DE3403487A1 - Electrical domestic appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

For manual program input in an electrical domestic appliance, e.g. a washing machine, the operating person is intended to be prompted step-by-step to perform individual operations as if said person were following the printed operating instructions for the domestic appliance. This requirement is met by a memory M2 for speech information which is set up to store summarised operating instructions and whose retrieval inputs B21 are connected to the program input storage device M1. Its output terminals BA are connected to an analog amplifier AMP to whose output an electro-mechanical sound transducer LS is connected. <IMAGE>

Description

Household electrical appliance.

The invention relates to an electrical household appliance with a device to save a manual program entry.

For example, in a washing machine according to DE-OS 20 36 111 the operator on sensible options for individual steps to be entered to put together a program. This is done through visual cues, which are assigned to the buttons or other operating handles, their actuation specify further useful program variants. This can also exclude that program variants are entered, which when the program is running in any Way would lead to damage.

Although the operator almost inevitably to correct program composition, there are still uncertainties with regard to the applicable temperature and / or time selection, the special features of treatment programs (e.g. with / without pre-wash / pre-wash, laundry staining, Laundry sensitivity, drying of leftover food, etc.) or the applicable Special treatment program exist. In addition, there are many operators the optical information not recognize clearly enough or correctly can interpret or not so well extract meaning via the optical information channel are receptive.

These people can still find the printed version that came with the device Instruction manual is available to her in addition to the strictly necessary instructions can provide further information and explanations for operating the device. To However, the operating instructions become a not very old study only picked up by about two percent of the operators. On the one hand this leads to a low degree of utilization measured in the great majority of cases on the technical possibilities of the device. On the other hand, has been around for a long time We were looking for a form of instruction manual, the content of which is a far higher one Number of operators can be made aware of the aforementioned technical possibilities of the device can be better used. Also, the number should the customer service calls are reduced, which are due to the fact that an operator due to a lack of knowledge of the contents of the operating instructions, individual operating or carries out maintenance activities incorrectly or not at all, resulting in a malfunction comes.

According to the invention, the resulting object is achieved by that in addition to the device for storing a manual program entry, a memory is provided for language information, the one for storing brief operating instructions is set up, the query inputs with the program input memory device and the output terminals of which are connected to an analog amplifier at which Output an electromechanical transducer is connected.

This makes it possible to use the operating handles of the household appliance only to add key words to those referring to in the spoken text can be taken. The spoken text should essentially be concise Operating instructions contain, not en bloc, but after each individual operation is presented piece by piece so that the operator through the acoustic cues is led to a program compilation that corresponds to the current Corresponds exactly to requirements. The memory for language information is used for this purpose then prompted for the delivery of a respectively assigned, brief operating instruction, when a single program entry step has been completed.

The features specified in the subclaims for further development of the invention can advantageously be used individually or in combination with one another be applied. In the following, they are partly related to the Drawing illustrated embodiment explained in more detail. They show: Fig. 1 the Control panel area of a washing machine and FIG. 2 is a schematic block circuit diagram according to the invention.

The washing machine shown in detail in FIG. 1 is it is one with an electronic program control unit CPU and a electronic device M1 for storing manual program entries. the manual entry is made on control panel 1 using buttons 2, which have optical indicators 3 are assigned. This allows program compilations to be carried out in stages Enter individual program parts, the special treatment requirements are assigned, made sensible by optical guidance of the operator will.

According to the invention is in the household appliance - here in the control panel the washing machine in Fig. 1 - behind a sound outlet grille 4, an electromechanical Sound transducer LS, e.g. a loudspeaker, arranged. In addition to the above described, known buttons 2 is arranged in the control panel 1, another button 5, by pressing which a voice output can be switched on or off.

However, it will prove to be particularly beneficial when important Information, e.g. a malfunction message, cannot be switched off with key 5 is; otherwise the operator would only respond to an optical signal be dependant on.

Furthermore, a key 6 is also arranged, through which in further below explained way additional acoustic operating instructions can be activated. The keys 5 and 6 can also be combined with optical indicators.

In addition to the device M1 for storing a manual program entry and the electronic program controller CPU belongs to the electrical equipment a household appliance according to the invention, a memory M2 for voice information. This memory is set up in its department M21 so that the acoustic Word samples of brief operating instructions digitally stored and retrieved can be. For this purpose, its query inputs are via a query network B21 the Program input storage device M1 connected. The query network B21 organizes the call of the speech output.

