Electrical apparatus and method of controlling such an apparatus
The electrical apparatus addresses inconsistent results by identifying and adapting operation sequences to the type and history of replaced parts, ensuring consistent performance and extended lifespan through automated adjustments.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2024004189
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-04-23
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-24
AI Technical Summary
Existing electrical appliances face issues with inconsistent operational results due to replacement of parts or accessories with different technical characteristics, leading to a need for manual user adjustments and reduced product lifespan.
An electrical apparatus with a control unit that identifies functional members using identifiers, determines operating parameters based on member type and history, and adapts operation sequences accordingly, utilizing electromagnetic or optical marking technologies and a database or algorithmic components for parameter adjustment.
Ensures consistent and improved operational results by automatically adapting to the type and condition of replaced parts, enhancing user comfort and extending appliance lifespan.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Electrical apparatus and method for controlling such an apparatus Field of the invention
[0001] The invention relates to the field of electrical devices having elements that can be replaced. Previous Art
[0002] It is known to have an electrical device comprising elements which can be replaced such as motors or interchangeable accessories having different functions such as working members such as blades.
[0003] For example, in the case of an electrical appliance being a household appliance for culinary preparation, when carrying out a cooking recipe, the household appliance is configured to guide the user during each step. For his part, the user must mount the working member corresponding to the step to be carried out and initiate the start of the step.
[0004] An electrical appliance operates in the same way throughout its lifetime. However, the result of its operation may be modified, in particular due to the replacement of certain parts or accessories following a repair, for example. Indeed, replacement parts or accessories may have different technical characteristics from the original parts or accessories. The difference in technical characteristics may come from the end of production of a model of part or accessory which must be replaced by another reference, or from the application of changes intended to comply with new standards.
[0005] The same types of difficulties may be encountered with other types of electrical appliances, for example vacuum cleaners, whose motor, fan blades or brushes may be replaced. Thus, depending on the replacement of the mechanical elements, it is possible that the defined control parameters do not allow a reproducible desired result to be achieved. Other types of electrical appliances may still be, for example, purifiers, fans, coffee machines, hair dryers, clippers, razors.
[0006] The present invention aims to resolve all or part of the drawbacks mentioned above. Statement of the invention
[0007] To this end, the present invention relates to an electrical apparatus comprising a set of functional members, the electrical apparatus comprising a control unit provided with a processor and a storage memory, the control unit being configured to control the operation of an actuator, at least one of the functional members being associated with an identifier of the functional member; the control unit being arranged to collect the identifier of the functional member, to determine at least one operating parameter as a function of a type of functional member determined from the identifier of the functional member and to apply a command to the actuator for an operating sequence of the electrical device as a function of the at least one operating parameter adapted to the type of functional member.
[0008] By functional organs, we mean in particular parts or accessories involved in the operation of the electrical device, possibly optionally. In particular, a functional organ may be all or part of the actuator, in particular a motor, one or more working organs, all or part of a heating device, such as for example the heating resistor; or even a battery of the device. According to other possibilities, the functional organ may also be a buzzer, lamps or LEDs, a pump, a valve.
[0009] The type of functional organ corresponds in particular to a model of functional organ having operating characteristics associated with this type.
[0010] Thanks to these provisions, the operating mode of a device can be adapted according to its life history and in particular the type of functional organs involved in its operation in order to guarantee an improved result according to the characteristics of these parts or accessories. Thus, the operating parameters can be adapted in the case of replacement of an operating organ.
[0011] Thus, the quality of the results obtained is improved, by operating the device in a manner adapted to the type and characteristics of certain parts or accessories.
[0012] User comfort is also improved, by automatically adapting the product's operation to its history, avoiding users having to make manual settings following the change of a part or accessory, for example.
[0013] Finally, the lifespan of the products is improved, by adapting the operation of the product according to the condition of its accessories and parts.
[0014] According to variants, the type of the functional organ can be determined either directly if the identifier includes type information, or by accessing an additional database containing correspondence data between an identifier and a type of functional organ.
[0015] For example, the identifier may include information relating to the type of functional organ and an identification number, which may for example correspond to a serial number. Alternatively, the identifier includes only type information.
