EP3309287B1 - Von oben zu beladende wasch- und/oder trocknungsmaschine mit sicherheitsmechanismus - Google Patents

Von oben zu beladende wasch- und/oder trocknungsmaschine mit sicherheitsmechanismus Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3309287B1
EP3309287B1 EP16193599.4A EP16193599A EP3309287B1 EP 3309287 B1 EP3309287 B1 EP 3309287B1 EP 16193599 A EP16193599 A EP 16193599A EP 3309287 B1 EP3309287 B1 EP 3309287B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
drum
door
safety mechanism
machine
drum door
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
EP16193599.4A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3309287A1 (de
Inventor
Davide Parachini
Luca Caruso
Marco Cagliani
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.)
Whirlpool Corp
Original Assignee
Whirlpool Corp
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 Whirlpool Corp filed Critical Whirlpool Corp
Priority to EP16193599.4A priority Critical patent/EP3309287B1/de
Publication of EP3309287A1 publication Critical patent/EP3309287A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3309287B1 publication Critical patent/EP3309287B1/de
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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
    • D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F34/14—Arrangements for detecting or measuring specific parameters
    • D06F34/20—Parameters relating to constructional components, e.g. door sensors
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
    • D06F37/02—Rotary receptacles, e.g. drums
    • D06F37/04—Rotary receptacles, e.g. drums adapted for rotation or oscillation about a horizontal or inclined axis
    • D06F37/10—Doors; Securing means therefor
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
    • D06F37/42—Safety arrangements, e.g. for stopping rotation of the receptacle upon opening of the casing door
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/40—Opening or locking status of doors
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/58—Indications or alarms to the control system or to the user
    • 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
    • D06F2105/62—Stopping or disabling machine operation
    • 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
    • D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
    • D06F58/02—Domestic laundry dryers having dryer drums rotating about a horizontal axis
    • D06F58/04—Details 

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a top-loading washing and/or drying machine comprising a cabinet with a top access, a drum rotatably mounted within said cabinet about a horizontal axis and having an aperture on its cylindrical side, one or two drum door/s supported by the drum for opening or closing said aperture following a predetermined rotation of the drum.
  • a top-loading washer comprising a tub mounted in the cabinet with an access opening, a perforated drum rotatably mounted within said tub about a horizontal axis and having an aperture on its cylindrical side, one or two drum door/s supported by the drum for opening or closing said aperture following a predetermined rotation of the drum.
  • the top-loading washing and/or drying machine is provided with a safety mechanism to prevent accidental openings of the drum.
  • drum can be opened by means of two spring loaded rotating doors. These two doors are connected to the drum wrapper through two hinges (one for each door). When the drum is closed, the two doors edges are overlapped thus allowing their engagement: the lower door is usually provided with two hooks that engage two corresponding slots on the upper door. The action of the springs ensures the correct engagement of the two lids. Furthermore a safety mechanism, usually located on the edge of the two doors, prevents accidental openings of the drum that can occur during the wash cycle. In particular the function of the safety mechanism is to avoid that a pushing force, acting on the lower rotating door towards the inner side of the drum, could lead to the disengagement of the two rotating doors.
  • Said force can be caused by impact of the tumbling drum with the water contained inside the sump or by a piece of laundry caught with the lower door.
  • the safety mechanism is generally done with a spring loaded pushbutton or slider which denies the disengagement of the lower rotating door when pushed inward.
  • a failure in the engagement of the safety mechanism can occur due to a not correct drum doors closing operation performed by the user or by an automatic system or to a damage to the mechanical components of the safety mechanism.
  • Document CZ28601U1 discloses a safety device for detection of a securely closed door of a drum of a washing machine, comprising a control unit, an electronical sensor interconnected to the control unit, a magnetic unit and a lock of the door.
  • the magnetic unit is a permanent magnet covered by a cover and is arranged on a wing of the door.
  • the electronical sensor is arranged outside of the drum, in such a position to be influenced by the magnetic field of the magnetic unit.