The output ports of the voice memory M2 are through a transmission network BA connected to an analog amplifier AMP, at the output of which an electromechanical Sound transducer LS is connected. The transmission network BA converts, among other things, the convert digital information into analog signals.

The input commands from the control panel 1 are transmitted via an input network B1 transferred to the program input memory device M1. They also solve there the corresponding user guide instructions in a manner not shown here in the form of the optical signals via the optical indicators 3 in the control panel 1 and enter, if voice output is not blocked by key 5, Via the interrogation network B21, interrogation signals are sent to the speech memory M21. This transmits the word pattern that applies to the interrogation signals via the transmission network BA to the amplifier, who uses the resulting brief operating instructions via the Loudspeaker LS can be heard. Until the acoustic signals fade away the visual operator guidance is interrupted, i.e. visual references to continuing Actions are only activated after the announcement has been completed.

In the event that key 6 has been pressed, another Inquiry network B22 activates the storage department M22 for further operating instructions, the brief operating instructions for operating the household appliance are absolutely necessary, to allow the operator to go further Explanations about the respective operating action can be given, e.g. whether there is a slight deviation in the temperature information in the brief operating instructions up or down is possible if certain laundry tissue are present. These further explanations can also have negative consequences failure to follow the brief operating instructions.

The storage department M21 can also use language information for indications about the correct setup and installation of the device. So that these Voice information not repeated, e.g. after switching on the household appliance, troublesome to be issued, the storage division M21 can be so formed and be connected with internal devices that the information about the installation and installation containing language information after executing the respective Information can be deleted from the memory or is at least temporarily unavailable. For this purpose, sensors in particular can be provided in the device, which the execution monitor the information and send an acknowledgment signal to the storage department M21. Such a sensor can, for example, be an electrical connection in washing machines between the vibrating unit (swinging suspended tub system) and / or the housing (support frame or floor) on the one hand and the transport securing means (Screws, clamping pieces, rods) for fixing the unit in relation to the housing on the other hand be. Such an electrical connection can, for example, in a There are thin wires that are essential for removing the transport securing means must be severed.

Another possible sensor to monitor the correct installation a washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher a pressure switch included between the or electrically controlled Inlet valve (s) and the or the inlet hose (s) is coupled.

Then the information about the installation of the device must also include the Note that the tap should be opened after installation has been completed must be so that the pressure switch of the sensor sends the acknowledgment signal to the memory department M21 can deliver.

If one of the sensors is in a dishwasher, for example contains a setting device, e.g. a selector switch, by means of which the dosage amount of water softener in a fresh water softener depending on can be specified according to the hardness of the water, after connecting the machine operates the water softener according to instructions given acoustically set once and no longer needs to be changed. After that this could Instruction can be switched ineffective, e.g. by turning the selector switch must necessarily be moved from a zero position when setting, which with the Output of the acoustic instruction is coupled.

Furthermore, a sensor can also be present, which determines the water hardness of the incoming fresh water automatically senses and then the dosage as well automatically adjusts.

Furthermore, a sensor can contain an electrical scale that has a Acknowledgment signal emits when the associated household appliance after acoustically transmitted Instruction has been set up vertically.

Furthermore, the storage department M21 can use language information for information about the maintenance of the device or about malfunctions in the device. This language information can be activated by signals from sensors within the household appliance, that monitor certain functions in the device. Such language information is output expediently after the activation by the sensor signals Operating action or immediately after a fault occurs continuously until they are eliminated or until the device or the message is switched off.

Such acoustic fault messages or maintenance requests reach the operator in contrast to the optical messages even if they are still acoustic but no longer optical Range is located. So that the acoustic message does not appear in a perhaps from Speech noises are about to go down in the already overcrowded sphere, it can be an acoustic one An attention signal can be connected upstream, for example a melodic gong or a fanfare.

Such a function monitoring sensor can be used in a washing machine, a clothes dryer or a dishwasher, a device for monitoring the correct operation of the electrically controlled inlet valve (s) contain.

For example, this monitoring device can consist of a pressure sensor exist, which is arranged in the outlet channel of the inlet valve and only together with the Inlet valve can be activated. If its signal "pressure present" is missing, the sensor can Activate the language information "Solenoid valve defective, please call customer service".

