EP2103727B1 - Method for monitoring the position of a drum door of a top-loading washing and/or drying laundry machine - Google Patents

Method for monitoring the position of a drum door of a top-loading washing and/or drying laundry machine Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2103727B1
EP2103727B1 EP09155418A EP09155418A EP2103727B1 EP 2103727 B1 EP2103727 B1 EP 2103727B1 EP 09155418 A EP09155418 A EP 09155418A EP 09155418 A EP09155418 A EP 09155418A EP 2103727 B1 EP2103727 B1 EP 2103727B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
drum
door
machine
distance
hatch
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.)
Active
Application number
EP09155418A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2103727A1 (en
Inventor
Frédéric Branger
Victor Emmanuel Gondras
Jabier Retegi Albisua
Jabier Garcia San Martin
Minh Man N'Guyen
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.)
FagorBrandt SAS
Original Assignee
FagorBrandt SAS
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by FagorBrandt SAS filed Critical FagorBrandt SAS
Priority to PL09155418T priority Critical patent/PL2103727T3/en
Publication of EP2103727A1 publication Critical patent/EP2103727A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2103727B1 publication Critical patent/EP2103727B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
    • D06F37/02—Rotary receptacles, e.g. drums
    • D06F37/04—Rotary receptacles, e.g. drums adapted for rotation or oscillation about a horizontal or inclined axis
    • D06F37/10—Doors; Securing means therefor
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
    • D06F37/30—Driving arrangements 
    • D06F37/302—Automatic drum positioning
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/40—Opening or locking status of doors
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F34/14—Arrangements for detecting or measuring specific parameters
    • D06F34/20—Parameters relating to constructional components, e.g. door sensors
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
    • D06F37/42—Safety arrangements, e.g. for stopping rotation of the receptacle upon opening of the casing door

