equipped with various components therein to perform the washing of
laundry. More specifically, the cabinet 10 may include therein a
tub supplied with wash water, a drum (not shown) rotatably mounted
in the tub, a damper controlling vibration generated from the tub,
and a driving unit to rotate the drum.
[0049] Laundry introduced through the opening 241 is stacked in the
drum. The drum may have a plurality of lifters (not shown) mounted
at the inside thereof to move the stacked laundry.
[0050] More specifically, the lifters are protruded from an inner
circumferential surface of the drum. As the drum rotates, the
lifters lift the laundry and the laundry lifted in the drum falls
to a bottom of the drum due to gravity. Accordingly, the lifters
may improve the washing efficiency of the washing machine.
[0051] The driving unit (not shown) for rotating the drum is
disposed at a rear part of the drum. The driving unit may be
structured in various manners. For example, a driving force
generated by a motor may be transmitted to the drum through a
transmission belt. Alternatively, a rotational shaft of a motor may
be connected directly to the drum.
[0052] The tub is elastically supported against the cabinet 10 by a
spring (not shown) and a damper (not shown). Therefore, vibration
caused by rotation of the drum may be absorbed by the spring and
the damper, thereby minimizing the vibration transmitted to the
cabinet 10.
[0053] Meanwhile, when designing a washing machine with a laundry
drying function, components for supplying heated air into the tub
may be further provided.
[0054] Specifically, the components for the drying function may
include an air duct (not shown) to introduce air to an inside of
the tub, a heater (not shown) to heat the air introduced to the
inside of the tub, and a ventilation fan (not shown) to blow air to
the tub through the air duct.
[0055] The front panel 20 is connected to the front side of the
cabinet 10, thereby constituting the exterior appearance of the
washing machine. The front panel 20 includes the opening 241
communicated with an inside of the drum. Also, the front panel 20
may include a single panel or two or more separate panels.
[0056] Referring to FIG. 1, the front panel 20 is divided into an
upper panel 22 and a middle panel 24 in consideration of ease of
assembly of the washing machine 10, an aesthetic effect, and
connection relations with other component parts.
[0057] The drawer 30 may be disposed at the lower part of the
cabinet 10. The drawer 30 which is withdrawable to the front of the
cabinet 10 may perform washing or drying of a small quantity of
laundry.
[0058] The door 40 selectively opens and closes the opening 241
formed at the middle panel 24, being hinged between the cabinet 10
and the middle panel 24.
[0059] Therefore, when the door 40 is opened, the laundry can be
inserted into or removed from the inside of the drum which is
fluidly communicated with the opening 241.
[0060] The door 40 includes a door frame 42 forming the exterior
appearance thereof. The door frame 42 may be shaped corresponding
to the opening 241. FIG. 1 shows the door frame 42 having a ring
shape.
[0061] The door frame 42 may have the display unit 60 that displays
the washing information and supplies menus for confirming and
selecting the washing information, for example, in the form of a
graphic user interface (GUI). The washing information being
displayed may include information on a plurality of washing courses
classified according to types and characteristics of laundry,
information on controlling factors of the respective washing
courses, such as a water temperature, a water level and a steam
temperature, and information on the progress of the washing
courses, such as an elapsed time and an expected finishing
time.
[0062] The display unit 60 may have various forms so long as they
are capable of supplying information to the user. Representatively,
the display unit 60 may be implemented by a liquid crystal display
(LCD) panel, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel, a
flexible display panel, and a 3D display panel.
[0063] When the display unit 60 is provided at the door frame 42 to
correspond to the opening 241, the user convenience will be
improved since the user is able to easily recognize the washing
information. In addition, the aesthetics of the washing machine 10
can be improved.
[0064] The display unit 60 may take the form of a transparent
display panel so that the user can check the laundry in the drum
through the door 40. A transparent OLED (TOLED) is generally used
for the transparent display panel that transmits the external light
of the panel.
[0065] When the transparent display panel is employed for the
display unit 60, the user is able to not only be supplied with the
washing information but also check a state of the laundry in the
drum through the display unit 60 before, after and during the
washing.
[0066] The display unit 60 may further include an input unit for
the user to select the washing information being displayed.
[0067] The input unit may include a device that converts a pressure
applied to a specific position of the display unit 60 or variation
of capacitance generated at a specific position of the display unit
60 into an electric input signal.
[0068] For example, a touch panel is representatively used for the
input unit, which is capable of sensing a position to which an
external force is applied, a surface area of the position, and a
magnitude of the external force.
[0069] That is, the display unit 60 may be a touch screen
constituted by a transparent display panel, and a touch screen
deposited on a surface of the display unit 60 to generate
predetermined signals upon detection of an external force.
[0070] In this case, the display unit 60 is capable of not only
displaying the washing information but also being input with the
washing information. Moreover, the display unit 60 enables the user
to check the laundry in the drum even while displaying the washing
information.
[0071] FIG. 2 illustrates a view showing the display unit 60
supplying the washing information to be selected by the user. FIG.
