Electrical appliance and method for controlling such an appliance

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical appliance comprising a control unit (19), wherein at least one functional member (OF) is associated with an identifier (ID) of the functional member (OF); and wherein the control unit is arranged so as to collect the identifier (ID) of the functional member (OF), to determine at least one operating parameter (PF) according to a type 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 appliance (1) according to the at least one operating parameter (PF) adapted to the type of the functional member (OF).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Electrical apparatus and method for controlling such an apparatus

[0003] Scope of the invention

[0004] The invention relates to the field of electrical devices having replaceable parts.

[0005] Previous Art

[0006] It is known to have an electrical device comprising replaceable elements such as motors or interchangeable accessories having different functions such as working parts like blades.

[0007] For example, in the case of an electrical appliance used for food preparation, when following a recipe, the appliance is configured to guide the user through each step. The user then assembles the appropriate part for the required step and starts the process.

[0008] An electrical appliance functions in the same way throughout its lifespan. However, its performance can be altered, particularly due to the replacement of certain parts or accessories following a repair, for example. Indeed, replacement parts or accessories may have different technical specifications than the original parts or accessories. This difference in technical specifications can arise from the discontinuation of a part or accessory model, which must be replaced by a different model, or from changes implemented to comply with new standards.

[0009] The same types of difficulties can be encountered with other types of electrical appliances, such as vacuum cleaners, whose motors, fan blades, or brushes can be replaced. Therefore, depending on the replacement of mechanical components, the set control parameters may not allow for a consistently reproducible desired result. Other types of electrical appliances that can be affected include air purifiers, fans, coffee makers, hair dryers, clippers, and razors.

[0010] The present invention aims to resolve all or part of the drawbacks mentioned above.

[0011] Description of the invention

[0012] To this end, the present invention relates to an electrical device comprising a set of functional components, the electrical device comprising a control unit having a processor and a storage memory, the control unit being configured to control the operation of an actuator, at least one of the functional components being associated with a functional component identifier; the control unit being arranged to collect the functional component identifier, to determine at least one operating parameter as a function of a type of functional component determined from the functional component identifier and to apply a command to the actuator for an operating sequence of the electrical device as a function of at least one operating parameter adapted to the type of functional component.

[0013] Functional components include parts or accessories involved in the operation of the electrical device, possibly as optional components. Specifically, a functional component may be all or part of the actuator, such as a motor, one or more working elements, all or part of a heating device, such as a heating element, or a battery. Alternatively, a functional component may be a buzzer, lamps or LEDs, a pump, or a valve.

[0014] In one scenario, a functional component is associated with a function. For example, the function of a functional component might be a motor function, a battery function, a working function such as a cutting function, or a mixing function. Several variations of cutting or mixing functions can be identified. In other words, a functional component is associated with a function that will be common to replacement functional components performing the same task.

[0015] The same function means that the work done with these two different functional parts has the same goal or purpose in the operation of the electrical device.

[0016] A type of functional component can correspond to a functional component reference. Two functional components can have different types, in particular different references, including different part references, but perform the same function.

[0017] The type of functional organ corresponds in particular to a model of functional organ exhibiting operating characteristics associated with that type.

[0018] Thanks to these provisions, the operating mode of a device can be adapted according to its history and, in particular, the type of functional components involved in its operation, in order to guarantee improved results based on the characteristics of these parts or accessories. Thus, operating parameters can be adjusted in the event of a component replacement.

[0019] This improves the quality of the results obtained by operating the device in a way that is adapted to the type and characteristics of certain parts or accessories. User comfort is also enhanced by automatically adapting the product's operation to its history, thus eliminating the need for users to perform manual adjustments after changing a part or accessory, for example.

[0020] Finally, the lifespan of the products is improved by adapting the product's operation according to the condition of its accessories and parts.

[0021] Depending on the variant, the type of functional organ can be determined either directly if the identifier includes type information, or by accessing an additional database containing data matching an identifier to a type of functional organ.

[0022] For example, the identifier may include information relating to the type of functional organ and an identification number, which could, for example, correspond to a serial number. Alternatively, the identifier may include only type information.