  • Document EP1992728A2 discloses a top-loading washing machine comprising: a tub having a top opening; a drum fitted in a manner such that it can rotate about a substantially horizontal axis inside the tub; at least one door secured to said drum for allowing access to the inside of the drum.
  • the washing machine further comprises a safety device associated with the tub and/or the drum, which allows a control unit to detect an open/closed condition of the door when said drum is rotating inside the tub.
  • the safety device of the cited document comprises a first element on the tub and a second element on the door and it is configured to detect a distance between such two elements.
  • Document EP2184392A1 discloses a safety device which ensures the closing of a washing machine drum comprising a two-leaf door and which comprises a mechanical sensor mounted in a fixed upper part of the washing machine above the drum.
  • the two leaves are fitted with male and female brackets in which there slide two cylindrical half-bars operated by handles.
  • the mechanical sensor makes possible the measurement of an abnormal separation of the handles.
  • the safety device of the cited document EP1992728A2 cannot provide any information regarding the correct engagement of the safety mechanism. Further, in case of top-loading washing machines provided with an automatic system for the opening and closing said doors (with doors rotating inwards and/or sliding doors), a safety device like the one disclosed in EP1992728A2 cannot assure that the doors are properly closed and/or that the safety mechanism is correctly engaged. Further, in the case of a drum with sliding door/s, no mechanical mechanism is able to prevent the drum rotation if the closing routine is not successful.
  • the Applicant has found that such objectives can be obtained by a sensing system designed to detect if the components of the drum door closure system of the top-loading washing and/or drying machine are in their correct position.
  • the present invention relates to a sensing device implemented in the top-loading washing and/or drying machine and configured to sense a relative position of the door/s of the drum with respect to the safety mechanism in order to provide a signal indicating a correct closed configuration of said door/s.
  • the present invention relates to a top-loading washing and/or drying machine with a safety mechanism
  • a safety mechanism comprising: a cabinet; a drum rotatably mounted within said cabinet about a horizontal axis and having an aperture on its cylindrical side; at least a drum door supported by the drum for opening and closing said aperture; a safety mechanism supported by the drum and/or by said at least a door and configured to selectively lock and unlock said at least a door; a control unit; a sensing device configured to sense a relative position of said at least a door with respect to at least the safety mechanism; wherein the sensing device is operatively connected to the control unit to provide a signal indicating a correct closed configuration of said at least a door.
  • the Applicant verified that the invention allows to check the proper relative position of the drum door/s and the engagement of the safety mechanism in a simple and reliable way.
  • the present invention is defined by the top-loading washing and/or drying machine according to independent claim 1.
  • the at least a door comprises at least a first engaging portion configured to cooperate with a corresponding second engaging portion of another door or of the drum.
  • the first engaging portion comprises at least a hook and the second engaging portion comprises at least a slot for the hook or viceversa. The engaging portions keep the drum door/s in the closed configuration and the safety mechanism locks the door/s in this configuration.
  • said at least a door comprises two doors, preferably an upper door and a lower door, wherein the safety mechanism operates between a first edge of the upper door and a second edge of the lower door.
  • the lower door is hinged to the drum.
  • the upper door is hinged to the drum.
  • the upper door is slidably supported by the drum.
  • the sensing device comprises a first element mounted on the drum or on said at least a door, a second element part of the safety mechanism, wherein the first element and the second element creates a sensing circuit.
  • the sensing circuit When said least a door is in the correct closed configuration, the sensing circuit is closed and the control unit receives said signal.
  • the sensing device further comprises a third element connected to the cabinet, wherein the third element forms part of the sensing circuit together with the first element and the second element.
  • the sensing circuit When the drum is in a predefined position, the sensing circuit is closed and the control unit receives said signal.
  • the third element is mounted on a tub surrounding the drum.
  • the third element is mounted on an actuation device mounted on the tub.
  • the actuation device is moveable at least between a first position in which the actuation device is spaced from said at least a door and a second position in which the actuation device pushes against said at least a door to disengage the engaging portions when said at least a door is unlocked.
