EP2393409A1

EP2393409A1 - Electric household appliance system

Info

Publication number: EP2393409A1
Application number: EP09805952A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Dino Bongini; Pier Andrea Pracchi
Original assignee: Indesit Co SpA
Current assignee: Whirlpool EMEA SpA
Priority date: 2009-02-04
Filing date: 2009-12-29
Publication date: 2011-12-14
Also published as: WO2010089637A1; IT1392968B1; ITTO20090067A1

Abstract

A household appliance system comprises at least two household appliances (10) different from each other, each appliance (10) being connectable to at least one source of external resource (40, 41) required for operation thereof. Each appliance (10) has a moveable bearing structure (11, 12), particularly on wheels (13) or the like and the system comprises a connection unit (20) having a fixed bearing structure (21), prearranged for being installed in a household room (1) and for being connected to at least one source of an external resource (40). Each appliance (10) is selectively couplable, for the purpose of use thereof, to the connection unit (20), and the latter comprises means for setting the operation of said appliance (10).

Description

ELECTRIC HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE SYSTEM

DESCRIPTION

Field of the invention The present invention refers to a household appliance system which comprises at least one household appliance, of the type indicated in the preamble of claim 1.

Description of the prior art

Typical examples of household appliances of the type indicated on the preamble of claim 1 are machines for washing and/or drying laundry and dishwashing machines which, in order to operate, require water connection to supply systems of external resources, typically represented by electric power and water; furthermore, such machines require connection to a draining system, per for evacuating the water used for washing or resulting from a laundry drying process. The connection of the machine to the power supply is obtained by means of a cable, ending with a plug to be inserted into a common power socket, while the pipes for filling and evacuating water are connected to opposite fittings provided for by the household hydro-sanitary installation. Furthermore, in some dryers, of the "expulsion" type, the moist air produced during the drying process must be evacuated out of the household environment, through a special pipe connected to the machine. Washing and/or dryers further comprise a control system, usually of the microprocessor type, which oversees the operation of the various electric loads of the machine and acquires, through sensors, information regarding the process it is controlling. Operatively connected to the control system is a user interface, including means for selecting the desired operating program, such as buttons and switches, and display means, such as a display or warning lights.

Traditional machines of the indicated type, generally conceived to have substantially standardised dimensions, occupy considerable space and this fact leads to practical inconveniences, especially when the machine requires to be mandatorily installed in a small room (consider for example a small bathroom or kitchen). These problems are aggravated by the fact that these machines are generally conceived to be installed substantially permanently in a given room of the household environment, provided with the required fittings for the connection of the hydro-sanitary installation. In order to allow installation of several machines (for example a laundry washing machine and a dishwasher) in the household environment, the hydro-sanitary installation must be provided with a corresponding number of water connection points.

Some washing machines of the prior art have a bearing structure at the lower part associated whereat is a retractable wheels system (see for example EP- A-0812947), specifically conceived to facilitate occasional or temporary movements of the machine, for example during the installation, reparation or replacement step.

Object and summary of the invention

An object of the invention is that of providing a household appliance system comprising one or more household appliances simple to make and/or having comparatively small dimensions with respect to the household appliances of the known type.

Another object of the invention is that of providing a household appliance system wherein one or more household appliances are easy to use and comfortable for the user.

Another object of the invention is that of providing a household appliance system wherein one or more household appliances are easily moveable in a household environment, whenever required, even frequently.

Another object of the invention is that of providing a household system capable of simplifying the household plant, particularly the hydro-sanitary one.

At least one of these objects is attained, according to the invention, by a household appliance system having the characteristics of the attached claims. The claims form an integral part of the technical disclosure provided herein in relation to the invention. Brief description of the drawings

Further objects, characteristics and advantages of the invention shall be clear from the description that follows, strictly provided for exemplifying and non- limiting purposes, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:

- figures 1 and 2 are schematic perspective views of a household appliance system according to the invention, comprising a household appliance and a connection unit, respectively in a decoupled condition and in a coupled condition;

- figures 3 and 4 are, respectively, a front elevational view and a sectional view, according to line IV-IV of figure 3, of the appliance of figures 1 and 2;

- figures 5 and 6 are, respectively, a front elevational view and a perspective view, of a front part of a connection unit of figures 1 and 2; - figure 7 is a simplified block diagram of a possible example of a system for controlling the household appliance system of figure 1;

- figure 8 is a partial perspective view of the rear of the part of the connection unit of figures 5 and 6; - figure 9 is a perspective schematic view of a part of connection of the household appliance of figures 1 and 2;

- figure 10 is a partial and schematic section of the system according to the invention, in the condition of figure 2;

- figures 11 and 12 are, respectively, a front elevational view and a sectional view, according to line XII-XII of figure 11, of a further appliance of the household appliance system according to the invention.

Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

In figures 1-2, a general household room of a general building, which includes walls 2 and a floor 3 is indicated with 1. The household appliance system subject of the invention comprises at least one household appliance, indicated in its entirety with 10, and a connection unit, indicated in its entirety with 20. The household appliance 10 is configured to be connected to at least one source of external resource: in the represented example, the household appliance 10 is a laundry washing machine, thus prearranged to be connected both to a source of electrical power, and a source of water, as well as a system for draining the water used for washing.

As observable also in figures 3 and 4, the machine 10 has a bearing structure 11, comprising a cabinet 12, for example made of metal sheet or plastic. The structure 11 is of the moveable type and for such purpose it is equipped with wheels 13 or other rolling means, associated to the lower part of the cabinet 12; in order to facilitate the movement of the machine 10, the cabinet 12 is also provided with a front handgrip 12a. Accommodated inside the cabinet 12 is a treatment tub 14; in turn mounted inside which is a laundry basket 15. In the illustrated non- limiting embodiment, the machine 10 is a top loading machine, with the basket 15 rotating around a substantially vertical axis: thus, hinged to the cabinet 12 is an upper door or porthole 16, for access to the tub 14, and thus to the basket 15. The basket 15 is rotated by means of an electric motor 17, represented only schematically.

The machine 10 comprises a plurality of electric loads and one or more sensors, inside the cabinet 12, required to execute a treatment cycle. In a possible embodiment, the abovementioned loads preferably comprise, alongside the motor 17, at least one electrically actuated door- lock device, a discharge pump with electric motor, an electric resistor for heating the washing liquid and a washing agent dispenser, while the sensor means preferably comprise at least one sensor for detecting the level of the liquid present in the tub 14 and a liquid temperature sensor as well as, optionally, a sensor for weighing the contents of the basket 15 and a sensor for detecting the chemical/physical characteristics of the liquid. The abovementioned electric loads and sensor means are not represented in figures 3 and 4 - except for the motor 17 and the discharge pump with respective drainage pipe, indicated with 18 and 18a, respectively - in that conceived according to a per se known manner; some electric loads and sensors were schematically indicated in the diagram of figure 7 (loads indicated with ELl, EL, ELn and sensors indicated with Sl, S2, Sn).

The machine 10 is suitable to operate according to operating instructions; preferably, the machine 10 is suitable to execute at least one treatment cycle, and preferably a plurality of possible laundry treatment cycles, such as for example a cycle for washing coloured clothes, a cycle for washing synthetic clothes, a "strong" cycle for washing resistant and/or very dirty clothes, a rapid cycle for washing slightly dirty clothes and a rinsing cycle for eliminating residual detergent from pre-treated clothes, for example treated by hand. According to per se known art, each function or each cycle performable by the machine is performed according to operating instructions, for example part of a respective program, which may be selected by a user.

According to a preferred characteristic of the invention, the connection unit 20 is provided with a control system, preferably of the microcontroller type provided with non-volatile memory means, at least partly contained in a bearing structure of the unit itself, which in the illustrated embodiment comprises a container 21 provided with an accessible front panel 21a. Coded in the abovementioned system for controlling the unit 20, and specifically in the memory means thereof, are operating instructions or programs required by the machine 10 to execute the functions or treatment cycles thereof selectable by the user. For such purpose, the system for controlling the unit 20 is prearranged to send control signals to the machine 10, according to the respective function or program selected by the user, where the entirety of such control signals determines for example the execution of a treatment cycle, in particular by supplying the abovementioned electric loads of the machine 10, as well as according to information obtained through the abovementioned sensor means.

Due to this preferred characteristic, the construction of the machine 10 is simplified, in that relatively simple and inexpensive electronic control means may be mounted therein, instead accommodating the more complex and expensive components of the electronic control system of the household appliance in the unit 20, to which - as observable hereinafter - the machine 10 may be interfaced from time to time during use. Possibly, in a possible variant embodiment, the entire electronic control system of the household appliance may be accommodated in the unit 20.

Furthermore, in a particularly advantageous embodiment, the unit 20 is provided with user interface means, particularly for setting functions and/or treatment cycles executable by the machine; in the example illustrated in figures 5 and 6 provided for is a user interface 22 which comprises manual control means, such as keys and/or buttons and/or switches 22a, and means for displaying information, such as a display 22b, associated to the panel 21a. As observable, in such manner, the machine 10 may be made in a simpler manner, in that the respective user interface is transferred to the unit 20.

