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WO2010089637A1 - Système d'appareils domestiques électriques - Google Patents

Système d'appareils domestiques électriques Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010089637A1
WO2010089637A1 PCT/IB2009/055985 IB2009055985W WO2010089637A1 WO 2010089637 A1 WO2010089637 A1 WO 2010089637A1 IB 2009055985 W IB2009055985 W IB 2009055985W WO 2010089637 A1 WO2010089637 A1 WO 2010089637A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
appliance
connection unit
household
unit
machine
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/IB2009/055985
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Dino Bongini
Pier Andrea Pracchi
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Whirlpool EMEA SpA
Original Assignee
Indesit Co SpA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Indesit Co SpA filed Critical Indesit Co SpA
Priority to EP09805952A priority Critical patent/EP2393409A1/fr
Publication of WO2010089637A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010089637A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/4293—Arrangements for programme selection, e.g. control panels; Indication of the selected programme, programme progress or other parameters of the programme, e.g. by using display panels
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/0018—Controlling processes, i.e. processes to control the operation of the machine characterised by the purpose or target of the control
    • A47L15/0063—Controlling processes, i.e. processes to control the operation of the machine characterised by the purpose or target of the control using remote monitoring or controlling of the dishwasher operation, e.g. networking systems
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/4214—Water supply, recirculation or discharge arrangements; Devices therefor
    • A47L15/4217—Fittings for water supply, e.g. valves or plumbing means to connect to cold or warm water lines, aquastops
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/4214—Water supply, recirculation or discharge arrangements; Devices therefor
    • A47L15/4223—Devices for water discharge, e.g. devices to prevent siphoning, non-return valves
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/4251—Details of the casing
    • A47L15/4253—Supporting arrangements for the casing, e.g. rollers or supporting legs
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/46—Devices for the automatic control of the different phases of cleaning ; Controlling devices
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/12—Casings; Tubs
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2101/00—User input for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/16—Washing liquid temperature
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/18—Washing liquid level
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/08—Draining of washing liquids
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/42—Detergent or additive supply
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/58—Indications or alarms to the control system or to the user
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F34/10—Power supply arrangements, e.g. stand-by circuits
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F34/28—Arrangements for program selection, e.g. control panels therefor; Arrangements for indicating program parameters, e.g. the selected program or its progress

Definitions

  • the present invention refers to a household appliance system which comprises at least one household appliance, of the type indicated in the preamble of claim 1.
  • Typical examples of household appliances of the type indicated on the preamble of claim 1 are machines for washing and/or drying laundry and dishwashing machines which, in order to operate, require water connection to supply systems of external resources, typically represented by electric power and water; furthermore, such machines require connection to a draining system, per for evacuating the water used for washing or resulting from a laundry drying process.
  • the connection of the machine to the power supply is obtained by means of a cable, ending with a plug to be inserted into a common power socket, while the pipes for filling and evacuating water are connected to opposite fittings provided for by the household hydro-sanitary installation.
  • washing and/or dryers further comprise a control system, usually of the microprocessor type, which oversees the operation of the various electric loads of the machine and acquires, through sensors, information regarding the process it is controlling.
  • a control system usually of the microprocessor type, which oversees the operation of the various electric loads of the machine and acquires, through sensors, information regarding the process it is controlling.
  • a user interface including means for selecting the desired operating program, such as buttons and switches, and display means, such as a display or warning lights.
  • Some washing machines of the prior art have a bearing structure at the lower part associated whereat is a retractable wheels system (see for example EP- A-0812947), specifically conceived to facilitate occasional or temporary movements of the machine, for example during the installation, reparation or replacement step.
  • a retractable wheels system see for example EP- A-0812947
  • An object of the invention is that of providing a household appliance system comprising one or more household appliances simple to make and/or having comparatively small dimensions with respect to the household appliances of the known type.
  • Another object of the invention is that of providing a household appliance system wherein one or more household appliances are easy to use and comfortable for the user.
  • Another object of the invention is that of providing a household appliance system wherein one or more household appliances are easily moveable in a household environment, whenever required, even frequently.
  • Another object of the invention is that of providing a household system capable of simplifying the household plant, particularly the hydro-sanitary one.
