DE102010038485A1 - Circuit for operating domestic appliance utilized for treating of laundry articles, has switches arranged parallel to pushbutton and actuated by actuator, so that actuation of actuator is recognizable as disturbance by control unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The circuit has a pushbutton (T1) operated by a user for switching-on and off a domestic appliance, and a set of switches (S1, S2) arranged parallel to the pushbutton and representing a logical OR operation. The switches are actuated by mechanically an actuatable actuator, so that an actuation of the actuator is recognizable as a disturbance by a control unit i.e. microcontroller (123). The control unit evaluates a status of the appliance. A pump (114) or a valve (117) is activated or deactivated depending on the appliance status. A water level in the appliance is monitored by the actuator. An independent claim is also included for a method for operating a domestic appliance.

Description

The invention relates to a circuit and a method for operating a domestic appliance and a domestic appliance with such a circuit.

In general, there is great interest in the fact that home appliances in inactive mode (also referred to as standby mode) require little, ideally no electricity at all. However, there are a variety of water safety features, the monitoring requires a certain minimum current in standby mode of the household appliance.

If a known device were to be completely deactivated so that the device would no longer need any electrical power (0.0 W), it would also switch off the water safety functions.

Thus, it is disadvantageous that existing home appliances require a residual current to ensure the required water safety functions even in standby mode.

The object of the invention is to avoid this disadvantage and in particular to provide a solution by means of which the domestic appliance no longer requires any electrical power in a standby mode.

This object is achieved according to the features of the independent claims. Further developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

To achieve the object, a circuit is specified for operating a household appliance,
with a first switch, by means of which the domestic appliance can be switched on and off by a user;
with at least one second switch which can be actuated via an actuator, and
wherein the second switch is disposed parallel to the first switch.

It should be noted that the first switch may be a button, a bistable flip-flop, an electronic switch or a signal generator for a switching function. In particular, by actuating once, the first switch can realize a first switching operation (eg, switching on) and a second switching operation (eg, switching-off) by pressing it again. The first switch can z. B. be designed as a touch-sensitive or as a mechanical probe.

In this case, it is advantageous that the domestic appliance can be switched on or off by the user via the first switch, and in the switched-off state, the domestic appliance can be switched on again via the actuator. Since the first and second switches logically constitute an OR operation, the home appliance can not be turned off manually with the first switch when the second switch is turned on. Thus, a shutdown of the household appliance in the event of a malfunction is effectively prevented.

A particular advantage is that the domestic appliance can be switched on via the actuator, even if it had previously been completely switched off in the standby mode.

• • Aquastop (Geräteleckage);
• • Auslaufvermeidung durch eine Einspülschale;
• • Auslaufvermeidung durch eine geöffnete Tür bzw. ein Bullauge;
• • Normenanforderung zum ”Schwedenüberlauf”.

Thus, it is possible that by means of the actuator safety functions of the domestic appliance (even with completely switched off domestic appliance) are guaranteed. In particular, such security functions also include water safety functions, eg. B .:

• • Aquastop (device leakage);
• • Avoidance of run-out through an induction bowl;
• • Outlet avoidance through an open door or porthole;
• • Standard requirement for "Sweden overflow".

In this case, it is advantageous that the domestic appliance can be completely switched off and, in the switched-off mode (also referred to as standby mode), requires no electrical energy. Although the household appliance is switched off, the safety functions are nevertheless active. In particular, in the event of a fault, the domestic appliance may be automatically activated and attempt to correct the error or mitigate the effects of the error. Also, information (eg optical, acoustic or haptic output, message) can be sent to the user or to a service facility. Furthermore, the approach proposed here effectively prevents a shutdown of the domestic appliance in the event of a fault, be it a manual shutdown caused by the user or an automatic shutdown, to switch to the energy-saving mode.

A preferred development is that the actuator is mechanically actuated.

In particular, the actuator may be a mechanically operable switch sensor.

Another preferred development is that a control unit is provided for evaluating at least one state of the domestic appliance.

The control unit may comprise at least one microcontroller, a processor, an FPGA or an ASIC.

In particular, it is a development that, depending on the at least one state of the domestic appliance, a component of the domestic appliance, in particular a pump or a valve, can be activated or deactivated.

It is also a preferred development that, depending on the state of the at least one second switch, the component of the domestic appliance is activated or deactivated.

In particular, the control unit can make an evaluation of such states via their inputs. Thus, the control unit can detect an error or a malfunction of the domestic appliance and start the appropriate countermeasures (eg activation of a pump).

Another preferred development is that the at least one second switch is closed by the actuation of the actuator and such actuation of the actuator is recognizable by the control unit as a fault and then the domestic appliance remains switched on.

In particular, in the event of failure, an automatic shutdown of the domestic appliance (temporarily) can be disabled. The disorder can z. B. are displayed in a display unit of the household appliance. The user discovers the active device and the reason for activation and can take appropriate action.

Furthermore, it is a preferred development that the actuator allows monitoring of a water level in the household appliance.