Strictly for exemplification purposes, figure 7 represents a block diagram of a possible control system of the unit 20, indicated in its entirety with CS, alongside the control system of the machine 10. The control system CS comprises:

- a microcontroller MCl, which oversees the management of the control system CS;

- non-volatile memory means MEM, preferably of the read/write type, wherein the software for managing the unit 10 is encoded, including operating instructions and/or programs for the machine 10;

- a stabilised power supply PSl, which generates the low direct voltage required to supply power to the control logic;

- a communication line CLl, preferably of the serial type, through which the microcontroller MCl communicates with the control system of the machine 10;

- the user interface 22 - dialoguing with the microcontroller MCl through a communication line CL2 - by means of which the user selects the instruction or program the machine 10 is required to execute and the possible options related thereto, and possibly by means of which the user receives information regarding the process associated to the selected program or function; - a port for a communication line CL3, useable for example for connecting the control system CS to an external system or device MT, for example a diagnostic system for the technical assistance of the household appliance 10 and/or of the unit 20. The simplified control system of the machine 10 comprises:

- a microcontroller MC2, which oversees the management of the control system of the machine;

- a stabilised power supply PS2, which generates the low direct voltage required to supply power to the control logic of the machine 10; - the electric loads ELl, EL2, ..., ELn, used for executing a function or operating program selected by a user; as mentioned referring to the considered example of a laundry washing machine, the loads may comprise a door-lock device, a discharge pump, a motor for actuating the basket, a resistor for heating the water, a washing agents dispenser; - the sensor means Sl, S2, ..., Sn, through which the microcontroller MC2 acquires information regarding the process executed by the machine 10; in the case of a laundry washing machine, the sensor means may comprise a level sensor, a temperature sensor, a sensor for weighing the load to be washed, a water conductivity sensor; - power actuators Al, A2, ..., An, through which the microcontroller MC2 manages respective electric loads ELl, EL2, ..., ELn of the machine 10, such actuators for example being represented by relays or triacs;

- drive devices DRVl, DRV2, ..., DRVn, for controlling the abovementioned actuators Al, A2, ..., An, such drive devices for example being represented by transistors;

- possible feedback signals FDl, FD2, ..., FDn, for verifying the operating status of the abovementioned actuators Al, A2, ..., An, for example obtained through resistive dividers.

Furthermore, figure 7 shows the Vac power supply system (40), with phases and neutral respectively indicated with L and N, used for supplying the various electric loads ELl, EL2, ..., ELn of the machine 10 and, through the stabilised power supplies PSl and PS2, the low voltage logic controls of the system CS and machine 10.

The microcontroller MC2 may be a low cost microcontroller with a port for the communication line CLl, whose function is essentially that of controlling the actuators Al, A2, ..., An, through the devices DRVl, DRV2, ..., DRVn, depending on the control signals from the microcontroller MCl. The microcontroller MC2 also serves to acquire the feedback signals FDl, FD2, ..., FDn and the information provided by the sensor means Sl, S2, ..., Sn, so as to make them available to the microcontroller MCl which controls the functions or operating program of the machine 10.

The bearing structure 21 of the unit 20 is prearranged to be mounted at a fixed position of the household room 1. In the considered example, the structure 21 is substantially configured as a box intended to be at least partly recessed in a wall 2 of the room 1; the structure 21 may also be intended to be mounted outside the wall 2, but at a fixed position in any case.

Preferably the unit 20 is prearranged to be connected to one or more sources of external resources, required for the operation of the household appliance associated thereto. In the considered example - see for example figures 2, 8 and 10 - the unit 10 is connected to several sources of respective external resources, represented by a power supply system or network, indicated with 40 and a clean water supply system or network 41. Furthermore, as mentioned in the exemplified case, the machine 10 is suitable for draining the water used for executing a treatment cycle, and - for this purpose - the unit 20 is connected to a water drainage pipe, indicated with 42, connected to the household hydro-sanitary installation.

According to a preferred characteristic of the invention, the machine 10 and the unit 20 are provided with interconnection means, for connecting the machine 10 in a releasable manner to the source or sources of external resources and/or for putting the control system CS of the unit 20 in signal communication with that of the machine 10; furthermore, still preferably, the machine 10 and the unit 20 are provided with mechanical coupling means, configured to mechanically couple in a separable manner the respective structures 11 and 21. In the considered example, the abovementioned interconnection means comprise electric interconnection means and fluidic interconnection means.

