Laundry treatment appliance

Abstract

Laundry treatment appliance (100) comprising: a casing (105), a drum (110) mounted inside said casing (105) and designed to receive laundry, a heat pump system (125) comprising a closed recirculation circuit containing a refrigerant, a door (120) to give access to the drum (110), a main power line (MPL) providing an AC supply voltage (VSUPPLY), a door power line (DPL) connectable to the main power line (MPL) to receive the AC supply voltage (VSUPPLY), a door-lock device (215) switchable into a locking or unlocking state to respectively lock or unlock the door (120) to respectively allow or prevent connection between the door power line (DPL) and the main power line (MPL), a switching arrangement (SA) connected to the door-lock device (215), a driving device (220) configured to drive the door-lock device (215) to switch it into the locking or unlocking state, and a control unit (245) configured to control the switching arrangement (SA) and the driving device (220), wherein the switching arrangement (SA) comprises a first safety switch (230) switchable into a closed or an open state for respectively allowing or preventing connection between the driving device (220) and the door-lock device (215), and a second safety switch (235) switchable into a closed or an open state for respectively allowing or preventing connection between the door-lock device (215) and the door power line (DPL), the first (230) and second (235) safety switches being arranged each one in a respective sealed housing (230H, 235H), so as to prevent leakages of refrigerant from entering the first (230) and second (235) safety switches, and wherein the control unit (245) is configured to control the first (230) and second (235) safety switches to avoid a concurrent closed state of the first (230) and second (235) safety switches during door-lock and door-unlock procedures.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of laundry treatment appliances (hereinafter, concisely, "laundry appliances"), and particularly to laundry appliances for treating (e.g., washing) laundry, such as laundry washing appliances and laundry washing appliances also implementing laundry drying functions (also referred to as combined washers / dryers).Background art

[0002] The background of the present invention hereinafter introduced with the discussion of techniques relating to its context. However, even when this discussion refers to documents, acts, artifacts and the like, it does not suggest or represent that the discussed techniques are part of the prior art or are common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.

[0003] A conventional combined washer / dryer comprises a heat pump system for performing laundry drying functions.

[0004] The heat pump system typically comprises a closed recirculation circuit (hereinafter, refrigerant circuit) containing a volatile evaporating and condensing fluid (known as refrigerant fluid or refrigerant), such as propane.

[0005] A conventional combined washer / dryer also comprises a door-lock device for safely performing laundry washing / drying functions. The door-lock device is configured to be switched between a locking state locking the door of the combined washer / dryer, and an unlocking state unlocking the door of the combined washer / dryer

[0006] The door-lock device typically comprises a rod having one end attached to an armature of a solenoid and the other end attached to a blocking member: when the blocking member is moved by the rod due to solenoid energization, it takes a blocking position interfering with a latching mechanism of a door of the combined washer / dryer.

[0007] A conventional combined washer / dryer further comprises a driving device (e.g., a TRIAC) configured to drive the door-lock device to switch it into the locking or unlocking state. AU2019445898A1 discloses a laundry treatment appliance with a circuitry for a door-lock system according to the prior art and EP3757276A1 discloses a laundry treatment appliance with magnetic sensors to prevent electrical sparks in a door-lock system according to the prior art.Summary

[0008] The Applicant has realized that the known combined washers / dryers are not satisfactory.

[0009] Indeed, the Applicant has understood and ascertained that highly flammable gases (such as propane or other refrigerant) leaked or leaking from the heat pump system may be ignited by energetic sparks resulting by the switching of the door-lock device in some undesired conditions.

[0010] An example of undesired condition is represented by electric faults (including, but not limited to, short-circuit faults and / or current leakages) affecting the driving device and one or more electric / electronic loads like, for example, the element for heating the water in the washing cycle.

[0011] Another example of undesired condition is represented by electrical disturbances, such as electrical fast transients. Electrical fast transients are typically generated by sudden variations in voltages and currents due to switching and interruptions of inductive loads (such as electro-mechanical switches and relays), and / or due to bouncing of switch / relay contacts.

[0012] In view of the above, the Applicant has devised a laundry appliance comprising safety switches that, properly controlled, allow overcoming the above-mentioned drawbacks.

[0013] Particularly, an aspect of the present invention relates to a laundry treatment appliance according to claim 1. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for operating a laundry treatment appliance according to claim 8.

[0014] Preferred embodiments are further detailed in the dependent claims.Brief description of the annexed drawings

[0015] These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be made apparent by the following description of an exemplary and non-limitative embodiment thereof; for its better intelligibility, the following description should be read referring to the attached drawings, wherein: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a laundry appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows, in terms of simplified functional blocks, an electric circuit of the laundry appliance of Figure 1 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3 shows an activity diagram of a method according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Detailed description of an exemplary embodiment

[0016] With reference to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a laundry appliance 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] According to the exemplary embodiment, the laundry appliance 100 is configured to perform one or more laundry treating cycles. According to the exemplary embodiment, the laundry appliance 100 is a combined washer / dryer (i.e., a laundry appliance capable of performing one or more laundry treating cycles including both laundry washing cycles and laundry drying cycles).

[0018] In the following, the terms "include" and "comprise", and derivatives thereof, are intended to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0019] According to the exemplary embodiment, the laundry appliance 100 is a laundry appliance located or adapted to be located in a home or household environment (i.e., a laundry appliance for domestic use).

