阅读说明：本技术 具有光学装置和照明装置的洗碗机 (Dishwasher with an optical device and an illumination device ) 是由 L·瑟尔吉 于 2020-03-27 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种洗碗机,其包括：泵,其能够连接到主干管入水口以从主干管汲取水；洗涤区,其与泵流体连通,洗涤区由多个壁限定；门,其被构造成在关闭构造和打开构造之间切换；一个或多个照明、消毒和图像获取复合体,其包括：照明装置,其面对洗涤区并具有被构造为发射可见光谱中的辐射的第一光源和被构造为发射紫外线光谱中的辐射的第二光源；光学装置,其面对洗涤区并被构造为获取洗涤区的数字图像；洗碗机包括控制单元,其被设置成与一个或多个照明、消毒和图像获取复合体进行信号通信,以控制复合体。洗涤区的多个壁中的一个或多个壁在壁的厚度内包括被构造成容纳一个或多个照明、消毒和图像获取复合体的座。(The present invention relates to a dishwasher, comprising: a pump connectable to the main pipe water inlet to draw water from the main pipe; a wash zone in fluid communication with the pump, the wash zone defined by a plurality of walls; a door configured to switch between a closed configuration and an open configuration; one or more illumination, disinfection, and image acquisition complexes comprising: an illumination device facing the washing zone and having a first light source configured to emit radiation in the visible spectrum and a second light source configured to emit radiation in the ultraviolet spectrum; an optical device facing the washing zone and configured to acquire a digital image of the washing zone; the dishwasher includes a control unit arranged in signal communication with one or more of the illumination, disinfection and image acquisition complexes to control the complexes. One or more of the plurality of walls of the washing zone includes a seat within the thickness of the wall configured to accommodate one or more of the illumination, disinfection, and image acquisition complexes.)

1. A dishwasher (1), comprising:

-a pump (12) connectable to a main pipe water inlet to draw water from the main pipe;

-a washing zone (2) in fluid communication with said pump (12), said washing zone (2) being defined by a plurality of walls (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E);

-a door (3) configured to switch between a closed configuration, in which it blocks access to the washing zone (2), and at least one open configuration, in which it allows access to the washing zone (2);

-one or more illumination, disinfection and image acquisition complexes (8) comprising:

-a lighting device (82) facing the washing zone (2) and having a first light source (83) configured to emit radiation in the visible spectrum and a second light source (84) configured to emit radiation in the ultraviolet spectrum;

-an optical device (81) facing said washing zone (2) and configured to acquire a digital image (J) of said washing zone (2);

a control unit (4) arranged in signal communication with one or more illumination, disinfection and image acquisition complexes (8) to control the one or more illumination, disinfection and image acquisition complexes (8),

characterized in that one or more of the walls (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E) of the washing zone (2) comprise, within the thickness of said wall, a seat (2F) configured to house one or more of said illumination, disinfection and image acquisition complexes (8).

2. A dishwasher (1) as in claim 1, characterized by the first light source (83) associated with a respective optical device (81) and the second light source (84) adjacent to and integrated with the first light source (83).

3. A dishwasher (1) as in claim 1, characterized by the control unit (4) being configured to send an activation signal (A) for activating the first light source (83) and/or the second light source (84), the control unit (4) further being configured to send a deactivation signal (D) for deactivating the first light source (83) and/or the second light source (84) after a predetermined time interval has elapsed from activation.

4. A dishwasher (1) as in claim 1, further comprising a sensor member (11) in signal communication with the control unit (4) and associated with the door (3) to detect a position (X) and/or a movement (M) of the door (3), the sensor member (11) being configured to emit a first signal (S1) when the door (3) switches from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the control unit (4) being configured to receive the first signal (S1) from the sensor member (11) and to activate the first light source (83).

5. A dishwasher (1) as in claim 4, characterized by the door (3) being positionable in an access configuration close to the washing zone (2), the sensor member (11) being configured to emit a second signal (S2) when the door (3) is in the access configuration.

6. A dishwasher (1) as in claim 5, characterized by the control unit (4) being configured to receive the second signal (S2) from the sensor component (11) and to deactivate the first light source (83).

7. A dishwasher (1) as in claim 4, characterized by the sensor component (11) which is configured to detect a change in the position and/or speed of movement of the door (3).

8. A dishwasher (1) as in claim 1, characterized by the control unit (4) which is configured to activate the second light source (84) when the door (3) is in the closed configuration.

9. A dishwasher (1) as in claim 1, characterized by the control unit (4) which is configured to activate the second light source (84) before and/or outside a washing cycle when the door (3) is in the closed configuration.