[0016] According to one possibility, at least one of the functional members comprises an identification device configured to store or represent an identifier of the functional member; the electrical apparatus further comprising an acquisition device associated with the control unit and configured to cooperate with the identification device to collect the identifier of the functional member, and in which the control unit is arranged to collect the identifier of the functional member provided by the acquisition device
[0017] The electrical apparatus can identify the functional organs thanks to the acquisition device and the identification devices carried by the functional organs.
[0018] According to one possibility, the identification device comprises an electromagnetic communication component, in particular a radiofrequency component, for example in NFC, RFID or Bluetooth, and the acquisition device comprises a reader configured to communicate according to the same electromagnetic communication mode.
[0019] According to one possibility, the identification device comprises an optical marking, in particular a QR code or a bar code, and the acquisition device is configured to read the optical marking.
[0020] According to one possibility, the identification device comprises a device producing an identifier by a value of variable physical quantities, for example an electrical physical quantity, such as a capacitance or a resistance, and the acquisition device comprises a complementary device configured to determine the value of the corresponding physical quantity, for example in the case of an electrical quantity, a circuit configured to determine the corresponding resistance or capacitance, without contact or with an electrical connection.
[0021] According to another possibility, the identification device comprises a device configured to establish a specific connection with the reader, such as for example an electrical connection on one or more conductive tracks, or a mechanical connection by one or more mechanical forms and the acquisition device comprises a complementary device configured to establish an electrical or mechanical connection allowing the determination of the identifier.
[0022] According to one possibility, the control unit is arranged to record a history of use of the functional member in connection with its identifier, to determine at least one operating parameter as a function of the history of use of the functional member and to apply a command to the actuator and / or to the heating device for an operating sequence of the electrical appliance as a function of at least one operating parameter adapted to the history of use of the functional organ,
[0023] Thanks to these provisions, the operating mode of a device can be adapted, in addition to its type, depending on its life history and in particular the history of use of the functional organs involved in its operation in order to guarantee an improved result depending on the condition and characteristics of these parts or accessories.
[0024] Thus, the quality of culinary preparations is improved, by operating the appliance in a manner adapted to the type, characteristics and history of certain parts or accessories.
[0025] User comfort is also improved, by automatically adapting the operation of the product to its history, avoiding users having to make manual settings to compensate for the wear of a part or accessory, for example.
[0026] According to one possibility, the device comprises a history component configured to store the history of use of a functional organ in connection with its identifier.
[0027] According to one possibility, the logging component can use a local file or a database stored in the storage memory of the control unit.
[0028] According to one possibility, the usage history of a functional member comprises a usage or operating time of the functional member and / or a stress rate of the functional member.
[0029] According to one possibility, it is also possible to take into account operating parameters used when using the functional member during operating periods.
[0030] Alternatively, the control unit may record the date of first use of a functional component.
[0031] For example, if the functional organ is an engine, the usage history may include all or part of the following elements: a date of first use and / or manufacture, a cumulative time of use, or even a history of periods of use making it possible to determine a stress rate.
[0032] Thus the demand rate can correspond to a history of the motor current in relation to the time of use of the functional organ.
[0033] Alternatively, it is also possible to determine demand rate increments when using to update a recorded demand rate.
[0034] According to one possibility, the apparatus comprises an operating parameter adaptation component used by the control unit to adapt the operating parameters operation of at least one operating sequence of the actuator control depending on the type of the functional member.
[0035] According to one possibility, the adaptation component is a file or a database stored in the storage memory of the control unit.
[0036] According to one possibility, updates to the database can be carried out during the life of the device, for example by downloading or synchronization from a remote server, or during a maintenance or after-sales service operation.
[0037] According to one possibility, the adaptation component comprises an interface for accessing a database located remotely on a remote server or on a portable terminal of the user.
[0038] According to one possibility, the adaptation component is an algorithmic component, for example a component resulting from the implementation of a learning algorithm.
[0039] According to one possibility, the operating parameters relate to the operating point of a motor, in particular the voltage and / or current setpoints of the motor power supply.
[0040] According to one example, the functional member is the engine, the operating point of the engine being determined differently depending on the type of engine.
[0041] The operating point may also take into account the engine usage history, in particular the cumulative usage time of the engine.
