IT201800001812A1 - Method for automatically evaluating the cleanliness of the filter system in a dishwasher. - Google Patents

Description

TITLE: “Method for automatically evaluating the degree of cleanliness of the filtering system in a dishwasher”.

DESCRIPTION

Field of application

The present description relates to a method for automatically evaluating the degree of cleanliness of the filtering system in a dishwashing machine, in accordance with the preamble of claim 1.

The present description also relates to a dishwashing machine configured to implement the method for automatically evaluating the degree of cleanliness of the filtering system in a dishwashing machine, in accordance with the preamble of claim 10.

The present description also relates to a system consisting of a dishwashing machine and a portable device that can be gripped by a user and configured to implement the method for automatically evaluating the degree of cleanliness of the filtering system in a dishwashing machine, in accordance with the preamble of claim 13.

Description of the prior art

Dishwashing machines equipped with optical devices such as cameras, video camera or video camera arranged in a fixed or movable position with respect to the washing tub to check the loading of the dishes or the degree of cleanliness of the dishes are known in the state of the art.

For example, documents WO2016008699 and US 2012/0138092 illustrate such dishwashing machines.

The use of a previously identified dishwasher involves the loading of dishes into its washing area by the user and the use of a detergent for washing.

This detergent is usually positioned inside a dispenser which is equipped with a suitable door that can be opened automatically once the user has closed the dishwasher door and has started the selected washing program.

Known dishwashing machines are equipped with a filter positioned at the bottom of the washing water collection tank, so as to be able to filter the water during the washing cycle, so as to collect and retain any dirt deposits. . In particular, the functionality of the filtering system located in the lower part of the dishwasher is to ensure that the water used in the washing circuit is filtered from debris and dirt in order to ensure better washing performance. A further function of the filtering system is to prevent food residues and / or other objects from being introduced into the washing and unloading circuits of the product.

Problem of the known art

During the use of a dishwasher machine and, specifically, during the loading of the dishes and / or following the washing cycles, it may happen that dirt deposits can accumulate in the filtering system located inside the dishwasher. The presence of a substantial accumulation of dirt in the filtering system leads to a drastic drop in the washing performance of the dishwasher and, in the event of complete occlusion of the filter, the impossibility of being able to drain or re-aspirate the washing water. Therefore, in the aforementioned condition in which the filters are partially or totally occluded by dirt, maintenance is required by the user who must clean the filter by removing the accumulation of dirt.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of the invention in question is to overcome the drawbacks of the known art.

A further purpose of the invention is to provide a method, a dishwasher machine and a system for evaluating the degree of cleanliness of the filtering system in a dishwasher so as to avoid the problems of the state of the art just described.

These objects are achieved by means of a method, a dishwashing machine and a system for automatically evaluating the degree of cleanliness of the filtering system in a dishwashing machine in accordance with claims 1, 10 and 13 which follow, respectively.

Advantages of the invention

Thanks to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to realize a method that allows the user to be informed of the need for maintenance of the filters. This allows the user to carry out the correct maintenance of the product avoiding the deterioration of the washing performance due to the presence of dirty filters.

Thanks to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to realize a method and relative dishwashing machine as well as a system of dishwashing machine and portable device by hand by a user which allows to:

- avoid the increase in the noise of the dishwasher,

- optimize washing performance, e

- guarantee the cleanliness of the dishes from both dirt and detergent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the present disclosure will become evident from the following detailed description of a possible practical embodiment, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the set of drawings, in which:

- Figures 1 shows a flow diagram of the method according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows in a front perspective view a dishwasher of the built-in type, without the finishing panels, configured to carry out the method of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a rear perspective view of the dishwashing machine of Figure 2 without some of its components and dishes;

Figure 4 shows in detail a component of the dishwashing machine of Figures 2 and 3;

Figure 5 shows a flow diagram of the system according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Even if not explicitly highlighted, the individual characteristics described with reference to the specific embodiments must be understood as accessory and / or interchangeable with other characteristics, described with reference to other embodiments.

With reference to the attached figures 2, 3 and 4, 1 indicates a dishwashing machine, for example of the built-in type in a kitchen cabinet, without finishing panels for a better understanding of the internal volumes.