  • the sensing circuit comprises a signal source, a transmitting means and a receiver sensor.
  • the third element comprises the receiver sensor.
  • the third element further comprises also the signal source.
  • the first element and/or the second element comprises the signal source.
  • the first element and/or the second element comprises transmitting means.
  • the target is to create a sensing circuit such that when one of the drum door components is not in the correct position or not present the signal generated by the source cannot be received by the sensing receiver.
  • the receiver sensor is mounted on the cabinet and close to the drum, preferably on the tub, preferably on the actuation device. Since the receiving sensor is connected through cables to the control unit, it is advisable to place it on the cabinet instead of on the rotating drum.
  • the safety mechanism comprise a latch pivoted to said at least one door or to the drum.
  • said latch is rotatable between an engaged position, in which the latch locks said at least one door to the drum or one door to another door, and a disengaged position, in which said at least one door is spaced from the drum or one door is spaced from the other door.
  • the second element is mounted on or is part of the latch.
  • the sensing circuit is closed when the latch is in the engaged position, in which the first element is close to the second element, and the drum is in an angular position in which the third element is close to the first and second element.
  • the latch is rotated between the engaged position and the disengaged position by an automatic system.
  • the latch is rotated between the engaged position and the disengaged position by the actuation device.
  • the sensing circuit is a magnetic circuit.
  • one among the first, second and third element comprises a magnet
  • one among the first, second and third element comprises a ferromagnetic body
  • one among the first, second and third element comprises a magnetic sensor connected to the control unit.
  • the magnetic sensor is connected to the cabinet.
  • the magnetic sensor is mounted on the actuation device.
  • the magnetic sensor is mounted on a terminal end of the actuation device.
  • the ferromagnetic body is mounted on said at least a door or on the drum.
  • the magnet is mounted on the safety mechanism.
  • the magnet is mounted on the latch.
  • the sensing circuit is an optical circuit.
  • one among the first, second and third element comprises a source of light and a photodetector connected to the control unit, one among the first, second and third element comprises an optical element such as a mirror, one among the first, second and third element comprises another optical element such as a reflector.
  • the source of light is connected to the cabinet.
  • the photodetector is connected to the cabinet.
  • both the source of light and the photodetector are connected to the cabinet.
  • the source of light and the photodetector are mounted on a terminal end of the actuation device.
  • the mirror is mounted on said at least a door or on the drum.
  • the reflector is mounted on the safety mechanism.
  • the reflector is mounted on the latch.
  • the source of light is a LED, preferably a UV (ultraviolet) LED.
  • the photodetector is made of fluorescent material.
  • the photodetector is a phototransistor.
  • the sensing circuit is an RFID circuit.
  • one among the first, second and third element comprises an RFID chip connected to the control unit, one among the first, second and third element comprises an RFID tag with a switch, one among the first, second and third element comprises an actuator configured to act on the switch.
  • the RFID chip is connected to the cabinet.
  • the RFID tag is mounted on said at least a door or on the drum.
  • the actuator is mounted on the safety mechanism.
  • the switch is a tactile switch and the actuator is configured to press said tactile switch.
  • the switch is a magnetic switch sensor and the actuator comprises a magnet.
  • FIG. 1 designates a top loading washer W, according to the present invention.
  • the present invention may be implemented in top loading washing and/or drying machines.
  • a drum 10 of the top loading washer W comprises a stainless steel cylindrical wrapper 10a provided with a rectangular drum aperture 12 provided with a door 14.
  • the drum 10 is rotating within a plastic tub T mounted, with the interposition of known dampers, within a cabinet C.
  • Such cabinet is provided with a lid L for closing the access opening towards the drum 10.
  • the door 14 of the drum 10 comprises a sliding part 14a and a rotating flap 14b whose rotation is allowed only towards the inside of the drum 10 by abutting parts of the drum (not shown).
  • a spring urges the rotating flap 14b towards the position shown in figure 1 .