  • FIG. 1 and 2 are schematic perspective views of a household appliance system according to the invention, comprising a household appliance and a connection unit, respectively in a decoupled condition and in a coupled condition;
  • FIG. 3 and 4 are, respectively, a front elevational view and a sectional view, according to line IV-IV of figure 3, of the appliance of figures 1 and 2;
  • - figures 5 and 6 are, respectively, a front elevational view and a perspective view, of a front part of a connection unit of figures 1 and 2;
  • - figure 7 is a simplified block diagram of a possible example of a system for controlling the household appliance system of figure 1;
  • - figure 8 is a partial perspective view of the rear of the part of the connection unit of figures 5 and 6;
  • - figure 9 is a perspective schematic view of a part of connection of the household appliance of figures 1 and 2;
  • figure 10 is a partial and schematic section of the system according to the invention, in the condition of figure 2;
  • FIG. 11 and 12 are, respectively, a front elevational view and a sectional view, according to line XII-XII of figure 11, of a further appliance of the household appliance system according to the invention.
  • a general household room of a general building which includes walls 2 and a floor 3 is indicated with 1.
  • the household appliance system subject of the invention comprises at least one household appliance, indicated in its entirety with 10, and a connection unit, indicated in its entirety with 20.
  • the household appliance 10 is configured to be connected to at least one source of external resource: in the represented example, the household appliance 10 is a laundry washing machine, thus prearranged to be connected both to a source of electrical power, and a source of water, as well as a system for draining the water used for washing.
  • the machine 10 has a bearing structure 11, comprising a cabinet 12, for example made of metal sheet or plastic.
  • the structure 11 is of the moveable type and for such purpose it is equipped with wheels 13 or other rolling means, associated to the lower part of the cabinet 12; in order to facilitate the movement of the machine 10, the cabinet 12 is also provided with a front handgrip 12a.
  • a treatment tub 14 Accommodated inside the cabinet 12 is a treatment tub 14; in turn mounted inside which is a laundry basket 15.
  • the machine 10 is a top loading machine, with the basket 15 rotating around a substantially vertical axis: thus, hinged to the cabinet 12 is an upper door or porthole 16, for access to the tub 14, and thus to the basket 15.
  • the basket 15 is rotated by means of an electric motor 17, represented only schematically.
  • the machine 10 comprises a plurality of electric loads and one or more sensors, inside the cabinet 12, required to execute a treatment cycle.
  • the abovementioned loads preferably comprise, alongside the motor 17, at least one electrically actuated door- lock device, a discharge pump with electric motor, an electric resistor for heating the washing liquid and a washing agent dispenser
  • the sensor means preferably comprise at least one sensor for detecting the level of the liquid present in the tub 14 and a liquid temperature sensor as well as, optionally, a sensor for weighing the contents of the basket 15 and a sensor for detecting the chemical/physical characteristics of the liquid.
  • the machine 10 is suitable to operate according to operating instructions; preferably, the machine 10 is suitable to execute at least one treatment cycle, and preferably a plurality of possible laundry treatment cycles, such as for example a cycle for washing coloured clothes, a cycle for washing synthetic clothes, a "strong" cycle for washing resistant and/or very dirty clothes, a rapid cycle for washing slightly dirty clothes and a rinsing cycle for eliminating residual detergent from pre-treated clothes, for example treated by hand.
  • each function or each cycle performable by the machine is performed according to operating instructions, for example part of a respective program, which may be selected by a user.
  • connection unit 20 is provided with a control system, preferably of the microcontroller type provided with non-volatile memory means, at least partly contained in a bearing structure of the unit itself, which in the illustrated embodiment comprises a container 21 provided with an accessible front panel 21a.
  • coded in the abovementioned system for controlling the unit 20, and specifically in the memory means thereof, are operating instructions or programs required by the machine 10 to execute the functions or treatment cycles thereof selectable by the user.
  • the system for controlling the unit 20 is prearranged to send control signals to the machine 10, according to the respective function or program selected by the user, where the entirety of such control signals determines for example the execution of a treatment cycle, in particular by supplying the abovementioned electric loads of the machine 10, as well as according to information obtained through the abovementioned sensor means.