Said dishwashing machine 1 comprises a washing area 2 and a door 3 which can be associated in closing with the washing area 2.

The dishwashing machine 1 identifies a base 1A, usually dedicated to housing the mechanisms / devices necessary for carrying out the main operations of the machine 1.

The washing zone 2 defines the volume within which the dishes S are arranged.

In particular, the washing area 2 is defined by a plurality of walls such as the base wall 2A, the side walls 2B and 2C, the ceiling 2D and the bottom wall 2E and identifies an upper portion 2 'and a lower portion 2 ''.

The upper / lower term must be interpreted in the light of the correct installation and condition of use of the dishwasher 1. In this scenario, the upper term refers to the most distant part from the base 1A while the lower term refers to the part closest to the base 1A.

The door 3 can be operated manually by the user and / or with electric servo assistance and has the purpose of closing the washing area 2 hermetically in order to avoid leaking washing liquids during the execution of the cleaning program.

In the continuation of the present description, the term crockery S means, for example, a plate, a cutlery, a glass, a pot, etc.

The impellers 5A, 5B are of the type known per se and therefore will not be described. Here it is only worth noting that there can be one or, preferably, two impellers 5A, 5B arranged in the washing zone 2. In particular, the lower impeller 5A is located in the lower zone 2 'near the base 1A and the upper impeller 5B in the upper zone 2 '', preferably in the lower part of the upper zone 2 ''.

The lower area 2 'of the washing area 2, when the dishwasher 1 is in use, identifies the area for collecting the washing fluid 2' '. In particular, this collection area of the washing fluid 2 '' is interposed between the lower impeller 5A and the base wall 2A. With reference to figure 4, the washing fluid collection area 2 '' 'is configured as a washing water collection tank, first clean as it is sucked from the water mains at the beginning of the cleaning cycle, and subsequently contaminated from dirty residues once the washing cycle is finished. However, it should be noted that dirt residues may also be present when water is sucked from the water supply at the beginning of the cleaning cycle, as these residues are due to the wash cycle or cycles prior to the one in progress.

The dishwashing machine 1 is also equipped with a filter F, schematically illustrated in figure 4, arranged on the bottom wall of the washing fluid collection area 2 ''. The filter F includes a filter element F ’adapted to filter the washing water, in order to retain the residues of dirt and debris produced during the course of the washing cycle. The filter F also includes a collection tank F '' which develops surrounding the filter element F 'to collect the residues and accumulations of dirt that are retained by the filter element F'. It should be noted that the filter F must be regularly cleaned by manual intervention by a user in order to remove the accumulation of dirt and debris contained in the collection tank F ''.

In the lower area 2 'and / or in the upper area 2' there is a respective dish holder basket 21 which has the function of accommodating the various dishes S, according to techniques known in the sector and therefore not described.

The term crockery rack 21 means any device and / or accessory dedicated to positioning the same and therefore suitable for supporting crockery S.

This basket and / or accessories must be compatible with the dimensions of the washing area 2 of the dishwasher 1.

The dishwashing machine 1 comprises a dispenser 6 shaped in such a way as to define a volume suitable for housing the products or detergents necessary for cleaning objects, in particular crockery S.

Said dispenser 6 can comprise one or more compartments each intended to receive a specific washing product.

According to one aspect, the dispenser 6 comprises a door 7 which is configured to switch between a closed position and a position of free access to the internal volume of the dispenser 6.

For example, in the closed position of the door 7 the products are prevented from coming out of their respective compartments while in the open position of the door 7, these washing products can come out, once the door 3 is in its closed position and is a washing program P has been selected with which to wash the dishes S.

In other words, the passage of the door 7 between the closed position and the open position is mechanically and / or electrically controlled by the control unit 4 following the closure of the door 3 of the dishwashing machine 1.

According to one aspect, also with reference to Figures 2 and 3, the dispenser 6 is placed on the door 3, in particular on the side facing the washing area 2, at a predefined height. More specifically, the dispenser 6 is housed within the thickness of the door 3.

The dishwashing machine 1 comprises a control unit 4, for example arranged in the thickness of the door 3 equipped with a mother plate on which the usual electrical and electronic devices are located, among which it is possible to mention a CPU, a series of I / O ports to receive and output data in a memory bank, the latter having a portion thereof dedicated to permanently storing at least one cleaning program P.