  • the structural continuity of the drum mantle is guaranteed during the spin extraction by the chain formed by a hinge rod H of the rotating flap 14b, the flap 14b itself, hooks 16 (schematically represented) of the flap 14b engaging corresponding slots 18 of the sliding part 14a, the sliding part 14a itself and a connecting rod 20 ( figure 1 ) of the sliding part 14a.
  • the hooks 16 of the small rotating flap 14b are engaged in a couple of corresponding slots 18 in the sliding part 14a.
  • a first edge of the rotating flap 14b opposite the hinge rod H of the flap 14b carries the hooks 16 and a second edge of the sliding door 14a presents the slots 18.
  • a third edge of the sliding door 14a opposite the second edge is slidably carried by the wrapper 10a of the drum 10.
  • the rotating flap 14b is placed in an innermost radial position with respect to the outermost sliding door 14a. As shown in figures 1 to 4 , the first edge of the rotating flap 14b is placed under the second edge of the sliding door 14a.
  • a safety mechanism 22 is present to prevent accidental opening of the flap 14b during the tumbling of the drum 10 and to ensure a correct closure at the end of the loading / unloading sequence.
  • the hooks 16 keep the flap 14b in the closed configuration and the safety mechanism 22 locks the flap 14b in this configuration.
  • the safety mechanism 22 comprises a latch 30 pivoted, through a pin 31, to the second edge of the sliding door 14a.
  • the latch 30 is shaped like a bar.
  • the pin 31 and the rotation axis X of the latch 30 are radially oriented with respect to the drum 10.
  • the pin 31 is hinged to the sliding door 14a and the latch 30 hangs below the pin 31.
  • the latch 30 carries a magnet 32 which is embedded into its rod.
  • the safety mechanism 22 comprises a ferromagnetic body 33 jointed to the flap 14b.
  • the ferromagnetic body 33 is L shaped and protrudes from the flap 14b towards the sliding door 14a.
  • the latch 30 lies under the protruding part of ferromagnetic body 33 and the rotation of the flap 14b towards the inside the drum 10 is prevented by the interaction of said latch 30 and said protruding part of ferromagnetic body 33.
  • the latch 30 lies under a protruding part of the flap 14b instead of under the L shaped ferromagnetic body 33.
  • An actuation device 34 is mounted on the tub T close to an opening of the tub T itself.
  • the device of figure 2 is an electromechanical device.
  • the preferred actuation device 34 is a rotating member with a complex cam shaft supported by the tub T and operated by a motor M.
  • the rotating axis of the rotating member 34 is oriented substantially tangentially with reference to the wrapper 10a of the drum 10.
  • the motor M of the rotating member 34 is controlled in a way that the position is well determined at every relevant step of the correct opening sequence.
  • FIGS 2a-2d there are shown different views the rotating member 34 with the cam set capable to manage the operations necessary to open the drum 10.
  • the cam 34b has an internal profile rather than an external one.
  • the opening sequence is as follows: The rotating member 34 starts to rotate and cam 34a pushes down the sliding door 14a and through it also the swiveling flap 14b that is below. This limited rotation of the sliding door14a is allowed since such part of the door 14 is configured to slide in side guides of side walls of the drum 10 that have a predetermined width larger that the thickness of the sliding door 14a.
  • the cam 34b of the rotating member 34 engages on its inside a protrusion 35 on the sliding door 14a. This will prevent further movement downwards. At the same time, it opens the safety mechanism 22 by pushing against the latch 30 and making it rotate about the rotation axis X of the pin 31 ( figures 3 and 4 ).
  • the drum can be rotated to the load/unload position.
  • the cam 30b keeps firmly in position the sliding part 14a of the drum door 14 allowing the opening of the drum. Now the washer can be unloaded safely.
  • the user loads the washer drum 10 that is in the open status.
  • the drum 10 must be now closed again before starting any other operation of the washing machine.
  • the motor M rotates the drum 10 in a direction that is the opposite of the opening direction.