One of the sensors can, for example, be in a dishwasher or Washing machine a level measuring device arranged in a recess in the floor pan be. This is used to monitor leaks in the machine and can be used in the In the event of an error, trigger corresponding language information, e.g. '! Is in the device a leak before; Please check the hose connections behind the maintenance flap ". Additional information could indicate further potential for leakage.

Another sensor can be used in a washing machine, tumble dryer, a dishwasher or a stove contain a current monitor that is activated when the heater is switched on and the target current through the Monitored radiators. Similar to the case described above, an error can result in "Call customer service" prompt.

Furthermore, a sensor in a washing machine, a tumble dryer, a dishwasher, a stove or a refrigerator, a device for monitoring of the closed door position included. Such facilities are at Washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers and stoves are known and used, E.g. as end position switches that close a circuit when the door is closed. is such a switch is not closed after starting the program on the household appliance, so this can be the voice information "please close the door" in the storage department Activate M21.

This is also possible with refrigerators and freezers, even if the Means for monitoring the closed door position work without contact.

A pressure switch used above for a sensor in the fresh water inlet channel in front of the inlet valve of a washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher can still be used operationally to monitor the opening of the tap will. If there is no pressure on the pressure switch and the device program is started, so the sensor can open the faucet "voice information" in the storage department Activate M21.

Corresponding to a combination of the possibilities mentioned above To monitor the pressure in the inlet duct, one of the sensors can have pressure switches in front of and contained behind the sieve in the fresh water inlet channel, which sieve on the inlet connection of the solenoid valve is usually arranged. Is this sieve clogged? Solenoid valve switched on at the same time, then the possible language information results "Please clean the inlet sieve" from the storage department M21.

Furthermore, one of the sensors can be in a washing machine or dishwasher a monitoring device for the proper functioning of the drain or circulation pump contain.

Such a monitoring device can also be on the pressure side be a pressure switch coupled to the pump. In the absence of the required pressure monitoring signal, while the drive motor of the drain or circulation pump is connected to voltage, it can again lead to a voice output "please check the drain pump". In this example could an additional language information from the memory division M22 - through button 6 activated - contains instructions on how to check the drain pump must be carried out and that the customer service is to be called in the event that the pump even no easily eliminable error can be detected.

Furthermore, one of the sensors can be in a washing machine or dishwasher a monitoring device for the filling level of additive storage containers contain. Since increasingly such storage containers - currently. only for fabric softener, Regenerating salt or rinse aid supplies should be used by the operator also receive a message, e.g. "Detergent supply is running low", if a corresponding one Reservoir is almost empty.

Furthermore, calling for customer service would be recommended if the laundry drum of a washing machine or tumble dryer turns on despite being switched on Drive motor does not turn.

For this purpose, one of the sensors could be a monitoring device for contain the rotation of the laundry drum, which consists, for example, in that a Rotary body connected non-rotatably to the drum with alternating magnetically conductive ones and non-reflective areas arranged opposite a magnetic field-sensitive transducer is.

In a washing machine it is also important that the laundry is in the washing drum for the spin cycle as evenly as possible around the drum circumference has distributed so that the imbalance can be kept small enough during spinning. Should, in a special case, the centrifugal method set up for even distribution but cannot achieve a sufficiently small imbalance, an imbalance monitoring device provided for this can the shutdown of the spin drive and language information from the storage department Trigger M21, which prompts the operator to rearrange the laundry will.

In a tumble dryer, one of the sensors can be a pressure monitoring device Contained in the direction of flow in front of and / or behind the lint filter in the exhaust air duct. This also applies to an extractor hood with regard to its grease filter. Provides this Pressure monitoring device fixes a predetermined pressure difference, the solves Associated sensor in the storage department M21, for example, the language information "Please clean the lint filter".

In a dishwasher, one of the sensors can be a rotational movement monitoring device for the spray arm (s) included. A magnetic field sensor can also be used for this purpose which is connected to a magnet attached to the spray arm. The assigned The sensor then releases, for example, the language information in the storage compartment M21 from § 'the lower spray arm is blocked; please open the door and that under the Spray arm rearranges dishes in a refrigerator or freezer of the sensors, a temperature monitoring device is not permitted for at least one contain high cooling temperature, if the temperature increase is not caused by leaving it open the door (which can also be reported - as described above), but through Icing or caused by failure of the cooling unit, the a sensor provided for this purpose from the storage department M21, in turn, a language information item trigger, e.g. "please defrost the refrigerator (freezer)".

