EP0404658B1 - Programmer, in particular for an electric household appliance, with two blocks coupled in one direction only - Google Patents

Programmer, in particular for an electric household appliance, with two blocks coupled in one direction only Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0404658B1
EP0404658B1 EP19900401711 EP90401711A EP0404658B1 EP 0404658 B1 EP0404658 B1 EP 0404658B1 EP 19900401711 EP19900401711 EP 19900401711 EP 90401711 A EP90401711 A EP 90401711A EP 0404658 B1 EP0404658 B1 EP 0404658B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
block
programmer
cams
disk
drive
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP19900401711
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0404658A1 (en
Inventor
Jean Vollot
Denis Girardin
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Noalia Solutions SA
Original Assignee
Crouzet Appliance Controls SA
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Publication of EP0404658A1 publication Critical patent/EP0404658A1/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H43/00—Time or time-programme switches providing a choice of time-intervals for executing one or more switching actions and automatically terminating their operations after the programme is completed
    • H01H43/10—Time or time-programme switches providing a choice of time-intervals for executing one or more switching actions and automatically terminating their operations after the programme is completed with timing of actuation of contacts due to a part rotating at substantially constant speed
    • H01H43/101—Driving mechanisms
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H43/00—Time or time-programme switches providing a choice of time-intervals for executing one or more switching actions and automatically terminating their operations after the programme is completed
    • H01H43/10—Time or time-programme switches providing a choice of time-intervals for executing one or more switching actions and automatically terminating their operations after the programme is completed with timing of actuation of contacts due to a part rotating at substantially constant speed
    • H01H2043/108—Time or time-programme switches providing a choice of time-intervals for executing one or more switching actions and automatically terminating their operations after the programme is completed with timing of actuation of contacts due to a part rotating at substantially constant speed where at least some contacts of electromechanical timer give instructions to electronic timer and/or the timing motor is under control of electronic timer, e.g. hybrid timer

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a programmer for an apparatus, or system, provided with a plurality of electrical members to be fed selectively and sequentially, a programmer comprising a plurality of cams cooperating with a plurality of contacts for supplying said members, and means for driving said cams in movement.
  • Such a programmer is used in particular in the household appliance field, for devices such as washing machines for washing clothes or dishes, for example.
  • Programmers of the type defined above are also known, for which the members to be supplied are divided into two groups.
  • the first group is supplied via relay switches controlled by an electronic circuit.
  • the second group is supplied via contacts actuated by a block of cams, in a similar manner to what has just been described.
  • Such a programmer is therefore partially adaptable, insofar as it makes it possible to electronically choose and vary the duration of the drum drive in one direction, then in the other, for example. In addition, this choice has no influence on the control of the solenoid valve, the pump, and the resistance.
  • Such a programmer is often called a hybrid programmer because it combines mechanically controlled contacts and electronically controlled relays. It partially solves the problems linked to the lack of adaptability of the programmer already described which includes a single block of cams to control all of the members. However, the need to use relays increases the cost price of the programmer and reduces its reliability.
  • the present invention aims to overcome the above drawbacks by providing an at least partially adaptable programmer, of a moderate cost price, and reliable.
  • the drive means drive the first block in the direction where the mechanical coupling means are active.
  • the second block is also driven.
  • the two blocks move as if they were integral, and the operation is comparable to that of a programmer provided with a single block of cams to control all of the members.
  • the drive means drive the first block in the opposite direction. So the second block stays still. It is then possible, by continuing to control the first block so that it moves in the direction where the mechanical coupling means are not active, to have the organs controlled by the first block perform a certain number of tasks, independently of the organs controlled by the second block.
  • the programmer of the invention does not use a relay, but, in their place, contacts actuated by cams, of the conventional type, and the low cost and reliability of which are known.
  • means are provided for, in response to the direction of drive of said first block, prohibiting the supply of the electrical members relating to the cams of said second block, when said first block is driven in the sense that said mechanical coupling means are active
  • the direction in which the two blocks move simultaneously is used only to bring the second block into a determined position, without inadvertent energization, causing noise and damage, of the organs normally controlled by the second block.
  • the first block is controlled in the opposite direction, which has the effect, on the one hand, of authorizing the supply of the members relating to the cams of the second block which must be brought into service taking into account the position in which this second block is located, and on the other hand to have specific tasks executed by the members relating to the first block of cams.
  • the device for preventing the supply of the organs relating to the second block mainly uses simple mechanical elements which give it a low cost price, good robustness and a reduced bulk.
  • said movable part is provided with coupling means with said disc, active over a second range of positions of said movable part, said second range being less than said first range and occupying its central part, so that after a change in the direction of movement of said disc, said movable part is driven by said disc, first under the effect of friction alone, then positively under the effect of said coupling means, and finally again under l effect of only friction.
  • the operation is particularly reliable, because over most of its travel, the moving part is positively driven by the disc, thanks to the coupling means, the friction being used only at the start and at the end of the race. , at the start of the stroke to make the coupling means active, and at the end of the stroke to stop making them active, in order to authorize the movement of the disc while the moving part is in abutment.
  • said movable part is mechanically coupled with a clearance to a control part of said lever, so that when said movable part is driven by said disc under the effect of friction alone immediately after a change of direction of said disc , said control part remains stationary.
  • the force to be provided by the control part is transferred to the moving part when the latter is positively driven by the coupling means, and not when the latter is driven under the effect of friction alone.
  • the friction function is limited to a small displacement of the moving part alone. As this is generally small and of negligible weight, friction will always produce the expected effect, even after many hours of operation and the resulting wear.
  • said mechanical coupling means active in one direction comprise a pawl and a toothing with which said pawl cooperates.
  • said apparatus is a washing machine provided with a drum and means for driving said rotating drum, and said first block comprises cams cooperating with supply contacts of said means for driving the drum in rotation, to reverse the direction of said rotation.
  • the programmer of the invention is particularly useful in this case, since it allows great flexibility in programming the movements of the drum.
  • 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.
  • the washing machine thus comprises a motor 11, of the universal type, for driving the drum in which the laundry is placed, a solenoid valve 21 a , a resistor 21 b for heating the water, a drain pump 21 i , and so on until the last organ, which bears the reference 21 n .
  • the universal motor 11 comprises 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.
  • 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 .
  • 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, as well as the triac 15.
  • the output shaft 410 of the motor 41 drives cams, not shown in FIG. 1, which exert on the movable pads of the double inverter 12 and switches 22 a , 22 b , ..., 22 i , .. ., 22 n of the forces shown diagrammatically by the arrows F.
  • the forces F act against restoring forces of the movable pads to move them and bring them into contact with the corresponding fixed pad.
  • the output shaft 410 of the motor 41 drives a disc whose direction of rotation controls, in a manner which will be better understood hereinafter, a lever which exerts on the movable pad of the switch 25 a force shown diagrammatically by the arrow F ′ to open or close it.
  • the programmer includes the electronic circuit 40, the motor 41, the double inverter 12, the switch 25 and the switches 22 a , 22 b , ..., 22 i , ..., 22 n of FIG. 1, as well as the cams and the switch opening device 25 which have been discussed, and which will now be described with reference to FIG. 2.
  • the first block 1 here comprises two cams 10 a and 10 b which respectively actuate each of the movable studs of the reverser 12, as well as a cam 10 c provided with a large number of teeth, which actuates a switch, not shown in a concern for simplicity, connected to a DC voltage to deliver to a microprocessor provided in the circuit 40, a signal in slots allowing, by counting the number of slots, determine the amplitude of the movement of the first block 1.
  • the microprocessor is also, not shown, connected to the connection 26, in order to constantly know the state of the switch 25, therefore the direction of movement of the disc 13, and therefore of the block 1. Thus the circuit 40 knows at any time the position of the cam blocks.
  • the second block 2 here comprises cams 20 a , 20 b , ..., 20 i , ..., 20 n which respectively actuate the movable pads of the switches 22 a , 22 b , ..., 22 i , .. 22 n .
  • each of the two blocks 1 and 2 is movable in rotation about a common axis 3.
  • Each movable stud is arranged on a blade actuated by a lever, which cooperates with the profile of the corresponding cam.
  • 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 3.
  • each of the movable studs of the inverter 12 On either side of each of the movable studs of the inverter 12 are arranged the two corresponding fixed studs.
  • the profile of each of the cams 10 a and 10 b includes bumps and hollows.
  • the movable contact touches the fixed contact furthest from the axis 3, and when the lever is on a hollow, the movable contact touches the fixed contact closest to axis 3.
  • the profile of the cam 10 a successively comprises a recess corresponding to a boss of the cam 10b , then a boss corresponding to a recess of the cam 10 b , and so on. This ensures a reversal of the direction of connection of the rotor of the motor 11.
  • 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.
  • 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 , ..., 22 n have only neutral profile portions and bumps. The neutral profile portions leave the corresponding switch open, while the bumps close it.
  • the motor 41 drives, via a reduction gear 42, a disc 13 whose axis coincides with the axis of rotation 3 of the blocks 1 and 2.
  • the disc 13 is provided with a lug 17 parallel to the axis 3, and the cam of the block 1 closest to the disc 13, here the cam 10 a , and provided with a recess 16 having here substantially the shape of a circular sector.
  • the lug 17 enters the recess 16.
  • the disc 13 is therefore integral in rotation with the output shaft 410 of the motor 40, and the first block 1 is mechanically coupled to the disc 13, with a clearance corresponding to the amplitude of the recess 16, by the cooperation of this recess 16 and lug 17.
  • the first block 1 is integral in rotation, by means of a shaft which here passes through the block 2, of a button 6 which allows the user of the washing machine to select a washing program chosen from all the available programs, when the machine is at rest.
  • button 6 can also allow the display of the program step which is being carried out.
  • the second block 2 is mounted free around the axis 3, but it has a toothing 28 intended to cooperate with a pawl 8 secured to the first block 1, of the known type which couples them mechanically in one direction.
  • a toothing 28 intended to cooperate with a pawl 8 secured to the first block 1, of the known type which couples them mechanically in one direction.
  • the reduction gear 42 drives the disc 13 by means of a toothing 18 provided on a crown 53 formed on the disc 13.
  • a toothed pinion 9, rotatably mounted about an axis parallel to the axis 3 cooperates with the toothing 18 and is therefore permanently driven by the crown 53.
  • a movable part 10 is pivotally mounted on the same axis as the toothed pinion 9, with which it cooperates by friction, in a manner which will be better understood below.
  • the movable part 10 comprises a single tooth 7 capable of cooperating with the toothing 18, and it is coupled with a clearance to a cam 52 for controlling a lever 15 which opens and closes the switch 25.
  • the clearance between the moving part and the cam 52 is obtained by a radial lug 14 integral with the part mobile 10 which is engaged in a recess 19, in the form of a significantly more angular sector wider than the radial lug 14, recess 19 formed in the cam 52.
  • FIG. 4 a shows one of the positions extremities of the moving part 10, extreme position in which the radial lug 14 abuts against one end of the recess 19, and the lug 16 cooperates with the stop 172.
  • FIG. 4 c shows the other extreme position of the movable part 10, extreme position in which the radial lug 14 is in abutment against the other end of the recess 19, and the lug 76 cooperates with the abutment 171. It can therefore be considered that the movable part 10 can occupy a range of positions limited by two stops.
  • the movable part 10 comprises two cylindrical parts of different diameters.
  • a first part 100 having the largest diameter, carries on one side the radial lug 14, and on the other the tooth 7.
  • a second part 101 having the smallest diameter, extends the part 100 on the side of the tooth 7, and serves as a shaft for the toothed pinion 9.
  • the cylindrical part 101 has an axial dimension greater than that of the toothed pinion 9, so that, when the latter is mounted on the part cylindrical 101, this protrudes from the body of the toothed pinion 9.
  • the latter is provided with a crown 91 comprising two wings, resiliently biased by a ring 92 against the cylindrical part 101 projecting, so as to ensure a friction between the crown 91 and the projecting part 101, that is to say between the pinion 9 and the moving part 10, friction which thus remains relatively stable over time.
  • the diameter of the cylindrical part 100 is equal to the internal diameter of the teeth of the pinion 9, and the tooth 7 is of substantially identical shape to that of the teeth of the teeth of the pinion 9.
  • the assembly is mounted against the crown. 3 so that the tooth 7 and the pinion 9 can cooperate at the same time with the toothing 18.
  • the tooth 7 allows the teeth 18 and the moving part 10 to be coupled, this coupling being active over a limited range of positions of the moving piece 10, range obviously less than that which has been defined and whose ends correspond to FIGS. 4 a and 4 c , but occupying the central part of this range.
  • the tooth 7 does not cooperate with the toothing 18, while in FIG. 4 b , which represents an intermediate position, the tooth 7 is engaged in the toothing 18.
  • the device then arrives in the position described in reference to FIG. 4 c , the last part of the movement of the moving part 10 and of the cam 52 being again effected under the action of friction alone, which does not pose any problem, insofar as there is no has more effort to operate the switch 25.
  • the user of the machine places the button 6 in a determined position corresponding to the selected program.
  • the microprocessor having determined the chosen program, it is he who controls the rest of the programmer so that the program proceeds as follows.
  • the program to be executed is 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 circuit 40 first controls the triac 15 so that it remains open. The engine 11 is therefore stopped.
  • the lug 17 is, for example at the lower end, in Figure 2, of the recess 16, because the block 6 has been moved manually in the direction T.
  • the electronic circuit 40 then controls the motor 41 so that the disc 13 is driven in the trigonometric direction T. Due to the play due to the lug 17 and the recess 16, the block 1 is not located driven immediately, which gives the switch control device 25 time to open it. When the lug 17 reaches the upper end, in FIG. 2, of the recess 16, the block 1 and the block 2 are entrained.
  • the circuit 40 controls the motor 41 so as to drive the block 2 until the hump of the cam 20 a actuates the switch 22 a to control the solenoid valve 21 a for water intake.
  • a memory in which the positions of the hollows and the bumps of all the cams are stored.
  • the microprocessor and the circuit 40 then command the reversal of the direction of rotation of the disc 13.
  • the contact 25 is closed, which, here, makes the water intake.
  • the block 2 remains stationary, but the hollows and the bumps of the cams 10 a and 10 b control the reversals of direction of the motor 11 of the drum, the triac 15 is then made conductive.
  • 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 the speed, always in the same direction H, of the motor 41, controlling the rotation in one direction, then in the other, of the drum driven by the motor 11.
  • the duration of the rotation in one direction, that of the rotation in the other direction, and where appropriate that of the bearing which separates them during which the drum remains stationary are variable by simple electronic control by playing on the motor 41, and the triac 15.
  • the microprocessor As soon as the tank is filled, the microprocessor is notified, for example by a level detector, not shown as it is known. It can control via the circuit 40 the triac 15 to stop the engine 11, and move the disc 13 as before, which causes the opening of the switch 25, then drives the block 1 and the block 2 in the direction T 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 resistor 21 b , can take place as soon as the switch 25 is closed.
  • the triac 15 is then controlled and the disc 13 is driven in the H direction so that the block 1 controls the reversals of the direction of rotation of the drum during heating, authorized since, the disc 13 rotating in the H direction, the switch 25 is closed.
  • the switch 25 is closed.
  • the washing program can thus run until the end with, as has been pointed out, great flexibility in controlling the movements for reversing the direction of rotation of the drum.
  • block 2 can, as in the programmers of the prior art, 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 it to the start of the corresponding sector and the progress of this program being obtained by then sweeping this sector by block 2.
  • block 2 which memorizes, at least in part, washing programs.
  • block 2 can also, and as has been shown in FIG. 2, be such that each cam comprises only a single 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.
  • the corresponding sectors will be provided.
  • the mechanical structure of block 2 is simpler, and the programs are stored in the electronic circuit. This one controls block 2 either to advance by one step of the program each time, without worrying about the organ which is going to be thus started, but to go to start a determined organ, to be ordered during of this program step.
  • the block 2 when the block 2 is driven quickly enough to go towards the start of a determined program, if it is of the "memory” type, or to go to control a determined organ, s' it is of the "without memory” type, it passes through a certain number of intermediate positions, without any untimely energizing since the switch 25 is then systematically open.
  • the coupling means which have been described are not limiting, and it is possible, in particular, to reverse the positions of the lug and of the recess, or to change their shape, while retaining a gentle coupling a game.
  • 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 relate to the control of the other members 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.
  • the programmer is not limited to controlling a plurality of organs assembled within the same device, and can be used in the case of an industrial system comprising a plurality of disseminated organs.

