EP4257028A1 - Device for detecting at least one process variable and method for operating a cleaning machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention generally proposes a device (1) for detecting at least one process variable in a liquid-carrying working chamber (2) of a cleaning machine (3), in particular a washing machine (4) and/or dishwasher (15), wherein a sensor unit (5) , which is set up to record the process variable, is designed for detachable arrangement in the working chamber (2).

Description

The invention relates to a device for detecting at least one process variable in a liquid-carrying working chamber of a cleaning machine. In particular, such devices can be found in a washing machine and/or dishwasher.

The invention further relates to a method for operating a cleaning machine, in particular a washing machine and/or dishwasher.

Objects, such as dishes or laundry, must be cleaned after use in order to remove dirt residues and, if necessary, to prevent microbial growth on the objects. Conventionally, the cleaning machines described above are used to clean dirty objects. In order to enable optimal cleaning, certain process variables, such as a pH value, a process temperature and cleaning agents, are required and, if necessary, set before operation on the cleaning machine.

However, malfunctions often occur during a cleaning process and thus inadequate cleaning results. This can lead to incorrect dosage of a cleaning agent during a cleaning process. Likewise, a cleaning time can be too long or too short or a cleaning temperature can be too warm or too cold. The problem is that often no or insufficient measured values of process variables are recorded during the cleaning process. At most, a cleaning result can be assessed visually after the cleaning process. Overall, the company is more familiar It is usually not possible for cleaning machines to optimally adjust process-relevant process variables, especially those already mentioned, because measured values are not recorded during a cleaning run. This can even damage the item being cleaned.

It is therefore the object of the invention to improve the operation of liquid-carrying working chambers of cleaning machines.

To solve the stated problem, the features of claim 1 are provided according to the invention. In particular, in order to solve the stated problem in a device of the type described above, it is proposed according to the invention that a sensor unit, which is set up to detect the process variable, is designed for detachable arrangement in the working chamber. A process variable, for example at least one of the process variables mentioned above, can be detected in the working chamber by a sensor unit. The sensor unit can particularly preferably detect a process variable during a cleaning process, whereby work in a liquid-carrying working chamber can be improved.

If necessary, the device can be removed or replaced after each cleaning process. This means that at least one process variable can be read out very advantageously at least after a cleaning process.

The device can be arranged or designed in such a way that the device moves in the liquid-carrying working chamber during a cleaning process. As a result, a device according to the invention can be used regardless of the design of the working chamber, whereby a Device according to the invention can be used particularly flexibly.

The device can alternatively or additionally be arranged or designed to be stationary. For example, in a dishwasher it can be provided that the device according to the invention can preferably be positioned in a dish rack and/or cutlery rack. In any case, the device can be arranged in the cleaning machine in such a way that at least the at least one sensor unit comes into contact with the liquid in the working chamber.

The detachable arrangement of the device or the sensor unit allows the device or the sensor unit located therein to be removed and serviced. Due to the possibility of maintenance, a device or sensor unit can be designed to be particularly durable. The advantage of a detachable arrangement can be that the device or sensor unit according to the invention can be easily exchanged between different liquid-carrying working chambers. As a result, a consumer can use a device according to the invention to record at least one process variable in different liquid-carrying working chambers.

The detachable arrangement of the device or the sensor unit also allows the device to be cleaned, maintained and/or readjusted between two cleaning processes. This means that recording measured values during cleaning processes can be particularly accurate.

In an advantageous embodiment it can be provided that the sensor unit has an encapsulated power supply. As a result, the sensor unit can be supplied with energy independently, which can be advantageous, especially if if, as described or claimed below, the sensor unit has a transmitter for the wireless transmission of measured values.

In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the sensor unit has at least one sensor for temperature, pH value and/or exposure. In this way, at least one temperature, a pH value and/or the exposure of the liquid in the working chamber can advantageously be measured or recorded.

By detecting a temperature using a suitable temperature sensor known to those skilled in the art, an exact temperature profile in the cleaning liquid can be recorded.

For example, an ISFET sensor can be used to record a pH value directly in the cleaning liquid. By recording the pH value, conclusions can be drawn advantageously as to whether sufficient cleaning agent was supplied to the cleaning process.

