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EP 0 725 181 B1 |
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EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION |
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Mention of the grant of the patent: |
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07.05.2003 Bulletin 2003/19 |
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Date of filing: 01.02.1996 |
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Washing machine with an electronic control system, having a simplified programming
and programming method thereof
Waschmaschine mit elektronischer Steuerung, mit einer vereinfachten Programmierung
und einem Programmierverfahren dazu
Machine à laver à commande électronique avec programmation simplifiée et procédé de
programmation
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Designated Contracting States: |
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DE ES FR GB |
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Priority: |
01.02.1995 IT TO950059
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Date of publication of application: |
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07.08.1996 Bulletin 1996/32 |
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Proprietor: WRAP S.p.A. |
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60044 Fabriano (AN) (IT) |
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Inventors: |
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- Aisa, Valerio
I-60044 Fabriano (AN) (IT)
- Mariotti, Costantino
I-06028 Sigillo (PG) (IT)
- Salvucci, Giuseppe
I-62027 San Severino Marche (MC) (IT)
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Representative: Dini, Roberto, Dr. Ing. |
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Via Castagnole, 59 10060 None (Torino) 10060 None (Torino) (IT) |
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References cited: :
EP-A- 0 055 159 FR-A- 2 429 579 GB-A- 2 008 286
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EP-A- 0 225 550 FR-A- 2 455 648 GB-A- 2 262 541
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Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European
patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to
the European patent
granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall
not be deemed to
have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent
Convention).
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[0001] The present invention refers to an electronically controlled household appliance,
in particular to a washing machine as described in the preamble of claim 1.
[0002] It is known that the evolution of electronic technologies and of the relative methods
of control is offering ever increasing opportunities, in view of realising household
appliances equipped with new functions and improved performance, characterised in
a greater respect for the environment and having lower production costs.
[0003] However, the increasing complexity of the control systems of such household appliances
often result in the necessity of greater diligence in programming by way of the user,
in order to be able to obtain the maximum from the capacity of the product.
[0004] For instance, in the case of washing machines, the known art regarding electronically
controlled household appliances substantially provides for two types of programming
approaches, typically expressed by German and Japanese producers of household appliances.
[0005] The German type of approach, also known as the "input system" provides for a user-appliance
interface, i.e. a control panel, equipped with lots of buttons, lights and dials,
provided for selecting the multitude of possible parameters and functions. Such control
panel is obviously made more complicated by the increase of the functions, as a consequence
of the utilisation of the electronic control techniques.
[0006] In this case, therefore, the user has to input a great number of parameters and select
the various functions of interest, and the electronic control system of the machine,
acting on the inputs received and elaborating them, provides for carrying out a complete
washing cycle.
[0007] In other words, therefore, the user is able to completely dominate a highly sophisticated
washing machine, but the complexity of its control panel is directly proportional
to the number of functions provided and the cost of the machine itself.
[0008] The programming approach followed by the Japanese producers is the total opposite,
in practice, they propose with household appliances a technique which is widely used
in the case of cameras, i.e. the functioning can be either completely automatic or
manual, according to the discretion of the user.
[0009] In this case, the electronically controlled washing machine provides, in normal use,
a single command means, which corresponds to the starting button of the washing cycle;
the user is not therefore called upon to insert any input being particular to the
electronic control system, thus in such situation it can be stated that the washing
machine completely "dominates" the user.
[0010] According to the Japanese type of approach, in some applications, the machines are
also equipped with a complicated keyboard, for the completely manual programming of
the multitude of operative parameters. However, in the case in which the manual programming
option is selected, the user has to face the problems of complexity as expressed above,
with reference to the programming approach of the "input system".
[0011] In substance, therefore, the approaches of the known type to the programming of evolved
household appliances present, on the one hand, the problem of excessive complexity,
deriving from the number of commands, or on the other hand appliances being completely
automated, that not all users are prepared to accept (for instance, if the results
of an automatic wash are not acceptable for the user, the user cannot bring about
modifications to the cycle without great complications).
[0012] Moreover, in the first case, the user is called upon to supply numerous types of
information (fabric type, quantity of fabric, washing temperature, spin speed, water
hardness, etc.) that calls for a certain mental care and reasoning, and without which
the household appliance, notwithstanding its capacity, is not able to function correctly;
in view of its complexity, it may occur that the user forgets to supply some important
information.
[0013] In a certain sense, therefore, this constitutes an impediment for the diffusion of
innovative products in the household appliance sector and consumer goods in general.
French patent FR-2 429 579 A discloses a dishwashing machine comprising an electronic
control system and manual command means in the form of a keyboard associated to a
display panel. Said washing machine is able to choose, in function of the information
on the dishes type obtained by way of said keyboard , a predetermined treating cycle
from among a plurality of different possible treating cycles stored in the memory
of the control system. The control system there disclosed in D1 operates through an
electronic programmer that has necessity only of the information, inputted by the
user by way of said keyboard, relative to the type of dishes loaded, the other parameters
that determine the treating cycle being obtained in an automatic way by the programmer,
through data coded in said memory.
The washing machine here disclosed, however, suffers some drawbacks. In fact, there
is no possibility of correlating the treating cycle to be choosen to the working conditions
in which the choice is made, since the treating cycle is univocally determined by
the user input. Another drawback is that there is no control on the correctness of
the information inputted by the user.
[0014] The purpose of the present invention is that of overcoming the abovementioned drawbacks
and of indicating a new method of managing and of realising a control panel of a household
appliance with a sophisticated electronic control, with the aim of rendering the dialogue
between the user and the household appliance extremely simple and, at the same time,
however being able to fully satisfy the mutual necessity, from the user to the machine
and vice versa, of information being actually necessary.
[0015] Such purposes are reached according to the present invention by a washing machine
and a method for the programming of a washing machine incorporating the characteristics
of the annexed claims.
[0016] The characteristics and advantages of the present invention shall however result
in being clear from the following detailed description and annexed drawings, supplied
purely as an explanatory and non-limiting example, wherein:
figure 1 schematically represents a laundry washing machine realised according to
the details of the present invention;
figure 2 schematically represents a dishwashing machine realised according to the
details of the present invention,
figure 3 schematically represents a detailed view of the machine of figure 1 or 2,
according to a possible variant of the present invention.
[0017] The aims that the present invention intends to reach are obtained substantially by
way of the electronic control system of the household appliance, which is equipped
to carry out the three following related and complimentary actions.
1 Ask the user information of the type being purely "qualitative" (such as for instance
the delicacy of the laundry, the level of dirtiness and fragility of the dishes),
i.e. information deriving directly from the experience of the user, and in such a
way that the inputting of such information is realised with extremely simplified operations
and being of a limited number, such as the rotating of a single dial and the pressing
of a single button.
2 Supply, with appropriate means (such as a led or liquid crystal display, indicating
lamps, the illumination of graphic symbols) only the information that is really useful
for the user, and in a qualitative form, for instance by way of symbols, levels and/or
shapes, thus avoiding ambiguous signs and markings, of difficult interpretation.