Definitions

  • the present invention relates on the one hand to a washing machine and / or tumble dry laundry loading from above.
  • It also relates to a method of monitoring the positioning of a drum door of a washing machine and / or drying the laundry load laundry from above to prevent the opening of the drum door during the driving in rotation of the drum, and secondly, a machine adapted to implement the method of monitoring the positioning of a drum door according to the invention.
  • the invention relates to washing machines and / or tumble dry laundry loading from above, and more particularly domestic machines.
  • Laundry washing machines are known from the top comprising a bodywork having an access opening therein.
  • this access opening is made in an upper portion of the body, and more particularly in an upper plane of the bodywork.
  • An access door is adapted to close this access opening of the body of the machine, especially during operation thereof.
  • this access door of the body is associated with a lock whose operation is related to the washing cycle of the machine.
  • the lock is actuated to prevent the opening of the access door.
  • the lock is unlocked to allow the user to open the machine.
  • top-loading laundry machines also include a washing tub enclosing a drum rotatably mounted about a horizontal axis.
  • the drum also comprises a door closing an opening in the shell of said drum.
  • the drum door is usually made of two leaves. The two leaves are locked by an attachment device consisting of one or more bolts and latches cooperating together.
  • the drum door may open during a wash cycle and cause damage to the washing machine and / or laundry contained in the drum.
  • This drum door opening can be performed during a wash cycle although the access door of the body is kept closed by a lock.
  • the opening of the drum door can be caused by a bad positioning of the latches and bolts of the fastening device of the leaves during the closure of said drum door.
  • the washing cycle of the top loading laundry washing machine is controlled by the actuation of the control means of said machine without controlling the corresponding closure of the doors of the drum door.
  • the closing of the access door of the bodywork only ensures that water contained in the washing tub is expelled outside the body of the machine while the drum door can open at during a wash cycle and cause damage to the laundry and / or said machine.
  • a document is also known FR 2 873 133 A1 which discloses a method of detecting the condition of the drum doors of a top-loading laundry or dryer machine before starting a cycle or after a pause request using a position sensor drum, comprising a magnetic field sensor attached to the drum of the machine, close to the drum drive pulley, for delivering a signal that performs a switching, a permanent magnet, attached to the tank on the opposite side of the sensor magnetic field with respect to the ring gear of the pulley, capable of generating a magnetic field around said magnetic field sensor, and a band of ferromagnetic material fixed on the inner face of the ring gear of the pulley, so as to cover an angle ⁇ predetermined in relation to the axis of the pulley, in order to mask the magnetic field generated by the magnet on an angle ⁇ corresponding to that covered by the access doors inside the drum, when ue said doors are in the high position, above the loading hopper, and unmask at an angle of 360 ° - ⁇ .
  • the present invention aims to solve the aforementioned drawbacks and to provide a washing machine and / or tumble dry laundry loading from above with a method of monitoring the positioning of a drum door to ensure the proper closure of the drum door from the start of a cycle of machine operation.
  • the present invention aims according to a first aspect, a method of monitoring the positioning of a drum door of a washing machine and / or drying laundry load laundry from above, said washing machine and / or drying laundry comprising a mobile drum rotatable about a horizontal axis, said drum comprising a loading opening of laundry closed by a door, said door comprising at least one leaf, said machine also comprising at least one distance measuring means.
  • the closure of the drum door is monitored by a distance measuring means between a reference point R of the machine and at least one flap of the drum door.
  • the method according to the invention ensures that the drum door is properly closed and that no risk of damage to the elements constituting the machine and / or the laundry contained in the drum is incurred by a poor closure of said drum door.
  • the detection step E1 is preceded by a step of rotating the drum E0 at a speed of rotation less than or equal to a predetermined threshold V.
  • the distance measuring means between at least one door of the drum door and at least one reference point R of the machine detects a distance D to ensure the correct closure of said drum door.
  • This monitoring of the distance D between at least one door leaf of the drum and at least one reference point of the machine is provided by the distance measuring means during the rotation of the drum.
  • the detection of the distance D between at least one door of the drum door and at least one reference point R of the machine is made dynamically and allows to monitor the proper closure of the drum door whatever or the angular positioning of said drum door during a start command of an operating cycle of said machine.
  • the predetermined threshold V rotation speed of the drum is of the order of 50 revolutions per minute.
  • the detection of the distance D between at least one flap of the drum door and at least one reference point R of the machine is carried out during the rotational drive of the drum at low speed so as to avoid damage to the drum. elements constituting said machine and / or laundry contained in the drum in case of non-conforming closure of the drum door.
  • an alerting step E3 is carried out following the stop or start step E2 in the event of detecting an abnormal distance D between said at least one flap of said door said drum and said at least one reference point R of said machine.
  • the user is warned of an improper closing of the drum door following the detection of a distance D between at least one leaf of said door of said drum and at least one reference point R of the machine other than that predetermined by the washing machine manufacturer and / or drying the laundry to load the laundry from above.
  • the present invention aims according to a second aspect a washing machine and / or drying the top load laundry comprising a drum rotatable about a horizontal axis, said drum comprising a laundry loading opening closed by a door, said door comprising at least one leaf, said machine also comprising at least one distance measuring means, and a microprocessor.
  • said at least one distance measuring means measures the distance D between said at least one leaf of said door of said drum and at least one reference point R of said machine, and said washing machine and / or drying the top loading laundry comprises a processing algorithm adapted to implement the method of monitoring the positioning of a drum door according to the invention.
  • This machine for washing and / or drying the top loading laundry has advantages similar to those described above with reference to the method of positioning monitoring of a drum door according to the invention.
  • the washing machine 1 is of the top loading type. In this way, this machine 1 is suitable for washing the laundry and possibly drying it.
  • This washing machine 1 comprises a body 2 comprising an access opening 3 inside the body 2.
  • this access opening 3 is made in an upper portion of the body 2, and in this example, in an upper plane of the bodywork 2.
  • An access door 4 is adapted to close this opening 3 of the body 2 of the machine 1, especially during operation thereof.
  • this access door 4 is associated with locking means (not shown) whose operation is related to the washing cycle of the machine 1.
  • locking means (not shown) whose operation is related to the washing cycle of the machine 1.
  • the means of locking are actuated to prevent the opening of the access door 4.
  • the locking means are unlocked to allow the opening by the user of the machine 1.
  • the door access 4 is pivotally mounted about an axis of rotation 5 integral with the body 2 of the machine 1.
  • the bodywork 2 of the machine 1 is adapted to house a washing tub 6 which is particularly suitable for containing the various washing and rinsing baths.
  • the drum 7 is thus rotatably mounted about a horizontal axis 8.
  • FIG. 1 is schematic and that many organs necessary for the operation of the machine (and for example engine, pumps, filters, ...) have been omitted and do not need to be described in detail here.
  • an access door 9 for example formed by two leaves 10a and 10b pivotally mounted on the shell of the drum 7.
  • washing tub 6 may also include a tank door (not shown).
  • This tank door makes it possible to close an opening 11 made in the tank 6 and disposed substantially in line with the access opening 3 of the bodywork 2 of the machine 1.
  • This tank door can thus be movable between a closed position in which it closes the opening 11, in a sealed manner, and an open position in which the door leaf is disposed between the tank wall 6 and the body 2 of the machine 1.
  • the drum 7 as illustrated in figure 1 is a drum for receiving laundry either in a washing machine or a washer-dryer, the ferrule being in these cases perforated.
  • This drum 7 is intended to be mounted in rotation inside a tank 6 of the machine 1.
  • the shell of the drum 6 has an opening 13 closed by a door 9.
  • This door 9 comprises at least one leaf 10b.
  • Said at least one flap 10b of the drum 7 is mounted at a flap side in rotation about an axis 12b integral with an edge of the opening 13.
  • a second leaf 10a of the door 9 of the drum 7 can also be rotatably mounted at one of its sides around an axis 12a secured to a second edge of the opening 13.
  • This second edge of the opening 13 corresponds to the opposite edge of the first edge of this opening 13 on which is mounted the first leaf 10b.
  • Any type of hinge can make it possible to perform this assembly in rotation of the leaves 10a and 10b respectively along their side.
  • Each leaf 10a and 10b comprises a series of bearings intended to be mounted around their respective axis 12a and 12b so that the leaf bearings 10a and 10b are interwoven with the respective bearings on the edges of the opening 13.
  • a control panel 14 is also provided in the upper part of the machine 1.
  • the machine for washing and / or drying the laundry load laundry from above 1 comprises a drum 7 movable in rotation about a horizontal axis 8.
  • the drum 7 comprises an opening 13 for loading the laundry closed by a door 9.
  • the door 9 comprises at least one leaf 10b.
  • the machine 1 also comprises at least one distance measuring means 15 between at least one leaf 10b of the door 9 of the drum 7 and at least one reference point R of the machine 1.
  • the reference point R of the machine 1 can be placed at any point in the tank 6 of said machine 1, and in particular on the rear part of this tank 6.
  • the reference point R of the machine 1 can also be placed on a fixed part of the machine 1, in particular on the bodywork 2 and in particular on the access door 4 of the bodywork 2.
  • said at least one distance measuring means 15 comprises a magnet 16 fixed on said at least one leaf 10b of the door 9 of the drum 7 and a Reed relay 17 fixed at said at least one reference point R of said machine 1.
  • the magnet 16 is fixed inside an actuating button 18 of at least one leaf 10b of the door 9 of the drum 7.
  • said at least one leaf 10b and the actuating button 18 are aligned with the peripheral wall of said drum 7 so as not to return towards the inside thereof.
  • the positioning of the magnet 16 in the actuating button 18 of at least one leaf 10b of the door 9 of the drum 7 makes it possible to use the displacement stroke of said actuating button 18 so as to increase the distance D between the magnet 16 and the relay Reed 17 when the door 9 of the drum 7 is badly closed.
  • the Reed relay 17 is fixed on the tank 6 in the case of washing machines to load the laundry from above and washing machines and dry laundry loading laundry from above.
  • the Reed relay 17 is fixed on the upper and rear part of the tank 6.
  • the Reed relay 17 and the magnet 16 are aligned in the same plane passing through the machine 1 in a vertical direction.
  • the Reed relay detects the magnet 16 with increased reliability so as to determine the positioning of the door 9 of the drum 7 and in particular the conformal closure of said door 9 of the drum.
  • the signal generated by the detection of the magnet 16 by the Reed relay 17 is processed by the control means (no represented) of the machine 1, and for example by a microprocessor.
  • the magnet 16 is fixed on at least one flap 10b of the door 9 of the drum 7, and preferably inserted into an actuating button 18 of said door 9 of the drum 7.
  • the magnet 16 is adapted to be soaked in the bath washing the tank 6 and to undergo the aggressions due to detergents.
  • the closing of the door 9 of the drum 7 is monitored by a distance measuring means 15 between a reference point R of the machine 1 and at least one leaf 10b of the door 9 of the drum 7.
  • the method according to the invention makes it possible to ensure that the door 9 of the drum 7 is properly closed and that no risk of damaging the elements constituting the machine 1 and / or the laundry contained in the drum 7 is incurred by a machine. poor closure of said drum door 9.
  • the detection step E1 is preceded by a step of rotating E0 of the drum 7 at a speed of rotation less than or equal to a predetermined threshold V.
  • the distance measuring means 15 between at least one flap 10b of the door 9 of the drum 7 and at least one reference point R of the machine 1 detects a distance D making it possible to ensure the correct closure of said door 9 of the drum 7.
  • the difference in distance D detected by the distance measuring means 15 between a position of the door 9 of the drum 7 properly closed and a position of the latter badly closed is in a range that can range between 5mm and 10mm.
  • these values of discrimination of the distance D detected by the distance measuring means 15 are in no way limiting and may be different depending on the construction of a washing machine and / or drying the laundry to load the laundry by the top.
  • the values of the distance difference D detected by the distance measuring means 15 are given as examples and are the result of experiments carried out by the Applicant.
  • This monitoring of the distance D between at least one leaf 10b of the door 9 of the drum 7 and at least one reference point R of the machine 1 is provided by the distance measuring means 15 during the rotation of the drum. 7.
  • the detection of the distance D between at least one flap 10b of the door 9 of the drum 7 and at least one reference point R of the machine 1 is made dynamically and makes it possible to monitor the proper closing of the door 9 of the drum 7 regardless of the angular positioning of said door 9 of the drum 7 during a start command of an operating cycle of said machine 1.
  • the positioning of the magnet 16 in an actuating button 18 of the door 9 of the drum 7 makes it possible to amplify the distance D detected by the distance measuring means 15 when said door 9 of the drum 7 is badly closed.
  • This amplification of the distance D is due to the depression of the actuating button 18 towards the inside of the drum 7 when the door 9 is badly closed.
  • the actuating button 18 is pressed towards the inside of said drum 7 as to unlock the door or doors 10b of said door 9 of the drum 7.
  • the positioning of the magnet 16 in an actuating button 18 of the door 9 of the drum 7 makes it possible to increase the distance D detected by the distance measuring means 15 between said at least one leaf 10b of said door 9 and said at least one reference point R of the machine 1 during the detection step E1.
  • the predetermined threshold V rotation speed of the drum 7 is of the order of 50 revolutions per minute.
  • the detection of the distance D between at least one flap 10b of the door 9 of the drum 7 and at least one reference point R of the machine 1 is performed when the rotation of the drum 7 is rotated at low speed so as to prevent any damage to the elements constituting said machine 1 and / or the laundry contained in the drum 7 in the event of an improper closing of the door 9 of the drum 7.
  • the steps of rotation of rotation E0 of drum 7 and detection E1 are repeated a predetermined number of times before the step of stopping or starting E2 of an operating cycle of said machine 1 in the event of detection of an abnormal distance D between said at least one leaf 10b of said door 9 of said drum 7 and said at least one reference point R of said machine 1.
  • the distance measuring means 15 makes it possible to ensure that the door 9 of the drum 7 is badly closed when measuring a distance D which is abnormal with respect to the predetermined distance D by a repetition of the training steps in rotation E0 of drum 7 and detection E1.
  • the repetition of the rotation rotation steps E0 of the drum 7 and the detection E1 make it possible to guarantee the reliability of the detection of the abnormal distance D relative to a predetermined value by the manufacturer of washing machines and / or to dry the laundry.
  • the number of repetitions of the E0 rotary drive steps drum 7 and E1 detection is not limiting and can take any other value defined by a manufacturer of washing machines and / or tumble dry.
  • the repetition of a rotary drive step E0 of the drum 7 is carried out in the opposite direction with respect to a step of rotating E0 of the preceding drum 7.
  • This inversion of the direction of rotation of the drum 7 also makes it possible to reduce the detection time of the distance D between at least one flap 10b of the door 9 of said drum 7 and at least one reference point R of the machine 1 by successive passages said at least one leaf 10b in front of the distance measuring means 15.
  • the reversal of the direction of rotation of the drum 7 also makes it possible to avoid making a complete revolution of said drum 7 about its axis of rotation 8 for each of the distance measurements D implemented at the detection step E1.
  • the reversal of the direction of rotation of the drum 7 also makes it possible to limit the risk that said at least one leaf 10b can catch on an element of the machine 1 during the rotary drive of said drum 7.
  • the distance measuring means 15 is preferably placed in the upper part of the machine 1 to prevent the laundry can be removed from the drum 7 in case of improper closing of the door 9 of said drum 7 and cause damage to said laundry contained in said drum 7.
  • An alerting step E3 is carried out following the stopping or starting step E2 in the event of detecting an abnormal distance D between at least one flap 10b of the door 9 of the drum 7 and at least one stitch. reference R of the machine 1.
  • the user is warned of an improper closing of the door 9 of the drum 7 following the detection of a distance D between at least one leaf 10b of said door 9 of said drum 7 and at least one reference point R of the machine 1 different from that predetermined by the manufacturer of washing machine and / or tumble dry laundry loading from above.
  • the alert implemented following the detection of an abnormal distance D between at least one leaf 10b of the door 9 of said drum 7 and at least one reference point R of the machine 1 is made for example by a sound signal, or by lighting a light, or by displaying a message on a screen.
  • the alerting step E3 is followed by a step of verifying the closure of said at least one leaf 10b of the door 9 of the drum 7 so as to control a new start of an operating cycle of said machine 1 .
  • Verification of the closure of said at least one leaf 10b of the door 9 of the drum 7 may be performed by the user or by an automated element of the machine 1.
  • the user or an automated element of the machine 1 closes the door 9 of the drum 7 and a start command of a new operating cycle of the machine 1 is executed starting by controlling the closing of said door 9 of the drum 7.
  • the data of the initial operating program of the machine 1 are stored in control means of said machine 1 for the new start of the operating cycle of said machine 1.
  • the program data of the operating cycle of the machine 1 are stored for example in a memory of a microprocessor so as to prevent the user from programming the operating cycle of the machine 1 again.
  • the program data of the machine 1 operating cycle can be for example, the temperature of the washing bath, the maximum spin speed, the duration of the operating cycle, the nature of the laundry items.
  • the data listed in the program of the operating cycle of the machine are in no way limiting and may be any data used for the operation of a washing machine and / or drying the laundry.
  • the door 9 of the drum 7 comprises two flaps 10a and 10b, a first flap 10a comprising at least one locking hook 19, a second flap 10b comprising at least one opening 20 cooperating with said at least one locking hook 19 of said first leaf 10a so as to close the loading opening 13 of said drum 7.
  • the alerting step E3 is carried out following the stop or start step E2 in the event of detection of a distance D greater than a predetermined threshold L between said at least one leaf 10b of said door of said drum and said at least one reference point R of said machine 1.
  • the closing of the door 9 of the drum 7 comprising two leaves 10a and 10b rotatably mounted respectively about rotation axes 12a and 12b is non-compliant when these two leaves 10a and 10b are poorly hung.
  • the bad attachment of these leaves 10a and 10b is characterized by the increase of the distance D between the reference point D of the machine 1 and the flap 10b of the door 9 of the drum 7.
  • Reed relay torque 17 - magnet 16 as a means of measuring the distance 15 is particularly interesting. Indeed some washing machines and / or drying laundry loading laundry from above already use this type of sensor to perform the function of positioning the door 9 of the drum 7 in front of the access opening 3 of the washing machine and / or dryer the laundry loading from above. This type of device is well known so that it does not need to be described further.
  • the adapted positioning of the relay Reed 17 and the magnet 16 in the washing machine and / or dryer laundry loading from the top 1 makes it possible to perform both functions: detecting a poor closure of said at least one leaf 10b the door 9 of the drum 7 and detect the correct positioning of the door 9 of the drum 7 vis-à-vis the opening of the washing machine and / or drying the laundry to load laundry from above 1.
  • the embodiment previously developed relates to a washing machine laundry loading laundry from above.
  • the same processes and devices can be used on a laundry dryer with top loading.
  • the main difference being the positioning of the relay Reed that can not be on the tank since it does not exist on such a product.
  • the reference point R will be fixed inside the body of the dryer to load laundry from above and the operation will be identical to that described above.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Main Body Construction Of Washing Machines And Laundry Dryers (AREA)
  • Control Of Washing Machine And Dryer (AREA)
  • Drying Of Solid Materials (AREA)

Abstract

The method involves rotationally driving a rotary drum (7) at rotational speed that is lower than or equal to a predetermined threshold. A distance between a leaf (10b) of an access door (9) of the drum and a reference point (R) of a top loaded washing and drying machine (1) is detected. A functioning cycle of the machine is started or stopped according to a detection result. An independent claim is also included for a top loaded washing and/or drying machine.

Description

La présente invention concerne d'une part une machine à laver et/ou sécher le linge à chargement du linge par le dessus.The present invention relates on the one hand to a washing machine and / or tumble dry laundry loading from above.

Elle concerne également un procédé de surveillance de positionnement d'une porte de tambour d'une machine à laver et/ou sécher le linge à chargement du linge par le dessus permettant d'éviter l'ouverture de la porte du tambour lors de l'entraînement en rotation du tambour, et d'autre part, une machine adaptée à mettre en oeuvre le procédé de surveillance de positionnement d'une porte de tambour conforme à l'invention.It also relates to a method of monitoring the positioning of a drum door of a washing machine and / or drying the laundry load laundry from above to prevent the opening of the drum door during the driving in rotation of the drum, and secondly, a machine adapted to implement the method of monitoring the positioning of a drum door according to the invention.

De manière générale, l'invention concerne les machines à laver le linge et/ou sécher le linge à chargement du linge par le dessus, et plus particulièrement les machines à usage domestique.In general, the invention relates to washing machines and / or tumble dry laundry loading from above, and more particularly domestic machines.

