Controller for a household appliance

Abstract

A control component for a household appliance comprises: an interface for a data connection to a further control component of the household appliance; a detector for a predetermined signal on the data connection, the signal being different from data that can be transmitted between two control components; an input for a supply voltage; and a first output for enabling control of a function of the household appliance in dependence upon a voltage present at the input.

Description

[0001] Control for a household appliance

[0002] The invention relates to the control of a household appliance. In particular, the invention relates to the control of the energy consumption of the household appliance.

[0003] A household appliance comprises a control device configured to control various components of the household appliance. For example, the household appliance may comprise a refrigerator, wherein a first component comprises a refrigerant compressor and a second component comprises a user interface.

[0004] The control device can support different states in which it is active to varying degrees. In a sleep or idle state, for example, the interface can be disabled to the extent that it only accepts a single input, which is used to exit the idle state. In a normal or operating state, all functions of the user interface can be available. If no input is received for a predetermined period of time, the control device can be automatically put into idle state.

[0005] Modern household appliances often contain multiple control devices, and not each one is configured to control a function that allows for different states. Accordingly, some control devices in such a household appliance are not configured for an energy-saving standby mode. These control devices can consume more electrical energy than is required to perform the household appliance's function. Even if the difference in energy consumption between a standby mode and an operating mode is small, a significant amount of electrical energy can be consumed unnecessarily if there are many household appliances in a household. With a whole fleet of identical household appliances installed in different households, a large amount of electrical energy can potentially be saved.

[0006] An object underlying the present invention is to provide an improved, energy-saving control system for a household appliance. The invention solves this problem by means of the subject matter of the independent claims. Subclaims specify preferred embodiments. According to a first aspect of the present invention, a control component for a household appliance comprises an interface for a data connection to another control component of the household appliance; a detector for a predetermined signal on the data connection, wherein the signal is different from data that can be transmitted between two control components; an input for a supply voltage; and a first output for enabling the control of a function of the household appliance depending on a voltage applied to the input.

[0007] The control component can be operated in various states, in which the household appliance consumes different amounts of electrical energy. In a first state, also referred to herein as the normal operating state, control can be enabled. In a second state, also referred to herein as the sleep or idle state, control of the household appliance's function can be restricted or suspended. A transition from the idle state to the operating state can occur when the signal on the data connection is detected.

[0008] Multiple control components can be interconnected to synchronize their states. The control components can control different functions of the household appliance. Data for controlling the household appliance can be transferred between different control components via the data connection. In idle mode, the control component cannot send messages and / or evaluate messages on the data connection. The signal can be transmitted outside of a data transmission. In particular, the signal can be detected even by a control component that is in idle mode.

[0009] The control component may include a second output for a supply voltage for the further control component and be configured to provide a high or low voltage at the second output. The high voltage may be sufficient to operate a connected microprocessor or microcontroller and may be, for example, 5 V. The low voltage may keep the microprocessor or microcontroller in a power-saving sleep state and may be, for example, 3.3 V or 2.7 V. The provided voltage preferably follows the supply voltage.

[0010] More preferably, the high voltage is provided when the control component is in the first state, and the low voltage is provided when it is in the second state. A transition between the two states may require a predetermined voltage change at the input and / or a predetermined message on the data connection.

[0011] Optionally, a generator is provided for the signal on the data connection depending on a predetermined condition. This allows the control component to switch one or more connected control components from the second one into the operating state, thus "waking them up."

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, a first control component is configured to control a state for itself and one or more additional, second control components. The first control component can control the supply voltage of the second control components high or low. A second control component can request a transition from the idle state to the operating state by applying the predetermined signal to the data connection. The first control component can receive the signal and raise the supply voltage for the second control components (and for itself) to initiate the operating state.

[0013] Furthermore, the control component may include a detector for detecting a signal representing the fulfillment of the condition. Such a line is also known as an interrupt line and can be sampled even when the control component is in the idle state. Thus, a transition from the idle state to the operating state can occur when the line changes from a low to a high level or vice versa in a predetermined manner, which is known as edge control, or when the line maintains a predetermined low or high level for a predetermined time, which is known as level control.

[0014] Additionally, a voltage controller may be included to provide a supply voltage for controlling the function based on the supply voltage applied at the input. The voltage controller for controlling the function may be synchronized with the supply voltage controller for other control components. Optionally, the voltage controller is implemented as an external component of the control component and is controlled by the control component to provide a high or low voltage.

