EP1217936A1 - Water-bearing domestic appliance - Google Patents

Water-bearing domestic appliance

Info

Publication number
EP1217936A1
EP1217936A1 EP00960622A EP00960622A EP1217936A1 EP 1217936 A1 EP1217936 A1 EP 1217936A1 EP 00960622 A EP00960622 A EP 00960622A EP 00960622 A EP00960622 A EP 00960622A EP 1217936 A1 EP1217936 A1 EP 1217936A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
water
household appliance
level
light guide
appliance according
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP00960622A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1217936B1 (en
Inventor
Michael Rosenbauer
Bruno Reiter
Reinhard Hering
Michael Weisskopf
Peter Schweier
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Original Assignee
BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH filed Critical BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
Publication of EP1217936A1 publication Critical patent/EP1217936A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1217936B1 publication Critical patent/EP1217936B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/08—Liquid supply or discharge arrangements
    • D06F39/087—Water level measuring or regulating devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/4244—Water-level measuring or regulating arrangements
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/18—Washing liquid level

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a water-carrying household appliance with a container for liquid, which can be filled via a valve arranged in a liquid feed line and in which a filling level of the liquid for monitoring at least one safety level can be detected by a safety device.
  • Water-carrying household appliances - for example dishwashers - are known to have a safety device for monitoring a safety level in a container filled with liquid. For this purpose, the level of the liquid is recorded.
  • the container is filled via a controllable valve arranged in a liquid feed line.
  • a water-carrying household appliance is known from patent specification DE-C2-42 20 718, the safety device of which has several level sensors assigned to several containers. These level sensors are designed as mutually arranged floats, which can act on a switch independently of one another by moving a switch rod. In this way, the fill level is measured purely mechanically, which means a considerable outlay on movable components and thus an increased risk of mechanical defects.
  • the object of the invention provides that the security device is designed as an optical light guide system for reflecting a light beam, by means of which the level is based on a change in the reflection behavior at at least one reflective Location is recorded and used to monitor the security level.
  • the safety device designed according to the invention as an optical light guide system has the advantage that moving mechanical components - such as. B. float, level switch, shift lever, shift rod, etc. - can be omitted, so that the risk of mechanical defects, which are associated with considerable effort in repair time and costs, is reduced to a minimum or completely eliminated.
  • the optical security device is easier to manufacture and easier to assemble in water-bearing household appliances than mechanical devices.
  • the object of the invention advantageously also supports electronic evaluation of the detection and monitoring of one or more security levels by the optical light guide system.
  • the detection of the fill level is also used to monitor at least one predefinable fill level.
  • an individual filling level can also be monitored safely and elegantly with one and the same safety device - the optical light guide system - in addition to the safety level.
  • the separate detection and monitoring of the double safety level and a filling level is possible using a single safety device with optical means.
  • the optical light guide system preferably has an immersion rod and at least one prism-shaped reflection body for monitoring a double security level. Due to the reflection body, the light beam can be particularly easily Tables light guide system in-phased and based on the reflection behavior at one or more points, taking into account the different refractive indices of the liquid present in the container of the household appliance - preferably water - and the air for detecting the fill level for monitoring the safety level.
  • a prism body is preferably arranged in the prism-shaped reflection body, from which the light beam is directed into the immersion rod and from there back to the reflection body.
  • the path of the light beam for monitoring, above all, the double security level can thus be influenced particularly easily and with little effort.
  • the optical light guide system has a prism-shaped reflection body for monitoring the filling level.
  • a plurality of reflection bodies for different monitoring purposes can thus advantageously be arranged in one and the same light guide system.
  • each prism-shaped reflection body is firmly connected to the dipstick.
  • each prism-shaped reflection body is used to phase the light beam into the light guide system and to phase out the
  • Light beam from the light guide system is attached. This initiates and evaluates the monitoring function for the safety level (s) and fill level for the reflecting bodies completely separately from one another. Mutual influence is therefore almost impossible.
  • the optical light guide system is coupled to an electronic evaluation device, preferably processor-controlled, which initiates at least one security measure when at least one monitoring signal is received from the light guide system.
  • an electronic evaluation device preferably processor-controlled, which initiates at least one security measure when at least one monitoring signal is received from the light guide system.
  • the evaluation of incoming monitoring signals - e.g. B. by a microprocessor - from an optical system allows an intelligent direct response of the household appliance to possible problems of the levels.
  • high-quality household appliances have a processor control anyway, so that the above method does not even require an additional device, but merely a software-technical adaptation of the existing processor control.
  • Options of safety measures preferred by the evaluation device include switching off the valve and / or switching on a drain pump for pumping liquid out of the container, or switching off the main switch of the household appliance.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of the safety device designed according to the invention for monitoring safety levels and filling level
  • Fig. 2 is a functional diagram with devices for performing the monitoring of the levels when using the optical light guide system as a safety device.
  • Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a safety device 1, which in a water-carrying household appliance, not shown - z. B. a dishwasher - is arranged.
  • the dishwasher has a container for liquid - preferably
  • Water - which, as a rinsing tank, can usually be filled via a controllable valve located in a liquid supply line, see, for. B. the arrangement according to DE 42 20 718 C2.
  • a controllable valve located in a liquid supply line, see, for. B. the arrangement according to DE 42 20 718 C2.
  • the filling valve When the filling valve is open, the liquid flows from the liquid supply line into the container.
  • the safety device 1 according to the invention enables the optical monitoring of a safety level which prevents the overfilling of the
  • the safety device 1 avoids container with the liquid, and preferably in addition a second level of security that the emptying of the container - z. B. by a leak at the bottom of the container - prevented.
  • the safety device 1 also detects the fill level in addition to monitoring at least one predefinable fill level.
  • the safety device 1 is according to the subject of the invention as an optical
  • Light guide system - preferably made of transparent material such as B. plastic or plexiglass
  • It has a dip rod 2 in the shape of a cylinder, preferably tapering to the bottom, and a prism-shaped reflection body 3 for monitoring the double pelt security levels and a prism-shaped reflection body 4 for monitoring a predetermined fill level.
  • Both reflection bodies 3, 4 are firmly connected to the dipstick 2 and are arranged one below the other in the present example.
  • One prism-shaped reflection body 3 sits at the upper end of the dipstick 2, while the other prism-shaped reflection body 4 is located parallel and a short distance below.