Technical Field

The invention relates to a dishwasher with an optical device provided with an integrated lighting device.

The dishwasher according to the invention is effectively used in a domestic environment, but may also be used in an environment such as a bar or restaurant.

Background

Disclosure of Invention

In this case, the technical purpose underlying the present invention is to propose a dishwasher which eliminates the drawbacks of the prior art as described above.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher which is capable of allowing the disinfection of microorganisms which normally accumulate in the washing zone.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher which is convenient for a user during the configuration of dishes to make the dishes more visible.

The defined technical task and the specified objects are substantially achieved by a dishwasher: the dishwasher comprises the technical features of one or more of the appended claims.

THE ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The dishwasher solves the technical problem in that it comprises an illumination device which is capable of illuminating the washing zone with visible or ultraviolet radiation. In particular, visible radiation allows the user to better see the dishware, while ultraviolet radiation has a germicidal effect.

Thanks to the lighting device according to the invention, it is possible to illuminate the washing zone with visible radiation to check the condition of the dishes and to load the dishwasher more easily without having to turn on the lights.

Thanks to the lighting device according to the invention, it is also possible to illuminate the washing zone with ultraviolet radiation in order to disinfect and sterilize the washing zone and the dishes against the accumulation of pathogenic microorganisms.

Thanks to the invention it is possible to have a seat in the wall of the washing tank, inside which a single integrated device is stored, having an optical device and two light sources.

Furthermore, thanks to the invention, it is possible to make a dishwasher in which the same lighting device has a first light source for illuminating the washing tub (during a cycle or when the door is open) and a second light source for disinfection.

Finally, the dishwasher with the optical device and the associated lighting device is simpler and cheaper to produce.

Drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the approximate, and not limiting, description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a dishwasher with optical and lighting means, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

figure 1 shows a front perspective view of a built-in dishwasher with some parts removed to better show other parts;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the dishwasher of FIG. 1, without showing some parts of the dishwasher and the dishes;

figure 3 shows a detailed view of the washing zone of the dishwasher of figure 1;

figure 3A shows a schematic view of a detail of the dishwasher of figure 1;

figure 4 is a sectional view taken along the line V-V of figure 3;

figure 5 shows a schematic view of the operation of the dishwasher according to the invention.

Detailed Description

Individual features described with reference to particular embodiments must be considered as auxiliary and/or interchangeable with other features described with reference to other embodiments, even if not explicitly highlighted.

Referring to the drawings, reference numeral 1 denotes a dishwasher according to the present invention. The dishwasher 1 may be of the type built into a kitchen unit, for example, and is shown without a finishing panel for a better understanding of the interior volume.

The dishwasher 1 comprises a washing zone 2 and a door 3.

The washing zone 2 defines a volume in which the dishes S are disposed.

In the following description, the term dishes S refer to, for example, plates, cutlery, glassware, pots, etc.

The dishwasher 1 identifies a base 1A, the base 1A being generally dedicated to housing the necessary mechanisms/devices for performing the primary operation of the dishwasher 1.

The washing zone 2 is defined by a plurality of walls, such as a bottom wall 2A, side walls 2B and 2C, a top wall 2D and a bottom wall 2E, and identifies an upper portion 2' and a lower portion 2 ".

The term up/down must be understood in view of the correct installation and use conditions of the dishwasher 1. In this case, the term upper refers to a portion farther from the base 1A, and the term lower refers to a portion closer to the base 1A.

The door 3 can be activated by the user's hand and/or by means of an electric servomechanism and has the purpose of closing the washing zone 2 airtight, thus preventing any loss of washing liquid during the execution of the washing cycle.

In particular, door 3 is configured to switch between a closed configuration, in which it prevents access to washing zone 2, and at least an open configuration; in the open configuration, the door allows access to the washing zone 2.

In the dishwasher 1 according to the invention, the door 3 can also be positioned in a further access configuration, wherein the door 3 is located in the vicinity of the washing zone 2. In other words, when the door 3 is in the access configuration, the door 3 is open but access to the washing zone 2 is prevented.

The dishwasher further comprises one or more impellers 5. The impeller 5 is of a type known per se and will therefore not be described. It is worth emphasizing here that one or preferably two impellers may be arranged in the washing zone 2. In particular, a first impeller is placed in the lower region 2' close to the base 1A, and another impeller is placed in the upper region 2 ", preferably in the lower part of the upper region.