[0023] According to one possibility, at least one of the functional components includes an identification device configured to store or represent an identifier of the functional component; the electrical apparatus further includes an acquisition device associated with the control unit and configured to cooperate with the identification device to collect the identifier of the functional component, and in which the control unit is arranged to collect the identifier of the functional component supplied by the acquisition device.

[0024] The electrical device can identify the functional components thanks to the acquisition device and the identification devices carried by the functional components.

[0025] According to one possibility, the identification device includes an electromagnetic communication component, in particular a radio frequency component, for example in NFC, RFID or Bluetooth, and the acquisition device includes a reader configured to communicate according to the same electromagnetic communication mode.

[0026] According to one possibility, the identification device includes an optical marking, such as a QR code or barcode, and the acquisition device is configured to read the optical marking.

[0027] According to one possibility, the identification device includes a device performing identification by a value of variable physical quantities, for example an electrical physical quantity, such as capacitance or resistance, and the acquisition device includes 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.

[0028] According to another possibility, the identification device includes a device configured to establish a specific connection with the reader, such as an electrical connection on one or more conductive tracks, or a mechanical connection by one or more mechanical forms, and the acquisition device includes a complementary device configured to establish an electrical or mechanical connection enabling the determination of the identifier.

[0029] According to one possibility, the control unit is arranged to record a usage history of the functional component linked to its identifier, to determine at least one operating parameter based on the usage history of the functional component, and to apply a command to the actuator and / or the heating device for an operating sequence of the electrical appliance based on at least one operating parameter adapted to the usage history of the functional component.

[0030] Thanks to these provisions, the operating mode of a device can be adapted, in addition to its type, according to its life history and in particular the history of use of the functional components involved in its operation in order to guarantee an improved result according to the condition and characteristics of these parts or accessories.

[0031] Thus, the quality of culinary preparations is improved by operating the appliance in a way that is adapted to the type, characteristics and history of certain parts or accessories.

[0032] User comfort is also improved by automatically adapting the product's operation to its history, preventing users from having to make manual adjustments to compensate for wear and tear on a part or accessory, for example.

[0033] According to one possibility, the device includes a history component configured to store the usage history of a functional component linked to its identifier.

[0034] Depending on one possibility, the history component can use a local file or a database stored in the control unit's storage memory.

[0035] According to one possibility, the usage history of a functional organ includes a time of use or operation of the functional organ and / or a rate of stress on the functional organ.

[0036] According to one possibility, it is also possible to take into account operating parameters used when using the functional organ during periods of operation.

[0037] Alternatively, the control unit can record the date of first use of a functional component.

[0038] For example, if the functional component is a motor, the usage history may include all or some of the following elements: a date of first use and / or manufacture, a cumulative usage time, or a history of usage periods allowing the determination of a load factor. Thus, the load factor can correspond to a history of motor current in relation to the usage time of the functional component.

[0039] According to another possibility, it is also possible to determine solicitation rate increments when using to update a recorded solicitation rate.

[0040] According to one possibility, the device includes a component for adapting operating parameters used by the control unit to adapt the operating parameters of at least one operating sequence of the actuator control according to the type of functional organ.

[0041] In one possibility, the adaptation component is a file or database stored in the control unit's storage memory.

[0042] Depending on the possibility, database updates can be made during the life of the device, for example by downloading or synchronizing from a remote server, or during a maintenance or after-sales service operation.

[0043] Depending on one possibility, the adaptation component includes an interface for accessing a database located remotely on a remote server or on the user's portable terminal.

[0044] According to one possibility, the adaptation component is an algorithmic component, for example a component resulting from the implementation of a learning algorithm.

[0045] 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's power supply.

[0046] According to one example, the functional component is the engine, the operating point of the engine being determined differently depending on the type of engine.

[0047] The operating point can also take into account the engine's usage history, in particular the cumulative time the engine has been used.

[0048] Depending on one possibility, the operating parameters relate to a speed and / or torque setpoint, or a duration of use during an operating sequence.

[0049] According to one example, the functional organ is a working organ, the usage history associated with the working organ includes information relating to the cumulative usage time or wear of the working organ, and the operating parameters are determined based on a cumulative usage time or wear of the working organ.

