RU2575219C2 - Electric household appliance for products processing - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: electricity.

SUBSTANCE: invention is referred to electric household appliance for products processing. The device comprises a compartment for products processing, a door, which may be opened by the user even during processing of products, the first power supply line for the first electric load the first electric control line for the first electric load, open/closed position switch for the door coupled on line to the first electric control line, control device of the first electric load switching, in its turn, the first electromechanical switch that switches on an electrical component mounted in the first electric control line and mechanical component mounted at the first power supply line and reswitchable between the first and second positions, wherein it prevents or does not prevent passage of current in the first power supply line.

EFFECT: invention ensures development of an electric household appliance with optimized design and operational safety.

10 cl, 2 dwg

Description

The invention relates to an electrical household appliance for processing products.

The prior art drying machines, including:

- a department for processing products;

- a door providing access to the compartment for processing and allowing at least the placement of products before processing and removal of products after processing, and the door can be opened by the user even during processing of products;

- electric motor;

- a power line that supplies power to the electric motor;

- an open / closed door position switch located on the wiring line so that closing the door closes the switch and opening the door causes the switch to open. Therefore, opening the door is sufficient to interrupt power to the motor. This is extremely convenient, as it increases the safety of electrical household appliances, minimizing the risk that, by opening the door, users may suffer from accidental contact with a rotating drum. In particular, an increase in safety is also achieved in the absence of a device that locks the door and completely prevents the door from opening during the drying cycle. Indeed, such a locking device, in addition to increasing the cost, will prevent the door from opening from the inside of the treatment compartment (which is, in fact, important to prevent incidents involving children or animals that may enter the treatment compartment at the same time as the electric household appliance switched off).

However, such constructive solutions are not without drawbacks associated with the costs of the door open / closed door position switch located on the motor power line.

In this context, the technical problem underlying the present invention is to propose an electrical household appliance that overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art.

The aim of the present invention is to provide an electrical appliance of an optimized design.

In particular, the purpose of this invention is to provide an electrical appliance of an optimized design and at the same time with optimized operational safety.

The specified technical task and goals are largely achieved due to the electrical household device, including technical features described in one or more claims.

Other features and advantages of the invention are more apparent from the non-exhaustive description that follows from the preferred non-exhaustive embodiment of the electrical household appliance shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an electrical household appliance in accordance with the present invention;

- Figure 2 is part of an electrical circuit integrated in an electrical household appliance in accordance with the invention.

In the accompanying drawings, the number 1 indicates an electrical household appliance for processing products. Typically, the electrical household appliance 1 is a dryer, or a dishwasher, or an oven, or a refrigeration device for food, such as a refrigerator, a freezer, a refrigerator-freezer combination structure.

The electrical household appliance 1 includes:

- compartment 2 for processing products (based on what is indicated above, this processing may be washing, drying, cooling, cooking);

- door 20, providing access to the compartment 2 for processing products, allowing at least the placement of products before processing and removal of products after processing. The door 20 can be opened by the user even during product processing (for example, in the case of a tumble dryer, the door 20 can be opened even when the drum containing the clothes for drying is rotated, although, as explained below, opening the door 20 interrupts the rotation of the drum).

The electrical household appliance 1 contains a first electrical load 3 (as shown in more detail below, the first electrical load 3 may be an electric motor, resistance, etc.). Typically, the first load 3 is resistance, which is crucial for the safe operation of the electrical appliance 1.

The electrical household device comprises a first power line 4, which supplies power to the first electric load 3.

The electrical household appliance 1 also comprises:

a first electrical control line 5 for monitoring the first electrical load 3. As shown by way of example in the drawing, the first electrical control line 5 is separated from the power line 4;

- the switch 6 of the door positions “open” / “closed” is functionally (usually electrically) connected to the first electrical control line 5. When the door 20 is open, the switch 6 of the door positions “open” / “closed” is in the first position in which it locks the current passing through the first electrical control line 5, and when the door 20 is closed, the switch is in the second position in which it does not block the current passing through the first electric control line 5 (in the second position, the switch 6 allows In the absence of other restrictions, such as further switches, the current passing through the first electrical control line 5). In the first position, the switch 6 positions of the door "open" / "closed" is open, in the second position is closed. Accordingly, the switch 6 in the second position has a direct current flowing through it. Advantageously, the switch 6 is designed for voltages and currents that are less than in the first power line 4;