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Description

La présente invention a pour objet un programmateur pour appareil, ou système, pourvu d'une pluralité d'organes électriques à alimenter sélectivement et séquentiellement, programmateur comprenant une pluralité de cames coopérant avec une pluralité de contacts d'alimentation desdits organes, et des moyens d'entraînement desdites cames en déplacement.The present invention relates to a programmer for an apparatus, or system, provided with a plurality of electrical members to be fed selectively and sequentially, a programmer comprising a plurality of cams cooperating with a plurality of contacts for supplying said members, and means for driving said cams in movement.

Un tel programmateur est utilisé en particulier dans le domaine électroménager, pour des appareils comme les machines à laver le linge ou la vaisselle par exempleSuch a programmer is used in particular in the household appliance field, for devices such as washing machines for washing clothes or dishes, for example.

On connaît déjà des programmateurs du type défini ci-dessus, dans lesquels toutes les cames sont solidaires pour former un bloc de cames, et les moyens d'entraînement comprennent un moteur dont l'arbre de sortie entraîne le bloc. Dans ce type de programmateur, le déroulement du ou des programmes dépend de la façon dont se succèdent, à la périphérie des cames, les bosses d'actionnement des différents contacts. Pour modifier ce déroulement, il faut modifier les profils de cames. En pratique, chaque exemplaire d'un tel programmateur n'est donc, après fabrication, plus adaptable. En effet, le programme, ou l'ensemble de programmes, qu'il est susceptible de faire se dérouler est figé et non modifiableProgrammers of the type defined above are already known, in which all the cams are integral to form a block of cams, and the drive means comprise a motor whose output shaft drives the block. In this type of programmer, the progress of the program or programs depends on the way in which, on the periphery of the cams, the actuation bumps of the various contacts. To modify this sequence, the cam profiles must be modified. In practice, each copy of such a programmer is therefore no longer adaptable after manufacture. Indeed, the program, or the set of programs, which it is likely to run is frozen and cannot be modified

On connaît aussi des programmateurs du type défini ci-dessus, pour lesquels les organes à alimenter sont répartis en deux groupes. Le premier groupe est alimenté par l'intermédiaire de commutateurs à relais commandés par un circuit électronique. Le second groupe est alimenté par l'intermédiaire de contacts actionnés par un bloc de cames, de façon similaire à ce qui vient d'être décrit.Programmers of the type defined above are also known, for which the members to be supplied are divided into two groups. The first group is supplied via relay switches controlled by an electronic circuit. The second group is supplied via contacts actuated by a block of cams, in a similar manner to what has just been described.