According to a technique known in the prior art and therefore not described, in the lower zone 2' and/or in the upper zone 2 ″ there is arranged a respective cutlery holding basket 21, the cutlery holding basket 21 having the function of accommodating various cutlery S.

The term cutlery holding basket 21 refers to any device and/or accessory dedicated to positioning and therefore suitable for supporting the cutlery S.

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

The dishwasher 1 comprises a dispenser 6, the dispenser 6 being snug (conformed) so as to define a suitable volume for containing the product or detergent required for cleaning the dishes S.

For example, these detergents may be powder, tablet or tablet detergents, but also liquid/gel detergents.

Such a dispenser 6 may comprise one or more compartments, each for receiving a particular washing product.

According to one aspect, also with reference to fig. 1, the dispenser 6 is located at the door 3 at a predetermined height, in particular on the side facing the washing zone 2. More particularly, the dispenser 6 is housed within the thickness of the door 3.

The dishwasher 1 comprises a pump 12, for example arranged in the base 1A. According to techniques known to those skilled in the art and therefore not illustrated, the pump 12 may be connected to a main water pipe inlet (mains water inlet) to draw the water required for the wash cycle from the main pipe.

Wash zone 2 is in fluid communication with pump 12. In particular, the task of the pump 12 is to cause the water to flow into the impeller 5 arranged inside the washing zone.

Dishwasher 1 comprises one or more optical devices 81 facing washing zone 2. The optical means 81 are designed to acquire a digital image J of the washing zone 2. Such an image J may be a fixed and/or continuous two-dimensional digital image in case of a predetermined shooting speed, such as a single frame, or a burst of images J or an uninterrupted stream of images J. Advantageously, data can be obtained from the acquired images J in a manner to determine some parameters, such as the load of the dishes S, to optimize the washing cycle and reduce consumption.

The optical device 81 is embodied, for example, as a camera and/or a video camera. Such devices are known in the art and will therefore not be described in detail in this specification.

The dishwasher 1 further comprises one or more lighting devices 82. One or more illumination devices 82 face washing zone 2 and are configured to illuminate washing zone 2 with visible or ultraviolet light.

Specifically, each lighting device 82 includes at least:

a first light source 83 configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum, and/or

A second light source 84 configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet spectrum.

Advantageously, in this way it is possible to illuminate the washing zone 2 with visible radiation, so that the user observes the dishes S.

Alternatively or jointly, it is also possible to illuminate the washing zone 2 with ultraviolet radiation in order to better clean the dishes S or the washing zone 2 itself.

For example, the first light source 83 includes one or more LED light sources each capable of emitting bright light of visible light in a power range between several watts and several tens of watts (preferably in a power range between 5W and 40W).

For example, the second light source 84 is implemented by an LED light source.

Preferably, the second light source 84 is configured to emit ultraviolet radiation in the short ultraviolet band. The radiation has a substantial bactericidal effect. Advantageously, the washing zone 2 can be disinfected against pathogenic microorganisms resulting from the accumulation of the dirt of the dishes S, thus eliminating the unpleasant smell caused by the microorganisms.

It is worth emphasizing that in the dishwasher 1 according to the preferred embodiment it comprises at least one light source 83, 84 associated with the respective optical device 81.

Preferably, the first light sources 83 are associated with respective optical means 81. In particular, the first light sources 83 are integrated with the respective optical means 81.

In addition, the second light source 84 is adjacent to the first light source 83. The first light source 83 and the second light source 84 form together with the optical means 81 the illumination, disinfection and image acquisition complex 8.

Preferably, the second light source 84 is associated with the first light source 83. In other words, the second light source 84 is integrated with the first light source 83.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the composite body 8 is a single integrated device, wherein the illumination device 82 comprising the first light source 83 and the second light source 84 integrated together is associated with the optical device 81.

Advantageously, the integration of the lighting device 82 with the optical device 81 allows to optimize the space occupied in the dishwasher 1.

Preferably, the dishwasher according to the invention comprises two or more complexes 8.

In more detail, each wall 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D and/or 2E of the washing zone 2 can house within its thickness one or more of the above-mentioned complexes 8. For this purpose, a seat 2F is provided for each complex 8, seat 2F being obtained in the thickness of one of the four side walls 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D. In this seat 2F, all the electrical and electronic components necessary for the operation of the complex 8 are provided.

The seat 2F defines a suitable volume for housing the respective complex 8.

Preferably, in order to protect the light sources 83, 84 and the optics of the optical device 81 from water, dirt or impact, the composite body 8 comprises a covering panel 8A.