  • the construction of the machine 10 is simplified, in that relatively simple and inexpensive electronic control means may be mounted therein, instead accommodating the more complex and expensive components of the electronic control system of the household appliance in the unit 20, to which - as observable hereinafter - the machine 10 may be interfaced from time to time during use. Possibly, in a possible variant embodiment, the entire electronic control system of the household appliance may be accommodated in the unit 20.
  • the unit 20 is provided with user interface means, particularly for setting functions and/or treatment cycles executable by the machine; in the example illustrated in figures 5 and 6 provided for is a user interface 22 which comprises manual control means, such as keys and/or buttons and/or switches 22a, and means for displaying information, such as a display 22b, associated to the panel 21a.
  • user interface means particularly for setting functions and/or treatment cycles executable by the machine
  • a user interface 22 which comprises manual control means, such as keys and/or buttons and/or switches 22a, and means for displaying information, such as a display 22b, associated to the panel 21a.
  • the machine 10 may be made in a simpler manner, in that the respective user interface is transferred to the unit 20.
  • figure 7 represents a block diagram of a possible control system of the unit 20, indicated in its entirety with CS, alongside the control system of the machine 10.
  • the control system CS comprises:
  • microcontroller MCl which oversees the management of the control system CS;
  • non-volatile memory means MEM preferably of the read/write type, wherein the software for managing the unit 10 is encoded, including operating instructions and/or programs for the machine 10;
  • a communication line CLl preferably of the serial type, through which the microcontroller MCl communicates with the control system of the machine 10;
  • the simplified control system of the machine 10 comprises:
  • microcontroller MC2 which oversees the management of the control system of the machine
  • the loads may comprise a door-lock device, a discharge pump, a motor for actuating the basket, a resistor for heating the water, a washing agents dispenser;
  • the sensor means Sl, S2, ..., Sn through which the microcontroller MC2 acquires information regarding the process executed by the machine 10; in the case of a laundry washing machine, the sensor means may comprise a level sensor, a temperature sensor, a sensor for weighing the load to be washed, a water conductivity sensor; - power actuators Al, A2, ..., An, through which the microcontroller MC2 manages respective electric loads ELl, EL2, ..., ELn of the machine 10, such actuators for example being
  • - drive devices DRVl, DRV2, ..., DRVn for controlling the abovementioned actuators Al, A2, ...,
  • An, such drive devices for example being represented by transistors;
  • figure 7 shows the Vac power supply system (40), with phases and neutral respectively indicated with L and N, used for supplying the various electric loads ELl, EL2, ..., ELn of the machine 10 and, through the stabilised power supplies PSl and PS2, the low voltage logic controls of the system CS and machine 10.
  • the microcontroller MC2 may be a low cost microcontroller with a port for the communication line CLl, whose function is essentially that of controlling the actuators Al, A2, ..., An, through the devices DRVl, DRV2, ..., DRVn, depending on the control signals from the microcontroller MCl.
  • the microcontroller MC2 also serves to acquire the feedback signals FDl, FD2, ..., FDn and the information provided by the sensor means Sl, S2, ..., Sn, so as to make them available to the microcontroller MCl which controls the functions or operating program of the machine 10.
  • the bearing structure 21 of the unit 20 is prearranged to be mounted at a fixed position of the household room 1.
  • the structure 21 is substantially configured as a box intended to be at least partly recessed in a wall 2 of the room 1; the structure 21 may also be intended to be mounted outside the wall 2, but at a fixed position in any case.
  • the unit 20 is prearranged to be connected to one or more sources of external resources, required for the operation of the household appliance associated thereto.
  • the unit 10 is connected to several sources of respective external resources, represented by a power supply system or network, indicated with 40 and a clean water supply system or network 41.
  • the machine 10 is suitable for draining the water used for executing a treatment cycle, and - for this purpose - the unit 20 is connected to a water drainage pipe, indicated with 42, connected to the household hydro-sanitary installation.
  • the machine 10 and the unit 20 are provided with interconnection means, for connecting the machine 10 in a releasable manner to the source or sources of external resources and/or for putting the control system CS of the unit 20 in signal communication with that of the machine 10; furthermore, still preferably, the machine 10 and the unit 20 are provided with mechanical coupling means, configured to mechanically couple in a separable manner the respective structures 11 and 21.
