EP2172142B1 - Method for controlling the movement of a mobile element of a control panel of an electric appliance and associated electric appliance - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a control method in displacement of a movable member of a control panel of a household appliance.

It also relates to an appliance comprising a control panel and said control panel comprising a movable member moving between at least two positions.

In general, the present invention relates to the displacement of a member of a control panel of a mobile home appliance between at least two positions. The displacement of this movable member of a control strip being achieved by means of a motorized drive device.

More particularly, the present invention finds its application in household appliances, and preferably for a cooking oven, possibly built-in, equipped with a member of a movable control panel on the front of the oven.

We know in the document FR 2 894 764 an appliance comprising a tilting control panel, which can be oriented on the front of the appliance at an angle of inclination.

Such a control panel makes it possible to present the user with a control interface, comprising control elements (push button, rotary knob, touch pad) and displays.

The movement of such a control strip may in particular be achieved by drive means actuated by a motor.

However, it is important that the motorization of the movement of a movable member of the control panel is simple and inexpensive to implement so as to limit the additional cost of this engine at the cost of obtaining a household appliance.

The document is also known DE 88 13 044 U1 which discloses an appliance cover, which includes control elements accessible in the open position and which, in the closed position, are concealed within an enclosure by the cover.

The cover is associated with an electric motor drive for opening and closing, the drive is activated by a switching element and a sensor detects objects in the closing path, in the presence of which the power supply is interrupted. for closing.

This cover provides protection against the risk of accidents such as pinching fingers or jamming objects.

The object of the present invention is to provide a control method for moving a movable member of a control panel of a household appliance which is reliable and inexpensive to implement while guaranteeing the safety of the user and said apparatus. Appliances when ordering on the move said movable member.

In this regard, the present invention aims, in a first aspect, a control method moving a movable member of a control panel of a household appliance, said control panel being mounted in a facade of said appliance, said control panel comprising a fixed support and a movable member, said movable member having a rotational movement about a fixed axis of rotation relative to said fixed support, said movable member of said control panel moving between at least two positions, said at least two positions of said movable member of said control panel corresponding to at least one aligned position of said movable member with respect to said front plane of said appliance and an inclined position of said movable member with respect to said front plane of said appliance, said headband control device comprising a motorized drive device of said movable member.

• acquisition d'un signal d'entrée adapté à commander ledit organe mobile d'une première position à une seconde position,
• contrôle de l'état de fonctionnement dudit appareil électroménager,
• déplacement par ledit dispositif d'entraînement motorisé dudit organe mobile d'une première position à une seconde position, ou
  maintien en position dudit organe mobile dans une première position en fonction du résultat de l'étape de contrôle de l'état de fonctionnement dudit appareil électroménager, et
• arrêt dudit organe mobile dans une seconde position si autorisation de l'étape de déplacement dudit organe mobile d'une première position à une seconde position.

According to the invention, said method comprises at least the following steps:

• acquisition of an input signal adapted to control said movable member from a first position to a second position,
• control of the operating state of said appliance,
• movement by said motorized driving device of said movable member from a first position to a second position, or
  holding said movable member in position in a first position according to the result of the step of checking the operating state of said appliance, and
• stopping said movable member in a second position if authorization of the step of moving said movable member from a first position to a second position.

Thus, the moving control method of a movable member of a control panel of a household appliance makes it possible to move said movable member of the control panel safely for the user and for the appliance.

In this way, the movable member of the control panel is moved after a check of the operating state of the appliance so as to avoid any risk of malfunction of said apparatus and any incident that may cause security risks for the user.

In the case where a malfunction of the appliance is detected, the movement of the movable member of the control panel is canceled and said movable member is held in a first position so as to guarantee the safety of the user and to avoid any damage to said appliance.

Such a control method makes it possible to drive in a simple, reliable and safe way a motorized drive device for moving a movable member of a control strip between at least two positions.

According to a preferred feature of the invention, the method comprises a step of prohibiting movement by said motorized drive device of said movable member under predetermined operating conditions of said appliance.

Thus, the movable member of the control panel is protected against a malfunction that may occur during operation of the appliance under predetermined conditions.

These predetermined operating conditions of the appliance are established by the manufacturer of said appliance so as to ensure that movement of the movable member of the control panel is achieved safely.

According to another preferred feature of the invention, the method comprises a step of adjusting an inclined position of said movable member relative to said front plane of said appliance through said motor drive.

Thus, the movable member of the control panel can be placed in a position inclined relative to the front plane of the appliance so as to facilitate the interface between said device and the user.

Adjusting the inclination of the movable member of the control panel thus facilitates the display of control means of the control panel. These control means may include in particular one or more buttons, one or more sensitive keys, one or more displays.

Adjusting the inclination of the movable member of the control panel thus makes it possible to position said movable member according to the user's measurements, in particular its height, and the place of installation of the appliance, especially if it is below or above a worktop.

Preferably, the method comprises a step of memorizing at least one inclined position of said movable member relative to said front plane of said appliance.

Thus, the movable member of the control panel can be placed in a position inclined relative to the front plane of the appliance which is stored according to the measurements of the user, including its height, and the location of the installation of the appliance, especially if it is located below or above a worktop.

In this way, the movable member of the control panel is placed in a inclined position relative to the front plane of the adapted household appliance without having to adjust its position each time the user uses it.

Furthermore, the movable member of the control panel can be placed in a position inclined relative to the front plane of the appliance which is stored respectively for each user.