[0020] According to the exemplary embodiment, the laundry appliance 100 comprises electric, electronic, mechanical, hydraulic, electromechanical and / or electrohydraulic components, only the relevant ones deemed relevant for the understanding of embodiments of the present invention being illustrated and discussed in the following for the sake of conciseness.

[0021] According to the exemplary embodiment, the laundry appliance 100 comprises a cabinet or casing 105. According to the exemplary embodiment, the casing 105 is substantially parallelepiped-shaped, and is structured for resting on the floor (or on another flat or substantially flat surface).

[0022] According to the exemplary embodiment, the laundry appliance 100 comprises a washing tub (not shown). According to the exemplary embodiment, the washing tub is accommodated within the casing 105. According to the exemplary embodiment, the washing tub is suspended in floating manner inside the casing 105 by means of a suspension system (not shown). Just as an example, the suspension system may comprise one or more upper coil springs connecting an upper portion of the washing tub to a top of the casing 105, and one or more lower vibration dampers connecting a bottom portion of the washing tub to a bottom of the casing 105.

[0023] According to the exemplary embodiment, the laundry appliance 100 comprises a (e.g., rotatable) drum 110 mounted inside the casing 105 and adapted or designed to receive laundry, or laundry load (i.e., laundry to be treated, such as laundry to be washed and / or dried). According to the exemplary embodiment, the drum 110 is housed within the washing tub. According to the exemplary embodiment, the drum 110 is a substantially cylindrical, bell-shaped revolving perforated drum. According to the exemplary embodiment, the drum 110 is housed in axially rotating manner inside the washing tub, so as to be able to freely rotate about a respective rotation axis. According to the exemplary embodiment, the rotation axis is a horizontal rotation axis.

[0024] According to the exemplary embodiment, the laundry appliance 100 comprises (e.g., at a cabinet front) a loading opening 115 for performing laundry loading / unloading operations (i.e., for loading the laundry into the drum 110 and for unloading the laundry from the drum 110 ).

[0025] According to the exemplary embodiment, the laundry appliance 100 comprises a door (e.g., a porthole door) 120 (shown in an open position in Figure 1) to give access to the drum 110 (e.g., for performing the laundry loading / unloading operations). According to the exemplary embodiment, the door 120 is configured to sealably close the loading opening 115 during the operation of the laundry appliance 100. According to the exemplary embodiment, the door 120 is hinged to a front wall of the casing 105 to rotate about a reference axis (e.g., a vertically-oriented reference axis) between open and closed positions.

[0026] According to the exemplary embodiment, the laundry appliance 100 comprises a heat pump system 125. According to the exemplary embodiment, the heat pump system 125 comprises a closed recirculation circuit (hereinafter, refrigerant circuit) containing a volatile evaporating and condensing fluid (known as refrigerant fluid or refrigerant). Without losing generality, the refrigerant may comprise propane.

[0027] Broadly speaking, the heat pump system 125 substantially makes use of the refrigerant circuit for transferring thermal energy from a first side at a lower temperature (also referred to as cool side), to a second side at a higher temperature (also referred to as hot side).

[0028] The heat pump system 125 is not limitative for the present disclosure. Just as an example (not shown), the heat pump system 125 may comprise a compressor, a pressure-lowering device, and a heat exchanger assembly (e.g., comprising both an evaporator - where the refrigerant absorbs heat thereby being vaporized - and a condenser - where the refrigerant releases heat thereby being condensed). In operation, the refrigerant, at a gaseous state, is pressurized, hence heated up, and circulated towards the hot side of the refrigerant circuit by the compressor, where the hot and highly pressurized vapor is cooled in the condenser, until it condenses into a high pressure, moderate temperature liquid. The condensed refrigerant then passes through the pressure-lowering device (such as an expansion valve), and the corresponding low pressure, expanded liquid refrigerant then enters the evaporator, wherein the fluid absorbs heat and boils. The refrigerant then returns to the compressor and the cycle of above is repeated.

[0029] According to the exemplary embodiment, the laundry appliance 100 comprises an electric / electronic system 130.

[0030] With reference to Figure 2, it shows, in terms of simplified functional blocks, the electric / electronic system 130 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] According to the exemplary embodiment, the electric / electronic system 130 is electrically connected or connectable to line T L and neutral T N terminals of a mains power supply. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the line terminal T L provides an AC mains voltage V MAINS (for example, a 220V / 110V voltage) with respect to the neutral terminal T N .

[0032] According to the exemplary embodiment, the electric / electronic system 130 comprises a main power line MPL providing an AC supply voltage V SUPPLY . According to the exemplary embodiment, the main power line MPL is electrically coupled to the line terminal T L to provide an AC supply voltage V SUPPLY corresponding to the AC mains voltage V MAINS . According the exemplary embodiment, the AC supply voltage V SUPPLY is equal or substantially equal to the AC mains voltage V MAINS .

[0033] According to the exemplary embodiment, the electric / electronic system 130 comprises a reference line RL providing a reference voltage V REF . According to the exemplary embodiment, the reference line RL is electrically coupled to the neutral terminal T N .

[0034] According to the exemplary embodiment, the electric / electronic system 130 comprises an AC-DC conversion circuit 205. According to the exemplary embodiment, the AC-DC conversion circuit 205 comprises transforming, rectifying and regulation components (not shown) for receiving the AC mains voltage V MAINS across the line T L and neutral T N terminals of the mains power supply and providing a ground voltage GND and a DC supply voltage Vcc (e.g., a 3V, 5V or 12V DC voltage with respect to the ground voltage GND). For the purposes of the present invention, the ground voltage GND and the DC supply voltage Vcc generated by the AC-DC conversion unit 205 are used for supplying one or more electric / electronic components of the electric / electronic system 130 (including, but not limited to, a control unit, discussed in the following).

