EP0373071B1 - Device for cutting the electrical power supply of a plurality of devices following certain movements of their programming cams - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device for cutting off the supply of electrical energy to a plurality of organs of an apparatus, or of a system, during certain movements, under the action of drive means forming part of the device, a block of cams for programming said members.

Such a device is used in particular in the household appliance sector, for devices such as washing machines for washing clothes or dishes, for example.

It makes it possible to avoid energizing, for a brief and untimely period, the various members during the movement of the cam block intended to bring it into a certain position, for example the starting position of a washing program. determined. These brief and untimely power-ups are in fact the source of unpleasant noise, radio interference, premature wear of the contacts and, sometimes, the control of an undesired function such as the introduction of washing.

A device of the type defined above is already known, described in French patent 2,519,660. This device uses a relay mounted in series with a fast advance motor for the cam block. Such an arrangement makes it possible to use a relay with a lower cost price than the devices known before it. However, this known device suffers in particular from the following drawbacks.

First of all, it requires the use of a relay whose cost price and reliability are less advantageous than those of a mechanically actuated contact, for example. Then, it requires the use of a fast forward motor separate from the normal advance engine. Now in certain programmers, it is the same motor which drives the block of cams in fast displacement, and in normal displacement. In addition, in a programmer comprising a fast forward motor, it is sometimes desirable to cut the power to the organs during normal movement. Naturally, in the latter two cases, it is possible to control the relay by an appropriate control circuit, but this then increases the complexity and the cost of the device.

The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks.

• un premier levier pivotant autour d'un premier axe et coopérant avec un contact d'alimentation de ladite pluralité d'organes pour n'en autoriser la fermeture que lorsque ledit premier levier s'étend dans une direction de fermeture,
• des moyens de rappel dudit premier levier dans trois positions d'équilibre stable, une position centrale dans laquelle ledit premier levier s'étend dans ladite direction de fermeture, et deux positions latérales dans lesquelles il s'écarte de ladite direction de fermeture,
• un disque, entraîné en rotation par lesdits moyens d'entraînement, et pourvu d'une pluralité d'ergots périphériques d'entraînement d'une extrémité dudit premier levier sur une plage de positions de celui-ci sensiblement centrée sur ladite position centrale, et s'étendant au delà de chacune desdites positions latérales, et,
• une pluralité de moyens d'ouverture dudit contact, chacun desdits moyens d'ouverture étant associé ou assimilable à un desdits ergots périphériques, et agencé pour ouvrir ledit contact lors de l'entraînement dudit premier levier par l'ergot périphérique associé, lesdits moyens d'entraînement étant agencés pour, après avoir entraîné en déplacement, dans un sens, ledit bloc et ledit disque, entraîner au moins ledit disque dans l'autre sens, provoquant ainsi, au début du déplacement dudit bloc, l'ouverture dudit contact et le passage dudit premier levier de ladite position centrale à une desdites deux positions latérales, afin d'interdire la fermeture dudit contact, et, à la fin du déplacement dudit bloc, le passage dudit premier levier de cette position latérale à ladite position centrale, afin d'autoriser la fermeture dudit contact.

To this end, it relates to a device of the type defined above, characterized in that it comprises:

• a first lever pivoting around a first axis and cooperating with a supply contact of said plurality of members so as to authorize closing only when said first lever extends in a closing direction,
• means for returning said first lever to three stable equilibrium positions, a central position in which said first lever extends in said closing direction, and two lateral positions in which it deviates from said closing direction,
• a disc, driven in rotation by said drive means, and provided with a plurality of peripheral lugs for driving one end of said first lever over a range of positions of the latter substantially centered on said central position, and extending beyond each of said lateral positions, and,
• a plurality of means for opening said contact, each of said opening means being associated with or similar to a of said peripheral lugs, and arranged to open said contact when said first lever is driven by the associated peripheral lug, said drive means being arranged to, after having moved said block and said disc in one direction, at least driving said disc in the other direction, thus causing, at the start of movement of said block, the opening of said contact and the passage of said first lever from said central position to one of said two lateral positions, in order to prohibit the closing of said contact, and, at the end of the displacement of said block, the passage of said first lever from this lateral position to said central position, in order to authorize the closing of said contact.

In the device of the invention, the supply of all the organs is cut and restored by a mechanically actuated contact, and not by a relay. However, the low cost and reliability of such a contact are known. In addition, in the device of the invention, it is the starting of the drive means of the cam block, for at least a certain period in the same direction, which causes the supply to be cut off. Indeed, when the drive means are controlled to drive the cam block in a certain direction, they simultaneously drive the disc, a peripheral lug of which meets the end of the lever. This results in the opening of the contact and therefore the interruption of the supply, as well as the passage of the lever from its central position, to one of its lateral positions for which the restoration of the supply is prohibited. The duration of movement in this direction, for which the power cut occurs without fail, is linked to the distribution of the pins on the periphery of the disc. If this distribution is regular, for example, the previous duration is at most equal to the time necessary for the angular displacement of the disc to be equal to the interval separating two successive lugs.

When the lever has tilted from its central position to the previous lateral position, the drive means can continue to drive the cam block in the same direction for any length of time, so as to bring it into the desired position. This results in a rotation of the disc, the successive pins of which come, each in turn, to cooperate with the end of the lever, without however authorizing the restoration of the supply. Indeed, each lug pushes, at the time of its cooperation with the end of the lever, the lever beyond the lateral position of stable equilibrium in which it is located. However, the lever returns to this position as soon as the end of the cooperation range is reached. In this situation, we can say that the lever moves, under the action of the lugs of the disc, like a pawl under the action of the teeth of a toothed wheel.

As soon as the block of cams has reached the desired position, it suffices that the drive means drive the disc in the opposite direction for a movement of small amplitude, so that the restoration of power is authorized. Indeed, the last lug to have cooperated with the end of the lever before the change of direction then drives the lever from the lateral position to the central position. Naturally, if the drive means drive the disc and the cam block without any play, account must be taken of the final displacement in the opposite direction to determine, taking into account the desired final position, the position of the cam block for which the change of direction is carried out. It is also possible to provide that the drive means drive the disc without play, and the cam block with play. This prevents the cam block from driving in the opposite direction when power is restored.

Thus, in the device of the invention, the supply of the organs is cut off or restored by a contact actuated mechanically, and in a manner controlled by the movements of the drive means, which notably simplifies the control of the programmer.

It will also be noted that, in the device of the invention, due to the fact that the drive means are designed to operate in both directions, and due to the symmetry of the arrangement of the lever, there is no imposed direction of movement of the cam block, which makes it possible to choose, in each particular situation, the direction of movement which minimizes the duration of the movement.

In one embodiment, said return means comprise an elastic blade, the V-shaped end of which can engage in three successive grooves of said first lever.

This realization is particularly simple mechanically.

Advantageously, said contact comprising a movable stud and a fixed stud, said movable stud is integral with said elastic blade, and said three grooves are arranged so that said contact is closed when the end of said elastic blade engages in the central groove and open when it engages in the side grooves.

In this case, it is the peripheral lug itself which causes the contact to open by driving the lever and pushes the elastic blade so as to move the movable stud. Here again, a particularly simple embodiment is obtained.

• ledit premier levier coopère avec ledit contact par l'intermédiaire d'un deuxième levier, pourvu d'un ergot pouvant s'engager dans un évidement dudit premier levier, quand celui-ci s'étend dans ladite direction D,
• lesdits moyens de rappel comprennent des moyens élastiques pour rappeler ledit premier levier vers sa position centrale, et deux butées dudit premier levier coopérant avec ledit ergot dudit deuxième levier pour empêcher le retour, sous la seule force desdits moyens élastiques, dudit premier levier vers sa position centrale,
• lesdits moyens d'ouverture dudit contact comprennent une pluralité de bosses d'une came, solidaire dudit disque, repoussant ledit deuxième levier afin qu'il ouvre ledit contact.