The cleaning program P is the result of one or a combination of more than one of the following parameters:

- duration of the washing phase;

- washing pump pressure;

- temperature of the washing and drying phases;

- liters of water loaded.

Program P can also comprise other parameters which are not described here for simplicity of description.

The control unit 4 is a unit configured to control and supervise the operating functions of the dishwasher 1.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a database is also permanently stored in the memory of the control unit 4 in which information relating to the operating data collected by the sensors inside the dishwasher is identified through appropriate parameters. The following will describe various sensors intended to collect parameters inside the dishwasher during its operation, such as optical devices.

In order to allow the selected cleaning program to be carried out, the dishwashing machine 1 comprises a pump, for example arranged in the base 1A, which can be connected, according to techniques known to a person skilled in the art and therefore not described, with a mains water.

This pump is controlled by the control unit 4 and has the task of making water flow into the impellers 5A, 5B arranged inside the washing area.

The dishwashing machine 1 comprises one or more optical devices 8 capable of acquiring digital images of the washing area 2.

According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the optical devices 8 are arranged in such a way that their optics are directed towards the collection area of the washing fluid 2 '' 'which, as already said before, is interposed between the lower impeller 5A and the base wall 2A. In particular, the optical devices 8 are arranged in such a way that their optics are directed towards the filter F, and in particular towards the collection tank F '' and, optionally, also towards the filtering element F '.

In particular, each wall 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D and / or 2E of the washing zone 2 can each house, within their thickness, one or more of the aforementioned optical devices 8.

For this purpose, a seat (not shown in the accompanying figures) is provided for each optical device 8.

The seat defines a suitable volume to house the respective optical device and, preferably, to cover the optics of the optical device, there is a cover panel that is transparent to light.

This cover panel is, for example, made of glass or plastic or of materials having similar technical properties.

The cover panel, preferably, is arranged in such a way as to be substantially flush or slightly protruding with respect to the surface of the wall 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D or 2E.

According to a preferred embodiment not shown in the accompanying figures, the optical devices 8 are housed inside respective seats formed in the body of the dishwasher 1 in correspondence with the collection area of the washing fluid 2 '' '. Preferably, the collection area of the washing fluid 2 '' 'is configured as a collection tank for the washing liquid which has a bottom wall and a side wall (or more side walls) which define a container for collecting liquids .

Preferably, the seat in which one or more respective optical devices 8 are housed is formed in the thickness of the side wall of the washing fluid collection area 2 '' ', so that the optical device 8 is able to transversely scan the collection area of the washing fluid 2 '' ', and in particular to acquire images of the collection tank F' 'of the filter F. Consistently, the seat cover panel is arranged substantially flush with the side wall of the collection area of the washing fluid 2 '' '.

In each seat there are all those electrical and electronic elements necessary for the operation of the optical device 8. This arrangement is advantageous since it allows the optical device 8 to frame the collection area of the washing fluid 2 '' ', and in particular collection tank F '', during the whole washing cycle.

Preferably. the optical device 8 has an optical field of vision which allows to acquire the images of the collection area of the washing fluid 2 '' 'which fall within that predefined field of vision and, even more preferably, focused on the surface extension of the collection tank F ''.

The purpose of the optical devices 8 used in the dishwashing machine 1 is to acquire fixed and / or sequential two-dimensional digital images, at predetermined capture rates, usually in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as for example a single frame, or a burst of images, or an uninterrupted flow of images of the washing fluid collection area 2 '' ', and in particular of the collection tank F' 'of the filter F.

In accordance with a preferred form, the optical devices 8 acquire the images of the filter F seen transversely from the side wall of the collection area of the washing fluid 2 '' ', so as to clearly visualize and identify the surface extension of the collection tank F ''. Alternatively or in combination with the previous embodiment, the optical devices 8 acquire the images of the filter F seen from the 2D sky, so as to clearly view and identify the surface extension of the collection tank F ''.