Par exemple, dans le cas d'une machine à laver le linge, on prévoit d'alimenter le moteur d'entraînement du tambour par l'intermédiaire de relais commandés électroniquement, tandis que d'autres organes comme, par exemple, l'électrovanne d'admission d'eau, la pompe de vidange, et la résistance de chauffage de l'eau, sont alimentés par l'intermédiaire de contacts actionnés par un bloc de cames entraîné par un moteur.For example, in the case of a washing machine, provision is made to power the drum drive motor via electronically controlled relays, while other components such as, for example, the water intake solenoid valve, the drain pump, and the resistance for heating the water, are supplied via contacts actuated by a cam block driven by a motor.

Un tel programmateur est donc partiellement adaptable, dans la mesure où il permet de choisir et de faire varier électroniquement la durée d'entraînement du tambour dans un sens, puis dans l'autre, par exemple. De plus, ce choix reste sans influence sur la commande de l'électrovanne, de la pompe, et de la résistance.Such a programmer is therefore partially adaptable, insofar as it makes it possible to electronically choose and vary the duration of the drum drive in one direction, then in the other, for example. In addition, this choice has no influence on the control of the solenoid valve, the pump, and the resistance.

Un tel programmateur est souvent appelé programmateur hybride, car il combine des contacts commandés mécaniquement et des relais commandés électroniquement. Il permet de résoudre en partie les problèmes liés au manque d'adaptabilité du programmateur déjà décrit qui comporte un unique bloc de cames pour commander la totalité des organes. Toutefois la nécessité d'utiliser des relais augmente le prix de revient du programmateur et en diminue la fiabilité.Such a programmer is often called a hybrid programmer because it combines mechanically controlled contacts and electronically controlled relays. It partially solves the problems linked to the lack of adaptability of the programmer already described which includes a single block of cams to control all of the members. However, the need to use relays increases the cost price of the programmer and reduces its reliability.

On connait un programmateur selon la préambule de la revendication 1 du document FR-A-2-564 218.We know a programmer according to the preamble of claim 1 of document FR-A-2-564 218.

La présente invention vise à pallier les inconvénients précédents en procurant un programmateur au moins partiellement adaptable, d'un prix de revient modéré, et fiable.The present invention aims to overcome the above drawbacks by providing an at least partially adaptable programmer, of a moderate cost price, and reliable.

A cet effet, elle a pour objet un programmateur du type défini ci-dessus, caractérisé par le fait que :

  • lesdits moyens d'entraînement sont agencés pour entraîner ledit premier bloc dans les deux sens, et,
  • il est prévu des moyens de couplage mécanique entre ledit premier et ledit deuxième blocs, actifs dans un seul sens.
To this end, it relates to a programmer of the type defined above, characterized in that:
  • said drive means are arranged to drive said first block in both directions, and,
  • mechanical coupling means are provided between said first and said second blocks, active in one direction only.

Dans le programmateur de l'invention, deux modes de fonctionnement sont possibles.In the programmer of the invention, two modes of operation are possible.

Dans le premier mode, les moyens d'entraînement entraînent le premier bloc dans le sens où les moyens de couplage mécanique sont actifs. Il en résulte que le deuxième bloc est également entraîné. Les deux blocs se déplacent comme s'ils étaient solidaires, et le fonctionnement est comparable à celui d'un programmateur pourvu d'un unique bloc de cames pour commander la totalité des organes.In the first mode, the drive means drive the first block in the direction where the mechanical coupling means are active. As a result, the second block is also driven. The two blocks move as if they were integral, and the operation is comparable to that of a programmer provided with a single block of cams to control all of the members.

Pour passer au deuxième mode de fonctionnement, il suffit que, après une période de fonctionnement selon le premier mode, par exemple, les moyens d'entraînement entraînent le premier bloc en sens inverse. Alors, le deuxième bloc reste immobile. Il est alors possible, en continuant à commander le premier bloc pour qu'il se déplace dans le sens où les moyens de couplage mécanique ne sont pas actifs, de faire exécuter aux organes commandés par le premier bloc un certain nombre de tâches, indépendamment des organes commandés par le second bloc.To switch to the second operating mode, it suffices that, after an operating period according to the first mode, for example, the drive means drive the first block in the opposite direction. So the second block stays still. It is then possible, by continuing to control the first block so that it moves in the direction where the mechanical coupling means are not active, to have the organs controlled by the first block perform a certain number of tasks, independently of the organs controlled by the second block.

Il apparaît donc que le programmateur de l'invention offre des possibilités d'adaptation comparables à celles des programmateurs connus de type "hybride".It therefore appears that the programmer of the invention offers adaptation possibilities comparable to those of known programmers of the "hybrid" type.

Toutefois, le programmateur de l'invention n'utilise pas de relais, mais, à leur place des contacts actionnés par des cames, de type conventionnel, et dont le faible coût et la fiabilité sont connues.However, the programmer of the invention does not use a relay, but, in their place, contacts actuated by cams, of the conventional type, and the low cost and reliability of which are known.

Avec le programmateur de l'invention, on obtient un résultat comparable à celui que l'on obtiendrait avec deux blocs de cames indépendants, commandés par des moyens d'entraînement indépendants, c'est-à-dire en pratique chacun par un moteur indépendant par exemple. Il est remarquable que, dans le programmateur de l'invention, ce résultat soit atteint avec un unique moteur, par exemple, ce qui réduit notablement le coût de fabrication. Ceci provient de l'utilisation des moyens de couplage actifs dans un seul sens, associée à l'entraînement dans les deux sens, permettant à la fois l'entraînement du deuxième bloc par le premier lorsque cela est nécessaire, tout en conservant une indépendance relative du mouvement des deux blocs.With the programmer of the invention, a result comparable to that which would be obtained with two independent cam blocks, controlled by independent drive means, that is to say each in practice by an independent motor, is obtained. for example. It is remarkable that, in the programmer of the invention, this result is achieved with a single motor, for example, which significantly reduces the manufacturing cost. This comes from the use of the coupling means active in one direction, associated with the drive in both directions, allowing both the drive of the second block by the first when necessary, while maintaining relative independence. of the movement of the two blocks.

Dans la forme de réalisation préférée du programmateur de l'invention, il est prévu des moyens pour, en réponse au sens d'entraînement dudit premier bloc, interdire l'alimentation des organes électriques relatifs aux cames dudit deuxième bloc, lorsque ledit premier bloc est entraîné dans le sens où lesdits moyens de couplage mécanique sont actifsIn the preferred embodiment of the programmer of the invention, means are provided for, in response to the direction of drive of said first block, prohibiting the supply of the electrical members relating to the cams of said second block, when said first block is driven in the sense that said mechanical coupling means are active

Dans ce cas, le sens dans lequel les deux blocs se déplacent simultanément est utilisé uniquement pour amener le deuxième bloc dans une position déterminée, sans mise sous tension intempestive, à l'origine de bruits et de dommages, des organes normalement commandés par le deuxième bloc. Lorsque le deuxième bloc a été ainsi amené dans une position déterminée, le premier bloc est commandé en sens inverse, ce qui a pour effet d'une part d'autoriser l'alimentation des organes relatifs aux cames du deuxième bloc qui doivent être mis en service compte tenu de la position dans laquelle se trouve ce deuxième bloc, et d'autre part de faire exécuter des tâches particulières aux organes relatifs au premier bloc de cames. Lorsque la combinaison des organes relatifs au deuxième bloc doit être changée, le sens d'entraînement du bloc est changé, ce qui a pour effet d'interdire l'alimentation des organes relatifs au deuxième bloc pendant le changement de position du deuxième bloc. Lorsque la succession des pas d'un programme donné est mémorisée sur les cames elles-mêmes, ce changement de position du deuxième bloc consiste à passer d'un pas au suivant. Si la succession des pas d'un programme donné n'est pas mémorisée, ou si on désire effectuer un programme de lavage différent de ceux qui sont mémorisés, on notera qu'il est parfaitement possible, avec le programmateur de l'invention, de passer d'un pas déterminé à n'importe quel autre qui n'est pas son voisin, du fait que l'alimentation des organes relatifs au deuxième bloc est interdite pendant son déplacement, ce qui évite, comme cela a déjà été signalé, toute mise sous tension intempestive pendant le déplacement. Le programmateur de l'invention est donc particulièrement souple d'emploi, puisqu'il peut être employé avec un bloc de cames mémorisant les programmes et déplacé pas à pas, ou avec un bloc de cames destiné à être employé avec un circuit électronique qui mémorise les différents programmes et qui commande en conséquence les déplacements du bloc de cames.In this case, the direction in which the two blocks move simultaneously is used only to bring the second block into a determined position, without inadvertent energization, causing noise and damage, of the organs normally controlled by the second block. When the second block has thus been brought into a determined position, the first block is controlled in the opposite direction, which has the effect, on the one hand, of authorizing the supply of the members relating to the cams of the second block which must be brought into service taking into account the position in which this second block is located, and on the other hand to have specific tasks executed by the members relating to the first block of cams. When the combination of organs relating to the second block must be changed, the direction of drive of the block is changed, which has the effect of prohibiting the supply of the organs relating to the second block during the change of position of the second block. When the succession of steps of a given program is memorized on the cams themselves, this change of position of the second block consists in passing from one step to the next. If the succession of steps of a given program is not memorized, or if it is desired to carry out a washing program different from those which are memorized, it will be noted that it is perfectly possible, with the programmer of the invention, to to pass from a determined step to any other which is not its neighbor, owing to the fact that the supply of the organs relating to the second block is prohibited during its displacement, which avoids, as has already been reported, any inadvertent energization during movement. The programmer of the invention is therefore particularly flexible to use, since it can be used with a block of cams memorizing the programs and moved step by step, or with a block of cams intended to be used with an electronic circuit which memorizes the different programs and which consequently controls the movements of the cam block.