In another embodiment,

• said first lever cooperates with said contact by means of a second lever, provided with a lug capable of engaging in a recess of said first lever, when the latter extends in said direction D,
• said return means comprise elastic means for returning said first lever to its central position, and two stops of said first lever cooperating with said lug of said second lever to prevent the return, under the sole force of said elastic means, of said first lever to its position central,
• said opening means of said contact comprise a plurality of bumps of a cam, integral with said disc, pushing said second lever so that it opens said contact.

In this case, the mechanical production is more complex than previously, but it allows a particularly safe operation, especially in the case where, the programmer comprising a large number of program steps, the number of peripheral pins must be high and the clearance relatively low leverage.

Advantageously, said first lever is mounted with play on said first axis, and said lug of said second lever cooperates with recesses in said first lever, provided with ramps.

In this case, the device is provided with a "mechanical memory", which can be used to simplify ordering.

In a particularly advantageous application, the device of the invention is used with a programmer with two blocks of cams mechanically coupled with a clearance, and said disc is integral with one of said two blocks of cams.

• la figure 1 représente un schéma électrique d'un appareil électroménager mettant en oeuvre une première forme de réalisation du dispositif de coupure de l'invention,
• la figure 2 représente une vue en perspective, simplifiée, du programmateur et du dispositif de coupure de l'appareil de la figure 1,
• les figures 3.a à 3.e sont des vues de face du dispositif de coupure de la figure 2, représenté dans certaines positions caractéristiques,
• la figure 4 représente un schéma électrique d'un appareil électroménager mettant en oeuvre une deuxième forme de réalisation du dispositif de coupure de l'invention,
• la figure 5 représente une vue en perspective, simplifiée, du programmateur et du dispositif de coupure de l'appareil de la figure 4,
• la figure 6 représente une vue de face, simplifiée, du mécanisme de couplage entre les deux blocs de cames du programmateur de la figure 5,
• la figure 7 représente une vue de face, simplifiée des cames du premier bloc de cames du programmateur de la figure 5,
• les figures 8.a à 8.h sont des vues de face du dispositif de coupure de la figure 5, représenté dans certaines positions caractéristiques,
• les figures 9.a à 9.c sont des vues de face d'une troisième forme de réalisation du dispositif de coupure de l'invention, représenté dans certaines positions caractéristiques,
• les figures 10.a à 10.c sont des vues de face d'une quatrième forme de réalisation du dispositif de coupure de l'invention, représenté dans certaines positions caractéristiques, et,
• la figure 11 est une vue en perspective, partielle, du levier coopérant avec le contact d'alimentation du dispositif de coupure des figures 10.

The present invention will be better understood from the description of several embodiments of the device of the invention, made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

• FIG. 1 represents an electrical diagram of a household appliance implementing a first embodiment of the breaking device of the invention,
• FIG. 2 represents a simplified perspective view of the programmer and of the cut-off device of the apparatus of FIG. 1,
• FIGS. 3. a to 3. e are front views of the switching device of FIG. 2, shown in certain characteristic positions,
• FIG. 4 represents an electrical diagram of a household appliance implementing a second embodiment of the breaking device of the invention,
• FIG. 5 represents a simplified perspective view of the programmer and of the cut-off device of the apparatus of FIG. 4,
• FIG. 6 represents a simplified front view of the coupling mechanism between the two cam blocks of the programmer of FIG. 5,
• FIG. 7 represents a simplified front view of the cams of the first block of cams of the programmer of FIG. 5,
• FIGS. 8. a to 8. h are front views of the cut-off device of FIG. 5, shown in certain characteristic positions,
• FIGS. 9. a to 9. c are front views of a third embodiment of the breaking device of the invention, shown in certain characteristic positions,
• FIGS. 10. a to 10. c are front views of a fourth embodiment of the cut-off device of the invention, shown in certain characteristic positions, and,
• FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of the lever cooperating with the supply contact of the cut-off device in FIGS. 10.

A washing machine using a first embodiment of the cutting device of the invention is now described.

This machine comprises, in known manner, a plurality of electrical members which are supplied with electrical energy selectively and sequentially, by means of a programmer, so as to carry out a washing program. This programmer comprises a block of cams acting on individual power supply contacts of the various organs. The cut-off device makes it possible to avoid untimely and damaging energizing of the various members during certain necessary displacements of the cam block, such as those intended to bring it into the start of program position, for example.

Referring to fig. 1, the washing machine thus comprises, for example, a solenoid valve 21 a , a resistor 21 b for heating the water, a drain pump 21 i , and so on until the last member, which has the reference 21 n .

Electrical energy is available between a neutral terminal N and a phase terminal P of an alternating voltage source not shown for the sake of simplicity.

The members 21 a , 21 b , ..., 21 i , ..., 21 n here all have one terminal connected directly to a common connection 26, the other being connected to the terminal P via contacts 22 a , 22 b , ..., 22 i , ..., 22 n , respectively. The contacts 22 a , 22 b , ..., 22 i , ..., 22 n are each provided with a fixed pad and a movable pad, to form switches.

The common connection 26 is connected to the terminal N via a contact 25, provided with a fixed pad and a movable pad, and forming a switch.

Each switch 22 i makes it possible to supply, or not, and subject to the switch 25 being closed, the corresponding member 21 i . On the other hand, the switch 25 allows the general cut off of the supply of the plurality of members 21 a , 21 b , ..., 21 i , ... 21 n . If the switch 25 is open, no member 21 i will be supplied, even if the corresponding switch 22 i is closed.

An electronic circuit 40, connected between terminals N and P, controls a motor 41, here a two-way synchronous motor.

The output shaft 410 of the motor 41 drives cams, not shown in FIG. 1, which exert on the movable studs switches 22 a , 22 b , ..., 22 i , ..., 22 n of the forces shown by the arrows F. The forces F act against restoring forces of the movable pads to move them and put them in contact with the corresponding fixed pad.

Similarly, the output shaft 410 of the motor 41 acts on the cut-off device of the invention, not shown in FIG. 1, a device which exerts on the movable pad of the switch 25 a force shown diagrammatically by the arrow F ′. The force F ′ acts against a restoring force of the movable stud to move it and move it away from the fixed stud.

The programmer includes the electronic circuit 40, the motor 41, the switch 25 and the switches 22 a , 22 b , ..., 22 i , ..., 22 n of FIG. 1, as well as the cams and the device the invention which has been discussed, and which will now be described with reference to FIG. 2.

It appears, in this figure, that these circular cams, 20 a , 20 b , ..., 20 i , ..., 20 n form a block 2, inside which they are all integral. The cams 20 a , 20 b , ..., 20 i , ..., 20 n respectively actuate the movable pads of the switches 22 a , 22 b , ..., 22 i , ..., 22 n . Block 2 is movable in rotation about an axis 32.

Each movable stud is disposed on a lever, which cooperates with the profile of the corresponding cam. In this effect, and in known manner, each of the levers is subjected to the action of a force exerted for example by a spring, which recalls it against the profile of the corresponding cam, that is to say towards the axis 32 .

The fixed pads of each of the switches 22 a , 22 b , ..., 22 i , ..., 22 n are arranged next to the corresponding movable pads, and the cams 20 a , 20 b , ..., 20 i , ..., 20 n have neutral profile portions and bumps. The neutral profile portions leave the corresponding switch open, while the bumps close it.

Here, and as shown in FIG. 2, the contact points between the levers and the cams are aligned on a straight line parallel to the axis 32.

On the axis 32 is also mounted a disc 7, of axis 32, and provided with peripheral lugs 70.

The block 2 and the disc 7 are here integral with the axis 32 which is rotated on itself by the motor 41, by means of a reduction gear 42.

A lever 5 a is pivotally mounted about an axis 31, substantially parallel to the axis 32, so that its end is driven, over a certain range, by each of the peripheral lugs 70, when the disc 7 is driven in rotation by the motor 41. In the position shown in FIG. 2, the lever 5 a extends in a direction D, substantially perpendicular to the axis 31, and which is contained in the plane of the axes 31 and 32. The direction D is that of a radius of the disc 7.

