EP3023535B1 - Appareil de traitement du linge avec un moteur universel - Google Patents

Appareil de traitement du linge avec un moteur universel Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3023535B1
EP3023535B1 EP14193812.6A EP14193812A EP3023535B1 EP 3023535 B1 EP3023535 B1 EP 3023535B1 EP 14193812 A EP14193812 A EP 14193812A EP 3023535 B1 EP3023535 B1 EP 3023535B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
motor
mains
voltage
operating condition
universal motor
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP14193812.6A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
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EP3023535A1 (fr
Inventor
Paolo Driussi
Luca PEGOLO
Marco Raminelli
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Electrolux Appliances AB
Original Assignee
Electrolux Appliances AB
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Electrolux Appliances AB filed Critical Electrolux Appliances AB
Priority to EP14193812.6A priority Critical patent/EP3023535B1/fr
Priority to PL14193812T priority patent/PL3023535T3/pl
Priority to PCT/EP2015/076758 priority patent/WO2016079084A1/fr
Publication of EP3023535A1 publication Critical patent/EP3023535A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3023535B1 publication Critical patent/EP3023535B1/fr
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Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
    • D06F58/30—Drying processes 
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/02—Characteristics of laundry or load
    • D06F2103/04—Quantity, e.g. weight or variation of weight
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/14—Supply, recirculation or draining of washing liquid
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/24—Spin speed; Drum movements
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/28—Air properties
    • D06F2103/34—Humidity
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/44—Current or voltage
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/46—Drum speed; Actuation of motors, e.g. starting or interrupting
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F25/00—Washing machines with receptacles, e.g. perforated, having a rotary movement, e.g. oscillatory movement, the receptacle serving both for washing and for centrifugally separating water from the laundry and having further drying means, e.g. using hot air 
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F33/00—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers 
    • D06F33/30—Control of washing machines characterised by the purpose or target of the control 
    • D06F33/32—Control of operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F33/00—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers 
    • D06F33/30—Control of washing machines characterised by the purpose or target of the control 
    • D06F33/47—Responding to irregular working conditions, e.g. malfunctioning of pumps 
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
    • D06F58/32—Control of operations performed in domestic laundry dryers 
    • D06F58/34—Control of operations performed in domestic laundry dryers  characterised by the purpose or target of the control
    • D06F58/36—Control of operational steps, e.g. for optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
    • D06F58/32—Control of operations performed in domestic laundry dryers 
    • D06F58/34—Control of operations performed in domestic laundry dryers  characterised by the purpose or target of the control
    • D06F58/50—Responding to irregular working conditions, e.g. malfunctioning of blowers

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to a laundry treatment appliance (e . g ., a laundry washing and/or drying appliance), both for domestic and professional use. More particularly, the present invention relates to a laundry treatment appliance provided with a universal motor for causing a rotatable drum rotation during laundry load treatment, and a method and system for efficiently feeding electric power to the universal motor based on appliance operating conditions.
  • a laundry treatment appliance e . g ., a laundry washing and/or drying appliance
  • laundry treatment appliances e.g. laundry washing appliances, laundry washing/drying appliances and laundry drying appliances, hereinafter laundry appliances
  • laundry appliances make use of a universal motor for rotating their rotatable drum, called also simply "drum” (i.e. the rotatable container arranged inside the laundry appliance wherein a laundry load is placed/housed in order to be washed and/or dried).
  • drum i.e. the rotatable container arranged inside the laundry appliance wherein a laundry load is placed/housed in order to be washed and/or dried.
  • Universal motor is an electric motor very similar, in construction, to a DC series motor, but, unlike the latter, it can be operated by both AC and DC power supplies (both of them typically derived by a mains power supply).
  • Universal motors feature high starting torque and speed, as well as lightweightness and compactness.
  • Universal motors which nowadays laundry appliances are equipped with, are mostly operated by an AC electric power, typically by means of a power supply/feeding apparatus comprising a thyristor device (e.g., a TRIAC device) selectively allowing/preventing AC electric power from the mains power supply to be fed to the universal motor.
  • a thyristor device e.g., a TRIAC device
  • DE102008044283 discloses a circuit arrangement having a connection for coupling the circuit arrangement with a supply network, which is coupled to a control unit that is formed to determine a value of electrical energy extracted from the supply network per unit time depending on the voltage.
  • a rectifier is connected between the connection and the control unit for rectifying the mains voltage.
  • EP1760184 discloses a washing machine operating apparatus comprising a control unit generating switching signals .
  • An inverter generates motor driving signals by switching external power source (1) according to the switching signals.
  • a universal motor (5) is rotated according to the motor driving signals to rotate the washing machine drum. Motor is driven in two-phase (high torque) or three-phase (low torque) modes with chopped sinusoidal or sinusoidal waveforms.