  • the safety device 1 can be immersed in the liquid of the rinsing container in the vertical direction, for example, like a conventional filling indicator pen.
  • the light guide system is connected to the container at several contact points, for example by the tip of the immersion rod 2 on the container bottom and by the triangular ends of the reflection bodies 3, 4 on a container wall.
  • a light beam 5 - preferably an infrared beam - is fed to the reflection body 3 and, through the prism shape, to several
  • Positions 7, 8 are reflected in such a way that it strikes a prism body 3 'arranged in the reflection body 3, from which the incoming light beam is directed into the dipstick 2.
  • This deflected light beam runs in the vertical direction to the bottom of the dipstick 2, is reflected there at points 9, 10 and is directed back to the prism body 3 '.
  • the prism body 3 'then directs the reflected light beam 5' further in such a way that it leaves the reflection body 3 in the opposite direction of the supplied light beam 5.
  • an optical sensor 13 is attached to the prism-shaped reflection body 3, preferably on its rear side.
  • the optical sensor 13 consists, for example, of a photodiode for sending the
  • the infrared beam is phased in and out at least approximately in the horizontal direction.
  • the detection of the fill level is based on the reflection of the supplied light beam 5 in the optical light guide system.
  • the reflection behavior in the reflection body 3 changes and the light beam is interrupted, for example.
  • the upper reflection body 3 which is arranged approximately at the level of the maximum fill level permitted in the container, thus monitors the Security level against overcrowding.
  • An electronic evaluation device coupled to the light guide system - see FIG. 2 with description - receives a monitoring signal triggered by sensor 13 and evaluates it. If the light beam has been interrupted, the evaluation device recognizes the error and initiates at least one safety measure that reliably prevents the container from being overfilled.
  • the upper reflection body 3 additionally monitors the security level against emptying - for example due to leakage of the container on the bottom - by the reflection behavior at one of the reflecting points 9, 10 on the bottom of the base due to the different refractive indices of air and water
  • Dipstick 2 changes and the light beam is interrupted again.
  • the change in the reflection behavior results in the triggering of a monitoring signal in the sensor 13, which is transmitted to the electronic evaluation device for evaluation.
  • a light beam 6 - likewise preferably an infrared beam - is fed to the reflection body 4 and reflected by the prismatic shape at several points 11, 12 in such a way that it leaves the reflection body 4 in the opposite direction of the supplied light beam 6 ,
  • an optical sensor 14 is likewise attached to the prism-shaped reflection body 4, preferably on its rear side.
  • the optical sensor 14 has, for example, a photodiode for transmitting the light beam 6 and a phototransistor for receiving the light beam 6 '.
  • the infrared beam is phased in and out at least approximately in the horizontal direction.
  • the detection of the fill level and the individual fill level to be monitored is in turn based on the principle of reflection of the supplied light beam 6 in the optical light guide system, taking into account the refractive indices of water and air.
  • the reflection body 4 comes into contact with the water at one of the reflecting points 11, 12, the reflection behavior in the reflection body 4 changes and the infrared beam is interrupted.
  • the lower reflection body 4 which is arranged approximately at the level of the fill level to be monitored in the container on the dipstick 2, thus monitors the individual fill level.
  • the electronic evaluation device coupled to the light guide system receives a monitoring signal triggered by the sensor 14 and evaluates it.
  • the evaluation device detects that the desired filling level has been reached, it initiates at least one safety measure that does this avoids further filling of the container.
  • the double security level and the predefinable filling level can advantageously be monitored separately from one another by one and the same security device, which according to the invention is an optical light guide system. Mechanical components and the associated defects are eliminated.
  • FIG. 2 shows a basic functional circuit diagram with devices for carrying out the monitoring of the safety level and possibly the filling level when using the optical light guide system according to FIG. 1 as a safety device in the water-carrying household appliance.
  • the devices include a function generator FG, an electronic sensor SS, an evaluation device AU and a microprocessor PU which
  • Control signals for components of the household appliance - in the present example of the dishwasher - such as valve V for filling the washing container, drain pump U for pumping the liquid out of the container and a main switch H for switching the household appliance on and off.
  • a clocked input signal is generated by the function generator FG and fed to the downstream sensor SS, which according to the explanations
  • evaluation device AU connected downstream of the sensor SS receives a signal from the phototransistor which corresponds to the input signal input, it recognizes that there is no change in the reflection behavior in the light guide system and thus no monitoring signal has been generated.
  • Evaluation device AU and function generator FG preferably together form an electronic circuit for level monitoring. However, if the sensor SS supplies a signal that deviates from the input signal, the evaluation device AU interprets this signal as a monitoring signal and generates a control signal for the microprocessor PU for triggering at least one safety measure.
  • the double security level is checked via the one electronic sensor on the reflection body of the optical light guide system, which provides a corresponding output signal, while to check the fill level, the electronic sensor on the other reflection body of the optical light guide system provides a corresponding output signal for evaluation and reaction.
  • a preferred safety measure when one or the other safety level is detected is that the microprocessor PU, when the corresponding control signal is present, closes the valve V in order to stop further filling of the rinsing container and thus counteract overfilling, or to switch off the main switch H in order to switch it off to avoid further filling and thus the defect of a component - e.g. B. Leakage of the bottom container - to indicate.
  • a safety measure when the fill level is recognized consists in switching on the drain pump U, which sucks the liquid out of the container.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Levels Of Liquids Or Fluent Solid Materials (AREA)
  • Level Indicators Using A Float (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Water By Ion Exchange (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Making Beverages (AREA)
  • Water Treatment By Sorption (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analysing Materials By Optical Means (AREA)

Abstract

In a water-bearing household appliance with a liquid container filled through a valve in a liquid feed line, and in which a liquid filling level is detected for monitoring at least one safety level of a safety device, the safety device includes an optical light guidance system for reflecting a light beam by which the filling level is detected with the aid of a change in the reflection response on at least one reflecting site and is used to monitor the safety level. As an optical light guidance system, the safety device offers the advantage of dispensing with moving mechanical components-for example, a float, a level switch, an operating lever, an operating rod, etc.-to reduce the risk of mechanical defects that are associated with a substantial outlay on repair time and costs to a minimum or to completely eliminate the risk.