In this way, each user sets and stores an inclined position of the movable member of the control panel without having to adjust its position each time a new user uses.

According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a household appliance comprising a control panel, said control panel being mounted in a front of said appliance, said control panel comprising a fixed support and a movable member, said movable member having a movement rotating around a fixed axis of rotation relative to said fixed support, said movable member of said control panel moving between at least two positions, said at least two positions of said movable member of said control panel corresponding to at least one aligned position said movable member with respect to said front plane of said appliance and a position inclined with respect to said front plane of said appliance, said control panel comprising a motorized driving device of said movable member.

According to the invention, said appliance comprises a key for acquiring an input signal adapted to control said movable member from a first position to a second position, means for controlling the operating state of said appliance. , and control means in displacement of said movable member cooperating with said control means of the operating state of said appliance.

Thus, the appliance has advantages similar to those described above with reference to the displacement control method according to the invention.

In particular, the appliance makes it possible to control the motorized drive device of the movable member of the control panel according to the operating state of said appliance.

The movable member of the control panel is moved from a first position to a second position if the control means of the operating state of the appliance allow it. Otherwise, the movable member of the control panel is maintained in a first position.

In practice, said motorized drive device is connected to said fixed support, said motorized drive device comprising a motor and a geared motor, said motorized drive device comprising a drive shaft in rotation of a motor. gear device, and said gear device comprising a pinion mounted on said axis of said motorized drive device and a rack mounted on said movable member.

Thus, the motorized drive device for moving the movable member of the control panel of a household appliance is simple, reliable and inexpensive to implement.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, said movable member comprises at least one wall placed in abutment with at least one wall of said fixed support so as to form at least one stop when said movable member is in an aligned position with respect to said front plane of said appliance.

Thus, the movable member of the control panel is placed in a reference position when at least one wall of said movable member is in abutment with at least one wall of the fixed support so as to form at least one stop when said movable member is aligned with the front plane of the appliance.

This setting reference position of the movable member of the control panel ensures the positioning of said movable member relative to the front plane of the appliance.

In this way, the front plane of the movable member of the control panel can be aligned with the front plane of the appliance.

Preferably, at least one stop between said movable member and said fixed support is located at an end of said movable member opposite said end of said movable member comprising said rack.

Thus, said at least one abutment makes it possible to avoid a torsion movement of the movable member during the setting in the reference position, that is to say when said movable member is in aligned position with respect to the front plane of the household appliance, which can be generated by the motorized drive device located at one end of said movable member.

According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, said movable member comprises at least one front wall and one bottom wall, and said bottom wall of said movable member extends between said front plane of said appliance and said front wall of said movable member some the angular position of said movable member relative to said front plane of said appliance.

Thus, the safety of the user is ensured since it can not pass his hands between the movable member of the control panel and the front plane of the appliance when said movable member is in an inclined position relative to said front plan of said appliance.

Preferably, said bottom wall of said movable member comprises a recess coming opposite a lower wall of said fixed support when said movable member is in an inclined position relative to said front plane of said appliance.

Thus, no planar object can be introduced between the movable member and the fixed support of the control panel, when said movable member is in an inclined position relative to the front plane of the appliance, so as to guarantee the safety of the user and to avoid any operating incident of said appliance.

The user is further assured that no electrically conductive object can be introduced between the movable member and the fixed support of the control panel, when said movable member is in an inclined position relative to the front plane of the appliance. which can be brought into contact with an electrically conductive element of said appliance.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the description below.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective illustrant un four de cuisson selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, comprenant un organe mobile d'un bandeau de commande en position fermée ;
• la figure 2 est une vue analogue à la figure 1, l'organe mobile du bandeau de commande étant en position ouverte ;
• la figure 3 est une vue en perspective partielle illustrant le dispositif d'entraînement motorisé de l'organe mobile du bandeau de commande du four de cuisson de la figure 1, l'organe mobile ayant été ôté ;
• la figure 4 est une vue en perspective partielle illustrant le dispositif d'entraînement motorisé de l'organe mobile du bandeau de commande du four de cuisson de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 5 est une vue en perspective partielle illustrant le dispositif d'entraînement motorisé de l'organe mobile du bandeau de commande du four de cuisson de la figure 1 où le moteur, le motoréducteur et le support d'une carte électronique ayant été ôtés ;
• les figures 6 à 8 sont des vues en perspective illustrant le bandeau de commande associé aux moyens de commande du four de cuisson de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 9 est une vue de face illustrant le bandeau de commande du four de cuisson de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 10 est une vue en coupe du bandeau de commande selon un plan A-A de la figure 9, l'organe mobile étant en position inclinée ;
• la figure 11 est une vue en coupe du bandeau de commande selon un plan B-B de la figure 9, l'organe mobile étant en position alignée ;
• la figure 12 est une vue en coupe du bandeau de commande selon un plan C-C de la figure 9, l'organe mobile étant en position alignée ; et
• la figure 13 est un algorithme illustrant un mode de réalisation du procédé de commande en déplacement d'un organe mobile d'un bandeau de commande d'un appareil électroménager conforme à l'invention.