[0050] In other examples, adapting the operating sequence corresponds to lengthening or shortening the default duration of an operating sequence or adapting the rotational speed of a working element based on usage history. In one scenario, the electrical appliance is a food preparation appliance. Specifically, the food preparation appliance comprises: a housing, a bowl configured to cooperate with the housing and arranged to receive food to be prepared, a working element configured to cooperate with the bowl and arranged to process the food received in the bowl, and an actuator located within the housing and arranged to move the working element relative to the bowl or to move the bowl relative to the working element.

[0051] According to one possibility, the food preparation appliance includes a heating device arranged to heat the food received in the tank.

[0052] Depending on one possibility, the control unit is configured to control the operation of the heating device.

[0053] According to another possibility, the electrical device may be a vacuum cleaner comprising an actuator including a motor which drives a working element which may be a fan or a brush, the motor then being an auxiliary motor housed in the suction head.

[0054] According to yet other possibilities, the electrical appliance could be an air purifier, a fan, a coffee machine, a hair dryer, a trimmer, a razor.

[0055] The present invention also relates to a method for controlling an electrical device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: a step of acquiring at least one identifier of a functional part of the electrical device; a step of determining at least one operating parameter as a function of a type of the functional part, in which the type of functional part is determined from the identifier of the functional part; 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 the functional part.

[0056] The step of acquiring at least one identifier can be performed when the device is started or during its operation. This step can be repeated iteratively over time, allowing the collection of identifiers for one or more functional components of the electrical device.

[0057] During the operating parameter determination stage, the control unit can collect operating parameters tailored to each operating component based on its usage history. The control unit thus obtains a set of operating parameters forming an operating configuration.

[0058] Thanks to the collection of functional component identifiers during the acquisition stage, the device can also detect changes in functional components and identify new ones, and adapt the operating parameters to a new device using the operating parameter adaptation component during the determination stage. These features notably allow the device's control to be adapted when a working component changes.

[0059] According to one possibility, the process further includes an initialization step in which the control unit obtains an initial configuration of operating parameters.

[0060] For example, in the case where the adaptation component is a database, the control unit has a database containing operating parameters dependent on the functional components necessary for its operation and their history.

[0061] According to one possibility, the process includes an association step between a functional organ, in particular a functional organ identifier, and a function.

[0062] In this way, a functional component is associated with a function. Thus, the function of the functional component might be, for example: a motor function, a battery function, a working function such as a cutting function, or a mixing function. Several variations of cutting or mixing functions can be identified. Depending on the circumstances, during a repair, a functional component that impacts the operation of the electrical device may be replaced.

[0063] According to one possibility, the process includes: a first step of acquiring at least one first identifier of a first functional part of the electrical device; a first step of determining at least one first operating parameter as a function of a first type of the first functional part, in which the first type of functional part is determined from the first identifier of the functional part; 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 part.a step of replacing the first functional element with a second functional element, aimed at fulfilling the same function; a second step of acquiring at least one second identifier of the second functional element 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 element, in which the second type of functional element is determined from the second identifier of the second functional element; 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 element.

[0064] In other words, a functional organ is associated with a function that will be common to replacement functional organs performing the same job.

[0065] The same function means that the work done with these two different functional parts has the same goal or purpose in the operation of the electrical device.

[0066] According to one possibility, the process includes a first step of association between the first functional organ, in particular the first identifier of the first functional organ and a given function, and a second step of association between the second functional organ, in particular between the second identifier of the second functional organ and said given function.

[0067] A type of functional component can correspond to a functional component reference. Two functional components can have different types, in particular different references, including different part references, but perform the same function.

[0068] In one scenario, the control unit can be configured to recognize a first plurality of functions for functional components. A function is associated with each functional component of the device, for example, by associating the functional component identifier with that function. The step of replacing the first functional component with a second functional component intended to perform the same function corresponds to substituting a first functional component, performing a given function with a first type or reference, with a second functional component replacing the first component with a second type or reference. The control unit can associate the second component with the given function replacing the first component and adapt the operating parameters based on the second type or reference of the second component.

[0069] For example, the first and second functional components can be electric motors and perform the same function: "motor." The new, second motor installed in the repaired device may have different operating characteristics than the original electric motor. By collecting the identifier of this new motor, the control unit can determine, with the adaptation component, new operating parameters to create a new, adapted operating configuration. For example, the operating parameters might include a different motor speed or different activation times.