Avantageusement :

  • lesdits moyens d'entraînement comprennent un moteur à double sens, un circuit électronique de commande dudit moteur, un disque solidaire en rotation de l'arbre de sortie dudit moteur et des moyens de couplage mécanique entre ledit disque et ledit premier bloc, ménageant un jeu, et,
  • lesdits moyens pour interdire l'alimentation comprennent une pièce mobile en rotation ou en translation sur une première plage de positions limitée par deux butées et accouplée par frottement audit disque, et un levier commandé par ladite pièce mobile ouvrant et fermant un interrupteur électrique d'alimentation desdits organes électriques relatifs aux cames dudit deuxième bloc.
Advantageously:
  • said drive means comprise a two-way motor, an electronic control circuit of said motor, a disc integral in rotation with the output shaft of said motor and mechanical coupling means between said disc and said first block, providing a clearance , and,
  • said means for prohibiting the supply comprise a part that can move in rotation or in translation over a first range of positions limited by two stops and coupled by friction to said disc, and a lever controlled by said movable part opening and closing an electrical switch for supplying said electrical members relative to the cams of said second block.

Le dispositif pour interdire l'alimentation des organes relatifs au deuxième bloc met principalement en oeuvre des éléments mécaniques simples qui lui confèrent un prix de revient faible, une bonne robustesse et un encombrement réduit.The device for preventing the supply of the organs relating to the second block mainly uses simple mechanical elements which give it a low cost price, good robustness and a reduced bulk.

Avantageusement encore, ladite pièce mobile est pourvue de moyens d'accouplement avec ledit disque, actifs sur une deuxième plage de positions de ladite pièce mobile, ladite deuxième plage étant inférieure à ladite première plage et occupant sa partie centrale, de façon à ce qu'après un changement du sens de déplacement dudit disque, ladite pièce mobile soit entraînée par ledit disque, d'abord sous l'effet du seul frottement, puis de façon positive sous l'effet desdits moyens d'accouplement, et enfin à nouveau sous l'effet du seul frottement.Advantageously also, said movable part is provided with coupling means with said disc, active over a second range of positions of said movable part, said second range being less than said first range and occupying its central part, so that after a change in the direction of movement of said disc, said movable part is driven by said disc, first under the effect of friction alone, then positively under the effect of said coupling means, and finally again under l effect of only friction.

Dans ce cas, le fonctionnement est particulièrement fiable, car sur la majeure partie de sa course, la pièce mobile est entraînée de façon positive par le disque, grâce aux moyens d'accouplement, le frottement étant utilisé uniquement en début et en fin de course, en début de course pour rendre actifs les moyens d'accouplement, et en fin de course pour cesser de les rendre actifs, afin d'autoriser le déplacement du disque alors que la pièce mobile est en butée.In this case, the operation is particularly reliable, because over most of its travel, the moving part is positively driven by the disc, thanks to the coupling means, the friction being used only at the start and at the end of the race. , at the start of the stroke to make the coupling means active, and at the end of the stroke to stop making them active, in order to authorize the movement of the disc while the moving part is in abutment.

Avantageusement encore, ladite pièce mobile est accouplée mécaniquement avec un jeu à une pièce de commande dudit levier, de façon à ce que, lorsque ladite pièce mobile est entraînée par ledit disque sous l'effet du seul frottement immédiatement après un changement de sens dudit disque, ladite pièce de commande reste immobile.Advantageously also, said movable part is mechanically coupled with a clearance to a control part of said lever, so that when said movable part is driven by said disc under the effect of friction alone immediately after a change of direction of said disc , said control part remains stationary.

Dans ce cas, l'effort important à fournir, lorsque la pièce mobile passe d'une extrémité à l'autre de sa course pour actionner le commutateur, ne risque pas d'immobiliser la pièce mobile. En effet, du fait du jeu entre la pièce mobile et la pièce de commande, l'effort à fournir par la pièce de commande est reporté sur la pièce mobile lorsque celle-ci est entraînée de façon positive par les moyens d'accouplement, et non lorsque celle-ci est entraînée sous l'effet du seul frottement. Il en résulte que la fonction du frottement est limitée à un petit déplacement de la pièce mobile seule. Comme celle-ci est en général de petite taille et d'un poids négligeable, le frottement produira toujours l'effet attendu, même après de nombreuses heures de fonctionnement et l'usure résultante.In this case, the significant effort to be provided, when the moving part passes from one end to the other of its travel to actuate the switch, does not risk immobilizing the moving part. In fact, due to the play between the moving part and the control part, the force to be provided by the control part is transferred to the moving part when the latter is positively driven by the coupling means, and not when the latter is driven under the effect of friction alone. As a result, the friction function is limited to a small displacement of the moving part alone. As this is generally small and of negligible weight, friction will always produce the expected effect, even after many hours of operation and the resulting wear.

Avantageusement encore, lesdits moyens de couplage mécanique actifs dans un seul sens comprennent un cliquet et une denture avec laquelle coopère ledit cliquet.Advantageously also, said mechanical coupling means active in one direction comprise a pawl and a toothing with which said pawl cooperates.

Avantageusement encore, ledit appareil est une machine à laver le linge pourvue d'un tambour et de moyens d'entraînement dudit tambour en rotation, et ledit premier bloc comprend des cames coopérant avec des contacts d'alimentation desdits moyens d'entraînement du tambour en rotation, pour inverser le sens de ladite rotation.
Le programmateur de l'invention s'avère particulièrement utile dans ce cas, puisqu 'il permet une grande souplesse dans la programmation des mouvements du tambour.Also advantageously, said apparatus is a washing machine provided with a drum and means for driving said rotating drum, and said first block comprises cams cooperating with supply contacts of said means for driving the drum in rotation, to reverse the direction of said rotation.
The programmer of the invention is particularly useful in this case, since it allows great flexibility in programming the movements of the drum.

La présente invention sera mieux comprise grâce à la description de la forme de réalisation préférée du programmateur de l'invention, faite en se référant aux dessins annexés, sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 représente un schéma électrique d'un appareil électroménager utilisant le programmateur de l'invention,
  • la figure 2 représente une vue éclatée en perspective, simplifiée, du programmateur utilisé dans l'appareil de la figure 1,
  • la figure 3 représente une vue éclatée en perspective du dispositif de détermination du sens de rotation utilisé dans le programmateur de la figure 1, et,
  • les figures 4a, 4b et 4c sont des vues de face du dispositif de la figure 3 représenté dans trois positions différentes.
The present invention will be better understood thanks to the description of the preferred embodiment of the programmer of the invention, made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
  • FIG. 1 represents an electrical diagram of a household appliance using the programmer of the invention,
  • FIG. 2 represents an exploded perspective view, simplified, of the programmer used in the apparatus of FIG. 1,
  • FIG. 3 represents an exploded perspective view of the device for determining the direction of rotation used in the programmer of FIG. 1, and,
  • Figures 4 a, 4 b and 4 c are front views of the device of Figure 3 shown in three different positions.

Une machine à laver le linge utilisant le programmateur de l'invention est maintenant décrite.A washing machine using the programmer of the invention is now described.

Cette machine comprend, de façon connue, une pluralité d'organes électriques qui sont alimentés en énergie électrique sélectivement et séquentiellement, par l'intermédiaire d'un programmateur, de façon à réaliser un programme de lavage.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.

En se référant à la fig. 1, la machine à laver comprend ainsi un moteur 11, de type universel, pour entraîner le tambour dans lequel est disposé le linge, une électrovanne 21a, une résistance 21b de chauffage de l'eau, une pompe de vidange 21i, et ainsi de suite jusqu'au dernier organe, qui porte la référence 21n.Referring to fig. 1, the washing machine thus comprises a motor 11, of the universal type, for driving the drum in which the laundry is placed, a solenoid valve 21 a , a resistor 21 b for heating the water, a drain pump 21 i , and so on until the last organ, which bears the reference 21 n .

L'énergie électrique est disponible entre une borne neutre N et une borne de phase P d'une source de tension alternative non représentée dans un souci de simplicité.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.

Le moteur universel 11 comprend notamment deux bornes 110 et 111 d'accès au rotor, et deux bornes 112 et 113 d'accès à l'inducteur. La borne P est reliée à un premier plot mobile d'un inverseur double 12, dont les quatre plots fixes sont reliés deux à deux, et dont le deuxième plot mobile est relié à la borne d'inducteur 112. La borne d'inducteur 113 est reliée à la borne N par l'intermédiaire, ici, d'un triac 15. Chaque borne de rotor 110 et 111 est reliée respectivement à une des paires de plots fixes reliés entre eux de l'inverseur double 12. Ainsi le sens de branchement du rotor du moteur 11, relativement au sens de branchement de son inducteur, est commandé par les plots mobiles de l'inverseur 12, afin de commander le sens de rotation du moteur 11.The universal motor 11 comprises 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.

Les organes 21a, 21b, ..., 21i, ..., 21n ont ici tous une borne reliée directement à une connexion commune 26, l'autre étant reliée à la borne P par l'intermédiaire de contacts 22a, 22b, ..., 22i, ..., 22n, respectivement. Les contacts 22a, 22b, ..., 22i, ..., 22n sont pourvus chacun d'un plot fixe et d'un plot mobile, pour former des interrupteurs.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.

La connexion commune 26 est reliée à la borne N par l'intermédiaire d'un contact 25, pourvu d'un plot fixe et d'un plot mobile, et formant interrupteur.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.

Chaque interrupteur 22i permet d'alimenter, ou non, et sous réserve que l'interrupteur 25 soit fermé, l'organe correspondant 21i. Par contre, l'interrupteur 25 permet la coupure générale de l'alimentation de la pluralité d'organes 21a, 21b, ..., 21i, ... 21n. Si l'interrupteur 25 est ouvert, aucun organe 21i ne sera alimenté, même si l'interrupteur correspondant 22i est fermé.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.