3 illustrates a view showing the display unit 60 displaying the
washing course selected by the user and time related to the washing
course, such as an estimated time remaining.
[0072] More specifically, in FIG. 2, the transparent display panel
formed at the door frame 42 is displaying the washing information
to be selected regarding setting of the temperature and rinsing,
steaming, and spinning operations.
[0073] The user may select or input desired information among the
washing information being displayed on the transparent display
panel, by touching the desired information.
[0074] Thus, the display unit 60 including the touch screen
functions as an information selection unit to select the washing
courses and set the controlling factors of the selected course,
such as a water temperature and a water level, and as an
information display unit to display the washing information and the
operational state of the washing machine.
[0075] Although the display unit 60 of the present embodiment has
been explained to include a touch screen, the display unit 60 may
be structured in a manner that a touch panel is formed on an upper
surface of an opaque display panel. In this case, the same effect
as when the display unit 60 includes the touch screen can be
obtained except that the laundry in the drum cannot be checked.
[0076] The washing machine 10 may further include an auxiliary
display unit 70 to assist the functions of the display unit 60,
being disposed at the upper panel 22.
[0077] The auxiliary display unit 70 does not have to be a
transparent display panel when provided at the upper panel 22.
However, in this case as well, the auxiliary display unit 70 may
include a touch panel for input of the washing information.
[0078] For example, the auxiliary display unit 70 may include a
touch screen to be used as an input unit whereas the display unit
60 includes only a transparent display panel.
[0079] Hereinafter, a washing machine according to a second
embodiment of the present invention will be described with
reference to FIG. 4. Since an input unit of the second embodiment
is the only distinctive feature from the first embodiment, the same
elements as in the first embodiment will not be described in
detail.
[0080] The washing machine according to the present embodiment
includes a cabinet 110 constituting the exterior appearance
thereof, a front panel 120 connected to a front side of the cabinet
110 and divided into an upper panel 122 and a middle panel 124, a
drawer 130 that can be withdrawn to the front of the cabinet 110,
and a door 140 opening and closing an opening 1241 formed on the
middle panel 124.
[0081] The door 140 includes a door frame 142 shaped corresponding
to an outer circumference of the opening 1241. The washing machine
may further include a display unit 162 formed at the opening 1241
and fixed to the door frame 142, a light transmission unit 164
formed at the opening 1241 and fixed to the door frame 142, and an
input unit 166 formed along an outer circumference of the door
frame 142.
[0082] The input unit 166 may include a plurality of parts
sequentially arranged along the outer circumference of the door
frame 142. The user selects the washing information being displayed
on the display unit 162 through the input unit 166.
[0083] The input unit 166 may be provided although the display unit
162 is implemented by a touch screen. However, the input unit 166
will be more useful when the display unit 162 does not have the
touch panel and therefore cannot function as a washing information
input unit.
[0084] That is, if the display unit 162 is merely a transparent
display panel incapable of inputting the user's selection, the user
may select or input the washing information through the input unit
166 while confirming the selected or input washing information
through the display unit 162.
[0085] The input unit 166 may be a button-type input unit. In this
case, an LED (not shown) may be provided under the input unit 166
to emit light.
[0086] More specifically, the LED may be mounted in the door frame
142 corresponding to the input unit 166 and controlled so that a
pressed part of the input unit is recognized by the user.
[0087] As well as notifying the user of the pressed part of the
input unit, the LED may flicker or emit respectively different
colors according to the washing courses, such as washing and
rinsing, in progress, thereby improving the aesthetic appearance of
the washing machine.
[0088] According to this embodiment, the light transmission unit
164 may be further provided, which is made of a material
transmitting light from the inside of the drum. The light
transmission unit 164 is supported by the door frame 142.
Therefore, the opening 1241 is partitioned by the light
transmission unit 164 and the display unit 162.
[0089] Here, the display unit 162 may be a touch screen constructed
by a transparent display panel and a touch panel, or an opaque
display panel.
[0090] According to an exemplary embodiment, the light transmission
unit 164 includes a transparent plate enabling the user to check
the laundry in the drum regardless of characteristics of the
display unit 162 such as whether the display unit 162 is
transparent or opaque. According to this, the user is able to
confirm the washing information through the display unit 162 and
check the laundry in the drum through the light transmission unit
164. That is, the light transmission unit 164 is more useful when
the display unit 162 is not a transparent display panel.
[0091] The washing machine of the present embodiment may further
include an auxiliary display unit 170. The auxiliary display unit
170 may be formed on the upper panel 122 adapted to assist the
functions of the display unit 162.
[0092] For example, the auxiliary display unit 170 may include a
touch panel adapted to perform the same function as the input unit
166.
[0093] Hereinafter, a washing machine according to a third
embodiment of the present invention will be described with
reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6.
[0094] Since the third embodiment is distinctive from the first and
the second embodiments only regarding the door, the other
structures which are the same as in the previous embodiments will
not be explained in detail.