In the accompanying drawings, given as non-limiting examples:

• the figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a baking oven according to one embodiment of the invention, comprising a movable member of a control panel in the closed position;
• the figure 2 is a view similar to the figure 1 the movable member of the control panel being in the open position;
• the figure 3 is a partial perspective view illustrating the motorized drive device of the movable member of the control panel of the baking oven of the figure 1 the movable organ having been removed;
• the figure 4 is a partial perspective view illustrating the motorized drive device of the movable member of the control panel of the baking oven of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 5 is a partial perspective view illustrating the motorized drive device of the movable member of the control panel of the baking oven of the figure 1 where the motor, the geared motor and the support of an electronic card have been removed;
• the Figures 6 to 8 are perspective views illustrating the control panel associated with the control means of the cooking oven of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 9 is a front view illustrating the control panel of the baking oven of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 10 is a sectional view of the control panel according to a AA plan of the figure 9 the movable member being in an inclined position;
• the figure 11 is a sectional view of the control panel along a plane BB of the figure 9 , the movable member being in aligned position;
• the figure 12 is a sectional view of the control panel according to a plane CC of the figure 9 , the movable member being in aligned position; and
• the figure 13 is an algorithm illustrating an embodiment of the control method in displacement of a movable member of a control panel of a household appliance according to the invention.

We will first describe with reference to figures 1 and 2 a type of household appliance adapted to implement the present invention.

In this embodiment of the invention, the appliance 1 is a cooking oven, and for example an electric cooking oven.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to this type of household appliance but can be applied to any type of appliance, including a hob, stove, washing machine and / or dryer. linen, a dishwasher, a refrigerator.

More specifically, the invention relates to a movable member 2 of a control panel 3 of a household appliance 1.

The control panel 3 is mounted in a front 4 of the appliance 1.

The control panel 3 comprises a fixed support 5 and a movable member 2.

The fixed support 5 of the control panel 3 can be made in one or more parts according to the assembly mode of the appliance 1.

The fixed support 5 of the control panel 3 is adapted to receive decorative elements that can be flanges made of glass, stainless steel or painted metal.

The movable member 2 of the control panel 3 is adapted to receive one or more decorative elements, such as for example an ice.

This decorative mirror may include screen printing and frosted areas for the aesthetic appearance of the appliance 1 and for the passage of light when assembling a display on the movable member 2.

The movable member 2 has a rotational movement about a fixed axis of rotation 6 with respect to the fixed support 5.

The movable member 2 of the control panel 3 moves between at least two positions.

Said at least two positions of the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 correspond to at least one aligned position of the movable member 2, in particular of the front wall 2c, with respect to the front plane 4 of the appliance. 1 and one inclined position of the movable member 2, in particular of the front wall 2c, with respect to the front plane 4 of the appliance 1.

In one embodiment of the invention, the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 moves between a closed position, as illustrated in FIG. figure 1 , in which the movable member 2 of the control panel 3, in particular the front wall 2c, extends substantially in the front plane 4 of the appliance 1 and an open position, as illustrated in FIG. figure 2 , in which the movable member 2 of the control panel 3, in particular the front wall 2c, is inclined with respect to the front plane 4 of the appliance 1.

The control panel 3 comprises a motorized drive device 7 of the movable member 2.

The movable member 2 of the control panel 3 can thus be oriented relative to the front plane 4 of the appliance 1 to facilitate the interface between the user and the appliance 1.

As illustrated in figure 2 , the inclination between the front wall 2c of the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 and the front plane 4 of the appliance 1 forms an angle whose inclination value can extend in a range between 20 ° and 45 °, and preferably of the order of 30 °.

The control panel 3 is adapted to receive various control and display members.

The mounting of decorative elements and control members on the fixed support 5 and the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 implement conventional fastening means which do not need to be described in more detail here.

The inclination of the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 allows easy viewing by the user during the programming and operation of the appliance 1.

It should be noted in particular that in the example illustrated in figures 1 and 2 , the appliance 1 is a built-in cooking oven.

The inclination of the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 is particularly favorable during the installation of this appliance 1 under a work plan, avoiding the user to bend down to view the various control members and display of control panel 3.

The various control and display members of the control panel 3, such as, for example, sensor keys, thermostats, switches, displays, can be assembled on the movable member 2 or on the movable member 2 and the fixed support 5.

Preferably, the control strip 3 is located in the upper part of the front 4 of the appliance 1, near an upper edge 8.

In this embodiment of the invention, the control panel 3 is located above a door 9 allowing access to the cooking chamber, and in particular, above a handle 10 of handling. the door 9.

We will now describe, with reference to Figures 3 to 8 , the motorized drive device 7 adapted to move the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 between at least two operating positions.

The motorized drive device 7 is connected to the fixed support 5.

The motorized drive device 7 comprises a motor 11 and a geared motor 12. The motor 11 of the motorized drive device 7 is preferably a stepper motor.

The motorized drive device 7 comprises an axis 13 for rotating a gear device 14.

The gear device 14 comprises a pinion 15 mounted on the shaft 13 of the motorized drive device 7 and a rack 16 mounted on the movable member 2.

Thus, the motorized drive device 7 for moving the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 of a household appliance 1 is simple, reliable and inexpensive to implement.

As well illustrated to figures 3 and 4 the motor 11 and its geared motor 12 are mounted on a support element 17 integral with the fixed support 5 of the control panel 3, and extending towards the interior of the household appliance 1, in particular under the upper cover 18 and between the side covers 19 and the rear cover 20 illustrated in FIGS. figures 1 and 2 .

The axis 13 of the rotated motor 11 is provided with a pinion 15, as illustrated in FIG. figure 3 adapted to mesh with a rack 16, as illustrated in FIG. figure 5 .