  • Applicant has ascertained that some conditions may determine incorrect/not-optimal operation of the laundry appliance, and especially of the universal motor.
  • An example of such conditions is a significant reductions in the mains power supply below values deemed acceptable for proper operation of the laundry appliance, both frequent (as in geographical areas, such East Europe and Asian countries, wherein the mains power supply is highly unstable and may have fluctuations below nominal values for relatively long period of time), and sporadic (e.g., due to temporary mains power supply failures).
  • a reduction in the mains power supply determines poor starting torque of the universal motor (which may lead to a rotation failure of the drum) or a slowing down of the universal motor speed.
  • the torque generated by the universal motor may be not high enough to rotate the drum at the desired speed, or to take it into rotation at all.
  • the invention is a laundry treatment apparatus as defined by claim 1 and a method of operating the laundry treatment apparatus as defined by claim 12.
  • Applicant has found that by providing a laundry treatment appliance with an operating condition detecting unit adapted to detect the occurrence of an operating condition of the appliance, and with a power supply apparatus configured to power an universal motor rotating the rotatable drum of the appliance in a first driving mode if a first operating condition is detected, and in a second driving mode if a second operating condition is detected, wherein in the first driving mode the electric voltage provided to the universal motor has a first waveform, and in the second driving mode the electric voltage provided to the universal motor has a second waveform, different from the first waveform, it is possible to effectively rotate the drum even in case of hard working conditions, such as significant reductions in the mains power supply or high amount of laundry loaded in the drum.
  • An aspect of the present invention relates to a laundry treatment appliance.
  • the laundry treatment appliance comprises:
  • Said second waveform is a partialized version of said first waveform.
  • Said voltage provided by said power supply apparatus to the universal motor in the second driving mode is an alternating voltage, said voltage provided by said power supply apparatus to the universal motor in the second driving mode having a direct component for increasing a starting torque of the universal motor when the second operating condition is detected.
  • said power supply apparatus is connected or connectable to a mains power supply providing a sinusoidal mains voltage
  • said first waveform comprises a sequence of positive-slope and negative-slope sinusoidal portions of said sinusoidal mains voltage
  • said second waveform comprising the positive-slope or the negative-slope sinusoidal portions of said first waveform
  • said power supply apparatus is connected or connectable to a mains power supply providing a sinusoidal mains voltage, and wherein said second operating condition occurs if the amplitude of said sinusoidal mains voltage is below a first threshold amplitude value.
  • said first operating condition occurs if the amplitude of said sinusoidal mains voltage is above a second threshold amplitude value higher than said first threshold amplitude value.
  • said second operating condition occurs if the amplitude of said sinusoidal mains voltage drops below the first threshold amplitude value and said first operating condition occurs if the amplitude of said sinusoidal mains voltage rises above said second threshold amplitude value, the universal motor being powered in the current, first or second, driving mode when the amplitude of said sinusoidal mains voltage is between said first and second threshold amplitude values.
  • said power supply apparatus is configured to interrupt the powering of said universal motor if the amplitude of said sinusoidal mains voltage is below a third threshold amplitude value lower than said first threshold amplitude value.
  • said second operating condition occurs when the amount of laundry load is above a threshold laundry load weight.
  • said second operating condition occurs when a water discharge phase is started.
  • said second operating condition occurs when the rotation speed of the drum is below a threshold rotation speed.
  • the driving apparatus comprises:
  • the appliance comprises a laundry washing appliance or a laundry washing/drying appliance or a laundry drying appliance.
  • the present invention relates further to a method for operating a laundry treatment appliance comprising a drum for housing a laundry load to be treated, a universal motor adapted to be powered by a voltage for causing drum rotation, an operating condition detecting unit adapted to detect the occurrence of an operating condition of said appliance, a power supply apparatus configured to power the universal motor in a first driving mode in which the voltage provided by said power supply apparatus to the universal motor has a first waveform, and in a second driving mode in which the voltage provided by said power supply apparatus to the universal motor has a second waveform different from said first waveform, said method comprising the steps of:
  • Figures 1A and 1B show isometric and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a laundry appliance 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the laundry appliance 100 is an appliance for treating a laundry load (e.g., a laundry washing appliance or a laundry washing/drying appliance), for example of the front-loading type - anyway, as should be apparent from the following description, laundry appliances of the top-loading type may also benefit from the present invention.
  • a laundry load e.g., a laundry washing appliance or a laundry washing/drying appliance
  • the laundry appliance 100 preferably comprises a substantially parallepiped-shaped cabinet 105, which encloses an inner compartment.
  • the inner compartment accommodates a number of well-known electronic, electro-hydraulic, mechanical and/or electro-mechanical components (only the relevant ones to the understanding of the present invention being introduced and discussed in the following).
