RU2776938C2 - Method for automatic assessment of purity degree of filtration system of dishwasher - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: household appliances.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to an automatic assessment of a purity degree of a filtration system of a dishwasher. A method for the automatic assessment of a purity degree of a filtration system of a dishwasher containing a washing zone having a zone of collection of a washing medium, in which a filter is located, contains: stage (11) of reception of first digital image (11A) characterizing the first state of the filter, stage (12) of digital processing of first digital image (11A) to obtain first processed image (11B), at which first processed image (11B) identifies the first surface value related to the surface area of a filter collection pallet in the first state, in which the filter is pure, stage (13) of reception of second digital image (13A) characterizing the second state of the filter, stage (14) of digital processing of second digital image (13A) to obtain second processed image (13B), at which second processed image (13B) identifies the second surface value related to the surface area of the contamination accumulation in the filter collection pallet in the second state, in which the filter contains the contamination accumulation, stage (15) of comparison of the second surface value with the first surface value to calculate percentage of clogging (OCL) of the filter during the transition from the first state to the second state, stage (16) of generation of signal (Sig) about the presence of contamination, indicating the presence of contamination accumulation in the filter, when percentage of clogging (OCL) of the specified filter exceeds the specified threshold value, stage (17) of generation of an audio and/or visual signal indicating the state of the blocked filter, when signal (Sig) about the presence of contamination is generated.

EFFECT: ensuring proper maintenance of a dishwasher, excluding deterioration of operational characteristics.

13 cl, 5 dwg

Description

The field of technology to which the invention belongs

The present invention relates to a method for automatically assessing the degree of cleanliness of a dishwasher filter system according to the introductory part of claim 1 of the claims.

The present description also relates to a dishwasher capable of implementing a method for automatically evaluating the degree of cleanliness of a dishwasher's filtration system according to the introductory part of claim 10 of the claims.

The present description also relates to a system consisting of a dishwasher and a portable device that can be held by a user, and is capable of implementing a method for automatically assessing the degree of cleanliness of a dishwasher filter system according to the introductory part of claim 13 of the claims.

State of the art

Dishwashers are known in the prior art which are equipped with optical devices, such as cameras, television cameras or video cameras, located in a fixed or movable position relative to the wash tank in order to check the weight of the dish or the degree of cleanliness of the dish.

For example, these machines are described in WO 2016008699 and US 2012/0138092. In addition, US 2013/032171 A1 describes a dishwasher comprising a washing area having a washing medium collection area in which a filter is located, and a method for automatically assessing the degree of cleanliness of the dishwasher's filtration system.

The use of the aforementioned dishwasher involves the user loading dishes into the washing area of the dishwasher and using a detergent.

Such a detergent is usually placed inside a dispenser, which is equipped with an appropriate door that opens automatically after the user closes the dishwasher door and starts a preselected washing program.

Dishwashers of a known type are equipped with a filter located at the bottom of the collection tray to ensure that the water is filtered during the wash and collection cycle and that dirt deposits are retained. In particular, the function of the filtration system located at the bottom of the dishwasher is to ensure that the water used in the washing circuit is filtered from waste and dirt to improve washing performance. Another function of the filter system is to prevent food residues or other objects from entering the sink and drain circuits of the dishwasher.

The Problem of the Prior Art

During use of the dishwasher, and in particular during the loading of dishes and/or subsequent wash cycles, deposits of dirt can accumulate in the filter system located inside the dishwasher. The presence of dirt accumulation in the filtration system leads to a significant deterioration in the performance of the dishwasher and, in the event of a complete blockage of the filter, to the impossibility of draining or suction of the washing water. Therefore, in the above state in which the filters are partially or completely clogged with impurities, maintenance is required by the user to clean the filter to remove the accumulation of impurities.

Disclosure of the essence of the invention

The object of the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art.

Another object of the present invention is to implement a method, a dishwasher and a system for evaluating the cleanliness of a dishwasher's filtration system to overcome the above-described problems of the prior art.

These tasks are solved using a method, a dishwasher and a system for automatically assessing the degree of cleanliness of the dishwasher filtration system according to paragraphs. 1, 10 and 13 of the following claims, respectively.