Description

Wasserführendes Haushaltgerät Water-bearing household appliance
Die Erfindung betrifft ein wasserführendes Haushaltgerät mit einem Behälter für Flüssig- keit, der über ein in einer Flüssigkeitszuleitung angeordnetes Ventil befüllbar ist und in dem ein Füllstand der Flüssigkeit zur Überwachung mindestens eines Sicherheitsniveaus von einer Sicherheitsvorrichtung erfassbar ist.The invention relates to a water-carrying household appliance with a container for liquid, which can be filled via a valve arranged in a liquid feed line and in which a filling level of the liquid for monitoring at least one safety level can be detected by a safety device.
Wasserführende Haushaltgeräte - beispielsweise Geschirrspülmaschinen - weisen be- kanntermaßen eine Sicherheitsvorrichtung zur Überwachung eines Sicherheitsniveaus in einem mit Flüssigkeit gefüllten Behälter auf. Dazu erfolgt eine Erfassung des Füllstands der Flüssigkeit. Der Behälter wird über ein in einer Flüssigkeitszuleitung angeordnetes steuerbares Ventil gefüllt. So ist aus der Patentschrift DE-C2-42 20 718 ein wasserführendes Haushaltgerät bekannt, dessen Sicherheitsvorrichtung mehreren Behältern zugeordnete Niveaufühler aufweist. Diese Niveaufühler sind als untereinander angeordnete Schwimmer ausgebildet, die einen Schalter unabhängig voneinander durch Bewegung einer Schalterstange beaufschlagen können. Auf diese Weise erfolgt die Erfassung des Füllstands rein mechanisch, was einen erheblichen Aufwand an bewegbaren Bauteilen und damit ein erhöhtes Risiko von mechanischen Defekten bedeutet.Water-carrying household appliances - for example dishwashers - are known to have a safety device for monitoring a safety level in a container filled with liquid. For this purpose, the level of the liquid is recorded. The container is filled via a controllable valve arranged in a liquid feed line. For example, a water-carrying household appliance is known from patent specification DE-C2-42 20 718, the safety device of which has several level sensors assigned to several containers. These level sensors are designed as mutually arranged floats, which can act on a switch independently of one another by moving a switch rod. In this way, the fill level is measured purely mechanically, which means a considerable outlay on movable components and thus an increased risk of mechanical defects.
Es ist Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, ein wasserführendes Haushaltgerät der eingangs genannten Art zu verbessern.It is an object of the present invention to improve a water-bearing household appliance of the type mentioned in the introduction.
Diese Aufgabe wird gemäß der Erfindung durch die Merkmale des Patentanspruchs 1 ge- löst. Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind in den Unteransprüchen angegeben.This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.
Ausgehend von einem wasserführendes Haushaltgerät mit einem Behälter für Flüssigkeit, der über ein in einer Flüssigkeitszuleitung angeordnetes Ventil befüllbar ist und in dem ein -1 -Starting from a water-carrying household appliance with a container for liquid, which can be filled via a valve arranged in a liquid supply line and in which a -1 -
Füllstand der Flüssigkeit zur Überwachung mindestens eines Sicherheitsniveaus von einer Sicherheitsvorrichtung erfassbar ist, sieht der Gegenstand der Erfindung vor, daß die Sicherheitsvorrichtung als ein optisches Lichtleitsystem zur Reflektion eines Lichtstrahls ausgebildet ist, durch das der Füllstand anhand einer Änderung des Reflektionsverhal- tens an mindestens einer reflektierenden Stelle erfasst und zur Überwachung des Sicherheitsniveaus benutzt wird.If the level of the liquid for monitoring at least one security level can be detected by a security device, the object of the invention provides that the security device is designed as an optical light guide system for reflecting a light beam, by means of which the level is based on a change in the reflection behavior at at least one reflective Location is recorded and used to monitor the security level.
Die erfindungsgemäß als optisches Lichtleitsystem ausgebildete Sicherheitsvorrichtung bietet den Vorteil, daß auf bewegte mechanische Bauteile - wie z. B. Schwimmer, Niveau- Schalter, Schalthebel, Schaltstange usw. - verzichtet werden kann, so daß die Gefahr von mechanischen Defekten, die mit erheblichem Aufwand an Reparaturzeit und Kosten verbunden sind, auf ein Minimum reduziert bzw. ganz beseitigt wird. Darüber hinaus läßt sich die optische Sicherheitsvorrichtung leichter fertigen und in wasserführenden Haushaltgeräten einfacher als mechanische Vorrichtungen montieren. Der Gegenstand der Erfindung unterstützt durch das optische Lichtleitsystem vorteilhaft auch eine elektronische Auswertung der Erfassung und Überwachung eines oder mehrerer Sicherheitsniveaus.The safety device designed according to the invention as an optical light guide system has the advantage that moving mechanical components - such as. B. float, level switch, shift lever, shift rod, etc. - can be omitted, so that the risk of mechanical defects, which are associated with considerable effort in repair time and costs, is reduced to a minimum or completely eliminated. In addition, the optical security device is easier to manufacture and easier to assemble in water-bearing household appliances than mechanical devices. The object of the invention advantageously also supports electronic evaluation of the detection and monitoring of one or more security levels by the optical light guide system.
Als günstig hat sich gemäß einer Weiterbildung der Erfindung erwiesen, daß die Erfas- sung des Füllstands zur Überwachung eines doppelten Sicherheitsniveaus gegen eineAccording to a further development of the invention, it has proven to be advantageous that the detection of the fill level for monitoring a double safety level against one
Überfüllung und eine Leerung des Behälters benutzt wird. Damit lassen sich durch dieselbe Sicherheitsvorrichtung - das optische Lichtleitsystem - zwei Sicherheitsniveaus gleichzeitig sicher und elegant überwachen.Overfilling and emptying of the container is used. With the same safety device - the optical light guide system - two safety levels can be monitored safely and elegantly at the same time.
Nach einer günstigen Variante der Erfindung wird die Erfassung des Füllstands zusätzlich zur Überwachung mindestens eines vorgebbaren Füllniveaus benutzt. Dadurch läßt sich auch ein individuelles Füllniveau sicher und elegant mit ein- und derselben Sicherheitsvorrichtung - dem optischen Lichtleitsystem - zusätzlich zu dem Sicherheitsniveau überwachen. Die getrennte Erfassung und Überwachung des doppelten Sicherheitsniveaus und eines Füllniveaus ist durch eine einzige Sicherheitsvorrichtung mit optischen Mitteln möglich.According to a favorable variant of the invention, the detection of the fill level is also used to monitor at least one predefinable fill level. As a result, an individual filling level can also be monitored safely and elegantly with one and the same safety device - the optical light guide system - in addition to the safety level. The separate detection and monitoring of the double safety level and a filling level is possible using a single safety device with optical means.