It should be noted that the aforementioned optical devices 8 preferably acquire images of the collection area of the washing fluid 2 '' ', and in particular of the collection tank F' ', during the entire washing cycle, at pre-established time intervals. or with a predefined acquisition rate. Preferably, the optical devices are configured to acquire images of the collection tank F '' at the end of each washing cycle.

These optical devices 8 are in signal communication with the control unit 4 through its I / O ports in order to send the acquired data to the control unit 4.

Such optical devices 8, for example, take the form of a camera and / or a video camera. Such devices are known in the art and therefore will not be described in detail in the present description.

In the present description, however, it should be noted that the camera and / or video camera, which are used in the dishwashing machine 1, are preferably capable of acquiring images with acquisition times of less than a tenth of a second and adhere to the technical specifications according to which their operation is guaranteed even in the presence of water, i.e. the camera and / or the video camera comply with the IP x standard (1-8).

Alternatively, or in combination with these technical specifications, it is envisaged that the seat, within which the optical devices 8 are arranged, is configured in such a way as to be watertight, for example by using sealing techniques.

The dishwasher machine 1 includes a user interface 9, i.e. the command and control interface through which the user can command and manage the operation and functionality of the dishwasher itself.

To this end, the user interface 9 is in signal communication with the control unit 4 through its I / O ports in order to receive the data processed by the CPU of the same control unit 4.

In one embodiment, the user interface 9 is a screen 23 integrated in the dishwashing machine 1 in such a way that it can be visible to a user during its normal use and / or with the addition of a buzzer (not shown in the figure ).

According to one aspect, with reference to figures 2 and 3, the user interface 9 is integrated into the door 3 in such a way that the screen faces externally to the washing area 2.

It should be noted that the screen 23 of the user interface 9 is configured to display luminous indications, text messages and / or single or continuous images. In particular, the images which can be displayed on the screen can be the images of the washing area 2 and of the related objects provided therein acquired by the optical devices 8.

In particular, the screen can be of the tactile type (or controllable by touch).

In another embodiment, the user interface 9 comprises one or more analog buttons and / or a combination of analog / digital commands and / or a combination of analog / digital commands and a screen, the latter for example of the tactile type

The user interface buzzer 9 has the purpose of acoustically signaling any situations or operating conditions to the user.

In one embodiment, the dishwashing machine 1 comprises a radio transmitting / receiving apparatus which is configured to create a signal communication with a wired and / or wireless network. For example, the wireless network can be a network based on an internet protocol through a WI-FI connection or a WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network) based on Bluetooth protocol.

In this hypothesis, the user interface 9 also includes a portable device (i.e. transportable and handled by a user's hand) 22 such as, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, a PC or similar tools.

In other words, the user interface 9 includes both the usual control interface of the dishwasher 1 and the screen of the transportable device 22.

In particular, the portable device 22 comprises its own radio transmitting / receiving apparatus which is configured to establish a signal communication with the radio transmitting / receiving apparatus of the dishwasher 1.

According to one aspect, the portable device 22 in addition to being able to communicate with the control unit 4 of the dishwashing machine 1 is also able to connect via the internet network, for example via GSM infrastructure, with one or more remote servers 24 in order to carry out archiving, saving and / or processing of data on the images acquired by optical devices 8.

In other words, the portable device 22 is suitable for connecting both directly with the dishwasher 1 and with the internet through the GSM infrastructure. In this scenario, therefore, a system 25 is configured comprising the dishwashing machine 1, the portable device 22 in signal communication with each other via GSM network, WI-FI connection and / or a WPAN network.

It should be noted that the screen of the portable device 22 is configured to display luminous indications, text messages and / or images acquired by the optical devices 8.

In an embodiment of the present invention, if the user interface 9 also includes the portable device 22, then it is provided that the database can be stored at least partially, preferably completely, in the memory of the portable device 22, in a memory of mass of the server and / or, in distributed mode, between the memory of the dishwasher 1, of the portable device 22 and of the server 23.

According to one aspect, the control unit 4 is in signal communication with the user interface 9 (be it in the form of only the screen of the dishwasher 1 or that of the screen of the portable device 22) in order to be able to signal through the 'user interface 9 the condition of filter F blocked and / or any changes that can be made to one or more of the cleaning parameters of the cleaning program P.