- a control device 10 of the first electrical load 3, which, in turn, contains a first electromechanical switch 7 containing an electrical component 71 installed in the first electrical control line 5, and a mechanical component 72 mounted on the first power line 4 and capable of transitioning between the first and a second position, in which, accordingly, it prevents or allows the passage of current in the first power supply line 4, the mechanical component 72 of the first electromechanical switch 7 being I am running the electrical component 71 of the first electromechanical switch 7. In the second position, the mechanical component 72, in the absence of other restrictions, allows the passage of current in the first power line 4. Accordingly, the absence of current flow through the electrical component 71 of the first electromechanical switch 7 leads to the fact that the mechanical component 72 of the first electromechanical switch 7 moves to the first position. The mechanical component 72 of the first electromechanical switch 7 is connected in series with the first load 3. The electrical component 71 and the mechanical component 72 of the first electromechanical switch 7 are functionally located between the open / close door switch 6 and the first load 3. Accordingly, the first electromechanical switch 7 represents a relay 700. In a preferred embodiment, the electrical component 71 of the first electromechanical switch 7 is a coil, and a mechanical The component 72 of the first electromechanical switch 7 is a contact comprising a thin flexible metal plate. If current flows through the coil, it creates a magnetic field that attracts the plate, giving the contact a working position. In the absence of electric current flowing through the coil, the plate and contact are in the initial position (in the off state).

Typically, relay 700 is one of the types that experts in the art call “normally open” (that is, a contact relay is open if no current flows through the coil that controls the relay). In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, between the switch 6 positions of the door "open" / "closed" and the first load 3 there are no working relays with coils through which alternating current flows.

Opening the door 20 is sufficient to turn off the power of the first electrical load 3 (and, if present, also for the second and / or third loads 30, 300, as described in more detail below).

The door 20 in the closed state mechanically controls the switch 6, forcing it to take a second position. In particular, the door 20 in the closed state, controls the switch 6 by pressing it. Preferably, the door 20 in the closed state pushed the contact element, which, in turn, moves the switch 6, forcing it to take a second position. Accordingly, if the door 20 is open, the spring device moves the switch 6, forcing it to take the first position. In this case, the contact element is not held by the door 20 in the position occupied by the switch 6 in the second position.

Accordingly, the electrical household appliance 1 comprises a holding device for holding the door 20 in the closed position. The holding device is partially located in the door 20 and partially in other parts of the electric household appliance 1. For example, the holding device comprises a hook made on the door 20, which hooks the corresponding ring, made on the outer casing accommodating the functional components of the electric household appliance. Alternatively, the hook could be made in the housing, while the ring could be made on the door.

Accordingly, the electrical household appliance 1 comprises an activator 22 for disconnecting the holding device, and the activator 22, when used, disconnects the holding device even during processing of the products housed in the processing compartment 2. The activator 22 can be controlled directly by the user and is located on the door 20 or in other parts of the electrical household appliance 1 or partially on the door 20 and partially in other parts of the electrical household appliance 1. For example, the activator 22 may be a pen or button. For example, the activator 22 is mechanically connected to the hook of the holding device.

Accordingly, the action of the activator 22 is sufficient for stopping the power supply to the first electrical load 3 (and, if present, to the second and / or third loads 30, 300, as described in more detail below).

Accordingly, the electrical household device 1 comprises a microcontroller 8. The control device 10 comprises a first current switch 81 controlled by the microcontroller 8 with an electrical control signal, the first current switch 81 being located on the first control line 5. Accordingly, the first current switch 81 is connected in series with the electric component 71 of the first electromechanical switch 7.

The first current switch 81 consists of two ports for passing electric current and one port for controlling the passage of electric current through two transit ports. The electrical control signal causes a voltage difference between the monitoring port and one of the two transit ports in order to allow electric current to pass between the two transit ports. The control device 10 of the first load 3, respectively, in combination with the microcontroller 8 allows the activation / deactivation of the first load 3 during the processing of products placed in the processing compartment 2, when the switch 6 of the door position "open" / "closed" is in the second position. The control device 10 therefore allows you to control the first load 3 when you start a given program for processing products in the processing compartment 2.

The first current switch 81 is a transistor 82. Accordingly, the electrical household appliance 1 includes a pair of transistors 82, 83 connected in series with each other and in series with the electrical component 71 of the first electromechanical switch. This provides redundant control of the electrical component 71 of the first electromechanical switch 7 and, therefore, indirectly of the first load 3. Transistor 82 is one of two transistors of a pair of transistors 82, 83.