Un circuit électronique 40, branché entre les bornes N et P, commande un moteur 41, ici un moteur synchrone à double sens, ainsi que le triac 15.An electronic circuit 40, connected between terminals N and P, controls a motor 41, here a two-way synchronous motor, as well as the triac 15.

L'arbre de sortie 410 du moteur 41 entraîne des cames, non représentées sur la figure 1, qui exercent sur les plots mobiles de l'inverseur double 12 et des interrupteurs 22a, 22b, ..., 22i, ..., 22n des forces schématisées par les flèches F. Les forces F agissent contre des forces de rappel des plots mobiles pour les déplacer et les mettre en contact avec le plot fixe correspondant.The output shaft 410 of the motor 41 drives cams, not shown in FIG. 1, which exert on the movable pads of the double inverter 12 and switches 22 a , 22 b , ..., 22 i , .. ., 22 n of the forces shown diagrammatically by the arrows F. The forces F act against restoring forces of the movable pads to move them and bring them into contact with the corresponding fixed pad.

De même l'arbre de sortie 410 du moteur 41 entraîne un disque dont le sens de rotation commande, de façon qui sera mieux comprise dans la suite, un levier qui exerce sur le plot mobile de l'interrupteur 25 une force schématisée par la flèche F′ pour l'ouvrir ou le fermer.Similarly, the output shaft 410 of the motor 41 drives a disc whose direction of rotation controls, in a manner which will be better understood hereinafter, a lever which exerts on the movable pad of the switch 25 a force shown diagrammatically by the arrow F ′ to open or close it.

Le programmateur comprend le circuit électronique 40, le moteur 41, l'inverseur double 12, l'interrupteur 25 et les interrupteurs 22a, 22b, ..., 22i, ..., 22n de la figure 1, ainsi que les cames et le dispositif d'ouverture de l'interrupteur 25 dont il a été question, et qui vont maintenant être décrits en référence à la figure 2.The programmer includes the electronic circuit 40, the motor 41, the double inverter 12, the switch 25 and the switches 22 a , 22 b , ..., 22 i , ..., 22 n of FIG. 1, as well as the cams and the switch opening device 25 which have been discussed, and which will now be described with reference to FIG. 2.

Il apparaît, sur cette figure, que les cames, circulaires, sont réparties en deux blocs 1 et 2.It appears in this figure that the circular cams are distributed in two blocks 1 and 2.

Le premier bloc 1 comprend ici deux cames 10a et 10b qui actionnent respectivement chacun des plots mobiles de l'inverseur 12, ainsi qu'une came 10c pourvue d'un grand nombre de dents, qui actionne un interrupteur, non représenté dans un souci de simplicité, relié à une tension continue pour délivrer à un microprocesseur prévu dans le circuit 40, un signal en créneaux permettant, par comptage du nombre de créneaux, de déterminer l'amplitude du déplacement du premier bloc 1.The first block 1 here comprises two cams 10 a and 10 b which respectively actuate each of the movable studs of the reverser 12, as well as a cam 10 c provided with a large number of teeth, which actuates a switch, not shown in a concern for simplicity, connected to a DC voltage to deliver to a microprocessor provided in the circuit 40, a signal in slots allowing, by counting the number of slots, determine the amplitude of the movement of the first block 1.

Le microprocesseur est également, de façon non représentée, relié à la connexion 26, afin de connaître en permanence l'état de l'interrupteur 25, donc le sens de déplacement du disque 13, et donc du bloc 1. Ainsi le circuit 40 connaît à tout instant la position des blocs de cames.The microprocessor is also, not shown, connected to the connection 26, in order to constantly know the state of the switch 25, therefore the direction of movement of the disc 13, and therefore of the block 1. Thus the circuit 40 knows at any time the position of the cam blocks.

Le deuxième bloc 2 comprend ici des cames 20a, 20b,..., 20i,..., 20n qui actionnent respectivement les plots mobiles des interrupteurs 22a, 22b,..., 22i, ... 22n.The second block 2 here comprises cams 20 a , 20 b , ..., 20 i , ..., 20 n which respectively actuate the movable pads of the switches 22 a , 22 b , ..., 22 i , .. 22 n .

A l'intérieur d'un bloc, les cames sont solidaires entre elles, et chacun des deux blocs 1 et 2 est mobile en rotation autour d'un axe commun 3.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 3.

Chaque plot mobile, non représenté dans un souci de simplicité, est disposé sur une lame actionnée par un levier, qui coopère avec le profil de la came correspondante. A cet effet, et de façon non représentée, chacun des leviers est soumis à l'action d'une force exercée par exemple par un ressort, qui le rappelle contre le profil de la came correspondante, c'est-à-dire vers l'axe 3.Each movable stud, not shown for the sake of simplicity, is arranged on a blade actuated by a lever, which cooperates with the profile of the corresponding cam. To this end, and not shown, 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 3.

De part et d'autre de chacun des plots mobiles de l'inverseur 12 sont disposés les deux plots fixes correspondants. Le profil de chacune des cames 10a et 10b comprend des bosses et des creux.On either side of each of the movable studs of the inverter 12 are arranged the two corresponding fixed studs. The profile of each of the cams 10 a and 10 b includes bumps and hollows.

Lorsque un des leviers actionnant une lame portant un des plots mobiles de l'inverseur 12 est sur une bosse, le contact mobile touche le contact fixe le plus éloigné de l'axe 3, et lorsque le levier est sur un creux, le contact mobile touche le contact fixe le plus proche de l'axe 3.When one of the levers actuating a blade carrying one of the movable studs of the reverser 12 is on a bump, the movable contact touches the fixed contact furthest from the axis 3, and when the lever is on a hollow, the movable contact touches the fixed contact closest to axis 3.

Il en résulte notamment, compte tenu de la fonction de l'inverseur double 12, que le profil de la came 10a comprend successivement un creux correspondant à une bosse de la came 10b, puis une bosse correspondant à un creux de la came 10b, et ainsi de suite. Ainsi est assurée une inversion du sens du branchement du rotor du moteur 11.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 corresponding to a boss of the cam 10b , then a boss corresponding to a recess of the cam 10 b , and so on. This ensures a reversal of the direction of connection of the rotor of the motor 11.

De plus, et ici, le profil des cames 10a et 10b du premier bloc 1 est périodique, c'est-à-dire que la structure précédente se répète autour du bloc 1.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.

Les plots fixes de chacun des interrupteurs 22a, 22b, ..., 22i, ..., 22n sont disposés à côté des plots mobiles correspondants, et les cames 20a, 20b, ..., 20i, ..., 22n comportent seulement des portions de profil neutre et des bosses. Les portions de profil neutre laissent l'interrupteur correspondant ouvert, tandis que les bosses le ferment.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 , ..., 22 n have only neutral profile portions and bumps. The neutral profile portions leave the corresponding switch open, while the bumps close it.

Le moteur 41 entraîne, par l'intermédiaire d'un réducteur 42, un disque 13 dont l'axe coïncide avec l'axe de rotation 3 des blocs 1 et 2. Le disque 13 est pourvu d'un ergot 17 parallèle à l'axe 3, et la came du bloc 1 la plus proche du disque 13, ici la came 10a, et pourvue d'un évidement 16 ayant ici sensiblement la forme d'un secteur circulaire. L'ergot 17 pénètre dans l'évidement 16.The motor 41 drives, via a reduction gear 42, a disc 13 whose axis coincides with the axis of rotation 3 of the blocks 1 and 2. The disc 13 is provided with a lug 17 parallel to the axis 3, and the cam of the block 1 closest to the disc 13, here the cam 10 a , and provided with a recess 16 having here substantially the shape of a circular sector. The lug 17 enters the recess 16.

Le disque 13 est donc solidaire en rotation de l'arbre de sortie 410 du moteur 40, et le premier bloc 1 est couplé mécaniquement au disque 13, avec un jeu correspondant à l'amplitude de l'évidement 16, par la coopération de cet évidement 16 et de l'ergot 17.The disc 13 is therefore integral in rotation with the output shaft 410 of the motor 40, and the first block 1 is mechanically coupled to the disc 13, with a clearance corresponding to the amplitude of the recess 16, by the cooperation of this recess 16 and lug 17.

Le premier bloc 1 est solidaire en rotation, par l'intermédiaire d'un arbre qui traverse ici le bloc 2, d'un bouton 6 qui permet à l'utilisateur de la machine à laver de sélectionner un programme de lavage choisi parmi l'ensemble des programmes disponibles, lorsque la machine est au repos. Lorsque la machine est en fonctionnement, le bouton 6 peut permettre également l'affichage de l'étape de programme qui est en train de s'accomplir.The first block 1 is integral in rotation, by means of a shaft which here passes through the block 2, of a button 6 which allows the user of the washing machine to select a washing program chosen from all the available programs, when the machine is at rest. When the machine is in operation, button 6 can also allow the display of the program step which is being carried out.

Le deuxième bloc 2 est monté libre autour de l'axe 3, mais il comporte une denture 28 destinée à coopérer avec un cliquet 8 solidaire du premier bloc 1, du type connu qui les couple mécaniquement dans un seul sens. Ainsi, lorsque le premier bloc tourne dans le sens T de la figure 2, le couplage mécanique entre le bloc 1 et le bloc 2 est actif, et le bloc 2 est entraîné par le bloc 1, tandis que dans l'autre sens H, le couplage mécanique entre les deux blocs est inactif, c'est-à-dire que le bloc 2 n'est pas entraîné par le bloc 1.The second block 2 is mounted free around the axis 3, but it has a toothing 28 intended to cooperate with a pawl 8 secured to the first block 1, of the known type which couples them mechanically in one direction. Thus, when the first block rotates in the direction T of FIG. 2, the mechanical coupling between the block 1 and the block 2 is active, and the block 2 is driven by the block 1, while in the other direction H, the mechanical coupling between the two blocks is inactive, that is to say that block 2 is not driven by block 1.