Vorzugsweise weist das optische Lichtleitsystem einen Tauchstab sowie mindestens einen prismaförmigen Reflektionskörper zur Überwachung eines doppelten Sicherheitsni- veaus auf. Durch den Reflektionskörper kann der Lichtstrahl besonders einfach in das op- tische Lichtleitsystem eingephast und anhand des Reflektionsverhaltens an einer oder mehreren Stellen unter Berücksichtigung der verschiedenen Brechungsindizes der im Behälter des Haushaltgeräts vorhandenen Flüssigkeit - vorzugsweise Wasser - und der Luft zur Erfassung des Füllstands für die Überwachung des Sicherheitsniveaus herangezogen werden.The optical light guide system preferably has an immersion rod and at least one prism-shaped reflection body for monitoring a double security level. Due to the reflection body, the light beam can be particularly easily Tables light guide system in-phased and based on the reflection behavior at one or more points, taking into account the different refractive indices of the liquid present in the container of the household appliance - preferably water - and the air for detecting the fill level for monitoring the safety level.
Vorzugsweise ist in dem prismaförmigen Reflektionskörper ein Prismakörper angeordnet, von dem der Lichtstrahl in den Tauchstab und von dort zum Reflektionskörper zurück gelenkt wird. Damit läßt sich der Weg des Lichtstrahls zur Überwachung vor allem des dop- pelten Sicherheitsniveaus besonders ainfach und mit geringem Aufwand beeinflussen.A prism body is preferably arranged in the prism-shaped reflection body, from which the light beam is directed into the immersion rod and from there back to the reflection body. The path of the light beam for monitoring, above all, the double security level can thus be influenced particularly easily and with little effort.
Gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausgestaltung der Erfindung weist das optische Lichtleitsystem einen prismaförmigen Reflektionskörper zur Überwachung des Füllniveaus auf. Damit können vor allem mehrere Reflektionskörper zu unterschiedlichen Überwachungszwek- ken vorteilhaft in ein- und demselben Lichtleitsystem angeordnet sein. Zur Ausbildung einer möglichst kompakten Sicherheitsvorrichtung ist jeder prismaförmige Reflektionskörper mit dem Tauchstab fest verbunden.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the optical light guide system has a prism-shaped reflection body for monitoring the filling level. In particular, a plurality of reflection bodies for different monitoring purposes can thus advantageously be arranged in one and the same light guide system. To form the most compact possible safety device, each prism-shaped reflection body is firmly connected to the dipstick.
Besonders günstig ist es, wenn an jedem prismaförmigen Reflektionskörper ein optischer Sensor zum Einphasen des Lichtstrahls in das Lichtleitsystem und zum Ausphasen desIt is particularly expedient if an optical sensor on each prism-shaped reflection body is used to phase the light beam into the light guide system and to phase out the
Lichtstrahls aus dem Lichtleitsystem angebracht ist. Damit erfolgen das Initiieren und Auswerten der Überwachungsfunktion für Sicherheitsniveau(s) und Füllniveau für die Reflektionskörper vollständig getrennt voneinander. Eine gegenseitige Beeinflussung scheidet damit so gut wie aus.Light beam from the light guide system is attached. This initiates and evaluates the monitoring function for the safety level (s) and fill level for the reflecting bodies completely separately from one another. Mutual influence is therefore almost impossible.
Das optische Lichtleitsystem ist nach einem vorteilhaften weiteren Merkmal mit einer elektronischen Auswerteeinrichtung - vorzugsweise prozessorgesteuert - gekoppelt, die bei Empfang zumindest eines Überwachungssignals vom Lichtleitsystem mindestens eine Sicherheitsmaßnahme initiiert. Das Auswerten eintreffender Überwachungssignale - z. B. durch einen Mikroprozessor - von einem optischen System erlaubt eine intelligente direkte Reaktion des Haushaltgeräts auf mögliche Probleme der Niveaus. Meist besitzen hö- herwertige Haushaltgeräte ohnehin eine Prozessorsteuerung, so daß für obige Methode nicht einmal eine zusätzliche Einrichtung notwendig sondern lediglich eine softwaretechnische Anpassung der bereits existierenden Prozessorsteuerung durchzuführen ist. Von der Auswerteeinrichtung bevorzugte Optionen von Sicherheitsmaßnahmen umfassen das Abschalten des Ventils und/oder das Einschalten einer Laugenpumpe zum Abpumpen von Flüssigkeit aus dem Behälter, oder das Abschalten des Hauptschalters des Haushaltgeräts.According to an advantageous further feature, the optical light guide system is coupled to an electronic evaluation device, preferably processor-controlled, which initiates at least one security measure when at least one monitoring signal is received from the light guide system. The evaluation of incoming monitoring signals - e.g. B. by a microprocessor - from an optical system allows an intelligent direct response of the household appliance to possible problems of the levels. Mostly, high-quality household appliances have a processor control anyway, so that the above method does not even require an additional device, but merely a software-technical adaptation of the existing processor control. Options of safety measures preferred by the evaluation device include switching off the valve and / or switching on a drain pump for pumping liquid out of the container, or switching off the main switch of the household appliance.
Die Erfindung wird anhand eines in Figuren dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiels näher erläutert. Im einzelnen zeigen:The invention is explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment shown in the figures. In detail show:
Fig. 1 ein Prinzipschaubild der erfindungsgemäß ausgebildeten Sicherheitsvorrichtung zur Überwachung von Sicherheitsniveaus und Füllniveau, sowieFig. 1 is a schematic diagram of the safety device designed according to the invention for monitoring safety levels and filling level, and
Fig. 2 ein Funktionsschaltbild mit Einrichtungen zur Durchführung der Überwachung der Niveaus bei Verwendung des optischen Lichtleitsystems als Sicherheits- Vorrichtung.Fig. 2 is a functional diagram with devices for performing the monitoring of the levels when using the optical light guide system as a safety device.