By using a light-sensitive sensor, a process time can be determined. From this you can determine how long a cleaning machine actually needed for the cleaning process.

It can be particularly advantageous if at least two of the above-mentioned or other process variables relevant to cleaning processes are recorded, since this means that the documentation or recording of a cleaning process can be designed to be more extensive. This allows a cleaning process to be manipulated, for example stopped. Based on the measurement data of at least one process variable recorded by the sensor unit, certain parameters, such as For example, the amount of detergent can be regulated. This allows the operation of a cleaning machine to be particularly improved.

In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the sensor unit has a storage means for recording recorded measured values of the at least one process variable. Storing a record of acquired measured values can be advantageous if a recording is to be compared with a previous recording. This means that the performance development of a cleaning machine can be documented and tracked over a certain period of time, allowing a user to react early to a loss of performance or reduction in performance of the cleaning machine. For example, the drop in temperature between different cleaning runs of a cleaning machine can be recorded by the recorded and stored data of the sensor unit. As a type of early warning system, the sensor unit can therefore provide information that, in the example mentioned, a heating element of a cleaning machine may be defective, which may be the reason for the drop in temperature between the different cleaning runs. This makes it very advantageous to monitor or adjust the performance of a cleaning machine.

In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the sensor unit has a time measuring device for detecting a measurement time of the process variable. This allows a process variable to be recorded at an exact point in time.

It can advantageously be provided that a sequence of measurement times can be measured or set by the time measuring means, so that the at least one process variable can advantageously be recorded at several measurement times. At least one can also be advantageous partially continuous measurement of the at least one process variable can be realized, whereby a measurement interval can be recorded or set by the time measuring means.

By using a time measuring device, a recording of a cleaning process can be tracked in a particularly informative and precise manner.

In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that a collecting surface for cleaning liquid is formed on the sensor unit. In this way, a cleaning liquid can advantageously be supplied to the sensor unit in order to be able to record the at least one process variable. This can be particularly advantageous if the device only partially protrudes or can protrude into the cleaning liquid.

In an advantageous embodiment it can be provided that the sensor unit forms a heat buffer. As a result, a temperature of the cleaning liquid can advantageously be regulated, which means that costs can be saved when heating a cleaning liquid. This configuration is particularly advantageous if the sensor unit forms at least one or the temperature sensor, in particular the one mentioned above or claimed below.

In particular, the heat buffer can be designed to simulate a temperature response behavior of an item to be cleaned. This can ensure that a certain temperature threshold value, which could be harmful to the items to be cleaned, in particular dishes or laundry, is not exceeded.

In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the sensor unit has a transmitter for wireless transmission of measured values. This means that recorded measured values can be transmitted to a receiver in a particularly advantageous manner. This makes “live” tracking of a cleaning process possible and allows a cleaning process to be controlled, for example canceled. It can also be advantageous that the receiver stores the recorded measurement data so that the measurement data, as already explained above, is subsequently available and can be compared with one another.

A wireless transmission can be carried out, for example, via Bluetooth or other wireless connections known to those skilled in the art.

Alternatively or additionally, the features of the subordinate claim directed to a method are provided according to the invention to solve the stated problem. In particular, in order to solve the stated problem in a method of the type described above, it is proposed according to the invention that at least one process variable is measured in a liquid-carrying working chamber. This means that at least one process variable can be measured directly during a cleaning process. Such measurement data can also be used to draw conclusions about the performance and condition of individual components of the cleaning machine, which means that these components can be cleaned or serviced promptly. The measurement data recorded by the method according to the invention can therefore be used to ensure that maintenance of the cleaning machine is scheduled at an early stage and/or that components of the cleaning machine are replaced at least to maintain cleaning performance.

The acquisition of measurement data at least during operation of the cleaning machine advantageously enables process parameters to be set so that a cleaning process can be optimized. This means that working with liquid-carrying working chambers of cleaning machines can be improved.

In an advantageous development of the method, it can be provided that the process variable is a physical property of a cleaning liquid that preferably flows freely in the working chamber. This means that a direct conclusion can be drawn about, for example, the dosage of a cleaning agent, the pH value of the cleaning liquid or the cleaning temperature during the cleaning process.