[0042] According to one possibility, the operating parameters relate to a speed and / or torque setpoint or a duration of use during an operating sequence,
[0043] According to one example, the functional member is a working member, the usage history associated with the working member includes information relating to the cumulative usage duration or wear of the working member, and the operating parameters are determined as a function of a cumulative usage duration or wear of the working member.
[0044] According to other examples, the adaptation of the operating sequence corresponds to an extension or a shortening of the default duration of an operating sequence or the adaptation of a rotation speed of a working member according to the usage history.
[0045] According to one possibility, the electrical appliance is a food preparation appliance. In particular, the food preparation appliance comprises: a housing, a tank configured to cooperate with the housing and arranged to receive food to be prepared, a working member configured to cooperate with the tank and arranged to work the food received in the tank, an actuator arranged in the housing and arranged to set the working member in motion relative to the tank or to set the tank in motion relative to the working member.
[0046] According to one possibility, the food preparation appliance comprises a heating device arranged to heat the food received in the tank.
[0047] According to one possibility, the control unit is configured to control the operation of the heating device.
[0048] According to another possibility, the electrical appliance may be a vacuum cleaner comprising an actuator comprising a motor which drives a working member which may be a fan or a brush, the motor then being able to be an auxiliary motor housed in the suction head.
[0049] According to still other possibilities, the electrical appliance can be an air purifier, a fan, a coffee machine, a hair dryer, a hair clipper, a razor.
[0050] The present invention also relates to a method for controlling an electrical appliance according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: - a step of acquiring at least one identifier of a functional component of the electrical device - a step of determining at least one operating parameter as a function of a type of functional organ, in which the type of functional organ is determined from the identifier of the functional organ - a step of applying a command for an operating sequence of the electrical device as a function of at least one operating parameter adapted to the type of functional member.
[0051] The step of acquiring at least one identifier can be carried out when starting the device or during its operation. This step can be repeated iteratively over time, and make it possible to collect the identifiers of one or more functional components of the electrical device.
[0052] During the step of determining the operating parameters, the control unit can collect operating parameters adapted to each operating member according to its usage history. The control unit thus obtains a set of operating parameters forming an operating configuration.
[0053] By collecting the identifiers of the functional members in the acquisition step, the apparatus can also detect changes in functional members and identify new functional members, and adapt the operating parameters to a new apparatus by using the operating parameter adaptation component in the determination step. These provisions make it possible in particular to adapt the control of the apparatus when a working member is changed.
[0054] According to one possibility, the method further comprises an initialization step in which the control unit obtains an initial configuration of the operating parameters.
[0055] For example, in the case where the adaptation component is a database, the control unit has a database containing operating parameters depending on the functional organs necessary for its operation and their history.
[0056] According to one possibility, during a repair action, a functional member having an impact on the operation of the electrical device can be replaced.
[0057] According to one possibility, the method comprises: - a first step of acquiring at least a first identifier of a first functional component of the electrical device - a first step of determining at least a first operating parameter as a function of a first type of the first functional member, in which the first type of functional member is determined from the first identifier of the functional member - a first step of applying a command for an operating sequence of the electrical device as a function of at least one first operating parameter adapted to the type of the first functional member. - a step of replacing the first functional organ with a second functional organ, aimed at fulfilling the same function; - a second step of acquiring at least a second identifier of the second functional organ of the electrical device - a second step of determining at least one second operating parameter as a function of a second type of the second functional member, in which the second type of functional member is determined from the second identifier of the second functional member - a second step of applying a command for an operating sequence of the electrical device as a function of at least one second operating parameter adapted to the type of the second functional member.
[0058] For example, the first functional member and the second functional member may be electric motors. The new, second motor mounted in the repaired device may have different operating characteristics than the original first electric motor. By collecting the identifier of this new motor, the control unit will be able to determine with the adaptation component new operating parameters forming a new operating configuration. adapted. For example, operating parameters may include different motor speed or different activation times.
[0059] It should be noted that the method would be the same in the case of a replacement of the second functional member by a third functional member, the second functional member being considered as the first functional member and the third functional member being considered as the second functional member in the steps of the method.
[0060] In the same way, the replacement of an nth functional organ by an n-plus-unth functional organ repeats the same steps, the nth functional organ being considered as the first functional organ and the n-plus-unth functional organ being considered as the second functional organ in the steps of the method
[0061] According to one possibility, the method comprises: - a step of updating a history of use of the functional organ in connection with its identifier,
[0062] and in which the step of determining at least one operating parameter is carried out as a function of the usage history of the functional member, and in which the step of applying a command for an operating sequence of the electrical appliance as a function of the at least one operating parameter is adapted to the usage history of the functional member.