As observable in figures 5, 6 and 9, the electric interconnection means comprise preferably a quick coupling system of the plug-socket type. Provided for in the illustrated example are two distinct electric interconnection systems, of which at least one for supplying power and the other for transmitting control signals. The connector system for supplying power has a part 23a, for example a male part, on the structure 11 of the machine 10 and a part 23b, for example a female part, on the structure 21 of the unit 20; in the example the coupling is of the three-pole type (phase, neutral and earth). Also the connector system for transmitting control signals has a part 23a', for example a male part, on the structure 11 of the machine 10 and a part 23b', for example a female part, on the structure 21 of the unit 20; in the example, the coupling is of the multipolar type, for interconnecting the serial line CLl.

Still referring to figures 5, 6 and 9, the fluidic interconnection means comprise a quick coupling system, also comprising a male part and a female part; in the example, the male part 24a is on the structure 11 of the machine 10 and the female part 24b is on the structure 21 of the unit 20, provided operative between the two parts 24a, 24b being seal means, not represented, such as for example one or more elastomer gaskets, of the per se known type. Part 24a is connected, through a pipe, not shown, to the tub 14 of the machine 10, while part 24b is connected to the water supply system 41. As mentioned, in the exemplified case, the machine 10 is suitable to drain water and for such purpose the unit 20 is connected to a drainage pipe 42, suitable to discharge such fluid outside the room 2. For such purpose, the machine 10 and the unit 20 are also provided with further fluidic interconnection means, for connecting the machine in a releasable manner to the drainage pipe 42. In the represented example, also the abovementioned further fluidic interconnection means comprise a quick coupling system, which includes a part 25 a, for example a male part, on the structure 11 and a part 25b, for example a female part, on the structure 21, provided operative between the two parts 25a, 25b being seal means, of the per se known type, not represented, such as for example one or more elastomer gaskets. Part 25a is connected, through the pipe

18a and the discharge pump 18, to the lower part of the tub 14 of the machine 10, while part 25b is connected to the drainage pipe 42.

In the example represented in figures 5, 6 and 9, the abovementioned mechanical coupling means comprise a quick coupling/decoupling system between the structure 11 of the machine 10 and the structure 21 of the connection unit 20.

For such purpose, in the example, the structure 11 is provided with a projecting portion or appendage 26a, intended to be introduced into a respective reception seat 26b defined at the front part 21a of the structure 21, between two respective projecting parts 26c (see for example figures 5-6). In a possible embodiment, associated at the front part 21a of the structure 21 is at least one coupling means, not shown, for engaging or withholding the appendage 26a when the latter is introduced into the seat 26b, particularly with snap-coupling system; such system may comprise, for example two recesses 26d, one of which is schematized in figure 9, formed on the larger surfaces opposite the appendage 26a, wherein teeth associated elastically to the parts 26c are intended to be coupled. In such coupling/decoupling system, at least one retention element, such as one or both of the abovementioned teeth, may be pressed by elastic means to engage the appendage 26a, or the respective recess 26d, when the latter is introduced into the seat 26b, with a release button actuatable by the user to obtain decoupling. In a possible embodiment, a retention member having the indicated functionality may be maintained at the coupling or lock position over the entire duration of the treatment cycle being executed by the machine 10, particularly through a respective electromechanical actuator inside the unit 20 and controlled by the control system CS, after starting treatment cycle or, where provided for, after switching the unit 20 ON: such solution prevents the machine 10 from being disengaged from the unit 20 while the treatment cycle is in progress. In practice, such coupling/decoupling system with an electromechanical actuator may be obtained according to the technology currently used for making door-lock devices for household appliances. Preferably, the mechanical coupling means 26a-26b and the interconnection means 23a-23b, 23a'-23b', 24a-24b and 25a-25b are prearranged to be mutually coupled substantially simultaneously, when the machine 10 is coupled to the unit 20. In the illustrated example, the machine 10 and the unit 20 each comprise a respective connector device, indicated with 27a and 27b in figures 5, 6, 9 and 10, each incorporating the respective parts of interconnection means. Obviously, the geometric configuration of the parts could be different from the exemplified one, even in such a manner that the connector devices 27a, 27b integrate a respective part of mechanical coupling means different from the represented ones.