The rack 16 is made in a support member 21 integral with the movable member 2 of the control panel 3.

The rack 16 extends over a portion of a circular arc whose center corresponds to the axis of rotation 6 of the movable member 2 of the control panel 3.

The axis of rotation 6 of the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 is pivotally mounted on bearings 22 located near the upper edge 8 of the front 4 of the appliance 1.

The rotational drive of the shaft 13 at the output of the motor 11 via the geared motor 12 makes it possible to rotate the pinion 15 and to move the rack 16 to allow the opening or closing movement of the movable member 2 control panel 3.

The mounting of the motor 11, the geared motor 12, the shaft 13 at the output of the motor 11, the pinion 15 and the rack 16 implement conventional fastening means on the support member 17 integral with the fixed support 5 of the control panel 3 and on the support member 21 integral with the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 and do not need to be described in more detail here.

In this embodiment of the invention, electronic control means and electrical power supply of the motor 11 are mounted on an electronic card 23 fixed on the support element 17 integral with the fixed support 5 of the control panel 3, close to of the engine 11.

• une touche d'acquisition 24 d'un signal d'entrée adapté à commander l'organe mobile 2 d'une première position à une seconde position,
• des moyens de contrôle de l'état de fonctionnement (non représentés) de l'appareil électroménager 1, et
• des moyens de commande en déplacement 23 de l'organe mobile 2 coopérant avec les moyens de contrôle de l'état de fonctionnement de l'appareil électroménager 1.

The appliance 1 also comprises:

• an acquisition key 24 of an input signal adapted to control the movable member 2 from a first position to a second position,
• means for controlling the operating state (not shown) of the appliance 1, and
• displacement control means 23 of the movable member 2 cooperating with the control means of the operating state of the appliance 1.

The appliance 1 thus makes it possible to control the motorized drive device 7 of the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 as a function of the operating state of said appliance 1.

The movable member 2 of the control panel 3 is moved from a first position to a second position if the control means of the operating state of the appliance 1 allow it. Otherwise, the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 is maintained in a first position.

The acquisition key 24 of an input signal adapted to control the movable member 2 from a first position to a second position can be placed on the movable member 2 or on the fixed support 5 of the control panel 3.

The means for controlling the operating state of the appliance 1 comprise at least one microcontroller which can be mounted on an electronic card for managing the appliance 1.

The control means 23 in displacement of the movable member 2 comprise an electronic card.

The control means of the operating state of the appliance 1 communicate with the control means 23 in displacement of the movable member 2 so as to control the opening, closing and holding in position of the organ mobile 2 of the control panel 3 according to the operating conditions of the appliance 1 and instructions given by the user.

The axis of rotation 6 of the movable member 2 relative to the fixed support 5 extends along the length L of said movable member 2.

And, the pinion 15 mounted on the axis 13 of the motorized drive device 7 is coupled to an end 2a of the movable member 2 by the rack 16, as illustrated in FIG. figure 8 .

Thus, the movable member 2 is driven by a single motorized drive device 7 located at one end 2a of the movable member 2.

In this way, a motorized drive device 7 is not necessary at each end of the movable member 2.

The displacement of the movable member 2 between at least two positions is implemented simply, reliably and at the least cost.

Preferably, the movable member 2 comprises at least one wall 25, 26 placed in abutment with at least one wall 27, 28 of the fixed support 5 so as to form at least one stop 29, 30 when said movable member 2, in particular the front wall 2c, is in position aligned with the front plane 4 of the appliance 1, as illustrated in FIGS. figures 11 and 12 .

Thus, the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 is placed in a reference position when at least one wall 25, 26 of said movable member 2 is brought into abutment with at least one wall 27, 28 of the fixed support 5 so to form at least one stop 29, 30 when said movable member 2, in particular the front wall 2c, is aligned with the front plane 4 of the appliance 1.

This setting reference position of the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 ensures the positioning of said movable member 2 relative to the front plane 4 of the appliance 1.

In this way, the front plane 2c of the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 can be aligned with the front plane 4 of the appliance 1.

The reference position achieved by said at least one stop 29, 30 makes it possible to prevent the movable member 2 from being recessed by the front plane 4 of the appliance 1 and may cause a malfunction of the displacement of said movable member 2 of the control panel 3 or a security risk for the user.

This reference position made by said at least one stop 29, 30 also makes it possible to prevent the movable member 2, in particular the front wall 2c, from being in a non-aligned position with respect to the front plane 4 of the apparatus appliance 1 and detracts from the aesthetics of said appliance 1.

Advantageously, at least one stop 29 between the movable member 2 and the fixed support 5 is located at an end 2b of said movable member 2 opposite the end 2a of said movable member 2 comprising the rack 16, as illustrated in FIG. figure 11 .

Thus, said at least one stop 29 makes it possible to avoid a torsion movement of the movable member 2 during the setting in the reference position, that is to say when said movable member 2, in particular the front wall 2c , is in aligned position with respect to the front plane 4 of the household appliance 1, which can be generated by the motorized drive device 7 located at one end 2a of said movable member 2.

Said at least one stop 29 between the movable member 2 and the fixed support 5 located at one end 2b of said movable member 2 opposite the end 2a of said movable member 2 comprising the rack 16 limits the movement of said end 2b of the movable member 2.

Said at least one stop 29 between the movable member 2 and the fixed support 5 avoids the risk of twisting said movable member 2, for example during a user support on said movable member 2 or by l the force exerted by the motor 11 during the displacement of said movable member 2 between two positions, which can cause a deterioration of said movable member 2 and / or of the motorized drive device 7.