Die Fig. 1 zeigt in einem Prinzipschaubild eine Sicherheitsvorrichtung 1 , die in einem nicht dargestellten wasserführenden Haushaltgerät - z. B. einer Geschirrspülmaschine - ange- ordnet ist. Die Geschirrspülmaschine weist einen Behälter für Flüssigkeit - vorzugsweiseFig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a safety device 1, which in a water-carrying household appliance, not shown - z. B. a dishwasher - is arranged. The dishwasher has a container for liquid - preferably
Wasser - auf, der als Spülbehälter üblicherweise über ein in einer Flüssigkeitszuleitung befindliches steuerbares Ventil befüllbar ist, siehe z. B. die Anordnung gemäß der DE 42 20 718 C2. Dabei strömt die Flüssigkeit bei geöffnetem Füllventil aus der Flüssigkeitszuleitung in den Behälter ein. Die Sicherheitsvorrichtung 1 gemäß der Erfindung ermöglicht mit optischen Mitteln die Überwachung eines Sicherheitsniveaus, das die Überfüllung desWater - which, as a rinsing tank, can usually be filled via a controllable valve located in a liquid supply line, see, for. B. the arrangement according to DE 42 20 718 C2. When the filling valve is open, the liquid flows from the liquid supply line into the container. The safety device 1 according to the invention enables the optical monitoring of a safety level which prevents the overfilling of the
Behälters mit der Flüssigkeit vermeidet, und vorzugsweise zusätzlich eines zweiten Sicherheitsniveaus, das die Leerung des Behälters - z. B. durch ein Leck am Boden des Behälters - verhindert. Neben der Überwachung des doppelten Sicherheitsniveaus bewirkt die Sicherheitsvorrichtung 1 auch die Erfassung des Füllstands zusätzlich zur Über- wachung mindestens eines vorgebbaren Füllniveaus.Avoids container with the liquid, and preferably in addition a second level of security that the emptying of the container - z. B. by a leak at the bottom of the container - prevented. In addition to monitoring the double safety level, the safety device 1 also detects the fill level in addition to monitoring at least one predefinable fill level.
Die Sicherheitsvorrichtung 1 ist gemäß dem Gegenstand der Erfindung als optischesThe safety device 1 is according to the subject of the invention as an optical
Lichtleitsystem - bevorzugt aus durchlässigem Material wie z. B. Kunststoff oder PlexiglasLight guide system - preferably made of transparent material such as B. plastic or plexiglass
- ausgebildet. Sie weist einen vorzugsweise am Boden spitz zulaufenden Tauchstab 2 in Zylinderform sowie einen prismaförmigen Reflektionskörper 3 zur Überwachung des dop- pelten Sicherheitsniveaus und einen prismaförmigen Reflektionskörper 4 zur Überwachung eines vorgebbaren Füllniveaus auf. Beide Reflektionskörper 3, 4 sind mit dem Tauchstab 2 fest verbunden und im vorliegenden Beispiel untereinander angeordnet. Der eine prismaförmige Reflektionskörper 3 sitzt am oberen Ende des Tauchstabs 2, während der andere prismaförmige Reflektionskörper 4 sich in einem geringen Abstand parallel darunter befindet.- educated. It has a dip rod 2 in the shape of a cylinder, preferably tapering to the bottom, and a prism-shaped reflection body 3 for monitoring the double pelt security levels and a prism-shaped reflection body 4 for monitoring a predetermined fill level. Both reflection bodies 3, 4 are firmly connected to the dipstick 2 and are arranged one below the other in the present example. One prism-shaped reflection body 3 sits at the upper end of the dipstick 2, while the other prism-shaped reflection body 4 is located parallel and a short distance below.
Durch die tauchstabartige Form kann die Sicherheitsvorrichtung 1 in die Flüssigkeit des Spülbehälters beispielsweise wie ein üblicher Füllanzeigestift in vertikaler Richtung einge- taucht werden. Dabei ist das Lichtleitsystem an mehreren Kontaktstellen mit dem Behälter verbunden, beispielsweise durch die Spitze des Tauchstabs 2 am Behälterboden sowie durch die dreiecksförmigen Enden der Reflektionskörper 3, 4 an einer Behälterwand.Due to the dipstick-like shape, the safety device 1 can be immersed in the liquid of the rinsing container in the vertical direction, for example, like a conventional filling indicator pen. The light guide system is connected to the container at several contact points, for example by the tip of the immersion rod 2 on the container bottom and by the triangular ends of the reflection bodies 3, 4 on a container wall.
Zur Überwachung des doppelten Sicherheitsniveaus wird ein Lichtstrahl 5 - bevorzugt ein Infrarotstrahl - dem Reflektionskörper 3 zugeführt und durch die Prismaform an mehrerenIn order to monitor the double security level, a light beam 5 - preferably an infrared beam - is fed to the reflection body 3 and, through the prism shape, to several
Stellen 7, 8 derart reflektiert, daß er auf einen im Reflektionskörper 3 angeordneten Prismakörper 3' trifft, von dem der eintreffende Lichtstrahl in den Tauchstab 2 gelenkt wird. Dieser umgelenkte Lichtstrahl verläuft in vertikaler Richtung zum Boden des Tauchstabs 2, wird dort an Stellen 9, 10 reflektiert und zum Prismakörper 3' zurück gelenkt. Der Pris- makörper 3' lenkt dann den reflektierten Lichtstrahl 5' derart weiter, daß er den Reflektionskörper 3 in der entgegengesetzten Richtung des zugeführten Lichtstrahls 5 wieder verläßt. Zum Einphasen des Lichtstrahls 5 in das Lichtleitsystem und zum Ausphasen des reflektierten Lichtstrahls 5' aus dem Lichtleitsystem ist an dem prismaförmigen Reflektionskörper 3 - vorzugsweise an seiner Rückseite - ein optischer Sensor 13 angebracht. Der optische Sensor 13 besteht beispielsweise aus einer Fotodiode zum Senden desPositions 7, 8 are reflected in such a way that it strikes a prism body 3 'arranged in the reflection body 3, from which the incoming light beam is directed into the dipstick 2. This deflected light beam runs in the vertical direction to the bottom of the dipstick 2, is reflected there at points 9, 10 and is directed back to the prism body 3 '. The prism body 3 'then directs the reflected light beam 5' further in such a way that it leaves the reflection body 3 in the opposite direction of the supplied light beam 5. To phase the light beam 5 into the light guide system and to phase out the reflected light beam 5 'from the light guide system, an optical sensor 13 is attached to the prism-shaped reflection body 3, preferably on its rear side. The optical sensor 13 consists, for example, of a photodiode for sending the
Lichtstrahls 5 und aus einem Fototransistor zum Empfangen des Lichtstrahls 5'. Die Ein- und Ausphasung des Infrarotstrahls erfolgt zumindest annähernd in horizontaler Richtung.Light beam 5 and from a phototransistor for receiving the light beam 5 '. The infrared beam is phased in and out at least approximately in the horizontal direction.