The electric and fluidic interconnection means are preferably configured to prevent the risk that the former come into contact with possible fluid leaking from the latter. In a possible variant, alongside providing for suitable fit-couplings and/or partition walls and/or seal gaskets, the electric interconnection means are located at a higher position with respect to fluidic interconnection means.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connection unit 20 itself includes actuator means and/or sensor means (for example accommodated in the container indicated with 21b in figure 8, fixed at the rear part to the panel 21a), which the control system CS of the unit controls or employs for executing a function or operating cycle executable by the machine 10. For such purpose, the control system may be prearranged to control, for example, a normally closed solenoid valve arranged upstream of the coupling 24b, which is opened by the control system when water is required to be filled into the tub 14 of the machine 10; for example, provided for in the unit may be a flowmeter, for example an impeller-based flowmeter, for measuring the amount of water supplied to the machine 10; in such embodiment, the machine 10 does not require its own level sensor, and thus it may be obtained simplified further. Another sensor that may be provided for in the unit 20 is a sensor for detecting the temperature of the water present in the water supply system, particularly in the case - not represented - wherein the unit 20 is connected both to the cold water supply system and to the hot water supply system. In this case, the fluidic interconnection means may provide for two distinct couplings, one for supplying hot water and the other for supplying cold water, or the unit 20 may be provided with a double-inlet solenoid valve, openable in an alternating manner and one connected to the hot water supply system and the other to the cold water supply system and having only one outlet in fluid communication with part 24b of the fluidic interconnection means. The described household appliance system operates as follows.

When not being used, the machine 10 may be kept away in a utility room by the user, such a store room. In such condition, the machine may be used a s a container for gathering laundry intended to be washed. When required for washing, the user moves the machine from the abovementioned utility room to the room 1 , where the unit 20 is installed. Transfer thereof is very easy, due to the wheels 13 always exposed and the handgrip 12a. Due to the simplification of the machine, the overall dimensions and the weight of the latter are comparatively smaller with respect to a machine of the prior art, and this simplifies movement and repositioning thereof. The machine 10 is thus moved against the wall 2 provided with the unit 20 and the two components of the system are coupled to each other, by simply pushing the machine 10 towards the unit 20, ensuring that the appendage 26a fits into the respective seat 26b. As mentioned, such operation also allows simultaneous coupling of the respective parts of the interconnection means 23 a- 23b, 23a'-23b', 24a-24b and 25a-25b, such parts being positioned and configured geometrically for such purpose. Such condition is illustrated in figures 2 and 10.

Upon obtaining such coupling, and after adding the detergent into the respective dispenser according to the required dose, the user may switch the unit 20 ON, through a special button (indicated with 22c in figures 5 and 6), select a desired function or a desired program for the machine 10 and start the execution of such function or program. The selection and start operations are performed through the user interface 22, for example with display of the possible functions or programs and associated options on the display 22b and selection through manual control means represented by the buttons 22a. In a possible embodiment, the user interface 22, or the control 22a and display 22b means, are incorporated in a single display means of the touch-screen type.

Upon starting the program, the control system CS of the unit 20 controls both the power actuators possibly present in the same unit, and the microcontroller MC2, which in turn controls the power actuators Al, A2, An of the machine 10. Execution of the washing cycle occurs according to per se known methods.

Strictly as an example of the operation of the system subject of the invention, the control system CS may control the microcontroller MC2 so that the latter first determines the activation of the door- lock device of the machine 10 and of the possible lock actuator of the mechanical coupling system 26a-26b; subsequently, the control system CS controls the opening of a solenoid valve for filling water from the system 41 (which, as mentioned, may be associated to the unit 20). While water is filled into the tub 14, the control system CS controls the microcontroller MC2 so that the latter supplies power to the motor 17 to actuate the basket 15, according to the method provided for by the program (speed of rotation, alternating rotation and pause phases, inversion of the direction of rotation, etcetera). Once water has been filled to the desired amount, as detected by the level sensor inside the machine 10 or by the volumetric measuring device inside the unit 20, the control system CS causes the closure of the filling solenoid valve and controls the microcontroller MC2 in order to supply power to the heating resistor inside the machine 10 and the actuation of the dispenser device to dispense the detergent. Upon reaching the water temperature set by the program, detected by the control system CS through the microcontroller MC2 and the temperature sensor inside the machine 10, power supply to the abovementioned resistor is cut off. At the end of the treatment cycle step, power supply to the motor 17 is disabled and the control system enables power supply to the discharge pump 18, in such a manner that the used washing liquid is evacuated through the pipe 42. The cycle continues with a subsequent step, comprising at least one between filling water, moving the basket, draining used water, according to methods similar to those described previously. During the operation of the machine 10, mechanical coupling of the latter with the unit 20 guarantees continuity both in terms of electric connection, and water connection to the systems 41, 42 for supplying and draining water, and also ensures maintaining the machine 10 at a stationary position, thus avoiding movement thereof due to operational vibrations (particularly during possible centrifugation steps).

Once the treating cycle has ended, the unit 20 may be switched OFF and the machine 10 disconnected from the unit itself. As mentioned, for such purpose it is enough to operate on a button for releasing the coupling/decoupling system 26a- 26b (where provided for), and exert traction of the machine 10, for example through the handgrip 12a, moving it away from the unit 20. The laundry may be unloaded immediately from the machine 10, while it is still coupled mechanically to the unit 20, or the machine 10 may be transferred, due to the wheels 13, to a different room or place, where one desires to unload the laundry (for example a balcony, where the laundry may be hung to dry): as observable, in this manner the machine 10 advantageously serves as a laundry trolley. After unloading the clothes, the machine 10 may thus be moved again to the utility room or, more generally, wherever the user desires to position it.