[0070] It should be noted that the process would be the same in the case of a replacement of the second functional organ by a third functional organ, the second functional organ being considered as the first functional organ and the third functional organ being considered as the second functional organ in the steps of the process.

[0071] Similarly, replacing an nth functional organ with an n-plus-first functional organ follows the same steps, with the nth functional organ being considered the first functional organ and the n-plus-first functional organ being considered the second functional organ in the process steps.

[0072] According to one possibility, the method includes: a step of updating a usage history of the functional component in relation to its identifier, and in which the step of determining at least one operating parameter is carried out according to the usage history of the functional component, and in which the step of applying a command for an operating sequence of the electrical device according to at least one operating parameter is adapted to the usage history of the functional component.

[0073] During the update process, the control unit can record a usage history for the functional component using the history logging component. This update can be performed individually for each identified functional component. The device then knows the usage time of each part or accessory, which may correspond, for example, to wear and tear.

[0074] The invention also relates to a computer program product comprising code instructions to carry out the steps of a process as defined above and configured to be executed by the control unit.

[0075] The various aspects defined above, which are not incompatible, can be combined.

[0076] Brief description of the figures

[0077] The invention will be better understood with the aid of the detailed description set out below in relation to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a household appliance and a portable terminal; Figure 2 is an exploded view of a tub and a lid of the household appliance; Figure 3 is a schematic view summarizing the exchange of information in the household appliance; Figure 4 details the steps of a method for controlling the household appliance.

[0078] Description with reference to the figures

[0079] In the detailed description that follows of the figures defined above, the same elements or elements performing identical functions may retain the same reference numerals to simplify understanding of the invention. As illustrated in Figure 1, an electrical appliance 1, which in this embodiment is a household appliance, in particular a food preparation appliance, comprises a housing 3 and a bowl 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 that performs mixing or blending.

[0080] The bowl 5 is designed to hold food to be prepared. This could be, for example, ingredients for a recipe prepared by the electrical appliance 1.

[0081] The electrical device 1 also includes 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 against the external environment. The closed position is thus a pressurization position for the tank 5.

[0082] The lid 7 may include an ingredient dispenser 9 controlled by the electrical device 1 so as to pour at least one additional ingredient into the bowl 5 during the preparation of the recipe.

[0083] This at least one additional ingredient can be salt, oil, water, flour, or spices.

[0084] As illustrated in Figure 2, the electrical apparatus 1 includes a working element 11 configured to cooperate with the tank 5 and arranged to work the food or ingredients received in the tank 5. This working element 11 is removable and several working elements 11 can be provided to cooperate with the same electrical apparatus 1.

[0085] The electrical appliance 1 may include 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 contained in the tank 5. The lighting system 13 is attached to or provided in the tank 5 and / or the lid 7. The lighting system 13 includes at least one light-emitting diode and a device for modulating the light intensity and / or the color of the light.

[0086] The electrical apparatus 1 includes an actuator 15 disposed in the housing 3 and arranged to move the working element 11 relative to the tank 5, or the tank 5 relative to the working element 11. The actuator may, for example, include an electric motor 25, in particular a stirring motor, which may include a gearbox. The electrical apparatus 1 further includes a heating element 17 arranged to heat the food or ingredients received in the tank 5. This may, for example, be a heating resistor.

[0087] The electrical device thus comprises a set of functional components OF which participate in its operation. The functional components may include, in particular, all or part of the actuator, and in particular the motor 25, the working component(s) 11, all or part of the heating element 17, such as the heating element; or even a battery of the device.

[0088] The electrical device 1 includes a control unit 19 equipped with a processor 21 configured to control the operation of the actuator 15 and the heater 17.

[0089] The preparation device can be controlled by a user locally via their own human-machine interface or communication module 23, or remotely via a portable terminal 41, for example a mobile phone.

[0090] One or more functional organs (FOs) are associated with a functional organ ID (FO). The control unit is configured to collect the FO functional organ ID.

[0091] According to one embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, at least one of the functional components includes an identification device 27 configured to store or represent the ID of the functional component. By way of example, the ID may include information relating to the type TO of the functional component and an identification number, which may, for example, correspond to a serial number. In one possibility, the ID may include only type information.