[0095] The washing machine shown in FIG. 5 includes a cabinet 210
constituting the exterior appearance thereof, an upper panel 220
disposed at an upper front part of the cabinet 210, a drawer 230
that can be withdrawn to the front of the cabinet 210, and a door
240 disposed between the upper panel 220 and the drawer 230.
[0096] In this embodiment, the door 240 serves as the middle panel
of the first and the second embodiments. Specifically, the door 240
includes a door frame 242 forming the front exterior appearance of
the cabinet 210, and a door glass 268.
[0097] The door frame 242 has a form to constitute the front
exterior appearance of the cabinet 210. For example, the door frame
242 is in the form of a rectangular panel as shown in FIG. 5.
[0098] A display unit 260 is provided at the door frame 242. When
the display unit 260 is in the form of a touch screen, the user may
be able to select the washing information through a touch panel
while confirming the selected washing information through a
transparent display panel.
[0099] Here, since the transparent display panel refers to a light
transmitting panel and the touch panel may also include a light
transmitting panel, the user is able to check the laundry in the
drum through the display unit 260.
[0100] The door glass 268 having a form corresponding to the door
frame 242 may be further provided on the front side of the door
frame 242.
[0101] The door glass 268 is connected to the front side of the
door frame 242, thereby constituting the front exterior appearance
of the washing machine.
[0102] In this case, the display unit 260 should not interfere with
the door glass 268.
[0103] More specifically, the display unit 260 needs to be
touchable by the user for input of the washing information by the
user. To this end, the display unit 260 may be inserted in the door
glass 268 or disposed on an upper surface of the door glass
268.
[0104] In order to insert the display unit 260 in the door glass
268, a penetration part 269 is formed at the door glass 268 so that
the display unit 260 can be exposed out of the door glass 268
through the penetration part 269, as shown in FIG. 6.
[0105] On the other hand, if the display unit 260 does not include
a touch panel and therefore functions only as a display device, the
display unit 260 may be disposed between the door frame 242 and the
door glass 268 as shown in FIG. 5. In this case, a dedicated input
unit becomes necessary for selection of the washing information.
The input unit may be achieved by providing the front panel 220
with a dedicated button or providing an auxiliary display panel
270.
[0106] Hereinafter, the user interface (UI) supplied to the user
through the display unit will be explained with reference to FIG. 7
and FIG. 8.
[0107] The UI is a device allowing the user to exchange control
commands with the washing machine. A graphic user interface (GUI)
using graphics such as icons may be employed in the washing
machine.
[0108] In addition, the washing machine according to the
embodiments of the present invention may further include a storage
unit storing information on the user such as the user's age,
gender, hobby, living environment, family members and the like so
that different UIs can be supplied to different users. The washing
machine may further include a control unit supplying the display
unit with the user information stored in the storage unit.
[0109] Accordingly, when the user stores user information in the
storage unit in advance through the input unit such as the touch
panel or the button, the control unit displays the UI corresponding
to the user information on the display unit.
[0110] Since the UI is supplied corresponding to the user
information, contents of the washing information, and arrangement
pattern and order of the washing information are varied according
to the user information.
[0111] In a case where a GUI is supplied, kinds and arrangement
patterns of icons representing the washing information will be
variably shown.
[0112] For example, when the UI is variably supplied according to
the users' ages, differences between adult clothes and infant
clothes made of a friction-sensitive material may be considered.
Therefore, an icon may be displayed, which represents a washing
course to minimize friction between clothes and the drum, when
infant clothes are to be washed.
[0113] If the UI is supplied according to the users' genders and
the user is male, an icon representing a washing course proper for
men's clothes may be preferentially displayed. Likewise, when
information on a female user is input as the user information, an
icon representing a washing course proper for women's clothes will
be preferentially displayed.
[0114] If a user prefers dark clothes, the UI may be set to
preferentially display an icon representing a washing course to
make a color of the dark clothes clearer or to prevent
cross-staining to other clothes.
[0115] Furthermore, if the UI is supplied according to the users'
living environments, an icon representing a washing course proper
for thick clothes or thin clothes may be preferentially
displayed.
[0116] Accordingly, the washing machine according to the
embodiments of the present invention is capable of supplying the UI
based on user information through the display units 60, 162 and
260.
[0117] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 8, sizes of letters or icons
displayed on the display units 60, 162 and 260 may be varied in
consideration of the users' ages.
[0118] More specifically, a predetermined size of letters or icons
may be maintained when the user's age is set to be lower than a
reference age. On the other hand, the letters or icons may be
enlarged when the user's age is set to be equal to or greater than
the reference age so that the elderly user can conveniently check
and select the washing information.
[0119] Although the display unit capable of inputting and
displaying the washing information has been described only as
applied to a washing machine in the above the embodiments, the
display unit may be variously applied to any other apparatuses
requiring visual inspection of their interiors and input and
display of control commands, such as a dish washer.
[0120] Various embodiments have been described in the best mode for
carrying out the invention.
[0121] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the present invention
without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus,
it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications
and variations of this invention provided they come within the
scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
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