The system according to the present invention preferably comprises several household appliances of different type or use with respect to each other, but made according to the principles described previously, and where each of such household appliances is selectively couplable for use thereof to the connection unit 20. For example, the system may comprise a laundry washing machine, like the one indicated with 10 and a dishwasher represented schematically in figures 11 and 12, where it is indicated in its entirety with 50, wherein reference numbers of the previous figures are used partly, to indicate elements technically equivalent to those described previously. Such machine 50, represented in the example by a dishwasher with a basket 51 accessible from above, through an upper porthole 16, is thus provided with a respective mechanical/electric/fluidic 26a, 27a connection system, located with respect to the bearing structure 11 of the dishwasher at a position geometrically suitable for coupling with the unit 20, according to the methods outlined previously with reference to the machine 10.

In this manner, as observable, alongside obtaining a simplification of several household appliances, it is also possible to obtain a simplification of the household plants, and in particular of the hydro-sanitary installation, given that only one point intended for connecting the household appliances 10, 50, i.e. the unit 20, shall be required. In this embodiment, the control system CS of the unit 20 is prearranged to include, in the memory means MEM thereof, operating instructions or programs required to execute functions or treatment cycles executable by each household appliance 10, 50 of the system. In other words, at least a substantial part of the control logic of a plurality of different household appliances is incorporated in the same control device, represented by the unit 20. Furthermore, very advantageously, various types of household appliances, couplable from time to time to the unit 20, may be controlled through one user interface, such as the one indicated with 22. This fact additionally facilitates the use of the household appliance by the user, in that the methods and means for setting the functions or programs shall substantially be the same, regardless of the household appliance used from time to time.

Obviously, the electric loads inside the dishwasher 50 shall be different from those of the laundry washing machine 10 (for example, the motor 17 shall be replaced by a washing pump). The electric interconnection means 24a-24b and the control system shall still be prearranged, by means of methods clear to a man skilled in the art, to allow the unit 20 to control the operation of the various household appliances of the system.

In order to manage the operation of different household appliances, the control system CS must establish the identity, i.e. the type, of household appliance currently coupled to the unit 20. In a possible embodiment, it is the same user who feeds such information to the control system of the unit 20, through the user interface 22, for example through a selector; in another example, upon switching the unit 20 ON, the control system commands the display, on the display 22b, of a list of possible connectable household appliances, with the user being required to indicate the household appliance of interest; after such selection, the control system shall command the representation, on the display 22b, of the list of functions or programs available for the selected household appliance, with the possible selectable associated options (e.g. maximum temperature, exclusion or centrifuge, etcetera). In another embodiment, each household appliance 10, 50 is provided with identification means and the control system of the unit 20 is configured to cooperate or interact with the abovementioned identification means, so as to independently establish the identity of the household appliance currently coupled to the unit 20. Also the practical implementation of the means that allow the control system of the unit 20 to identify the type of household appliance may be of any known type. In a possible embodiment, the systems for controlling the unit 20 and the household appliance 10, 50 are configured for such purpose; for example, after starting the unit 20, the respective microcontroller MCl interrogates - through the line CLl - the microcontroller MC2 of the household appliance, wherein the respective identity information shall be contained, or it is the same microcontroller MC2 that cyclically declares its identity to the microcontroller MCl, following supply of power to the respective control system.

The "automatic" identification means may also be implemented using the known technology of transponder systems (RFID technology), i.e. electronic radio frequency devices without independent power supply, for example in case the entire control system of the various household appliances is provided for inside the unit 20 (in such case, for example, the components Al, A2, An, DRVl, DR V2, DRVn, FDl, FD2, FDn of figure 7 shall be located in the unit 20). As known, a transponder, or TAG, is an electronic device provided with a non- volatile memory and means that allow an external apparatus, or TAG reader, to read or write data into said memory through a radio frequency communication system. Typically not having an independent power supply system, the TAG obtains its power supply voltage by extracting power from the same electromagnetic field using the transceiver TAG reader to which it is connected. In such manner, the various household appliances 10, 50 are associated to respective TAGs, each containing the respective identity/type information, while associated to the control system of the unit 20 is a respective TAG reader, whose reading field shall preferably be very small, i.e. such to allow reading the information contained in the TAG of the household appliance only when the latter is very near, or coupled to the unit 20.