In particular, the actuator can be designed as a float, which closes the second switch with increasing water level from a certain height and thus activates the domestic appliance.

Within the scope of an additional preferred development, the domestic appliance has an automatic switch-off function.

For example, the first switch may be designed as a push-button and a short pulse or contact of the button (caused by the user who wants to turn on the domestic appliance) may be sufficient for the control unit z. B. over a switching power supply for a short time to provide electrical energy. The control unit then switches on an electronically controlled switch (eg a relay contact), which is arranged parallel to the first and the second switch, so that the domestic appliance is (permanently) switched on. By repeatedly pressing the button (first switch in this example) by the user recognizes the control unit, z. B. by a second contact level of the button that this button has been pressed and the appliance is already turned on. Then the electronically controlled switch, which is arranged parallel to the first and second switches, is opened, the domestic appliance is switched off automatically (if the second switch is not closed).

Thus, the approach described here allows maintaining the safety functions for the domestic appliance such that, in the case of the second switch already activated via the actuator, the domestic appliance continues to be supplied with electrical energy even in the case of automatic switch-off and the safety function can be completed ( or the household appliance remains switched on).

A next preferred development is that information regarding activation of the second switch can be output or stored.

In particular, even after an error treatment, for. As a pumping out of a water overflow, these errors are displayed or output to the user, even if the home appliance in the meantime could still turn off automatically (because the error was fixed and thus the actuator has not pressed the second switch). In particular, the fault or the error can be stored by the household appliance (error memory).

The above object is also achieved by a domestic appliance, in particular for the care of laundry, with a circuit as described herein.

Furthermore, in order to achieve the object, a method for operating a domestic appliance is specified,
with a first switch, by means of which the domestic appliance can be switched on and off by a user;
in which at least one second switch is actuated via an actuator,
wherein the second switch is disposed parallel to the first switch.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated and explained below with reference to the drawing. In the drawing shows:

1 a schematic circuit arrangement, by means of which a power supply of safety-relevant device functions of a domestic appliance is made possible even in the event that the domestic appliance is in an energy-saving mode.

According to 1 between a phase conductor L and a neutral conductor N is an AC line voltage, which via a line filter comprising the coupled coils 112 . 113 and capacitors C1, C2 to nodes 150 and 151 to be led. Furthermore, a protective conductor PE is still shown, which is connected to ground (potential).

At the node 150 is the filtered mains voltage. The knot 150 is over a button 101 with a knot 153 connected, the node 153 with a switching power supply 122 connected to the output side, a +5 V DC and +9 V DC, both preferably regulated DC voltages, provides. The button 101 is mechanical with a push button 102 coupled, with the button 102 when activated, the +5 V DC with one input 103 a microcontroller 123 combines. By pressing the button 101 is also the button 102 actuated. The combination of both buttons 101 . 102 is referred to as a button T1.

Furthermore, the node 150 via a switch S1 with a node 153 connected when water is detected in the bottom pan of the household appliance (Aquastop switch). The microcontroller thus recognizes the Aquastop status via this input 105 , If no water is detected, the node is 150 via the switch S1 with a node 152 connected. The knot 152 is with an entrance 105 of the microcontroller 123 and with a valve 117 connected.

The knot 150 is via a switch S2 with the node 153 connected, if a water level in the household appliance has reached an overflow level. Thus, z. B. by means of a water pressure sensor, the switch S2 moves to this position and the error detected, accordingly, water is in the household appliance. If the condition "overflow" does not exist, then the node is 150 via the switch S2 with the input 104 of the microcontroller 123 connected. The state "overflow" is detected by the microcontroller 123 by evaluating the signal at its input 104 ,

Also is the node 150 via a controlled switch SA (eg a relay contact) with the node 153 connectable. The switch SA can via an output 107 of the microcontroller 123 by means of a transistor 120 be controlled so that it is turned on by means of the relay SA_1 and he can by means of the relay SA_0 via an output 106 via a transistor 121 turned off.

Furthermore, a switch SL1 (eg, a relay contact) is interposed between the node 150 and a node 154 provided that has an exit 109 of the microcontroller 123 and a transistor 118 can be closed by means of a relay RS1. Also, a switch SL2 (eg, a relay contact) is between the node 151 and a node 155 provided that has an exit 108 of the microcontroller 123 and a transistor 119 can be closed by means of a relay RS2. Preferably, the switches SL1 and SL2 are opened and closed together, so that a galvanic separation of the nodes 154 . 155 is reached by the mains voltage.

Between the nodes 154 and 155 is a series circuit comprising a pump 114 and a triac 115 arranged, the triac 115 via the microcontroller 123 is controllable.

Between the nodes 152 and 155 is a series circuit comprising the valve 117 and a triac 116 arranged, the triac 116 via the microcontroller 123 is controllable.

• a) sich das Gerät selbstständig anschaltet (Auto Power On);
• b) ein selbstständiges Ausschalten (Auto Power Off) verhindert wird; oder
• c) ein Ausschalten durch den Benutzer verhindert wird.