As also shown in Figure 3. a, for which the lever 5 a also extends in the direction D, the movable pad of the contact 25 is integral with an elastic blade 60 a whose end, in the form of a V, engages in a groove 62 a of the lever 5 a , groove formed in the part of the lever 5 a opposite the end which cooperates with the lugs 70. The elastic blade exerts on the lever 5 has a force directed towards the axis 32.

On either side of the groove 62 a are provided two grooves 61 a and 63 a , into which the V-shaped end of the elastic blade 60 a can also engage.

The three grooves 61 a , 62 a and 63 a follow one another in this order. The groove 62 a is said to be central, and the grooves 61 a and 63 a lateral. Here the fixed contact pad 25 is disposed between the elastic blade 60 a and the axis 32, and the profile of the central grooves 62 a and lateral 61 a and 63 a is such that, when the V-shaped end of the elastic blade 60 a engages in the central groove 62 a , the movable contact pad 25 is in contact with its fixed stud, and that when the V-shaped end of the elastic blade 60 a engages in one or the other the other of the lateral grooves 61 a or 63 a, the movable contact pad 25 is moved away from its fixed contact.

FIG. 3. a represents the central position of the lever 5 a for which, the V-shaped end of the elastic blade 60 a engaging in the central groove 62 a , the contact 25 is closed. Figures 3. c and 3. e show the lateral positions of the lever 5 a for which the V-shaped end of the elastic blade 60 a engaging in one of the lateral grooves 61 a and 63 a , respectively, the contact 25 is open.

It thus appears that the lever 5 a cooperates with the contact 25 to authorize the closing, and even, here, to cause it, when it extends in the direction D, the closing of the contact 25 being prohibited when the lever 5 has deviates, on one side or the other, from the direction D. The direction D is called the closing direction, since the contact 25 is closed when the lever 5 a extends in this direction.

It also appears that the elastic blade 60 a and the grooves 61 a , 62 a and 63 a cooperate to recall the lever 5 a in three stable equilibrium positions. A first stable equilibrium position is the central position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. a , for which the lever 5 a extends in the closing direction D. The other two stable equilibrium positions are the two lateral positions. shown in Figures 3. c and 3. e , for which the lever 5 a deviates from the closing direction D.

Given the arrangement which has been described, it is clear that each peripheral lug 70 can drive the end of the lever 5 a when the rotational movement of the disc 7 brings this lug in the vicinity of the end of the lever 5 a . This drive occurs for a range of positions of the lever 5 a defined by the intersection of the two circles, not shown, described by the end of the lever 5 a and the end of the lug 70, respectively, centered on the axis 31 and axis 32, respectively. More precisely, the range of positions of the lever 5 a for which there is drive corresponds to the part of the circle described by the end of the lever 5 a which is located inside the circle described by the end of the lug 70.

The radii of each of these circles, the distance from their centers and the profile of the grooves 61 a , 62 a and 63 a are determined so that the drive range, as it has been defined, is substantially centered on the central position of stable equilibrium in FIG. 3. a and extends beyond each of the lateral positions of stable equilibrium in Figures 3. c and 3. e , respectively.

The breaking device which has just been described operates as follows.

It is assumed, for example, that the distribution of the bumps on the periphery of the cams 20 a , 20 b , ..., 20 i , ..., 20 n corresponds to 6 separate washing programs, each program executable by rotating block 2 in the counterclockwise direction T, occupying an angular sector of 60 ° from block 2. It is also assumed that the six washing programs are numbered from 1 to 6, that the corresponding sectors of block 2 are arranged in this order in the direction I, inverse of the trigonometric direction 7, that the last program which was executed is program N ^o 1, and that, after its execution, block 2 and disk 7 are in the position of figures 2 and 3. a . Finally, assume that you want to run program ^# 4.

To go from the end of the program ^No. 1 at the beginning of program # ^4, so it is necessary to move the block 2 of 2 times 60 ° or 120 ° counterclockwise T.

The electronic circuit 40 will therefore control the motor 41 so that the block 2 moves 120 ° in the direction T. As the disk 7 is driven by the motor 41, since it is integral with the axis 32, the disk 7 will be driven in direction T, as shown in Figure 3. b . As a result, the lug 70 located on the right, in FIG. 3. a , of the lever 5 a , will drive the end of this lever to the left, in the figures, which will have the immediate effect of opening the switch 25, by moving the lever 5 a from the closing direction D, thereby cutting off the supply. When this lug 70 reaches the left limit, in the figures, of the drive range, it ceases to drive the lever 5 a , which is returned to the stable equilibrium position of FIG. 3. c . In this position, the switch 25 remains open, and the power is cut off. As long as the disc 7 rotates in the direction T, each lug 70 pushes, in turn, the lever 5 a beyond its lateral position of stable equilibrium in FIG. 3. c , but the latter then always falls back into this position of Figure 3. c , like a ratchet on a gear.

Thus, here, at the start of the 120 ° movement of the block 2 in the direction T, the contact 25 is open, and the lever 5 a passes from its central position, of FIG. 3. a to its lateral position of FIG. 3 c , and it stays there for the duration of this trip.

When, at the end of this displacement, the block 2 is reached substantially at the beginning of the program # ^4, it is necessary to allow the supply and closing the switch 25. This is achieved by the electronic circuit 40, which then drives the disc 7, and here the block 2, in direction I, for a displacement of small amplitude, sufficient for the lug 70, which was immediately to the left, in the figures, from the end of the lever 5 a , after the movement of 120 ° in the direction T, drives the lever 5 a from the lateral position in FIG. 3. c to its central position in FIG. 3. a . The power is then restored.

It should be noted that this is because of the lever 5 has driving range extends beyond the lateral positions of stable equilibrium, and here the position of Figure 3 c, a displacement in the direction I makes it possible to tilt lever 5 a to restore power.

Naturally, in the case currently described, where the block 2 and the disc 7 are integral, it is necessary to take into account the displacement in the direction I necessary for the restoration of the power supply to determine the position of the block 2 at the end of the displacement in the direction T. In other words, it is necessary to move the block 2, in the direction T, until a position located a little beyond the starting position of the program N ^o 4, to be exactly in the starting position after the power has been restored. However, it is also possible to provide that the block 2 is driven not directly by the motor 41, but by means of the disc 7 which is driven directly by the motor 41, the block 2 being mechanically coupled to the disc 7 with a game. This allows the return of the disc 7 on itself to restore the power without the block 2 is being driven.

Note that if, instead of the # ⁴ program, the program ^No. 6 to be executed, it is possible to proceed as just described, resulting in block 2 and the disc 7 for a displacement, in the direction T of 4 times 60 °, that is 240 °. However, the cut-off device of the invention being perfectly symmetrical, it is more advantageous to provide, in order to save time, a displacement of 120 ° in direction I. In this case, everything proceeds as before, but, with reversal of the senses. This is how it is the lug 70 on the left, in FIG. 3. a , which drives the lever 5 a to the right of the figures, as shown in figure 3. d , the lateral position of stable equilibrium being that of figure 3. e .

During the normal course of a program, carried out here by rotating the block 2 in the direction T, when a peripheral lug 70 causes the lever 5 a to tilt in the position of FIG. 3. c , the motor 41 causes the disc 7 slightly back to return the lever 5 a to the central position. As the progress of the program is quite slow, this does not pose any particular problem. Naturally, the profile of the cams in block 2 is adapted accordingly.

It is clear that if the pins 70 are numerous and very close to the periphery of the disc 7, the movements of the latter to cut or restore the power supply, by the switch 25, may be of small amplitude. However, the shape of the lever 5 a must then be adapted accordingly, and, in particular, the size of the latter is all the smaller when there are a large number of lugs 70. As the displacement of the movable stud of the switch 25 must have a certain amplitude, it is understood that the number of lugs 70 cannot be increased indefinitely. It is obviously within the reach of a skilled person to determine, in a given situation, the number and the distribution of the pins which leads to satisfactory operation.