Unter Berücksichtigung der unterschiedlichen Brechungsindizes von Luft und Wasser basiert die Erfassung des Füllstands auf der Reflektion des zugeführten Lichtstrahls 5 im optischen Lichtleitsystem. Bei dessen Kontakt mit dem Wasser an einer der reflektierenden Stellen 7, 8 ändert sich das Reflektionsverhalten im Reflektionskörper 3 und der Lichtstrahl wird beispielsweise unterbrochen. Damit überwacht der obere Reflektionskör- per 3, der etwa in Höhe des im Behälter maximal erlaubten Füllstands angeordnet ist, das Sicherheitsniveau gegen Überfüllung. Eine mit dem Lichtleitsystem gekoppelte elektronische Auswerteeinrichtung - siehe Fig. 2 mit Beschreibung - empfängt ein vom Sensor 13 ausgelöstes Überwachungssignal und wertet es aus. Ist der Lichtstrahl unterbrochen worden, erkennt die Auswerteeinrichtung den Fehler und veranlaßt zumindest eine Sicher- heitsmaßnahme, die das Überfüllen des Behälters sicher verhindert.Taking into account the different refractive indices of air and water, the detection of the fill level is based on the reflection of the supplied light beam 5 in the optical light guide system. When it comes into contact with the water at one of the reflecting points 7, 8, the reflection behavior in the reflection body 3 changes and the light beam is interrupted, for example. The upper reflection body 3, which is arranged approximately at the level of the maximum fill level permitted in the container, thus monitors the Security level against overcrowding. An electronic evaluation device coupled to the light guide system - see FIG. 2 with description - receives a monitoring signal triggered by sensor 13 and evaluates it. If the light beam has been interrupted, the evaluation device recognizes the error and initiates at least one safety measure that reliably prevents the container from being overfilled.
In entsprechender Art und Weise überwacht der obere Reflektionskörper 3 das Sicherheitsniveau zusätzlich gegen Leerung - beispielsweise wegen Leckage des Behälters am Boden - indem auf Grund der unterschiedlichen Brechungsindizes von Luft und Wasser sich das Reflektionsverhalten an einer der reflektierenden Stellen 9, 10 am Boden desIn a corresponding manner, the upper reflection body 3 additionally monitors the security level against emptying - for example due to leakage of the container on the bottom - by the reflection behavior at one of the reflecting points 9, 10 on the bottom of the base due to the different refractive indices of air and water
Tauchstabs 2 ändert und der Lichtstrahl wiederum unterbrochen wird. Die Änderung des Reflektionsverhaltens führt im Sensor 13 zum Auslösen eines Überwachungssignals, das der elektronischen Auswerteeinrichtung zur Auswertung übermittelt wird.Dipstick 2 changes and the light beam is interrupted again. The change in the reflection behavior results in the triggering of a monitoring signal in the sensor 13, which is transmitted to the electronic evaluation device for evaluation.
Zur zusätzlichen Überwachung eines bestimmten Füliniveaus wird ein Lichtstrahl 6 - e- benfalls bevorzugt ein Infrarotstrahl - dem Reflektionskörper 4 zugeführt und durch die Prismaform an mehreren Stellen 11 , 12 derart reflektiert, daß er den Reflektionskörper 4 in der entgegengesetzten Richtung des zugeführten Lichtstrahls 6 wieder verläßt. Zum Einphasen des Lichtstrahls 6 in das Lichtleitsystem und zum Ausphasen des reflektierten Lichtstrahls 6' aus dem Lichtleitsystem ist an dem prismaförmigen Reflektionskörper 4 - vorzugsweise an seiner Rückseite - ebenfalls ein optischer Sensor 14 angebracht. Der optische Sensor 14 weist beispielsweise eine Fotodiode zum Senden des Lichtstrahls 6 und einen Fototransistor zum Empfangen des Lichtstrahls 6' auf. Die Ein- und Auspha- sung des Infrarotstrahls erfolgt zumindest annähernd in horizontaler Richtung. Die Erfas- sung des Füllstands und des einzelnen zu überwachenden Füllniveaus basiert wiederum auf dem Prinzip der Reflektion des zugeführten Lichtstrahls 6 im optischen Lichtleitsystem unter Berücksichtigung der Brechungsindizes von Wasser und Luft. Bei einem Kontakt des Reflektionskörpers 4 mit dem Wasser an einer der reflektierenden Stellen 11 , 12 ändert sich das Reflektionsverhalten im Reflektionskörper 4 und der Infrarotstrahl wird un- terbrochen. Damit überwacht der untere Reflektionskörper 4, der etwa in Höhe des im Behälter zu überwachenden Füllstands an dem Tauchstab 2 angeordnet ist, das individuelle Füllniveau. Die mit dem Lichtleitsystem gekoppelte elektronische Auswerteeinrichtung empfängt bei Unterbrechen des Lichtstrahls ein vom Sensor 14 ausgelöstes Überwachungssignal und wertet es aus. Erkennt die Auswerteeinrichtung das Erreichen des ge- wünschten Füllniveaus, veranlaßt sie zumindest eine Sicherheitsmaßnahme, die das weitere Füllen des Behälters vermeidet. Das doppelte Sicherheitsniveau und das vorgebbare Füllniveau können durch ein- und dieselbe Sicherheitsvorrichtung, die erfindungsgemäß ein optisches Lichtleitsystem ist, vorteilhaft getrennt voneinander überwacht werden. Mechanische Bauteile und die damit verbundenen Defekte entfallen.For additional monitoring of a certain filling level, a light beam 6 - likewise preferably an infrared beam - is fed to the reflection body 4 and reflected by the prismatic shape at several points 11, 12 in such a way that it leaves the reflection body 4 in the opposite direction of the supplied light beam 6 , To phase the light beam 6 into the light guide system and to phase out the reflected light beam 6 'from the light guide system, an optical sensor 14 is likewise attached to the prism-shaped reflection body 4, preferably on its rear side. The optical sensor 14 has, for example, a photodiode for transmitting the light beam 6 and a phototransistor for receiving the light beam 6 '. The infrared beam is phased in and out at least approximately in the horizontal direction. The detection of the fill level and the individual fill level to be monitored is in turn based on the principle of reflection of the supplied light beam 6 in the optical light guide system, taking into account the refractive indices of water and air. When the reflection body 4 comes into contact with the water at one of the reflecting points 11, 12, the reflection behavior in the reflection body 4 changes and the infrared beam is interrupted. The lower reflection body 4, which is arranged approximately at the level of the fill level to be monitored in the container on the dipstick 2, thus monitors the individual fill level. When the light beam is interrupted, the electronic evaluation device coupled to the light guide system receives a monitoring signal triggered by the sensor 14 and evaluates it. If the evaluation device detects that the desired filling level has been reached, it initiates at least one safety measure that does this avoids further filling of the container. The double security level and the predefinable filling level can advantageously be monitored separately from one another by one and the same security device, which according to the invention is an optical light guide system. Mechanical components and the associated defects are eliminated.