3 Automatically obtain, by way of appropriate sensors, all the typical "quantitative"
data, which is difficult for the user to input, necessary for the optimal management
of the appliance, i.e. information relative to functional conditions of the machine
and/or to the physical and chemical characteristics of the items onto which the apparatus
operation is based, such as for instance the temperature of the washing liquid, the
water hardness, the concentration of the detergent in the washing liquid, the level
of humidity, the characteristics or type of dirt, etc.
[0018] The information obtained in the way mentioned above is then elaborated by the electronic
control system and translated into appropriate actions, having the aim of managing
the household appliance in such a way so as to obtain the maximum global performance
in relation to a determined functional condition.
[0019] For instance, in the case of a laundry washing machine, the performance desired can
be understood as the washing of the laundry without wearing the fibres, with a saving
of water and electricity and having respect for the environment, to be obtained in
relation to functional conditions of the machine such as the value of the power supply,
the hardness level of the water, the quantity of detergents introduced by the user,
the quantity and type of laundry, the quantity and type of dirt, the load unbalance
entity of the laundry in the basket, etc.
[0020] The great advantage of household appliances realised according to the details of
the present invention is thus represented by the fact that they are able to bring
together the presence of highly sophisticated functions and performance with an extreme
simplicity of use. With this aim, a fundamental characteristic of the so called "user-interface"
of such household appliances according to the invention, i.e. their control panels,
is the extreme simplicity, which is also translated in a considerable aesthetic sobriety.
[0021] The present description shall be executed with particular reference to washing machines,
such as a laundry washing machine and a dishwashing machine, on which the present
invention finds a use being particularly advantageous.
[0022] Such laundry washing machine and dishwashing machine are schematically represented
in figures 1 and 2.
[0023] As can be seen from figure 1, the laundry washing machine indicated as a whole with
1 has an extremely simplified control panel 2.
[0024] For the aims of the invention a smooth turning dial, indicated with 3, a LED display,
indicated with 4 and a program starting button, indicated with 5 are in fact sufficient:
as shall be explained in the following of the present description, such means are
sufficient for exchanging with the user information being strictly necessary for obtaining
the desired results, i.e. a washing program predetermined or complete, that the household
appliance is able to express, in virtue of its sensor means and the control technique
based on fuzzy logic.
[0025] On the panel 2 two buttons are further supplied, respectively indicated with 6 and
7, and respectively carrying the symbols "+" and "-".
[0026] On the control panel 2 a traditional general switch of the machine is finally indicated
with 8, for enabling the electrical power supply, and with 9 a drawer of a washing
agents dispenser; the panel 2 can also eventually have indicating lamps for signalling
one or more functional conditions of the machine.
[0027] As is seen, the dishwashing machine of figure 2 in practice has the same control
elements as those represented in figure 1 on the laundry washing machine, and for
this reason the elements have been distinguished with the same reference numbers,
with the addition of the letter "A"; with 10 a handle is indicated for realising the
opening of the frontal loading door of the dishwashing machine; naturally in the case
of the dishwasher the drawer of the washing agents dispenser is not present, because
such device, as is known, is housed on the inner door of the machine.
[0028] Therefore, according to the aims of the present invention, the only substantial difference
between the control panels 2 and 2A of the dishwashing machine and the laundry washing
machine is the printing on the controls 3 and 3A.
[0029] In the case of the laundry washing machine 1, the dial 3 will be provided for the
selection from among six options, corresponding to the following types of laundry
to be washed: woollens, delicate fabrics, synthetics, coloured fabrics, very strong
fabrics, or very dirty; such options can for instance be represented by way of graphic
symbols, the likes of which recall the type of laundry.
[0030] In the case of the dishwashing machine 1A, the dial 3A will be for instance provided
with the selection from among five options, corresponding to the following types of
dishes to be washed: crystal, pots and pans, dishes with a normal level of soil, dishes
with a low level of soil, wherein with crystal particularly delicate items are intended,
such as for instance crystal glasses, whereas with pots and pans, items that can withstand
vigorous treatment are intended, such for instance pans with a particularly resistant
soil.
[0031] The electronic control system of the two washing machines 1 and 1A is of the type
based on the use of a microcontroller, to which appropriate means are associated for
realising the various actions in relation to the type of washing required; such control
system provides for, in other words, a programmer, or timer, of the electronic type
with which appropriate memory means are associated, within which the rules for realising
the washing programs is stored in an appropriate manner.
[0032] To such control system sensor means are also associated, which allow for the control
system in practice to obtain all the necessary quantitative information for the carrying
out of the normal washing cycle.
[0033] In the case of the laundry washing machine 1, such sensor means comprise:
- a sensor of the quantity and/or the type of laundry;
- a sensor of the mains water hardness;
- a sensor of the detergents concentration in the washing water;
- a sensor of the type of soil associated to the laundry;
- a sensor of the laundry load balance inside the basket of the machine.
[0034] In the case of the dishwashing machine 1A such sensor means comprise:
- a sensor of the mains water hardness;
- a sensor of the type of soil associated to the dishes;
- a sensor of the detergents concentration in the washing water;
- a sensor of the presence of foam in the washing liquid.
[0035] It is not considered necessary herein to describe in detail the aforementioned types
of sensors and their methods of use inasmuch they are already known.
[0036] As an indication, regarding a detailed description of the greater part of such sensors
and their methods of use in the case of washing machines, the Italian patent applications
N° TO92A000668, TO93A000796, TO94A000058, TO93A000798, in the name of the same applicant
are cited.
[0037] It is sufficient herein to mention, as already stated, that the presence of such
sensors and the elaboration techniques according to the
fuzzy logic, allow the control system of the machines 1 and 1A to carry out in an automatic manner,
the greater part of the operations provided and to considerably simplify the interactivity
with the user, because, as will be seen, according to the invention the latter is
called upon to supply only one information being strictly necessary for the control
system.
[0038] The functioning of the washing machines of figures 1 and 2 is very simply. In the
case of the laundry washing machine 1 and the dishwashing machine 1A, the only operations
that the user has to carry out are the following:
- turn on the machine by way of the general switch 8 or 8A;
- load the laundry to be washed in the basket of the laundry washing machine, or the
dishes in the baskets of the dishwashing machine;
- introduce in the machine the necessary washing agents;
- appropriately position the control dial 3 or 3A, for indicating the most delicate
item to be washed, in the case of the laundry washing machine, or the type of dishes,
or their grade of dirtiness, in the case of the dishwashing machine 1A;
- press the program starting button 5 or 5A.
[0039] To such actions of the user, the laundry washing machine 1 and the dishwashing machine
1A will reply in the following way.
[0040] Upon turning on the washing machine 1 or 1A, by way of the general switch 8 or 8A
by the user, the electronic control system will make appear on a display 4 or 4A a
simplified graphic information, expressing the level of water hardness present in
the mains supply with which the washing machine is connected.
[0041] Such value of the water hardness shown on the display 4 or 4A is a "historic" value,
i.e. obtained by way of measures carried out by the abovementioned hardness sensor,
day after day, wash after wash, and stored, with a technique in itself known, in an
appropriate way, in permanent memory means associated to the microcontroller which
manages the control system of the machine.
[0042] In the case of the laundry washing machine 1, three water hardness levels are established,
i.e. low, medium or high, that are represented for instance on the display 4 or 4A
respectively by way of one, two or three horizontal bars.