In Figure 4, there is shown the electrical diagram of another washing machine, which uses a second embodiment of the switching device of the invention.

On the electrical diagram of Figure 4, we find the organs 21 a , 21 b , ..., 21 i , ..., 21 n , the switches 22 a , 22 b , ..., 22 i , ..., 22 n , the switch 25, the electronic circuit 40 and the motor 41 arranged as in FIG. 1.

However, for the machine of FIG. 4, the motor 11 for driving the drum in which the laundry is placed has been shown separately.

This motor 11 is here a universal type motor, comprising in particular two terminals 110 and 111 for access to the rotor, and two terminals 112 and 113 for access to the inductor. The terminal P is connected to a first movable stud of a double inverter 12, the four fixed studs of which are linked in pairs, and the second movable stud of which is connected to the inductor terminal 112. The inductor terminal 113 is connected to terminal N by means of a triac 15 here. Each rotor terminal 110 and 111 is respectively connected to one of the pairs of fixed studs connected to each other by the double inverter 12. Thus the direction of connection of the rotor of the motor 11, relative to the direction of connection of its inductor, is controlled by the movable studs of the inverter 12, in order to control the direction of rotation of the motor 11.

The electronic circuit 40 controls the triac 15.

The movable studs of the inverter 12 are actuated by forces, shown diagrammatically by the arrows F, exerted by cams not shown in FIG. 4, driven by the motor 41. The forces F act against restoring forces of the movable studs of the inverter 12, to separate them from one of the fixed studs and put them in contact with the other corresponding fixed stud.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the corresponding programmer, which includes the electronic circuit 40, the motor 41, the switch 25, the double inverter 25, the switches 22 a , 22 b , ..., 22 i , ..., 22 n , and cams 10 a , 10 b , 20 a , 20 b , ..., 20 i , ..., and 20 n .

It appears in this figure that these circular cams are distributed in two blocks 1 and 2.

The first block 1 here comprises the two cams 10 a and 10 b which respectively actuate each of the movable contacts of the reverser 12.

The second block 2 here comprises the cams 20 a , 20 b , ..., 20 i , ..., 20 n which respectively actuate the movable contacts of the switches 22 a , 22 b , ..., 22 i , .. ., 22 n .

Inside a block, the cams are integral with each other, and each of the two blocks 1 and 2 is movable in rotation about a common axis 32.

The arrangement of the cams 20 a , 20 b , ..., 20 i , ..., 20 n and of the levers carrying the movable pads of the switches 22 a , 22 b , ..., 22 i , ..., 22 n is the same as that which has been described with reference to FIG. 2.

On either side of each of the movable studs of the inverter 12 are arranged the two corresponding fixed studs. As shown in FIG. 7, the profile of each of the cams 10 a and 10 b respectively includes bosses 101 a and 101 b , and recesses 102 a and 102 b , separated by portions 100 a and 100 b of neutral profile.

When one of the levers supporting one of the movable studs of the inverter 12 is on a portion 100 of neutral profile, the corresponding movable stud is isolated. When he is on a bump 101, the movable stud touches the fixed stud furthest from the axis 32, and when the lever is on a recess 102, the movable stud touches the fixed stud closest to the axis 32.

It follows in particular, taking into account the function of the double reverser 12, that the profile of the cam 10 a successively comprises a recess 102 a , facing a bump 101 b of the cam 10 b , a bump 101 a facing a hollow 102 b , a neutral portion 100 a , facing a neutral portion 100 b , and so on. Thus is ensured a reversal of the direction of connection of the rotor of the motor 11, here with a possible passage through a neutral position.

In addition, and here, the profile of the cams 10 a and 10 b of the first block 1 is periodic, that is to say that the previous structure is repeated around the block 1, with a period P, as shown in the figure 7. Here, for example, the period P is equal to 1 / 11th of a turn.

Here, the block 2 can pivot around the axis 32, but it is not integral with it. On the other hand, the block 1 is integral with the axis 32, driven in rotation on itself by the motor 41, via the reduction gear 42.

The cam in block 1 closest to block 2, here cam 10 b , is provided with a lug 13 parallel to the axis of rotation 32 of blocks 1 and 2.

The cam of block 2 closest to block 1, here cam 20 a , is provided with a recess 23 having here substantially the shape of a circular sector of angle at the center A, as shown in FIG. 6. The angle A is here chosen greater than the period P.

The lug 13 enters the recess 23, so that the blocks 1 and 2 are mechanically coupled, a set of amplitudes A being provided in one direction or the other.

On the axis 32 are also mounted a disk 7, of axis 32 and provided with peripheral lugs 70, and a cam 9, integral in rotation with the disk 7 and provided with bumps 90. The disk 7 and the cam 9 are integral of axis 32.

The disc 7 cooperates with a lever 5 b , and the cam 9 with a follower lever 8 b . These four elements form the essential part of the second form of the breaking device of the invention currently described.

However, before approaching the description of the structure and operation of this cut-off device, it is good to specify the operation of the programmer in FIG. 5, independently of the cut-off device, and therefore, for the time being, abstract from it.

Suppose, for example, that you want to execute a very simple washing program, which includes filling the machine with water, heating the water, and emptying the machine, these three phases being accompanied by rotational movements in one direction and in the other, of the drum of the machine.

The electronic circuit 40 first controls the triac 15 so that it remains open. The engine 11 is therefore stopped.

The electronic circuit 40 then controls the motor 41 so that the block 1 is driven in the trigonometric direction T, for example. If the lug 13 is for example in the position of FIG. 6, that is to say in the middle of the recess 23, before switching on, the block 2 remains stationary first and then, when the block 1 has moved at an angle A / 2, the block 2 is driven by the block 1. The circuit 40 controls the motor 41 so as to drive the block 2 until the bump in the cam 20 a actuates the switch 22 a for controlling the solenoid valve 21 a for water intake. Naturally, the circuit 40 is provided with a memory in which the positions of the hollows and the bumps of all the cams are stored. In addition, it calculates at all times the positions of blocks 1 and 2 from the displacements which it controls via the motor 41 and their initial positions, which have either been memorized during the previous stop, or determined following an initialization procedure. Such an initialization procedure comprises, for example, training in a specific direction until detection of particular positions by devices of known type, and not shown for the sake of simplicity.

As soon as the water intake has started, the circuit 40 controls the reversal of the direction of rotation of the motor 41, so that the block 1 moves in the direction I, inverse of the trigonometric direction T, by a lower angle or equal to A, so as not to modify the position of block 2.

It is obvious that, by remaining within the clearance allowed by the amplitude play A, the cams 10 a and 10 b of the block 1 can control the supply of the rotor of the motor 11 in one direction or the other. , or cut this supply while remaining on neutral profiles 100 a and 100 b . This is made possible here because the period P of the profile of the cams of block 1 is less than or equal to the amplitude A of the play. The circuit 40 can therefore, by controlling on the one hand the triac 15 to regulate the speed of the motor 11, and on the other hand back and forth movements of motor 41, controlling the rotation in one direction, then in the other, of the drum driven by motor 11. Naturally, the duration of rotation in one direction, that of the rotation in the other direction, and that of the bearing which separates them during which the drum remains stationary are variable by simple electronic control by varying the direction and the duration of each rotation of the motor 41, and on the triac 15 control.

As soon as the tank is filled, the electronic circuit 40 is informed of it for example by a level detector not shown as known. It can control the triac 15 to stop the engine 11, and move the block 1 first, then the block 2, always in the direction T, for example, to bring the latter into a position where the cam 20 a is neutral and where the cam 20 b actuates the switch 22 b . The water intake is therefore stopped, and the heating of the water, by the resistance 21 a , takes place.