The movable member 2 comprises at least one front wall 2c and a bottom wall 2d.

And the lower wall 2d of the movable member 2 extends between the front plane 4 of the household appliance 1 and the front wall 2c of said movable member 2 regardless of the angular position of said movable member 2 with respect to said front plane 4 of said appliance 1.

Thus, the safety of the user is ensured since it can not pass his hands between the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 and the front plane 4 of the appliance 1 when said movable member 2 is in position. inclined position relative to said front plane 4 of said appliance 1.

The lower wall 2d of the movable member 2 is preferably of arcuate shape to allow a rotational movement between said movable member 2 and the fixed support 5 about the axis of rotation 6.

The movable member 2 comprises a side wall 2e at each longitudinal end 2a, 2b.

And the side walls 2e of the movable member 2 extend respectively between the front plane 4 of the household appliance 1 and the front wall 2c of said movable member 2 whatever the angular position of said movable member 2 relative to said plane of facade 4 of said appliance 1.

Similarly, the safety of the user is ensured since it can not pass his hands between the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 and the front plane 4 of the appliance 1 when said movable member 2 is in an inclined position relative to said front plane 4 of said appliance 1.

Preferably, the lower wall 2d of the movable member 2 comprises a recess 31 coming opposite a lower wall 32 of the fixed support 5 when said movable member 2 is in an inclined position relative to the front plane 4 of household appliance 1, as illustrated in figure 10 .

Thus, no planar object can be introduced between the movable member 2 and the fixed support 5 of the control panel 3, when said movable member 2 is in an inclined position relative to the front plane 4 of the appliance 1 , so as to guarantee the safety of the user and to prevent any operating incident of said appliance 1.

The user is further assured that no electrically conductive object can be introduced between the movable member 2 and the fixed support 5 of the control panel 3, when said movable member 2 is in an inclined position with respect to the front plane 4 of the household appliance 1, which can be brought into contact with an electrically conductive member of said household appliance 1 so as to ensure the safety of the user.

We will now describe, with reference to the figure 13 , the control method in displacement of a movable member of a control panel of a household appliance according to the invention.

• acquisition E1 d'un signal d'entrée adapté à commander ledit organe mobile 2 d'une première position à une seconde position,
• contrôle E2 de l'état de fonctionnement dudit appareil électroménager 1,
• déplacement E3 par ledit dispositif d'entraînement motorisé 7 dudit organe mobile 2 d'une première position à une seconde position, ou maintien en position E4 dudit organe mobile 2 dans une première position en fonction du résultat de l'étape de contrôle E2 de l'état de fonctionnement dudit appareil électroménager 1, et
• arrêt E5 dudit organe mobile 2 dans une seconde position si autorisation de l'étape de déplacement E3 dudit organe mobile 2 d'une première position à une seconde position.

The method of moving a movable member 2 of a control panel 3 of an appliance 1 comprises at least the following steps:

• acquisition E1 of an input signal adapted to control said movable member 2 from a first position to a second position,
• E2 control of the operating state of said appliance 1,
• displacement E3 by said motorized drive device 7 of said movable member 2 from a first position to a second position, or holding in position E4 of said movable member 2 in a first position depending on the result of the control step E2 of the the operating state of said appliance 1, and
• stopping E5 of said movable member 2 in a second position if authorization of the moving step E3 of said movable member 2 from a first position to a second position.

Thus, the control method in displacement of a movable member 2 of a control panel 3 of a household appliance 1 makes it possible to move said movable member 2 of the control panel 3 safely for the user and for the user. appliance 1.

In this way, the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 is moved after a verification of the operating state of the device household appliance 1 so as to avoid any risk of malfunction of said appliance 1 and any incident that may cause security risks for the user.

In the case where a malfunction of the appliance 1 is detected, the displacement of the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 is canceled and said movable member 2 is held in a first position so as to ensure the safety of the user and to prevent damage to the appliance 1.

Such a control method makes it possible to drive in a simple, reliable and safe way a motorized drive device 7 for moving a movable member 2 of a control strip 3 between at least two positions.

During the control step E2 of the operating state of the appliance 1, control means of said appliance 1 verify that no malfunction has been detected and can prevent the displacement of the movable member 2 of the appliance 1. control panel 3.

In one embodiment of the invention, the movable member 2 moves from a position aligned with respect to the front plane 4 of the appliance 1 to a position inclined relative to said front plane 4 of said appliance 1 as soon as the acquisition E1 of an operating input signal of said domestic appliance 1.

Thus, the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 moves from a closed position, that is to say from an aligned position with respect to the front plane 4 of the appliance 1, to an open position , that is to say, a position inclined relative to the front plane 4 of the appliance 1, from the start of operation of the appliance 1 so that the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 can be oriented relative to the front plane 4 of the appliance 1 to facilitate the interface between the user and the appliance 1.

The movable member 2 can also move from a position inclined relative to the front plane 4 of the appliance 1 to a position aligned with said front plane 4 of said appliance 1 upon acquisition of a signal stopping input of said appliance 1.

Thus, the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 moves from an open position, that is to say from a position inclined relative to the front plane 4 of the appliance 1, to a closed position , that is to say a position aligned with the front plane 4 of the appliance 1, from the stop command of the appliance 1 so as to limit the consumption of electrical energy by the motorized driving device 7 and to warn the user that said apparatus 1 is in an inactive mode.