Fig. 2 zeigt ein prinzipielles Funktionsschaltbild mit Einrichtungen zur Durchführung der Überwachung der Sicherheitsniveaus und ggf. des Füllniveaus bei Verwendung des optischen Lichtleitsystems gemäß Fig. 1 als Sicherheitsvorrichtung in dem wasserführenden Haushaltgerät. Die Einrichtungen umfassen einen Funktionsgenerator FG, einen elektro- nischen Sensor SS, eine Auswerteeinrichtung AU und einen Mikroprozessor PU, derFIG. 2 shows a basic functional circuit diagram with devices for carrying out the monitoring of the safety level and possibly the filling level when using the optical light guide system according to FIG. 1 as a safety device in the water-carrying household appliance. The devices include a function generator FG, an electronic sensor SS, an evaluation device AU and a microprocessor PU which
Steuersignale für Bauteile des Haushaltgeräts - im vorliegenden Beispiel des Geschirrspülers - wie Ventil V zum Befüllen des Spülbehäiters, Laugenpumpe U zum Abpumpen der Flüssigkeit aus dem Behälter und einen Hauptschalter H zum Ein- und Ausschalten des Haushaltgeräts. Vom Funktionsgenerator FG wird ein getaktetes Eingangssignal er- zeugt und dem nachgeschalteten Sensor SS zugeführt, der gemäß den Ausführungen zuControl signals for components of the household appliance - in the present example of the dishwasher - such as valve V for filling the washing container, drain pump U for pumping the liquid out of the container and a main switch H for switching the household appliance on and off. A clocked input signal is generated by the function generator FG and fed to the downstream sensor SS, which according to the explanations
Fig. 1 eingangsseitig eine Fotodiode und ausgangsseitig einen Fototransistor aufweist. Empfängt die dem Sensor SS nachgeschaltete Auswerteeinrichtung AU vom Fototransistor ein Signal, das dem eingephasten Eingangssignal entspricht, erkennt sie, daß keine Veränderung des Reflektionsverhaltens in dem Lichtleitsystem vorliegt und somit kein Überwachungssignal erzeugt wurde. Auswerteeinrichtung AU und Funktionsgenerator FG bilden vorzugsweise gemeinsam eine elektronische Schaltung zur Niveauüberwachung. Liefert jedoch der Sensor SS ein vom Eingangssignal abweichendes Signal, fasst die Auswerteeinrichtung AU dieses Signal als Überwachungssignal auf und erzeugt ein Steuersignal für den Mikroprozessor PU zum Auslösen mindestens einer Sicherheitsmaßnah- me. Das doppelte Sicherheitsniveau wird über den einen elektronischen Sensor am Reflektionskörper des optischen Lichtleitsystems, der ein entsprechendes Ausgangssignal bereitstellt, überprüft, während zur Überprüfung des Füllniveaus der elektronische Sensor an dem anderen Reflektionskörper des optischen Lichtleitsystems ein entsprechendes Ausgangssignal zur Auswertung und Reaktion zur Verfügung stellt. Bevorzugte Si- cherheitsmaßnahme bei Erkennen des einen oder anderen Sicherheitsniveaus bestehen darin, daß der Mikroprozessor PU bei Vorliegen des entsprechenden Steuersignals das Ventil V schließen läßt, um ein weiteres Befüllen des Spülbehälters zu stoppen und damit der Überfüllung entgegenzuwirken, oder den Hauptschalter H auszuschalten, um das weitere Befüllen zu vermeiden und damit den Defekt eines Bauteils - z. B. Leckage des Bodenbehälters - anzuzeigen. Eine Sicherheitsmaßnahme bei Erkennen des Füllniveaus besteht in dem Einschalten der Laugenpumpe U, die Flüssigkeit aus dem Behälter absaugt.1 has a photodiode on the input side and a phototransistor on the output side. If the evaluation device AU connected downstream of the sensor SS receives a signal from the phototransistor which corresponds to the input signal input, it recognizes that there is no change in the reflection behavior in the light guide system and thus no monitoring signal has been generated. Evaluation device AU and function generator FG preferably together form an electronic circuit for level monitoring. However, if the sensor SS supplies a signal that deviates from the input signal, the evaluation device AU interprets this signal as a monitoring signal and generates a control signal for the microprocessor PU for triggering at least one safety measure. The double security level is checked via the one electronic sensor on the reflection body of the optical light guide system, which provides a corresponding output signal, while to check the fill level, the electronic sensor on the other reflection body of the optical light guide system provides a corresponding output signal for evaluation and reaction. A preferred safety measure when one or the other safety level is detected is that the microprocessor PU, when the corresponding control signal is present, closes the valve V in order to stop further filling of the rinsing container and thus counteract overfilling, or to switch off the main switch H in order to switch it off to avoid further filling and thus the defect of a component - e.g. B. Leakage of the bottom container - to indicate. A safety measure when the fill level is recognized consists in switching on the drain pump U, which sucks the liquid out of the container.
Für den Fall, daß man mehrere Füllniveaus erfassen und überwachen möchte, können mehrere optische Lichtleitsysteme aus Tauchstäben mit zugehörigen Reflektionskörpern im Behälter angeordnet sein. Die elektronische Auswertung erfolgt in gleicher Art und Weise wie oben anhand des Funktionsschaltbildes beschrieben. In the event that one wishes to record and monitor several filling levels, several optical light guide systems made of dipsticks with associated reflecting bodies can be arranged in the container. The electronic evaluation is carried out in the same way as described above using the function diagram.