Ici, le réducteur 42 entraîne le disque 13 par l'intermédiaire d'une denture 18 prévue sur une couronne 53 ménagée sur le disque 13.Here, the reduction gear 42 drives the disc 13 by means of a toothing 18 provided on a crown 53 formed on the disc 13.

Un pignon denté 9, monté rotatif autour d'un axe parallèle à l'axe 3 coopère avec la denture 18 et se trouve donc en permanence entraîné par la couronne 53.A toothed pinion 9, rotatably mounted about an axis parallel to the axis 3 cooperates with the toothing 18 and is therefore permanently driven by the crown 53.

Une pièce mobile 10 est montée pivotante sur le même axe que le pignon denté 9, avec laquelle elle coopère par frottement, d'une façon qui sera mieux comprise dans la suite La pièce mobile 10 comporte une unique dent 7 susceptible de coopérer avec la denture 18, et elle est couplée avec un jeu à une came 52 de commande d'un levier 15 qui ouvre et ferme l'interrupteur 25. Le jeu entre la pièce mobile et la came 52 est obtenu par un ergot radial 14 solidaire de la pièce mobile 10 qui est engagé dans un évidement 19, en forme de secteur angulaire notablement plus large que l'ergot radial 14, évidement 19 pratiqué dans la came 52.A movable part 10 is pivotally mounted on the same axis as the toothed pinion 9, with which it cooperates by friction, in a manner which will be better understood below. The movable part 10 comprises a single tooth 7 capable of cooperating with the toothing 18, and it is coupled with a clearance to a cam 52 for controlling a lever 15 which opens and closes the switch 25. The clearance between the moving part and the cam 52 is obtained by a radial lug 14 integral with the part mobile 10 which is engaged in a recess 19, in the form of a significantly more angular sector wider than the radial lug 14, recess 19 formed in the cam 52.

De façon non représentée sur la figure 2 de façon à ne pas l'alourdir, mais qui apparaît sur la figure 3, il est prévu un ergot fixe 76 qui coopère avec un autre évidement 77 pratiqué dans la came 52 de façon à limiter l'amplitude du déplacement de la came 52. Dans une position extrême de la came 52, l'ergot 76 coopère avec l'extrémité 171 de l'évidement 77 qui sert donc de butée, alors que dans l'autre position extrême de la came 52, l'ergot 76 coopère avec l'extrémité 172 qui sert de butée opposée. Il en résulte, par le couplage entre la came 52 et la pièce mobile 10 que celle-ci est mobile sur une plage de positions limitée, ici de manière indirecte, par les deux butées 171 et 172. La figure 4a montre une des positions extrêmes de la pièce mobile 10, position extrême dans laquelle l'ergot radial 14 est en butée contre une extrémité de l'évidement 19, et l'ergot 16 coopère avec la butée 172. La figure 4c montre l'autre position extrême de la pièce mobile 10, position extrême dans laquelle l'ergot radial 14 est en butée contre l'autre extrémité de l'évidement 19, et l'ergot 76 coopère avec la butée 171. On peut donc considérer que la pièce mobile 10 peut occuper une plage de positions limitée par deux butées.Not shown in Figure 2 so as not to weigh it down, but which appears in Figure 3, there is provided a fixed lug 76 which cooperates with another recess 77 formed in the cam 52 so as to limit the amplitude of displacement of the cam 52. In an extreme position of the cam 52, the lug 76 cooperates with the end 171 of the recess 77 which therefore serves as a stop, while in the other extreme position of the cam 52 , the lug 76 cooperates with the end 172 which serves as an opposite stop. As a result, by the coupling between the cam 52 and the moving part 10, the latter is movable over a range of positions limited, here indirectly, by the two stops 171 and 172. FIG. 4 a shows one of the positions extremities of the moving part 10, extreme position in which the radial lug 14 abuts against one end of the recess 19, and the lug 16 cooperates with the stop 172. FIG. 4 c shows the other extreme position of the movable part 10, extreme position in which the radial lug 14 is in abutment against the other end of the recess 19, and the lug 76 cooperates with the abutment 171. It can therefore be considered that the movable part 10 can occupy a range of positions limited by two stops.

Sur la figure 3, il apparaît que la pièce mobile 10 comprend deux parties cylindriques de diamètres différents. Une première partie 100, ayant le plus grand diamètre, porte d'un côté l'ergot radial 14, et de l'autre la dent 7. Une deuxième partie 101, ayant le plus faible diamètre, prolonge la partie 100 du côté de la dent 7, et sert d'arbre au pignon denté 9. La partie cylindrique 101 a une dimension axiale supérieure à celle du pignon denté 9, de façon à ce que, lorsque celui-ci est monté sur la partie cylindrique 101, celle-ci fasse saillie hors du corps du pignon denté 9. Ce dernier est pourvu d'une couronne 91 comprenant deux ailes, rappelées de façon élastique par un anneau 92 contre la partie cylindrique 101 en saillie, de façon à assurer un frottement entre la couronne 91 et la partie 101 saillante, c'est-à-dire entre le pignon 9 et la pièce mobile 10, frottement qui reste ainsi relativement stable dans le temps.In Figure 3, it appears that the movable part 10 comprises two cylindrical parts of different diameters. A first part 100, having the largest diameter, carries on one side the radial lug 14, and on the other the tooth 7. A second part 101, having the smallest diameter, extends the part 100 on the side of the tooth 7, and serves as a shaft for the toothed pinion 9. The cylindrical part 101 has an axial dimension greater than that of the toothed pinion 9, so that, when the latter is mounted on the part cylindrical 101, this protrudes from the body of the toothed pinion 9. The latter is provided with a crown 91 comprising two wings, resiliently biased by a ring 92 against the cylindrical part 101 projecting, so as to ensure a friction between the crown 91 and the projecting part 101, that is to say between the pinion 9 and the moving part 10, friction which thus remains relatively stable over time.

Le diamètre de la partie cylindrique 100 est égal au diamètre intérieur de la denture du pignon 9, et la dent 7 est de forme sensiblement identique à celle des dents de la denture du pignon 9. De plus, l'ensemble est monté contre la couronne 3 de façon à ce que la dent 7 et le pignon 9 puissent coopérer en même temps avec la denture 18.The diameter of the cylindrical part 100 is equal to the internal diameter of the teeth of the pinion 9, and the tooth 7 is of substantially identical shape to that of the teeth of the teeth of the pinion 9. In addition, the assembly is mounted against the crown. 3 so that the tooth 7 and the pinion 9 can cooperate at the same time with the toothing 18.

Comme cela apparaît sur les figures 4, la dent 7 permet l'accouplement de la denture 18 et de la pièce mobile 10, cet accouplement étant actif sur une plage limitée de positions de la pièce mobile 10, plage évidemment inférieure à celle qui a été définie et dont les extrémités correspondent aux figures 4a et 4c, mais occupant la partie centrale de cette plage. En effet, sur les figures 4a et 4c, la dent 7 ne coopère pas avec la denture 18, tandis que sur la figure 4b, qui représente une position intermédiaire, la dent 7 est enclenchée dans la denture 18.As can be seen in FIGS. 4, the tooth 7 allows the teeth 18 and the moving part 10 to be coupled, this coupling being active over a limited range of positions of the moving piece 10, range obviously less than that which has been defined and whose ends correspond to FIGS. 4 a and 4 c , but occupying the central part of this range. In fact, in FIGS. 4 a and 4 c , the tooth 7 does not cooperate with the toothing 18, while in FIG. 4 b , which represents an intermediate position, the tooth 7 is engaged in the toothing 18.

Avant de décrire le fonctionnement d'ensemble du programmateur de la figure 1, et afin d'en permettre une meilleure compréhension, le fonctionnement du dispositif d'ouverture du contact 25 qui vient d'être décrit est d'abord exposé.Before describing the overall operation of the programmer of FIG. 1, and in order to allow a better understanding of it, the operation of the contact opening device 25 which has just been described is first exposed.

Si l'on suppose que le dispositif se trouve dans la position décrite à propos de la figure 4a et que le disque 13 est entraîné dans un sens tel que la denture 18 se déplace dans le sens H, il apparaît que le dispositif ne change pas de position, puisque la pièce mobile 10 étant couplée par le seul frottement au pignon 9, non représenté dans un souci de simplicité, la pièce mobile 10 sera poussée, sous l'action du frottement, contre la butée avec laquelle elle est déjà en contact. Dans la situation de la figure 4a, l'interrupteur 25 reste fermé.If it is assumed that the device is in the position described with reference to FIG. 4 a and that the disc 13 is driven in a direction such that the teeth 18 move in direction H, it appears that the device does not change position, since the movable part 10 being coupled by the only friction to the pinion 9, not shown for the sake of simplicity, the movable part 10 will be pushed, under the action friction, against the stop with which it is already in contact. In the situation of FIG. 4 a , the switch 25 remains closed.

On suppose maintenant que le sens de rotation du disque 13 est inversé et devient le sens T de la figure 4b. Alors, immédiatement après ce changement de sens, la pièce mobile se trouve entraînée sous l'action du seul frottement avec le pignon 9, dans le même sens, ce qui a pour effet de rapprocher la dent 7 de la denture 18, et d'engager cette dent 7 dans le premier creux de la denture 18 qui se présente à elle. Pendant ce déplacement sous l'action du seul frottement, l'ergot radial 14 se déplace dans l'évidement 19 sans entraîner la came 52 qui reste immobile, donc sans effort à fournir, ce qui fait que le déplacement de la pièce mobile 10 sous l'effet du seul frottement se produit à coup sûr.It is now assumed that the direction of rotation of the disc 13 is reversed and becomes the direction T of FIG. 4 b . Then, immediately after this change of direction, the moving part is entrained under the action of only friction with the pinion 9, in the same direction, which has the effect of bringing the tooth 7 closer to the toothing 18, and engage this tooth 7 in the first hollow of the toothing 18 which is presented to it. During this movement under the action of only friction, the radial lug 14 moves in the recess 19 without driving the cam 52 which remains stationary, therefore without effort to provide, which means that the movement of the moving part 10 under the effect of friction alone occurs for sure.