[0063] During the update step, the control unit can record a usage history for the functional member using the history component. This update can be carried out individually for each identified functional member. The device then knows the usage time of each part or accessory, which may correspond, for example, to wear.
[0064] The invention also relates to a computer program product comprising code instructions for carrying out the steps of a method as defined above and configured to be executed by the control unit.
[0065] The different aspects defined above which are not incompatible can be combined. Brief description of the figures
[0066] The invention will be better understood with the aid of the detailed description which is set out below with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:
[0067] [Fig.l] is a perspective view of a household appliance and a portable terminal;
[0068] [Fig.2] is an exploded view of a tank and a cover of the household appliance;
[0069] [Fig.3] is a schematic view summarizing the exchange of information in the household appliance;
[0070] [Fig.4] details the steps of a method for controlling the household appliance. Description with reference to the figures
[0071] In the detailed description which follows of the figures defined above, the same elements or the elements fulfilling identical functions may retain the same references so as to simplify the understanding of the invention.
[0072] As illustrated in [Fig.l], an electrical appliance 1, which in this embodiment is a household appliance, in particular a food preparation appliance, comprises a housing 3 and a tank 5 configured to cooperate with the housing 3. In the embodiment presented, the household appliance is a pressure cooking appliance. The household appliance is, for example, a cooking appliance performing mixing or blending.
[0073] The tank 5 is arranged to receive food to be prepared. This may, for example, be ingredients of a cooking recipe implemented by the electrical appliance 1.
[0074] The electrical apparatus 1 also comprises a cover 7 configured to cooperate with the tank 5 and movable between an open position and a closed position in which the tank 5 is sealed relative to the external environment. The closed position is thus a position for pressurizing the tank 5.
[0075] The cover 7 may comprise an ingredient dispenser 9 controlled by the electrical appliance 1 so as to pour at least one additional ingredient into the tank 5 during the preparation of the recipe.
[0076] This at least one additional ingredient may be salt, oil, water, flour or spices.
[0077] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the electrical appliance 1 comprises a working member 11 configured to cooperate with the tank 5 and arranged to work the food or ingredients received in the tank 5. This working member 11 is removable and several working members 11 can be provided to cooperate with the same electrical appliance 1.
[0078] The electrical appliance 1 may comprise a lighting system 13 for the tank 5 configured to illuminate the interior of the tank 5 so that the user can clearly distinguish the ingredients included in the tank 5. The lighting system 13 is attached to or arranged in the tank 5 and / or the cover 7. The lighting system 13 comprises at least one light-emitting diode and a device for modulating the light intensity and / or the color of the light.
[0079] The electrical apparatus 1 comprises an actuator 15 arranged in the housing 3 and arranged to set the working member 11 in motion relative to the tank 5, or the tank 5 relative to the working member 11. The actuator may for example comprise an electric motor 25, in particular a stirring motor, which may comprise a reducer. The electrical appliance 1 further comprises a heater 17 arranged to heat the food or ingredients received in the tank 5. This is for example a heating resistor.
[0080] The electrical device thus comprises a set of functional members OF which participate in its operation. The functional members may be in particular all or part of the actuator, and in particular the motor 25, the working member(s) 11, all or part of the heating 17, such as for example the heating resistor; or even a battery of the device.
[0081] The electrical apparatus 1 comprises a control unit 19 provided with a processor 21 configured to control the operation of the actuator 15 and the heater 17.
[0082] The preparation apparatus can be controlled by a user locally via his own human-machine interface or communication module 23, or remotely via a portable terminal 41, for example a mobile telephone.
[0083] One or more functional organs OF are associated with an identifier ID of the functional organ OF. The control unit is arranged to collect the identifier ID of the functional organ OF.
[0084] According to an embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, at least one of the functional members comprises an identification device 27 configured to store or represent the identifier ID of the functional member. For example, the identifier may comprise information relating to the TO type of the functional member and an identification number, which may for example correspond to a serial number. According to one possibility, the identifier may comprise only type information.