[0035] According to the exemplary embodiment, the electric / electronic system 130 comprises a door power line DPL connectable to the main power line MPL to receive the AC supply voltage V SUPPLY .

[0036] According to the exemplary embodiment, the electric / electronic system 130 comprises one or more (e.g., a plurality of) electric / electronic loads 210. According to the exemplary embodiment, the electric / electronic loads 210 are configured to perform respective laundry treating functions during one or more laundry treating phases of a selected laundry treating cycle.

[0037] Without losing generality, the electric / electronic loads 210 may comprise, but are not limited to, one or more among the heat pump system (or one or more components thereof), a drain pump associated with a drain hydraulic circuit (not shown), a water-detergent pump associated with a water-detergent hydraulic circuit (not shown), a heating device, and / or an electric motor for drum rotation.

[0038] According to the exemplary embodiment, the electric / electronic loads 210 are electrically connected between the door power line DPL and the reference line RL directly.

[0039] According to the exemplary embodiment, the electric / electronic system 130 comprises a door-lock device 215.

[0040] According to the exemplary embodiment, the door-lock device 215 is switchable into a locking or unlocking state to respectively lock or unlock the door 120.

[0041] According to the exemplary embodiment, the door-lock device 215 is switchable into the locking or unlocking states to respectively allow or prevent the feeding of the AC supply voltage V SUPPLY to the electric / electronic loads 210.

[0042] According to the exemplary embodiment, the door-lock device 215 comprises a rod having one end attached to an armature of a solenoid and the other end attached to a blocking member: when the blocking member is moved by the rod due to solenoid energization, it takes a blocking position interfering with a latching mechanism of the door 120.

[0043] According to the exemplary embodiment, the door-lock device 215 is configured to lock or unlock the door 120 upon solenoid energization through respective driving signals (as better discussed in the following).

[0044] According to the exemplary embodiment, the electric / electronic system 130 comprises a switching arrangement SA. According to the exemplary embodiment, the switching arrangement SA is connected to the door-lock device 215.

[0045] According to the exemplary embodiment, the electric / electronic system 130 comprises a driving device 220 configured to drive the door-lock device 215 to switch it into the locking or unlocking state.

[0046] According to the exemplary embodiment, the driving device 220 is configured to drive the door-lock device 215 to switch it into the locking or unlocking state according to a control signal V CTRL,D .

[0047] According to the exemplary embodiment, the driving device 220 comprises a thyristor device (e.g., a TRIAC) having a first anode terminal coupled (e.g., directly connected) to the reference line RL, a second anode terminal coupleable to the solenoid of the door-lock device 215, and a gate terminal configured to receive the control signal V CTRL,D .

[0048] According to the exemplary embodiment, the control signal V CTRL,D may take a deactivation level (for example, corresponding to a low or relatively low voltage, such as the ground voltage GND) allowing deactivation of the driving device 220 (in which case, no electric current is allowed to flow through the driving device 220) or an activation level (for example, corresponding to a high or relatively high voltage, such as the DC supply voltage V CC ) allowing activation of the driving device 220 (in which case, an electric current is allowed to flow through the driving device 220).

[0049] According to the exemplary embodiment, the driving device 220 is configured to drive the door-lock device 215 by means of a driving signal (e.g., an electric current) that may be modulated according to the control signal V CTRL,D . For the purposes of the present invention, the control signal V CTRL,D may be set at the activation level for a first time interval T1 (e.g., T1=20 ms), which results in a first or closing driving signal S CL to be supplied to (the solenoid of) the door-lock device 215 to switch it into the locking state, or at the activation level for a second time interval T2 (e.g., T2=60 ms), which results in a second or opening driving signal S OP to be supplied to (the solenoid of) the door-lock device 215 to switch it into the unlocking state. For the purposes of the present invention, by control signal V CTRL,D being set at the activation level for the first time interval T1 (or, similarly, for the second time interval T2) it is herein meant that, at the end of the first time interval T1 (respectively, the second time interval T2), the control signal V CTRL,D is set back to the deactivation level (which, according to the exemplary embodiment, represents a default level of the control signal V CTRL,D ).

[0050] According to the exemplary embodiment, the control signal V CTRL,D is generated by a control unit (discussed in the following) or by a triggering circuit (not shown) under the control of the control unit.

[0051] According to the exemplary embodiment, the switching arrangement SA comprises a mechanical switch 225 configured to switch into a closed or an open state depending on door position. According to the exemplary embodiment, when the door 120 is moved into the closed position, the mechanical switch 225 is moved into the closed state (which allows electric current, such as the driving signal from the driving device 220, to flow through the solenoid of the door-lock device 215). According to the exemplary embodiment, when the door 120 is moved into the open position, the mechanical switch 225 is switched into the open state (which prevents electric current from flowing through the solenoid of the door-lock device 215).

[0052] According to the exemplary embodiment, the switching arrangement SA comprises a first safety switch 230 switchable into a closed or an open state for respectively allowing or preventing connection between the driving device 220 and the door-lock device 215, and a second safety switch 235 switchable into a closed or an open state for respectively allowing or preventing connection between the door-lock device 215 and the door power line DPL.