[0015] In a first embodiment, an external control device can be prompted to assume the first or second state by means of the supply voltage. In this case, the supply voltage provided to the external control device can be understood as a signal, and any assignment of voltages to the states to be assumed can be predetermined.

[0016] In a second embodiment, the voltage controller can be configured to provide a high or low voltage to supply an external control device that controls the function. The function can be restricted or disabled by providing the low voltage.

[0017] The data connection can be a serial connection. For example, an RS-232 data connection can be used between two control components. If one control component needs to be able to send information to multiple other control components, an RS-422 data connection can be used. Alternatively, an RS-485 data connection can be used to support multiple transmitters and multiple receivers.

[0018] More preferably, the data connection comprises a bus, in particular a serial bus. The bus can be operated according to any known specification. Preferably, a plurality of control components can be connected to the bus, wherein the control components can more preferably be addressed on the bus. In all cases, the signal is preferably not transmitted as a datagram, but as a bit sequence outside the specification of a data transmission. More preferably, according to a transport protocol used on the data connection, individual bits are transported in frames, wherein the signal comprises a message that is longer than a permissible frame. For example, if a serial bus according to RS-232 is operated in an 8N1 setting (8 data bits, no parity bit, one stop bit), so that a frame comprises 10 bits, the signal can be formed by 11 or more O bits in sequence.

[0019] It is particularly preferred that the control component is embodied as an integrated circuit. The circuit can be produced cost-effectively in large quantities. Different components of a household appliance can each be easily equipped with such a circuit and communicatively connected to one another. This can enable an exchange of data between the components to enable concerted operation of the components. Furthermore, some or all components can support different states that are associated with functions of the household appliance that are executed with varying degrees of complexity. The current consumption of an included control component can be reduced on average over time. The household appliance can therefore consume less electrical energy.

[0020] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a control device comprises a control component described herein and a device for controlling the function of the household appliance. The device can, in particular, control a utility function or an interaction with an operator. The utility function can include the control of an electrical load of the household appliance, for example, a motor, a pump, a heater, a light, or a compressor.

[0021] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a system comprises two control components described herein and a data connection between the control components. One or both control devices can also be replaced by a control component described herein.

[0022] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a control device for a household appliance comprises a control component as described herein and a controller for the function of the household appliance.

[0023] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a household appliance comprises two or more control devices described herein and a data connection between the control devices or between the control components respectively comprised.

[0024] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a control device for controlling a function of a household appliance comprises steps of detecting a predetermined signal on a data connection connected to another control device of the household appliance; wherein the signal is different from data that can be transmitted between two control components; and enabling control of the function. A corresponding method can be provided for providing the signal. In a preferred embodiment, control of the function is enabled only when a supply voltage of the control device is above a predetermined threshold.

[0025] A control component or a control device described herein can be configured to fully or partially execute a method described herein. For this purpose, the control component or control device can comprise a programmable microcomputer or microcontroller, and the method can be in the form of a computer program product with program code means. The computer program product can also be stored on a computer-readable data carrier. Features or advantages of the method can be transferred to the device, or vice versa.

[0026] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 shows a household appliance;

[0028] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a first method; and

[0029] Figure 3 shows a flow diagram of a second method.

[0030] Figure 1 shows a household appliance 100, which may include, for example, a dishwasher, a vacuum cleaner, a stove, or a laundry care appliance, such as a tumble dryer or a washing machine. The household appliance 100 is designed for use in a household.

[0031] The household appliance 100 comprises a system 105 of multiple control devices that are interconnected via a data connection 110. A first control device 115 and a plurality of second control devices 120 are shown here. In other embodiments, more or fewer than the two second control devices 120 shown may be provided. Each control device 115, 120 comprises a control component 125 and an optional device 130 for controlling a function of the household appliance 100. If no dedicated device 130 is provided, the function can be controlled directly by the control component 125. A function can relate to a predetermined component of the household appliance 100, for example, a pump, a valve, a drive motor, a heater, or a user interface. A device 130 can also control multiple functions of the household appliance.Typically, several functions are required to operate the household appliance 100. The data connection 110 preferably comprises a data bus, in particular a serial data bus, for example, according to RS-485, and allows the transmission of data between two control devices 115, 120, for example, to coordinate the controls of various functions of the household appliance 100.

[0032] A control component 125 is configured to control a state of the respective control device 115, 120 that reflects its activity level. For the purposes of this description, a sleep state and an operating state are initially assumed; additional states may be possible.

