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US20180008118A1 - Dishwasher comprising a sensor unit for determining a rotation movement of a spray arm - Google Patents

Dishwasher comprising a sensor unit for determining a rotation movement of a spray arm Download PDF

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Publication number
US20180008118A1
US20180008118A1 US15/643,419 US201715643419A US2018008118A1 US 20180008118 A1 US20180008118 A1 US 20180008118A1 US 201715643419 A US201715643419 A US 201715643419A US 2018008118 A1 US2018008118 A1 US 2018008118A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
spray arm
working chamber
sensor unit
housing
dishwasher
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.)
Abandoned
Application number
US15/643,419
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Andreas Pleschinger
Kurt Wallerstorfer
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.)
Sanhua Aweco Appliance Systems GmbH
Original Assignee
Sanhua Aweco Appliance Systems 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 Sanhua Aweco Appliance Systems GmbH filed Critical Sanhua Aweco Appliance Systems GmbH
Publication of US20180008118A1 publication Critical patent/US20180008118A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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
    • A47L15/0018—Controlling processes, i.e. processes to control the operation of the machine characterised by the purpose or target of the control
    • A47L15/0049—Detection or prevention of malfunction, including accident prevention
    • 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
    • A47L15/14—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware with stationary crockery baskets and spraying devices within the cleaning chamber
    • A47L15/18—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware with stationary crockery baskets and spraying devices within the cleaning chamber with movably-mounted spraying devices
    • A47L15/22—Rotary spraying 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
    • A47L15/14—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware with stationary crockery baskets and spraying devices within the cleaning chamber
    • A47L15/18—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware with stationary crockery baskets and spraying devices within the cleaning chamber with movably-mounted spraying devices
    • A47L15/22—Rotary spraying devices
    • A47L15/23—Rotary spraying devices moved by means of the sprays
    • 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
    • A47L15/44—Devices for adding cleaning agents; Devices for dispensing cleaning agents, rinsing aids or deodorants
    • A47L15/4409—Devices for adding cleaning agents; Devices for dispensing cleaning agents, rinsing aids or deodorants by tipping containers or opening their lids, e.g. with the help of a programmer
    • 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
    • A47L2401/00—Automatic detection in controlling methods of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, e.g. information provided by sensors entered into controlling devices
    • A47L2401/06—Water supply, circulation or discharge information
    • 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
    • A47L2401/00—Automatic detection in controlling methods of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, e.g. information provided by sensors entered into controlling devices
    • A47L2401/24—Spray arms status, e.g. detection of spray arm rotation
    • 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
    • A47L2401/00—Automatic detection in controlling methods of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, e.g. information provided by sensors entered into controlling devices
    • A47L2401/30—Variation of electrical, magnetical or optical quantities
    • 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
    • A47L2501/00—Output in controlling method of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, i.e. quantities or components controlled, or actions performed by the controlling device executing the controlling method
    • A47L2501/02—Water discharge, e.g. opening or closure of discharge valve
    • 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
    • A47L2501/00—Output in controlling method of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, i.e. quantities or components controlled, or actions performed by the controlling device executing the controlling method
    • A47L2501/05—Drain or recirculation pump, e.g. regulation of the pump rotational speed or flow direction
    • 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
    • A47L2501/00—Output in controlling method of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, i.e. quantities or components controlled, or actions performed by the controlling device executing the controlling method
    • A47L2501/20—Spray nozzles or spray arms
    • 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
    • A47L2501/00—Output in controlling method of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, i.e. quantities or components controlled, or actions performed by the controlling device executing the controlling method
    • A47L2501/26—Indication or alarm to the controlling device or to the user