[0043] Such information relative to the water hardness is used by the user for carrying
out, in the best way possible, the dosage of the detergents, in accordance with the
amount specified by the producer of the washing agent; it is in fact known that such
companies usually indicate, on the package of their products, the best quantity of
detergent to use in accordance with the level of hardness of the water coming from
the mains supply.
[0044] In the case of the dishwashing machine 1B, on the display 4A seven levels of water
hardness are indicated; such information being more accurate, represented for instance
by a number of horizontal bars corresponding to the hardness level memorised, is useful
to the user for appropriately adjusting the brightener dosing device; it is in fact
known that, similarly as that which takes place for the detergents in the case of
laundry washing machines, the recommended dosage of brightener to be associated to
each wash of dishes varies according to the hardness of the water.
[0045] Once the laundry or the dishes to be washed have been inserted, and the detergent
and/or brightener has been added, the user can close the loading door of the machine
and appropriately position the control dial 3 or 3A, for indicating to the control
system the most delicate item to be washed, in the case of the laundry washing machine,
or the type of dishes or the dirt level, in the case of the dishwashing machine 1A.
At this point the user can start the washing cycle, pressing the appropriate button
5 or 5A.
[0046] Upon such action, the control system provides for making appear on the display 4
or 4A the temperature value that the control system itself has chosen in an automatic
manner, in function of the "qualitative" information that the user inputted by way
of the dial 3 or 3A, in virtue of the knowledge base encoded in the memory means.
[0047] The user, only if desired, can modify such temperature value, but only within determined
"safety" limits which the machine allows; i.e. be it in the case of the laundry washing
machine 1 or in the case of the dishwashing machine 1A. In particular, the temperature
can be modified by the user by way of the appropriate increase buttons 6 or 6A (+)
or the decrease buttons 7 or 7A (-).
[0048] In relation to the above it is to be noted that the control system of the laundry
washing machine 1 imposes, so as to avoid damaging the fabric, a maximum limit to
the temperature value, above which the user cannot go; such maximum limit is strictly
correlated to the position selected by way of the dial 3, through which the user supplies
the information relative to the most delicate item loaded in the machine.
[0049] In the case of the dishwashing machine 1A, for every position of the dial 3A that
can be selected, a maximum temperature value and a minimum temperature value are associated
and the user can therefore propose the eventual variations, by way of buttons 6A and
7A, only within such range; in the case of the dishwashing machine the maximum limit
has the purpose to avoid damaging the dishes, while the lower limit has the purpose
of guaranteeing the washing performance; even in such case the imposed limits are
correlated to the position selected by way of the dial 3A.
[0050] After displaying the temperature value, in case but as mentioned not necessarily
adjustable by the user, on the display 4 or 4A a time estimate of the activated washing
cycle appears, calculated by the microcontroller of the control system by way of its
internal clock; such time indication, that can for instance be expressed in hours
and minutes, is updated by the control system with the passing of time, so as give
a backward count.
[0051] The washing program is therefore managed by the control system, that will appropriately
command the various agent devices of the machine, making use of the information obtained
by way of its various sensors, its programmed functional rules and the information
coming from the user. With such aim, as mentioned, the control system of the machine
according to the invention is programmed according to the fuzzy logic technique, in
virtue of the capacity of such technique to manage information being of the "qualitative"
type.
[0052] From that described above it results in being clear that the dial 3 or 3A is an instrument
that allows the user to condition in an important manner the washing strategy chosen
by the control system from among the various strategies available, in consideration
of the data detected by the sensors; in other words, therefore, the user does in fact
have the possibility of dominating the machine, despite the high level of technology,
with a very simple operation, such as rotating the dial.
[0053] With this aim it is to be considered once again that the information associated to
the dial 3 or 3A is of the qualitative type, i.e. being substantially relative to
a single characteristic of the article that the machine has to treat, and deriving
from the day to day experience of the user.
[0054] The inputting of such information is of no difficulty to the user, but is of fundamental
importance for the washing machine, and constitutes an instrument for involving and
creating responsibility in the user.
[0055] It is to finally be noted that the control system of the machine according to the
invention can be when needed programmed for controlling, within certain limits, the
correctness of the selection carried out by the user of the dial 3; in other words,
therefore, the control system is able to detect eventual discrepancies between the
type of laundry actually introduced in the machine 1 and the type of laundry selected
by way of the dial 3.
[0056] As an example we can cite a case wherein the user introduces in the laundry washing
machine towelling items and incorrectly selects the washing cycle for synthetics.
In the specific case, the control system will be able to detect the discrepancy between
the inputted information and the reality, by way of the said sensor of the type of
laundry (for such aims note , as previously mentioned, the Italian patent application
T093A000798) and eventually indicate such discrepancy to the user.
[0057] From the given description the characteristics and advantages of the present invention
result in being clear. In particular according to the invention an intermediate programming
approach is offered respect those mentioned in the opening of the present description,
based on which:
- the complexity of numerous commands is avoided, typical of the "input system", thus
simplifying user-machine interaction;
- total automation is refused, so as to avoid "conflicting" situations between the appliance
and the user (for instance the aforementioned case of an automatic wash being unsatisfactory
for the user, who cannot execute simple modifications to a program if not with extreme
difficulty);
- the passage from "fully automatic" to "fully manual" is similarly refused, which as
a matter of fact do not solve the problems of the user;
- an interaction of the type being purely "qualitative" is proposed to the user, i.e.
relative to a limited number of inputs (substantially only one), that do not require
any mental force, inasmuch related to the common sense and experience of the user,
and of such to stimulate in a very discrete manner the involvement of the user in
choosing the predetermined washing cycle, to be realised, in accordance with the delicacy
of the fabrics or dishes.
[0058] All the above having the aim of making the electronically controlled household appliance
of easier use for the user and at the same time able to carry out advanced operative
cycles, in virtue of its sensor means and its advanced control system, based on the
fuzzy logic, according to the invention, as already said, the complete programming
is allowed of a normal washing cycle by way of a single, simple and evident manual
selection action.
[0059] It is clear that numerous variants are possible by the skilled man to the washing
machine described as an example For instance the possibility is cited of equipping
the washing machine with an infra-red remote control unit, or a small key pad, hidden
in an appropriate housing within the cabinet of the machine, being close to the dial
3 or 3A; on such remote control or key pad the mentioned increase keys 6 or 6A and
the decrease keys 7 or 7A of the temperature chosen by the control system for the
wash can be transferred.
[0060] Figure 3 schematically illustrates a possible valiant of the present invention, according
to which the said key board is integrated in the dial 3 (or 3A) of the washing machine.
[0061] The dial 3 of figure 3 is in particular of the type able to take on two axially functional
positions, i.e.:
- a first position, in which the dial 3 results in being housed, against the action
of appropriate mechanical-kinematic means (realised according to the known art), within
a suitable housing present on the control panel 2; in such position, therefore, the
frontal surface of the dial 3 results in being substantially flush with the frontal
surface of the control panel 2;
- a second position, of selection, in which the dial 3, due to the action of the said
mechanical-kinematic means, exits said housing, so as to enable its rotation as desired
by the user for programming the machine.