[0033] The states of the control units 115, 120 are preferably coordinated with one another. With regard to the description of Figure 1, it is assumed, without loss of generality, that the first control unit 115 establishes a state, so that it can also be referred to as a predetermining state, and that the second control units 120 follow this operating state, so that they can also be referred to as successors.

[0034] Preferably, a supply line 135 is provided, which runs from the first control device 115 to all second control devices 120. The first control device 115 preferably comprises a voltage controller 140, which, for example, comprises two voltage sources for providing voltages of different levels and a changeover switch. The voltage controller 140 is configured to provide a voltage at which a plurality of control components 125 can be operated and can be implemented, for example, by means of a switching regulator that appropriately converts energy from a supply network.

[0035] By means of the voltage controller 140, a higher voltage, for example approximately 5 V, or a lower voltage, for example approximately 2.7 V, can be provided at an output 145 of the first control device 115. The provided voltage can be used via the supply line 135 to supply the control components 125 of the second control devices 120 and optionally also the control component 125 of the first control device 115. In a further embodiment, the voltage controller 140 can also be controlled to reduce the supply voltage to zero. Second control devices 120 connected to the voltage supply 140 can thus be completely switched off. The second control device 120 can thus be placed in an awake state by means of the higher voltage, in a sleep state by means of the lower voltage, and in a switched-off state by means of the switched-off voltage.In this case, the first control device 115 is preferably supplied with power from a source other than the power supply 140, so that it can also operate in this case. In yet another embodiment, additional voltages can be generated by means of the power supply 140, with each voltage being assigned an activity state of a connected first or second control device 115, 120.

[0036] A control device 115, 120 can be configured to store an internal state such that it is retained even when the supply voltage is low or switched off. The state can, for example, include an address of the control device 115, 120 for the data connection 110. To manage the state, an associated parameter can, for example, be written to or read from a non-volatile memory.

[0037] The control component 125 is preferably embodied as an integrated circuit. Identical versions of a control component 125 can be used in all first and second control devices 115, 120. However, not all functions of the control component 125 need to be used in all control devices 115, 120.

[0038] The control component 125 preferably comprises a bus connection 150, a signal detector 155, a signal generator 160, a supply voltage monitor 165, and a voltage regulator 170. The bus connection 150 is connected to the data connection 110 and is preferably configured to read data from or write data to the data connection 110. Read data can be processed itself or forwarded to the device 130, and data to be written can be generated itself or received from the device 130.

[0039] A predetermined communication protocol at the physical layer can be used to transmit data. Data to be transmitted is preferably transmitted in frames of a predetermined length, with each frame comprising a predetermined amount of payload data and a predetermined amount of management data. For example, a frame in 7E2 format can comprise 7-bit payload data, an even parity bit, and two stop bits. Bus connection 150 can, for example, comprise a type IIART (universal asynchronous receiver and transmitter) communication module that can be configured to a desired frame format.

[0040] The signal detector 165 is configured to detect a predetermined signal on the data connection 110, wherein the signal differs from transmittable data. In particular, the predetermined signal may comprise a longer bit sequence than can be formed by a valid frame. If the signal detector 165 detects the predetermined signal on the data connection 110, the monitoring device 165 can be controlled to enable the function. For this purpose, the device 130 can be controlled accordingly.

[0041] The monitor 165 is connected to the supply line 135 and configured to determine whether a predetermined high or a predetermined low voltage is present thereon. To do so, the monitor 165 can compare the voltage with one or two threshold values. If the monitor 165 determines that the applied voltage is high enough, the function can be enabled. Preferably, the function is only enabled if the signal has also been detected by the signal detector 165.

[0042] Voltage regulator 170 is configured to provide, based on the voltage applied to supply line 135, an operating voltage required to operate control component 125 and / or device 130. The voltage regulator can implement step-down regulation with a low voltage difference (low drop voltage controller, low drop out, LDO). The difference between an input voltage and an output voltage is typically less than 1 V.

[0043] The control component 125 and the device 130 are preferably configured to enter a sleep state when their operating voltage is below a predetermined voltage and otherwise to execute an operating state.

[0044] The signal generator 160 is configured to apply the predetermined signal to the data connection 110. For this purpose, it can wait until a current communication has ended, or the signal can be superimposed on the communication. The signal can be sent due to various events. For example, a request to exit the idle state can be detected by a component of the control device 115, 120 using a detection device 175. The detection device 175 can determine an external event 180, for example, a user input, a measured value exceeding a threshold, or the expiration of a predetermined period of time. The request can also be determined by the control component 125, for example, using an internal timer or due to a condition being met.The device 130 may also send a request to the control component 125 to release the sleep state.