The movable member 2 moves from an inclined position relative to the front plane of the household appliance 1 at an aligned position with respect to said front plane 4 of said appliance 1 upon acquisition of a standby input signal of said appliance 1.

Thus, the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 moves from an open position, that is to say from a position inclined relative to the front plane 4 of the appliance 1, to a closed position , that is to say a position aligned with the front plane 4 of the appliance 1, from the standby command of the appliance 1 so as to limit the consumption of electrical energy by the motorized driving device 7 and to warn the user that said apparatus 1 is in an inactive mode.

• qu'aucun défaut n'a été constaté depuis la dernière mise sous tension de l'appareil électroménager 1 et au cours des différents cycles de fonctionnement dudit appareil électroménager 1 ;
• que l'appareil électroménager 1 est en mode actif et dans le cas contraire de commander l'appareil électroménager d'un mode veille à un mode actif ;
• que l'appareil électroménager 1 n'est pas dans un mode de fonctionnement incompatible avec la commande en déplacement de l'organe mobile 2 du bandeau de commande 3.

The control means of the appliance 1 can check in particular:

• no fault has been found since the last power on of the appliance 1 and during the various cycles of operation of said appliance 1;
• that the appliance 1 is in active mode and otherwise to control the appliance from a sleep mode to an active mode;
• that the appliance 1 is not in an operating mode incompatible with the control in displacement of the movable member 2 of the control panel 3.

When the control means of the appliance 1 control said appliance 1 of a sleep mode to an active mode, display means can be placed at the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 can be placed in operation so as to prevent the user from switching to active mode of said apparatus 1.

The method comprises a step E6 prohibiting movement by the motorized drive device 7 of the movable member 2 under predetermined operating conditions of the appliance 1.

Thus, the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 is protected against a malfunction that may occur during the operation of the appliance 1 under predetermined conditions.

These predetermined conditions of operation of the appliance 1 are established by the manufacturer of said appliance 1 so as to ensure that the movement of the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 is achieved safely.

• par exemple, dans le cas d'un four de cuisson,
  • o l'organe mobile 2 du bandeau de commande 3 est maintenu en position lors d'un cycle de nettoyage par pyrolyse pour éviter que le dispositif d'entraînement motorisé 7 ne soit endommagé à cause des échauffements importants des composants constituant ledit dispositif d'entraînement motorisé 7.
    De cette manière, les pièces 13, 15, 16 composant le dispositif d'entraînement motorisé 7 peuvent être réalisées dans une matière plastique peu onéreuse tout en garantissant le déplacement de l'organe mobile 2 pendant ou dehors des cycles de cuisson classiques et en minimisant le coût de la fonction de déplacement de l'organe mobile 2.
    De manière similaire, le moteur 11 et le motoréducteur 12 peuvent être réalisés au moindre coût ;
  • o l'organe mobile 2 du bandeau de commande 3 est placé en position alignée dudit organe mobile 2, en particulier la paroi frontale 2c, par rapport au plan de façade 4 de l'appareil électroménager 1 lors d'un cycle de cuisson utilisant un élément chauffant de grill avec la porte 9 ouverte pour éviter que le dispositif d'entraînement motorisé 7 et l'organe mobile 2, en particulier la paroi inférieure 2d, ne soient endommagés à cause de la chaleur évacuée en dehors d'une enceinte de cuisson ;
• par exemple, dans le cas d'un lave-linge,
  • o l'organe mobile 2 du bandeau de commande 3 est maintenu en position lors d'une phase d'essorage d'un cycle de fonctionnement pour éviter que le dispositif d'entraînement motorisé 7 ne soit endommagé à cause des vibrations.

The predetermined conditions of operation of the appliance 1 prohibiting the displacement of the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 may be including the following:

• for example, in the case of a baking oven,
  • o the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 is held in position during a pyrolysis cleaning cycle to prevent the motor drive device 7 from being damaged due to significant heating of the components constituting said drive device motorized 7.
    In this way, the parts 13, 15, 16 constituting the motorized driving device 7 can be made of an inexpensive plastic material while guaranteeing the displacement of the movable member 2 during or outside conventional cooking cycles and minimizing the cost of the displacement function of the movable member 2.
    Similarly, the motor 11 and the geared motor 12 can be made at the lowest cost;
  • o the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 is placed in aligned position of said movable member 2, in particular the front wall 2c, with respect to the front plane 4 of the appliance 1 during a cooking cycle using a grill heating element with the door 9 open to prevent the motorized driving device 7 and the movable member 2, in particular the bottom wall 2d, from being damaged because of the heat discharged outside a cooking chamber ;
• for example, in the case of a washing machine,
  • o the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 is held in position during a wringing phase of an operating cycle to prevent the motor drive device 7 is damaged due to vibration.

The method comprises an adjustment step E7 of an inclined position of the movable member 2 with respect to the front plane 4 of the domestic appliance 1 via the motorized drive device 7.

Thus, the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 can be placed in a position inclined relative to the front plane 4 of the appliance 1 so as to facilitate the interface between said device 1 and the user.

Adjusting the inclination of the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 thus facilitates the display of the control means of the control panel 3. These control means may comprise in particular one or more buttons, one or more sensitive keys , one or more displays.

Adjusting the inclination of the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 thus makes it possible to position said mobile member 2 according to the measurements of the user, in particular its height, and the place of installation of the appliance 1, especially if it is located below or above above a work plan.