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a dishwasher comprising a working chamber and a sensor according to the preamble of claim 1 .
  • a dishwasher of this kind is described, for example, in DE 10034546 A1.
  • the interior of a dishwasher is monitored by means of one or more radar sensors using the Doppler effect.
  • This sensor system is very complicated and accordingly costly. Furthermore, it has not been possible to realize technically problem-free functioning of a dishwasher of this kind to date.
  • the object of the invention is to propose a dishwasher having improved program control, proceeding from a dishwasher according to the preamble of claim 1 .
  • a dishwasher according to the invention comprising a sensor unit for identifying a spray arm movement in the working chamber is distinguished in that said sensor unit comprises at least one infrared transmitter and/or one infrared receiver.
  • This sensor unit is at least partially in the housing of the apparatus which is designed as an insert part and serves to supply and meter a working substance, such as a detergent, rinse aid etc.
  • a sensor unit according to the invention can be used to check program sequences during operation. In particular, it is therefore possible to detect whether the spray arm and/or which spray arm is rotating properly or is malfunctioning.
  • infrared light allows reliable detection, in particular of the movement of the spray arm, largely without problems under the environmental conditions in the working chamber of a dishwashing machine during operation.
  • Spray arms which are at a relatively large distance from the sensor unit or in an unfavorable position, for example in respect of the angular orientation, can also be detected owing to the large range of an infrared beam.
  • the functional principle of the sensor unit is based on infrared light being emitted by an infrared transmitter, being reflected in the working chamber and being detected again by an infrared receiver.
  • an infrared beam for example, can be reflected to the receiver by means of a reflector which is located in a stationary manner in the working chamber of the machine, wherein changes in the IR beam, for example in the intensity, which are induced by a rotating spray arm, a component which is fastened to the spray arm or by a jet of water or washing solution from the spray arm can be detected.
  • the stationary reflector used can be a separate component or a component which is present in any case, for example a region of the wall of the working chamber.
  • a beam which is emitted by the IR transmitter is reflected into the receiver by the rotating spray arm or an element which is connected to said spray arm, for example a region of the spray arm wall, a separate reflector element which is fastened to the spray arm, a jet of water or washing solution from a spray arm nozzle etc.
  • the reflections and/or changes in reflections are to be detected in a significant manner in particular when they take place in the vicinity of the transmitter and/or receiver, for example by a spray arm or jet of water rotating directly past the transmitter/and or receiver.
  • reliably detectable reflection of the infrared light is ensured in that at least one spray arm nozzle is oriented in such a way that the jet of water or the jet of washing solution at least partially crosses the beam path of the infrared light.
  • the reflections desired according to the invention can be created by the water or the washing solution in this case.
  • the beam path of the infrared light is preferably formed, for example by additional optical elements, such that a focal point or at least one focusing zone is produced which is struck by said jet of water or washing solution.
  • the desired reflection is created by the spray arm itself.
  • the arrangement and surface design of the spray arm can be provided in a corresponding manner.
  • a spray arm can have, at least in regions, a coating which is highly reflective to infrared light.
  • the beam path of the infrared light and the position of the spray arm relative to one another can be arranged in such a way that the spray arm crosses the beam path at least by way of its reflection zone.
  • a beam path which has a focal point or at least one focusing zone through which the spray arm is passed by way of its reflection zone can advantageously also be used in this embodiment.
  • the spray arm is equipped with a special reflector for infrared light.
  • Reflectors of this kind can be formed by mirror surfaces and/or by refraction of light, possibly with the additional use of optical elements, so that incident infrared light is reflected in a targeted manner. In the visible range, reflectors of this kind are also known by the term “cat's eye” or “Luneburg lens”.
  • a reflection angle can also be provided in particular, which reflection angle takes into account the relative arrangement of the infrared receiver in relation to the infrared transmitter.
  • the housing of the metering apparatus which housing contains the sensor unit, is advantageously of water-tight design.
  • accommodating the sensor unit in the housing of the metering apparatus which is present in any case makes it easier to arrange it in the interior of the working chamber of the warewasher.
  • the housing is already of water- and washing solution-tight design in the case of the known metering apparatuses. All of the electrical control elements, even for the metering apparatus, which are located in the interior of the dishwashing machine door are already protected against the water or the dishwashing solution by the design of the housing according to the prior art.
  • a sensor unit can advantageously be accommodated within a metering apparatus of this kind without relatively major sealing problems, for which reason an infrared-permeable window, for example, is provided in the housing.
  • a window of this kind can be realized in a simple manner by appropriate seals or else by a fixed connection, for example by welding or adhesive bonding, to the housing wall of the metering apparatus in a reliably sealed-off manner.
  • the additional arrangement of guide elements is further provided in order to keep water which is running off away from the beam path of the infrared light after passing through the spray arm.
  • Water which is running down could cause reflections which produce undesired interference signals.
  • guide elements for example in the form of a canopy above the outlet of the infrared light from the housing, for example above a passage window, it is possible to ensure that water which is running down is guided laterally around said outlet.