  • the inner compartment accommodates a tub 110 (shown in Figure 1B ), preferably substantially cylindrically-shaped, and, within the tub 110, a rotatable drum 115, preferably substantially cylindrically-shaped, intended to house a laundry load to be washed and/or dried and to rotate (when the laundry appliance 100 operation so requires) about an axis A in order to tumble the laundry load housed therein.
  • a tub 110 shown in Figure 1B
  • a rotatable drum 115 preferably substantially cylindrically-shaped, intended to house a laundry load to be washed and/or dried and to rotate (when the laundry appliance 100 operation so requires) about an axis A in order to tumble the laundry load housed therein.
  • the rotatable drum 115 is accessible through an access door 120 (shown in an opened configuration in Figure 1A and in a closed configuration in Figure 1B ), preferably provided on a front panel of the cabinet 105 for selectively allowing laundry loading into/unloading from the rotatable drum 115 through a cabinet opening 105 O (visible in Figure 1A ), and tub 110 O and drum 115 O openings (visible in Figure 1B ).
  • a bellows 125 preferably made of an elastomeric and waterproof material, is mounted in a watertight manner ( e . g ., by gluing, by welding, or by interference fitting) between respective edges of the cabinet opening 105 O and of the tub opening 110 O .
  • the laundry appliance 100 comprises, preferably at a cabinet top 105 T , a drawer 130 for loading laundry-treating products (e.g ., detergents, softeners, bleachers, and the like), and, preferably aside the drawer 130, a user interface 135.
  • laundry-treating products e.g ., detergents, softeners, bleachers, and the like
  • the user interface 135 preferably comprises a control panel 135 A (e.g., comprising buttons, rotative knobs, displays) for user selection of a desired laundry treatment to be carried out and options thereof, and a control system 135 B (e.g., comprising electronic devices such as one or more microcontrollers) adapted to control operation of the laundry appliance 100 according to user selection on the control panel 135 A (and, according to the present invention, as discussed below, according to occurrence/detection of one or more predetermined operating conditions that may lead to incorrect/not-optimal operation of the laundry appliance 100 ).
  • a control panel 135 A e.g., comprising buttons, rotative knobs, displays
  • a control system 135 B e.g., comprising electronic devices such as one or more microcontrollers
  • control system 135 B is preferably arranged within the inner compartment, even more preferably at a top thereof (e.g., close to the cabinet top 105 T ) in order to be less prone to contacts with liquids or humidity possibly leaking from the tub 110.
  • the inner compartment also accommodates a universal motor 140 (i.e., an electric motor very similar, in construction, to a DC series motor, but operable by both AC and DC electric power supplies) adapted to be powered/fed for causing drum rotation when laundry appliance 100 operation so requires.
  • a universal motor 140 i.e., an electric motor very similar, in construction, to a DC series motor, but operable by both AC and DC electric power supplies
  • a rotor shaft 145 A is connected to the rotatable drum 115 through a rear tub opening 110 OR provided at a tub backside or backwall 110 R , and to the universal motor 140 by means of a transmission apparatus 150 comprising pulleys (such as the pulleys 150 A and 150 B mounted to the rotor shaft 145 A and to a motor shaft 145 B , respectively) as well as a transmission belt or chain 150c coupled thereto.
  • a transmission apparatus 150 comprising pulleys (such as the pulleys 150 A and 150 B mounted to the rotor shaft 145 A and to a motor shaft 145 B , respectively) as well as a transmission belt or chain 150c coupled thereto.
  • the universal motor 140 is preferably arranged at a cabinet bottom 105 B , together with a driving circuit 155 for driving the universal motor 140 - i.e., for powering/feeding the universal motor 140 with an electric voltage (and a corresponding electric current) capable of causing drum rotation based on the user setting and, as discussed below, on the detected operating condition/conditions of the laundry appliance 100.
  • a driving circuit 155 for driving the universal motor 140 - i.e., for powering/feeding the universal motor 140 with an electric voltage (and a corresponding electric current) capable of causing drum rotation based on the user setting and, as discussed below, on the detected operating condition/conditions of the laundry appliance 100.
  • Universal motor 140 driving takes place according to proper control signals from the control system 135 B (electrical connection between the driving circuit 155 and the control system 135 B not shown for the sake of illustration ease).
  • control signals based on detection of the operating condition/conditions of the laundry appliance 100 will be considered, it being understood that, although not discussed, control signals based (as usual) on desired setting of the laundry appliance 100 ( e . g ., according to user selection on the control panel 135 A ) may be provided.
  • Detection of each operating condition is achieved by means of a respective operating condition detecting unit (hereinafter, OCD unit) 160 , only one depicted in the figure, whose implementation and arrangement depend on the operating condition/conditions it is intended to detect.