  • a couple of profiles, not shown, on the rotating door drives such flap 14b to move down (towards the centre of the drum 10) in a way that allows the correct positioning of the hooks 16 right below the corresponding slots 18 and below the cam 34c.
  • the flap 14b is now kept down by the cam 34c.
  • the rotating member 34 rotates in the opposite direction than when opening, making the reverse series of operation.
  • the cam 34c releases the flap 14b, allowing the engagement of the hooks 16, the cam 34b releases the sliding door 14a and the safety mechanism 22, preventing any accidental opening and at last the cam 34a frees the sliding door 14a allowing the normal rotation of the drum 10 so that the washing cycle can be started.
  • a sensing device is configured to sense a relative position of the rotating flap 14b, of the safety mechanism 22 carried by the sliding door 14a and of the actuation device 34 mounted on the tub T.
  • the sensing device is operatively connected to a control unit, not shown, of the washer W to provide a signal indicating a correct closed configuration of the doors 14a, 14b.
  • the control unit may then send an alert and/or stop the operation of the washer W.
  • the sensing device comprises a first element mounted on the drum 10 or on said at least a door 14a, 14b, a second element part of the safety mechanism 22 and a third element connected to the cabinet C.
  • the first element, the second element and the third elements creates a sensing circuit.
  • the sensing circuit comprises a signal source, a transmitting means and a receiver sensor.
  • the sensing circuit is closed when the latch 30 is in the engaged position, in which the first element is close to the second element, and the drum 10 is in an angular position in which the third element is close to the first and second element.
  • the sensing circuit is closed and provides a signal to the control unit each time the first and second elements on the drum 10 pass under the third element on the tub T. If the washer W is not working, the sensing circuit provides a continuous signal to the control unit if the angular position of the drum 10 is such to place the first and second elements under the third element on the tub T.
  • the sensing device of the embodiment of figure 2 comprises the magnet 32 in the latch 30, the ferromagnetic body 33 jointed to the flap 14b and a magnetic sensor 36 (such as a hall sensor or a magnetoresistive sensor) embedded into the tub T.
  • the magnetic sensor 36 is operatively connected to the control unit.
  • Ferromagnetic elements preferably of iron or ferrite
  • Ferromagnetic elements are placed on the surface of the actuation device 34 in order to optimize the gathering of the magnetic flux generated by the magnet 32.
  • the doors 14a, 14b are closed correctly, the magnetic flux from the magnet 32 is collected by the ferromagnetic body 33, then by a ferromagnetic element, not shown, on the front cam 34c.
  • the magnetic flux is driven to the shaft of the actuation device 34 where the sensor 36 can read the signal.
  • the magnetic flux is lead, through a ferromagnetic element on the middle cam 34b, from the sensor 36 to the magnet 32.
  • the sensing device of the embodiment of figures 3 and 4 comprises the ferromagnetic body 33 in the latch 30, the magnet 32 jointed to the flap 14b and the magnetic sensor 36 embedded into the tub T.
  • the magnet 32 generates a magnetic flux which goes through the ferromagnetic body 33 embedded into the latch 30. Then the flux is directed towards the magnetic sensor 36 (fixed to the tub 1) by means of a second ferromagnetic element, not shown, assembled on the middle cam 34b.
  • the latch 30 is not engaging the rotating door 14b, see Fig. 4 , then the proper interface between the magnet 32 and the safety latch ferromagnetic body 33 is missing and no signal can be detected by the sensor 36.
  • the actuation device 34 is not a cam shaft but a simpler linear actuator with an extensible rod 37 which allows to reach an area inside the tub T close to the drum 10.
  • the rod 37 extends along a radial direction with respect to the drum 10.
  • the latch 30 and the L shaped ferromagnetic body 33 are substantially identical to the elements of the embodiment of figure 2 .
  • the magnetic sensor 36 is mounted on a terminal end of the rod 37.
  • the magnetic sensor 36 is embedded inside a cut out in the rod 37 and interfaces with the lower door 14b when the rod 37 has reached its maximum travel.