[0092] The electrical device 1 further includes an acquisition device 29 configured to cooperate with the identification device 27 to collect the ID identifier of the functional organ OF, the acquisition device 29 being associated with the control unit 19.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the identification device 27 may include an electromagnetic communication component, such as a radio frequency component, for example NFC, RFID or Bluetooth, and the acquisition device includes a reader configured to communicate according to the same electromagnetic communication mode.

[0094] According to another embodiment, the identification device 27 includes an optical marking, such as a QR code or a barcode or some other type of optical device, and the acquisition device includes an optical reader configured to read the corresponding marking or to interact with the optical device.

[0095] According to another embodiment, the identification device 27 includes a device performing identification 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 includes 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.According to another embodiment, the identification device 27 includes a device configured to establish a specific connection with the reader, such as an electrical connection on one or more conductive tracks, or a mechanical connection by one or more mechanical forms, and the acquisition device 29 includes a complementary device configured to establish an electrical or mechanical connection enabling the determination of the identifier.

[0096] The acquisition device 29 can be connected via 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) bus. In one variant, wireless communication between the acquisition device 29 and the control unit can be used.

[0097] The electrical device 1 further includes a storage memory 32, which may in particular be part of the control unit 19.

[0098] In one variation, the ID identifier may be directly stored in the storage memory during the installation or replacement of a functional component, for example, by a maintenance operator. In this case, retrieving the identifier corresponds to reading the ID identifier from the storage memory.

[0099] Each functional component (FC) is associated with a function (FCT). Thus, the function of the functional component can be, for example: a motor function, a battery function, a working function such as a cutting function, or a mixing function. Several variations of cutting or mixing functions can be identified. In other words, a functional component is associated with a function that will be common to replacement functional components performing the same task.

[0100] The control unit 19 can be configured to recognize a first plurality of functions for functional components. A function is associated with each functional component of the device, for example, by associating the identifier of the functional component with said function FCT.

[0101] The control unit 19 is configured to adapt at least one operating sequence SF of the actuator control and / or heating device according to the type TO of the functional organ OF.

[0102] For this purpose, the control unit is configured to determine at least one operating parameter PF based on information relating to a type OF functional organ TO determined from the ID identifier of the OF functional organ.

[0103] The TO type of functional organ OF can be determined from the ID identifier, either directly if the identifier includes TO type information, or by accessing an additional database containing correspondence data between an ID identifier and a TO type of functional organ OF.

[0104] In this case, the PF operating parameters can be adapted in the event of a replacement of an OF operating component.

[0105] To determine the operating parameters PF adapted to the type TO of the functional organ OF, the control unit can use an adaptation component 37 for the operating parameters PF. This component may, in particular, include a database 37 and / or use an algorithmic component.

[0106] In particular, according to a first embodiment, the adaptation component includes an interface for accessing a remotely located database 39 and comprising operating parameters PF. According to the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the adaptation component 37 accesses the database located on a remote terminal or server 45 via a network communication interface 47, for example a Wi-Fi card.

[0107] According to another embodiment, the database 37 can be stored locally in the electrical device 1, for example in the storage memory 35.

[0108] According to yet another embodiment, the database 37 can be stored on a user's portable terminal 41.

[0109] According to the last two embodiments, database updates 37 can be carried out during the life of the device, for example by downloading or synchronizing from a remote server 45, or during a maintenance or after-sales service operation.

[0110] According to another possibility, control unit 19 uses, instead of a database of operating parameters, an algorithmic component that updates the device's operating parameters based on the type of functional organ (TO). This algorithm could be implemented using artificial intelligence learning, for example.

[0111] The operating parameter adaptation component 37 is thus configured to provide operating parameter data PF which depends on the type TO of a functional organ OF.

[0112] As a first example, the operating parameters (PF) can relate to the operating point of a motor, i.e., for example, the voltage and current setpoints of the motor's power supply, which can be modified depending on the motor's type (TO). Thus, if a motor of type TO1 is replaced by a motor of type 2, the initial operating parameters (PF1) corresponding to the motor of type TO1 may differ from the subsequent operating parameters corresponding to the motor of type 2 (TO2). This situation can arise during a repair or replacement when a motor of type TO1 is no longer available. The preparation device can still be repaired by replacing the motor with a motor of type 2 (TO2) and adapting the operating parameters.