On connaît des machines à laver le linge à chargement du linge par le dessus comprenant une carrosserie pourvue d'une ouverture d'accès à l'intérieur de cette carrosserie. Dans les machines à laver le linge à chargement par le dessus, cette ouverture d'accès est réalisée dans une portion supérieure de la carrosserie, et plus particulièrement dans un plan supérieur de la carrosserie.Laundry washing machines are known from the top comprising a bodywork having an access opening therein. In top-loading laundry machines, this access opening is made in an upper portion of the body, and more particularly in an upper plane of the bodywork.

Une porte d'accès est adaptée à obturer cette ouverture d'accès de la carrosserie de la machine, notamment lors du fonctionnement de celle-ci.An access door is adapted to close this access opening of the body of the machine, especially during operation thereof.

En particulier, de manière connue, cette porte d'accès de la carrosserie est associée à un verrou dont le fonctionnement est lié au cycle de lavage de la machine. Ainsi, en début de cycle de lavage, le verrou est actionné pour empêcher l'ouverture de la porte d'accès. De manière similaire, en fin de cycle de lavage, le verrou est déverrouillé pour permettre l'ouverture par l'utilisateur de la machine.In particular, in known manner, this access door of the body is associated with a lock whose operation is related to the washing cycle of the machine. Thus, at the beginning of the wash cycle, the lock is actuated to prevent the opening of the access door. Similarly, at the end of the wash cycle, the lock is unlocked to allow the user to open the machine.

Ces machines à laver le linge à chargement du linge par le dessus comprennent également une cuve de lavage enfermant un tambour monté en rotation autour d'un axe horizontal. Le tambour comprend également une porte obturant une ouverture ménagée dans la virole dudit tambour. La porte du tambour est généralement constituée de deux battants. Les deux battants sont verrouillés par un dispositif d'accrochage constitué d'un ou plusieurs pênes et gâches coopérant ensemble.These top-loading laundry machines also include a washing tub enclosing a drum rotatably mounted about a horizontal axis. The drum also comprises a door closing an opening in the shell of said drum. The drum door is usually made of two leaves. The two leaves are locked by an attachment device consisting of one or more bolts and latches cooperating together.

Cependant, ces machines à laver le linge à chargement par le dessus présentent l'inconvénient de garantir uniquement le verrouillage de la porte d'accès de la carrosserie par un verrou et le verrouillage de la porte du tambour par un dispositif d'accrochage. Ces machines à laver le linge par le dessus ne permettent pas de surveiller la fermeture de la porte du tambour.However, these top loading laundry machines have the disadvantage of only guaranteeing the locking of the access door of the bodywork by a lock and the locking of the drum door by a hooking device. These machines washing the laundry from above do not monitor the closing of the drum door.

Par conséquent, la porte du tambour peut s'ouvrir au cours d'un cycle de lavage et provoquer l'endommagement de la machine à laver le linge et/ou du linge contenu dans le tambour. Cette ouverture de porte de tambour peut s'effectuer au cours d'un cycle de lavage bien que la porte d'accès de la carrosserie est maintenue fermée par un verrou.Therefore, the drum door may open during a wash cycle and cause damage to the washing machine and / or laundry contained in the drum. This drum door opening can be performed during a wash cycle although the access door of the body is kept closed by a lock.

L'ouverture de la porte du tambour peut être engendrée par un mauvais positionnement des gâches et des pênes du dispositif d'accrochage des battants lors de la fermeture de ladite porte de tambour.The opening of the drum door can be caused by a bad positioning of the latches and bolts of the fastening device of the leaves during the closure of said drum door.

Le cycle de lavage de la machine à laver le linge à chargement par le dessus est commandé par l'actionnement des moyens de commande de ladite machine sans contrôler la fermeture conforme des battants de la porte du tambour.The washing cycle of the top loading laundry washing machine is controlled by the actuation of the control means of said machine without controlling the corresponding closure of the doors of the drum door.

Seul le verrouillage de la porte d'accès de la carrosserie est contrôlé par les moyens de commande de la machine à laver le linge lors du contact électrique du verrou.Only the locking of the access door of the bodywork is controlled by the control means of the washing machine when the electrical contact of the lock.

La fermeture de la porte d'accès de la carrosserie permet uniquement de s'assurer que de l'eau contenue dans la cuve de lavage ne soit expulsée en dehors de la carrosserie de la machine tandis que la porte du tambour peut s'ouvrir au cours d'un cycle de lavage et provoquer des endommagements du linge et/ou de ladite machine.The closing of the access door of the bodywork only ensures that water contained in the washing tub is expelled outside the body of the machine while the drum door can open at during a wash cycle and cause damage to the laundry and / or said machine.

On connaît également un document FR 2 873 133 A1 qui décrit un procédé de détection de l'état des portes du tambour d'une machine à laver ou à sécher le linge à chargement par le dessus, avant le démarrage d'un cycle ou après une demande de pause, utilisant un capteur de position du tambour, comprenant un capteur de champ magnétique fixé à la cuve de la machine, près de la poulie d'entraînement du tambour, destiné à délivrer un signal qui réalise une commutation, un aimant permanent, fixé à la cuve du côté opposé au capteur de champ magnétique par rapport à la couronne de la poulie, capable de générer un champ magnétique autour dudit capteur de champ magnétique, et une bande en matériau ferromagnétique fixée sur la face interne de la couronne de la poulie, de façon à couvrir un angle α prédéterminé par rapport à l'axe de la poulie, afin de masquer le champ magnétique généré par l'aimant sur un angle α correspondant à celui couvert par les portes d'accès à l'intérieur du tambour, lorsque lesdites portes se trouvent en position haute, à l'aplomb de la trémie de chargement, et à le démasquer sur un angle de 360°-α. Ce procédé consiste à permettre la détection d'un changement d'état du capteur de champ magnétique dans les deux sens de rotation du tambour et à détecter l'état des portes du tambour en fonction de l'état du capteur de champ magnétique lors de l'entraînement en rotation du tambour dans les deux sens de rotation.A document is also known FR 2 873 133 A1 which discloses a method of detecting the condition of the drum doors of a top-loading laundry or dryer machine before starting a cycle or after a pause request using a position sensor drum, comprising a magnetic field sensor attached to the drum of the machine, close to the drum drive pulley, for delivering a signal that performs a switching, a permanent magnet, attached to the tank on the opposite side of the sensor magnetic field with respect to the ring gear of the pulley, capable of generating a magnetic field around said magnetic field sensor, and a band of ferromagnetic material fixed on the inner face of the ring gear of the pulley, so as to cover an angle α predetermined in relation to the axis of the pulley, in order to mask the magnetic field generated by the magnet on an angle α corresponding to that covered by the access doors inside the drum, when ue said doors are in the high position, above the loading hopper, and unmask at an angle of 360 ° -α. The method includes detecting a change of state of the magnetic field sensor in both directions of rotation of the drum and detecting the state of the drum doors according to the state of the magnetic field sensor when the rotation drive of the drum in both directions of rotation.

La présente invention a pour but de résoudre les inconvénients précités et de proposer une machine à laver et/ou sécher le linge à chargement du linge par le dessus avec un procédé de surveillance de positionnement d'une porte de tambour permettant de garantir la fermeture conforme de la porte du tambour dès le départ d'un cycle de fonctionnement de la machine.The present invention aims to solve the aforementioned drawbacks and to provide a washing machine and / or tumble dry laundry loading from above with a method of monitoring the positioning of a drum door to ensure the proper closure of the drum door from the start of a cycle of machine operation.

A cet effet, la présente invention vise selon un premier aspect, un procédé de surveillance de positionnement d'une porte de tambour d'une machine à laver et/ou sécher le linge à chargement du linge par le dessus, ladite machine à laver et/ou sécher le linge comprenant un tambour mobile en rotation autour d'un axe horizontal, ledit tambour comprenant une ouverture de chargement du linge obturée par une porte, ladite porte comprenant au moins un battant, ladite machine comprenant également au moins un moyen de mesure de distance.For this purpose, the present invention aims according to a first aspect, a method of monitoring the positioning of a drum door of a washing machine and / or drying laundry load laundry from above, said washing machine and / or drying laundry comprising a mobile drum rotatable about a horizontal axis, said drum comprising a loading opening of laundry closed by a door, said door comprising at least one leaf, said machine also comprising at least one distance measuring means.

Selon l'invention, le procédé de surveillance de positionnement d'une porte de tambour d'une machine à laver et/ou sécher le linge à chargement du linge par le dessus comprend au moins les étapes suivantes :

  • détection E1 de la distance D entre ledit au moins un battant de ladite porte dudit tambour et au moins un point de référence R de ladite machine au moyen dudit au moins un moyen de mesure de distance entre ledit au moins un battant de ladite porte dudit tambour et ledit au moins un point de référence R de ladite machine ;
  • arrêt ou démarrage E2 d'un cycle de fonctionnement de ladite machine en fonction du résultat de l'étape de détection E1.
According to the invention, the method of monitoring the positioning of a drum door of a washing machine and / or drying the laundry to load the laundry from above comprises at least the following steps:
  • detecting E1 the distance D between said at least one leaf of said door of said drum and at least one reference point R of said machine by means of said at least one distance measuring means between said at least one leaf of said door of said drum and said at least one reference point R of said machine;
  • stopping or starting E2 of an operating cycle of said machine according to the result of the detection step E1.

Ainsi, la fermeture de la porte du tambour est surveillé par un moyen de mesure de distance entre un point de référence R de la machine et au moins un battant de la porte du tambour.Thus, the closure of the drum door is monitored by a distance measuring means between a reference point R of the machine and at least one flap of the drum door.

La surveillance de la distance D entre un point de référence R de la machine et au moins un battant de la porte du tambour permet de démarrer ou d'arrêter un cycle de fonctionnement mis en oeuvre par la machine en fonction du résultat de la mesure de distance.Monitoring the distance D between a reference point R of the machine and at least one flap of the drum door makes it possible to start or stop an operating cycle implemented by the machine according to the result of the measurement of the machine. distance.

De cette manière, le fonctionnement de la machine à laver et/ou sécher le linge est garanti dès le départ d'un cycle de fonctionnement de ladite machine tout en évitant un endommagement des éléments constituant ladite machine et/ou du linge contenu dans le tambour.In this way, the operation of the washing machine and / or drying the laundry is guaranteed from the start of a cycle of operation of said machine while avoiding damage to the elements constituting said machine and / or the laundry contained in the drum .

Le procédé conforme à l'invention permet de s'assurer que la porte du tambour est correctement fermée et qu'aucun risque d'endommagement des éléments constituant la machine et/ou du linge contenu dans le tambour est encouru par une mauvaise fermeture de ladite porte de tambour.The method according to the invention ensures that the drum door is properly closed and that no risk of damage to the elements constituting the machine and / or the laundry contained in the drum is incurred by a poor closure of said drum door.

Selon une caractéristique préférée de l'invention, l'étape de détection E1 est précédée d'une étape d'entraînement en rotation E0 du tambour à une vitesse de rotation inférieure ou égale à un seuil V prédéterminé.According to a preferred characteristic of the invention, the detection step E1 is preceded by a step of rotating the drum E0 at a speed of rotation less than or equal to a predetermined threshold V.