  • OCD unit 160 the operating conditions detected by the OCD unit 160 (or more thereof) are preferably (although not necessarily) those ones that may determine incorrect/not-optimal operation of the laundry appliance 100, and especially faults, malfunctions, criticalities or inefficiencies of the universal motor 140, as progressively detailed when discussing embodiments of the present invention.
  • the driving circuit 155 and the control system 135 B define, as a whole, a power supply apparatus configured to power/feed the universal motor 140 in different driving modes according to the detected operating condition/conditions.
  • a power supply apparatus is illustrated (in terms of circuit elements) in Figure 2 , and denoted by the number reference 200.
  • the power supply apparatus 200 connected or connectable to line T L and neutral T N terminals of a mains power supply providing an AC mains voltage V MAINS , preferably comprises a thyristor device (e.g., a TRIAC device) 205 T (e.g., part of the driving circuit 155 ) having a first anode terminal coupled ( e .
  • a thyristor device e.g., a TRIAC device
  • the universal motor 140 comprises a second terminal coupled ( e . g ., directly connected) to the line terminal T L of the mains power supply.
  • the first anode terminal of the thyristor device 205 T and/or the second terminal of the universal motor 140 may be coupled to the neutral T N and line T L terminals, respectively, of the mains power supply by means of proper electric components ( e . g ., switches or relays).
  • An AC-DC conversion circuit (only conceptually illustrated in the figure and denoted, as a whole, by the number reference 210 ) is provided (preferably arranged at control system 135 B side) that comprises transforming, rectifying and regulation components for receiving the mains voltage V MAINS across the line T L and neutral T N terminals of the mains power supply and providing a (DC) ground voltage GND and a (DC) supply voltage Vcc ( e.g., a 3V, 5V or 12V DC voltage with respect to the ground voltage GND ).
  • the ground GND and supply Vcc voltages generated by the AC-DC conversion unit 210 are used, amongst other things, for supplying the electric and electronic components included in the power supply apparatus 200 , such as a control unit 215 (e.g., a microcontroller or a microprocessor preferably arranged at control system 135 B side) intended to manage the operation of the laundry appliance 100 (in the following, for the sake of exposition brevity, only functionalities of the control unit 215 pertinent to universal motor 140 power supplying/feeding will be considered).
  • the control unit 215 is connected between a supply terminal Vcc providing the supply voltage Vcc and a ground terminal GND providing the ground voltage GND.
  • the triggering circuit for activating the thyristor device 205 is controlled by the control unit 215 by means of the control signals, such as the control signal V CTRL , each one associated with the detection of a respective operating condition (or of a respective set of operating conditions) of the laundry appliance 100.
  • the control signals such as the control signal V CTRL
  • the control signals are generated internally to the control unit 215, even more preferably the control signals, such as the control signal V CTRL , are digital voltage signals capable of selectively taking a high logic value (e.g., corresponding to the supply voltage Vcc ) and a low logic value (e .g., corresponding to the ground voltage GND ).
  • the triggering circuit comprises a resistor 205 R and a transistor 205 B .
  • the transistor 205 B preferably a BJT ( "Bipolar Junction Transistor” ) transistor, has a base terminal coupled (e.g., directly connected) to the control unit 215 for receiving the control signal V CTRL , an emitter terminal coupled ( e . g ., directly connected) to the ground terminal GND for receiving the ground voltage GND, and a collector terminal coupled (e.g., directly connected) to a first terminal of the resistor 205 R - a second terminal of the resistor 205 R being instead coupled ( e . g ., directly connected) to the gate terminal of the thyristor device 205 T .
  • BJT Bipolar Junction Transistor
  • the control unit 215 sets the control signal V CTRL at the low logic value
  • the transistor 205 B is off, and the gate terminal of the thyristor device 205 T is floating. In this condition, the thyristor device 205 T , and hence the universal motor 140, are off.
  • the control unit 215 sets the control signal V CTRL at the high logic value, the transistor 205 B is on, and a current pulse flows from the gate terminal to the ground terminal GND , and hence across the resistor 205 R and the transistor 205 B , thus triggering the activation of the thyristor device 205 T that enable an AC electric voltage to be fed across (and a corresponding AC electric current to flow through) the universal motor 140.
  • the AC electric voltage fed across the universal motor 140 is preferably derived from the AC mains voltage V MAINS , whereas the AC electric current flowing through the universal motor 140 substantially (i.e., approximately) depends on the AC electric voltage, on an equivalent impedance exhibited by the universal motor 140 and on universal motor 140 components/parts introducing (capacitive and/or inductive) non-linearity.