  • the abovementioned interconnection means comprise electric interconnection means and fluidic interconnection means.
  • the electric interconnection means comprise preferably a quick coupling system of the plug-socket type.
  • the connector system for supplying power has a part 23a, for example a male part, on the structure 11 of the machine 10 and a part 23b, for example a female part, on the structure 21 of the unit 20; in the example the coupling is of the three-pole type (phase, neutral and earth).
  • the connector system for transmitting control signals has a part 23a', for example a male part, on the structure 11 of the machine 10 and a part 23b', for example a female part, on the structure 21 of the unit 20; in the example, the coupling is of the multipolar type, for interconnecting the serial line CLl.
  • the fluidic interconnection means comprise a quick coupling system, also comprising a male part and a female part; in the example, the male part 24a is on the structure 11 of the machine 10 and the female part 24b is on the structure 21 of the unit 20, provided operative between the two parts 24a, 24b being seal means, not represented, such as for example one or more elastomer gaskets, of the per se known type.
  • Part 24a is connected, through a pipe, not shown, to the tub 14 of the machine 10, while part 24b is connected to the water supply system 41.
  • the machine 10 is suitable to drain water and for such purpose the unit 20 is connected to a drainage pipe 42, suitable to discharge such fluid outside the room 2.
  • the machine 10 and the unit 20 are also provided with further fluidic interconnection means, for connecting the machine in a releasable manner to the drainage pipe 42.
  • further fluidic interconnection means comprise a quick coupling system, which includes a part 25 a, for example a male part, on the structure 11 and a part 25b, for example a female part, on the structure 21, provided operative between the two parts 25a, 25b being seal means, of the per se known type, not represented, such as for example one or more elastomer gaskets.
  • Part 25a is connected, through the pipe
  • the abovementioned mechanical coupling means comprise a quick coupling/decoupling system between the structure 11 of the machine 10 and the structure 21 of the connection unit 20.
  • the structure 11 is provided with a projecting portion or appendage 26a, intended to be introduced into a respective reception seat 26b defined at the front part 21a of the structure 21, between two respective projecting parts 26c (see for example figures 5-6).
  • at the front part 21a of the structure 21 is at least one coupling means, not shown, for engaging or withholding the appendage 26a when the latter is introduced into the seat 26b, particularly with snap-coupling system; such system may comprise, for example two recesses 26d, one of which is schematized in figure 9, formed on the larger surfaces opposite the appendage 26a, wherein teeth associated elastically to the parts 26c are intended to be coupled.
  • At least one retention element such as one or both of the abovementioned teeth, may be pressed by elastic means to engage the appendage 26a, or the respective recess 26d, when the latter is introduced into the seat 26b, with a release button actuatable by the user to obtain decoupling.
  • a retention member having the indicated functionality may be maintained at the coupling or lock position over the entire duration of the treatment cycle being executed by the machine 10, particularly through a respective electromechanical actuator inside the unit 20 and controlled by the control system CS, after starting treatment cycle or, where provided for, after switching the unit 20 ON: such solution prevents the machine 10 from being disengaged from the unit 20 while the treatment cycle is in progress.
  • such coupling/decoupling system with an electromechanical actuator may be obtained according to the technology currently used for making door-lock devices for household appliances.
  • the mechanical coupling means 26a-26b and the interconnection means 23a-23b, 23a'-23b', 24a-24b and 25a-25b are prearranged to be mutually coupled substantially simultaneously, when the machine 10 is coupled to the unit 20.
  • the machine 10 and the unit 20 each comprise a respective connector device, indicated with 27a and 27b in figures 5, 6, 9 and 10, each incorporating the respective parts of interconnection means.
  • the geometric configuration of the parts could be different from the exemplified one, even in such a manner that the connector devices 27a, 27b integrate a respective part of mechanical coupling means different from the represented ones.
  • the electric and fluidic interconnection means are preferably configured to prevent the risk that the former come into contact with possible fluid leaking from the latter.
  • the electric interconnection means are located at a higher position with respect to fluidic interconnection means.
  • connection unit 20 itself includes actuator means and/or sensor means (for example accommodated in the container indicated with 21b in figure 8, fixed at the rear part to the panel 21a), which the control system CS of the unit controls or employs for executing a function or operating cycle executable by the machine 10.