By arranged in the household appliance switches S1 and S2 is achieved that situational

• a) the device turns on automatically (Auto Power On);
• b) an automatic power off (Auto Power Off) is prevented; or
• c) switching off by the user is prevented.

For this purpose, the switches S1 and S2 are arranged electrically parallel to the button T1 and to a switch SA (relay contact).

The switch S1 is closed when there is water in the bottom pan of the household appliance. This is done by a suitable sensor, e.g. B. registered a float, the z. B. mechanically closes the switch S1. The microcontroller 123 can by evaluating the signal at its input 105 recognize that the aquastop case is present and possibly the pump 114 activate.

The switch S2 is closed (mechanically) (connection between the nodes 150 and 153 ) when the water level has reached an overflow level. This can be z. B. be achieved by a corresponding sensor with a moving sensor that closes the switch S2 from a predetermined increasing water level. Also in this case can from the microcontroller 123 over the exit 111 the pump will be activated.

Case a): Domestic appliance switches on automatically:

If the appliance is in an energy-saving mode (the push-button T1 is open, as are the switches S1, S2 and SA), ie switched off and consumes no electrical energy, then an error occurs, eg. Example by means of a mechanically moved actuator (eg., A switch, which is actuated by means of a float depending on a water level) that the switch S1 and / or the switch S2 is closed. This will be the switching power supply 122 connected to the mains voltage and supplies the microcontroller 123 with energy. The microcontroller 123 detected via the inputs 104 . 105 the nature of the error and initiates appropriate countermeasures, eg. B. becomes a pump 114 or the valve 117 (over the respective triac 115 . 116 ). Also, an error message can be issued (displayed, sent) informing the user that an error has occurred, even if this is due to activation of the pump 114 should be recoverable.

Case b) and Case c): Preventing autonomous or manual switch-off:

In the error-free case, the domestic appliance is switched on via the button T1. A short tactile pulse of the T1 button is sufficient to the switching power supply 122 to connect to the mains voltage and the microcontroller 123 to provide energy. The microcontroller 123 switches over its output 107 the relay contact SA, so that a permanent supply of the switching power supply 122 is ensured by the mains voltage even if the user has removed his finger from the button T1. The user switches off the household appliance via the button T1 by pressing it again. Now the microcontroller recognizes 123 a +5 V signal at its input 103 with already switched on domestic appliance. Then the microcontroller 123 the relay contact SA via the output 106 so that it is opened. Then the home appliance turns off (both switches S1 and S2 are open in this example, ie connect the node 153 not with the mains voltage).

If the domestic appliance is switched on (ie with the relay contact SA closed), the domestic appliance remains switched on independently of the switch position of the switches S1 or S2. An independent switching off is prevented in this case.

Accordingly, a manual switch-off is prevented when the button T1 is operated while either the switch S1 or S2 is closed (closed here means that the nodes 150 and 153 are connected to each other via the switches S1 and / or S2 and thus the switching power supply 122 and also the microcontroller (and thus at least parts of the domestic appliance) are supplied with energy.

In particular, displays may be provided which indicate the faults and the reactions of the domestic appliance to such errors.

Further advantages are in particular the following: The present approach makes it possible for security functions, in particular water safety functions, to be active even when the household appliance is switched off. In standby mode, no energy is consumed and the unit can be completely disconnected from the mains. Thus, existing water safety functions are not affected by the fact that the household appliance is completely turned off in the standby mode.

Claims (11)

Circuit for operating a domestic appliance, - With a first switch (T1), by means of which the domestic appliance can be switched on and off by a user; With at least one second switch (S1, S2), which can be actuated via an actuator, - Wherein the second switch (S1, S2) is arranged parallel to the first switch (T1). The circuit of claim 1, wherein the actuator is mechanically actuated. Circuit according to one of the preceding claims with a control unit ( 123 ) for evaluating at least one state of the domestic appliance. Circuit according to Claim 3, in which, depending on the at least one state of the household appliance, a component of the domestic appliance, in particular a pump ( 114 ) or a valve ( 117 ), can be activated or deactivated. Circuit according to one of Claims 3 or 4, in which, depending on the state of the at least one second switch (S1, S2), the component of the domestic appliance is activated or deactivated. Circuit according to one of claims 3 to 5, in which by the actuation of the actuator, the at least one second switch (S1, S2) is closed and such actuation of the actuator by the control unit ( 123 ) is recognizable as a fault and then the domestic appliance remains switched on. Circuit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator allows monitoring of a water level in the domestic appliance. Circuit according to one of the preceding claims, in which the domestic appliance has an automatic switch-off function. Circuit according to one of the preceding claims, in which information relating to an activation of the second switch can be output or stored. Domestic appliance, in particular for the care of items of laundry, with a circuit according to one of the preceding claims. Method for operating a household appliance With a first switch, by means of which the domestic appliance can be switched on and off by a user; - In which at least one second switch is actuated via an actuator, - wherein the second switch is arranged parallel to the first switch.

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