  • the upper surface of said ferromagnetic body 33 is positioned and large enough to correctly interface with the magnetic sensor 36.
  • the lower door 14b is a rotating flap.
  • the upper door 14a may be a sliding door or a rotating door.
  • the magnetic flux generated by the magnet 32 is collected by the ferromagnetic body 33 and directed towards the sensor 36.
  • the signal read by the sensor 36 allows the detection of the doors closure to the control unit.
  • the latch 30 is rotated of 90° and the safety mechanism 22 is not engaged.
  • the magnet 32 is not interfacing with the ferromagnetic body 33 and the magnetic flux collected by the sensor 36 is much lower.
  • the rotating flap 14b is not correctly engaged with the upper door 14a and the ferromagnetic body 33 is not able to direct the magnetic flux towards the sensor 36.
  • the sensing circuit is an optical circuit.
  • the actuation device 34 is similar to the one of figures 5, 6 , 7 .
  • the sensing device of this embodiment comprises a source of light 38 and the photodetector 39 connected to the control unit.
  • the source of light 38 and the photodetector 39 are mounted on a terminal end of the rod 37.
  • the source of light may be a LED (light emitting diode), the photodetector may be a phototransistor.
  • the LED 38 mounted on a printed circuit board 40, is embedded inside the rod 37 together with a beam splitter 41 that reflects the light from the LED 38 towards the lower door 14b.
  • a mirror 42 is mounted on the lower door 14b.
  • a reflector 43 is mounted on the latch 30.
  • the reflected light is driven towards the mirror 42 positioned on the lower door 14b.
  • a low air gap between the rod 37 and the lower door 14b corresponds to a low light diffusion, which allows the reflection by means of the mirror 42 of an higher amount of light (radiant flux) towards the reflector 43.
  • Said reflector 43 is positioned inside the latch 30 and has the function to reflect incident light back to the mirror 42 only when the safety mechanism 22 is engaged, i.e. correctly aligned with the rest of the optical circuit. On the way back, light reflected by the mirror 42 is driven towards the beam splitter 41 and finally is collected by the photodetector 39.
  • the latch 30 is rotated of an angle which does not allow to the safety mechanism 22 to be engaged.
  • the reflector 43 on the latch 30 is not interfacing with the mirror 42 on the lower door 14b and no LED light can be collected by the photodetector 39.
  • the source of light 38 is an UV (ultraviolet) LED and the reflector 43 on the latch 30 is made of fluorescent material.
  • the fluorescent material absorbs photons from the UV light spectrum and emits in the visible spectrum. This visible wavelength is then captured by the photodetector 39. This solution ensures that the signal detected by the photodetector 39 is generated by the target reflector 43 located on the latch 30 and is not the consequence of an unwanted reflection occurred along the light path.
  • the sensing circuit is an RFID circuit.
  • Radio Frequency Identification is a technology that uses radio waves to automatically identify objects without any contact.
  • the most common method of identification is to store a unique serial number that identifies an object on a microchip that is attached to an antenna.
  • the combined antenna and microchip are called “RFID transponder” or “RFID tag” and work in combination with an “RFID reader”.
  • the reader's antenna is used to transmit radio frequency energy which is collected by the tag's antenna and used to power up the internal circuitry of the tag.
  • the tag will then modulate the electromagnetic waves generated by the reader in order to transmit its data back to the reader.
  • the reader receives the modulated waves and converts them into digital data.
  • a RFID reader chip 100 is located inside the tub T and it is connected to the control unit. Radio waves emitted by the reader's antenna 101 are collected by the RFID tag 102 positioned on the drum lower door 14b.
  • the RFID tag 102 includes a circuit switch 103, such as a tactile switch, which interfaces with the latch 30 of the safety mechanism 22.
  • the latch 30 is an actuator acting on the tactile switch 103.
  • the latch 30 is pressing against the RFID tag 102, thus closing the tag switch 103.