  • the control signal V CTRL is such that activation of the thyristor device 205 T is triggered after a predefined delay time (corresponding to a predefined phase angle of the mains voltage V MAINS ) and over a predefined activation time (corresponding to a predefined conduction angle of the mains voltage V MAINS ).
  • FIG 3A shows, according to an embodiment of the present invention, qualitative waveforms of the mains voltage V MAINS , of the electric voltage across the universal motor 140 in a first driving mode of the power supply apparatus 200 (hereinafter, motor voltage V MOTOR,A ), and of the current flowing through the universal motor 140 in the first driving mode of the power supply apparatus 200 (hereinafter, motor current I MOTOR,A ) ⁇ the first driving mode being the only driving mode available in conventional laundry appliances making use of universal motors.
  • the mains voltage V MAINS is an alternating voltage having a full-wave periodic, e.g. sinusoidal, waveform (and, as usual, an amplitude of 230V or 125V and a frequency of 50Hz or 60Hz).
  • the motor voltage V MOTOR,A is an alternating voltage defined by a sequence of positive-slope and negative-slope sinusoidal portions of (or, when possible non-idealities are considered, approximately matching the waveform/trend of) the mains voltage V MAINS at the conduction
  • the sinusoidal portions of (or approximately matching the waveform/trend of) the mains voltage V MAINS that define the motor voltage V MOTOR,A derive from activation of the thyristor device 205 T at the above conduction angles.
  • the substantially sinusoidal waveform of the motor current I MOTOR,A is due, ideally ( i.e. without taking into account delay time intervals and non-idealities introduced by universal motor 140 components/parts, as herein assumed), to inductive nature of the universal motor 140 (so that the motor current I MOTOR,A waveform results from the full-wave sinusoidal waveform of the mains voltage V MAINS over the activation time intervals, or otherwise stated, from the positive-slope and negative-slope sinusoidal portions of the mains voltage V MAINS ) .
  • the power supply apparatus 200 is configured to power the universal motor 140 in the first driving mode if a first operating condition is detected, and in a second driving mode if a second operating condition is detected, wherein the electric voltage across the universal motor 140 in the first driving mode (i.e., the motor voltage V MOTOR,A ) and the electric current through the universal motor 140 in the first driving mode (i.e., the motor current I MOTOR,A ) have the waveforms illustrated in Figure 3A , and the electric voltage across the universal motor 140 in the second driving mode (hereinafter, motor voltage V MOTOR,B ) and the electric current through the universal motor 140 in the second driving mode (hereinafter, motor current I MOTOR,B ) have different waveforms (illustrated in Figure 3B , discussed herebelow).
  • the second operating condition is the occurrence of an incorrect/not-optimal or critical condition of the laundry appliance 100 (reason why, in the following, the second operating condition will be referred to as critical operating condition and the second driving mode, intended to support laundry appliance 100 operation for forestalling potential faults or malfunctioning arising from the critical operating condition, will be referred to as support driving mode), whereas the first operating condition may be the non-occurrence of the critical operating condition, preferably indicative of a default/normal operation of the laundry appliance 100 (reason why, in the following, the first operating condition will be referred to as normal operating condition and the first driving mode, intended to ensure normal laundry appliance 100 operation, will be referred to as normal driving mode).
  • Figure 3B shows, according to the present invention, qualitative waveforms of the mains voltage V MAINS , of the motor voltage V MOTOR,B and of the motor current I MOTOR,B in the support driving mode of the power supply apparatus 200.
  • the support driving mode is started upon detection (and communication to the control unit 215 ) of a critical operating condition by the OCD unit 160, and is enabled by generation of the corresponding control signal V CRTL by the control unit 215 (the control signal V CRTL , and the resulting triggering pulse signal, in the support driving mode associated with a critical operating condition being thus different from the control signal V CRTL , and the resulting triggering pulse signal, in the normal driving mode, and, preferably, also from the control signal V CRTL , and the resulting triggering pulse signal, in the support driving mode associated with a different critical operating condition, when detection of more critical operating conditions is provided).
  • the motor votlage V MOTOR,B (and, accordingly, the motor current I MOTOR,B ) waveform is a partialized version of the motor voltage V MOTOR,A waveform (and, respectively, of the motor current I MOTOR,A ) - in the following, for the sake of exposition ease and conciseness, due to the close correlation between the motor current and the motor votlage above mentioned, and unless otherwise specified, the motor current I MOTOR,B should be considered having the same features/properties of the motor votlage VMOTOR,B.
  • the motor voltage V MOTOR,B which is an alternating electric voltage, has a direct component for increasing a starting torque of the universal motor 140 in the support driving mode.
  • the motor votlage V MOTOR,B in the support driving mode features, unlike the motor votlage V MOTOR,A in the normal driving mode, a non-zero direct component, which provides an improved starting torque of the universal motor 140 that allows it to correctly operate even when a critical operating condition occurs (as detailed below).