As shown, for example, in Figure 2, the electrical household appliance 1 comprises:

- the second electrical load 30;

- a second power line 40, which supplies power to the second electrical load 30;

- a second electrical control line 50, which controls the second electrical load 30, where the switch 6 of the door position "open" / "closed" is electrically connected to the second control line 50; moreover, the switch 6 positions of the door "open" / "closed" is, when the door 20 is open, in the first position in which it prevents the passage of current through the second electrical control line 50, and when the door 20 is closed, the switch is in the second position, in which it does not impede the passage of current through the second electrical control line 50;

- a control device 101 of a second electrical load 30, comprising a second electromechanical switch 70, which comprises: an electrical component 701 installed in the second electrical control line 50, a mechanical component 702 installed in the second power line 40, capable of transitioning between the first and second positions, in which it accordingly prevents or does not impede the passage of current in the second power line 40, and the mechanical component 702 of the second electromechanical switch 70 is under by controlling the electrical component 701 of the second electromechanical switch 70. Accordingly, if no current flows through the electric component 701 of the second electromechanical switch 70, then this brings the mechanical component 702 of the second electromechanical switch 70 to the first position. Accordingly, the second electromechanical switch 70 is a relay. In particular, the relay has one or more of the technical characteristics disclosed above with reference to the relay of the first electromechanical switch 7.

Accordingly, the electrical household appliance 1 comprises a second current switch 810 located in the second electrical control line 50 and controlled by the microcontroller 8 with an electrical signal to enable or prevent the operation of the second electrical load 30.

In a preferred embodiment, the first and second control lines 5, 50 are parallel to each other. One end of the first control line 5 and / or the second control line 50 has the same potential as one end of the open / close door switch 6.

Accordingly, the electrical household appliance 1 may comprise:

- a third electrical load of 300;

a third power line 400, which supplies power to a third electrical load 300;

- a third electrical control line 500, which controls the third electrical load 300, where the switch 6 of the door position "open" / "closed" electrically connected to the third electrical control line 500; moreover, the switch 6 positions of the door "open" / "closed" is when the door 20 is open, in the first position in which it prevents the passage of current through the second electrical control line 500, and when the door 20 is closed, the switch is in the second position, which it does not impede the passage of current through the second electrical control line 500;

- control device 102 of the third load 300.

The control device 102 of the third load 300 has one or more of the technical characteristics disclosed above with reference to the control devices 10, 101 of the first or second loads 3, 30 (obviously transposed and used to control the third load 300, and not the first or second load 3, thirty).

Accordingly, the electrical household appliance 1 comprises a generator 9 for generating a predetermined voltage at one end of the open / closed position door switch 6. This set voltage is a DC voltage. Accordingly, the generator 9 comprises a converter that converts the ac mains voltage to a predetermined direct voltage. Typically, a given voltage is about 12 volts. When switch 6 is closed, this voltage is applied to one end of the first control line (respectively, and to one end of the second and / or third control line 50, 500).

Accordingly, if the switch 6 is open, the power supply to the first, second, third loads 3, 30, 300 is stopped, regardless of the control signal from the microcontroller 8.

In a first preferred embodiment, the electrical household appliance 1 is a drying apparatus including a rotary drum adapted to accommodate a product to be processed. The first electric load 3 is an electric motor that drives the drum. The second electrical load 30 may be a heating electrical resistance. Disabling the heating resistance is important in order to prevent its own overheating of the heating resistance. Indeed, when the door 20 is open, the voltage supply to the electric motor that drives the drum is stopped. Typically, the electric motor also rotates the cooling fan, but when the electric motor is stopped, the fan also stops, and for this reason, the heating resistance must be stopped to prevent problems with overheating. In the case of a dryer, the third load 300 may be additional resistance, for example, designed to generate steam.

In a second preferred embodiment, the electric household appliance 1 is a dishwasher including a washing liquid pump, and the first electric load 3 is an electric motor that drives the pump.

The described invention has many advantages.

In particular, it allows you to use the door open / close switch in electrical contact with the first control line, but not with the first power line 4 (in principle, electrically connected along the control branch - electrical component 71 of relay 700, but not contact branch - to the mechanical component 72 of the relay 700). Therefore, the switch 6 positions of the door "open" / "closed" is subject to lower electrical loads and, therefore, it is possible to use less expensive components (on the first line 4 of the supply necessarily flows alternating current from the 220 V network).

Another advantage is that when the door is open, the voltage supply to one or more predetermined electrical loads is interrupted in order to increase the safety of operation of the electrical household appliance, but without using a door lock that would prevent the door 20 from being opened during operation of the electrical household appliance .