[0062] The exchange between the two positions is obtained by way of simple pressure on the
frontal surface of the dial 3; said mechanical-kinematic means, comprising for instance
a mobile element having inclined planes and a spiral spring, are of the known type
(generally known as push-push) and are already used on household appliances.
[0063] As can be seen in figure 3, in the central part 11 of the dial 3 the housing for
a plurality of keys 12 is obtained; such keys 12, that can comprise the previously
mentioned keys 6 and 7, are of the type normally used with remote control units, or
of the type in which the selection of the desired function simply takes place by simply
touching the actual key, without the necessity of excessive pressure; naturally appropriate
means are provided for the connection of such keys to the control system.
[0064] It is therefore clear that, according to the valiant of figure 3, the styling of
the control panel 2 of the machine results in being even more simplified, inasmuch
all the control means of the machine, preferably with the exception of the ON/OFF
key (8), can be integrated in the program selection dial 3.
[0065] In another possible variant the selection dial 3 or 3A could be substituted with
a suitable cursor, i.e. a linear movement selector rather than an angular movement
selector.
[0066] From the previous description it results in being clear that the machine according
to the invention is able to realise a plurality of different predetermined washing
programs, or standard, that the control system is able to manage in an automatic manner,
in virtue of its knowledge base and in function of the single "qualitative" information
inputted by the user and of the "quantitative" information obtained by way of the
said sensor means.
[0067] It is in any event to be mentioned that, according to another possible variant of
the invention, some optional modifying features can be provided, with the aim of satisfying
the needs of even the most demanding users, or "conservative", bound to the traditional
way of washing.
[0068] Such various options can be managed by the mentioned infra-red remote control, or
by way of the mentioned key pad, being integral or not to the dial 3 or 3A, that is
substantially the same as that of the remote control.
[0069] By way of such remote control or key pad, and in case with the use of the display
4 or 4A, it could for instance be possible, in the case of the laundry washing machine,
to input a delayed wash (1 to 24 hours), modify the washing temperature (as described
above), select a program of rinsing only, or spinning only, or with the exclusion
of spinning, or a rapid program. Similarly, in the case of the dishwashing machine,
there could be provided, apart from the aforementioned delayed wash, a soaking program,
i.e. an operative cycle of the dishwashing machine comprising a simple soaking of
the dishes, with the aim of avoiding hardening of the residues, in such a way as to
be able to carry out the washing cycle at a later time.
[0070] It is however to be noted that the carrying out of the normal functional cycles of
the machine according to the invention, i.e. the execution of predetermined washing
programs, depends upon the options mentioned above, which in fact concern particular
functions to be assigned to a washing cycle, which in practice are rarely employed.
1. Washing machine, that comprise at least an electronic control system and manual command
means (3;3A), said washing machine (1; 1A) being able to carry out, in function of
information obtained by way of said command means (3;3A), at least one predetermined
treating cycle selected from among a plurality of different available possible treating
cycles, the carrying out of said treating cycles depending upon numerous parameters
relative to characteristics of the products to be washed, said control system comprising
an electronic programmer to which memory means for storing data regarding treating
cycle and sensor means, arranged within the machine and operative for controlling
the execution of said selected treating cycle, are associated, wherein for the selection
of a treating cycle predetermined and stored in said memory means, said programmer
has the necessity of a single information, inputted by the user by way of said manual
command means (3;3A), relative to a characteristic parameter of the products to be
washed, characterised in that at least one or more further parameters, which are difficult for the user to input
and which are necessary for the optimal management of the washing machine, are obtained
in an automatic way by the programmer in function of information detected by said
sensor means.
2. Washing machine, according to claim 1, characterised in that said programmer is apt to check the correctness of said single information inputted
by the user.
3. Washing machine, according to claim 2, characterised in that said command means comprise a rotating dial (3;3A) or a linear selector, for inputting
said single information.
4. Washing machine, according to at least one of the previous claims, characterised in that a display device is provided, in particular of the LED or LCD type, for displaying
the data representing one or more of the further parameters necessary for the optimal
management of the washing machine.
5. Washing machine, according to claim 4, characterised in that such parameters comprise the level of the water hardness coming from the mains
6. Washing machine, according to claim 4, characterised in that such parameters comprise a temperature value for the washing liquid, chosen by the
programmer in an automatic manner in function of said single information
7. Washing machine, according to claim 4, characterised in that such parameters comprise an estimated duration for the selected treating cycle.
8. Washing machine, according to at least one of the previous claims, characterised in that facultative user command means (6,7;6A,7A) are provided, for modifying the predetermined
treating cycle and/or for creating particular cycles, said facultative command means
comprising at least a key (6,7;6A,7A) for an eventual modification of a temperature
value of the washing liquid obtained in an automatic way by the programmer.
9. Washing machine, according to the previous claim, characterised in that the programmer imposes a maximum limit and a minimum limit to the temperature value
that can be modified by the user with the facultative key means (6,7;6A,7A), the maximum
limit being provided so as to avoid damage to the dishes or laundry, the minimum value
being provided for guaranteeing the performance of the wash.
10. Washing machine, according to the previous claim, characterised in that a remote control or key pad normally hidden is provided, where said facultative command
means are present.
11. Washing machine, according to claim 2,
characterised in that said rotating dial (3;3A) is of the type able to take on two different axial functional
positions, i.e.:
- a first position, in which the dial (3) results in being housed within an appropriate
seat on the control panel of the machine (2), wherein in said position the frontal
surface of the dial results in being substantially flush with the surface of the frontal
wall of the panel (2);
- a second position, in which the dial (3) exits said seat, so as to allow rotation
of the same.
12. Washing machine, according to the previous claim 1, characterised in that in the intermediate part of said dial (3) a seat (11) is obtained for one or more
command keys (12), said command keys being in particular of a facultative use (6,7;6A,7A),
for modifying the predetermined treating cycle and/or for the selection of particular
treating cycles.
13. Washing machine, according to claim I, characterised in that it further comprises sensor means for automatically detecting said single information,
relative to the to the type of laundry to be washed, for example woollens, delicates,
synthetics, coloured fabrics, resilient fabrics and/or of the relative level of dirt,
the user having to in particular indicate to the control system the most delicate
laundry item from among those to be washed, in order to check the correctness of the
informations inputted by the user.
14. Method for programming a washing machine, that comprises manual command means (3,5;3A,5A)
and an electronic control system, said washing machine (1:1A) being able to carry
out, in function of information obtained by way of said command means (3:3A), at least
one predetermined treating cycle selected from among a plurality of different available
possible treating cycles, the carrying out of said treating cycles depending upon
numerous parameters relative to characteristics of the products to be washed, said
method comprising the steps of
inputting a single information relative to a characteristic parameter of the product
to be washed through said manual command means (3,5;3A,5A);
passing said single information to a electronic programmer comprised in said electronic
control system, that needs said single information for selecting athe treating cycle
predetermined and stored in memory means associated to said electronic programmer;
providing sensor means arranged within the machine and operative for controlling
the execution said selected treating cycle, said sensor means being associated with
the programmer
characterized by the further steps of
obtaining in an automatic way through the electronic programmer at least one or
more further parameter, which are difficult for the user to input and which are necessary
for the optimal management of the washing machine, in function of information detected
by said sensor means.