  • the motor voltage V MOTOR,B waveform (in the support driving mode) comprises the negative-slope sinusoidal portions (as exemplary illustrated) or the positive-slope sinusoidal portions of the motor voltage V MOTOR,A waveform (in the normal driving mode).
  • This is preferably achieved, similarly to former discussion, by generating (at the control unit 215 side) a control signal V CTRL such that the phase and conduction angles of the mains voltage V MAINS allow “suppressing", with respect to the motor voltage V MOTOR,A waveform, the positive-slope sinusoidal portions (as herein exemplary illustrated) or the negative-slope sinusoidal portions.
  • conduction angles between 3/4 ⁇ and 5/4 ⁇ (corresponding to activation time intervals t 2 -t 4 , t 8 -t 10 ), and, hence, phase angles between 0 and 3/4 ⁇ and between 5/4 ⁇ and 2 ⁇ , are provided, so that the motor voltage V MOTOR,B in the support driving mode is an alternating votlage having a sequence of only negative-slope sinusoidal portions (as herein exemplary assumed) or only positive-slope sinusoidal portions waveforms.
  • this translates into a motor current I MOTOR,B in the support driving mode having a sequence of only positive (as herein exemplary assumed and illustrated in Figure 3B ) or only negative sinusoidal (or substantially sinusoidal) waveforms with respect to the motor current I MOTOR,A in the normal driving mode.
  • the critical operating condition occurs if the amplitude of the mains voltage V MAINS is below a lower threshold amplitude value (in which case the OCD unit 160 may comprise a sensing unit, preferably a voltage divider, even more preferably a resistive voltage divider).
  • the motor voltage V MOTOR,B in the support driving mode features, unlike the motor voltage V MOTOR,A in the normal driving mode, a non-zero direct component, which provides an improved starting torque of the universal motor 140 that allows it to correctly operate even when the mains power supply is significantly reduced.
  • the normal operating condition (and the normal driving mode of the universal motor 140 ) is set, or restored, when the amplitude of the mains voltage V MAINS is above an upper threshold amplitude value higher than the lower threshold amplitude value - anyway, nothing prevents from providing implementations wherein the lower and upper threshold amplitude values are a same single threshold amplitude value (in which case the critical and normal operating conditions occurring if the amplitude of the mains voltage V MAINS is below and above, respectively, said single threshold amplitude value).
  • the critical operating condition occurs as soon as (and only when) the amplitude of the mains voltage V MAINS drops below the lower threshold amplitude value and the normal operating occurs as soon as (and only when) the amplitude of the mains voltage V MAINS rises above the upper threshold amplitude value, so that the universal motor 140 is driven in the current (first or second) driving mode when the amplitude of the mains voltage V MAINS is between the lower and upper threshold amplitude values.
  • the power supply apparatus 200 is advantageously configured to interrupt the powering of the universal motor 140 if the amplitude of the mains voltage V MAINS is below a limit threshold amplitude value, e.g. lower than the upper threshold amplitude value (or of the single threshold amplitude value, as the case may be), so that the universal motor 140 is driven in the support driving mode when the amplitude of the mains voltage V MAINS is between the limit and lower threshold amplitude values.
  • a limit threshold amplitude value e.g. lower than the upper threshold amplitude value (or of the single threshold amplitude value, as the case may be
  • the critical operating condition occurs when the amount of laundry load within the rotatable drum 115 is above a threshold laundry load weight (in which case, the OCD unit 160 may be a known weight sensing unit).
  • a threshold laundry load weight in which case, the OCD unit 160 may be a known weight sensing unit.
  • the critical operating condition may occur when the rotation speed of the rotatable drum 115 is below a threshold rotation speed (in which case the OCD unit 160 may be, or may comprise, a tachometer unit).
  • a threshold rotation speed in which case the OCD unit 160 may be, or may comprise, a tachometer unit.
  • powering the universal motor 140 in the support driving mode avoids that a reduced rotation speed of the rotatable drum 115 impairs the laundry treatment (as typically is in known laundry appliances equipped with universal motors).