[0085] The electrical appliance 1 further comprises an acquisition device 29 configured to cooperate with the identification device 27 to collect the identifier ID of the functional member OF, the acquisition device 29 being associated with the control unit 19.
[0086] According to one embodiment, the identification device 27 may comprise an electromagnetic communication component, such as for example a radiofrequency component, for example in NFC, RFID or Bluetooth, and the acquisition device comprises a reader configured to communicate according to the same electromagnetic communication mode.
[0087] According to another embodiment, the identification device 27 comprises an optical marking, such as a QR code or a bar code or another type of optical device, and the acquisition device comprises an optical reader configured to read the corresponding marking or interact with the optical device.
[0088] According to another embodiment, the identification device 27 comprises a device producing an identifier by a value of variable physical quantities, for example an electrical physical quantity, such as a capacitance or a resistance, and the acquisition device 29 comprises a complementary device configured to determine the value of the corresponding physical quantity, for example in the case of an electrical quantity, a circuit configured to determine the corresponding resistance or capacitance, without contact or with an electrical connection.
[0089] According to another embodiment, the identification device 27 comprises a device configured to establish a specific connection with the reader, such as for example an electrical connection on one or more conductive tracks, or a mechanical connection by one or more mechanical forms and the acquisition device 29 comprises a complementary device configured to establish an electrical or mechanical connection allowing the determination of the identifier.
[0090] The acquisition device 29 may be connected by a wired communication link 31 to the control unit or to a first local communication interface 33 of the control unit 19, for example a data bus, in particular a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter), SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or I2C (Inter Integrated Circuit) type bus. According to a variant, wireless communication between the acquisition device 29 and the control unit may be used.
[0091] The electrical device 1 further comprises a storage memory 32, which may in particular be part of the control unit 19.
[0092] According to a variant, it is possible for the identifier ID to be directly stored in the storage memory during the installation or replacement of a functional member, for example by a maintenance operator. In this case, the collection of the identifier corresponds to a reading in the storage memory of the identifier ID.
[0093] The control unit 19 is configured to adapt at least one operating sequence SF of the control of the actuator and / or the heating device according to the type TO of the functional member OF.
[0094] For this, the control unit is configured to determine at least one operating parameter PF as a function of information relating to a type TO of functional member OF determined from the identifier ID of the functional member OF.
[0095] The TO type of functional organ OF can be determined from the identifier ID, either directly if the identifier includes TO type information, or by accessing an additional database containing correspondence data between an identifier ID and a TO type of functional organ OF.
[0096] In this case, the operating parameters PF can be adapted in the case of a replacement of an operating member OF.
[0097] To determine the operating parameters PF adapted to the type TO of the functional member OF, the control unit can use a component 37 for adapting the operating parameters PF. This component can in particular comprise a database 37 and / or use an algorithmic component.
[0098] In particular, according to a first embodiment, the adaptation component comprises an interface for accessing a database 39 located remotely and comprising operating parameters PF. According to the embodiment shown in [Fig. 3], the adaptation component 37 accesses the database which is located on a terminal or a remote server 45 via a network communication interface 47, for example a wifi card.
[0099] According to another embodiment, the database 37 can be stored locally in the electrical device 1, for example in the storage memory 35.
[0100] According to yet another embodiment, the database 37 can be stored on a portable terminal 41 of the user.
[0101] According to the last two embodiments, updates to the database 37 can be carried out during the life of the device, for example by downloading or synchronization from a remote server 45, or during a maintenance or after-sales service operation.
[0102] According to another possibility, the control unit 19 uses, instead of a database of operating parameters, an algorithmic component which updates the operating parameters of the device according to the TO type of functional organ. This algorithm could be carried out from artificial intelligence learning, for example.
[0103] The operating parameter adaptation component 37 is thus configured to provide operating parameter data PF which depend on the type TO of a functional member OF.
[0104] According to a first example, the operating parameters PF may relate to the operating point of a motor, i.e. for example the voltage and current setpoints of the motor power supply which may be modified according to the TO type of the motor. Thus, if a motor of a first type TOI is replaced by a motor of a second type, first operating parameters PF1 corresponding to the motor of the first type TOI may be different from second operating parameters corresponding to the motor of the second type TO2. This scenario may occur during a repair or replacement, when a motor of the first type TOI is no longer available. The preparation apparatus may still be repaired by replacing the motor with a motor of a second type TO2, and adapting the operating parameters.