Without prejudice to the principle of the invention, the details and embodiments may vary, even significantly, with respect to what has been described herein by way of non-limiting example only, without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined in the claims that follow. The invention has been described with reference to a household appliance system which includes two washing machines, and in particular a laundry washing machine and a dishwasher, but the concepts of the invention may obviously be extended to other household appliances. For example, another household appliance of the system subject of the invention may be a laundry dryer, for example of the "expulsion" type. In this case, the unit 20 shall (also) be connected to a pipe for discharging moist air out of the room 1. Hence, the unit 20 and the dryer shall be provided with interconnection means for discharging aeriform substances from the machine. A further household appliance to which the invention may be applied, substantially with the same criteria just described above regarding the dryer, is an air conditioner or dehumidifϊer with discharge of air. Obviously, in these cases, the household appliance shall not strictly require providing for interconnection means 24a-24b and 25a-25b, or the fittings 24a and 25 a shall still be provided for, but occluded or plugged.

It is clear that, according to the same concepts outlined above, the system could be conceived to allow connection to the unit 20 of a household oven. In such case, alongside an interconnection system suitably insulated for discharging an aeriform substance (i.e. cooking fumes), the unit 20 could provide for a separable interconnection system to a gas supply system.

In the previously described non-limiting example, the unit 20 is provided with one bearing structure 21, where the interior of such structure is preferably provided with separate sections or compartments, for example through internal containers and/or suitable walls and/or seal means, with components of the electronic control system and connections thereof to the power supply 40 accommodated in a section (such as the container 21c of figure 8) suitably insulated with respect to the section or sections where the connections between fluidic interconnection means of the unit 20 and the respective systems 41, 42 (such as the tub 21b of figure 8) are found. In a possible variant, the unit 20 may comprise several modules distinct and insulated with respect to each other, for example configured as built-in or wall fixed boxes separated from each other, with a module intended to hold/support components of the control system, interface means, electric interconnection means and for connection to the power supply 40, and at least another module intended to accommodate the connections between the fluidic interconnection means of the unit 20 and the respective systems 41, 42, with the possible actuators and sensors associated. In a further possible embodiment of the invention, the connection unit 20 is advantageously connected, additionally or alternatively to the household power supply system 40, to a photovoltaic power generator, arranged outside the building.

Alternatively or in combination with the user interface 22, the control system CS of the unit 20 may comprise a remote control system. Such possibility is exemplified in figure 7, wherein the control system SC comprises a transceiver module T, connected to the microcontroller MCl, to allow the latter to dialogue with a corresponding transceiver module, not represented, of a remote control indicated with RC. Use of transceiver modules is recommendable should the remote control be provided with a display, where information transmitted by the control system SC, for example regarding the current operation of the household appliance, is displayed. In simpler solutions, i.e. in cases where display is not requested, the remote control RC may comprise a transmitter module and the system SC a receiver module. Possibly, a single stabilised power supply could be provided for in the unit

20, also intended to supply the control logic of the machine 10, in cases where the electric interconnection means comprise at least two poles for supplying to the control system of the household appliance the required low direct supply voltage.

The external system or device indicated with MT in figure 7 may also be represented by a device for programming the control system of the unit 20 and/or for modifying and/or updating the contents of the memory means thereof, for example for adding new programs useful for managing the household appliances interfaceable to the unit itself. The external system MT may also comprise means for interconnection to a communication network, for example a telephone network or internet connection network, so as to allow control and/or maintenance/diagnosis and/or updating the programs of the unit 20 and/or of the household appliance connected thereto from a remote station with respect to the household environment 1.

The electric interconnection means provided for between the unit 20 and the appliance 10, 50 with the aim of supplying power to the latter could possibly comprise a pinless power coupling system, particularly based on the transmission of power by induction, for example according to the technique described in WO 2008/093334 and/or WO 2008/114268.

Claims

1. A household appliance system comprising at least two different household appliances (10, 50), each appliance (10, 50) being connectable to at least one source of an external resource (40, 41) that is required for operation thereof, the system being characterized in that

- each appliance (10, 50) has a movable bearing structure (11, 12), particularly movable by means of wheels (13) or the like;

- the system comprises a connection unit (20) having a fixed bearing structure (21), prearranged for being installed in a household room (1) and for the connection to at least one said source of external resource (40, 41);

- each appliance (10, 50) is selectively coupleable, for the purpose of use thereof, to said connection unit (20) by means of mutual coupling (26a-26b, 23a- 23b, 23a'-23b\ 24a-24b, 25a-25b); and

- said connection unit (20) comprises means (22, CS) for setting functions that can be carried out by one said appliance (10, 50), said means for setting comprising in particular a control system (CS), manual control means (22a) and/or means for displaying information (22b).