[0053] According to the exemplary embodiment, the first 230 and second 235 safety switches are arranged each one in a respective sealed housing 230 H , 235 H , so as to prevent gases (such as refrigerant leaked or leaking from the heat pump system 130) from entering (and, hence, come into contact with) the first 230 and second 235 safety switches. For the purposes of the present invention, the sealed housing 230 H , 235 H is a container providing a hermetic seal, i.e., any type of sealing that makes the corresponding safety switch 230, 235 airtight (thus preventing the passage of air, oxygen, or other gases, including the refrigerant leaked or leaking from the heat pump system). Without losing generality, the sealed housing 230 H , 235 H may include any proper material or combination of materials. Just as an example, the sealed housing 230 H , 235 H may include rubber and / or plastic materials.

[0054] According to the exemplary embodiment, the first 230 and second 235 safety switches comprise electronic switches switchable into the closed or open states according to respective control signals V CTRL,1 ,V CTRL,2 received at respective control terminals.

[0055] According to the exemplary embodiment, the control signals V CTRL,1 ,V CTRL,2 are generated by the control unit (discussed in the following).

[0056] According to the exemplary embodiment, the control signal V CTRL,1 is a digital signal. According to the exemplary embodiment, the control signal V CTRL,1 may take a first logic level (for example, a high logic level, e.g., corresponding to the DC supply voltage V CC ) allowing the switching of the first safety switch 230 into the closed state, or a second logic level (for example, a low logic level, e.g., corresponding to the ground voltage GND) allowing the switching of the first safety switch 230 into the open state.

[0057] According to the exemplary embodiment, the control signal V CTRL,2 is a digital signal. According to the exemplary embodiment, the control signal V CTRL,2 may take a first logic level (for example, a high logic level, e.g., corresponding to the DC supply voltage V CC ) allowing the switching of the second safety switch 235 into the closed state, or a second logic level (for example, a low logic level, e.g., corresponding to the ground voltage GND) allowing the switching of the second safety switch 235 into the open state.

[0058] According to the exemplary embodiment, the electric / electronic system 130 comprises one or more sensing circuits 240 configured to provide one or more signals (hereinafter, status signals) indicative of an operating condition of the door-lock device 215 and / or of the switching arrangement SA. For the purposes of the present invention, the sensing circuits 240 are configured to provide status signals ST ES ,ST 1 ,ST 2 (or a subset thereof) indicative of the closed or open state of, respectively, the door-lock device 215, the first safety switch 230 and the second safety switch 235 (or a subset thereof). Without losing generality, the sensing circuits 240 may be configured to provide the status signals ST ES ,ST 1 ,ST 2 (or a subset thereof) based on a voltage sensing performed at one or more relevant contacts of, respectively, the door-lock device 215, the first safety switch 230, and the second safety switch 235 (or a subset thereof).

[0059] According to the exemplary embodiment, the electric / electronic system 130 comprises a control unit 245. Without losing generality, the control unit 245 may comprise one or more processors (such as one or more microcontrollers and / or one or more microprocessors).

[0060] Broadly speaking, the control unit 245 is configured to control the operation of the laundry appliance 100. According to the exemplary embodiment, the control unit 245 is configured to control the operation of the laundry appliance 100 based on a plurality of functionalities of the laundry appliance 100.

[0061] As typical in modern laundry appliances, the control unit 245 may be intended to manage the whole laundry appliance operation (however, for the sake of conciseness, only aspects / functionalities of the control unit 245 relevant for the present invention will be introduced and discussed in the following).

[0062] For the purposes of the present invention, the control unit 245 is configured to control the switching arrangement SA and the driving device 220 during a door-lock procedure (aimed at switching the door-lock device 215 into the locking state) and during a door-unlock procedure (aimed at switching the door-lock device 215 into the unlocking state), as better discussed in the following.

[0063] According to the exemplary embodiment, the control unit 245 is connected between a supply terminal providing the DC supply voltage Vcc and a ground terminal providing the ground voltage GND.

[0064] According to the exemplary embodiment, the control unit 245 is configured to generate and provide the control signals V CTRL,D ,V CTRL,1 ,V CTRL,2 .

[0065] According to the exemplary embodiment, the control unit 245 is configured to receive the status signals ST ES ,ST 1 ,ST 2 and to accordingly generate and provide the control signals V CTRL,D ,V CTRL,1 ,V CTRL,2 .

[0066] With reference now to Figure 3, it shows an activity diagram of a method 300 implementing a door-lock procedure and a door-unlock procedure according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Particularly, Figure 3 shows an activity diagram which describes the flow of activities relating to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this respect, each step or node of the activity diagram may correspond to one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function on a relevant software component of the control unit 245.

[0067] According to the exemplary embodiment, the method steps may be implemented by respective computer program products loadable into an internal memory of the laundry appliance 100. According to the exemplary embodiment, each computer program product comprises software code means for configuring the control unit 245 (e.g., one or more respective processors) to perform the method steps when the computer program product is run on the laundry appliance 100.

[0068] By computer program product loadable into an internal memory of an apparatus (such as the laundry appliance 100), it is herein meant that the computer program can be introduced into the internal memory of the relevant apparatus so as achieve an apparatus programmed to be capable of, or adapted to, carrying out the corresponding method steps.

[0069] Without losing generality, the computer program product implementing the method steps may comprise, or be included in, a firmware of the laundry appliance 100, the firmware being for example stored in a memory location of the control unit 245.