[0105] According to a second example, the operating parameters PF may relate to a speed and / or torque setpoint or even a cutting duration during an operating sequence, which may be modified if a different type TO of working member 11 is used during a repair or replacement. Thus, if a working member of a first type TOI' is replaced by a working member of a second type TO2', first operating parameters PF1' corresponding to the working member of the first type TOI' may be different from second operating parameters PF2' corresponding to the working member of the second type TO2'.
[0106] According to other examples, the adaptation of the operating sequence corresponds to an extension or a shortening of the default duration of an operating sequence, to an increase or a decrease in a cooking temperature or the adaptation of a rotation speed of the working member or of the tank according to the type of one or more functional members OF.
[0107] According to yet another example, the operating parameters PF comprise operating parameters of a battery management system (or Battery Management System / BMS in English), in the case where a functional member capable of being replaced is a battery, for example a battery, in particular a lithium battery, of electrical equipment, for example a razor. In this case, the BMS is considered to be part of the actuator.
[0108] The control unit 19 can also be configured to record or historize the usage history UH of a functional organ OF in connection with its identifier ID.
[0109] To carry out this historization, the control unit 19 can use a historization component 35. In particular, the component can use a local file or a database stored in the storage memory 32 of the control unit 19.
[0110] The control unit 19 is configured to update the usage history UH of a functional member OF in connection with its identifier ID. In particular, the control unit can record the date of the first use of a functional member. The control unit can also record the cumulative operating time of the functional member OF. It is also possible to take into account operating parameters used during the use of the functional member during the operating periods. For example, if the operating member OF is an engine 25, the usage history can include the following elements: a date of first use and / or manufacture, a cumulative time of use, or a history of the periods of use making it possible to determine a stress rate.
[0111] Thus the demand rate can correspond to a history of the motor current in relation to the time of use of the functional organ.
[0112] Alternatively, it is also possible to determine wear rate increments when using to update a recorded wear rate.
[0113] The control unit 19 is configured to adapt at least one operating sequence SF of the actuator control as a function of said usage history UH of the functional member OF, in addition to the adaptation to the type TO of functional member as described previously.
[0114] To carry out this adaptation, the control unit can use the adaptation component 37 of the operating parameters PF.
[0115] The operating parameter adaptation component 37 is configured to provide operating parameter data PF which depends on the usage history UH of a functional member OF, in addition to the type TO of the functional member OF.
[0116] According to a first example, the operating parameters PF may relate to the operating point of a motor, i.e. for example the voltage and current setpoints of the motor power supply which may change depending on the history of use of the motor, taking into account for example the cumulative duration of use of the motor 25.
[0117] According to a second example, the operating parameters PF may relate to a speed and / or torque setpoint or even a cutting duration during an operating sequence, which may change as a function of a percentage of wear of a blade, linked for example to its cumulative duration of use.
[0118] According to other examples, the adaptation of the operating sequence corresponds to an extension or a shortening of the default duration of an operating sequence, to an increase or a decrease in a cooking temperature or the adaptation of a rotation speed of the working member or of the tank according to the usage history.
[0119] As illustrated in [Fig.4], a method for controlling an electrical appliance 1 comprises an initialization step E0 in which the control unit obtains an initial configuration of the adaptation component 37 of the operating parameters. For example, in the case where the adaptation component 37 is a database, the control unit has a database containing operating parameters depending on the functional members OF necessary for its operation, that is to say their type TO. The operating parameters PF can also depend on the history of the functional members OF.
[0120] Subsequently, when starting the device or during its operation, the control unit carries out a step E1 of acquiring at least one identifier ID of a functional member OF of the electrical device 1 by the acquisition device 29.
[0121] This step can be carried out iteratively over time, and make it possible to collect the identifiers ID of one or more functional organs OF of the electrical device 1.
[0122] The control unit 19 then performs a step E3 of determining operating parameters PF as a function of a type TO of the functional member, or of the functional members OF. In particular, the control unit uses the operating parameter adaptation component 37 to collect operating parameters adapted to each operating member as a function of its type TO.