With the term modifications of one or more of said cleaning parameters of the cleaning program P we mean in the present description any change of the parameters of the program P following the identification of the condition of filter F blocked.

With reference now to Figure 1, the method for automatically evaluating the degree of cleanliness of the filtering system of the dishwashing machine 1 comprises a step of acquiring 11 a first digital image 11A representative of a first condition of the filter F, in which the filter F it's clean. Preferably, the step of acquiring 11 is performed during the production and / or testing and / or initial configuration of the dishwashing machine 1, so as to obtain a first digital image 11A of the filter F in its maximum clean condition.

This acquisition phase 11 is carried out through the optical device or devices 8 provided within the washing area 2. For this purpose, the control unit 4 supervises the acquisition phase by controlling the optical device or devices 8.

The method comprises a step of digitally processing 12 the first digital image 11A so as to obtain a first processed image 11B, in which the first processed image 11B identifies a first surface value relating to the surface extension of the collecting tank F '' of the filter F in the first condition in which the filter F is clean.

The method comprises a step of acquiring 13 a second digital image 13A representative of a second condition of the filter F, at the end of the washing cycle.

The method also comprises the step of digitally processing 14 the second digital image 13A, so as to obtain a second processed image 13B, in which the second processed image 13B identifies a second surface value relating to the surface extension of any accumulation of dirt present. in the collection tank F '' of the filter F in the second condition in which, for example, the filter F contains an accumulation of dirt.

For example, by comparing it with the first surface value identified by the first processed image 11B, it is possible to calculate the second surface value relating to the surface extension of any accumulation of dirt present in the collection tank F '' of the filter F in the second condition at the end of the wash cycle. In particular, the second surface value of the second processed image 13B can be calculated by subtracting the free surface value of the collection tank F '' from the first surface value, where the free surface value represents the surface part of the second processed image 13B which does not represent the accumulation of dirt present in the collection tank F '' of the filter F.

The method comprises a step of comparing 15 the second surface value with the first surface value to calculate an OCL occlusion percentage value of the filter F in switching between the first condition and the second condition.

The method also comprises the step of generating 16 a signal of the presence of dirt Sig indicative of the presence of an accumulation of dirt in the filter F, when the OCL occlusion percentage value of the filter F exceeds a predefined threshold value.

The method also comprises the step of generating 17 an audible and / or visual signal indicative of an obstructed filter condition, when the signal of presence of dirt Sig.

Preferably, the method also comprises the step 18 of interrupting the cleaning cycle or of modifying the parameters of the cleaning program P of the dishwashing machine 1 when the dirt presence signal Sig is generated.

It should be noted that the steps of the method described below, the acquisition and processing steps can be carried out either directly by the CPU of the control unit 4 or, more preferably, by the CPU of the user's portable device also through the connection via the internet with the CPUs of remote servers dedicated to data analysis and processing.

Preferably, the method also comprises the step of modifying 17 the cleaning parameters of the cleaning program P of the dishwashing machine 1 when the dirt presence signal Sig is generated.

According to a preferred solution, the step of comparing 15 the second surface value with the first surface value, comprises the sub-step of calculating the ratio between the second surface value and the first surface value to calculate the occlusion percentage value. OCL of filter F in passing between the first condition and the second condition.

According to a preferred form of the invention, the step of digitally processing 12 the first digital image 11A so as to obtain the first processed image 11B, comprises the sub-step of dividing the surface extension of the collection tank F '' into a first number of zones N default. Each zone N has a predefined surface extension value. In other words, the surface extension of the collection tank F '' is divided into a grid consisting of a first predefined number of zones N. The step of digitally processing 14 the second digital image 13A so as to obtain the second processed image 13B, comprises the sub-step of calculating a second number of areas N of the surface extension of the collection tank F '' occupied by the surface extension of the 'accumulation of dirt present in the filter F. The step of comparing 15 the second surface value with the first surface value, includes the sub-step of calculating the ratio between the second number of zones N and the first number of zones N to calculate the percentage value of OCL occlusion of the filter F in passing between the first condition and the second condition. Preferably, the step of digitally processing 12 the first digital image 11A so as to obtain the first processed image 11B, comprises the sub-steps of:

- divide the surface extension of the filter F into a first predefined number of zones N, each zone N having a predefined surface extension value, and

- calculate the first surface value by summing up the surface extension values of the first number of zones N,

Preferably, the step 14 of digitally processing the second digital image 13A so as to obtain the second processed image 13B, comprises the sub-steps of:

- calculate a second number of zones N of the surface extension of the collection tank F ’occupied by the surface extension of the accumulation of dirt present in the filter F, and

- calculate the second surface value by summing up the surface extension values of the second number of zones N.