2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein said connection unit (20) has a control system (CS) including operating instructions or programs for each said appliance (10, 50), where in particular each said appliance (10, 50) comprises identification means (MC2) and said control system (CS) is configured for cooperating with said identification means (MC2) for the purposes of recognizing identity of the appliance (10, 50) currently coupled to said connection unit (20), or the connection unit (20) has means (22) for receiving from a user information relating to identity of the appliance (10, 50).

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said means for mutual coupling (26a-26b, 23a-23b, 23a'-23b', 24a-24b, 25a-25b) include interconnection means (23a-23b, 23a'-23b', 24a-24b) for connecting in a separable manner said appliance (10, 50) to one said source of external resource (40, 41).

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein said means for mutual coupling (26a-26b, 23a-23b, 23a'-23b', 24a-24b, 25a-25b) comprise mechanical coupling means (26a-26b) to mechanically couple in a separable manner the structure (11) of one said appliance (10, 50) to the structure (21) of said connection unit (20), where in particular the mechanical coupling means (26a-26b) and the interconnection means (23a-23b, 23a'-23b', 24a-24b, 25a-25b) are of the quick-coupling type and prearranged to mutually couple substantially simultaneously when one said appliance (10) and said connection unit (20) are operatively coupled to each other.

5. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one said appliance (10, 50) is prearranged for draining a fluid, such as a liquid or an aeriform, said connection unit (20) is connected to a system (42) for draining said fluid to the outside of the household room (1) and said appliance (10, 50) and the connection unit (20) are provided with interconnection means (25a-25b) for connecting in a separable manner said appliance (10) to said system for draining (42).

6. The system according to claim 4, wherein said mechanical coupling means comprise quick coupling/releasing means (26a-26b) between the structure

(11) of one said appliance (10, 50) and the structure (21) of said connection unit

(20).

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein said mutual coupling means (26a-26b, 23a-23b, 23a'-23b', 24a-24b, 25a-25b) comprise at least one of:

- interconnection means for an electric supply line (23a-23b), comprising in particular quick coupling plug and socket type means arranged between the structure (11) of one said appliance (10, 50) and the structure (21) of said connection unit (20); - fluidic interconnection means (24a-24b, 25a-25b), comprising in particular quick joint means arranged between the structure (11) of one said appliance (10, 50) and the structure (21) of said connection unit (20), said quick joint means including seal means;

- interconnection means for a signal communication line (23a'-23b'), comprising in particular quick coupling plug and socket type means arranged between the structure (11) of one said appliance (10, 50) and the structure (21) of said connection unit (20).

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein said connection unit (20) is prearranged for connection to a source of a fluid (41), such as a liquid or an aeriform, and to a source of electric energy (40).

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein said connection unit (20) is prearranged for connection to at least one household network (40, 41) that supplies a respective external resource.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein said connection unit (20) is prearranged for connection to a device outside of the household room (1), comprising a photovoltaic generator.

11. The system according to claim 7, wherein one said appliance (10, 50) and said connection unit (20) each comprises a respective connector device (27a- 27b) that integrates a plurality of said interconnection means (23a-23b, 23a'-23b', 24a-24b, 25a-25b).

12. The system according to claim 2, wherein said connection unit (20) includes at least one of sensor means, such as a fluid meter or a temperature sensor, and actuator means, such as a solenoid valve, and said control system (CS) is prearranged for using said sensor means and/or said actuator means in function of said operating instructions or programs.

13. The system according to claim 2, wherein said control system includes a remote control device (RC, T).

14. A connection unit (20) for a household appliance system according to one or more of claims 1 to 13, having a fixed bearing structure (21), prearranged for being installed in a household room (1) and for being connected to at least one source of an external resource (40, 41) required for operation of a plurality of movable household appliances (10, 50), the connection unit (20) being provided with

- coupling means (26b, 23b, 23b', 24b, 25b), for selectively coupling, in a releasable manner, each appliance of said plurality (10, 50) to said connection unit

(20),

- means (22, CS) for setting operation of one said appliance (10, 50) currently coupled to said connection unit (20), said means for setting comprising in particular a control system (CS), manual control means (22a) and/or means for displaying information (22b).

15. A household appliance (10, 50) for a household appliance system according to one or more of claims 1 to 13, having a movable bearing structure (11), particularly movable by means of wheels (13) or the like, and being adapted to be selectively coupled to at least one source of an external resource (40, 41) that is required for operation thereof, wherein said appliance (10) has coupling means

(26a, 23a, 23a', 24a, 25a), to couple in a releasable manner the appliance to a connection unit (20), for receiving therefrom said at least one external resource and operating control instructions.