  • guide elements of this kind are provided on the inner wall of the working chamber, as a result of which the entire that here apparatus is protected against water which is running down, as is the infrared beam path.
  • the sensor unit in particular the infrared transmitter and/or receiver, is preferably arranged in such a way that it is not situated directly in a jet of water or washing solution from a spray arm nozzle. Interference signals due to undesired reflections are also avoided as a result.
  • the time sequence of the sensor signal is detected and an evaluation unit is provided in order to detect the periodicity or frequency of the sensor signal which is induced by the rotating spray arm.
  • the signal is a periodic or frequency-dependent signal. Therefore, owing to the time detection of the sensor signals with subsequent evaluation in an electronic evaluation unit, selective evaluation for periodic signals can therefore be performed. On account of this measure, virtually all non-periodically occurring interference signals are already filtered or suppressed.
  • the rotation speed or speed of the spray arm can then be determined. if no periodic signal can be detected, this is a sign of a stationary spray arm, but at least of a non-freely rotating spray arm.
  • this can be, for example, displayed to an operator or else an intervention in the control of the program sequence can be made.
  • an analog evaluation circuit is provided in order to detect the periodicity or frequency of the sensor signal which is induced by the rotating spray arm.
  • a circuit of this kind can be realized, for example, using a so-called PPL (phase lock loop). Therefore, an oscillating input signal can be compared with the sensor signal in a comparator or differential amplifier and changes in the output voltage can be used to draw conclusions about proper rotation of a spray arm. Even if digital components are technically readily available for evaluating a sensor signal according to the invention, the use of an analog circuit may provide the technically more advantageous solution from cost points of view given appropriate numbers. The combination of an analog circuit with a digital evaluation arrangement, which intervenes only given a faulty output voltage of the analog circuit for example, would also be conceivable.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross section through a warewasher comprising a spray arm
  • FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the inside of the door of a 8 warewasher
  • FIG. 3 is an illustration of a metering apparatus
  • FIG. 4 shows an example of a sensor signal which can be measured by means of an infrared transmitter and/or infrared receiver.
  • FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the warewasher 1 comprising a dishwashing chamber 2 in section.
  • dish racks 3 , 4 are located in the dishwashing chamber 2 , a spray arm 5 , 6 being arranged in a rotatable manner beneath each of said dish racks.
  • a warewasher door 7 is fitted to the front side in a rotatable manner, as is indicated by a rotation axis 8 .
  • a metering apparatus 9 for adding dishwashing agent is located in the warewasher door 7 .
  • a sump container 10 is located in the base of the warewasher 1 , said sump container containing, for example, the customary filters and the water outlet.
  • FIG. 2 shows the arrangement of an infrared sensor unit 11 in the metering apparatus 9 , which infrared sensor unit comprises an infrared transmitter 12 and an infrared receiver 13 .
  • the metering apparatus 9 is inserted into the warewasher door 7 , as already described with reference to FIG. 1 .
  • the metering apparatus 9 comprises, in a customary manner, a flap 14 for closing a dishwashing agent chamber, an outflow opening 15 for metering rinse aid, and an inspection window 16 and a refilling opening 17 for the rinse aid.
  • the evaluation and control unit can also be arranged in the interior of the warewasher door, as indicated in FIG. 1 . At the location of the evaluation and control unit 18 indicated in FIG. 1 , said evaluation and control unit can be connected directly to the displays, buttons and other operator control elements required to operate the machine.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a metering apparatus for installation into a warewasher door according to the invention, wherein a storage means 1 for receiving detergent is provided. This detergent is supplied to the cleaning chamber for the dishes in a controlled manner during the cleaning phase of the dishwasher. In the process, a cover 2 is opened, so that the detergent can run out or be washed out of the storage means 1 .
  • a roof-like projection 20 serves as a guide element in order to deflect water or washing solution which is running down.
  • the infrared sensor unit 11 is installed, for example, at the edge of the housing 19 of the metering apparatus
  • FIG. 4 illustrates, by way of example, a time sequence of an infrared sensor signal.
  • the horizontal axis of the graph shows the time t, while the vertical axis illustrates the intensity I.
  • the sensor signal S exhibits different peaks P 1 to P 5 which are each arranged periodically as a function of time.
  • the respective time points t 1 to t 5 are marked by corresponding arrows.
  • the graph according to FIG. 4 shows, by way of example, two further peaks S 1 and S 2 which constitute interference signals which can be caused, for example, by undesired reflections at dripping water or the like.
  • interference peaks S 1 and S 2 can be identified and eliminated by suitable evaluation by means of the evaluation unit 18 .
  • This evaluation can be configured, for example, in such a way that only periodically recurring signals P 1 to P 5 are perceived as real sensor signals, non-periodic signals however being perceived as interference signals.
  • Another way of identifying the interference signals involves, for example, integrating the corresponding signal peaks with respect to time, as a result of which the area which is covered by the peaks is mathematically determined. Since an integral value is to be expected within a specific interval given regular sensor signals, other signals, such as the linear interference signals S 1 and S 2 for example, can be identified and ruled out in this way.
  • thio can be displayed to the operator in a display.
  • the warewasher according to the invention can also be controlled depending on the sensor signal.
  • the quantity of water and/or the pump pressure can be varied.
  • Nozzles which are controllable in respect of the orientation of the jet and/or shape of the jet are also optionally conceivable.