[0113] According to a second example, the operating parameters PF may relate to a speed and / or torque setpoint, or even a cutting time during an operating sequence, which may be modified if a different type TO of working element 11 is used during a repair or replacement. Thus, if a working element of a first type TOT is replaced by a working element of a second type TO2', the first operating parameters PFT corresponding to the working element of the first type TO may differ from the second operating parameters PF2' corresponding to the working element of the second type TO2'.

[0114] Thus, in the case of a functional component OF corresponding to a cutting tool, the material or cutting profile of the new tool may provide a sharper edge than the replaced tool. Under these conditions, the actuator, i.e., the drive motor, may drive the tool at a lower rotational speed than the replaced tool.

[0115] By collecting the ID of the new tool and determining the TO type of the functional component, the control unit can determine at least one operating parameter, specifically resetting the motor control so that the motor's operating point with this new tool drives it at a lower speed than it did with the first tool. This information regarding operating parameters based on the functional component type is stored in the database, which can be updated regularly through a software or firmware update.

[0116] On a connected device, an update of the device's database and / or software may be offered each time a new compatible functional component is made available so that it is ready to function correctly in the event of a functional component being replaced by this new functional component.

[0117] If the device is not connected, it is possible to update the database and / or the device software in an after-sales service when replacing the functional component by connecting the device to an external database.

[0118] In other examples, adapting the operating sequence involves lengthening or shortening the default duration of an operating sequence, increasing or decreasing a cooking temperature, or adjusting the rotational speed of the working element or the cooking chamber, depending on the type of one or more functional elements (FO). In yet another example, the operating parameters (PF) include operating parameters of a battery management system (BMS), in cases where a replaceable functional element is a battery, such as a lithium battery, in electrical equipment, for example, a razor. In this case, the BMS is considered part of the actuator.

[0119] When replacing a battery, such as a lithium battery, with a new one, the new battery may have a different capacity and / or charge / discharge profile than the old battery. The type of the new battery will require reconfiguration of the BMS (Battery Management System) according to its characteristics. The necessary settings may be pre-recorded in the database, as is often the case when multiple battery types can be used in the same device, or they may be entered into the database via a firmware update.

[0120] The control unit 19 can also be configured to perform a recording or history of the UH usage history of a functional OF organ in relation to its ID identifier.

[0121] To perform this history recording, the control unit 19 can use a history recording 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.

[0122] The control unit 19 is configured to update the usage history (UH) of a functional component (OF) linked to its ID. Specifically, the control unit can record the date of the first use of a functional component. The control unit can also record the cumulative operating time of the functional component (OF). It is also possible to include operating parameters used during the functional component's operation. For example, if the functional component (OF) is a motor (25), the usage history can include the following: a date of first use and / or manufacture, a cumulative operating time, or a history of operating periods to determine a load factor.

[0123] Thus, the rate of excitation can correspond to a history of the motor current in relation to the time of use of the functional component.

[0124] Alternatively, it is also possible to determine wear rate increments during use to update a recorded wear rate.

[0125] The control unit 19 is configured to adapt at least one operating sequence SF of the actuator control according to said usage history UH of the functional organ OF, in addition to adapting to the type TO of functional organ as described previously.

[0126] To perform this adaptation, the control unit can use the PF operating parameter adaptation component 37. The PF operating parameter adaptation component 37 is configured to provide PF operating parameter data that depends on the UH usage history of a functional OF component, in addition to the TO type of the functional OF component.

[0127] According to a first example, the operating parameters PF can relate to the operating point of a motor, i.e. for example the voltage and current setpoints of the motor supply which can evolve according to the history of use of the motor, taking into account for example the cumulative time of use of the motor 25.

[0128] According to a second example, the PF operating parameters may relate to a speed setpoint, and / or torque or even a cutting time during an operating sequence, which may evolve according to a percentage of blade wear, linked for example to its cumulative usage time.

[0129] According to other examples, adapting the operating sequence involves lengthening or shortening the default duration of an operating sequence, increasing or decreasing a cooking temperature, or adapting the rotation speed of the working element or the tank based on usage history.