In particular, the covering panel 8A is transparent to both visible and ultraviolet light. The covering panel is made, for example, of glass, quartz, PMMA or other plastic, or of a material with similar technical properties.

The covering panel 8A is preferably configured to be substantially flush with the surface of the wall 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D or 2E or to protrude slightly from the surface of the wall 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D or 2E.

In the embodiment, provision is made for the seat 2F, in which the optical device 81 and the lighting device 82 are arranged, to be made waterproof, for example by using a sealing technique.

It should be noted that the illumination device 82 has an illumination field 8B, the illumination field 8B allowing to illuminate the area of the dishes S and/or the washing zone 2 falling within the illumination field 8B. According to a preferred embodiment, dishwasher 1 comprises two or more lighting devices 82, lighting devices 82 being in particular integrated in respective complexes 8 and positioned in diametrically opposite points of washing zone 2. Advantageously, the washing zone 2 can be illuminated more efficiently.

The dishwasher 1 comprises a control unit 4, for example arranged in the thickness of the door 3. The control unit 4 is provided with an electronic card on which the usual electrical and electronic devices are present. The control unit 4 is configured to control and monitor the operational functions of the dishwasher 1.

In the context of this description, the control unit 4 will be divided into a plurality of functional modules. This is done for clarity, but does not necessarily reflect the implementation of the control unit 4. A module may actually comprise one or more hardware components and/or one or more software programs. The control unit 4 may be implemented on local hardware, in one or more virtual machines, and/or may be distributed over one or more devices connected in a network via a cable or wireless connection.

With particular reference to fig. 5, the control unit 4 comprises a storage module 41 and/or an acquisition module 42 and/or a processing module 43 and/or an activation module 44. The control unit 4 also comprises a series of I/O ports (not shown in the drawings) for receiving and outputting data.

At least one cleaning program P is permanently stored in a portion of the memory module 41. The cleaning process P is the result of a combination of one or more of the following parameters:

-duration of the washing/drying step;

-the pressure of the washing pump;

-temperature of the washing and drying steps;

-use of a water softening system;

-the amount of detergent dispensed.

The program P may also include other parameters not indicated here for simplicity of illustration. The control unit 4 controls various components adapted to perform a washing cycle according to the selected cleaning program P.

Furthermore, as will be explained in detail in a later part of the description, the control unit 4 is arranged to be in signal communication with the complex 8, in particular through an I/O port, to control both the optical means 81 and the illumination means 82, thereby controlling the light sources 83 and 84.

In particular, as mentioned above, the acquisition module 42 is designed to receive one or more images J acquired by the optical means 81. The processing module 43 processes the image J in order to obtain data to be compared with data pre-stored in the storage module 41. Accordingly, the activation module 44 acts on various parameters of the cleaning program P. For example, the activation module 44 regulates the flow rate F of the pump 12.

The control unit 4 is further arranged in signal communication with the lighting arrangement 82 for controlling the lighting arrangement 82. Advantageously, a single control unit 4 may be used to control both the optical device 81 and the illumination device 82.

The lighting program L is stored in a part of the memory module 41 of the control unit 4. In more detail, the control unit 4 is configured to send an activation signal a for activating the first light source 83 and/or the second light source 84. The control unit 4 is further configured to send a deactivation signal D for deactivating the first light source 83 and/or the second light source 84, for example after a predetermined time interval has elapsed since activation.

The dishwasher 1 according to the present invention comprises a sensor component 11 associated with the door 3 and in signal communication with the control unit 4.

These sensor members 11 are configured to detect the position X and/or the movement M of the door 3.

According to an embodiment, the sensor component 11 comprises a first sensor 111 configured to detect the position X of the door 3 and/or a second sensor 112 configured to detect the movement M of the door 3. The first sensor 111 and the second sensor 112 are configured to send data to the control unit 4.

The first sensor 111 may be, for example, a switch capable of defining the open/close state of the door 3.

The second sensor 112 may be, for example, a gyroscope or an accelerometer and is therefore configured to detect the movement M of the door 3, for example, by a change in the position X and/or the velocity of the door 3.

In particular, the sensor means 11 are configured to emit a first signal S1 when the door 3 switches from the closed configuration to the open configuration. The control unit 4 is configured to receive the first signal S1 from the sensor component 11 and to activate the first light source 83 (i.e. a light source configured to emit visible radiation).

The sensor member 11 is configured to also emit a second signal S2 when the door 3 is in the access configuration. The control unit 4 is configured to receive the second signal S2 from the sensor component 11 and to deactivate the first light source 83.