  • control system may be prearranged to control, for example, a normally closed solenoid valve arranged upstream of the coupling 24b, which is opened by the control system when water is required to be filled into the tub 14 of the machine 10; for example, provided for in the unit may be a flowmeter, for example an impeller-based flowmeter, for measuring the amount of water supplied to the machine 10; in such embodiment, the machine 10 does not require its own level sensor, and thus it may be obtained simplified further.
  • Another sensor that may be provided for in the unit 20 is a sensor for detecting the temperature of the water present in the water supply system, particularly in the case - not represented - wherein the unit 20 is connected both to the cold water supply system and to the hot water supply system.
  • the fluidic interconnection means may provide for two distinct couplings, one for supplying hot water and the other for supplying cold water, or the unit 20 may be provided with a double-inlet solenoid valve, openable in an alternating manner and one connected to the hot water supply system and the other to the cold water supply system and having only one outlet in fluid communication with part 24b of the fluidic interconnection means.
  • the described household appliance system operates as follows.
  • the machine 10 When not being used, the machine 10 may be kept away in a utility room by the user, such a store room. In such condition, the machine may be used a s a container for gathering laundry intended to be washed.
  • the user moves the machine from the abovementioned utility room to the room 1 , where the unit 20 is installed. Transfer thereof is very easy, due to the wheels 13 always exposed and the handgrip 12a. Due to the simplification of the machine, the overall dimensions and the weight of the latter are comparatively smaller with respect to a machine of the prior art, and this simplifies movement and repositioning thereof.
  • the machine 10 is thus moved against the wall 2 provided with the unit 20 and the two components of the system are coupled to each other, by simply pushing the machine 10 towards the unit 20, ensuring that the appendage 26a fits into the respective seat 26b.
  • Such operation also allows simultaneous coupling of the respective parts of the interconnection means 23 a- 23b, 23a'-23b', 24a-24b and 25a-25b, such parts being positioned and configured geometrically for such purpose.
  • Such condition is illustrated in figures 2 and 10.
  • the user may switch the unit 20 ON, through a special button (indicated with 22c in figures 5 and 6), select a desired function or a desired program for the machine 10 and start the execution of such function or program.
  • the selection and start operations are performed through the user interface 22, for example with display of the possible functions or programs and associated options on the display 22b and selection through manual control means represented by the buttons 22a.
  • the user interface 22, or the control 22a and display 22b means are incorporated in a single display means of the touch-screen type.
  • control system CS of the unit 20 controls both the power actuators possibly present in the same unit, and the microcontroller MC2, which in turn controls the power actuators Al, A2, An of the machine 10. Execution of the washing cycle occurs according to per se known methods.
  • the control system CS may control the microcontroller MC2 so that the latter first determines the activation of the door- lock device of the machine 10 and of the possible lock actuator of the mechanical coupling system 26a-26b; subsequently, the control system CS controls the opening of a solenoid valve for filling water from the system 41 (which, as mentioned, may be associated to the unit 20). While water is filled into the tub 14, the control system CS controls the microcontroller MC2 so that the latter supplies power to the motor 17 to actuate the basket 15, according to the method provided for by the program (speed of rotation, alternating rotation and pause phases, inversion of the direction of rotation, etcetera).
  • the control system CS causes the closure of the filling solenoid valve and controls the microcontroller MC2 in order to supply power to the heating resistor inside the machine 10 and the actuation of the dispenser device to dispense the detergent.
  • the control system CS Upon reaching the water temperature set by the program, detected by the control system CS through the microcontroller MC2 and the temperature sensor inside the machine 10, power supply to the abovementioned resistor is cut off.
  • power supply to the motor 17 is disabled and the control system enables power supply to the discharge pump 18, in such a manner that the used washing liquid is evacuated through the pipe 42.
  • the cycle continues with a subsequent step, comprising at least one between filling water, moving the basket, draining used water, according to methods similar to those described previously.
  • a subsequent step comprising at least one between filling water, moving the basket, draining used water, according to methods similar to those described previously.
  • mechanical coupling of the latter with the unit 20 guarantees continuity both in terms of electric connection, and water connection to the systems 41, 42 for supplying and draining water, and also ensures maintaining the machine 10 at a stationary position, thus avoiding movement thereof due to operational vibrations (particularly during possible centrifugation steps).