  • the tag switch 103 is closed, then the tag circuit composed by the tag's antenna 105 and the tag's chip 104 is closed: the energy from the RFID reader 100 is converted by the tag's antenna 105 into electricity that can power up the microchip in the tag 104.
  • the tag 104 is then able to send back the stored information by modulating the reader's electromagnetic waves.
  • the safety mechanism 22 is not engaged and the tag switch 103 is not activated by the latch 30. In this condition, the tag's circuit is open and radio waves from tag reader 100 can not be processed and sent back to the reader 100.
  • the tag's circuit can be interrupted by a magnetic switch sensor (such as a hall sensor) driven by the rotation movement of a magnet embedded inside the latch 30.
  • a magnetic switch sensor such as a hall sensor

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Main Body Construction Of Washing Machines And Laundry Dryers (AREA)

Claims (12)

  1. Oberlader-Wasch- und/oder -trockenmaschine, umfassend:
    ein Gehäuse (C);
    eine Trommel (10), die innerhalb des Gehäuses (C) drehbar um eine horizontale Achse herum montiert ist und eine Öffnung (12) auf ihrer zylindrischen Seite aufweist;
    mindestens eine Trommeltür (14a, 14b), die durch die Trommel (10) gestützt ist, zum Öffnen und Schließen der Öffnung (12);
    einen Sicherheitsmechanismus (22), der durch die Trommel (10) und/oder durch die mindestens eine Tür (14a, 14b) gestützt ist und dafür eingerichtet ist, die Trommeltür (14a, 14b) selektiv zu verriegeln und zu entriegeln;
    eine Steuereinheit;
    eine Fühleinrichtung, die dafür eingerichtet ist, eine relative Position der mindestens einen Trommeltür (14a, 14b) in Bezug auf den mindestens einen Sicherheitsmechanismus (22) zu erfühlen;
    wobei die Fühleinrichtung betrieblich mit der Steuereinheit verbunden ist, um ein Signal bereitzustellen, das eine korrekt geschlossene Konfiguration der Trommeltür (14a, 14b) angibt,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Fühlereinrichtung ein erstes Element umfasst, das an der Trommel (10) oder an der Trommeltür (14a, 14b) oder an einer weiteren Trommeltür (14a, 14b) angeordnet ist, wobei ein zweites Element ein Teil des Sicherheitsmechanismus (22) ist, wobei das erste Element und das zweite Element einen Fühlkreis erschaffen, wobei, wenn die Trommeltür (14a, 14b) in der korrekt geschlossenen Konfiguration ist, dann der Fühlkreis geschlossen ist und die Steuereinheit das Signal empfängt, das die korrekt geschlossene Konfiguration der Trommeltür (14a, 14b) angibt,
    wobei die Fühleinrichtung weiter ein drittes Element umfasst, das mit dem Gehäuse (C) verbunden ist, wobei das dritte Element einen Teil des Fühlkreises zusammen mit dem ersten Element und dem zweiten Element bildet, wobei, wenn die Trommel (10) in einer vordefinierten Position ist, dann der Fühlkreis geschlossen ist und die Steuereinheit das Signal empfängt, das die korrekt geschlossene Konfiguration der Trommeltür (14a, 14b) angibt,
    wobei das dritte Element an einer Wanne (T) montiert ist, die die Trommel (10) umgibt und
    wobei der Fühlkreis eine Signalquelle (32; 38; 100), ein Übertragungsmittel (33; 42, 43) und einen Empfängersensor (36; 39; 102) umfasst, das erste Element und/oder das zweite Element und/oder das dritte Element die Signalquelle (32; 38; 100) umfassen, das erste Element und/oder das zweite Element die Übertragungsmittel (33; 42, 43) umfassen und das dritte Element den Empfängersensor (36; 39; 102) umfasst.
  2. Maschine nach Anspruch 1, wobei das dritte Element an einer Betätigungseinrichtung (34) montiert ist, die an der Wanne (T) montiert ist.