[0070] Broadly speaking, the method 300 comprises controlling the switching arrangement SA and the driving device 220 to avoid a concurrent closed state of the first and second safety switches during door-lock and door-unlock procedures. More particularly, according to an embodiment, the method 300 comprises controlling the first 230 and second 235 safety switches to electrically isolate the door-lock device 215 from the door power line DPL when the door-lock device 215 is switched between the locked and unlocked state and vice-versa, and to electrically isolate the door-lock device 215 from the driving device 220 when the door power line DPL is connected to the main power line MPL. This allows preventing generation of sparks resulting from electric faults (such as short-circuit faults and / or current leakages) affecting one or more of the electric / electronic loads 210 and / or the driving device 220, and / or generation of sparks resulting from electrical disturbances (such as electrical fast transients).

[0071] According to the exemplary embodiment, the door-lock procedure implemented by the method 300 comprises the following steps 305-320. According to an embodiment, the steps 305-320 are performed in sequence in the illustrated and discussed order (i.e., from step 305 to step 320), although this should not be construed limitatively. According to the exemplary embodiment, as progressively detailed in the following while discussing the door-lock procedure, steps 310-320 are performed each one conditioned to a successful performing of the respective previous step (i.e., the immediately previous step) based on one or more of the status signals ST ES ,ST 1 ,ST 2 (see decision steps C 1 -C 3 ).

[0072] According to an embodiment, the door-lock procedure is run after the door 120 is closed and after a selected laundry treatment cycle is started by the user (e.g., after a starting command of the laundry treatment cycle, i.e., a command entered by the user for starting the laundry treatment cycle).

[0073] Let be considered, after the door 120 is closed (mechanical switch 225 in the closed state) and before running of the door-lock procedure (for example, in that no laundry treatment cycle has been selected by the user or the selected laundry treatment cycle is not started by the user), an initial condition in which the door-lock device 215 is in the unlocking state, the driving device 220 is in the deactivated state, and the first 230 and second 235 safety switches are in the open state. In this condition, no driving of the door-lock device 215 takes place, and no feeding of the AC supply voltage V SUPPLY to the electric loads 210 is allowed. Advantageously, no sparks arise from the switching of the mechanical switch 225 in the closed state due to electric faults affecting the driving device 220, in that the mechanical switch 225 is electrically isolated from the driving device 220 by means of the first safety switch 230 in the open state. Advantageously, no sparks arise from the switching of the mechanical switch 225 in the closed state due to electric faults in one or more of the electric / electronic loads 210 and / or to electric disturbances affecting the door power line DPL, in that the mechanical switch 225 is electrically isolated from the door power line DPL by means of the door-lock device 215 (in the unlocking state) and the second safety switch 235 (in the open state).

[0074] According to the exemplary embodiment, the method 300 runs the door-lock procedure after (e.g., upon or in response to) the selected laundry treatment cycle is started by the user (e.g., by pressing a respective start button or key on the laundry appliance 100).

[0075] According to the exemplary embodiment, the method 300 comprises switching the first safety switch 230 into the closed state (step 305). According to the exemplary embodiment, the switching of the first safety switch 230 into the closed state is achieved by setting the control signal V CTRL1 at the high logic level. In this condition, no driving of the door-lock device 215 takes place, in that the driving device 220 is (still) in the deactivated state. Advantageously, any sparks arising from the switching of the first safety switch 230 (e.g., due to electric faults affecting the driving device 220) do not result in any firing risks, in that the first safety switch 230 is sealed in the respective sealed housing 230 H (whereby no refrigerant comes into contact with the first safety switch 230 and no spark leaves the respective sealed housing 230 H ).

[0076] According to the exemplary embodiment, the method 300 comprises controlling the driving device 220 to drive the door-lock device 215 to switch it into the closed state (step 310). According to an embodiment, the control of the driving device 220 to drive the door-lock device 215 to switch it into the closed state is achieved by setting the control signal V CTRLD at the activation level for the first time interval T1 (e.g., T1 = 20 ms). In this condition, the driving of the door-lock device 215 with the closing driving signal S CL takes place, and the door-lock device 215 is switched into the locking state. Advantageously, no sparks arise from the switching of the door-lock device 215 in the locking state due to electric faults in one or more of the electric / electronic loads 210 and / or to electric disturbances affecting the door power line DPL, in that the door-lock device 215 is electrically isolated from the door power line DPL by means of the second safety switch 235 (still) in the open state.

[0077] According to the exemplary embodiment said controlling the driving device 220 to drive the door-lock device 215 to switch it into the locking state (step 310) is performed conditioned to a successful switching of the first safety switch 230 into the closed state (exit branch Y of decision step C 1 ), e.g., based on a value of the status signal ST 1 provided by the sensing circuits 240. According to the exemplary embodiment, in case of unsuccessful switching of the first safety switch 230 into the closed state (exit branch N of decision step C 1 ), the method 300 may end, repeat the previous step, and / or run additional procedures.

[0078] According to the exemplary embodiment, the method 300 comprises switching the first safety switch 230 into the open state (step 315). According to the exemplary embodiment, the switching of the first safety switch 230 into the open state is achieved by setting the control signal V CTRL1 back to the low logic level. According to the exemplary embodiment, the control signal V CTRL1 is set back to the low logic level after the first time interval T1 has elapsed. In this condition, no driving of the door-lock device 215 takes place, in that the driving device 220 is in the deactivated state. Advantageously, in this phase no accidental or spurious or undesired driving of the door-lock device 215 (e.g., due to voltage spikes in the AC supply voltage V SUPPLY and / or to electric faults affecting the driving device 220) potentially causing the door-lock device 215 to be switched back to unlocking state, takes place, in that the door-lock device 215 is electrically isolated from the driving device 220 by means of the first safety switch 230 in the open state. Advantageously, any sparks arising from the switching of the first safety switch 230 (e.g., due to electric faults affecting the driving device 220) do not result in any firing risks, in that the first safety switch 230 is sealed in the respective sealed housing 230 H (whereby no refrigerant comes into contact with sparks generated by the first safety switch 230 and no spark generated by the first safety switch 230 leaves the respective sealed housing 230 H ).