  • the critical operating condition occurs when a water discharge phase is started - indeed, the water-laden laundry load makes the rotatable drum 115 heavier, so that the improved starting torque provided by powering the universal motor 140 in the support driving mode allows avoiding laundry treatment being compromised.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Control Of Washing Machine And Dryer (AREA)

Claims (12)

  1. Appareil (100) de traitement de linge comportant :
    un tambour (115) destiné à loger une charge de linge à traiter,
    un moteur universel (140) prévu pour être alimenté par une tension électrique (VMOTOR,A, VMOTOR,B ) pour provoquer la rotation du tambour (115),
    une unité (160) de détection de condition de fonctionnement prévue pour détecter la survenue d'une condition de fonctionnement dudit appareil (100), et
    un appareil (200) d'alimentation électrique configuré pour alimenter le moteur universel (140) dans un premier mode d'excitation si une première condition de fonctionnement est détectée et dans un deuxième mode d'excitation si une deuxième condition de fonctionnement est détectée, dans le premier mode d'excitation, la tension (VMOTOR,A) fournie par ledit appareil (200) d'alimentation électrique au moteur universel (140) présentant une première forme d'onde,
    et dans le deuxième mode d'excitation, la tension (VMOTOR,B) fournie par ledit appareil (200) d'alimentation électrique au moteur universel (140) présentant une deuxième forme d'onde différente de ladite première forme d'onde, ladite deuxième condition de fonctionnement étant indicative d'une condition critique provoquant potentiellement des pannes ou un mauvais fonctionnement de l'appareil, en ce que ladite tension (VMOTOR,B) fournie par ledit appareil (200) d'alimentation électrique au moteur universel (140) dans le deuxième mode d'excitation est une tension alternative possédant une composante continue destinée à augmenter un couple de démarrage du moteur universel (140),
    caractérisé en ce que ladite deuxième forme d'onde est une version partielle de ladite première forme d'onde.
  2. Appareil (100) de traitement de linge selon la revendication 1, ledit appareil (200) d'alimentation électrique étant ou pouvant être relié à une alimentation électrique sur secteur fournissant une tension sinusoïdale de secteur (VMAINS), et ladite première forme d'onde comportant une suite de parties sinusoïdales de pente positive et de pente négative de ladite tension sinusoïdale de secteur (VMAINS), ladite deuxième forme d'onde comportant les parties sinusoïdales de pente positive ou de pente négative de ladite première forme d'onde.
  3. Appareil (100) de traitement de linge selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, ledit appareil (200) d'alimentation électrique étant ou pouvant être relié à une alimentation électrique sur secteur fournissant une tension sinusoïdale de secteur (VMAINS), et ladite deuxième condition de fonctionnement survenant si l'amplitude de ladite tension sinusoïdale de secteur (VMAINS) est inférieure à une première valeur seuil d'amplitude.
  4. Appareil (100) de traitement de linge selon la revendication 3, ladite première condition de fonctionnement survenant si l'amplitude de ladite tension sinusoïdale de secteur (VMAINS) est supérieure à une deuxième valeur seuil d'amplitude plus élevée que ladite première valeur seuil d'amplitude.
  5. Appareil (100) de traitement de linge selon la revendication 4, ladite deuxième condition de fonctionnement survenant si l'amplitude de ladite tension sinusoïdale de secteur (VMAINS) tombe au-dessous de la première valeur seuil d'amplitude et ladite première condition de fonctionnement survenant si l'amplitude de ladite tension sinusoïdale de secteur (VMAINS) s'élève au-dessus de ladite deuxième valeur seuil d'amplitude, le moteur universel (140) étant alimenté dans le premier ou deuxième mode d'excitation actuel lorsque l'amplitude de ladite tension sinusoïdale de secteur (VMAINS) se situe entre lesdites première et deuxième valeurs seuils d'amplitude.
  6. Appareil (100) de traitement de linge selon les revendications 3, 4 ou 5, ledit appareil (200) d'alimentation électrique étant configuré pour interrompre l'alimentation dudit moteur universel (140) si l'amplitude de ladite tension sinusoïdale de secteur (VMAINS) est inférieure à une troisième valeur seuil d'amplitude plus basse que ladite première valeur seuil d'amplitude.
  7. Appareil (100) de traitement de linge selon les revendications 1 ou 2, ladite deuxième condition de fonctionnement survenant lorsque la quantité de charge de linge est supérieure à un poids seuil de charge de linge.
  8. Appareil (100) de traitement de linge selon les revendications 1 ou 2, ladite deuxième condition de fonctionnement survenant lorsqu'une phase d'évacuation d'eau est démarrée.
  9. Appareil (100) de traitement de linge selon les revendications 1 ou 2, ladite deuxième condition de fonctionnement survenant lorsque la vitesse de rotation du tambour (115) est inférieure à une vitesse de rotation seuil.
  10. Appareil (100) de traitement de linge selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, l'appareil (200) d'excitation comportant :
    un dispositif (205T) à thyristor comportant une première borne d'anode couplée à une première borne (TN) d'alimentation électrique sur secteur et une deuxième borne d'anode couplée à une première borne de moteur universel, une deuxième borne de moteur universel étant couplée à une deuxième borne (TL) d'alimentation électrique sur secteur ;
    une unité (215) de commande configurée pour générer des premier ou deuxième signaux de commande servant à permettre l'alimentation du moteur universel (140) dans les premier ou deuxième modes d'excitation, respectivement, et
    un circuit (205R, 205B) de déclenchement configuré pour activer le dispositif (205T) à thyristor en fournissant des premier ou deuxième signaux d'impulsions de déclenchement à une borne de grille du dispositif (205T) à thyristor d'après les premier ou deuxième signaux de commande, respectivement.