[0045] The sleep state can be activated if a predetermined condition is met. Preferably, the system waits until the condition is met for a predetermined period of time. For example, the sleep state can be initiated if no user input is received for approximately 10 or 20 seconds. The sleep state can also be requested in another way, for example, by a predetermined user input or the fulfillment of a predetermined internal condition. In a further embodiment, the sleep state can be requested by device 130.

[0046] If the control devices 115, 120 are in the idle state, the voltage on the supply line 135 is low. The idle state can be converted to the operating state if a predetermined event occurs or a predetermined condition is met. For this purpose, the first control device 115 can increase the voltage of the supply line 135 using the voltage controller 140. A second control device 120 can apply the predetermined signal to the data connection 110. The signal is then determined by the first control device 115, whereupon it increases the voltage of the supply line 135 as described. The monitors 165 of all control components 125 determine the higher voltage and supply the local control component 125 and / or the local device 130 with a higher voltage, so that they enter the operating state.The transition to the idle state can be determined and initiated by the control component 125 of the first control device by lowering the voltage of the supply line 135.

[0047] It is also possible for the transition between the idle state and the operating state to involve communication between individual control devices 115, 120. Additional operating states can be controlled, or it can be determined which second control device 120 will participate in an impending change of operating state.

[0048] Figure 2 shows a flowchart of a first method for controlling a first control device 115 or its control component 125. In a step 205, the control component 125 can be reset, for example when the comprehensive household appliance 100 is switched on. In a step 210, the control component 125 is then in the idle state. In a step 215, it can be checked whether a condition is met in order to exit the idle state. The condition can, in particular, comprise receiving the predetermined signal on the data connection 110. If the condition is not met, step 210 can be executed again. Steps 205 to 215 can form a first state that corresponds to the idle state of the first control device 115.

[0049] If the condition was determined to be met in step 215, the transition to the operating state can be initiated in step 220. For this purpose, an increase in the voltage on the supply line 135 can be controlled. In step 225, a predetermined time can be waited, and in step 230, the voltage of the supply line can be checked. If this is in the low voltage range, the program can branch back to step 225. Steps 215 to 230 can form a second state, which corresponds to the transition of the first control device 115 from the idle state to the operating state.

[0050] If a higher voltage was determined on the supply line 135 in step 230, the function of the first control device 115 can be enabled in a step 235. The function can then be executed by the device 130 or by the control component 125. In a step 240, a predetermined time can elapse before a check is carried out in a step 245 as to whether a transition to the idle state has been requested. Such a request can be present if an associated predetermined condition is met, for example, the expiration of a predetermined time. If no request was determined, a branch can be made back to step 240. Steps 235 to 240 can form a third state that corresponds to the operating state of the first control device 115.

[0051] If it was determined in step 245 that a request for the idle state exists, the system 105 can be placed in the idle state in a step 250. For this purpose, the voltage controller 140 can be controlled to reduce the voltage of the supply line 135. In a step 255, a predetermined time can be waited before the voltage level on the supply line 135 is determined in a step 260. If this is in the low voltage range, the process can branch back to step 210. Steps 215 to 230 can form a fourth state, which corresponds to the transition of the first control device 115 from the idle state to the operating state. Figure 3 shows a flowchart of a second method 300 for controlling a second control device 120 or its control component 125. In a step 305, the control component 125 can be reset, see step 205.In a step 210, the control component 125 is in the idle state (see step 210). In a step 315, a predetermined event occurs or a predetermined condition is met. In a step 320, the event or the fulfillment of the condition is determined. If negative, the program can branch back to step 310. Steps 305 to 320 can form a first state that corresponds to the idle state of the second control device 120.

[0052] If the event or the fulfilled condition was determined in step 310, a predetermined signal can be applied to the data connection 110 in a step 325 to put the system 105 into the operating state. In a step 330, a predetermined time can be waited before the voltage on the supply line is checked in a step 335. If this voltage is in the low voltage range, the program can branch back to step 330.

[0053] If it was determined in step 335 that the voltage on supply line 135 is high, an extended control can be performed in a step 340 if the control component 125 is set up or configured for this purpose. The extended control can include a diagnosis, a test state, or entering another operating state. The control component 125 can then be reset by branching to step 305 or placed in the idle state by branching to step 310.