[0079] According to the exemplary embodiment, said switching the first safety switch 230 into the open state (step 315) is performed conditioned to a successful switching of the door-lock device 215 into the closed state (exit branch Y of decision step C 2 ), e.g., based on a value of the status signal ST ES provided by the sensing circuits 240. According to the exemplary embodiment, in case of unsuccessful switching of the door-lock device 215 into the locking state (exit branch N of decision step C 2 ), the method 300 may end, repeat the previous step, and / or run additional procedures.

[0080] According to the exemplary embodiment, the method 300 comprises switching the second safety switch 235 into the closed state (step 320). According to the exemplary embodiment, the switching of the second safety switch 235 into the closed state is achieved by setting the control signal V CTRL,2 at the high logic level. According to the exemplary embodiment, the switching of the second safety switch 235 into the closed state decrees electrical connection between the main power line MPL and the door power line DPL, and the energization of the electric / electronic loads 210 (and hence the end of the door-lock procedure). Advantageously, any sparks arising from the switching of the second safety switch 235 into the closed state do not result in any firing risks, in that the second safety switch 235 is sealed in the respective sealed housing 235 H (whereby no refrigerant comes into contact with sparks generated by the second safety switch 235 and no spark generated by the second safety switch 235 leaves the respective sealed housing 235 H ).

[0081] According to the exemplary embodiment, said switching the second safety switch 235 into the closed state (step 320) is performed conditioned to a successful switching of the first safety switch 230 into the open state (exit branch Y of decision step C 3 ), e.g., based on a value of the status signal ST 1 provided by the sensing circuits 240. According to the exemplary embodiment, in case of unsuccessful switching of the first safety switch 230 into the open state (exit branch N of decision step C 3 ), the method 300 may end, repeat the previous step, and / or run additional procedures.

[0082] According to the exemplary embodiment, the door-unlock procedure implemented by the method 300 comprises the following steps 325-340. According to the exemplary embodiment, the steps 325-340 are performed in sequence in the illustrated and discussed order (i.e., from step 325 to step 340), although this should not be construed limitatively. According to the exemplary embodiment, as progressively detailed in the following while discussing the door-unlock procedure, steps 330-340 are performed each one conditioned to a successful performing of the respective previous step (i.e., the immediately previous step) based on one or more of the status signals ST ES ,ST 1 ,ST 2 (see decision steps C 4 -C 6 ).

[0083] According to the exemplary embodiment, the door-unlock procedure is run after the selected (and ongoing) laundry treatment cycle has ended or interrupted (e.g., due to malfunctions of one or more components of the laundry appliance 100). According to the exemplary embodiment, the door-unlock procedure is run after the selected laundry treatment cycle has ended or interrupted, and in response to a positive outcome of a safety procedure aimed at assessing the absence of critical / dangerous conditions for safely accessing the drum 110. Just as an example, the safety procedure may comprise a check of one or more operative parameters of the laundry appliance 100, including (but not limited to) water level in the tub, water temperature, drum speed, working voltages).

[0084] Let be considered, before the running of the door-unlock procedure (for example, in that the selected laundry treatment cycle has not ended or interrupted, or in that no outcome of the safety procedure is available), an initial condition in which the door 120 is closed (mechanical switch 225 in the closed state), the door-lock device 215 is in the locking state, the driving device 220 is in the deactivated state, the first safety switch 230 is in the open state and the second safety switch 235 is in the closed state. In this condition, no accidental or spurious or undesired driving of the door-lock device 215 (e.g., due to voltage spikes in the AC supply voltage V SUPPLY and / or to electric faults affecting the driving device 220) potentially causing the door-lock device 215 to be switched back to the unlocking state, take place, in that the door-lock device 215 is electrically isolated from the driving device 220 by means of the first safety switch 230 in the open state, and feeding of the AC supply voltage V SUPPLY to the electric / electronic loads 210 (or to a selected subset thereof) is allowed through electrical connection between the main power line MPL and the door power line DPL by means of the door-lock device 215 (in the locked state) and the second safety switch 235 (in the closed state).

[0085] According to the exemplary embodiment, the method 300 runs the door-unlock procedure after (e.g., upon or in response to) the selected (and ongoing) laundry treatment cycle has ended or interrupted, and / or in response to a positive outcome of the safety procedure.

[0086] According to the exemplary embodiment, the method 300 comprises switching the second safety switch 235 into the open state (step 325). According to the exemplary embodiment, the switching of the second safety switch 235 into the open state is achieved by setting the control signal V CTRL,2 at the low logic level. In this condition, no driving of the door-lock device 215 takes place, in that the driving device 220 is (still) in the deactivated state. Advantageously, any sparks arising from the switching of the second safety switch 235 do not result in any firing risks, in that the second safety switch 235 is sealed in the respective sealed housing 235 H (whereby no refrigerant comes into contact with sparks generated by the second safety switch 235 and no spark generated by the second safety switch 235 leaves the respective sealed housing 235 H ).