  11. Appareil (100) de traitement de linge selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, l'appareil comportant un appareil de lavage de linge ou un appareil de lavage/séchage de linge ou un appareil de séchage de linge.
  12. Procédé d'utilisation d'un appareil (100) de traitement de linge comportant un tambour (115) destiné à loger une charge de linge à traiter, un moteur universel (140) prévu pour être alimenté par une tension (VMOTOR,A, VMOTOR,B ) pour provoquer la rotation du tambour (115), une unité (160) de détection de condition de fonctionnement prévue pour détecter la survenue d'une condition de fonctionnement dudit appareil (100), un appareil (200) d'alimentation électrique configuré pour alimenter le moteur universel (140) dans un premier mode d'excitation où la tension (VMOTOR,A) fournie par ledit appareil (200) d'alimentation électrique au moteur universel (140) présente une première forme d'onde, et dans un deuxième mode d'excitation où la tension (VMOTOR,B) fournie par ledit appareil (200) d'alimentation électrique au moteur universel (140) présente une deuxième forme d'onde différente de ladite première forme d'onde, ladite deuxième condition de fonctionnement étant indicative d'une condition critique provoquant potentiellement des pannes ou un mauvais fonctionnement de l'appareil, ladite tension (VMOTOR,B) fournie par ledit appareil (200) d'alimentation électrique au moteur universel (140) dans le deuxième mode d'excitation étant une tension alternative possédant une composante continue destinée à augmenter un couple de démarrage du moteur universel (140), et ladite deuxième forme d'onde étant une version partielle de ladite première forme d'onde, ledit procédé comportant les étapes consistant à :
    - détecter la condition de fonctionnement actuelle dudit appareil ;
    - alimenter ledit moteur universel (140) dans ledit premier mode d'excitation si une première condition de fonctionnement est détectée ;
    - alimenter ledit moteur universel (140) dans ledit deuxième mode d'excitation si une deuxième condition de fonctionnement est détectée.
EP14193812.6A 2014-11-19 2014-11-19 Appareil de traitement du linge avec un moteur universel Active EP3023535B1 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP14193812.6A EP3023535B1 (fr) 2014-11-19 2014-11-19 Appareil de traitement du linge avec un moteur universel
PL14193812T PL3023535T3 (pl) 2014-11-19 2014-11-19 Urządzenie do obróbki prania z uniwersalnym silnikiem
PCT/EP2015/076758 WO2016079084A1 (fr) 2014-11-19 2015-11-17 Appareil de traitement du linge

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP14193812.6A EP3023535B1 (fr) 2014-11-19 2014-11-19 Appareil de traitement du linge avec un moteur universel

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EP3023535B1 true EP3023535B1 (fr) 2021-10-20

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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1760184A2 (fr) * 2005-09-05 2007-03-07 LG Electronics Inc. Appareil d'actionnement d'un lave-linge
ITUD20080090A1 (it) * 2008-04-28 2009-10-29 Antoniolli Mario & C S A S Procedimento di controllo di velocita' e relativo dispositivo di controllo

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19752098A1 (de) * 1997-11-25 1999-05-27 Ako Werke Gmbh & Co Ansteuerschaltung für einen Universalmotor
DE10132486A1 (de) 2001-07-05 2003-01-30 Diehl Ako Stiftung Gmbh & Co Drehzahlsteuerung für einen Universalmotor, insbesondere für einen Waschmaschinenbetrieb
CN2873847Y (zh) 2005-10-24 2007-02-28 海尔集团公司 悬立式洗衣机的波轮传动装置
WO2007074103A1 (fr) * 2005-12-29 2007-07-05 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi Machine a laver et son procede de commande
DE102008044283A1 (de) * 2008-12-02 2010-06-10 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Schaltungsanordnung zur Überwachung einer elektrischen Spannung eines Versorgungsnetzes und entsprechendes Verfahren

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1760184A2 (fr) * 2005-09-05 2007-03-07 LG Electronics Inc. Appareil d'actionnement d'un lave-linge
ITUD20080090A1 (it) * 2008-04-28 2009-10-29 Antoniolli Mario & C S A S Procedimento di controllo di velocita' e relativo dispositivo di controllo

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EP3023535A1 (fr) 2016-05-25
PL3023535T3 (pl) 2022-02-21

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