  3. Maschine nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei der Fühlkreis ein Magnetkreis ist, wobei eines unter dem ersten, zweiten und dritten Element einen Magneten (32) umfasst, ein weiteres unter dem ersten, zweiten und dritten Element einen ferromagnetischen Körper (33) umfasst und das dritte unter dem ersten, zweiten und dritten Element einen Magnetfühler (36) umfasst, der mit der Steuereinheit verbunden ist.
  4. Maschine nach Anspruch 3, wobei der Magnetfühler (36) mit dem Gehäuse (C) verbunden ist, wobei der ferromagnetische Körper (33) an der Trommeltür (14a, 14b) oder an der Trommel (10) oder an der weiteren Trommeltür (14a, 14b) montiert ist, wobei der Magnet (32) an dem Sicherheitsmechanismus (22) montiert ist.
  5. Maschine nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Fühlkreis ein optischer Kreis ist, wobei eines unter dem ersten, zweiten und dritten Element eine Lichtquelle (38) und einen Photodetektor (39), der mit der Steuereinheit verbunden ist, umfasst, ein weiteres unter dem ersten, zweiten und dritten Element ein optisches Element (42) umfasst und das dritte unter dem ersten, zweiten und dritten Element ein weiteres optisches Element (43) umfasst.
  6. Maschine nach Anspruch 5, wobei die Lichtquelle (38) und der Photodetektor (39) mit dem Gehäuse (C) verbunden sind, wobei das optische Element (42) an der Trommeltür (14a, 14b) oder an der Trommel (10) oder an der weiteren Trommeltür (14a, 14b) montiert ist, wobei das weitere optische Element (43) an dem Sicherheitsmechanismus (22) montiert ist.
  7. Maschine nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Fühlkreis ein RFID-Kreis ist, wobei eines unter dem ersten, zweiten und dritten Element einen RFID-Chip (100) umfasst, der mit der Steuereinheit verbunden ist, ein weiteres unter dem ersten, zweiten und dritten Element ein RFID-Tag (102) mit einem Schalter (103) umfasst und das dritte unter dem ersten, zweiten und dritten Element einen Betätiger umfasst, der dafür eingerichtet ist, auf den Schalter (103) einzuwirken.
  8. Maschine nach Anspruch 7, wobei der Schalter (103) ein taktiler Schalter ist und der Betätiger dafür eingerichtet ist, den taktilen Schalter (103) zu drücken.
  9. Maschine nach Anspruch 7, wobei der Schalter (103) ein magnetischer Schaltfühler ist und der Betätiger einen Magneten umfasst.
  10. Maschine nach einem der Ansprüche 7 bis 9, wobei der RFID-Chip (100) mit dem Gehäuse (C) verbunden ist, wobei das RFID-Tag (102) an der Trommeltür (14a, 14b) oder an der Trommel (10) oder an der weiteren Trommeltür (14a, 14b) montiert ist, wobei der Betätiger an dem Sicherheitsmechanismus (22) montiert ist.
  11. Maschine nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Sicherheitsmechanismus (22) eine Klinke (30) umfasst, die an der Trommeltür (14a, 14b) oder an der Trommel (10) oder an der weiteren Trommeltür (14a, 14b) schwenkbar angelenkt ist; wobei die Klinke (30) zwischen einer Position in Eingriff, in der die Klinke (30) die Trommeltür (14a, 14b) an der Trommel (10) oder die Trommeltür (14a, 14b) an der weiteren Tür (14a, 14b) verriegelt, und einer Position außer Eingriff, in der die Trommeltür (14a, 14b) von der Trommel (10) beabstandet ist oder die Trommeltür (14a, 14b) von der weiteren Tür (14a, 14b) beabstandet ist, drehbar ist.
  12. Maschine nach Anspruch 11, wobei das zweite Element montiert an der oder ein Teil der Klinke (30) ist.
EP16193599.4A 2016-10-12 2016-10-12 Von oben zu beladende wasch- und/oder trocknungsmaschine mit sicherheitsmechanismus Active EP3309287B1 (de)

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