The adjustment of the angular position of the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 relative to the front plane 4 of the appliance 1 can be achieved by successive presses on the acquisition key 24 so as to move said organ mobile 2 from one step to another predetermined by the manufacturer.

This type of adjustment is simplified by the use of a stepping motor 11 comprising a number of predetermined steps, for example 48. This number of steps can be multiplied by using a geared motor 12 by its reduction ratio, by example of 1:25. Thus, the number of steps can be 1200 and allowing a precise adjustment of the position of the movable member 2.

The adjustment of the angular position of the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 relative to the front plane 4 of the appliance 1 can be achieved by an acquisition step E9 of an input signal adapted to control stopping said movable member 2 during the moving step E3 of said movable member 2 from a first position to a second position, followed by a stopping step E10 of said movable member 2 from the acquisition step E9 of an input signal adapted to control the stopping of said movable member 2 during the moving step E3.

The acquisition E9 of an input signal adapted to control the stopping of the movable member 2 during the step of moving E3 of said movable member 2 from a first position to a second position can be achieved by a acquisition key 24.

This acquisition key 24 may be a single key also allowing the acquisition E1 of an input signal adapted to control the movable member 2 from a first position to a second position.

This acquisition key 24 of an input signal adapted to control the stopping of the movable member 2 during the moving step E3 of said movable member 2 from a first position to a second position can be placed on the movable member 2 or on the fixed support 5 of the control panel 3.

Preferably, the method comprises a storage step E8 of at least one inclined position of the movable member 2 relative to the front plane 4 of the appliance 1.

Thus, the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 can be placed in a position inclined relative to the front plane 4 of the appliance 1 which is stored according to the measurements of the user, including its height, and the place of installation of the appliance 1, particularly if it is located in below or above a worktop.

In this way, the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 is placed in a position inclined relative to the front plane 4 of the appliance 1 adapted without having to adjust its positioning at each new use by the user.

Furthermore, the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 can be placed in a position inclined relative to the front plane 4 of the appliance 1 which is stored respectively for each user.

In this way, each user sets and stores an inclined position of the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 without having to adjust its position each time a new user uses.

The storage step E8 of at least one inclined position of the movable member 2 relative to the front plane 4 of the household appliance 1 can be implemented following the step of stopping E5 of said movable member 2 in a second position if authorization of the moving step E3 of said movable member 2 from a first position to a second position or further to the stopping step E10 of said movable member 2 from the acquisition step E9 d an input signal adapted to control the stopping of said movable member 2 during the moving step E3.

The storage of an inclined position of the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 can be implemented through the control means of the household appliance 1, and in particular by means of buttons or sensitive keys and / or a display communicating with a microcontroller.

• acquisition E9 d'un signal d'entrée adapté à commander l'arrêt de l'organe mobile 2 au cours de l'étape de déplacement E3 dudit organe mobile 2 d'une première position à une seconde position,
• arrêt E10 de l'organe mobile 2 dès l'étape d'acquisition E9 d'un signal d'entrée adapté à commander l'arrêt dudit organe mobile 2 au cours de l'étape de déplacement E3.

In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises at least the following steps:

• acquisition E9 of an input signal adapted to control the stopping of the movable member 2 during the step of moving E3 of said movable member 2 from a first position to a second position,
• stopping E10 of the movable member 2 from the acquisition step E9 of an input signal adapted to control the stopping of said movable member 2 during the moving step E3.

Thus, the movable member 2 of the control panel 3 can be stopped during the moving step E3 at any time by the acquisition E9 of an input signal adapted to control the stopping of the movable member 2 .

This stop command E10 of the movable member 2 from the acquisition step E9 of an input signal adapted to control the stopping of said movable member 2 during the moving step E3 can be performed, for example, from the acquisition key 24.

This acquisition key 24 can be a single key also allowing the acquisition E1 of an input signal adapted to control the movable member 2 from a first position to a second position.

Claims (16)

1. A method for ordering the movement of a moving member (2) of a control panel (3) of a home appliance (1),

   said control panel (3) being mounted in a façade (4) of said home appliance (1),

   said control panel (3) comprising a fixed mount (5) and a moving member (2), said moving member (2) having a rotational movement about an axis of rotation (6) fixed relative to said fixed mount (5),

   said moving member (2) of said control panel (3) moving between at least two positions,

   said at least two positions of said moving member (2) of said control panel (3) corresponding to at least one aligned position of said moving member (2) relative to said façade plane (4) of said home appliance (1) and one inclined position relative to said façade plane (4) of said home appliance (1),

   said control panel (3) comprising a motorised driving device (7) of said moving member (2),

   characterised in that said method comprises at least the following steps:

   - acquiring (E1) an input signal adapted to order said moving member (2) to move from a first position to a second position,

   - checking (E2) the operational status of said home appliance (1),

   - movement (E3) of said moving member (2) by said motorised driving device (7) of said moving member (2) from a first position to a second position, or
   keeping (E4) said moving member (2) in a first position based on the result of the control step (E2) of the operational status of said home appliance (1), and