  • the unit 20 may be switched OFF and the machine 10 disconnected from the unit itself.
  • a button for releasing the coupling/decoupling system 26a- 26b (where provided for) it is enough to operate on a button for releasing the coupling/decoupling system 26a- 26b (where provided for), and exert traction of the machine 10, for example through the handgrip 12a, moving it away from the unit 20.
  • the laundry may be unloaded immediately from the machine 10, while it is still coupled mechanically to the unit 20, or the machine 10 may be transferred, due to the wheels 13, to a different room or place, where one desires to unload the laundry (for example a balcony, where the laundry may be hung to dry): as observable, in this manner the machine 10 advantageously serves as a laundry trolley. After unloading the clothes, the machine 10 may thus be moved again to the utility room or, more generally, wherever the user desires to position it.
  • the system according to the present invention preferably comprises several household appliances of different type or use with respect to each other, but made according to the principles described previously, and where each of such household appliances is selectively couplable for use thereof to the connection unit 20.
  • the system may comprise a laundry washing machine, like the one indicated with 10 and a dishwasher represented schematically in figures 11 and 12, where it is indicated in its entirety with 50, wherein reference numbers of the previous figures are used partly, to indicate elements technically equivalent to those described previously.
  • Such machine 50 represented in the example by a dishwasher with a basket 51 accessible from above, through an upper porthole 16, is thus provided with a respective mechanical/electric/fluidic 26a, 27a connection system, located with respect to the bearing structure 11 of the dishwasher at a position geometrically suitable for coupling with the unit 20, according to the methods outlined previously with reference to the machine 10.
  • control system CS of the unit 20 is prearranged to include, in the memory means MEM thereof, operating instructions or programs required to execute functions or treatment cycles executable by each household appliance 10, 50 of the system.
  • control logic of a plurality of different household appliances is incorporated in the same control device, represented by the unit 20.
  • various types of household appliances couplable from time to time to the unit 20, may be controlled through one user interface, such as the one indicated with 22.
  • This fact additionally facilitates the use of the household appliance by the user, in that the methods and means for setting the functions or programs shall substantially be the same, regardless of the household appliance used from time to time.
  • the electric loads inside the dishwasher 50 shall be different from those of the laundry washing machine 10 (for example, the motor 17 shall be replaced by a washing pump).
  • the electric interconnection means 24a-24b and the control system shall still be prearranged, by means of methods clear to a man skilled in the art, to allow the unit 20 to control the operation of the various household appliances of the system.
  • the control system CS In order to manage the operation of different household appliances, the control system CS must establish the identity, i.e. the type, of household appliance currently coupled to the unit 20. In a possible embodiment, it is the same user who feeds such information to the control system of the unit 20, through the user interface 22, for example through a selector; in another example, upon switching the unit 20 ON, the control system commands the display, on the display 22b, of a list of possible connectable household appliances, with the user being required to indicate the household appliance of interest; after such selection, the control system shall command the representation, on the display 22b, of the list of functions or programs available for the selected household appliance, with the possible selectable associated options (e.g. maximum temperature, exclusion or centrifuge, etcetera).
  • the possible selectable associated options e.g. maximum temperature, exclusion or centrifuge, etcetera
  • each household appliance 10, 50 is provided with identification means and the control system of the unit 20 is configured to cooperate or interact with the abovementioned identification means, so as to independently establish the identity of the household appliance currently coupled to the unit 20.
  • the practical implementation of the means that allow the control system of the unit 20 to identify the type of household appliance may be of any known type.
  • the systems for controlling the unit 20 and the household appliance 10, 50 are configured for such purpose; for example, after starting the unit 20, the respective microcontroller MCl interrogates - through the line CLl - the microcontroller MC2 of the household appliance, wherein the respective identity information shall be contained, or it is the same microcontroller MC2 that cyclically declares its identity to the microcontroller MCl, following supply of power to the respective control system.
  • the "automatic" identification means may also be implemented using the known technology of transponder systems (RFID technology), i.e. electronic radio frequency devices without independent power supply, for example in case the entire control system of the various household appliances is provided for inside the unit 20 (in such case, for example, the components Al, A2, An, DRVl, DR V2, DRVn, FDl, FD2, FDn of figure 7 shall be located in the unit 20).