Ainsi, le moyen de mesure de distance entre au moins un battant de la porte du tambour et au moins un point de référence R de la machine détecte une distance D permettant de s'assurer de la fermeture correcte de ladite porte du tambour.Thus, the distance measuring means between at least one door of the drum door and at least one reference point R of the machine detects a distance D to ensure the correct closure of said drum door.

Cette surveillance de la distance D entre au moins un battant de la porte du tambour et au moins un point de référence de la machine est assuré par le moyen de mesure de distance lors de l'entraînement en rotation du tambour.This monitoring of the distance D between at least one door leaf of the drum and at least one reference point of the machine is provided by the distance measuring means during the rotation of the drum.

De cette manière, la détection de la distance D entre au moins un battant de la porte du tambour et au moins un point de référence R de la machine est réalisé de manière dynamique et permet de surveiller la fermeture conforme de la porte du tambour quel que soit le positionnement angulaire de ladite porte du tambour lors d'une commande de départ d'un cycle de fonctionnement de ladite machine.In this way, the detection of the distance D between at least one door of the drum door and at least one reference point R of the machine is made dynamically and allows to monitor the proper closure of the drum door whatever or the angular positioning of said drum door during a start command of an operating cycle of said machine.

Préférentiellement, le seuil V prédéterminé de vitesse de rotation du tambour est de l'ordre de 50 tours par minute.Preferably, the predetermined threshold V rotation speed of the drum is of the order of 50 revolutions per minute.

Ainsi, la détection de la distance D entre au moins un battant de la porte du tambour et au moins un point de référence R de la machine est réalisé lors de l'entraînement en rotation du tambour à basse vitesse de sorte à éviter tout endommagement des éléments constituant ladite machine et/ou du linge contenu dans le tambour en cas de fermeture non conforme de la porte du tambour.Thus, the detection of the distance D between at least one flap of the drum door and at least one reference point R of the machine is carried out during the rotational drive of the drum at low speed so as to avoid damage to the drum. elements constituting said machine and / or laundry contained in the drum in case of non-conforming closure of the drum door.

Selon une autre caractéristique préférée de l'invention, une étape d'alerte E3 est mise en oeuvre suite à l'étape d'arrêt ou démarrage E2 en cas de détection d'une distance D anormale entre ledit au moins un battant de ladite porte dudit tambour et ledit au moins un point de référence R de ladite machine.According to another preferred characteristic of the invention, an alerting step E3 is carried out following the stop or start step E2 in the event of detecting an abnormal distance D between said at least one flap of said door said drum and said at least one reference point R of said machine.

Ainsi, l'utilisateur est prévenu d'une fermeture non conforme de la porte du tambour suite à la détection d'une distance D entre au moins un battant de ladite porte dudit tambour et au moins un point de référence R de la machine différente de celle prédéterminée par le fabricant de machine à laver et/ou sécher le linge à chargement du linge par le dessus.Thus, the user is warned of an improper closing of the drum door following the detection of a distance D between at least one leaf of said door of said drum and at least one reference point R of the machine other than that predetermined by the washing machine manufacturer and / or drying the laundry to load the laundry from above.

La présente invention vise selon un second aspect une machine à laver et/ou sécher le linge à chargement par le dessus comprenant un tambour mobile en rotation autour d'un axe horizontal, ledit tambour comprenant une ouverture de chargement du linge obturée par une porte, ladite porte comprenant au moins un battant, ladite machine comprenant également au moins un moyen de mesure de distance, et un microprocesseur.The present invention aims according to a second aspect a washing machine and / or drying the top load laundry comprising a drum rotatable about a horizontal axis, said drum comprising a laundry loading opening closed by a door, said door comprising at least one leaf, said machine also comprising at least one distance measuring means, and a microprocessor.

Selon l'invention, ledit au moins un moyen de mesure de distance mesure la distance D entre ledit au moins un battant de ladite porte dudit tambour et au moins un point de référence R de ladite machine, et ladite machine à laver et/ou sécher le linge à chargement par le dessus comprend un algorithme de traitement adapté à mettre en oeuvre le procédé de surveillance de positionnement d'une porte de tambour conforme à l'invention.According to the invention, said at least one distance measuring means measures the distance D between said at least one leaf of said door of said drum and at least one reference point R of said machine, and said washing machine and / or drying the top loading laundry comprises a processing algorithm adapted to implement the method of monitoring the positioning of a drum door according to the invention.

Cette machine à laver et/ou sécher le linge à chargement par le dessus présente des avantages analogues à ceux décrits précédemment en référence au procédé de surveillance de positionnement d'une porte de tambour selon l'invention.This machine for washing and / or drying the top loading laundry has advantages similar to those described above with reference to the method of positioning monitoring of a drum door according to the invention.

D'autres particularités et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront encore dans la description ci-après.Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the description below.

Aux dessins annexés, donnés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs :

  • la figure 1 est une vue schématique de côté d'une machine à laver et/ou sécher le linge à chargement du linge par le dessus conforme à un mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue schématique en coupe d'une fermeture conforme d'une porte de tambour d'une machine à laver et/ou sécher le linge à chargement du linge par le dessus ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue schématique en coupe d'une fermeture non-conforme d'une porte de tambour d'une machine à laver et/ou sécher le linge à chargement du linge par le dessus ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue schématique en coupe partielle de positionnement d'un moyen de mesure à distance assemblé sur une machine à laver le linge à chargement du linge par le dessus suivant un mode de réalisation de l'invention ; et
  • la figure 5 est une vue éclatée d'une porte du tambour d'une machine à laver à chargement du linge par le dessus comprenant un aimant fixé dans un bouton d'actionnement suivant un mode de réalisation de l'invention.
In the accompanying drawings, given as non-limiting examples:
  • the figure 1 is a schematic side view of a washing machine and / or tumble dry laundry laundry from above according to an embodiment of the invention;
  • the figure 2 is a diagrammatic sectional view of a conformal closure of a drum door of a washing machine and / or tumble drying laundry from above;
  • the figure 3 is a diagrammatic sectional view of a non-conformal closure of a drum door of a washing machine and / or tumble-drying the laundry from above;
  • the figure 4 is a schematic partial sectional view of the positioning of remote measuring means assembled on a washing machine to load the laundry from above according to an embodiment of the invention; and
  • the figure 5 is an exploded view of a drum door of a laundry washing machine from above comprising a magnet fixed in an actuating button according to an embodiment of the invention.

On va décrire tout d'abord en référence à la figure 1 une machine à laver le linge à chargement du linge par le dessus conforme à l'invention.We will first describe with reference to the figure 1 a top-loading laundry washing machine according to the invention.

La machine à laver le linge 1 est du type à chargement par le dessus. De cette manière, cette machine 1 est adaptée à laver le linge et éventuellement à le sécher.The washing machine 1 is of the top loading type. In this way, this machine 1 is suitable for washing the laundry and possibly drying it.

Cette machine à laver le linge 1 comporte une carrosserie 2 comprenant une ouverture d'accès 3 à l'intérieur de la carrosserie 2. Dans les machines à chargement par le dessus, cette ouverture d'accès 3 est réalisée dans une portion supérieure de la carrosserie 2, et dans cet exemple, dans un plan supérieur de la carrosserie 2.This washing machine 1 comprises a body 2 comprising an access opening 3 inside the body 2. In machines loading from above, this access opening 3 is made in an upper portion of the body 2, and in this example, in an upper plane of the bodywork 2.

Une porte d'accès 4 est adaptée à obturer cette ouverture 3 de la carrosserie 2 de la machine 1, notamment lors du fonctionnement de celle-ci.An access door 4 is adapted to close this opening 3 of the body 2 of the machine 1, especially during operation thereof.

En particulier, de manière connue, cette porte d'accès 4 est associée à des moyens de verrouillage (non représentés) dont le fonctionnement est lié au cycle de lavage de la machine 1. Ainsi, en début de cycle de lavage, les moyens de verrouillage sont actionnés pour empêcher l'ouverture de la porte d'accès 4. De manière similaire, en fin de cycle de lavage, les moyens de verrouillage sont déverrouillés pour permettre l'ouverture par l'utilisateur de la machine 1.In particular, in known manner, this access door 4 is associated with locking means (not shown) whose operation is related to the washing cycle of the machine 1. Thus, at the beginning of the washing cycle, the means of locking are actuated to prevent the opening of the access door 4. Similarly, at the end of washing cycle, the locking means are unlocked to allow the opening by the user of the machine 1.

Dans cet exemple de réalisation, et de manière nullement limitative, la porte d'accès 4 est montée pivotante autour d'un axe de rotation 5 solidaire de la carrosserie 2 de la machine 1.In this embodiment, and in no way limiting, the door access 4 is pivotally mounted about an axis of rotation 5 integral with the body 2 of the machine 1.

La carrosserie 2 de la machine 1 est adaptée à loger une cuve de lavage 6 qui est adaptée notamment à contenir les différents bains de lavage et de rinçage.The bodywork 2 of the machine 1 is adapted to house a washing tub 6 which is particularly suitable for containing the various washing and rinsing baths.

A l'intérieur de la cuve de lavage 6 est monté de manière connue un tambour 7, mobile en rotation autour d'un axe 8 lors des différents cycles de lavage, de rinçage et d'essorage de la machine 1.Inside the washing tub 6 is mounted in a known manner a drum 7, rotatable about an axis 8 during the different cycles of washing, rinsing and wringing machine 1.

Le tambour 7 est ainsi monté en rotation autour d'un axe horizontal 8.The drum 7 is thus rotatably mounted about a horizontal axis 8.

On notera que la figure 1 est schématique et que de nombreux organes nécessaires au fonctionnement de la machine (et par exemple moteur, pompes, filtres, ...) ont été omis et n'ont pas besoin d'être décrits en détail ici.It will be noted that the figure 1 is schematic and that many organs necessary for the operation of the machine (and for example engine, pumps, filters, ...) have been omitted and do not need to be described in detail here.

Afin de permettre l'introduction et le retrait du linge à l'intérieur du tambour rotatif 7, celui-ci comporte de manière connue une porte d'accès 9, par exemple formée de deux battants 10a et 10b montés en pivotement sur la virole du tambour 7.In order to allow the introduction and removal of the laundry inside the rotary drum 7, it comprises, in known manner, an access door 9, for example formed by two leaves 10a and 10b pivotally mounted on the shell of the drum 7.

De manière similaire, la cuve de lavage 6 peut comporter également une porte de cuve (non représentée).Similarly, the washing tub 6 may also include a tank door (not shown).

Cette porte de cuve permet d'obturer une ouverture 11 réalisée dans la cuve 6 et disposée sensiblement au droit de l'ouverture d'accès 3 de la carrosserie 2 de la machine 1.This tank door makes it possible to close an opening 11 made in the tank 6 and disposed substantially in line with the access opening 3 of the bodywork 2 of the machine 1.

Cette porte de cuve peut ainsi être mobile entre une position fermée dans laquelle elle obture l'ouverture 11, de manière étanche, et une position ouverte dans laquelle le vantail de porte de cuve est disposé entre la paroi de cuve 6 et la carrosserie 2 de la machine 1.This tank door can thus be movable between a closed position in which it closes the opening 11, in a sealed manner, and an open position in which the door leaf is disposed between the tank wall 6 and the body 2 of the machine 1.