Further operating instructions stored in the memory section M22 for further explanation of certain operating actions can - as already above explained - can be called up manually by pressing a button. However, it is also possible such additional operating instructions when entering incorrect commands automatically retrievable. Corresponding input errors then lead to the Program input memory device M1 and alternating feedback with the program control device CPU automatically to an output job to the memory department M22.

An explanation for further operating instructions can be found in a freezer be provided, for example, as follows: To prepare for freezing of fresh frozen food, the cooling unit should initially be operated by a handle be set to continuous operation so that shock freezing is possible and the The amount of fresh produce that is placed in it, with its relatively high temperature, is the interior temperature of the freezer is not unacceptably increased.

As soon as one entered by the arithmetic unit taking into account Data on the type and weight of the fresh produce the calculated low temperature has been reached, should the operator stop the temperature reduction (by triggering the Handle) and be prompted to insert the fresh produce. This can - as is known - by an optical and a uniform acoustic signal, e.g. a signal tone constant height can be achieved. The constant signal tone can However, interfering in a tone sequence (music) unnoticed, especially if that Freezer not in the operator's permanent room (e.g. kitchen) but maybe even behind closed doors in the basement.

Here it is suggested that the signal about the readiness to freeze when Advance the start of continuous cooling operation using the voice output via a time indication, also calculated by the arithmetic unit, of when the freezer temperature will be achieved. The signal itself should then be a repeated melodic signal with hints spoken in between - for example: "Freezing temperature has now been reached, please switch back to normal operation and place the fresh produce on the top shelf ".

A display arranged in a control panel can also be used to display an alphanumeric error display, e.g. F1, F2 ... Error indications can be referred to when announcing the error in question. For example, in the request to call customer service, the note be included to inform customer service of the error message (e.g. F1).

In Fig. 2, a matching circuit D / A is provided between the electronic program control device CPU and the peripheral in the household appliance distributed sensors and functional elements is switched. However, this can be a be a common measure that need not be explained in more detail here. The characters 4 p, n designate sensors for temperature, pressure (level) and speed; the names MV and TS stand for solenoid valve and door switch. All other symbols are obvious and therefore do not need to be specifically explained.

In Fig. 1 it is shown that the speech output loudspeaker LS behind the sound grille 4 is arranged in the control panel. It may be due to technical Reasons to be more advantageous if this transducer in the base area to the front or is arranged radiating upwards in the lid area of the device.

Advantageously, the output of the amplifier AMP with a Connection socket C for connection to a sound transducer arranged outside the device tied together. Should it turn out that in the case of an unintended type of installation of the device, the sound opening is unfavorable to the operator, can by connection a free-standing, additional loudspeaker ensures good acoustic coupling to be restored.

It is also advisable to have an operating handle in the control panel to be provided for the adjustment of the volume and / or the sound of the speech information to the conditions of the place of installation.

For easy adaptability of household appliances to as many as possible The storage M2 as well as the query networks B21 and B22 and the transmission network BA can be arranged on an exchangeable module board. In the event that this board is in a room accessible to the operator, in a washing machine or dishwasher, e.g. behind the maintenance flap is recommended to save cables and reduce susceptibility to failure a serial interface from a two-wire copper cable or a single-wire Light line with corresponding converters at the input and output of the line.

This makes the interchangeability of modules with different Languages much easier.

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Claims (33)