The triac 15 is then controlled and the block 1 is driven in the direction I over an angle less than A, then in the direction T, and so on, so as to control the movements back and forth of the drum. Naturally, if it is considered desirable to have, during heating, back and forth movements of different durations, for example, than they were during filling, this is quite possible and the circuit 40 is programmed accordingly.

The washing program can thus take place until the end with great flexibility in controlling the movements for reversing the direction of rotation of the drum.

Naturally, if the bumps 101 and the recesses 102 are much more numerous and closer than that shown in the figures, it is possible to also use the programmer of the invention as the conventional monobloc programmer of FIG. 2, for example, by controlling the motor 41 so that it rotates at constant speed, fairly low, and always in the same direction. As is known and obvious, the duration of each of the program stages is then linked to the length of each recess or bump and to the speed of the motor 41.

Block 2 can, as in the programmer in Figure 2, be divided into a plurality of angular sectors each corresponding to a different program, the choice of one of these programs being made by moving block 2 to bring the start of the sector corresponding in front of the contact line between the cams and the levers, and the progress of this program being obtained by then sweeping this sector by block 2. In such a case, it is block 2 which stores, at least in part, the washing programs.

However, block 2 can also, and as has been shown in FIG. 5, be such that each cam comprises only one bump, distributed so that block 2 comprises a plurality of sectors, inside each of which a single organ 21 a , 21 b , ..., 21 i , ..., 21 n is supplied, in principle. Naturally, if it is foreseen that it will sometimes be necessary to supply two or more organs 21 a , 21 b , ..., 21 i , ..., 21 n at the same time , the corresponding sectors will be provided. In this case, the mechanical structure of block 2 is simpler, and the programs are stored in the electronic circuit 40. The latter controls the block 2 either to advance by one program step each time, without being concerned with the member which will thus be started, but to go switch on a specific device, to be controlled during this program step.

Note that it is not necessary, then, that the block 2 is always controlled in the same direction, and that one can choose the direction of movement of the block 2 which minimizes the duration of each of the movements to be performed.

In one case as in the other, when the block 2 is driven quickly enough to go towards the beginning of a determined program, if it is of the "memory" type, where to go to command a determined organ, s' it is of the "memoryless" type, it passes through a certain number of intermediate positions, which would have the effect of inadvertently feeding certain organs, in the absence of the cut-off device of the invention.

It therefore comprises primarily, here, the disc 7, the cam 9, the lever 5 b and the follower lever 8 b which has already been mentioned.

The lever 5b is pivotally mounted about an axis 31, substantially parallel to the axis 32, so that its end is driven, over a certain range, by each of the peripheral lugs 70, when the disc 7 is driven in rotation by the motor 41. In the position shown in FIG. 5, the lever extends in the direction D which has already been defined with reference to FIG. 2, and which is that of a radius of the disc 7.

The lever 5 b is shown in FIG. 8. a in the same position as in FIG. 5.

The cam 9 cooperates with the follower lever 8 b , here recalled by a spring against the cam 9, which is pushed back, that is to say moved away from the axis 32 by the bumps 90. The follower lever 8 b , when it is thus removed, pushes a flexible blade carrying the mobile contact of the contact 25 so that the contact 25 is opened when the follower lever 8b cooperates with a bump 90, and closed when the follower lever 8b cooperates with a neutral profile portion of the cam 9.

As shown in FIG. 8 a , the lever 5 b is finished, on the side opposite its end which cooperates with the lugs 70, by an edge 51 b , here perpendicular to its axis, axis coincident with the direction D in FIG. 8 a . An elastic blade 60 b is embedded to extend perpendicular to the direction D, and rest on the edge 51 b .

As shown in Figures 8. b and 8. f , the elastic blade 60 b and the edge 51 b recall the lever 5 b in the central position of Figure 8. a , when the lever 5 b is moved away from this central position . The central position of FIG. 8. a is therefore a position of stable equilibrium.

The follower lever 8 b has a lug 80 b , here parallel to the axis 31, which moves substantially in the direction D when the follower lever 8 b pivots around its axis. The lug 80 b is engaged in a recess 52 b formed in the lever 5 b . The recess 52 b is substantially T-shaped, and it is arranged so that, in the position shown in FIG. 8. a , the lug 80 b is located at the foot of the portion 62 b of the recess 52 b which corresponds to the vertical bar of the T, portion 62 b directed in the direction D. The horizontal bar of the T is here, in fact, in the form of an arc of circle centered on the axis 31, so as to allow pivoting of the lever 5 b when the lug 80 b is brought to the level of the horizontal bar of the T, the follower lever 8b having been pushed back from its position of Figure 8 a .

At the connection points between the vertical bar and the horizontal bar of the T of the recess 52 b, two stops 61 b and 63 b are provided , the role of which will be better understood below.

Here, the distribution of the lugs 70 and the bosses 90 is periodic, and of the same period P as that of the cams 10 a and 10 b , that is to say 1 / 11th of a turn. As already indicated, the cam 9 is integral with the disc 7. The profile of the bumps 90 is arranged as is now described. When the lever 5 b is equidistant from two lugs 70, as for example in Figure 8. a, 8 b the follower lever is located at equal distance from two bumps 90 in its position when the contact 25 is closed. A ramp 91 is provided to move the lever 8 b apart, open the switch 25 and place the lug 80 b at the level of the horizontal bar of the T of the recess 52 b , just before, under the effect of a movement of the disc 7 in the trigonometric direction T, the lug 70 on the right in FIG. 8. a does not come into contact with the end of the lever 5 b to drive it. Similarly, a ramp 92 is provided to move the lever 8 b apart, open the switch 25 and place the lug 80 b at the level of the horizontal bar of the T of the recess 52 b , just before, under the effect of a movement of the disc 7 in the opposite direction I, the lug 70 on the left in FIG. 8. a does not come into contact with the end of the lever 5 b to drive it. Thus, each bump 90 appears associated with a peripheral lug 70, and arranged to open the contact 25 when the lever 5b is driven by this associated peripheral lug 70.

It therefore appears that the lever 5 b cooperates, via the follower lever 8b, with the contact 25 just to allow the closure that when it extends in the direction D, as is the case in figure 8. a . In fact, for the contact 25 to be closed, the lever 8b must be in the position closest to the axis 32, which is only possible if the lug 80b is engaged in the vertical bar 62 b of the T of the recess 52 b . However, this is only possible if the lever 5 b is directed in the direction D, since the only movement allowed by the lug 80 b , secured to the follower lever 8 b , is substantially directed in the direction D. The direction D is therefore, as before, the closing direction.

As shown in Figures 8. c and 8. g , when, the follower lever 8 b having been moved apart so that the lug 80 b is at the level of the horizontal bar of the T of the recess 52 b , the lever 5 b is tilted, on one side or the other of its central position, then abandoned in this state, it remains in a lateral position of stable equilibrium, owing to the fact that the elastic blade 60 b recalls it towards its position central, however exerting insufficient force for the lug 80 b to pass the stop 61 b , or the stop 63 b . In FIG. 8. c , the lever 5 b has been tilted to the left, it is returned to its central position by the elastic blade 60 b , but the lug 80 b cooperates with the stop 61 b to prevent return to this central position of stable equilibrium, in the sole form of the elastic blade 60 b . In Figure 8. c , the lever 5 b is therefore in a first stable lateral position of equilibrium. In FIG. 8. g , the lever 5 b has been tilted to the right, and it is the stop 63 b which prevents return to the central position, thus giving rise to a second lateral position of stable equilibrium.

Naturally, and as for the device of Figure 2, the lever driving range 5b by the lugs 70 is substantially centered on the central position of Figure 8. a and extends beyond the lateral positions of Figures 8 c and 8. g .

The operation of the device is now described.

It is assumed that, to move the block 2 in the trigonometric direction T, for example, the motor 41 drives the assembly formed by the disc 7, the cam 9 and the block 1, in the trigonometric direction T, from the position in Figure 8. a .