[0087] According to the exemplary embodiment, the method 300 comprises switching the first safety switch 230 into the closed state (step 330). According to an embodiment, the switching of the first safety switch 230 into the closed state is achieved by setting the control signal V CTRL,1 at the high logic level. In this phase, no driving of the door-lock device 215 takes place, in that the driving device 220 is (still) in the deactivated state. Advantageously, any sparks arising from the switching of the first safety switch 230 (e.g., due to electric faults affecting the driving device 220) do not result in any firing risks, in that the first safety switch 230 is sealed in the respective sealed housing 230 H (whereby no refrigerant comes into contact with the first safety switch 230 and no spark leaves the respective sealed housing 230 H ).

[0088] According to the exemplary embodiment, said switching the first safety switch 230 into the closed state (step 330) is performed conditioned to a successful switching of the second safety switch 235 into the open state (exit branch Y of decision step C 4 ), e.g., based on a value of the status signal ST 2 provided by the sensing circuits 240. According to the exemplary embodiment, in case of unsuccessful switching of the second safety switch 235 into the open state (exit branch N of decision step C 4 ), the method 300 may end, repeat the previous step, and / or run additional procedures.

[0089] According to the exemplary embodiment, the method 300 comprises controlling the driving device 220 to drive the door-lock device 215 to switch it into the unlocking state (step 335). According to the exemplary embodiment, the control of the driving device 220 to drive the door-lock device 215 to switch it into the unlocking state is achieved by setting the control signal V CTRL,D at the activation level for the second time interval T2 (e.g., T2 = 60 ms). In this condition, the driving of the door-lock device 215 with the opening driving signal S OP takes place, and the door-lock device 215 is switched into the open state. Advantageously, no sparks arise from the switching of the door-lock device 215 into the open state due to electric faults in one or more of the electric / electronic loads 210 and / or to electric disturbances affecting the door power line DPL, in that the door-lock device 215 is electrically isolated from the door power line DPL by means of the second safety switch 235 in the open state.

[0090] According to the exemplary embodiment said controlling the driving device 220 to drive the door-lock device 215 to switch it into the unlocking state (step 335) is performed conditioned to a successful switching of the first safety switch 230 into the closed state (exit branch Y of decision step Cs), e.g., based on a value of the status signal ST 1 . According to the exemplary embodiment, in case of unsuccessful switching of the first safety switch 230 into the closed state (exit branch N of decision step Cs), the method 300 may end, repeat the previous step, and / or run additional procedures.

[0091] According to the exemplary embodiment, the method 300 comprises switching the first safety switch 230 into the open state (step 340). According to the exemplary embodiment, the switching of the first safety switch 230 into the open state is achieved by setting the control signal V CTRL,1 back to the low logic level. According to the exemplary embodiment, the control signal V CTRL,1 is set back to the low logic level after the second time interval T2 has elapsed. In this phase, no driving of the door-lock device 215 takes place, in that the driving device 220 is in the deactivated state. Advantageously, in this phase any accidental or spurious or undesired driving of the door-lock device 215 (e.g., due to voltage spikes in the AC supply voltage V SUPPLY and / or to electric faults affecting the driving device 220) potentially causing the door-lock device 215 to be switched back to the locking state, are avoided, in that the door-lock device 215 is electrically isolated from the driving device 220 by means of the first safety switch 230 in the open state. Advantageously, any sparks arising from the switching of the first safety switch 230 (e.g., due to electric faults affecting the driving device 220) do not result in any firing risks, in that the first safety switch 230 is sealed in the respective sealed housing 230 H (whereby no refrigerant comes into contact with sparks generated by the first safety switch 230 and no spark generated by the first safety switch 230 leaves the respective sealed housing 230 H ).

[0092] According to the exemplary embodiment, said switching the first safety switch 230 into the open state (step 340) is performed conditioned to a successful switching of the door-lock device 215 into the open state (exit branch Y of decision step C 6 ), e.g., based on a value of the status signal ST ES provided by the sensing circuits 240. According to the exemplary embodiment, in case of unsuccessful switching of the door-lock device 215 into the open state (exit branch N of decision step C 6 ), the method 300 may end, repeat the previous step, and / or run additional procedures.

[0093] Naturally, in order to satisfy local and specific requirements, a person skilled in the art may apply to the invention described above many logical and / or physical modifications and alterations within the scope of the appended claims. In particular, different embodiments of the disclosure may even be practiced without the specific details (such as the numeric examples) set forth in the preceding description for providing a more thorough understanding thereof; on the contrary, well-known features may have been omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the description with unnecessary particulars.

[0094] For example, the laundry appliance may have a different structure or include equivalent components. Moreover, any component of the laundry appliance may be separated into several elements, or two or more components may be combined into a single element; furthermore, each component can be replicated to support the execution of the corresponding operations in parallel. It should also be noted that (unless otherwise indicated) any interaction between different components generally does not need to be continuous and may be either direct or indirect through one or more intermediaries.