[0054] Steps 325 to 340 may form a second state corresponding to the transition of the second control device 120 from the idle state to the operating state.

[0055] Following step 335 or 340, the process may proceed to step 345, in which the function of the second control device 120 is enabled (see step 235). In step 350, a predetermined time may be waited for before a step 355 determines whether a transition to the idle state has been requested. This may be determined, in particular, by the occurrence of a local event, the fulfillment of a condition, or the receipt of a predetermined message. If the negative result is not met, the process may branch back to step 355. Steps 345 to 355 may form a third state, which corresponds to the operating state of the second control device 120. If it was determined in step 355 that the idle state has been requested, the control component 125 may transition to the idle state. Optionally, a message announcing the transition may be sent beforehand to one or more control devices 115, 120.Another control device 115, 120 can then also enter the idle state, see step 355. Subsequently, the process can branch back to step 310. Step 360 can form a fourth state, which corresponds to the transition of the second control device to the idle state.

[0056] Reference symbol

[0057] 100 household appliances

[0058] 105 System

[0059] 110 Data connection

[0060] 115 first control device (predeterminer)

[0061] 120 second control device (successor)

[0062] 125 tax component

[0063] 130 Device

[0064] 135 supply line

[0065] 140 Voltage control

[0066] 145 Exit

[0067] 150 bus connection

[0068] 155 Signal Detector

[0069] 160 Signal Generator

[0070] 165 Monitoring the supply voltage

[0071] 170 voltage regulators

[0072] 175 Recording device

[0073] 180 events

[0074] 200 procedures

[0075] 205 Reset

[0076] 210 Control component in idle state

[0077] 215 Signal detected?

[0078] 220 Put control device into operating state

[0079] 225 Waiting

[0080] 230 Check supply voltage

[0081] 235 Enable function

[0082] 240 Waiting

[0083] 245 Hibernation requested?

[0084] 250 Put control device into sleep mode

[0085] 255 Waiting

[0086] 260 Check supply voltage

[0087] 300 procedures

[0088] 305 Reset 310 Control device in idle state

[0089] 315 Event

[0090] 320 event recorded?

[0091] 325 Generate signal 330 Wait

[0092] 335 Check supply voltage

[0093] 340 advanced control

[0094] 345 Enable function

[0095] 350 Wait 355 Hibernation requested?

[0096] Put 360 into sleep mode

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Control component (125) for a household appliance (100), wherein the control component (125) comprises the following; - an interface (150) for a data connection (110) to another control component (125) of the household appliance (100); - a detector (155) for a predetermined signal on the data link (110), wherein the signal is different from data that can be transmitted between two control components (125); - one input (165) for a supply voltage; - a first output (130) to enable the control of a function of the household appliance (100) depending on a voltage applied at the input.

2. Control component (125) according to claim 1, further comprising a second output (145) for a supply voltage for the further control component (125); wherein the control component (125) is configured to provide a high or a low voltage at the second output (145).

3. Control component (125) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a generator (160) for the signal on the data link (110) depending on a predetermined condition.

4. Control component (125) according to claim 3, further comprising a detector (155) for detecting a signal representing the fulfillment of the condition.

5. Control component (125) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a voltage control (140) for providing a supply voltage for controlling the function based on the supply voltage applied at the input (165).

6. Control component (125) according to claim 5, wherein the voltage control (140) is configured to provide a high or a low voltage.

7. Control component (125) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control component (125) is configured to receive data for controlling an operating input To provide the status of the further control component (125) on the data connection (110). Control component (125) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the data connection (110) comprises a bus. Control component (125) according to one of the preceding claims, implemented as an integrated circuit. Control device (115, 120) for a household appliance (100), wherein the control device (115, 120) comprises a control component (125) according to one of the preceding claims and a controller (130) for the function of the household appliance (100). System (105) comprising two control components (125) according to one of the preceding claims and a data connection (110) between the control components (125). Household appliance (100) comprising two control devices (115, 120) according to claim 11 and a data connection (110) between the respective control components (125).Method (200, 300) for controlling a control device (115, 120) for controlling a function of a household appliance (100), wherein the method (200, 300) comprises the following steps:. - Acquiring (215, 320) a predetermined signal on a data link (110) which is connected to another control device (115, 120) of the household appliance (100); - wherein the signal of data that can be transmitted between two control components (125) is different; and - Release (235, 345) the control of the function.

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