[0130] As illustrated in Figure 4, a method for controlling an electrical device 1 includes an initialization step E0 in which the control unit obtains an initial configuration of the operating parameters from the adaptation component 37. For example, if the adaptation component 37 is a database, the control unit has a database containing operating parameters that depend on the functional elements OF required for its operation, i.e., their type TO. The operating parameters PF may also depend on the history of the functional elements OF.

[0131] Subsequently, when the device is started or during its operation, the control unit performs an acquisition step E1 of at least one ID identifier of a functional organ OF of the electrical device 1 by the acquisition device 29.

[0132] This step can be carried out iteratively over time, and allow the collection of the ID identifiers of one or more functional organs OF of the electrical device 1.

[0133] A functional element OF is associated with a function FCT in an ET step. Thus, the function of the functional element can be, for example: a motor function, a battery function, a working element function such as a cutting function, or a mixing function. Several variations of cutting or mixing functions can be identified.

[0134] The control unit 19 then performs a step E3 to determine operating parameters PF based on a type TO of the functional component(s) OF. Specifically, the control unit uses the operating parameter adaptation component 37 to collect operating parameters tailored to each functional component based on its type TO. In one possible configuration, the control unit 19 takes into account, in the step E3 to determine operating parameters PF, the operating history UF of the functional component. Specifically, the control unit uses the operating parameter adaptation component 37 to collect operating parameters tailored to each functional component based not only on its type TO but also on its history.

[0135] To account for this history, the control unit can implement a recording step E2 of a usage history UF for the functional component OF linked to its ID. In this step, the control unit records a usage history for the functional component OF using the history-keeping component 35. The recording can be performed individually for each identified functional component OF. The device then knows the usage time of each part or accessory, which may correspond, for example, to wear and tear. The update step can be implemented before the determination step E3.

[0136] The control unit thus obtains a set of operating parameters PF forming an operating configuration.

[0137] The control unit can then perform a fourth application step E4 of a CMD command for an operating sequence of the electrical device based on the operating parameters PF or the operating configuration adapted to the type TO of the functional component OF. The configuration or operating parameters can also be adapted to the usage history.

[0138] Thanks to the collection of the functional organ identifiers OF in the acquisition step E1, the device can detect changes in functional organs and identify the new functional organs OF, and adapt the operating parameters to a new organ by using the operating parameter adaptation component 37 in the determination step. These provisions allow in particular the adaptation of the control of the device during a change of working organ 11.

[0139] Depending on the scenario, for example during a repair, a functional component OF that affects the operation of the electrical device 1 can be replaced with another functional component having the same function. For example, this could be an electric motor 25. The new motor installed in the repaired device may have different operating characteristics than the original electric motor. By collecting the ID of this new motor 25, the control unit can determine, with the adaptation component 37, new operating parameters PF, forming a new, adapted operating configuration. In the example, this could be a different motor speed or different activation times.

[0140] The step of replacing the first functional component with a second functional component designed to perform the same function (FCT) corresponds to substituting a first functional component, performing a given function with a first type or reference, with a second functional component replacing the first component with a second type or reference. The control unit can associate the second component with the given function replacing the first component and adapt the operating parameters based on the second type or reference of the second component.

[0141] This process can be repeated, from its initial step or from a subsequent step, depending, for example, on changes in the recipe, the use of the device by the user, a change of accessory or part, or a repair carried out on the device.

[0142] An embodiment in which the tank 5 is fixed relative to the housing 3 and the working element 11 is movable has been described above. Other embodiments can also be designed in which the working element 11 is fixed and the tank 5 is movable.

[0143] According to another embodiment not shown, the electrical device may be a household appliance of the vacuum cleaner type comprising an actuator including a motor which drives a working element which may be a fan or a brush, the motor then being an auxiliary motor housed in the suction head.

[0144] In other embodiments, the electrical appliance can be an air purifier, a fan, a coffee maker, a hair dryer, a lawnmower, or a razor. The identified functional components can be working parts such as blades or fans, or electrical or electronic elements like a battery; the appliance's operation is adapted following a change in the functional component.

[0145] According to one variant, the control unit takes into account, in addition to the history of the functional organs OF, the history of consumables, such as the grind in the case of an electric appliance such as a coffee machine, or the water in the case of a steam generator.