[0123] According to one possibility, the control unit 19 takes into account, in the step E3 of determining operating parameters PF, the usage history UF of the functional member. In particular, the control unit uses the operating parameter adaptation component 37 to collect operating parameters adapted to each operating member according to its type TO, but also its history.
[0124] To take this history into account, the control unit can implement a recording step E2 of a usage history UF of the functional member OF in connection with its identifier ID, in which the control unit records a usage history for the functional member OF using the historization component 35. The recording can be carried out individually for each identified functional member OF. The device then knows the usage time of each part or accessory, which may correspond, for example, to wear. The updating step can be implemented before the determination step E3.
[0125] The control unit thus obtains a set of operating parameters PF forming an operating configuration.
[0126] The control unit can then carry out a fourth step E4 of applying a CMD command for an operating sequence of the electrical device according to the operating parameters PF or the operating configuration adapted to the type TO of functional member OF. The configuration or the operating parameters can also be adapted to the usage history.
[0127] Thanks to the collection of the identifiers of the functional organs OF in the acquisition step E1, the apparatus can detect the changes of functional organs and identify the new functional organs OF, and adapt the operating parameters to a new organ by using in the determination step the component for adapting the operating parameters 37. These provisions make it possible in particular to adapt the control of the apparatus during a change of working organ 11.
[0128] According to one possibility, during a repair action, a functional member OF having an impact on the operation of the electrical device 1 can be replaced. For example, this can be an electric motor 25. The new motor mounted in the repaired device can have different operating characteristics from the original electric motor. By collecting the identifier ID of this new motor 25, the control unit will be able to determine with the adaptation component 37 new operating parameters PF forming a new adapted operating configuration. In the example, this can be a different motor speed or different activation durations.
[0129] This method can be repeated, from its initial stage or from a subsequent stage, depending, for example, on the evolution of the recipe, the use of the appliance by the user, a change of accessory or part, or a repair carried out on the appliance.
[0130] An embodiment has been described above in which the tank 5 is fixed relative to the housing 3 and the working member 11 is movable. It is also possible to design other embodiments in which the working member 11 is fixed and the tank 5 is movable.
[0131] According to another embodiment not shown, the electrical appliance may be a household appliance of the vacuum cleaner type comprising an actuator comprising a motor which drives a working member which may be a fan or even a brush, the motor then being able to be an auxiliary motor housed in the suction head.
[0132] According to still other embodiments, the electrical appliance can be an air purifier, a fan, a coffee machine, a hair dryer, a clipper, a razor. The functional members which are identified can be working members of the blade or fan type, electrical or electronic elements such as a battery, the operation of the appliance being adapted following the change of the functional member.
[0133] According to a variant, the control unit takes into account, in addition to the history of the functional organs OF, the history of consumables, such as for example the grinding in the case of an electrical appliance such as a coffee machine, or even the water in the case of a steam generator.
[0134] The proposed solution allows, thanks to the use of an identification technology and thanks to an adaptation of the operating parameters to the type of functional organ, to obtain an ideal result throughout the lifetime of the product. This result can also be obtained thanks to the recording of histories and the adaptation of the operating parameters to the wear of the functional organs.
[0135] Advantages of the invention include obtaining a stable result throughout the lifetime of the device, improving user comfort by the automatic application of operating parameters based on the type of functional component and / or the usage history of functional components (parts or accessories), increasing the lifespan of the appliance. For example, it will be possible to set a different motor operating point if the motor is replaced by another type of motor during a repair. It will also be possible to apply a longer mixing time or a higher rotation speed when worn, therefore less sharp, mixing blades are used, the user not noticing any variation in the mixing result over time. This means that a user will replace their appliance less quickly.
[0136] As goes without saying, the invention is not limited to the single embodiment described above as an example; on the contrary, it encompasses all variant embodiments thereof.
Claims
Claims
1. Electrical apparatus (1) comprising a set of functional members (OF), the electrical apparatus comprising a control unit (19) provided with a processor (21) and a storage memory (32), the control unit (19) being configured to control the operation of an actuator, at least one of the functional members (OF) being associated with an identifier (ID) of the functional member (OF); the control unit being arranged to collect the identifier (ID) of the functional member (OF), to determine at least one operating parameter (PF) as a function of a type (TO) of functional member (OF) determined from the identifier (ID) of the functional member (OP) and to apply a command (CMD) to the actuator (15) for an operating sequence of the electrical apparatus (1) as a function of the at least one operating parameter (PF) adapted to the type (TO) of the functional member (OF).