Le tambour 7 tel qu'illustré à la figure 1 est un tambour destiné à recevoir du linge soit dans un lave-linge ou une lavante-séchante, la virole étant dans ces cas là perforée.The drum 7 as illustrated in figure 1 is a drum for receiving laundry either in a washing machine or a washer-dryer, the ferrule being in these cases perforated.

Ce tambour 7 est destiné à être monté en rotation à l'intérieur d'une cuve 6 de la machine 1.This drum 7 is intended to be mounted in rotation inside a tank 6 of the machine 1.

La virole du tambour 6 comporte une ouverture 13 obturée par une porte 9.The shell of the drum 6 has an opening 13 closed by a door 9.

Cette porte 9 comporte au moins un battant 10b.This door 9 comprises at least one leaf 10b.

Ledit au moins un battant 10b du tambour 7 est monté au niveau d'un côté de battant en rotation autour d'un axe 12b solidaire d'un bord de l'ouverture 13.Said at least one flap 10b of the drum 7 is mounted at a flap side in rotation about an axis 12b integral with an edge of the opening 13.

Il s'agit d'un montage classique d'un battant en rotation autour d'un axe, tel que couramment utilisé pour les battants d'un tambour de machine à laver le linge.This is a conventional assembly of a flapper rotating about an axis, as commonly used for the flaps of a drum washing machine.

Afin de faciliter l'ouverture du au moins un battant 10b, et la rotation de ce battant 10b autour de l'axe 12b, il est classique de prévoir un ressort monté en torsion pour exercer une force de rotation sur l'axe 12b.In order to facilitate the opening of the at least one leaf 10b, and the rotation of this leaf 10b around the axis 12b, it is conventional to provide a spring mounted in torsion to exert a rotational force on the axis 12b.

Un second battant 10a de la porte 9 du tambour 7 peut également être monté en rotation au niveau d'un de ses côtés autour d'un axe 12a solidaire d'un second bord de l'ouverture 13.A second leaf 10a of the door 9 of the drum 7 can also be rotatably mounted at one of its sides around an axis 12a secured to a second edge of the opening 13.

Ce second bord de l'ouverture 13 correspond au bord opposé du premier bord de cette ouverture 13 sur lequel est monté le premier battant 10b.This second edge of the opening 13 corresponds to the opposite edge of the first edge of this opening 13 on which is mounted the first leaf 10b.

Tout type de charnière peut permettre de réaliser ce montage en rotation des battants 10a et 10b respectivement le long de leur côté.Any type of hinge can make it possible to perform this assembly in rotation of the leaves 10a and 10b respectively along their side.

Chaque battant 10a et 10b comporte une série de paliers destinés à être montés autour de leur axe 12a et 12b respectif de telle sorte que les paliers des battants 10a et 10b sont entrecroisés avec les paliers respectifs sur les bords de l'ouverture 13.Each leaf 10a and 10b comprises a series of bearings intended to be mounted around their respective axis 12a and 12b so that the leaf bearings 10a and 10b are interwoven with the respective bearings on the edges of the opening 13.

Un tableau de commande 14 est également prévu en partie supérieure de la machine 1.A control panel 14 is also provided in the upper part of the machine 1.

Seuls les moyens spécifiques à la mise en oeuvre du procédé de positionnement d'une porte de tambour d'une machine à laver et/ou sécher le linge à chargement du linge par le dessus conforme à l'invention seront décrits ci-après.Only the specific means for the implementation of the method of positioning a drum door of a washing machine and / or tumble dry laundry loading from above according to the invention will be described below.

On va décrire à présent, en référence aux figures 1 à 5 un procédé de surveillance de positionnement d'une porte de tambour d'une machine à laver et/ou sécher le linge à chargement du linge par le dessus conforme à l'invention.We will now describe, with reference to Figures 1 to 5 a method of monitoring the positioning of a drum door of a washing machine and / or drying the laundry load laundry from above according to the invention.

La machine à laver et/ou sécher le linge à chargement du linge par le dessus 1 comprend un tambour 7 mobile en rotation autour d'un axe horizontal 8.The machine for washing and / or drying the laundry load laundry from above 1 comprises a drum 7 movable in rotation about a horizontal axis 8.

Le tambour 7 comprend une ouverture 13 de chargement du linge obturée par une porte 9.The drum 7 comprises an opening 13 for loading the laundry closed by a door 9.

La porte 9 comprend au moins un battant 10b.The door 9 comprises at least one leaf 10b.

La machine 1 comprend également au moins un moyen de mesure de distance 15 entre au moins un battant 10b de la porte 9 du tambour 7 et au moins un point de référence R de la machine 1.The machine 1 also comprises at least one distance measuring means 15 between at least one leaf 10b of the door 9 of the drum 7 and at least one reference point R of the machine 1.

Le point de référence R de la machine 1 peut être placé en tout point de la cuve 6 de ladite machine 1, et en particulier sur la partie arrière de cette cuve 6.The reference point R of the machine 1 can be placed at any point in the tank 6 of said machine 1, and in particular on the rear part of this tank 6.

Le point de référence R de la machine 1 peut également être placé sur une partie fixe de la machine 1, notamment sur la carrosserie 2 et en particulier sur la porte d'accès 4 de la carrosserie 2.The reference point R of the machine 1 can also be placed on a fixed part of the machine 1, in particular on the bodywork 2 and in particular on the access door 4 of the bodywork 2.

Préférentiellement, ledit au moins un moyen de mesure de distance 15 comprend un aimant 16 fixé sur ledit au moins un battant 10b de la porte 9 du tambour 7 et un relais Reed 17 fixé au niveau dudit au moins un point de référence R de ladite machine 1.Preferably, said at least one distance measuring means 15 comprises a magnet 16 fixed on said at least one leaf 10b of the door 9 of the drum 7 and a Reed relay 17 fixed at said at least one reference point R of said machine 1.

Avantageusement, l'aimant 16 est fixé à l'intérieur d'un bouton d'actionnement 18 d'au moins un battant 10b de la porte 9 du tambour 7.Advantageously, the magnet 16 is fixed inside an actuating button 18 of at least one leaf 10b of the door 9 of the drum 7.

Dans le cas où la porte 9 du tambour 7 est mal fermée, tel qu'illustré à la figure 3, ledit au moins un battant 10b et le bouton d'actionnement 18 est en position rentrée vers l'intérieur dudit tambour 7.In the case where the door 9 of the drum 7 is badly closed, as illustrated in FIG. figure 3 said at least one leaf 10b and the actuating button 18 is in the inward position of said drum 7.

Dans le cas où la porte 9 du tambour 7 est fermée correctement, tel qu'illustré à la à figure 2, ledit au moins un battant 10b et le bouton d'actionnement 18 sont alignés avec la paroi périphérique dudit tambour 7 de sorte à ne pas rentrer vers l'intérieur de ce dernier.In the case where the door 9 of the drum 7 is closed correctly, as illustrated in FIG. figure 2 , said at least one leaf 10b and the actuating button 18 are aligned with the peripheral wall of said drum 7 so as not to return towards the inside thereof.

Le positionnement de l'aimant 16 dans le bouton d'actionnement 18 d'au moins un battant 10b de la porte 9 du tambour 7 permet d'utiliser la course de déplacement dudit bouton d'actionnement 18 de sorte à augmenter la distance D entre l'aimant 16 et le relais Reed 17 lorsque la porte 9 du tambour 7 est mal fermée.The positioning of the magnet 16 in the actuating button 18 of at least one leaf 10b of the door 9 of the drum 7 makes it possible to use the displacement stroke of said actuating button 18 so as to increase the distance D between the magnet 16 and the relay Reed 17 when the door 9 of the drum 7 is badly closed.

De cette manière, la plage de fonctionnement du moyen de mesure de distance 15 est accrue.In this way, the operating range of the distance measuring means 15 is increased.

Avantageusement, le relais Reed 17 est fixé sur la cuve 6 dans le cas des machines à laver le linge à chargement du linge par le dessus et des machines à laver et sécher le linge à chargement du linge par le dessus.Advantageously, the Reed relay 17 is fixed on the tank 6 in the case of washing machines to load the laundry from above and washing machines and dry laundry loading laundry from above.

Préférentiellement, le relais Reed 17 est fixé sur la partie supérieure et arrière de la cuve 6.Preferably, the Reed relay 17 is fixed on the upper and rear part of the tank 6.

Préférentiellement, le relais Reed 17 et l'aimant 16 sont alignés dans un même plan traversant la machine 1 suivant une direction verticale.Preferably, the Reed relay 17 and the magnet 16 are aligned in the same plane passing through the machine 1 in a vertical direction.

De cette manière, le relais Reed détecte l'aimant 16 avec une fiabilité accrue de sorte à déterminer le positionnement de la porte 9 du tambour 7 et en particulier la fermeture conforme de ladite porte 9 du tambour. Le signal généré par la détection de l'aimant 16 par le relais Reed 17 est traité par les moyens de commande (non représentés) de la machine 1, et par exemple par un microprocesseur.In this way, the Reed relay detects the magnet 16 with increased reliability so as to determine the positioning of the door 9 of the drum 7 and in particular the conformal closure of said door 9 of the drum. The signal generated by the detection of the magnet 16 by the Reed relay 17 is processed by the control means (no represented) of the machine 1, and for example by a microprocessor.

L'aimant 16 est fixé sur au moins un battant 10b de la porte 9 du tambour 7, et préférentiellement inséré dans un bouton d'actionnement 18 de ladite porte 9 du tambour 7. L'aimant 16 est adapté à être trempé dans le bain de lavage de la cuve 6 et à subir les agressions dues aux détergents.The magnet 16 is fixed on at least one flap 10b of the door 9 of the drum 7, and preferably inserted into an actuating button 18 of said door 9 of the drum 7. The magnet 16 is adapted to be soaked in the bath washing the tank 6 and to undergo the aggressions due to detergents.

Le procédé de surveillance de positionnement d'une porte 9 de tambour 7 d'une machine à laver et/ou sécher le linge à chargement du linge par le dessus 1 comprend au moins les étapes suivantes :

  • détection E1 de la distance D entre au moins un battant 10b de la porte 9 du tambour 7 et au moins un point de référence R de la machine 1 ;
  • arrêt ou démarrage E2 d'un cycle de fonctionnement de la machine 1 en fonction du résultat de l'étape de détection E1.
The method of monitoring the positioning of a drum door 7 of a washing machine and / or drying the laundry laundry from above 1 comprises at least the following steps:
  • detection E1 of the distance D between at least one flap 10b of the door 9 of the drum 7 and at least one reference point R of the machine 1;
  • stopping or starting E2 of an operating cycle of the machine 1 according to the result of the detection step E1.

Ainsi, la fermeture de la porte 9 du tambour 7 est surveillée par un moyen de mesure de distance 15 entre un point de référence R de la machine 1 et au moins un battant 10b de la porte 9 du tambour 7.Thus, the closing of the door 9 of the drum 7 is monitored by a distance measuring means 15 between a reference point R of the machine 1 and at least one leaf 10b of the door 9 of the drum 7.