Claims

1. Laundry treatment appliance (100) comprising: - a casing (105); - a drum (110) mounted inside said casing (105) and designed to receive laundry; - a heat pump system (125) comprising a closed recirculation circuit containing a refrigerant; - a door (120) to give access to the drum (110); - a main power line (MPL) providing an AC supply voltage (VSUPPLY); - a door power line (DPL) connectable to the main power line (MPL) to receive the AC supply voltage (VSUPPLY); - a door-lock device (215) switchable into a locking or unlocking state to respectively lock or unlock the door (120) to respectively allow or prevent connection between the door power line (DPL) and the main power line (MPL); - a switching arrangement (SA) connected to the door-lock device (215); - a driving device (220) configured to drive the door-lock device (215) to switch it into the locking or unlocking state, and a control unit (245) configured to control the switching arrangement (SA) and the driving device (220) during a door-lock procedure and a door-unlock procedure, wherein the switching arrangement (SA) comprises a first safety switch (230) switchable into a closed or an open state for respectively allowing or preventing connection between the driving device (220) and the door-lock device (215), and a second safety switch (235) switchable into a closed or an open state for respectively allowing or preventing connection between the door-lock device (215) and the door power line (DPL), the first (230) and second (235) safety switches being arranged each one in a respective sealed housing (230H, 235H), so as to prevent leakages of refrigerant from entering the first (230) and second (235) safety switches, and wherein the control unit (245) is configured to control the first (230) and second (235) safety switches to avoid a concurrent closed state of the first (230) and second (235) safety switches during the door-lock procedure and the door-unlock procedure.

2. Laundry treatment appliance (100) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (245) is configured to control the first (230) and second (235) safety switches to electrically isolate the door-lock device (215) from the door power line (DPL) when the door-lock device (215) is switched between the locking and unlocking state and vice-versa, and to electrically isolate the door-lock device (215) from the driving device (220) when the door power line (DPL) is connected to the main power line (MPL).

3. Laundry treatment appliance (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein during the door-lock procedure the control unit (245) is configured to perform the following steps: (i) switch (305) the first safety switch (230) into the closed state; (ii) control (310) the driving device (220) to drive the door-lock device (215) to switch it into the locking state; (iii) switch (315) the first safety switch (230) into the open state, and (iv) switch (320) the second safety switch (235) into the closed state.

4. Laundry treatment appliance (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein during the door-unlock procedure the control unit (245) is configured to: (a) switch (325) the second safety switch (235) into the open state; (b) switch (330) the first safety switch (230) into the closed state; (c) control (335) the driving device (220) to drive the door-lock device (215) to switch it into the unlocking state, and (d) switch (340) the first safety switch (230) into the open state.

5. Laundry treatment appliance (100) according to claim 3, further comprising one or more sensing circuits (240) configured to provide one or more signals (STES,ST1,ST2) indicative of a state of at least one among the door-lock device (215), the first safety switch (230) and the second safety switch (235), wherein the control unit (245) is configured to perform each one of at least one among steps (ii), (iii), and (iv) if a respective previous step based on said one or more signals (STES,ST1,ST2) has been successfully performed.

6. Laundry treatment appliance (100) according to claim 4, further comprising one or more sensing circuits (240) configured to provide one or more signals (STES,ST1,ST2) indicative of a state of at least one among the door-lock device (215), the first safety switch (230) and the second safety switch (235), wherein the control unit (245) is configured to perform each one of at least one among steps (b), (c), and (d) if a respective previous step based on said one or more signals (STES,ST1,ST2) has been successfully performed.

7. Laundry treatment appliance (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the laundry treatment appliance comprises a combined washer / dryer.

8. Method (300) for operating a laundry treatment appliance (100), wherein the laundry treatment appliance comprises: - a heat pump system (125) comprising a closed recirculation circuit containing a refrigerant; - a main power line (MPL) providing an AC supply voltage (VSUPPLY); - a door power line (DPL) connectable to the main power line (MPL) to receive the AC supply voltage (VSUPPLY); - a door-lock device (215) switchable into a locking or unlocking state to respectively lock or unlock the door (110) to respectively allow or prevent connection between the door power line (DPL) and the main power line (MPL), and - a switching arrangement (SA) connected to the door-lock device (215), wherein the switching arrangement (SA) comprises a first safety switch (230) switchable into a closed or an open state for respectively allowing or preventing connection between the driving device (220) and the door-lock device (215), and a second safety switch (235) switchable into a closed or an open state for respectively allowing or preventing connection between the door-lock device (215) and the door power line (DPL), the first (230) and second (235) safety switches being arranged each one in a respective sealed housing (230H, 235H), so as to prevent leakages of refrigerant from entering the first (230) and second (235) safety switches, wherein the method comprises controlling the first (230) and second (235) safety switches to avoid a concurrent closed state of the first (230) and second (235) safety switches during door-lock and door-unlock procedures.

9. Method (300) according to claim 8, wherein the method comprises controlling the first (230) and second (235) safety switches to electrically isolate the door-lock device (215) from the door power line (DPL) when the door-lock device (215) is switched between the locking and unlocking states, and to electrically isolate the door-lock device (215) from the driving device (220) when the door power line (DPL) is connected to the main power line (MPL).

10. Method (300) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the method comprises, during the door-lock procedure: (i) switching (305) the first safety switch (230) into the closed state; (ii) driving the door-lock device (215) to switch it into the locking state; (iii) switching (315) the first safety switch (230) into the open state, and (iv) switching (320) the second safety switch (235) into the closed state.

11. Method (300) according to any of claims 8-10, wherein the method comprises, during the door-unlock procedure: (a) switching (325) the second safety switch (235) into the open state; (b) switching (330) the first safety switch (230) into the closed state; (c) driving the door-lock device (215) to switch it into the unlocking state, and (d) switching (340) the first safety switch (230) into the open state.

12. Method (100) according to claim 10, further comprising performing each one of at least one among steps (ii), (iii), and (iv) if a respective previous step (C1-C3) has been successfully performed.

13. Method (100) according to claim 11, further comprising performing each one of at least one among steps (b), (c), and (d) if a respective previous step (C4-C6) if a respective previous step based on said one or more signals (STES,ST1,ST2) has been successfully performed.

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