In an advantageous development of the method, it can be provided that the process variable is an environmental parameter. An environmental parameter can be understood as a quantity that describes a condition in a medium that preferably surrounds the sensor unit. This medium can be, for example, one or the aforementioned cleaning liquid or another fluid located in the cleaning device. An environmental parameter can therefore be, for example, pressure or relative humidity. In particular, the ambient size can be an exposure of the sensor unit. At least one function of the sensor unit can thus advantageously be regulated depending on the detected environmental parameter. For example, it can be provided that a function of the sensor unit is switched on or off depending on a specific light intensity. As a result, a sensor unit can advantageously be activated when a cleaning process is carried out.

In an advantageous development of the method, it can be provided that the at least one process variable is measured with a separate sensor unit. As a result, the at least one process variable and, for example, one environmental parameter can be detected by separate sensor units. This allows sensor units to be positioned variably in a cleaning machine, which can be advantageous.

Particularly preferably, the at least one process variable is measured by a sensor unit as described above and/or as claimed below.

It can be particularly provided that the sensor unit is placed in the working chamber before a cleaning process and/or removed from the working chamber after the cleaning process. This allows the sensor unit to be read between different cleaning processes and/or stored outside the working chamber in order to be protected from external influences.

The invention will now be described in more detail using exemplary embodiments, but is not limited to these exemplary embodiments. Further exemplary embodiments result from combining the features of individual or several claims with one another and/or with individual or several features of the exemplary embodiments.

Fig. 1

eine im Betrieb befindliche, als Spülmaschine ausgebildete, Reinigungsmaschine mit einer erfindungsgemäßen, in der Arbeitskammer der Reinigungsmaschine angeordneten, Vorrichtung,

Fig. 2

die in Fig. 1 gezeigte Spülmaschine nach erfolgtem Betrieb, wobei die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung aus der Arbeitskammer genommen ist,

Fig. 3

eine im Betrieb befindliche, als Waschmaschine ausgebildete, Reinigungsmaschine mit einer erfindungsgemäßen, in der Arbeitskammer der Reinigungsmaschine angeordneten, Vorrichtung,

Fig. 4

die in Fig. 3 gezeigte Waschmaschine nach erfolgtem Betrieb, wobei die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung aus der Arbeitskammer genommen ist.

Show it:

Fig. 1

an operating cleaning machine designed as a dishwasher with a device according to the invention arranged in the working chamber of the cleaning machine,

Fig. 2

in the Fig. 1 Dishwasher shown after operation, with the device according to the invention being removed from the working chamber,

Fig. 3

an operating cleaning machine designed as a washing machine with a device according to the invention arranged in the working chamber of the cleaning machine,

Fig. 4

in the Fig. 3 Washing machine shown after operation, with the device according to the invention being removed from the working chamber.

The Figures 1 and 3 show a cleaning machine 3 in operation with a device 1 according to the invention arranged in the working chamber 2 of the cleaning machine 3.

The device 1 according to the invention is detachably arranged in the working chamber 2, which can be seen, for example, from the fact that the device 1 is removed from the cleaning machine 3 after operation (see Figures 2 and 4 ).

It can also be provided that only the at least one sensor unit 5 can be removed from the device 1 and thus from the cleaning machine 3.

When operating as a dishwasher 15 ( Fig. 1 ) or as washing machine 4 ( Fig. 3 ) trained cleaning machine 3, the device 1 is in a cleaning liquid 13, which cleans dirty dishes or laundry in the working chamber 2. The device 1 can be firmly in one place during the cleaning process, for example in a Crockery insert 16, located ( Fig. 1 ). A free positioning of the device 1 in the working chamber 2, as in Fig. 3 shown is also possible. The cleaning liquid 13 or part of it can be supplied to the sensor unit 5 via the catching surface 10 ( Figures 1 and 3 ). This can be particularly advantageous if a specific sensor 7 is located at one end of the catching surface 10 in order to record measurement data.

At least one process variable is detected by the at least one sensor unit 5. Certain process variables, such as a pH value, a temperature or an exposure, can each be detected by the sensor unit 5 using a sensor 7 suitable for the respective process variable.