It first occurs, not shown way, cooperation of the ramp 91 with the follower lever 8 b to open the contact 25 and thereby cause the pin 80 b at the horizontal bar of the T of the recess 52 b .

Next, as shown in Figure 8. b, the lug 70 which was located to the right of the lever 5 b in Figure 8. a result thereof, to the left of the figures, to the end of the range of 'training.

Then, as shown in FIG. 8. c , the lever 5 b falls back into its lateral position of stable equilibrium, then as previously the lever 5 a , then operates in the manner of a ratchet during the passage of the various lugs 70 which travel in the T direction during movement. During this time, closing of the contact 25 is therefore prohibited.

When the displacement in the direction T is finished, the motor 41 will command a displacement of small amplitude in the direction I, as shown in FIG. 8. d so that the lug 80 b crosses the stop 61 b , thus letting pass the lever 5 b in its central position, and thus authorize the closing of contact 25.

It is noted that, because of the profile of the bump 9, the lever 8 b does not then tilt, by itself, in the position where it closes the contact 25. To effectively obtain the closure of the contact 25, it is necessary that , from the position of FIG. 8. d , the motor 41 controls a small displacement in the trigonometric direction T, displacement after which the device is in a position similar to that of FIG. 8. a .

The previous characteristic, according to which it is necessary for the disc 7 to perform a back-and-forth movement of small amplitude to restore the power supply, thus makes it possible to change, if necessary, the direction of movement of large amplitude, without necessarily restoring the power, which in some applications is useful.

In fact, if the disc 7, from the position of FIG. 8. d , continues to move in direction I, the device passes directly into the position of FIG. 8. f , then into that of FIG. 8 g .

The positions of figures 8. e , 8. f , 8. g and 8. h correspond respectively to those of figures 8. a , 8. b , 8. c , and 8. d , but for displacements in the opposite direction, taking into account the symmetry of the device, having regard to the direction of rotation.

Naturally, it is understood that this second embodiment of the device of the invention, associated with the programmer with two blocks of cams, coupled with a clearance A, represented in FIG. 5, offers a large number of possibilities of use, according to the amplitude of the clearance A, the profile of the cams 10 a and 10 b , and the distribution of the pins 70 and the bumps 90.

Thus, and by way of example, a particular mode of use is now described. It will be recalled that the period P here is 1 / 11th of a turn for the profile of the cams 10 a , 10 b , and 9, and for the distribution of the lugs 70.

Block 2 is divided into 44 equal sectors, therefore approximately 8 ° each, so that each period P comprises 4 sectors.

The displacements of the assembly comprising the disc 7, the cam 9 and the block 1, hereinafter called assembly 7 + 9 + 1, are quantified in steps each having an amplitude equal to a sector. Thus the set 7 + 9 + 1 can take 44 distinct positions.

We adopt an amplitude A, for the clearance between blocks 1 and 2, equal to 6 sectors.

Finally, the block 1 is wedged relative to the cam 9 and to the disc 7 so that the inverter 12 is actuated so that the motor 11 for driving the drum rotates in the direction S1 when, as shown in the figure 8. a , direction D passes through the middle of a period P separating the left flanks, in FIGS. 8, of the lugs 70, and so that the reverser 12 is actuated so that the motor 11 rotates in the other direction S2 when the disc 7 is moved, from the position of the figure 8. a , of a sector in the direction T. The points of intersection of the direction D and of the disc 7 are marked S1 and S2, in FIG. 8. a , for the two positions which have just been defined respectively .

It is now assumed that, in order to drive the block 2 to a determined position, the motor 41 has just driven the assembly 7 + 9 + 1 in the opposite direction I. It is further assumed that, at the time where block 2 reaches this determined position, the set 7 + 9 + 1 which, in the general case can be in any of its 44 possible positions, is here in one of the 11 positions where, taking into account the block periodicity 1, the drum is driven in the direction S1.

Given the clearance A, it is possible to move the set 7 + 9 + 1 over the 6 sectors which it has just traversed in the opposite direction I, therefore in 7 distinct positions, without moving the block 2. However, as this will be explained now, numerous possibilities are offered within the clearance thus allowed for the assembly 7 + 9 + 1.

Thus, after moving in direction I, and as has already been explained, the contact 25 is open, and the lever 5 b is tilted to the right in FIGS. 8.

The assembly 7 + 9 + 1 is first of all driven over 4 sectors in the trigonometric direction T. Taking into account the periodicity, the position thus reached is still a position where the drum rotates in the direction S1. Furthermore, the contact 25 is always open, the lever 5 b being this time tilted to the left in Figures 8. The lug 13 is then in a position, in the recess 23, which allows the movements in both directions of the block 7 + 9 + 1.

At this time, and if it is desirable, a movement of the drum in the direction S2 can be controlled, by displacement of the assembly 7 + 9 + 1 of a sector in the direction 1, then again a movement of the drum in the direction S1 by displacement of the set 7 + 9 + 1 of a sector in the direction T, and so on. The drum is therefore driven in an alternating rotational movement, the contact 25 being always open.

If it is desirable, for example to heat the water, that the supply of electrical energy to the organs such as 20 i be restored, it being understood that the block 2 is in a position where the switch 22 b supplying the resistor 21 b is closed, the assembly 7 + 9 + 1 is moved, from its position controlling a rotation of the drum in the direction S1, by a sector in the direction I. This brings the point marked F ′, on the Figure 8. a , coincident with the direction D, which has the effect of tilting the lever 5 b in the central position. The device is in a situation similar to that of FIG. 8. d . The assembly 7 + 9 + 1 is then moved by a sector in the direction T, to return to the position controlling a rotation of the drum in the direction S1, position for which the follower lever 8 b falls between two bumps 9, this which closes the contact 25, and brings the device into the situation of FIG. 8. a .

Again, an alternating rotation movement of the drum is possible, the contact 25 then remaining closed, by back and forth movement of the set 7 + 9 + 1.

If, after a certain time, and for example because the water has reached the desired temperature, it is desirable to stop the heating, this can be done without touching block 2, by opening the contact 25. For this purpose, the assembly 7 + 9 + 1 is then moved, from its position controlling a rotation of the drum in the direction S1, by two sectors in the direction I. This brings the point marked O, in FIG. 8. a , in coinciding with the direction D, which has the effect of pushing the follower lever 8 b to open the contact 25, and to tilt to the right of figures 8, the lever 5 b.

Again, an alternative rotation movement of the drum is possible, the contact 25 then remaining open, by returning the assembly 7 + 9 + 1 to the position controlling a rotation of the drum in the direction S1, then back and forth movement. . When it becomes necessary again to close the contact 25, this is done by moving the assembly 7 + 9 + 1, from its position controlling a rotation of the drum in the direction S1, of two sectors in the direction T. This brings about the point marked F in FIG. 8. a , coincident with the direction D, which causes the lever 5 b to tilt in the central position, the device being in a position similar to that of FIG. 8. h . The return of the assembly 7 + 9 + 1 to its position controlling a rotation of the drum in the direction S1, obtained by a displacement of two sectors in the direction I, allows the follower lever 8 b to drop, which closes the contact 25 , and brings the device in the situation of FIG. 8. a .

• une position, marquée S1 sur la figure 8.a, commandant le mouvement du tambour dans le sens S1,
• une position, marquée S2 sur la figure 8.a, commandant le mouvement du tambour dans le sens S2,
• une position, marquée F′ sur la figure 8.a, telle que le premier aller jusqu'à cette position, suivi d'un retour, provoque la fermeture du contact 25,
• une position, marquée O sur la figure 8.a, telle que tout passage par cette position provoque l'ouverture du contact 25, et,
• une position, marquée F sur la figure 8.a, telle que tout aller jusqu 'à cette position, suivi d'un retour, provoque la fermeture du contact 25.