La surveillance de la distance D entre un point de référence R de la machine 1 et au moins un battant 10b de la porte 9 du tambour 7 permet de démarrer ou d'arrêter un cycle de fonctionnement mis en oeuvre par la machine 1 en fonction du résultat de la mesure de distance.Monitoring the distance D between a reference point R of the machine 1 and at least one leaf 10b of the door 9 of the drum 7 makes it possible to start or stop an operating cycle implemented by the machine 1 as a function of the result of the distance measurement.

De cette manière, le fonctionnement de la machine à laver et/ou sécher le linge 1 est garanti dès le départ d'un cycle de fonctionnement de ladite machine 1 tout en évitant un endommagement des éléments constituant ladite machine et/ou du linge 1 contenu dans le tambour 7.In this way, the operation of the washing machine and / or drying the laundry 1 is guaranteed from the start of an operating cycle of said machine 1 while avoiding damage to the elements constituting said machine and / or laundry 1 content in the drum 7.

Le procédé conforme à l'invention permet de s'assurer que la porte 9 du tambour 7 est correctement fermée et qu'aucun risque d'endommagement des éléments constituant la machine 1 et/ou du linge contenu dans le tambour 7 est encouru par une mauvaise fermeture de ladite porte 9 de tambour 7.The method according to the invention makes it possible to ensure that the door 9 of the drum 7 is properly closed and that no risk of damaging the elements constituting the machine 1 and / or the laundry contained in the drum 7 is incurred by a machine. poor closure of said drum door 9.

L'étape de détection E1 est précédée d'une étape d'entraînement en rotation E0 du tambour 7 à une vitesse de rotation inférieure ou égale à un seuil V prédéterminé.The detection step E1 is preceded by a step of rotating E0 of the drum 7 at a speed of rotation less than or equal to a predetermined threshold V.

Ainsi, le moyen de mesure de distance 15 entre au moins un battant 10b de la porte 9 du tambour 7 et au moins un point de référence R de la machine 1 détecte une distance D permettant de s'assurer de la fermeture correcte de ladite porte 9 du tambour 7.Thus, the distance measuring means 15 between at least one flap 10b of the door 9 of the drum 7 and at least one reference point R of the machine 1 detects a distance D making it possible to ensure the correct closure of said door 9 of the drum 7.

La différence de distance D détectée par le moyen de mesure de distance 15 entre une position de la porte 9 du tambour 7 correctement fermée et une position de cette dernière mal fermée est comprise dans une plage pouvant s'étendre entre 5mm et 10mm.The difference in distance D detected by the distance measuring means 15 between a position of the door 9 of the drum 7 properly closed and a position of the latter badly closed is in a range that can range between 5mm and 10mm.

Bien entendu, ces valeurs de discrimination de la distance D détectée par le moyen de mesure de distance 15 ne sont nullement limitatives et peuvent être différentes en fonction de la construction d'une machine à laver et/ou sécher le linge à chargement du linge par le dessus.Of course, these values of discrimination of the distance D detected by the distance measuring means 15 are in no way limiting and may be different depending on the construction of a washing machine and / or drying the laundry to load the laundry by the top.

Les valeurs de la différence de distance D détectée par le moyen de mesure de distance 15 sont données à titre d'exemples et sont le résultat d'expérimentations mises en oeuvre par la Demanderesse.The values of the distance difference D detected by the distance measuring means 15 are given as examples and are the result of experiments carried out by the Applicant.

Cette surveillance de la distance D entre au moins un battant 10b de la porte 9 du tambour 7 et au moins un point de référence R de la machine 1 est assuré par le moyen de mesure de distance 15 lors de l'entraînement en rotation du tambour 7.This monitoring of the distance D between at least one leaf 10b of the door 9 of the drum 7 and at least one reference point R of the machine 1 is provided by the distance measuring means 15 during the rotation of the drum. 7.

De cette manière, la détection de la distance D entre au moins un battant 10b de la porte 9 du tambour 7 et au moins un point de référence R de la machine 1 est réalisé de manière dynamique et permet de surveiller la fermeture conforme de la porte 9 du tambour 7 quel que soit le positionnement angulaire de ladite porte 9 du tambour 7 lors d'une commande de départ d'un cycle de fonctionnement de ladite machine 1.In this way, the detection of the distance D between at least one flap 10b of the door 9 of the drum 7 and at least one reference point R of the machine 1 is made dynamically and makes it possible to monitor the proper closing of the door 9 of the drum 7 regardless of the angular positioning of said door 9 of the drum 7 during a start command of an operating cycle of said machine 1.

Le positionnement de l'aimant 16 dans un bouton d'actionnement 18 de la porte 9 du tambour 7 permet une amplification de la distance D détectée par le moyen de mesure de distance 15 lorsque ladite porte 9 du tambour 7 est mal fermée.The positioning of the magnet 16 in an actuating button 18 of the door 9 of the drum 7 makes it possible to amplify the distance D detected by the distance measuring means 15 when said door 9 of the drum 7 is badly closed.

Cette amplification de la distance D est due à l'enfoncement du bouton d'actionnement 18 vers l'intérieur du tambour 7 lorsque la porte 9 est mal fermée. Lorsque la porte 9 du tambour 7 est mal fermée, le bouton d'actionnement 18 est enfoncé vers l'intérieur dudit tambour 7 comme pour déverrouiller le ou les battants 10b de ladite porte 9 du tambour 7.This amplification of the distance D is due to the depression of the actuating button 18 towards the inside of the drum 7 when the door 9 is badly closed. When the door 9 of the drum 7 is badly closed, the actuating button 18 is pressed towards the inside of said drum 7 as to unlock the door or doors 10b of said door 9 of the drum 7.

Par conséquent, le positionnement de l'aimant 16 dans un bouton d'actionnement 18 de la porte 9 du tambour 7 permet d'accroître la distance D détectée par le moyen de mesure de distance 15 entre ledit au moins un battant 10b de ladite porte 9 et ledit au moins un point de référence R de la machine 1 lors de l'étape de détection E1.Therefore, the positioning of the magnet 16 in an actuating button 18 of the door 9 of the drum 7 makes it possible to increase the distance D detected by the distance measuring means 15 between said at least one leaf 10b of said door 9 and said at least one reference point R of the machine 1 during the detection step E1.

Un tel positionnement de l'aimant 16 dans un bouton d'actionnement 18 de la porte 9 du tambour 7 permet de distinguer plus amplement les états de ladite porte 9 du tambour, c'est-à-dire l'état de la porte 9 du tambour 7 correctement fermée et l'état de cette dernière mal fermée.Such positioning of the magnet 16 in an actuating button 18 of the door 9 of the drum 7 makes it possible to distinguish more completely the states of said door 9 of the drum, that is to say the state of the door 9 drum 7 properly closed and the state of the latter badly closed.

L'enfoncement du bouton d'actionnement 18, lorsque la porte 9 du tambour 7 est mal fermée, est illustré à la figue 3.The depression of the actuating button 18, when the door 9 of the drum 7 is poorly closed, is illustrated in FIG.

Préférentiellement, le seuil V prédéterminé de vitesse de rotation du tambour 7 est de l'ordre de 50 tours par minute.Preferably, the predetermined threshold V rotation speed of the drum 7 is of the order of 50 revolutions per minute.

Ainsi, la détection de la distance D entre au moins un battant 10b de la porte 9 du tambour 7 et au moins un point de référence R de la machine 1 est réalisé lors de l'entraînement en rotation du tambour 7 à basse vitesse de sorte à éviter tout endommagement des éléments constituant ladite machine 1 et/ou du linge contenu dans le tambour 7 en cas de fermeture non conforme de la porte 9 du tambour 7.Thus, the detection of the distance D between at least one flap 10b of the door 9 of the drum 7 and at least one reference point R of the machine 1 is performed when the rotation of the drum 7 is rotated at low speed so as to prevent any damage to the elements constituting said machine 1 and / or the laundry contained in the drum 7 in the event of an improper closing of the door 9 of the drum 7.

Avantageusement, les étapes d'entraînement en rotation E0 du tambour 7 et de détection E1 sont répétées un nombre de fois prédéterminé avant l'étape d'arrêt ou démarrage E2 d'un cycle de fonctionnement de ladite machine 1 en cas de détection d'une distance D anormale entre ledit au moins un battant 10b de ladite porte 9 dudit tambour 7 et ledit au moins un point de référence R de ladite machine 1.Advantageously, the steps of rotation of rotation E0 of drum 7 and detection E1 are repeated a predetermined number of times before the step of stopping or starting E2 of an operating cycle of said machine 1 in the event of detection of an abnormal distance D between said at least one leaf 10b of said door 9 of said drum 7 and said at least one reference point R of said machine 1.

Ainsi, le moyen de mesure de distance 15 permet de s'assurer que la porte 9 du tambour 7 est mal fermée en cas de mesure d'une distance D anormale par rapport à la distance D prédéterminée par une répétition des étapes d'entraînement en rotation E0 du tambour 7 et de détection E1.Thus, the distance measuring means 15 makes it possible to ensure that the door 9 of the drum 7 is badly closed when measuring a distance D which is abnormal with respect to the predetermined distance D by a repetition of the training steps in rotation E0 of drum 7 and detection E1.

La répétition des étapes d'entraînement en rotation E0 du tambour 7 et de détection E1 permet d'éviter d'arrêter inutilement un cycle de fonctionnement de la machine 1 suite à une seule mesure de la distance D entre au moins un battant 10b de la porte 9 dudit tambour 7 et au moins un point de référence R de ladite machine 1.The repetition of the rotational drive steps E0 of the drum 7 and the detection E1 make it possible to avoid unnecessarily stopping an operating cycle of the machine 1 following a single measurement of the distance D between at least one leaf 10b of the machine. door 9 of said drum 7 and at least one reference point R of said machine 1.

La répétition des étapes d'entraînement en rotation E0 du tambour 7 et de détection E1 permet de garantir la fiabilité de la détection de la distance D anormale par rapport à une valeur prédéterminée par le fabricant de machines à laver et/ou sécher le linge.The repetition of the rotation rotation steps E0 of the drum 7 and the detection E1 make it possible to guarantee the reliability of the detection of the abnormal distance D relative to a predetermined value by the manufacturer of washing machines and / or to dry the laundry.

Pratiquement, les étapes d'entraînement en rotation E0 du tambour 7 et de détection E1 sont répétées trois fois avant d'arrêter un cycle de fonctionnement d'une machine à laver et/ou sécher le linge 1.Practically, the steps of rotating rotation E0 of the drum 7 and detecting E1 are repeated three times before stopping a cycle of operation of a washing machine and / or drying the laundry 1.

Bien entendu, le nombre de répétitions des étapes d'entraînement en rotation E0 du tambour 7 et de détection E1 n'est nullement limitatif et peut prendre toute autre valeur définie par un fabricant de machines à laver et/ou sécher le linge.Of course, the number of repetitions of the E0 rotary drive steps drum 7 and E1 detection is not limiting and can take any other value defined by a manufacturer of washing machines and / or tumble dry.

Préférentiellement, la répétition d'une étape d'entraînement en rotation E0 du tambour 7 est mise en oeuvre en sens inverse par rapport à une étape d'entraînement en rotation E0 du tambour 7 précédente.Preferably, the repetition of a rotary drive step E0 of the drum 7 is carried out in the opposite direction with respect to a step of rotating E0 of the preceding drum 7.