Claims 1. Electrical household appliance with a device for storing a manual program entry, characterized in that also. a memory (M2) is provided for speech information, which is used to store brief Operating instructions is set up, the query inputs with the program input memory device (M1) and its output connections are connected to an analog amplifier (AMP), an electromechanical sound transducer (LS) is connected to the output. 2. Household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that in the memory (M21) also language information for information about the correct installation and Installation of the device are included. 3. Household appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that the Language information relating to the information on setting up and installing Execution of the information from the memory (M21) can be deleted or at least temporarily are not available. Household appliance according to Claim 3, characterized in that sensors are provided, which monitor the execution of the information and an acknowledgment signal to the memory (M21). 5. Household appliance according to claim 4, namely washing machine, characterized in that that one of the sensors establishes an electrical connection between the vibrating unit and / or the housing on the one hand and the transport securing means for fixing of the unit compared to the housing on the other hand. 6. Household appliance according to claim 4, e.g. washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher, characterized in that one of the sensors has a Pressure switch between the electrically controlled inlet valve (s) and contains the inlet hose (s). 7. Household appliance according to claim 4, e.g. dishwasher, thereby g # kenr> zeir'hnet that one of the sensors has an adjustment device for the dosage of water softener in a fresh water softener depending on a measured or entered water hardness of the fresh water. 8. Household appliance according to claim 7, characterized in that one the sensors have an automatic measuring and comparison device for the water hardness of fresh water. 9. Household appliance according to claim 4, characterized in that one the sensors an electric scale to determine the vertical position of the Device contains. 10. Household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the Memory (M21) also contains language information for information about the maintenance of the device contains. 11. Household appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that the Voice information relating to information about maintenance by signals from sensors which monitor certain functions in the device can be called up. 12. Household appliance according to claim 11, e.g. washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher, characterized in that one of the sensors is a device to monitor the proper operation of the electrically controlled Contains inlet valve (s). 13 household switching device according to claim 11, washing machine or dishwasher, characterized in that one of the sensors is a moisture indicator or contains a level measuring device at the bottom of the device. Household appliance according to claim 11, e.g. washing machine, tumble dryer, Dishwasher or stove, characterized in that one of the sensors has a Contains current monitor for the radiator or radiators. 15. Household appliance according to claim 11, e.g. washing machine, tumble dryer, Dishwasher, stove, refrigerator or freezer, characterized in that that one of the sensors has a device for monitoring the closed door position contains. 16. Household appliance according to claim 11, e.g. washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher, characterized in that one of the sensors has a Contains pressure switch in fresh water inlet channel. 17. Household appliance according to claim 11, e.g. washing machine or dishwasher, characterized in that one of the sensors is a pressure monitoring device in the inlet direction upstream and downstream of the sieve in the fresh water inlet channel. 18. Household appliance according to claim 11, e.g. washing machine or dishwasher, characterized in that one of the sensors has a monitoring device for contains the proper function of the drain or circulation pump. 19. Household appliance according to claim 11, e.g. washing machine or dishwasher, characterized in that one of the sensors has a monitoring device for contains the degree of filling of additive storage containers. 20. Household appliance according to claim 11, namely washing machine or tumble dryer, characterized in that one of the sensors has a monitoring device for includes the rotation of the laundry drum. 21. Household appliance according to claim 11, e.g. washing machine, characterized in that that one of the sensors has a monitoring device for the imbalance of one in the device contains rotatable component. 22. Household appliance according to claim 11, e.g. clothes dryer or extractor hood, characterized in that one of the sensors is a pressure monitoring device in the direction of flow in front of and / or behind a suspended matter filter in the exhaust air duct contains. 23. Household appliance according to claim 11, namely dishwasher, characterized in that one of the sensors is a rotational movement monitoring device for the spray arm (s). 24. Household appliance according to claim 11, namely a refrigerator or freezer, characterized in that one of the sensors is a temperature monitoring device for at least one impermissibly high cooling temperature. 25. Household appliance according to one of claims 12 to 24, characterized in that that an alphanumeric display is arranged in the control panel (1) and the language memory (M2) memory locations for storing all alphanumeric ones Display-related error messages contains which memory locations are activated the alphanumeric display can be queried. 26. Household appliance according to claim 1 or one of claims 5 to 9 and 12 to 24, characterized in that the memory (M22) also includes speech information for further (explanatory) operating instructions. 27. Household appliance according to claim 26, characterized in that the further operating instructions can be called up manually by means of a separate command. 28, household appliance according to claim 26, characterized in that the further operating instructions can be called up when entering incorrect commands. 29. Household appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the program input device (1) for the output of the optical signals a Delay device is assigned, whose delay function when receiving a signal from the speech memory (M2) after the end of the information sequence is resolvable. 30. Household appliance according to claim 1 or 29, characterized in that that in a control panel (1) of the device handle (5 and 6) for the ineffective switching the voice output and / or for the manual retrieval of further operating instructions are arranged. 31. # exercise device according to one of claims 1 or 26 to 30, characterized characterized in that the sound transducer (LS) is arranged in the base area of the device is. 32. Household appliance according to one of claims 1 or 26 to 30, characterized characterized in that the sound transducer (LS) in the cover area of the device upwards is installed radiating. 33. Household appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the output of the amplifier (AMP) with a connection socket (C) for connection is connected to a sound transducer arranged outside the device.