Thus, it appears that, in the previous particular case, where the displacement of the set 7 + 9 + 1, intended to bring the block 2 in a given position, ends in a position controlling the rotation of the drum in the direction S1, it is possible to have, in the 7 positions then accessible without displacement of the block 2, provided by the play A:

• a position, marked S1 in FIG. 8. a , controlling the movement of the drum in the direction S1,
• a position, marked S2 in FIG. 8. a , controlling the movement of the drum in the direction S2,
• a position, marked F ′ in FIG. 8. a , such that the first going to this position, followed by a return, causes the contact 25 to close,
• a position, marked O in FIG. 8. a , such that any passage through this position causes the contact 25 to open, and,
• a position, marked F in FIG. 8. a , such that going all the way to this position, followed by a return, causes the contact 25 to close.

It is easy to demonstrate that, in the general case where the displacement of the set 7 + 9 + 1, intended to bring the block 2 to a given position, ends in a position which is not necessarily that which controls the rotation of the drum in the direction S1, there are always, among the 7 positions accessible without moving the block 2, the positions S1, S2, F ′, O and F which have been previously defined.

To this end, it suffices to study three other situations similar to that which has just been studied. Indeed, taking into account the 11 periods of 4 sectors of the set 7 + 9 + 1, the study of its 44 possible positions comes down here to the study of only four different situations.

• O, F′, S1, S2, F pour la situation étudiée,
• O, F′, S1, S2, F pour la situation où l'ensemble 7+9+1 termine son déplacement d'entraînement du bloc 2, dans le sens I, un secteur avant la position de la situation étudiée,
• F, S1, S2, F′, O pour la situation où l'ensemble 7+9+1 termine son déplacement d'entraînement du bloc 2, dans le sens I, deux secteurs avant la position de la situation étudiée, et,
• F, S1, S2, F′, O pour la situation où l'ensemble 7+9+1 termine son déplacement d'entraînement du bloc 2, dans le sens I, trois secteurs avant la position de la situation étudiée.

The study of the three other situations, not reported here for the sake of simplicity, but within the reach of those skilled in the art, shows that, with a clearance A equal to 6 sectors, it is always possible to find positions S1, S2, F ′, O and F among the 7 accessible positions. It can be seen that the arrangement of these positions is as follows, identified in direction I on the disc 7

• O, F ′, S1, S2, F for the situation studied,
• O, F ′, S1, S2, F for the situation where the set 7 + 9 + 1 ends its drive displacement of block 2, in direction I, a sector before the position of the situation studied,
• F, S1, S2, F ′, O for the situation where the set 7 + 9 + 1 ends its drive displacement of block 2, in direction I, two sectors before the position of the situation studied, and,
• F, S1, S2, F ′, O for the situation where the set 7 + 9 + 1 ends its drive displacement of block 2, in direction I, three sectors before the position of the situation studied.

Naturally, if the drive movement of the block 2 takes place in the direction T, the distribution of the positions F ′, O and F is reversed with respect to the preceding situations.

It can therefore be seen that the possibilities of the breaking device of the invention are numerous. In practice, the electronic circuit 40, from the knowledge of the initial position of the assembly 7 + 9 + 1, calculates at all times the position of the assembly 7 + 9 + 1 and of the block 2, taking into account the information relating to the structure of the device which are stored in its memory, and movements which have been ordered from the set 7 + 9 + 1. The circuit 40 also calculates the displacements to be commanded from the assembly 7 + 9 + 1 in order to position the block 2 in a given position, to obtain, by means of the cut-off device, the cut-off or the restoration of the supply, and via block 1, controlling the direction of the drum drive motor 11.

The electronic circuit 40 is, for example, a microprocessor circuit. The design of such a circuit, from the description which has been made of the functions which it must perform, is obvious to a person skilled in the art.

With reference to FIGS. 9, a third embodiment of the breaking device of the invention is now described, which differs from the second embodiment only in the form of the levers used.

In FIGS. 9, the follower lever 8 c is comparable to the lever 8 b in FIGS. 8, except that the lug 80 c which it comprises, and which plays the same role as the lug 80 b in FIGS. 8, is directed in the plane containing the cam 9, instead of being parallel to the axis 31, as was the lug 80 b .

The lever 5c , which plays the same role as the lever 5b in Figures 8, is therefore adapted accordingly. It always has an edge 51 c cooperating with an elastic blade 60 c , which are comparable to the edge 51 c cooperating with an elastic blade 60 b , but are not arranged here, for reasons of space, perpendicular to the direction of closure. D. The lever 5 c no longer comprises, strictly speaking, a T-shaped recess, but it is provided with a remote part 52 c provided with a recess 62 c intended to receive the lug 80 c when the lever 5 c extends in direction D.

The offset part 52 c also includes two stops 61 c and 63 c which play the same role as the stops 61 b and 63 b , and which cooperate with the lug 80 c to prevent the lever 5 c from returning to its central position d stable balance, under the sole force of the elastic blade 60 c , after the follower lever 8 c has been lifted by a bump 90 from the cam 9, and the lever 5 c tilted in a lateral position.

The operation of the cut-off device provided with the levers of FIGS. 9 is the same as that which has already been described. The central position of stable equilibrium in Figure 9. a corresponds to that of Figure 8. a , while the lateral positions of stable equilibrium in Figures 9. b and 9. c correspond to those of Figures 8. g and 8. c respectively.

With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, a fourth embodiment of the breaking device of the invention is now described, which differs from the second and third embodiments in that, if the cooperation between the two levers is effected by a cooperating lug with stops, the lug 80 d is here secured to the lever 5 d , which plays the role of the lever 5 b , while the stops 61 d and 63 d are secured to the follower lever 8 d . In addition, the follower lever 8 d is provided so that its spacing from the axis 32 is memorized under the action of the bumps 90 of the cam 9.

In FIGS. 10, the lever 5 d is comparable to the lever 5 b , and in particular comprises an edge 51 d , analogous to the edge 51 b , designed to cooperate with an elastic blade 60 d , analogous to the elastic blade 60 b . The lever 5 d comprises a lug 80 d , which extends parallel to the axis 31. The lever 5 d is pivotally mounted with a clearance around the axis 31, so as to also be able to pivot slightly in a plane containing the axis 31, the elastic blade 60 d having a certain width, perpendicular to the plane of the figures, to also recall it in the plane perpendicular to the axis 31 .

The follower lever 8 d , which plays the role of the follower lever 8 b , is provided with two recesses 62 d , and 65 d , shown in enlarged form in FIG. 11.

The recess 62 d is provided for receiving the lug 80 d in the position of FIG. 10. a , for which the lever 5 d extends in the direction D, and the follower lever 8 d is in its most close to axis 32, for which the switch 25 is closed.

The recess 62 d comprises a ramp 620, arranged to push the lug 80 d out of the recess 62 d when the follower lever 8 d is pushed back by a bump 9 to open the contact 25. This is possible because the lever 5 d with which the lug 80 d is integral can pivot slightly in a plane perpendicular to its axis 31. When the follower lever 8 d is at the top of a bump 9, the lug 80 d is completely removed from the recess 62 d and it then engages in the recess 65 d , the central part of which is hollow enough for the lever 5 d to return to its normal position.

The follower lever is then locked in this position, with the edge of the recess 65 d against which the lug 80 d rests is abrupt. Thus, there is memorization of the spacing of the follower lever 8 d , which results in the fact that, even if the bump 90 is interrupted, the follower lever 8 d remains in the separated position and the contact 25 open. This situation is shown on the FIG. 10. b , for which the lever 5 d is in the central position, and the follower lever 8 d in the separated position, despite the absence of a bump 90.

In order for the follower lever 8 d to return to the non-displaced position, where the contact 25 is closed, it is necessary for a back and forth movement of the lever 5 d to be carried out which, taking into account the particular configuration of the recess 65 d , will return the lug 80 d to a position where it will no longer retain the follower lever 8 d .