  • RFID technology transponder systems
  • a transponder, or TAG is an electronic device provided with a non- volatile memory and means that allow an external apparatus, or TAG reader, to read or write data into said memory through a radio frequency communication system.
  • the TAG obtains its power supply voltage by extracting power from the same electromagnetic field using the transceiver TAG reader to which it is connected.
  • the various household appliances 10, 50 are associated to respective TAGs, each containing the respective identity/type information, while associated to the control system of the unit 20 is a respective TAG reader, whose reading field shall preferably be very small, i.e. such to allow reading the information contained in the TAG of the household appliance only when the latter is very near, or coupled to the unit 20.
  • the details and embodiments may vary, even significantly, with respect to what has been described herein by way of non-limiting example only, without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined in the claims that follow.
  • the invention has been described with reference to a household appliance system which includes two washing machines, and in particular a laundry washing machine and a dishwasher, but the concepts of the invention may obviously be extended to other household appliances.
  • another household appliance of the system subject of the invention may be a laundry dryer, for example of the "expulsion" type.
  • the unit 20 shall (also) be connected to a pipe for discharging moist air out of the room 1.
  • the unit 20 and the dryer shall be provided with interconnection means for discharging aeriform substances from the machine.
  • a further household appliance to which the invention may be applied is an air conditioner or dehumidif ⁇ er with discharge of air.
  • the household appliance shall not strictly require providing for interconnection means 24a-24b and 25a-25b, or the fittings 24a and 25 a shall still be provided for, but occluded or plugged.
  • the system could be conceived to allow connection to the unit 20 of a household oven.
  • the unit 20 could provide for a separable interconnection system to a gas supply system.
  • the unit 20 is provided with one bearing structure 21, where the interior of such structure is preferably provided with separate sections or compartments, for example through internal containers and/or suitable walls and/or seal means, with components of the electronic control system and connections thereof to the power supply 40 accommodated in a section (such as the container 21c of figure 8) suitably insulated with respect to the section or sections where the connections between fluidic interconnection means of the unit 20 and the respective systems 41, 42 (such as the tub 21b of figure 8) are found.
  • the unit 20 may comprise several modules distinct and insulated with respect to each other, for example configured as built-in or wall fixed boxes separated from each other, with a module intended to hold/support components of the control system, interface means, electric interconnection means and for connection to the power supply 40, and at least another module intended to accommodate the connections between the fluidic interconnection means of the unit 20 and the respective systems 41, 42, with the possible actuators and sensors associated.
  • the connection unit 20 is advantageously connected, additionally or alternatively to the household power supply system 40, to a photovoltaic power generator, arranged outside the building.
  • the control system CS of the unit 20 may comprise a remote control system.
  • the control system SC comprises a transceiver module T, connected to the microcontroller MCl, to allow the latter to dialogue with a corresponding transceiver module, not represented, of a remote control indicated with RC.
  • transceiver modules are recommendable should the remote control be provided with a display, where information transmitted by the control system SC, for example regarding the current operation of the household appliance, is displayed.
  • the remote control RC may comprise a transmitter module and the system SC a receiver module. Possibly, a single stabilised power supply could be provided for in the unit
  • the electric interconnection means comprise at least two poles for supplying to the control system of the household appliance the required low direct supply voltage.
  • the external system or device indicated with MT in figure 7 may also be represented by a device for programming the control system of the unit 20 and/or for modifying and/or updating the contents of the memory means thereof, for example for adding new programs useful for managing the household appliances interfaceable to the unit itself.
  • the external system MT may also comprise means for interconnection to a communication network, for example a telephone network or internet connection network, so as to allow control and/or maintenance/diagnosis and/or updating the programs of the unit 20 and/or of the household appliance connected thereto from a remote station with respect to the household environment 1.