Ensuite, le dispositif se trouve dans la situation de la figure 4b où, la dent 7 étant engagée dans la denture 18, il se produit un entraînement positif de la pièce mobile par la denture 18 et, le jeu avec la came 52 ayant été juste parcouru, il va se produire un entraînement positif de la came 52 qui va ouvrir l'interrupteur 25. On note que, quel que soit l'effort à fournir pour ouvrir cet interrupteur, cette ouverture aura lieu, de par l'entraînement positif de la came 52 par la pièce 10, elle-même entraînée de façon positive par la denture 18, grâce à la dent 7.Then, the device is in the situation of FIG. 4 b where, the tooth 7 being engaged in the toothing 18, there is a positive drive of the moving part by the toothing 18 and, the play with the cam 52 having been just traversed, there will occur a positive drive of the cam 52 which will open the switch 25. It is noted that, whatever the effort required to open this switch, this opening will take place, due to the positive drive of the cam 52 by the part 10, itself positively driven by the toothing 18, thanks to the tooth 7.

Le dispositif arrive alors dans la position décrite en référence à la figure 4c, la dernière partie du déplacement de la pièce mobile 10 et de la came 52 étant à nouveau effectuée sous l'action du seul frottement, ce qui ne pose pas de problème, dans la mesure où il n'y a plus d'effort à fournir pour manoeuvrer l'interrupteur 25.The device then arrives in the position described in reference to FIG. 4 c , the last part of the movement of the moving part 10 and of the cam 52 being again effected under the action of friction alone, which does not pose any problem, insofar as there is no has more effort to operate the switch 25.

La position de la figure 4c est symétrique de celle de la figure 4a et si un changement de sens se produit dans la situation de la figure 4c, les phénomènes qui viennent d'être décrits de produiront en sens inverseThe position of Figure 4 c is symmetrical to that of Figure 4a and if a change of direction occurs in the situation of Figure 4 c, the phenomena described above to occur in the opposite direction

La description du fonctionnement d'ensemble du programmateur est maintenant exposée.The description of the overall operation of the programmer is now exposed.

Tout d'abord, afin de sélectionner le programme choisi, l'utilisateur de la machine place le bouton 6 dans une position déterminée correspondant au programme sélectionné.First of all, in order to select the chosen program, the user of the machine places the button 6 in a determined position corresponding to the selected program.

Ceci a pour effet d'amener le bloc 1 dans une position particulière que le circuit 40 détermine en réponse au nombre de pas détectés par la came 10c et au sens de rotation détecté par le dispositif de commande de l'interrupteur 25 qui a été décrit.This has the effect of bringing the block 1 into a particular position that the circuit 40 determines in response to the number of steps detected by the cam 10 c and to the direction of rotation detected by the control device of the switch 25 which has been described.

Le microprocesseur ayant déterminé le programme choisi, c'est lui qui commande le reste du programmateur pour que le programme se déroule comme suit.The microprocessor having determined the chosen program, it is he who controls the rest of the programmer so that the program proceeds as follows.

On suppose par exemple que le programme à exécuter est un programme de lavage très simple, qui comprend le remplissage en eau de la machine, le chauffage de l'eau, et la vidange de la machine, ces trois phases étant accompagnées de mouvements de rotation dans un sens, et dans l'autre, du tambour de la machine.It is assumed for example that the program to be executed is 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.

Le circuit 40 commande d'abord le triac 15 de façon à ce que celui-ci reste ouvert. Le moteur 11 est donc à l'arrêt.The circuit 40 first controls the triac 15 so that it remains open. The engine 11 is therefore stopped.

On suppose de plus que l'ergot 17 est, par exemple à l'extrémité inférieure, sur la figure 2, de l'évidement 16, car le bloc 6 a été déplacé manuellement dans le sens T.It is further assumed that the lug 17 is, for example at the lower end, in Figure 2, of the recess 16, because the block 6 has been moved manually in the direction T.

Le circuit électronique 40 commande alors le moteur 41 de façon à ce que le disque 13 se trouve entraîné dans le sens trigonométrique T. Du fait du jeu dû à l'ergot 17 et à l'évidement 16, le bloc 1 ne se trouve pas entraîné immédiatement, ce qui donne le temps au dispositif de commande de l'interrupteur 25 d'ouvrir celui-ci. Lorsque l'ergot 17 atteint l'extrémité supérieure, sur la figure 2, de l'évidement 16, le bloc 1 et le bloc 2 se trouvent entraînés. Le circuit 40 commande le moteur 41 pour entraîner ainsi le bloc 2 jusqu'à ce que la bosse de la came 20a actionne l'interrupteur 22a pour commander l'électrovanne 21a d'admission d'eau. Naturellement, il est prévu, dans le circuit 40, une mémoire dans laquelle sont stockées les positions des creux et des bosses de toutes les cames.The electronic circuit 40 then controls the motor 41 so that the disc 13 is driven in the trigonometric direction T. Due to the play due to the lug 17 and the recess 16, the block 1 is not located driven immediately, which gives the switch control device 25 time to open it. When the lug 17 reaches the upper end, in FIG. 2, of the recess 16, the block 1 and the block 2 are entrained. The circuit 40 controls the motor 41 so as to drive the block 2 until the hump of the cam 20 a actuates the switch 22 a to control the solenoid valve 21 a for water intake. Naturally, there is provided, in circuit 40, a memory in which the positions of the hollows and the bumps of all the cams are stored.

Le microprocesseur et le circuit 40 commandent alors l'inversion du sens de rotation du disque 13. Il en résulte, pendant que l'ergot 17 parcourt l'évidement 16, la fermeture du contact 25, ce qui, ici, rend effective l'admission d'eau. Le disque 13, continuant à se déplacer, entraîne alors le bloc 1 dans le sens H. Le bloc 2 reste immobile, mais les creux et les bosses des cames 10a et 10b commandent les inversions de sens du moteur 11 du tambour, le triac 15 étant alors rendu conducteur.The microprocessor and the circuit 40 then command the reversal of the direction of rotation of the disc 13. As a result, while the lug 17 traverses the recess 16, the contact 25 is closed, which, here, makes the water intake. The disc 13, continuing to move, then drives the block 1 in the direction H. The block 2 remains stationary, but the hollows and the bumps of the cams 10 a and 10 b control the reversals of direction of the motor 11 of the drum, the triac 15 is then made conductive.

Le circuit 40 peut donc, en commandant d'une part le triac 15 pour régler la vitesse du moteur 11, et d'autre part la vitesse, toujours dans le même sens H, du moteur 41, commander la rotation dans un sens, puis dans l'autre, du tambour entraîné par le moteur 11. Naturellement, la durée de la rotation dans un sens, celle de la rotation dans l'autre sens, et le cas échéant celle du palier qui les sépare au cours duquel le tambour reste immobile sont variables par simple commande électronique en jouant sur le moteur 41, et le triac 15.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 the speed, always in the same direction H, of the motor 41, controlling the rotation in one direction, then in the other, of the drum driven by the motor 11. Naturally, the duration of the rotation in one direction, that of the rotation in the other direction, and where appropriate that of the bearing which separates them during which the drum remains stationary are variable by simple electronic control by playing on the motor 41, and the triac 15.

Dès que la cuve est remplie, le microprocesseur en est averti par exemple par un détecteur de niveau non représenté car connu. Il peut commander par l'intermédiaire du circuit 40 le triac 15 pour arrêter le moteur 11, et déplacer comme précédemment le disque 13, ce qui provoque l'ouverture de l'interrupteur 25, puis entraîne le bloc 1 et le bloc 2 dans le sens T pour amener ce dernier dans une position où la came 20a est neutre et où la came 20b actionne l'interrupteur 22b. L'admission d'eau est donc arrêtée, et le chauffage de l'eau, par la résistance 21b, pourra avoir lieu dès que l'interrupteur 25 sera refermé.As soon as the tank is filled, the microprocessor is notified, for example by a level detector, not shown as it is known. It can control via the circuit 40 the triac 15 to stop the engine 11, and move the disc 13 as before, which causes the opening of the switch 25, then drives the block 1 and the block 2 in the direction T 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 resistor 21 b , can take place as soon as the switch 25 is closed.

Le triac 15 est alors commandé et le disque 13 est entraîné dans le sens H pour que le bloc 1 commande les inversions du sens de rotation du tambour pendant le chauffage, autorisé puisque, le disque 13 tournant dans le sens H, l'interrupteur 25 est fermé. Naturellement, si il est jugé souhaitable d'avoir, pendant le chauffage, des mouvements de va et vient de durées différentes, par exemple, de ce qu'ils étaient au cours du remplissage, ceci est parfaitement possible.The triac 15 is then controlled and the disc 13 is driven in the H direction so that the block 1 controls the reversals of the direction of rotation of the drum during heating, authorized since, the disc 13 rotating in the H direction, the switch 25 is closed. 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 perfectly possible.

Le programme de lavage peut ainsi se dérouler jusqu'à la fin avec, comme cela a été souligné, une grande souplesse dans la commande des mouvements d'inversion du sens de rotation du tambour.The washing program can thus run until the end with, as has been pointed out, great flexibility in controlling the movements for reversing the direction of rotation of the drum.