Obviously, the invention described above can be changed and adapted in several directions, without departing thereby from the scope of the inventive concept. Moreover, all details of the invention can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements. In practice, all materials used, as well as sizes, may vary depending on requirements.

Claims (10)

1. An electrical household appliance for processing products, comprising:
- department (2) for processing products;
- a door (20) that provides access to the compartment (2) for processing products, allowing at least the placement of products before processing and removal of products after processing, and the door (20) is installed with the possibility of opening by the user even during processing of products;
- first electrical load (3);
- a first power line (4) supplying power to the first electric load (3);
characterized in that it contains:
- a first electrical control line (5) for controlling the first electric load (3);
- a switch (6) of the door positions “open” / “closed”, functionally connected to the first electrical control line (5); moreover, the switch (6) the position of the door "open" / "closed" is when the door (20) is open, in the first position in which it prevents the passage of current through the second electrical control line (5), and when the door (20) is closed, the switch is in the second position in which it does not impede the passage of current through the second electrical control line (5);
- a control device (10) of the first electrical load (3), comprising a first electromechanical switch (7) containing an electrical component (71) installed in the first electrical control line (5), and a mechanical component (72) installed in the first line ( 4) power supply and capable of switching between the first and second positions in which it, respectively, prevents or does not prevent the passage of current in the first power line (4); moreover, the positioning of the mechanical component (72) of the first electromechanical switch (7) in the first or second positions is controlled by the electrical component (71) of the first electromechanical switch (7), and the absence of current flow through the electrical component (71) of the first electromechanical switch (7) leads to a transition mechanical component (72) of the first electromechanical switch (7) to the first position. 2. An electrical household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the door (20) in the closed state mechanically acts on the door open / close switch (6) by means of pressure, forcing it to take a second position. 3. The electrical household device according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains:
- a holding device for holding the door (20) in the closed position, the holding device being partially in the door (200) and partially in other parts of the electrical household appliance (1);
- an activator (22) for disconnecting the holding device, and the activator (22), when used, disconnects the holding device even during processing of products placed in the compartment (2) for processing; the activator (22) is directly controlled by the user and is located on the door (20) or in other parts of the electrical household device (1) or partially on the door (20) and partially in other parts of the electrical household device (1). 4. An electrical household device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a microcontroller (8), the control device (10) of the first load (3) comprising a first current switch (81) controlled by the microcontroller (8) using an electric control signal moreover, the first current switch (81) is located on the first control line (5). 5. An electrical household device according to claim 4, characterized in that the first current switch (81) is a transistor (82). 6. An electrical household device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first electromechanical switch (7) is a relay (700). 7. An electrical household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical household appliance (1) is a dryer containing a rotary drum for receiving products that are being processed, where the first electrical load (3) is an electric motor that drives drum movement. 8. An electrical household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical household appliance (1) is a dishwasher containing a pump for washing liquid, and the first electrical load (3) is an electric motor that drives the pump. 9. The electrical household device according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains:
- second electrical load (30);
- a second power line (40), which supplies power to the second electrical load (30);
- a second electric control line (50) for controlling the second electric load (30), the switch (6) of the open / closed door positions being electrically connected to the second electric control line (50); moreover, when the door (20) is open, the switch (6) of the door open / close position is in the first position in which it blocks the current passing through the first electrical control line (50), and when the door (20) is closed, the switch is in the second position in which it does not block the current passing through the first electrical control line (50);
- a control device (101) of the second electrical load (30), containing a second electromechanical switch (70), which contains: an electrical component (701) installed on the second electrical control line (50), a mechanical component (702) located on the second line (40) a power supply capable of switching between the first and second positions in which it, respectively, prevents or does not impede the passage of current through the second power line (40), the mechanical component (702) of the second electromechanical switch (70) is controlled by the electric component (701) of the second electromechanical switch (70), and the absence of current flow through the electric component (701) of the second electromechanical switch (70) leads to the transition of the mechanical component (702) of the second electromechanical switch (70) to the first position. 10. An electrical household device according to claim 9, characterized in that:
- it contains a microcontroller (8);
- the control device (10) of the first load (3) comprises a first current switch (81) controlled by the microcontroller (8) with an electric control signal, the first current switch (81) being located on the first control line 5;
- the control device (101) of the second load (30) contains a second current switch (810) located on the second electric control line (50) and controlled by the microcontroller (8) using an electric signal to enable or prevent the operation of the second electric load (30).

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