Claims

Patentansprüche claims
1. Wasserführendes Haushaltgerät mit einem Behälter für Flüssigkeit, der über ein in einer Flüssigkeitszuleitung angeordnetes Ventil befüllbar ist und in dem ein Füllstand der Flüssigkeit zur Überwachung mindestens eines Sicherheitsniveaus von einer Sicherheitsvorrichtung (1) erfassbar ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Sicherheitsvorrichtung (1) als ein optisches Lichtleitsystem zur Reflektion eines Lichtstrahls (5) ausgebildet ist, durch das der Füllstand anhand einer Änderung des Reflektionsverhaltens an mindestens einer re- flektierenden Stelle (7, 8) erfasst und zur Überwachung des Sicherheitsniveaus benutzt wird.1. Water-conducting household appliance with a container for liquid which can be filled via a valve arranged in a liquid supply line and in which a fill level of the liquid for monitoring at least one safety level can be detected by a safety device (1), characterized in that the safety device (1) is designed as an optical light guide system for reflecting a light beam (5), by means of which the fill level is detected on the basis of a change in the reflective behavior at at least one reflecting point (7, 8) and used to monitor the safety level.
2. Wasserführendes Haushaltgerät nach Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Erfassung des Füllstands zur Überwachung eines doppelten Si- cherheitsniveaus gegen eine Überfüllung und eine Leerung des Behälters benutzt wird.2. Water-conducting household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the detection of the fill level is used to monitor a double safety level against overfilling and emptying of the container.
3. Wasserführendes Haushaltgerät nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Erfassung des Füllstands zusätzlich zur Überwachung mindestens eines vorgebbaren Füllniveaus benutzt wird.3. Water-conducting household appliance according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the detection of the fill level is used in addition for monitoring at least one predetermined fill level.
4. Wasserführendes Haushaltgerät nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das optische Lichtleitsystem einen Tauchstab (2) sowie mindestens einen prismaförmigen Reflektionskörper (3, 4) zur Ü- berwachung eines doppelten Sicherheitsniveaus aufweist.4. Water-conducting household appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical light guide system has a dipstick (2) and at least one prism-shaped reflection body (3, 4) for monitoring a double security level.
5. Wasserführendes Haushaltgerät nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß in dem prismaförmigen Reflektionskörper (3) ein Prismakörper (3') angeordnet ist, von dem der Lichtstrahl (5) in den Tauchstab (2) und von dort zum Reflektionskörper (3) zurück gelenkt wird. 5. Water-conducting household appliance according to claim 4, characterized in that in the prism-shaped reflection body (3) a prism body (3 ') is arranged, from which the light beam (5) in the dipstick (2) and from there to the reflection body (3) back is directed.
6. Wasserführendes Haushaltgerät nach Anspruch 4 oder 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das optische Lichtleitsystem einen prismaförmigen Reflektionskörper (4) zur Überwachung des Füllniveaus aufweist.6. Water-conducting household appliance according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the optical light guide system has a prism-shaped reflection body (4) for monitoring the filling level.
7. Wasserführendes Haushaltgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 4 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß jeder prismaförmige Reflektionskörper (3, 4) mit dem Tauchstab (2) fest verbunden ist.7. Water-carrying household appliance according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that each prism-shaped reflection body (3, 4) with the dipstick (2) is fixedly connected.
8. Wasserführendes Haushaltgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 4 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß an jedem prismaförmigen Reflektionskörper (3, 4) ein optischer Sensor (13, 14) zum Einphasen des Lichtstrahls (5, 6) in das Lichtleitsystem und zum Ausphasen des Lichtstrahls (5', 6') aus dem Lichtleitsystem angebracht ist.8. Water-conducting household appliance according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that on each prism-shaped reflection body (3, 4) an optical sensor (13, 14) for phasing in the light beam (5, 6) into the light guide system and for outphasing the light beam (5 ', 6') from the light guide system is attached.
9. Wasserführendes Haushaltgerät nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Lichtleitsystem mit einer elektronischen Auswerteeinrichtung (AU) gekoppelt ist, die bei Empfang zumindest eines Ü- berwachungssignals vom Lichtleitsystem mindestens eine Sicherheitsmaß- nähme initiiert.9. Water-conducting household appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light guide system is coupled to an electronic evaluation device (AU) which initiates at least one safety measure when receiving at least one monitoring signal from the light guide system.
10. Wasserführendes Haushaltgerät nach Anspruch 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Sicherheitsmaßnahme aus dem Abschalten des Ventils (V) besteht.10. Water-carrying household appliance according to claim 9, characterized in that the safety measure consists of switching off the valve (V).
11. Wasserführendes Haushaltgerät nach Anspruch 9 oder 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Sicherheitsmaßnahme aus dem Abschalten einer Laugenpumpe (U), die zum Absaugen von Flüssigkeit aus dem Behälter dient, besteht.11. Water-carrying household appliance according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the safety measure consists of switching off a drain pump (U), which serves to suck up liquid from the container.
12. Wasserführendes Haushaltgerät nach Anspruch 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Sicherheitsmaßnahme aus dem Abschalten des Hauptschalters (H) des Haushaltgeräts besteht. 13. Wasserführendes Haushaltgerät nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Lichtleitsystem aus durchlässigem Material hergestellt ist. 12. Water-carrying household appliance according to claim 9, characterized in that the safety measure consists of switching off the main switch (H) of the household appliance. 13. Water-carrying household appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light guide system is made of a permeable material.
4. Wasserführendes Haushaltgerät nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Lichtleitsystem an mehreren Kontaktstellen mit dem Behälter verbunden ist. 4. Water-conducting household appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light guide system is connected to the container at several contact points.
EP00960622A 1999-09-24 2000-09-07 Water-bearing domestic appliance Expired - Lifetime EP1217936B1 (en)

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ES2252057T3 (en) 2006-05-16
WO2001022862A1 (en) 2001-04-05
DE19945925A1 (en) 2001-03-29
EP1217936B1 (en) 2005-10-05
ATE305745T1 (en) 2005-10-15
US20030010113A1 (en) 2003-01-16
US6851312B2 (en) 2005-02-08

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