According to a preferred form of the invention, the first digital image 11A is representative of a first reference condition of the filter F before the use of the dishwashing machine 1. Preferably, the method comprising a step of starting a washing cycle of the dishwashing machine 1 In this circumstance, the second digital image 13A is representative of a second condition of the filter F after a predefined time interval following the step of starting the washing cycle and, more preferably, at the end of the washing cycle.

According to a preferred solution, the step of generating 16 a signal of the presence of dirt Sig indicative of the presence of an accumulation of dirt in the filter F, comprises the sub-step of generating 16 the signal of the presence of dirt Sig when the percentage value OCL occlusion of filter F is greater than or equal to 10%. In other words, the sign of the presence of dirt Sig comes when at least 10% of the surface extension of the collection tank F '' of the filter F is blocked by debris or accumulations of dirt.

In accordance with a preferred solution, the method provides for iteratively repeating, during a washing cycle, the step of:

- acquire 13 a second digital image 13A representative of the second condition of the filter F after a predefined time interval from the instant of starting a washing cycle of the dishwasher 1,

- digitally processing 14 the second digital image 13A so as to obtain the second processed image 13B,

- compare 15 the second surface value with the first surface value to calculate the percentage value of OCL occlusion of the filter F in passing between the first condition and the second condition,

- generate 16 a signal of the presence of dirt Sig indicative of the presence of an accumulation of protrusion in the filter F, when the OCL occlusion percentage value of the filter F exceeds a predefined threshold value.

- generate 17 the acoustic and / or visual signal indicative of a clogged filter condition, when the signal of presence of dirt is generated Sig.

According to a preferred solution, the step of acquiring 11 the first digital image 11A representative of the first condition of the filter F, comprises the sub-steps of storing the first digital image 11A in a database of the dishwashing machine 1.

Preferably, the step of generating 17 the audible and / or visual signal comprises the sub-stage of signaling through the user interface 9 the audible and / or visual signal indicative of an obstructed filter condition, when the dirt presence signal is generated. Mr

Always preferably, the method comprises the step of signaling through the user interface 9 the condition of filter otto when the signal of presence of dirt is generated and / or the interruption of the washing cycle and / or the modifications of one or more of the cleaning parameters of the cleaning program P made.

Advantageously, the method of the present invention allows to detect the presence of dirt in the filter F of the dishwashing machine1.

Again advantageously, the method allows you to interrupt the washing cycle or modify one or more of the cleaning parameters of the cleaning program P according to any dirt.

In particular, the cleaning parameters of the cleaning program P that can be modified according to the percentage of occlusion of the filter F detected and the time of the cycle in which it is detected are one or a combination of more than one of the following parameters:

- duration of the washing phase;

- washing pump pressure;

- temperature of the washing and drying phases;

- liters of water loaded.

According to a preferred step, the method comprises a step of signaling through the user interface the presence of foam and / or changes in one or more of the cleaning parameters of the cleaning program P so as to promptly inform the user of the changes made. .

As we have seen, thanks to the method and to the dishwasher machine 1 it is possible to signal through the user interface 9 to identify a change in the operating state of the machine itself so as to be able to intervene in restoring the correct installation conditions of the object. This makes it possible to reduce the need to perform a washing dedicated to some dishes and / or to repeat the washing cycle with consequent consumption of water, detergent and energy.

It should be noted that in conditions of absence of occlusion of the filter F, the second processed image 13B will not present a variation of the image compared to that of the first processed image 11B. In the presence of occlusion of the filter F, however, part of the surface extension of the collection tank F '' is occupied by an accumulation of dirt / debris, and therefore the condition of "occluded filter" will be identified.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is possible to generate a signal of "removal of the occlusion of the filter" in the case in which, following the manual cleaning of the filter by a user, all or almost all of the occlusion has been removed previously detected, obtaining a percentage value of OCL occlusion of the filter F lower than the threshold value. Furthermore, in a similar way, it is possible to generate a “clean filter” signal when the value of the OCL occlusion percentage is equal to zero.