15. Method, according to claim 14, characterised by providing sensor means for directly detecting said single information and using said
sensor means through the control system for checking the correctness of said single
information inputted through the manual command means.
16. Method, according to claim 14 or 15, characterised in that said washing machine is a laundry washing machine (1) and that said single information
is relative to the type of laundry to be washed, for example woollens, delicates,
synthetics, coloured fabrics, resilient fabrics, and/or of the relative level of dirt,
the user having to in particular indicate to the control system the most delicate
laundry item from among those to be washed.
17. Method, according to claim 14 or 15, characterised in that said washing machine is a dishwashing machine (1A) and that said single information
is relative to the type of dishes to be washed and/or relative to the level of dirt
(crystal, pots and pans, slightly dirty dishes or very dirty dishes).
18. Method according to claim 14 or 15, characterised in that said single information, comprise the quantity of laundry introduced to the machine
and/or the level of the water hardness coming from the mains supply and/or the level
of concentration of detergents in the washing liquid and/or the type of dirt and/or
the temperature of the washing liquid and/or the balance level of the laundry load.
19. Method, according to claim 14 or 15, characterised by providing, upon switching on the washing machine (1;1A) by way of a general switch
(8;8A), through the electronic control system for making appear on a display (4;4A)
graphic information apt at expressing one or more quantitative information relative
to functional conditions of the machine and/or to physical and chemical characteristics
of the items onto which the machine operation is directed.
20. Method, according to claim 19, characterised in that said quantitative information is the level of the water hardness present in the mains
supply with which the washing machine is connected, said displayed level of the water
hardness being in particular a historic value, in particular obtained by the control
system based on measures carried out over time by a water hardness sensor
21. Method, according to claim 20, characterised in that said washing machine is a laundry washing machine (1) and that the control system
is able to indicate on said display (4;4A) a water hardness level from among a plurality
of possible levels (low, medium, high), said information relative to the level of
water hardness being useful for the user with the aims of the following dosing of
detergents to be introduced to the machine.
22. Method, according to claim 20, characterised in that said washing machine is a dishwashing machine (1B) and that the control system is
able to indicate on said display (4;4A) a water hardness level from among a plurality
of possible levels, said information relative to the level of water hardness being
useful for the user with the aims of adjusting a dosage device of a washing agent,
in particular a brightener.
23. Method, according to claim 14 or 15, characterised in that upon starting, by way of an appropriate key (5;5A), of said complete treating cycle,
the control system provides for making appear on the display (4;4A) the temperature
value of the washing liquid that the same control system has chosen in an automatic
manner, in function of said single information, wherein in particular said temperature
value can, when necessary, be modified by the user within determined limits imposed
by said control system.
24. Method, according to the previous claim, characterised in that, said washing machine is a laundry washing machine, and the control system imposes
a higher limit to the temperature value that can be modified by the user, with the
aim of avoiding any damage to the laundry, said higher limit being strictly related
to the information of the qualitative type inputted by the user.
25. Method, according to claim 23, characterised in that, said washing machine is a dishwashing machine, and the control system imposes a
maximum limit and a minimum limit to the temperature value that can be modified by
the user, the maximum limit being provided so as to avoid damage to the dishes, the
minimum value being provided for guaranteeing the performance of the wash.
26. Method, according to claim 14, characterised in that the control system is able to estimate the duration of the started complete treating
program, and to indicate such on the display (4;4A), the indication of such duration
being in particular updated by the control system over time, by way of rear counting.
1. Waschmaschine, die zumindest ein elektronisches Steuersystem und von Hand zu betätigende
Befehlsmittel (3; 3A) enthält, wobei die Waschmaschine (1; 1A) in der Lage ist, in
Abhängigkeit der durch die Befehlsmittel (3; 3A) erhaltenen Informationen zumindest
einen vorbestimmten Behandlungszyklus auszuführen, der aus einer Vielzahl unterschiedlicher,
verfügbarer, möglicher Behandlungszyklen ausgewählt ist, wobei die Ausführung des
Behandlungszyklus von verschiedenen Parametern, die sich auf die Eigenschaften der
zu waschenden Produkte beziehen, abhängt, wobei das Steuersystem eine elektronische
Programmiereinrichtung aufweist, der Speichermittel zum Speichern von Daten, die den
Behandlungszyklus betreffen, und Sensormittel, die innerhalb der Maschine angeordnet
sind und die zur Ausführungssteuerung des ausgewählten Behandlungszyklus dienen, zugeordnet
sind, wobei zum Auswählen eines vorbestimmten Behandlungszyklus, der in den Speichermitteln
gespeichert ist, die Programmiereinrichtung eine auf einen Eigenschaftsparameter der
zu waschenden Produkte bezogene Einzelinformation benötigt, die durch den Benutzer
mittels der von Hand zu bedienenden Befehlsmittel (3; 3A) eingegeben wird, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zumindest ein oder mehrere weitere Parameter, dessen oder deren Eingabe für den Benutzer
schwierig ist und der oder die für die optimale Steuerung der Waschmaschine notwendig
ist oder sind, automatisch durch die Programmiereinrichtung in Abhängigkeit der durch
die Sensormittel erfassten Informationen erhalten werden.
2. Waschmaschine nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Programmiereinrichtung in der Lage ist, die Richtigkeit der Einzelinformation,
die durch den Benutzer eingegeben wird, zu überprüfen.
3. Waschmaschine nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Befehlsmittel eine Drehwähleinrichtung (3; 3A) oder eine Linearwähleinrichtung
zum Eingeben der Einzelinformation enthalten.
4. Waschmaschine nach zumindest einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass eine Anzeigeeinrichtung, insbesondere eine LED- oder LCD-Anzeige, zum Anzeigen der
Daten vorgesehen ist, die einen oder mehrere der weiteren Parameter wiedergibt, welche
für die optimale Steuerung der Waschmaschine notwendig sind.
5. Waschmaschine nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass diese Parameter den Pegel der Härte des Wassers, welches aus der Wasserleitung austritt,
umfassen.
6. Waschmaschine nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass diese Parameter einen Temperaturwert für die Waschflüssigkeit umfassen, der durch
die Programmiereinrichtung automatisch in Abhängigkeit der Einzelinformationen gewählt
wird.
7. Waschmaschine nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass diese Parameter eine abgeschätzte Dauer für den ausgewählten Behandlungszyklus umfassen.
8. Waschmaschine nach zumindest einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass fakultative Benutzerbefehlsmittel (6, 7; 6A, 7A) zum Modifizieren des vorbestimmten
Behandlungszyklus und/oder zum Erzeugen besonderer Zyklen vorgesehen sind, wobei die
fakultativen Befehlsmittel zumindest eine Taste (6, 7; 6A, 7A) für eine eventuelle
Modifikation eines Temperaturwertes der Waschflüssigkeit umfassen, der automatisch
durch die Programmiereinrichtung erhalten wird.
9. Waschmaschine nach dem vorstehenden Anspruch, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Programmiereinrichtung einen maximalen Grenzwert und einen minimalen Grenzwert
für den Temperaturwert vorgibt, der durch den Benutzer mit den fakultativen Tastenmitteln
(6, 7; 6A, 7A) modifiziert werden kann, wobei der maximale Grenzwert vorgesehen ist,
um eine Beschädigung des Geschirrs oder der Wäsche zu vermeiden, und wobei der minimale
Grenzwert vorgesehen ist, um die Waschleistung zu garantieren.