Landscapes

  • Washing And Drying Of Tableware (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analysing Materials By Optical Means (AREA)
  • Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)
US15/643,419 2016-07-07 2017-07-06 Dishwasher comprising a sensor unit for determining a rotation movement of a spray arm Abandoned US20180008118A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102016112442.7A DE102016112442A1 (de) 2016-07-07 2016-07-07 Geschirrspüler mit Sensoreinheit zur Bestimmung einer Drehbewegung eines Sprüharms
DE102016112442.7 2016-07-07

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20180008118A1 true US20180008118A1 (en) 2018-01-11

Family

ID=59258036

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US15/643,419 Abandoned US20180008118A1 (en) 2016-07-07 2017-07-06 Dishwasher comprising a sensor unit for determining a rotation movement of a spray arm

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US20180008118A1 (de)
EP (1) EP3266360B1 (de)
CN (1) CN107581990A (de)
DE (1) DE102016112442A1 (de)
PL (1) PL3266360T3 (de)
WO (1) WO2018007533A1 (de)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11022757B1 (en) 2019-11-26 2021-06-01 Cisco Technology, Inc. Using an anti-reflection coating with a grating coupler
WO2022114372A1 (ko) * 2020-11-25 2022-06-02 엘지전자 주식회사 센서 고정 부재 및 센서 고정 부재를 포함하는 식기 세척기

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN110432846A (zh) * 2018-05-04 2019-11-12 青岛海尔洗碗机有限公司 一种中喷淋洗碗机的喷淋结构及具有该结构的洗碗机
CN110693426A (zh) * 2018-07-09 2020-01-17 青岛海尔洗碗机有限公司 一种洗碗机的喷淋装置

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE50009231D1 (de) 1999-07-15 2005-02-17 Aweco Appliance Sys Gmbh & Co Geschirrspülmaschine
DE102009044960A1 (de) * 2009-09-24 2011-03-31 Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa Verfahren und System zur Detektion der Rotation eines Sprüharms in einer Geschirrspülmaschine

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11022757B1 (en) 2019-11-26 2021-06-01 Cisco Technology, Inc. Using an anti-reflection coating with a grating coupler
WO2022114372A1 (ko) * 2020-11-25 2022-06-02 엘지전자 주식회사 센서 고정 부재 및 센서 고정 부재를 포함하는 식기 세척기
US20230414057A1 (en) * 2020-11-25 2023-12-28 Lg Electronics Inc. Sensor fixing member and dishwasher comprising sensor fixing member

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3266360B1 (de) 2022-08-10
PL3266360T3 (pl) 2022-11-28
WO2018007533A1 (de) 2018-01-11
CN107581990A (zh) 2018-01-16
DE102016112442A1 (de) 2018-01-11
EP3266360A1 (de) 2018-01-10

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