Advantageously, the lamp remains off when dishwasher 1 is closed after completion of the washing cycle, and the user accesses door 3 without closing door 3.

The sensor means 11 are configured to emit a third signal S3 when the door 3 is in the closed configuration. The control unit 4 is configured to receive the third signal S3 from the sensor component 11 and to activate the second light source 84.

With particular reference to fig. 5, the acquisition module 42 of the control unit 4 is designed to receive the signals S1, S2, S3 emitted by the sensor member 11.

The processing module 43 processes the acquired data by comparing it with data pre-stored in the storage module 41.

Accordingly, the activation module 44 is configured to send the activation signal a or the deactivation signal D to the lighting device 83. In particular, the start module is configured to: the second light source 84 is turned on if the door 3 is in the closed configuration, the first light source 83 is turned on and/or the second light source 84 is turned off if the door 3 is in the open configuration, and the first light source 83 is turned off if the door 3 is in the access configuration.

In one embodiment, the dishwasher 1 according to the present invention may be provided with a plurality of sensors to detect the position X and/or the movement M of the door 3 in order to define the state of the door 3 in one of the open configuration, the closed configuration or the access configuration.

According to a preferred embodiment of the dishwasher 1, the control unit 4 is configured to activate said second light source 84 outside the washing cycle. Advantageously, this makes it possible to disinfect the washing zone 2 when the dishwasher 1 is empty (i.e. without dishes S).

Alternatively, the control unit 4 is configured to activate the second light source 84 during steps before and/or after the wash cycle.

According to an embodiment, the control unit 4 is configured to activate the second light source 84 outside the washing cycle and before and/or after the washing cycle. In this way, the dishes S, the washing zone 2 or both can be disinfected.

The dishwasher 1 comprises a user interface 9, i.e. a command and control interface, by means of which a user can control and manage the operation and functions of the dishwasher 1 itself.

To this end, the user interface 9 is in signal communication with the control unit 4 through its I/O port to receive data processed by the processing module 43 of the control unit itself.

In one embodiment, the user interface 9 is a screen 23 integrated in the dishwasher 1, such that the user can see the screen during normal use thereof and/or when a buzzer (not shown in the figures) is added.

According to one aspect, with reference to fig. 1, the user interface 9 is integrated into the door 3, so that the screen faces the washing zone 2 from the outside.

It is worth emphasizing that the screen 23 of the user interface 9 is configured to display luminous indications, text messages and/or single or consecutive images J. In particular, the image J that can be displayed on the screen can be the image J of the washing zone 2 and the related items arranged in the washing zone 2, acquired by the optical means 81.

In particular, the screen may be a touch-type (or touch-controllable) screen.

In another embodiment, the user interface 9 includes one or more analog buttons and/or a combination of analog/digital controls and a screen, for example, touch-sensitive.

The purpose of the buzzer of the user interface 9 is to report any operating condition or situation to the user by means of an acoustic signal.

In one embodiment, dishwasher 1 includes a radio transceiver device configured to create signal communication with a wired and/or wireless network. For example, the wireless network may be an internet protocol based network connected through Wi-Fi, or a WPAN (wireless personal area network) based on a bluetooth protocol.

In this assumption, the user interface 9 includes a software portion 26 that is installed on a portable device (i.e., transportable or graspable by a user's hand) 22, such as a smart phone, tablet, personal computer, or similar instrument, the portable device 22.

In other words, the user interface 9 comprises both the conventional control interface of the dishwasher 1 and the screen of the portable device 22.

In particular, the portable device 22 comprises its own radio transceiver device configured to establish signal communication with the radio transceiver device of the dishwasher 1.

According to one aspect, the portable device 22 is capable of communicating with the control unit 4 of the dishwasher 1 and can also be connected to one or more remote servers 24 via the internet (e.g. a mobile digital network) to perform archiving, saving and/or processing operations on the data on the image J acquired by the optical device 81.

Furthermore, according to embodiments, the user may create, eliminate or modify other cleaning programs P and/or lighting programs L through the user interface 9.

With particular reference to the lighting program L, for example, the user may adjust the lighting time interval, or temporarily deactivate the lighting device 82.

In other words, the portable device 22 is adapted to be connected directly to the dishwasher 1 and to the internet via a mobile data network. Thus, in this case, the system is configured to include the dishwasher 1 and the software portion 26 of the portable device 22 in signal communication with each other via a mobile data network, Wi-Fi connection and/or WPAN.

Obviously, a man skilled in the art will be able to make numerous equivalent modifications to the variants described above, without thereby abandoning the scope of protection as defined by the appended claims.