Ainsi, la fiabilité de la mesure de la distance D réalisée par le moyen de mesure de distance 15 est accrue.Thus, the reliability of measuring the distance D made by the distance measuring means 15 is increased.

Cette inversion du sens de rotation du tambour 7 permet également de réduire le temps de détection de la distance D entre au moins un battant 10b de la porte 9 dudit tambour 7 et au moins un point de référence R de la machine 1 par des passages successifs dudit au moins un battant 10b devant le moyen de mesure de distance 15.This inversion of the direction of rotation of the drum 7 also makes it possible to reduce the detection time of the distance D between at least one flap 10b of the door 9 of said drum 7 and at least one reference point R of the machine 1 by successive passages said at least one leaf 10b in front of the distance measuring means 15.

L'inversion du sens de rotation du tambour 7 permet également d'éviter de réaliser un tour complet dudit tambour 7 autour de son axe de rotation 8 pour chacune des mesures de distance D mises en oeuvre à l'étape de détection E1.The reversal of the direction of rotation of the drum 7 also makes it possible to avoid making a complete revolution of said drum 7 about its axis of rotation 8 for each of the distance measurements D implemented at the detection step E1.

L'inversion du sens de rotation du tambour 7 permet aussi de limiter le risque que ledit au moins un battant 10b puisse s'accrocher sur un élément de la machine 1 lors de l'entraînement en rotation dudit tambour 7.The reversal of the direction of rotation of the drum 7 also makes it possible to limit the risk that said at least one leaf 10b can catch on an element of the machine 1 during the rotary drive of said drum 7.

Le moyen de mesure de distance 15 est préférentiellement placé en partie supérieure de la machine 1 pour éviter que le linge ne puisse s'extraire du tambour 7 en cas de fermeture non conforme de la porte 9 dudit tambour 7 et provoquer l'endommagement dudit linge contenu dans ledit tambour 7.The distance measuring means 15 is preferably placed in the upper part of the machine 1 to prevent the laundry can be removed from the drum 7 in case of improper closing of the door 9 of said drum 7 and cause damage to said laundry contained in said drum 7.

Une étape d'alerte E3 est mise en oeuvre suite à l'étape d'arrêt ou démarrage E2 en cas de détection d'une distance D anormale entre au moins un battant 10b de la porte 9 du tambour 7 et au moins un point de référence R de la machine 1.An alerting step E3 is carried out following the stopping or starting step E2 in the event of detecting an abnormal distance D between at least one flap 10b of the door 9 of the drum 7 and at least one stitch. reference R of the machine 1.

Ainsi, l'utilisateur est prévenu d'une fermeture non conforme de la porte 9 du tambour 7 suite à la détection d'un distance D entre au moins un battant 10b de ladite porte 9 dudit tambour 7 et au moins un point de référence R de la machine 1 différente de celle prédéterminée par le fabricant de machine à laver et/ou sécher le linge à chargement du linge par le dessus.Thus, the user is warned of an improper closing of the door 9 of the drum 7 following the detection of a distance D between at least one leaf 10b of said door 9 of said drum 7 and at least one reference point R of the machine 1 different from that predetermined by the manufacturer of washing machine and / or tumble dry laundry loading from above.

L'alerte mise en oeuvre suite à la détection d'une distance D anormale entre au moins un battant 10b de la porte 9 dudit tambour 7 et au moins un point de référence R de la machine 1 est réalisée par exemple par un signal sonore, ou par l'allumage d'un voyant, ou encore par l'affichage d'un message sur un écran.The alert implemented following the detection of an abnormal distance D between at least one leaf 10b of the door 9 of said drum 7 and at least one reference point R of the machine 1 is made for example by a sound signal, or by lighting a light, or by displaying a message on a screen.

Pratiquement, l'étape d'alerte E3 est suivie d'une étape de vérification de la fermeture dudit au moins un battant 10b de la porte 9 du tambour 7 de sorte à commander un nouveau départ d'un cycle de fonctionnement de ladite machine 1.Practically, the alerting step E3 is followed by a step of verifying the closure of said at least one leaf 10b of the door 9 of the drum 7 so as to control a new start of an operating cycle of said machine 1 .

La vérification de la fermeture dudit au moins un battant 10b de la porte 9 du tambour 7 peut être réalisée par l'utilisateur ou encore par un élément automatisé de la machine 1. L'utilisateur ou encore un élément automatisé de la machine 1 referme la porte 9 du tambour 7 et une commande de départ d'un nouveau cycle de fonctionnement de la machine 1 est exécutée en commençant par contrôler la fermeture de ladite porte 9 du tambour 7.Verification of the closure of said at least one leaf 10b of the door 9 of the drum 7 may be performed by the user or by an automated element of the machine 1. The user or an automated element of the machine 1 closes the door 9 of the drum 7 and a start command of a new operating cycle of the machine 1 is executed starting by controlling the closing of said door 9 of the drum 7.

Avantageusement, les données du programme de fonctionnement initial de la machine 1 sont conservées dans des moyens de commande de ladite machine 1 pour le nouveau départ du cycle de fonctionnement de ladite machine 1.Advantageously, the data of the initial operating program of the machine 1 are stored in control means of said machine 1 for the new start of the operating cycle of said machine 1.

De cette manière, les données du programme du cycle de fonctionnement de la machine 1 sont conservées par exemple dans une mémoire d'un microprocesseur de sorte à éviter à l'utilisateur de programmer de nouveau le cycle de fonctionnement de la machine 1.In this way, the program data of the operating cycle of the machine 1 are stored for example in a memory of a microprocessor so as to prevent the user from programming the operating cycle of the machine 1 again.

Les données du programme du cycle de fonctionnement de la machine 1 peuvent être par exemple la température du bain de lavage, la vitesse maximum d'essorage, la durée du cycle de fonctionnement, la nature des pièces de linge.The program data of the machine 1 operating cycle can be for example, the temperature of the washing bath, the maximum spin speed, the duration of the operating cycle, the nature of the laundry items.

Bien entendu, les données énumérées du programme du cycle de fonctionnement de la machine ne sont nullement limitatives et peuvent être toutes données utilisée pour le fonctionnement d'une machine à laver et/ou sécher le linge.Of course, the data listed in the program of the operating cycle of the machine are in no way limiting and may be any data used for the operation of a washing machine and / or drying the laundry.

Dans un mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention, la porte 9 du tambour 7 comprend deux battants 10a et 10b, un premier battant 10a comprenant au moins un crochet de verrouillage 19, un second battant 10b comprenant au moins une ouverture 20 coopérant avec ledit au moins un crochet de verrouillage 19 dudit premier battant 10a de sorte à fermer l'ouverture 13 de chargement du linge dudit tambour 7.In a particular embodiment of the invention, the door 9 of the drum 7 comprises two flaps 10a and 10b, a first flap 10a comprising at least one locking hook 19, a second flap 10b comprising at least one opening 20 cooperating with said at least one locking hook 19 of said first leaf 10a so as to close the loading opening 13 of said drum 7.

Dans ce mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'étape d'alerte E3 est mise en oeuvre suite à l'étape d'arrêt ou démarrage E2 en cas de détection d'une distance D supérieure à un seuil L prédéterminé entre ledit au moins un battant 10b de ladite porte dudit tambour et ledit au moins un point de référence R de ladite machine 1.In this embodiment of the invention, the alerting step E3 is carried out following the stop or start step E2 in the event of detection of a distance D greater than a predetermined threshold L between said at least one leaf 10b of said door of said drum and said at least one reference point R of said machine 1.

La fermeture de la porte 9 du tambour 7 comprenant deux battants 10a et 10b montés en rotation respectivement autour d'axes de rotation 12a et 12b est non conforme lorsque ces deux battants 10a et 10b sont mal accrochés.The closing of the door 9 of the drum 7 comprising two leaves 10a and 10b rotatably mounted respectively about rotation axes 12a and 12b is non-compliant when these two leaves 10a and 10b are poorly hung.

Le mauvais accrochage de ces battants 10a et 10b résulte d'un accrochage partiel et provoque l'enfoncement de la porte 9 vers l'intérieur du tambour 7.The bad attachment of these wings 10a and 10b results from a partial attachment and causes the depression of the door 9 towards the inside of the drum 7.

Le mauvais accrochage de ces battants 10a et 10b est caractérisé par l'augmentation de la distance D entre le point de référence D de la machine 1 et le battant 10b de la porte 9 du tambour 7.The bad attachment of these leaves 10a and 10b is characterized by the increase of the distance D between the reference point D of the machine 1 and the flap 10b of the door 9 of the drum 7.

L'utilisation du couple relais Reed 17 - aimant 16 comme moyen de mesure de la distance 15 est particulièrement intéressant. En effet certaines machines à laver et/ou à sécher le linge à chargement du linge par le dessus utilisent déjà ce type de capteur pour réaliser la fonction de positionnement de la porte 9 du tambour 7 en face de l'ouverture d'accès 3 de la machine à laver et/ou à sécher le linge à chargement du linge par le dessus. Ce type de dispositif est bien connu de sorte qu'il ne nécessite pas d'être décrit plus avant.The use of the Reed relay torque 17 - magnet 16 as a means of measuring the distance 15 is particularly interesting. Indeed some washing machines and / or drying laundry loading laundry from above already use this type of sensor to perform the function of positioning the door 9 of the drum 7 in front of the access opening 3 of the washing machine and / or dryer the laundry loading from above. This type of device is well known so that it does not need to be described further.

Le positionnement adapté du relais Reed 17 et de l'aimant 16 dans la machine à laver et/ou à sécher le linge à chargement du linge par le dessus 1 permet de réaliser les deux fonctions : détecter une mauvaise fermeture dudit au moins un battant 10b de la porte 9 du tambour 7 et détecter le bon positionnement de la porte 9 du tambour 7 en vis-à-vis de l'ouverture de la machine à laver et/ou à sécher le linge à chargement du linge par le dessus 1.The adapted positioning of the relay Reed 17 and the magnet 16 in the washing machine and / or dryer laundry loading from the top 1 makes it possible to perform both functions: detecting a poor closure of said at least one leaf 10b the door 9 of the drum 7 and detect the correct positioning of the door 9 of the drum 7 vis-à-vis the opening of the washing machine and / or drying the laundry to load laundry from above 1.

Le mode de réalisation développé précédemment concerne une machine à laver le linge à chargement du linge par le dessus. Les mêmes procédés et dispositifs peuvent être utilisés sur une machine à sécher le linge à chargement du linge par le dessus. La différence principale se faisant sur le positionnement du relais Reed qui ne peut être sur la cuve puisqu'elle n'existe pas sur un tel produit. Dans ce cas le point de référence R sera fixé à l'intérieur de la carrosserie de la machine à sécher le linge à chargement du linge par le dessus et le fonctionnement sera identique à celui qui a été décrit précédemment.The embodiment previously developed relates to a washing machine laundry loading laundry from above. The same processes and devices can be used on a laundry dryer with top loading. The main difference being the positioning of the relay Reed that can not be on the tank since it does not exist on such a product. In this case the reference point R will be fixed inside the body of the dryer to load laundry from above and the operation will be identical to that described above.