Comme cela a par ailleurs été signalé, le bloc 2 peut, comme dans les programmateurs de l'art antérieur, être divisé en une pluralité de secteurs angulaires correspondant chacun à un programme différent, le choix d'un de ces programmes étant fait en déplaçant le bloc 2 pour l'amener au début du secteur correspondant et le déroulement de ce programme étant obtenu en faisant ensuite balayer ce secteur par le bloc 2. Dans un tel cas, c'est le bloc 2 qui mémorise, au moins en partie, les programmes de lavage.As has also been pointed out, block 2 can, as in the programmers of the prior art, 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 it to the start of the corresponding sector 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 memorizes, at least in part, washing programs.

Toutefois le bloc 2 peut également, et comme cela a été représenté sur la figure 2, être tel que chaque came ne comprend qu'une seule bosse, réparties pour que le bloc 2 comporte une pluralité de secteurs, à l'intérieur de chacun desquels un seul organe 21a, 21b, ..., 21i, ..., 21n se trouve alimenté, en principe. Naturellement, si l'on prévoit qu'il sera parfois nécessaire d'alimenter en même temps deux ou plusieurs organes 21a, 21b, ..., 21i, ..., 21n, les secteurs correspondants seront prévus. Dans ce cas, la structure mécanique du bloc 2 est plus simple, et les programmes sont mémorisés dans le circuit électronique. Celui-ci commande le bloc 2 non plus pour avancer d'un pas de programme à chaque fois, sans se préoccuper de l'organe qui va être ainsi mis en marche, mais pour aller mettre en marche un organe déterminé, à commander au cours de ce pas de programme.However, block 2 can also, and as has been shown in FIG. 2, be such that each cam comprises only a single 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. This one controls block 2 either to advance by one step of the program each time, without worrying about the organ which is going to be thus started, but to go to start a determined organ, to be ordered during of this program step.

Dans un cas comme dans l'autre, lorsque le bloc 2 se trouve entraîné assez rapidement pour aller vers le début d'un programme déterminé, s'il est du type "à mémoire", ou pour aller commander un organe déterminé, s'il est du type "sans mémoire", il passe par un certain nombre de positions intermédiaires, sans aucune mise sous tension intempestive du fait que l'interrupteur 25 est alors systématiquement ouvert.In one case as in the other, when the block 2 is driven quickly enough to go towards the start of a determined program, if it is of the "memory" type, or to go to control a determined organ, s' it is of the "without memory" type, it passes through a certain number of intermediate positions, without any untimely energizing since the switch 25 is then systematically open.

Naturellement, la portée de la présente demande n'est pas limitée à la description qui vient d'être faite, et qui a été volontairement simplifiée dans un souci de simplicité. C'est ainsi, que, à titre d'exemple, et de façon connue, il est possible de prévoir, sur le moteur universel 11, un inducteur à prise intermédiaire, pour n'utiliser qu'une partie de cet inducteur lorsqu'on a besoin que le moteur 11 tourne a vitesse très élevée. Dans ce cas, un inverseur simple, actionné par une came du bloc 2, commande le branchement de la totalité ou d'une partie seulement de l'inducteur.Naturally, the scope of the present application is not limited to the description which has just been made, and which has been deliberately simplified for the sake of simplicity. Thus, by way of example, and in a known manner, it is possible to provide, on the universal motor 11, an inductor with intermediate tap, in order to use only part of this inductor when needs the motor 11 to run at very high speed. In this case, a simple inverter, actuated by a cam of block 2, controls the connection of all or only part of the inductor.

De même, les moyens de couplage qui ont été décrits ne sont pas limitatifs, et il est possible, notamment, d'inverser les positions de l'ergot et de l'évidement, ou de changer leur forme, tout en conservant un couplage ménageant un jeu.Similarly, the coupling means which have been described are not limiting, and it is possible, in particular, to reverse the positions of the lug and of the recess, or to change their shape, while retaining a gentle coupling a game.

De même, il est possible d'utiliser d'autres dispositifs, mécaniques ou électriques, pour ouvrir l'interrupteur 25 lorsque le disque 13 tourne dans le sens où il entraîne le bloc 2.Likewise, it is possible to use other devices, mechanical or electrical, to open the switch 25 when the disc 13 rotates in the direction in which it drives the block 2.

De même, dans l'exemple décrit, les cames du premier bloc 1 sont relatives à l'inversion du sens de rotation du moteur du tambour, tandis que celle du deuxième bloc 2 sont relatives à la commande des autres organes de la machine. Si une telle répartition est intéressante, comme on l'a vu, dans le cas d'une machine à laver le linge, elle n'est, même dans ce cas, pas obligatoire et l'homme du métier est à même de choisir la répartition qui est la plus intéressante, compte tenu du problème spécifique à résoudre.Similarly, in the example described, 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 relate to the control of the other members 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.

Naturellement, le programmateur n'est pas limité à la commande d'une pluralité d'organes réunis au sein d'un même appareil, et peut être utilisé dans le cas d'un système industriel comprenant une pluralité d'organes disséminés.Naturally, the programmer is not limited to controlling a plurality of organs assembled within the same device, and can be used in the case of an industrial system comprising a plurality of disseminated organs.

Claims (7)

  1. Programmer for apparatus or a system fitted with a plurality of electrical parts (11, 21a-21n) to supply selectively and sequentially, a programmer comprising a plurality of cams (10a-10b, 20a-20n) working with a plurality of contacts (12, 22a-22n) to supply the said organs, and means to drive the said cams, by moving the said cams distributed in a first (1) and second (2) block, a programmer characterised by the fact that:-
    - the same drive means (40, 41, 53) are designed to drive the said first block (1) in both directions,
    - mechanical coupling means (8, 28) are planned between the said first (1) and the said second (2) blocks, active in one single direction.
  2. Programmer according to claim 1 in which means are planned (10, 52, 15, 25) to stop, in response to the drive direction of the said block (1), the supply of the electrical parts (21a-21n) related to the cams (20a-20n) of the said second block (2) when the said first block (1) is driven in the direction where the said mechanical coupling means (8, 28) are active.
  3. Programmer according to claim 2 in which:
    - the said drive means comprising a motor (41) working in both directions, an electronic circuit (4) to command the said motor (41), a solid disk (13) rotating with the output shaft (410) of the said motor (40) and the mechanical coupling means (16, 17) between the said disk (13) and the said first block (1) making a gear, and,
    - the said means, stopping the supply, comprise a mobile part (1) in rotation or translation with a first band of positions limited by two stoppers (171, 172) and coupled by friction to the said disk (13) and a lever (15) controlled by the said mobile part (10) opening and closing a electrical circuit breaker (25) supplying the said electrical parts (21a-21n) relating to the cams (20a-20n) of the said second block (2).
  4. Programmer according to claim 3 in which the said mobile part (10) is fitted with coupling means (7) with the said disk (13), active on the second band of positions of the said mobile part (10), the said second band being lower than the said first band and occupying its central part, so that after a change in direction in the movement of the said disk (13), the said mobile part (10) is driven by the said disk (13), firstly because of the effect of the friction then in a positive manner because of the said coupling means (7), and finally again under the effect of the friction alone.
  5. Programmer according to claim 4 in which the said mobile part (10) is coupled mechanically by a gear to a control part (52) of the lever (15) so that when the said mobile part (10) is driven by the said disk (13) under the effect of friction alone immediately after a change in direction of the said disk (13), the said control part (52) remains immobile.
  6. Programmer according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which the said mechanical coupling means, active in a single sense, comprise a ratchet (8) and a tooth (28) with which the said ratchet (8) co-operates.
  7. Programmer according to one of claims 1 to 6 in which the said apparatus is a washing machine fitted with a drum and drive means (11) for the drum which rotates, and the said first block (1) comprises cams (10a, 10b) working with the supply contacts (12) of the said drive means (11) of the rotating drum to invert the direction of the said rotation.
EP19900401711 1989-06-22 1990-06-19 Programmer, in particular for an electric household appliance, with two blocks coupled in one direction only Expired - Lifetime EP0404658B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8908324 1989-06-22
FR8908324A FR2648951B1 (en) 1989-06-22 1989-06-22 PROGRAMMER, PARTICULARLY FOR HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES, WITH TWO BLOCKS COUPLED IN ONE SINGLE WAY

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0404658A1 EP0404658A1 (en) 1990-12-27
EP0404658B1 true EP0404658B1 (en) 1994-08-24

Family

ID=9383022

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19900401711 Expired - Lifetime EP0404658B1 (en) 1989-06-22 1990-06-19 Programmer, in particular for an electric household appliance, with two blocks coupled in one direction only

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0404658B1 (en)
BR (1) BR8905468A (en)
DE (1) DE69011764T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2648951B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2678106A1 (en) * 1991-06-18 1992-12-24 Sextant Avionique Programmer, especially for domestic electrical appliances
DE4426681A1 (en) * 1994-07-28 1996-02-01 Ako Werke Gmbh & Co Program switching mechanism
US5494062A (en) * 1995-02-03 1996-02-27 White Consolidated Industries, Inc. Electromechanical controller for dishwasher with alternating flow

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1503474A (en) * 1965-12-11 1967-11-24 Zanussi A Spa Industrie Improvements to the system for advancing programmers and relays, especially household appliances
ES333145A1 (en) * 1965-12-24 1967-09-01 Crouzet Sa Improvements in the programmers for washing machines and similar machines. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)
DE3416866A1 (en) * 1984-05-08 1985-11-14 AKO-Werke GmbH & Co KG, 7988 Wangen Program switch unit

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2648951B1 (en) 1991-09-27
EP0404658A1 (en) 1990-12-27
FR2648951A1 (en) 1990-12-28
DE69011764D1 (en) 1994-09-29
DE69011764T2 (en) 1995-03-16
BR8905468A (en) 1991-04-23

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