  • the electric interconnection means provided for between the unit 20 and the appliance 10, 50 with the aim of supplying power to the latter could possibly comprise a pinless power coupling system, particularly based on the transmission of power by induction, for example according to the technique described in WO 2008/093334 and/or WO 2008/114268.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Control Of Washing Machine And Dryer (AREA)
  • Cyclones (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un système d'appareils domestiques électriques comportant au moins deux appareils (10) différents l'un de l'autre et reliés chacun (10) à une alimentation extérieure (40, 41) nécessaire à leur fonctionnement. Chaque appareil (10) présente une structure porteuse mobile (11, 12), en particulier sur roulettes (13) ou analogue,, et le système comprend une unité de connexion (20) à structure porteuse fixe (21), s'installant dans une pièce du logement (1) et se raccordant à au moins une alimentation extérieure (40). Chaque appareil est sélectivement raccordable en vue de son utilisation à l'unité de connexion (20), ce dernier comportant un moyen de réglage desdits appareil (10).
PCT/IB2009/055985 2009-02-04 2009-12-29 Système d'appareils domestiques électriques Ceased WO2010089637A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP09805952A EP2393409A1 (fr) 2009-02-04 2009-12-29 Système d'appareils domestiques électriques

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITTO2009A000067A IT1392968B1 (it) 2009-02-04 2009-02-04 Sistema elettrodomestico
ITTO2009A000067 2009-02-04

Publications (1)

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WO2010089637A1 true WO2010089637A1 (fr) 2010-08-12

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IT (1) IT1392968B1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2010089637A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2708626A3 (fr) * 2012-04-04 2015-10-28 Dongbu Daewoo Electronics Corporation Machine à laver à tambour à montage mural et procédé de détection d'erreur de montage et de chute de la machine à laver à tambour à montage mural

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0400466A2 (fr) * 1989-05-31 1990-12-05 MERLONI ELETTRODOMESTICI S.p.A. Enveloppe pour appareil ménager, en particulier pour machine à laver
DE19639123C1 (de) * 1996-09-24 1997-11-20 Daimler Benz Aerospace Airbus Vorrichtung zur Reinigung von Geschirr für ein Verpflegungssystem in einem Flugzeug
EP0812947A1 (fr) 1996-06-12 1997-12-17 Whirlpool Europe B.V. Dispositif pour soulever les roues d'appareils domestiques
WO2006061041A1 (fr) * 2004-12-09 2006-06-15 Ecolab Inc. Distributeur de detergent
DE102006015840A1 (de) * 2006-04-03 2007-10-04 Miele & Cie. Kg Bedien- und Anzeigevorrichtung für ein Haushaltgerät, Haushaltgerät und System
WO2008093334A2 (fr) 2007-01-29 2008-08-07 Powermat Ltd Montage de couplage d'alimentation sans broches
WO2008114268A2 (fr) 2007-03-22 2008-09-25 Powermat Ltd Système de transfert de signal

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0400466A2 (fr) * 1989-05-31 1990-12-05 MERLONI ELETTRODOMESTICI S.p.A. Enveloppe pour appareil ménager, en particulier pour machine à laver
EP0812947A1 (fr) 1996-06-12 1997-12-17 Whirlpool Europe B.V. Dispositif pour soulever les roues d'appareils domestiques
DE19639123C1 (de) * 1996-09-24 1997-11-20 Daimler Benz Aerospace Airbus Vorrichtung zur Reinigung von Geschirr für ein Verpflegungssystem in einem Flugzeug
WO2006061041A1 (fr) * 2004-12-09 2006-06-15 Ecolab Inc. Distributeur de detergent
DE102006015840A1 (de) * 2006-04-03 2007-10-04 Miele & Cie. Kg Bedien- und Anzeigevorrichtung für ein Haushaltgerät, Haushaltgerät und System
WO2008093334A2 (fr) 2007-01-29 2008-08-07 Powermat Ltd Montage de couplage d'alimentation sans broches
WO2008114268A2 (fr) 2007-03-22 2008-09-25 Powermat Ltd Système de transfert de signal

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2708626A3 (fr) * 2012-04-04 2015-10-28 Dongbu Daewoo Electronics Corporation Machine à laver à tambour à montage mural et procédé de détection d'erreur de montage et de chute de la machine à laver à tambour à montage mural

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ITTO20090067A1 (it) 2010-08-05
IT1392968B1 (it) 2012-04-02
EP2393409A1 (fr) 2011-12-14

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