Obviously, a person skilled in the art, in order to meet contingent and specific needs, can make numerous modifications to the variants described above, all of which are however contained within the scope of protection as defined by the following claims.

Claims (13)

CLAIMS 1. Method for automatically evaluating the degree of cleanliness of the filtering system in a dishwasher (1) comprising a washing area (2) provided with a washing fluid collection area (2 '' ') in which a filter (F), said method being characterized by the steps of: - acquiring (11) a first digital image (11A) representative of a first condition of said filter (F), - digitally processing (12) said first digital image (11A) so as to obtain a first processed image (11B), in which said first processed image (11B) identifies a first surface value relating to the surface extension of the collection tank (F '') of said filter (F) in a first condition in which said filter (F) is clean, - acquiring (13) a second digital image (13A) representative of a second condition of said filter (F), - digitally processing (14) said second digital image (13A) so as to obtain a second processed image (13B), in which said second processed image (13B) identifies a second surface value relating to the surface extension of an accumulation of dirt present in said collection tank (F '') of said filter (F) in a second condition in which said filter (F) contains an accumulation of dirt, - comparing (15) said second surface value with said first surface value to calculate a percentage value of occlusion (OCL) of said filter (F) in passing between said first condition and said second condition, - generating (16) a dirt presence signal (Sig) indicative of the presence of an accumulation of dirt in said filter (F), when said occlusion percentage value (OCL) of said filter (F) exceeds a threshold value default, - generating (17) an audible and / or visual signal indicative of a clogged filter condition, when said dirt presence signal (Sig) is generated. Method according to claim 1, wherein: - said step of comparing (15) said second surface value with said first surface value, comprises the sub-phase of calculating the ratio between said second surface value and said first surface value to calculate said occlusion percentage value (OCL) of said filter (F) in passing between said first condition and said second condition. Method according to claim 1, wherein: - said phase of digitally processing (12) said first digital image (11A) so as to obtain said first processed image (11B), comprises the sub-phase of dividing said surface extension of said collection tank (F '') into a first number of zones (N) by default, each zone (N) having a predefined surface extension value, - said step of digitally processing (14) said second digital image (13A) so as to obtain said second processed image (13B), comprises the sub-step of calculating a second number of zones (N) of said surface extension of said collection tank (F '') occupied by said surface extension of said accumulation of dirt present in said filter (F), - said step of comparing (15) said second surface value with said first surface value, comprises the sub-phase of calculating the ratio between said second number of zones (N) and said first number of zones (N) to calculate said value of percentage of occlusion (OCL) of said filter (F) in passing between said first condition and said second condition. 4. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: - said step of digitally processing (12) said first digital image (11A) so as to obtain said first processed image (11B), comprises the sub-phases of: - subdividing said surface extension of said filter (F) into a first predefined number of zones (N), each zone (N) having a predefined surface extension value, - calculating said first surface value by summing up the surface extension values of said first number of zones (N), - said step of digitally processing (14) said second digital image (13A) so as to obtain said second processed image (13B), comprises the sub-phases of: - calculate a second number of areas (N) of said surface extension of said collection tank (F '') occupied by said surface extension of said accumulation of dirt present in said filter (F), - calculating said second surface value by summing up the surface extension values of said second number of zones (N). 5. Method according to claim 1, wherein: - said first digital image (11A) is representative of a first reference condition of said filter (F) before using said dishwashing machine (1), - said method comprising a step of starting a washing cycle of said dishwashing machine (1), - said second digital image (13A) is representative of a second condition of said filter (F) after a predefined time interval following said step of starting said washing cycle. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: - said step of generating (16) a dirt presence signal (Sig) indicative of the presence of an accumulation of dirt in said filter (F), comprises the sub-step of generating (16) said dirt presence signal (Sig) when said occlusion percentage value (OCL) of said filter (F) is greater than or equal to 10%, Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said method provides for iteratively repeating, during a washing cycle, the step of: - acquiring (13) a second digital image (13A) representative of said second condition of said filter (F) after a predefined time interval from the instant of starting a washing cycle of said dishwashing machine (1), - digitally processing (14) said second digital image (13A) so as to obtain said second processed image (13B), - comparing (15) said second surface value with said first surface value to calculate said occlusion percentage value (OCL) of said filter (F) in passing between said first condition and said second condition, - generating (16) a dirt presence signal (Sig) indicative of the presence of an accumulation of dirt in said filter (F), when said occlusion percentage value (OCL) of said filter (F) exceeds a threshold value default, - generating (17) said acoustic and / or visual signal indicative of an obstructed filter condition, when said dirt presence signal (Sig) is generated. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, said step of acquiring (11) said first digital image (11A) representative of said first condition of said filter (F), comprises the sub-steps of storing said first digital image (11A) in a database of said dishwasher (1). Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said dishwasher (1) comprises a user interface (9), and said step of generating (17) said audible and / or visual signal comprises the sub-step of signaling through said interface user (9) said acoustic and / or visual signal indicative of a clogged filter condition, when said dirt presence signal (Sig) is generated. 10. Dishwashing machine (1) comprising a pump that can be connected to a mains water outlet to draw clean water from the mains, one or more impellers (5A, 5B) in fluid communication with said pump, a washing area (2) equipped of a collection area of the washing fluid (2 '' ') interposed between the lower impeller (5A) and the base wall (2A) of said washing area (2), a filter (F) arranged on the bottom wall of the washing fluid collection area (2 '' '), and a door (3) which can be associated in closing with said washing area (2), a control unit (4) having a memory in a portion of which a cleaning program (P), a dispenser (6) configured to release a detergent in said collection area of the washing fluid (2 '' '), and one or more resistive means for varying the temperature of the mains water, one or more optical devices (8) capable of acquiring digital images of said filter (F) and a user interface (9), called one or more d optical devices (8) and said user interface (9) being in signal communication with said control unit (4), characterized in that it comprises a program residing in another portion of said memory structured to perform the steps in accordance with a any of the preceding claims 1 to 9. Dishwashing machine according to claim 10, wherein said user interface (9) is a screen integrated in said dishwashing machine, said screen (23) being configured to display said clogged filter signal through luminous indications, text messages and / or images. Dishwashing machine according to claim 10, wherein said dishwashing machine comprises a radio transmitting apparatus and said user interface (9) is a portable device having its own radio transmitting apparatus configured to establish a signal communication with said radio transmitting apparatus of said dishwashing machine (1) so as to receive data representative of said obstructed filter signal through luminous indications, messages and / or images. 13. System for automatically evaluating the cleanliness of the filter system in a dishwashing machine (1), comprising: - a dishwashing machine comprising a pump that can be connected to a mains water intake to draw clean water from the mains, one or more impellers (5A.5B) in fluid communication with this pump, a washing area (2) equipped with a for collecting the washing fluid (2 '' ') interposed between the lower impeller (5A) and the base wall (2A) of said washing area (2), a filter (F) arranged on the bottom wall of said area for collecting the washing fluid (2 '' '), and a door (3) which can be associated in closing with said washing area (2), a control unit (4) having a memory in a portion of which a program of cleaning (P), a dispenser (6) for dispensing a detergent and one or more resistive means for varying the temperature of the mains water, one or more optical devices (8) capable of acquiring digital images of said collection area of the washing fluid (2 '' '), and a user interface (9), called one or more optical devices (8) and interface the user (9) being in signal communication with said control unit (4) as well as said pump and a radio transmitting / receiving apparatus; - a portable device (22) that can be gripped by a user's hand, having its own radio transmitting / receiving apparatus configured to establish a signal communication with said radio transmitting / receiving apparatus of said dishwashing machine, a screen configured to display indications of the type lights, messages and / or images and a memory, characterized in that it comprises a program residing in a portion of said portable device memory (22) that can be gripped by a user, said program being structured to carry out the steps in accordance with any one of the preceding claims from 1 to 9 in such a way as to display, on said interface (9) and / or on said screen of said mobile device that can be gripped by a user, said filter signal blocked by luminous indications, text messages and / or images.