10. Waschmaschine nach dem vorstehenden Anspruch, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass eine Fernsteuerung oder ein Tastenfeld, welches üblicherweise verborgen ist, vorgesehen
ist, an denen die fakultativen Befehlsmittel vorhanden sind.
11. Waschmaschine nach Anspruch 2,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Drehwähleinrichtung (3; 3A) in der Lage ist, zwei unterschiedliche axiale Funktionsstellungen
einzunehmen, d.h.:
- eine erste Stellung, in der die Wähleinrichtung (3) innerhalb eines geeigneten Sitzes
an dem Steuerfeld der Maschine (2) aufgenommen ist, wobei in dieser Stellung die vordere
Oberfläche der Wähleinrichtung im Wesentlichen mit der Oberfläche der Vorderwand der
Feldes (2) fluchtet,
- eine zweite Stellung, in der die Wähleinrichtung (3) aus diesem Sitz hervortritt,
um die Drehung der Wähleinrichtung zu ermöglichen.
12. Waschmaschine nach dem vorstehenden Anspruch, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass in dem Zwischenteil der Wähleinrichtung (3) ein Sitz (11) für eine oder mehrere Befehlstasten
(12) vorgesehen ist, wobei die Befehlstasten insbesondere einen fakultativen Gebrauch
(6, 7; 6A, 7A) ermöglichen, um den vorbestimmten Behandlungszyklus zu modifizieren
und/oder um besondere Behandlungszyklen auszuwählen.
13. Waschmaschine nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass weiterhin Sensormittel zum automatischen Erfassen der Einzelinformation, die sich
auf die Art der zu waschenden Wäsche, wie beispielweise Wolltextilien, feine Textilien,
synthetische Textilien, farbige Textilien, elastische Textilien, und/oder auf den
relativen Schmutzpegel bezieht, vorgesehen sind, wobei der Benutzer insbesondere dem
Steuersystem das feinste Textilstück aus der Menge der zu waschenden Textilien anzugeben
hat, um die Richtigkeit der durch den Benutzer eingegebenen Informationen zu überprüfen.
14. Verfahren zum Programmieren einer Waschmaschine, die manuell zu betätigende Befehlsmittel
(3, 5; 3A, 5A) und ein elektronisches Steuersystem enthält, wobei die Waschmaschine
(1; 1A) in der Lage ist, in Abhängigkeit von Informationen, die mittels der Befehlsmittel
(3; 3A) erhalten werden, zumindest einen vorbestimmten Behandlungszyklus auszuführen,
der aus einer Vielzahl von unterschiedlichen, verfügbaren, möglichen Behandlungszyklen
ausgewählt wird, wobei das Ausführen des Behandlungszyklus in Abhängigkeit verschiedener,
auf die Eigenschaften der zu waschenden Produkte bezogener Parameter erfolgt, wobei
das Verfahren die folgenden Schritte enthält:
Eingeben einer Einzelinformation, die auf einen Eigenschaftsparameter des zu waschenden
Produktes bezogen ist, durch die von Hand zu betätigenden Befehlsmittel (3, 5; 3A,
5A)
Weitergeben der Einzelinformation an eine elektronische Programmiereinrichtung, die
in dem elektronischen Steuersystem enthalten ist und die die Einzelinformation zum
Auswählen des Behandlungszyklus benötigt, der vorbestimmt ist und der in den Speichermitteln
gespeichert ist, welche der elektronischen Programmiereinrichtung zugeordnet sind,
Bereitstellen von Sensormitteln, die innerhalb der Maschine angeordnet sind und die
zum Steuern der Ausführung des ausgewählten Behandlungszyklus dienen, wobei die Sensormittel
der Programmiereinrichtung zugeordnet sind,
gekennzeichnet durch die weiteren Schritte:
automatisches Erhalten von zumindest einem Parameter oder mehreren weiteren Parametern
durch die elektronische Programmiereinrichtung, welcher oder welche für den Benutzer schwierig
einzugeben ist oder sind und welcher oder welche für die optimale Steuerung der Waschmaschine
in Abhängigkeit der Informationen, die durch die Sensormittel erfasst werden, notwendig ist oder sind.
15. Verfahren nach Anspruch 14, gekennzeichnet durch Bereitstellen von Sensormitteln zum direkten Erfassen der Einzelinformation und zum
Verwenden der Sensormittel durch das Steuersystem zum Überprüfen der Richtigkeit der Einzelinformation, die durch die von Hand zu betätigenden Befehlsmittel eingegeben wird.
16. Verfahren nach 14 oder 15, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Waschmaschine eine Wäschewaschmaschine (1) ist und dass die Einzelinformation
auf die Art der zu waschenden Wäsche, wie beispielweise Wolltextilien, feine Textilien,
synthetische Textilien, farbige Textilien, elastische Textilien, und/oder auf den
Verschmutzungsgrad bezogen ist, wobei der Benutzer insbesondere dem Steuersystem das
feinste Textilstück aus den zu waschenden Textilstücken anzugeben hat.
17. Verfahren nach Anspruch 14 oder 15, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Waschmaschine eine Geschirrspülmaschine (1A) ist und dass die Einzelinformation
auf die Art des zu waschenden Geschirrs und/oder auf den Verschmutzungsgrad (Kristall,
Töpfe und Pfannen, leicht verschmutztes Geschirr oder stark verschmutztes Geschirr)
bezogen ist.
18. Verfahren nach Anspruch 14 oder 15, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Einzelinformation die Menge der in die Waschmaschine gegebene Wäsche und/oder
den Pegel der Härte des Wassers, welches aus den Leitungen zugeführt wird, und/oder
den Konzentrationspegel des Waschmittels in der Waschflüssigkeit und/oder die Art
des Schmutzes und/oder die Temperatur der Waschflüssigkeit und/oder den Gleichgewichtspegel
der Wäscheladung umfasst.
19. Verfahren nach Anspruch 14 oder 15, gekennzeichnet durch Bereitstellen von graphischen Informationen, welche eine oder mehrere quantitative
Informationen ausdrücken, die sich auf die funktionalen Zustände der Maschine und/oder
die physikalischen sowie chemischen Eigenschaften der Gegenstände beziehen, auf die
der Maschinenbetrieb ausgerichtet ist, mittels Einschalten der Waschmaschine (1; 1A)
durch einen Hauptschalter (8; 8A) über das elektronische Steuersystem, um diese auf einer
Anzeigeeinrichtung (4; 4A) anzuzeigen.
20. Verfahren nach Anspruch 19, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die quantitative Information den Pegel der Härte des Wassers, welches in der Wasserleitung
vorhanden ist, an die die Waschmaschine angeschlossen ist, umfasst, wobei der angezeigte
Pegel insbesondere ein historischer Pegel, vorzugsweise ein durch das Steuersystem
erhaltener Pegel ist, der auf Messungen beruht, die durch einen Wasserhärtsensor ausgeführt
werden.