[0146] The proposed solution, through the use of identification technology and the adaptation of operating parameters to the type of functional component, enables optimal results throughout the product's lifespan. This result can also be achieved through historical data recording and the adaptation of operating parameters to the wear of the functional components.

[0147] Advantages of the invention include achieving stable results throughout the appliance's lifespan, improving user comfort through the automatic application of operating parameters based on the type of functional component and / or the usage history of functional components (parts or accessories), and extending the appliance's lifespan. For example, it will be possible to set a different motor operating point if the motor is replaced with a different type during a repair. It will also be possible to apply a longer mixing time or a higher rotation speed when using worn, and therefore less sharp, mixing blades, without the user noticing any variation in the mixing result over time. This will reduce the frequency with which users replace their appliance.

[0148] As can be expected, the invention is not limited to the single form of execution described above by way of example, but on the contrary encompasses all variants of its realization.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Electrical apparatus (1) comprising a set of functional parts (FP), the electrical apparatus comprising a control unit (19) having 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 parts (FP) being associated with a functional part (FP) identifier (ID); the control unit being arranged to collect the functional part (FP) identifier (ID), to determine at least one operating parameter (OP) as a function of a functional part (FP) type (TO) determined from the functional part (FP) identifier (ID) 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 (OP) adapted to the functional part (FP) type (TO).

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the functional components (FC) comprises an identification device (27) configured to store or represent an identifier (ID) of the functional component (FC); 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 component (FC), and wherein the control unit is arranged to collect the identifier (ID) of the functional component (FC) provided by the acquisition device (29) 3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the identification device (27) comprises an electromagnetic communication component, in particular a radio frequency 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. Device 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 barcode, and the acquisition device (29) is configured to read the optical marking.

5. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit is arranged to record a usage history (UH) of the functional part (OP) in connection with its identifier (ID), to determine at least one operating parameter (PF) as a function of the usage history (UH) of the functional part (OP) and to apply a command (CMD) to the actuator (15) (17) for an operating sequence of the electrical device (1) as a function of at least one operating parameter (PF) adapted to the usage history (UH) of the functional part (OP), 6. Device according to claim 5, comprising a history component (35) configured to store the usage history (UH) of a functional component (OF) in connection with its identifier (ID).

7. Apparatus according to any 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 element (OF).

8. Device 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. Device according to claim 7, wherein the adaptation component (37) includes an interface for accessing a database (39) located remotely on a remote server or on a user's portable terminal (41).

10. Device 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. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating parameters (PF) relate to the operating point of a motor, in particular the voltage and / or current setpoints of the motor supply.

12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating parameters (OP) relate to a speed setpoint, and / or torque or a duration of use during an operating sequence, 13. Method for controlling an electrical device (1), comprising: a step of acquiring (E1) at least one identifier (ID) of a functional part (OF) of the electrical device (1) a step of determining (E3) at least one operating parameter (PF) as a function of a type (TO) of the functional part (OF), in which the type (TO) of the functional part (OF) is determined from the identifier (ID) of the functional part (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 part (OF).

14. A method for controlling an electrical device (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising: a first acquisition step (E1) of at least a first identifier of a first functional component of the electrical device a first determination step (E3) of at least one first operating parameter (PF1, PF1') as a function of a first type (TO1, TO1') of the first functional element, in which the first type of functional element (TO1, TO1') is determined from the first identifier of the functional element a first application step (E4) of 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 element.a step of replacing the first functional element with a second functional element, aimed at fulfilling the same function; a second step of acquiring (E1) at least one second identifier of the second functional element 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 functional element, in which the second type of functional element (TO2, TO2') is determined from the second identifier of the second functional element; 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 (O2, TO2') of the second functional element.

15. A method according to any one of claims 13 or 14, comprising: a step of updating (E2) a usage history (UF) of the functional part (OF) in relation to its identifier (ID), wherein the step of determining (E3) at least one operating parameter (PF) is carried out according to the usage history (UF) of the functional part (OF), and wherein the step of applying (E4) a command (CMD) for an operating sequence of the electrical device according to at least one operating parameter (PF) is adapted to the usage history (UF) of the functional part (OF).

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