To this end, the recess 65 d comprises, extending on either side of a bottom 651, two lateral ramps 652 and 653, leading to lateral bearings 654 and 655. The lateral bearings 654 and 655 open onto the outer face of the lever 8 d by two ramps 61 d and 63 d , respectively, steep enough to form stops.

When, as is the case in FIG. 10. b , the lug 80 d cooperates with the bottom 651, a drive of the lever 5 d to the left of FIGS. 10, for example, under the action of a lug 70 , has the effect of passing the lug 80 d on the bearing 654 via the ramp 652. Then, the ramp 61 d , forming a stop, prevents the return of the lever 5 d to its central position under the sole force of the elastic blade 60 d . The lever 5 d is in a lateral position of stable equilibrium.

When the lever 5 d is driven towards its central position by a lug 70, the lug 80 d crosses the ramp 61 d and is found at the level of the external face of the lever 8 d . Nothing then prevents it from approaching the axis 32 so that the contact 25 closes. The lug 80 d then enters the recess 62 d and the device is found in the position of figure 10. a .

The use of this fourth embodiment of the breaking device of the invention is the same as that which has been exposed for the second embodiment, in particular, with a few differences, which have just been exposed.

Naturally, the scope of the present application is not limited to the description which has just been made.

First of all, it is possible to invert the positions of the lugs and of the recesses on the levers 5 and 8, and to use ramp recesses of the type of those of FIG. 11 on devices of the type of those of the figures. 8 and 9.

In addition, it is within the reach of those skilled in the art to use the first embodiment which has been described, with a programmer with two blocks coupled with play, of the type described that with reference to FIG. 5.

In this case, the disc 7 can be made integral either with the block 1, or with the block 2. For example, a disc 7, provided with 22 lugs 70 can be made integral with the block 2, with a coupling recess 23 corresponding to two sectors, to create a programmer with 22 particularly simple construction and use positions.

Likewise, the disc 7 of the second, third and fourth embodiments could be made integral with block 2 in the programmer with two coupled blocks of FIG. 5, or in the monoblock programmer of FIG. 2.

Similarly, in the case of the programmer of FIG. 5, the cams of the first block 1 relate to the reversal of the direction of rotation of the drum motor, while that of the second block 2 relates to the control of the other organs of the machine. If such a distribution is advantageous, as we have seen, in the case of a washing machine, it is not, even in this case, not compulsory and the person skilled in the art is able to choose the which distribution is the most interesting, taking into account the specific problem to be solved.

Still in the case of the programmer of FIG. 5, the fact that the profile of the cams of the first block is periodic and of period less than the amplitude of the play makes it possible to retain all the possibilities of control using the first block 1, regardless of the position of the second block 2. This therefore gives great flexibility in the use of the programmer. However, there may be situations where this possibility is not essential, and where one can benefit from the adaptability of such a programmer insofar as it allows, in certain positions of the second block 2, certain control possibilities using the first block 1. However, such an advantage can be obtained as soon as a certain clearance is provided by the coupling means between the first and the second block, these being able to take any suitable form , and in particular that of a lug secured to the second block 2 and a recess secured to the first block 1.

It is also possible to provide, on the universal motor 11, an inductor with an intermediate tap, so as to use only part of this inductor when the motor 11 is required to rotate at very high speed. In this case, a simple reverser, actuated by a cam of block 2, controls the connection of all or only part of the inductor.

Finally, the cut-off device is not limited to use with a programmer for controlling a plurality of members assembled within the same device, and can be used in the case of an industrial system comprising a plurality of disseminated organs.

Claims (8)

1. Device for cutting the electrical power supply to a plurality of members (21a-21n) of an apparatus, or a system, during certain displacements, under the action of drive means (40-42), forming part of the device, of a block (2) of cams (20a-20n) for programming said members (21a-21n), characterised by the fact that it comprises:

   - a first lever (5a; 5b; 5c; 5d) pivoting about a first pivot point (31) and cooperating with a contact (25) for supplying said plurality of members (21a-21n) in order to allow the closure thereof solely when said first lever (5a; 5b; 5c; 5d) extends in a closing direction (D),

   - means (60a-63a; 60b-63b; 60c-63c; 60d-63d) for returning said first lever (5a; 5b; 5c; 5d) to three positions of stable equilibrium, a central position in which said first lever (5a; 5b; 5c; 5d) extends in said closing direction (D), and two lateral positions in which it deviates from said closing direction (D),

   - a disc (7), set in rotation by said driving means (40-42) and provided with a plurality of peripheral lugs (70) for driving one end of said first lever (5a; 5b; 5c; 5d) over a range of positions of the latter substantially centered on said central position, and extending beyond each of said lateral positions, and,

   - a plurality of means (90) for opening said contact (25), each of said opening means (90) being associated with or comparable with one of said peripheral lugs (70), and arranged in order to open said contact (25) at the time of driving of the said first lever (5a; 5b; 5c; 5d) by the associated peripheral lug (70), said drive means (40-42) being arranged in order, after having driven said block (2) and said disc (7) in one direction, to drive at least said disc (7) in the other direction, thus causing, at the beginning of the movement of said block (2), the opening of said contact (25) and the passing of said first lever (5a; 5b; 5c; 5d) from said central position to one of said two lateral positions, in order to prevent the closure of said contact (25), and, at the end of the displacement of said block (2), the passage of said first lever (5a; 5b; 5c; 5d) from this lateral position to said central position, in order to allow the closure of said contact (25).
2. Device according to Claim 1, in which said return means comprise a spring strip (60a) whereof the end, of V shape, may engage in three successive grooves (61a-63a) of said first lever (5a).
3. Device according to Claim 2, in which said contact (25) comprising a movable stud and a fixed stud, said movable stud is integral with said spring strip (60a), and said three grooves (61a-63a) are arranged in order that said contact (25) is closed when the end of said spring strip (60a) engages in the central groove (62a) and open when it engages in the lateral grooves (61a-63a).
4. Device according to Claim 1, in which:

   - said first lever (5b; 5c) cooperates with said contact (25) through the intermediary of a second lever (8b; 8c) provided with a lug (80b; 80c) which is able to engage in a recess (62b, 62c) in said first lever (5b; 5c), when the latter extends in said direction D,

   - said return means comprise spring means (60b; 60c) for returning said first lever (5b; 5c) to its central position, and two abutments (61b, 63b; 61c; 63c) of said first lever (5b; 5c) cooperating with said lug (80b; 80c) of said second lever (8b; 8c) in order to prevent the return, under the sole force of said spring means (60b; 60c), of said first lever (5b; 5c) to its central position,

   - said means for opening said contact (25) comprise a plurality of bosses (90) of a cam (9), integral with said disc (7), pushing said second lever (8b; 8c) in order that it opens said contact (25).
5. Device according to Claim 4, in which said first lever is mounted with clearance on said first pivot point and said lug of said second lever cooperates with recesses of said first lever, provided with ramps.
6. Device according to Claim 1, in which:

   - said first lever (5d) cooperates with said contact (25) through the intermediary of a second lever (8d) provided with a recess (62d) in which may engage a lug (80d) of said first lever (5d), when the latter extends in said direction D,

   - said return means comprise spring means (60d) for returning said first lever (5d) to its central position, and two abutments (61d, 63d) of said lever (8d) cooperating with said lug (80d) of said first lever (5d) in order to prevent the return, under the sole force of said spring means (60d), of said first lever (5d) to its central position,

   - said means for opening said contact (25) comprise a plurality of bosses (90) of a cam (9), integral with said disc (7), pushing said second lever (8d) in order that it opens said contact.
7. Device according to Claim 6, in which said first lever (5d) is mounted with clearance on said first pivot point and said lug (80d) of said first lever (5d) cooperates with recesses (62d, 65d), provided with ramps (620, 652, 653, 61d, 62d).
8. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 7, used with a programmer comprising two blocks (1, 2) of cams connected mechanically with a clearance (A), in which said disc (7) is integral with one of said two blocks of cams (1, 2).

Images