21. Verfahren nach Anspruch 20, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Waschmaschine eine Wäschewaschmaschine (1) ist und dass das Steuersystem in der
Lage ist, auf der Anzeigeeinrichtung (4; 4A) einen Wasserhärtepegel aus einer Vielzahl
von möglichen Pegeln (niedrig, mittel, hoch) anzuzeigen, wobei die Information, bezogen
auf den Pegel der Wasserhärte, für den Benutzer hinsichtlich der folgenden Dosierung
des Waschmittels, das der Maschine zuzuführen ist, nützlich ist.
22. Verfahren nach Anspruch 20, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Waschmaschine eine Geschirrspülmaschine (1B) ist und dass das Steuersystem in
der Lage ist, auf der Anzeigeeinrichtung (4; 4A) einen Wasserhärtepegel aus einer
Vielzahl von möglichen Pegeln anzuzeigen, wobei die Information, bezogen auf den Wasserhärtepegel,
für den Benutzer hinsichtlich der Einstellung einer Dosiereinrichtung für ein Waschmittel,
insb. für einen Klarspüler, nützlich ist.
23. Verfahren nach Anspruch 14 oder 15, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass beim Starten des vollständigen Behandlungszyklus mittels einer geeigneten Taste (5,
5A) das Steuersystem auf der Anzeigeeinrichtung (4; 4A) den Temperaturwert der Waschflüssigkeit
anzeigt, den das gleiche Steuersystem automatisch in Abhängigkeit der Einzelinformation
ausgewählt hat, wobei insbesondere der Temperaturwert, falls notwendig, durch den
Benutzer innerhalb vorbestimmter Grenzen, die durch das Steuersystem vorgegeben werden,
modifiziert werden kann.
24. Verfahren nach dem vorstehenden Anspruch, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Waschmaschine eine Wäschewaschmaschine ist und dass das Steuersystem einen höheren
Grenzwert für den Temperaturwert vorgibt, der durch den Benutzer hinsichtlich der
Vermeidung einer Beschädigung der Wäsche modifiziert werden kann, wobei der höhere
Grenzwert auf die Information hinsichtlich der Qualitätsart, die durch den Benutzer
eingegeben wird, strikt beschränkt ist.
25. Verfahren nach Anspruch 23, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Wäschewaschmaschine eine Geschirrspülmaschine ist und dass das Steuersystem einen
maximalen Grenzwert und einen minimalen Grenzwert für den Temperaturwert vorgibt,
der durch den Benutzer modifiziert werden kann, wobei der maximale Grenzwert vorgesehen
ist, um eine Beschädigung des Geschirrs zu vermeiden, und wobei der minimale Grenzwert
vorgesehen ist, um die Leistungsfähigkeit des Waschvorganges zu garantieren.
26. Verfahren nach Anspruch 14, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Steuersystem in der Lage ist, die Dauer des begonnenen, vollständigen Behandlungsprogramms
abzuschätzen und dies auf der Anzeigeeinrichtung (4; 4A) anzuzeigen, wobei die Anzeige
der Dauer insbesondere durch das Steuersystem über die Zeit mittels einer Rückwärtszählung
angepasst wird.
1. Machine à laver, qui comporte au moins un système de commande électronique et des
moyens de commande manuelle (3;3A), ladite machine à laver (1;1A) étant à même d'exécuter,
en fonction d'une information fournie par l'intermédiaire desdits moyens de commande
(3;3A), au moins un cycle de traitement prédéterminé parmi une pluralité de différents
cycles de traitement possibles disponibles, l'exécution dudit cycle de traitement
dépendant de nombreux paramètres relatifs à des caractéristiques des articles à laver,
ledit système de commande comprenant un programmateur électronique, auquel sont associés
des moyens de mémoire servant à mémoriser des données concernant le cycle de traitement
et des moyens formant capteurs, disposés dans la machine et pouvant agir de manière
à commander l'exécution dudit cycle de traitement sélectionné, et dans laquelle pour
la sélection d'un cycle de traitement prédéterminé et mémorisé dans lesdits moyens
de mémoire, ledit programmateur a besoin d'une seule information, introduite par l'utilisateur
à l'aide desdits moyens de commande manuels (3;3A) et concernant un paramètre caractéristique
des articles à laver, caractérisée en ce qu'au moins un ou plusieurs autres paramètres, qui sont difficiles à introduire par l'utilisateur
et qui sont nécessaires pour la gestion optimale de la machine à laver, sont obtenus
d'une manière automatique par le programmateur en fonction d'une information détectée
par lesdits moyens formant capteurs.
2. Machine à laver selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que ledit programmateur est apte à vérifier le caractère correct de ladite information
unique introduite par l'utilisateur.
3. Machine à laver selon la revendication 2, caractérisée en ce que lesdits moyens de commande comprennent un cadran rotatif (3;3A) ou un sélecteur linéaire,
pour l'introduction de ladite information unique.
4. Machine à laver selon au moins l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce qu'il est prévu un dispositif d'affichage, en particulier du type diode LED ou affichage
à cristal liquide LCD, pour l'affichage des données représentant un ou plusieurs des
autres paramètres nécessaires pour la gestion optimale de la machine à laver.
5. Machine à laver selon la revendication 4, caractérisée en ce que de tels paramètres comprennent le degré de dureté de l'eau délivrée par le réseau.
6. Machine à laver selon la revendication 4, caractérisée en ce que de tels paramètres comprennent la température du liquide de lavage, choisie par le
programmateur d'une manière automatique en fonction de ladite information unique.
7. Machine à laver selon la revendication 4, caractérisée en ce que de tels paramètres comprennent une durée estimée pour le cycle de traitement sélectionné.
8. Machine à laver selon au moins l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que des moyens facultatifs (6,7;6A,7A) de commande par l'utilisateur sont prévus pour
modifier le cycle de traitement prédéterminé et/ou pour créer des cycles particuliers,
lesdits moyens de commande facultative comprenant au moins une touche (6,7;6A,7A)
pour modifier éventuellement une valeur de température du liquide de lavage fournie
d'une manière automatique par un programmateur.
9. Machine à laver selon la revendication précédente, caractérisée en ce que le programmateur impose une limite maximale et une limite minimale à la valeur de
température, qui peut être modifiée par l'utilisateur à l'aide des moyens facultatifs
en forme de touches (6,7;6A, 7A), la limite maximale étant prévue de manière à éviter
un endommagement de la vaisselle ou du linge à laver, la valeur minimale étant prévue
de manière à garantir la performance de lavage.
10. Machine à laver selon la revendication précédente, caractérisée en ce qu'il est prévu un bloc de commande à distance ou de touches normalement masqué, là où
lesdits moyens facultatifs de commande sont présents.
11. Machine à laver selon la revendication 2,
caractérisée en ce que ledit cadran rotatif (3;3A) est du type pouvant prendre deux positions axiales différentes
de fonctionnement; c'est-à-dire :
- une première position, dans laquelle le cadran (3) est logé dans un siège approprié
sur le panneau de commande de la machine (2), dans lequel, dans ladite position, la
surface avant du cadran est essentiellement de niveau avec la surface de la paroi
avant du panneau (2);
- une seconde position, dans laquelle le cadran (3) sort dudit siège de sorte qu'il
peut tourner.