Claims (14)

  1. A method for monitoring the positioning of a door (9) of a drum (7) of a top-loading laundry washing and/or drying machine (1), said laundry washing and/or drying machine (1) comprising a moving drum (7) rotating around a horizontal axis (8), said drum (7) comprising a laundry-loading opening (13) obstructed by a door (9), said door (9) comprising at least one hatch (10b), said machine (1) further comprising at least one distance-measuring means (15), characterized in that said method comprises at least the following steps:
    - detecting (E1) the distance (D) between said at least one hatch (10b) of said door (9) of said drum (7) and at least one reference point (R) of said machine (1) using said at least one means for measuring the distance (15) between said at least one hatch (10b) of said door (9) of said drum (7) and said at least one reference point (R) of said machine (1);
    - stopping or starting (E2) an operating cycle of said machine (1) depending on the result of the step of detecting (E1).
  2. A method for monitoring the positioning of a door (9) of a drum (7) of a top-loading laundry washing and/or drying machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the step of detecting (E1) is preceded by a step of rotationally driving (E0) the drum (7) at a rotational velocity less than or equal to a predetermined threshold (V).
  3. A method for monitoring the positioning of a door (9) of a drum (7) of a top-loading laundry washing and/or drying machine (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the drum's (7) predetermined rotational velocity threshold (V) is on the order of 50 revolutions per minute.
  4. A method for monitoring the positioning of a door (9) of a drum (7) of a top-loading laundry washing and/or drying machine (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the steps of rotationally driving (E0) the drum (7) and of detecting (E1) are repeated a predetermined number of times before the step of stopping or starting (E2) an operating cycle of said machine (1) in the event that an abnormal distance (D) is detected between at least one hatch (10b) of said door (9) of said drum (7) and said at least one reference point (R) of said machine (1).
  5. A method for monitoring the positioning of a door (9) of a drum (7) of a top-loading laundry washing and/or drying machine (1) according to claim 4,
    characterized in that the repetition of a step of rotationally driving (E0) the drum (7) is implemented in the opposite direction from a preceding step of rotationally driving (E0) the drum (7).
  6. A method for monitoring the positioning of a door (9) of a drum (7) of a top-loading laundry washing and/or drying machine (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a step of alerting (E3) is implemented following the step of stopping or starting (E2) if an abnormal distance (D) is detected between said at least one hatch (10b) of said door (9) of said drum (7) and said at least one reference point (R) of said machine (1).
  7. A method for monitoring the positioning of a door (9) of a drum (7) of a top-loading laundry washing and/or drying machine (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a step of alerting (E3) is implemented following the step of stopping or starting (E2) if a distance (D) greater than a predetermined threshold (L) is detected between said at least one hatch (10b) of said door (9) of said drum (7) and said at least one reference point (R) of said machine (1).
  8. A method for monitoring the positioning of a door (9) of a drum (7) of a top-loading laundry washing and/or drying machine (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the step of alerting (E3) is followed by a step of verifying the closing of said at least one hatch (10b) of the door (9) of the drum (7) so as to initiate a new start of an operating cycle of said machine (1).
  9. A method for monitoring the positioning of a door (9) of a drum (7) of a top-loading laundry washing and/or drying machine (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that said machine's (1) initial operating program data is saved in said machine's (1) controlling means for the new start of said machine's (1) operating cycle.
  10. A top-loading laundry washing and/or drying machine (1) comprising a moving drum (7) rotating around a horizontal axis (8), said drum (7) comprising a laundry-loading opening (13) obstructed by a door (9), said door (9) comprising at least one hatch (10b), said machine (1) further comprising at least one distance-measuring means (15) and a microprocessor, characterized in that said at least one distance-measuring means (15) measures the distance (D) between said at least one hatch (10b) of said door (9) of said drum (7) and at least one reference point (R) of said machine (1), and in that said top-loading laundry washing and/or drying machine (1) comprises a processing algorithm capable of implementing the method for monitoring the positioning of a door (9) of a drum (7) according to one of the claims 1 to 9.
  11. A top-loading laundry washing and/or drying machine (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that said at least one distance-measuring means (15) comprises a magnet (16) fastened onto said at least one hatch (10b) of the door (9) of the drum (7), and a Reed relay (17) fastened onto said at least one reference point (R) of said machine (1).
  12. A top-loading laundry washing and/or drying machine (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the magnet (16) is fastened onto the inside of a button (18) that activates at least one hatch (10b) of the door (9) of the drum (7).
  13. A top-loading laundry washing and/or drying machine (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the door (9) of the drum (7) includes two hatches (10a, 10b), a first hatch (10a) comprising at least one latching hook (19), a second hatch (10b) comprising at least one opening (20) cooperating with said at least one latching hook (19) of said first hatch (10a) so as to close the opening (13) for loading laundry into said drum (7).
  14. A top-loading laundry washing and/or drying machine (1) comprising a tub (6) housing the drum (7) according to one of the claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the Reed relay (17) is fastened to the tub (6).
EP09155418A 2008-03-17 2009-03-17 Method for monitoring the position of a drum door of a top-loading washing and/or drying laundry machine Active EP2103727B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL09155418T PL2103727T3 (en) 2008-03-17 2009-03-17 Method for monitoring the position of a drum door of a top-loading washing and/or drying laundry machine

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0801488A FR2928666B1 (en) 2008-03-17 2008-03-17 METHOD FOR MONITORING THE POSITIONING OF A DRUM DOOR OF A WASHING AND / OR DRYING MACHINE LAUNDRY LOADING LAUNDRY THROUGH

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2103727A1 EP2103727A1 (en) 2009-09-23
EP2103727B1 true EP2103727B1 (en) 2010-12-01

Family

ID=39810223

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP09155418A Active EP2103727B1 (en) 2008-03-17 2009-03-17 Method for monitoring the position of a drum door of a top-loading washing and/or drying laundry machine

Country Status (6)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2103727B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE490364T1 (en)
DE (1) DE602009000389D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2354485T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2928666B1 (en)
PL (1) PL2103727T3 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN110453447B (en) * 2018-05-07 2021-07-06 重庆海尔洗衣机有限公司 Close detection control system and method for top-opening type clothes treatment equipment
CN112342740A (en) * 2019-08-06 2021-02-09 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 Washing machine and control method thereof

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2588291B1 (en) * 1985-10-04 1994-12-30 Ciapem WASHING MACHINE OR DRYER DETECTING THE CLOSING CONDITION OF THE LAUNDRY DRUM
DE3707218A1 (en) * 1987-03-06 1988-09-15 Licentia Gmbh Method for the positioning of the laundry drum of a casing-loadable drum-type washing machine
FR2873133B1 (en) * 2004-07-13 2006-09-08 Electrolux Home Products Franc METHOD FOR DETECTING THE STATUS OF THE DRUM DOORS OF A WASHING OR DRYING MACHINE

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
PL2103727T3 (en) 2011-05-31
DE602009000389D1 (en) 2011-01-13
EP2103727A1 (en) 2009-09-23
FR2928666B1 (en) 2010-02-26
FR2928666A1 (en) 2009-09-18
ATE490364T1 (en) 2010-12-15
ES2354485T3 (en) 2011-03-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2103727B1 (en) Method for monitoring the position of a drum door of a top-loading washing and/or drying laundry machine
WO2016029881A1 (en) Drum washing machine
WO2018041079A1 (en) Drum type washing machine
TW201800639A (en) Clothing processing device capable of opening a lid with small force from the interior of a water tank
WO2019080825A1 (en) Drum washing machine
WO2016034084A1 (en) Drum-type washing machine
FR2772798A1 (en) WASHING MACHINE EQUIPPED WITH A DRUM DOOR WITH AUTOMATIC OPENING
FR2751669A1 (en) Top-loading washing machine or drier
EP3658728A1 (en) Device for commanding the opening of a motor vehicle from the outside, which is functionalized for the event of the handle being jammed
EP1688527A1 (en) Device and method for a rotating machine with automatic opening of the doors
CN116802353A (en) Washing machine and control method thereof
FR2784402A1 (en) Top-loading washing machine drum position sensor comprises permanent magnet, magnetic field detector and ferromagnetic strip on drive pulley
FR2788791A1 (en) METHOD OF INDEXING IN PRACTICE A DRUM OF WASHING MACHINE AND WASHING MACHINE IMPLEMENTING THIS METHOD
EP0549467A1 (en) Stop control system for a laundry dryer
FR2898609A1 (en) Cloth coloration protecting method for e.g. front loading washing machine, involves detecting color of washing and rinsing liquid using sensor, and emptying wash water from washing tank immediately after detection operation
EP0219422B1 (en) Washing machine or dryer with detection of the closing state of the washing drum
FR2892128A1 (en) Device for opening and closing the drum door of a horizontal-axis laundry washing or drying machine comprises trim panels attached to door flaps and an actuator mounted on a trim panel
EP1548170B1 (en) Door for rotating drum for washing machine and/or laundry dryer
FR2930201A1 (en) Lockable fuel tank flap for motor vehicle, has hook cooperated with dog-pilot point of closing and opening mechanism to hold point when hook is in position, and exerting control action on motor of actuator when hook is in another position
FR2873133A1 (en) Drum door state detecting method for cloth washing or drying machine, involves stopping starting or continuation of washing or drying cycle, displaying alarm message, and controlling machine if no change of state of sensor is noticed
FR2611758A1 (en) Positioning drum of top loading washing machine
EP3333298B1 (en) Method for operating a laundry washing device
EP1001068A1 (en) Device for opening and closing the drum of a top loading laundry washing or drying machine
JPH0257297A (en) Rotary drum door opening or closing device
EP0010049B1 (en) Detergent dispenser for a dish washer

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA RS

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20100322

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20100414

AKX Designation fees paid

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

RTI1 Title (correction)

Free format text: METHOD FOR MONITORING THE POSITION OF A DRUM DOOR OF A TOP-LOADING WASHING AND/OR DRYING LAUNDRY MACHINE

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 602009000389

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20110113

Kind code of ref document: P

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Effective date: 20110303

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: VDEP

Effective date: 20101201

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101201

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110301

LTIE Lt: invalidation of european patent or patent extension

Effective date: 20101201

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101201

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101201

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101201

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101201

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110301

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101201

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101201

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101201

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101201

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: PL

Ref legal event code: T3

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FD4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110302

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101201

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101201

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110401

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101201

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110401

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101201

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101201

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: FAGORBRANDT SAS

Effective date: 20110331

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101201

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20110331

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20110902

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602009000389

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20110902

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101201

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20110331

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101201

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20110317

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: CA

Effective date: 20130605

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101201

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101201

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20130317

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130331

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130331

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130317

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Payment date: 20150204

Year of fee payment: 7

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: PC2A

Owner name: GROUPE BRANDT

Effective date: 20150716

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: TP

Owner name: GROUPE BRANDT, FR

Effective date: 20150818

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R081

Ref document number: 602009000389

Country of ref document: DE

Owner name: GROUPE BRANDT, FR

Free format text: FORMER OWNER: FAGORBRANDT SAS, RUEIL-MALMAISON, FR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: GC

Effective date: 20151013

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 8

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 9

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 10

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20160317

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20230203

Year of fee payment: 15

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20230323

Year of fee payment: 15

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20230404

Year of fee payment: 15

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20240314

Year of fee payment: 16