   - stopping (E5) said moving member (2) in a second position if authorisation is given in the step of movement (E3) of said moving member (2) from a first position to a second position.
2. A method for ordering the movement of a moving member (2) of a control panel (3) of a home appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that said method comprises a step of preventing (E6) the movement of said moving member (2) by said motorised driving device (7) under predetermined operating conditions of said home appliance (1).
3. A method for ordering the movement of a moving member (2) of a control panel (3) of a home appliance (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said method comprises a step of adjusting (E7) an inclined position of said moving member (2) relative to said façade plane (4) of said home appliance (1) by means of said motorised driving device (7).
4. A method for ordering the movement of a moving member (2) of a control panel (3) of a home appliance (1) according to claim 3, characterised in that said method comprises a step of saving (E8) at least one inclined position of said moving member (2) relative to said façade plane (4) of said home appliance (1).
5. A method for ordering the movement of a moving member (2) of a control panel (3) of a home appliance (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterised in that said moving member (2) moves from an aligned position relative to said façade plane (4) of said home appliance (1) to an inclined position relative to said façade plane (4) of said home appliance (1) once acquiring (E1) an input signal related to the operational start of the home appliance (1).
6. A method for ordering the movement of a moving member (2) of a control panel (3) of a home appliance (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 5, characterised in that said moving member (2) moves from an aligned position relative to said façade plane (4) of said home appliance (1) to an inclined position relative to said façade plane (4) of said home appliance (1) once acquiring an input signal related to the operational stop of the home appliance (1).
7. A method for ordering the movement of a moving member (2) of a control panel (3) of a home appliance (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 6, characterised in that said moving member (2) moves from an aligned position relative to said façade plane (4) of said home appliance (1) to an inclined position relative to said façade plane (4) of said home appliance (1) once acquiring an input signal related to the switch on a standby mode of the home appliance (1).
8. A method for ordering the movement of a moving member (2) of a control panel (3) of a home appliance (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 7, characterised in that said method comprises at least the following steps:

   - acquiring (E9) an input signal adapted to order the stopping of said moving member (2) during a step of moving (E3) said moving member (2) from a first position to a second position.

   - stopping (E10) said moving member (2) once acquiring (E9) an input signal adapted to order the stopping of said moving member (2) during a step of movement (E3).
9. A home appliance (1) comprising a control panel (3),

   said control panel (3) being mounted in a façade (4) of said home appliance (1),

   said control panel (3) comprising a fixed mount (5) and a moving member (2), said moving member (2) having a rotational movement about an axis of rotation (6) fixed relative to said fixed mount (5),

   said moving member (2) of said control panel (3) moving between at least two positions,

   said at least two positions of said moving member (2) of said control panel (3) corresponding to at least one aligned position of said moving member (2) relative to said façade plane (4) of said home appliance (1) and one inclined position relative to said façade plane (4) of said home appliance (1),

   said control panel (3) comprising a motorised driving device (7) of said moving member (2),

   characterised in that said appliance comprises:

   - a button (24) for acquiring an input signal adapted to order said moving member (2) to move from a first position to a second position;

   - means for controlling the operational state of said home appliance (1); and

   - means for ordering the movement (23) of said moving member (2) cooperating with said means for controlling the operational state of said home appliance (1) in order to move the moving member (2) of the control panel (3) from a first position to a second position if the means for controlling the operational state authorise the movement, and to keep the moving member (2) of the control panel in a first position if the means for controlling the operational state do not authorise the movement.
10. A home appliance (1) according to claim 9, characterised in that said motorised driving device (7) is connected to said fixed mount (5), said motorised driving device (7) comprising a motor (11) and a geared motor (12), said motorised driving device (7) comprising a shaft (13) for rotating a gear device (14), and said gear device (14) comprising a pinion (15) mounted on said shaft (13) of said motorised driving device (7) and a rack (16) mounted on said moving member (2).
11. A home appliance (1) according to claim 10, characterised in that:

    - said rotational axis (6) of said moving member (2) that moves relative to said fixed mount (5) extends along the length (L) of said moving member (2); and

    - said pinion (15) mounted on said shaft (13) of said motorised driving device (7) is coupled to an end (2a) of said moving member (2) by said rack (16).
12. A home appliance (1) according to any one of the claims 9 to 11, characterised in that said moving member (2) comprises at least one wall (25, 26) resting against at least one wall (27, 28) of said fixed mount (5) so as to form at least one stop (29, 30) when said moving member (2) is in the aligned position relative to said façade plane (4) of said home appliance (1).
13. A home appliance (1) according to claim 12, characterised in that at least one stop (29) between said moving member (2) and said fixed mount (5) is located at one end (2b) of said moving member (2) opposite said end (2a) of said moving member (2) comprising said rack (16).
14. A home appliance (1) according to any one of the claims 10 to 13, characterised in that:

    - said moving member (2) comprises at least one front wall (2c) and one lower wall (2d); and

    - said lower wall (2d) of said moving member (2) extends between said façade plane (4) of said home appliance (1) and said front wall (2c) of said moving member (2) regardless of the angular position of said moving member (2) relative to said façade plane (4) of said home appliance (1).
15. A home appliance (1) according to claim 14, characterised in that said lower wall (2d) of said moving member (2) comprises a recess (31) that comes to face a lower wall (32) of said fixed mount (5) when said moving member (2) is in the inclined position relative to said façade plane (4) of said home appliance (1).
16. A home appliance (1) according to any one of the claims 10 to 15, characterised in that:

    - said moving member (2) comprises a side wall (2e) at each longitudinal end (2a, 2b); and

    - said side walls (2e) of said moving member (2) extend between said façade plane (4) of said home appliance (1) and said front wall (2c) of said moving member (2), respectively, regardless of the angular position of said moving member (2) relative to said façade plane (4) of said home appliance (1).

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