12. Machine à laver selon la revendication précédente, caractérisée en ce que la partie intermédiaire dudit cadran (3), un siège (11) est formé pour une ou plusieurs
touches de commande (12), lesdites touches de commande étant notamment celles d'une
utilisation facultative (6,7;6A,7A), pour la modification du cycle de traitement prédéterminé
et/ou pour la sélection de cycles de traitement particuliers.
13. Machine à laver selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comporte en outre des moyens formant capteurs pour détecter automatiquement ladite
information unique, concernant le type de linge à laver, par exemple des lainages,
des tissus délicats, des synthétiques, des tissus colorés, des tissus élastiques et/ou
en rapport avec le niveau relatif de saleté, l'utilisateur devant indiquer notamment
au système de commande le type de linge le plus délicat parmi ceux devant être lavés,
afin de contrôler l'état correct des informations introduites par l'utilisateur.
14. Procédé de programmation d'une machine à laver, qui comprend des moyens manuels de
commande (3,5;3A,5A) et un système de commande électronique, laditè machine à laver
(1;1A) étant à même de prendre en compte en fonctionnement l'information reçue par
lesdits moyens de commande (3;3A), au moins un cycle d'entraînement prédéterminé sélectionné
parmi une pluralité de différents cycles de traitement possibles disponibles, l'exécution
des demi-cycles de traitement dépendant de nombreux paramètres concernant les caractéristiques
des articles à laver, ledit procédé comprenant les étapes consistant à :
introduire une seule information concernant un paramètre caractéristique du produit
à laver à l'aide desdits moyens de commande manuels (3;5;3A,5A);
transmettre ladite information unique à un programmateur électronique présent dans
ledit système de commande électronique, qui a besoin de ladite information unique
pour sélectionner le cycle de traitement prédéfini et mémorisé dans des moyens de
mémoire associés audit programmateur électronique;
prévoir des moyens formant capteurs disposés dans la machine et pouvant agir de manière
à commander l'exécution dudit cycle de commande sélectionné, lesdits moyens formant
capteurs étant associés au programmateur,
caractérisé par les étapes supplémentaires consistant à :
obtenir de façon automatique à l'aide du programmateur électronique, au moins un ou
plusieurs autres paramètres, qui sont difficiles à introduire par l'utilisateur et
qui sont nécessaires pour la gestion optimale de la machine à laver, en fonction de
l'information détectée par lesdits moyens formant capteurs.
15. Procédé selon la revendication 14, caractérisé par le fait que des moyens formant capteurs sont prévus pour détecter directement ladite information
unique et par l'utilisation desdits moyens formant capteurs par le système de commande
pour vérifier l'état correct de ladite information unique envoyée par les moyens de
commande manuels.
16. Procédé selon la revendication 14 ou 15, caractérisé en ce que ladite machine à laver est une machine à laver le linge (1) et que ladite information
unique concerne le type de linge à laver, par exemple des lainages, des linges délicats,
des synthétiques, des tissus en couleurs, des tissus élastiques et/ou le niveau relatif
de saletés, l'utilisateur devant en particulier indiquer au système de commande l'article
de linge le plus délicat parmi ceux devant être lavés.
17. Procédé selon la revendication 14 ou 15, caractérisé en ce que ladite machine à laver est un lave-vaisselle (1A) et que ladite information unique
est relative au type de vaisselle devant être lavé et/ou est relative au niveau de
saleté (cristal, pots et casseroles, assiettes peu sales ou assiettes très sales).
18. Procédé selon la revendication 14 ou 15, caractérisé en ce que ladite information unique comprend une quantité de linge introduite dans la machine
et/ou le degré de la dureté de l'eau délivrée par le réseau d'alimentation et/ou le
degré de concentration de détergent dans le liquide de lavage et/ou le type de saleté
et/ou la température du liquide de lavage et/ou le niveau d'équilibre de la charge
formée par le linge.
19. Procédé selon la revendication 14 ou 15, caractérisé en ce que lors du branchement de la machine à laver (1;1A) à l'aide d'un interrupteur général
(8;8A), il est prévu que le système de commande électronique fait apparaître sur un
dispositif d'affichage (4;4A), une information graphique apte à exprimer une ou plusieurs
informations quantitatives relatives à des conditions de fonctionnement de la machine
et/ou à des caractéristiques physiques et chimiques des éléments, sur lesquels un
fonctionnement de la machine est réglé.
20. Procédé selon la revendication 19, caractérisé en ce que ladite information quantitative et le degré de dureté de l'eau présente dans le réseau
d'alimentation auquel la machine à laver est raccordée, ledit degré affiché de dureté
de l'eau étant en particulier une valeur historique, en particulier fournie par le
système de commande basé sur des mesures effectuées dans le temps par un capteur de
la dureté de l'eau.
21. Procédé selon la revendication 20, caractérisé en ce que ladite machine à laver est un lave-linge (1) et que le système de commande est à
même d'indiquer, sur des dispositifs d'affichage (4;4A), un degré de dureté de l'eau
parmi une pluralité de degrés possibles (faible, moyen, élevé), ladite information
relative au degré de dureté de l'eau étant utile pour l'utilisateur pour les dosages
suivants de détergents devant être introduits dans la machine.
22. Procédé selon la revendication 20, caractérisé en ce que ladite machine à laver est un lave-vaisselle (1G) et que le système de commande est
à même d'indiquer, sur ledit dispositif d'affichage (4;4A), un degré de dureté de
l'eau parmi une pluralité de degrés possibles, ladite information relative au degré
de dureté de l'eau étant utile pour l'utilisateur pour l'ajustement d'un dispositif
de dosage d'un agent de lavage, notamment d'un agent de régénération.
23. Procédé selon la revendication 14 ou 15, caractérisé en ce qu'au démarrage, grâce à une touche appropriée (5;5A) dudit cycle de traitement complet,
le système de commande fait apparaître, sur le dispositif d'affichage (4;4A), la valeur
de température du liquide de lavage que ce même système de commande a choisi de façon
automatique, en fonction de ladite information unique, ce qui a pour effet qu'en particulier
ladite valeur de température peut, lorsque cela est nécessaire, être modifiée par
l'utilisateur dans des limites déterminées imposées par ledit système de commande.
24. Procédé selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que ladite machine à laver est un lave-linge et que le système de commande impose une
limite plus élevée à la valeur de température, qui peut être modifiée par l'utilisateur,
afin d'éviter l'endommagement du linge, ladite limite supérieure étant associée de
façon stricte à l'information de type qualitatif introduite par l'utilisateur.
25. Procédé selon la revendication 23, caractérisé en ce que ladite machine à laver est un lave-vaisselle, et le système de commande impose une
limite minimale à la valeur de température qui peut être modifiée par l'utilisateur,
la limite maximale étant prévue de manière à éviter un endommagement de la vaisselle,
et la valeur minimale étant prévue de manière à garantir la performance de lavage.
26. Procédé selon la revendication 14, caractérisé en ce que le système de commande est à même d'estimer la durée du programme de traitement complet
qui a démarré, et d'indiquer une telle durée sur le dispositif d'affichage (4;4A),
l'indication d'une telle durée étant notamment mise à jour par le système de commande
dans le temps, au moyen d'un comptage rétrograde.