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the functional members (OF) comprises an identification device (27) configured to store or represent an identifier (ID) of the functional member (OF); the electrical apparatus (1) further comprising an acquisition device (29) associated with the control unit (19) and configured to cooperate with the identification device (27) to collect the identifier (ID) of the functional member (OF), and wherein the control unit is arranged to collect the identifier (ID) of the functional member (OF) provided by the acquisition device (29)
3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the identification device (27) comprises an electromagnetic communication component, in particular a radiofrequency component, for example in NFC, RFID or Bluetooth, and the acquisition device (29) comprises a reader configured to communicate according to the same electromagnetic communication mode.
4. Apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the identification device (27) comprises an optical marking, in particular a QR code or a bar code, and the acquisition device (29) is configured to read the optical marking.
5. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, in which the control unit is arranged to record a usage history (UH) of the functional member (OP) in relation to its identifier (ID), to determine at least one operating parameter (PF) as a function of the usage history (UH) of the functional member (OP) and to apply a command (CMD) to the actuator (15) (17) for an operating sequence of the electrical apparatus (1) as a function of the at least one operating parameter (PF) adapted to the usage history (UH) of the functional member (OF),
6. Apparatus according to claim 5, comprising a historization component (35) configured to store the usage history (UH) of a functional organ (OF) in connection with its identifier (ID).
7. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an adaptation component (37) of the operating parameters (PF) used by the control unit (19) to adapt the operating parameters (PF) of at least one operating sequence (SF) of the control (CMD) of the actuator according to the type of the functional member (OF).
8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the adaptation component is a file or database (37) stored in the storage memory of the control unit (19).
9. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the adaptation component (37) comprises an interface for accessing a database (39) located remotely on a remote server or on a portable terminal of the user (41).
10. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the adaptation component (37) is an algorithmic component, for example a component resulting from the implementation of a learning algorithm.
11. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, in which the operating parameters (PF) relate to the operating point of a motor, in particular the voltage and / or current setpoints of the motor power supply.
12. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, in which the operating parameters (PF) relate to a speed and / or torque setpoint or a duration of use during an operating sequence,
13. A method of controlling an electrical apparatus (1), comprising: - a step of acquiring (El) at least one identifier (ID) of a functional organ (OF) of the electrical device (1) - a step (E3) of determining at least one operating parameter (PF) as a function of a type (TO) of the functional organ (OF), in which the type (TO) of functional organ (OF) is determined from the identifier (ID) of the functional organ (OF) - a step of applying (E4) a command (CMD) for an operating sequence of the electrical device as a function of at least one operating parameter (PF) adapted to the type (TO) of the functional member (OF).
14. Method for controlling an electrical appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising: - a first step of acquisition (El) of at least a first identifier of a first functional organ of the electrical device - a first step of determining (E3) at least one first operating parameter (PF1, PF1') as a function of a first type (TOI, TOI') of the first functional member, in which the first type of functional member (TOI, TOI') is determined from the first identifier of the functional member - a first step of applying (E4) a command for an operating sequence of the electrical device as a function of at least one first operating parameter (PF1, PF1') adapted to the type of the first functional member. - a step of replacing the first functional organ with a second functional organ, aimed at fulfilling the same function; - a second acquisition step (El) of at least a second identifier of the second functional organ of the electrical device - a second step of determining (E3) at least one second operating parameter (PF2, PF2') as a function of a second type (TO2, TO2') of the second
15. functional organ, in which the second type of functional organ (TO2, TO2') is determined from the second identifier of the second functional organ - a second step of applying (E4) a command for an operating sequence of the electrical device as a function of at least one second operating parameter adapted to the type (TO2, TO2') of the second functional member. Method according to one of claims 13 or 14, comprising: - an update step (E2) of a usage history (UF) of the functional organ (OF) in connection with its identifier (ID), in which the step of determining (E3) at least one operating parameter (PF) is carried out as a function of the usage history (UF) of the functional member (OF), and in which the step of applying (E4) a command (CMD) for an operating sequence of the electrical device as a function of the at least one operating parameter (PF) is adapted to the usage history (UF) of the functional member (OF).
Citation Information
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