The sensor unit 5 can be powered by its own, encapsulated power supply 6, so that the sensor unit 5 is supplied with energy during the cleaning process and is located in the cleaning liquid 13. Thus, a cleaning process can be recorded in full, particularly advantageously, in particular because the sensor unit 5 has a storage means 8 for recording measured values of the at least one process variable and that the sensor unit 5 has a time measuring means 9 for recording a measurement time of the process variable. Conclusions can thus be drawn about the cleaning process and individual components installed in the cleaning machine 3, which can be particularly advantageous.

It is particularly advantageous, as in the exemplary embodiment according to Figures 1 to 4 shown when the measured values recorded by a sensor unit 5 are sent via a transmitter 12 for wireless transmission to a receiver 14 located outside the working chamber 2. This allows Measured values are stored and/or stored externally, for example by the receiver 14 or for example in a cloud. This allows the measured values to be saved and/or an analysis of several cleaning processes to observe the performance of the cleaning machine 3 can advantageously be made possible.

One as in Fig. 1 or in Fig. 3 The wireless transmission of measured values shown by the transmitter 12 of the sensor unit 5 can also enable tracking of the current cleaning process.

The heat buffer 11 of the sensor unit 5 is advantageously designed to simulate a temperature response of an item to be cleaned.

During operation of a cleaning machine 3, such as the dishwasher 15 Figures 1 and 2 or the washing machine Figures 3 and 4 , from a technical point of view, at least one process variable can be measured in the liquid-carrying working chamber 2.

The sensor unit 5 is placed in the working chamber 2 before a cleaning process. The measurement of at least one process variable can take place with the penetration of the free-flowing cleaning liquid 13, or before, in particular if the process variable is an environmental variable, in particular an environmental variable as described above. For example, an exposure of the sensor unit 5 can be detected.

During the cleaning process, one or more physical properties of the cleaning liquid 13, which preferably flows freely in the working chamber 2, can then preferably be recorded and sent to the transmitter 12 Receiver 14 is transmitted and stored. This means that at least one process variable of the cleaning process can advantageously be determined.

By at least partially continuously recording measured values during operation, a cleaning process can be particularly improved by a method and a device 1, as is the case in the Figures 1 and 2 or. Figures 3 and 4 illustrated embodiments is the case.

After the cleaning process, the sensor unit 5 is removed from the working chamber 2. The measured values recorded by the sensor unit 5 can also be read out and/or stored after the cleaning process, in particular outside the cleaning machine 3.

The invention generally proposes a device 1 for detecting at least one process variable in a liquid-carrying working chamber 2 of a cleaning machine 3, in particular a washing machine and/or dishwasher 15, with a sensor unit 5, which is set up to detect the process variable, being detachable Arrangement is formed in the working chamber 2.

Reference symbol list

1

contraption

2

Chamber of Labor

3

Cleaning machine

4

washing machine

5

Sensor unit

6

power supply

7

sensor

8th

storage means

9

Time measuring devices

10

Catch area

11

Heat buffer

12

Channel

13

cleaning fluid

14

Recipient

15

dishwasher

16

Tableware insert

Claims (12)

Device (1) for detecting at least one process variable in a liquid-carrying working chamber (2) of a cleaning machine (3), in particular a washing machine (4) and/or dishwasher (15), characterized in that a sensor unit (5) which is used for detection the process variable is designed for detachable arrangement in the working chamber (2). Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor unit (5) has an encapsulated power supply (6). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor unit (5) has at least one sensor (7) for temperature, pH value and/or exposure. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor unit (5) has a storage means (8) for recording measured values of the at least one process variable. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor unit (5) has a time measuring means (9) for detecting a measurement time of the process variable. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a catching surface (10) for cleaning liquid (13) is formed on the sensor unit (5). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor unit (5) forms a heat buffer (11), in particular for simulating a temperature response of an item to be cleaned. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor unit (5) has a transmitter (12) for the wireless transmission of measured values. Method for operating a cleaning machine (3), in particular a washing machine (4) and/or dishwasher (15), characterized in that at least one process variable is measured in a liquid-carrying working chamber (2). Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the process variable is a physical property of a cleaning liquid (13) which preferably flows freely in the working chamber (2). Method according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the process variable is an environmental parameter, in particular an exposure of the sensor unit (5). Method according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the at least one process variable is measured with a separate sensor unit (5), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 8, in particular wherein the sensor unit (5) is in the working chamber before a cleaning process (2) is placed and/or removed from the working chamber (2) after the cleaning process.

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