This problem is solved by the fact that the method for automatically assessing the degree of cleanliness of the dishwasher filtration system, which contains a washing zone having a washing medium collection zone in which the filter is located. Moreover, this method includes:

- the stage of obtaining the first digital image characterizing the first state of the specified filter,

- the step of digitally processing said first digital image to obtain a first processed image, in which said first processed image identifies a first surface value related to the surface area of the filter collection pan in the first state in which said filter is clean,

- the stage of obtaining a second digital image characterizing the second state of the specified filter,

- a digital processing step of said second digital image to obtain a second processed image, in which said second processed image identifies a second surface value related to the surface area of the accumulation of contaminants in the specified collecting pan of the specified filter in the second state, in which the specified filter contains the accumulation of contaminants,

- the step of comparing said second surface value with said first surface value to calculate the percentage clogging of said filter upon transition from said first state to said second state,

- the step of generating a signal about the presence of contamination, indicating the presence of accumulation of impurities in the specified filter, when the specified percentage value of clogging of the specified filter exceeds a predetermined threshold value,

- the step of generating an audible and/or visual signal indicating the state of the blocked filter, when the specified signal about the presence of contamination is generated.

According to particular embodiments, the method for automatically judging the degree of cleanliness of a dishwasher's filtration system has the following features.

Said step of comparing said second surface value with said first surface value comprises a sub-step of calculating the ratio of said second surface value and said first surface value to calculate said clogging percentage of said filter upon transition from said first state to said second state.

Said step of digitally processing said first digital image to obtain said first processed image comprises the sub-step of dividing said surface area of said collection tray into a first predetermined number of zones, each zone having a predetermined surface area value.

Said step of digitally processing said second digital image to obtain said second processed image comprises a sub-step of counting a second number of zones of said surface area of said collection pan occupied by said surface area of said dirt accumulation in said filter.

Said step of comparing said second surface value with said first surface value comprises a sub-step of calculating the ratio of said second number of zones and said first number of zones to calculate said percentage clogging of said filter upon transition from said first state to said second state.

Said digital processing step of said first digital image to obtain said first processed image comprises sub-steps:

- dividing said surface area of said filter into a first predetermined number of zones, each zone having a predetermined amount of surface area,

- calculating said first surface value by summing the surface areas of said first number of zones,

- the specified stage of digital processing of the specified second digital image to obtain the specified second processed image contains sub-steps:

- counting the second number of zones of the specified surface area of the specified collection tray occupied by the specified surface area of the specified accumulation of contaminants in the specified filter,

- calculating said second surface value by summing the values of the surface areas of said second number of zones.

Said first digital image is an indication of the first initial state of said filter before using said dishwasher, said method comprises the step of starting a washing cycle of said dishwasher, said second digital image is an indication of the second state of said filter after a given time interval following the specified start of said wash cycle.

Said step of generating a signal about the presence of pollution, characterizing the presence of accumulation of pollution in the specified filter, contains a sub-step of generating said signal about the presence of pollution, when the specified percentage value of clogging of the specified filter is greater than or equal to 10%.

This method involves iterative repetition during the washing cycle:

- the stage of obtaining a second digital image characterizing the specified second state of the filter after a predetermined time interval has elapsed from the start of the washing cycle of the specified dishwasher,

- the step of digitally processing said second digital image to obtain said second processed image,

- the step of comparing said second surface value with said first surface value to calculate said percentage plugging of said filter upon transition from said first state to said second state,

- the stage of generating a signal about the presence of pollution, characterizing the presence of accumulation of pollution in the specified filter, when the specified percentage value of clogging of the specified filter exceeds a predetermined threshold value,

- the step of generating said audible and/or visual signal indicative of the state of the blocked filter, when said signal of the presence of contamination is generated.

Said step of obtaining said first digital image characterizing said first state of said filter comprises sub-steps of storing said first digital image in a database of said dishwasher.

Said dishwasher comprises a user interface, and said step of generating said audible and/or visual signal comprises a sub-step of transmitting, via said user interface, said audible and/or visual signal indicative of a blocked filter state when said clogging signal is generated.

The problem is solved by the fact that the dishwasher contains a pump that can be connected to the inlet of the water supply network for suction of clean water from the water supply network, one or more impellers in fluid communication with such a pump, a washing zone having a cleaning medium collection zone located between the lower impeller and the base wall of said washing area, a filter located on the bottom wall of the washing medium collection area, and a door that can be connected in the closed state with said washing area, a control unit having a memory unit in one area of which a program is stored (P ) washer, a dispenser capable of dispensing detergent into said cleaning medium collection area, and one or more resistive means for varying the tap water temperature, one or more optical devices capable of obtaining digital images of said filter, and a user interface, wherein said one or several optical devices and the specified int The user interfaces are connected by sending signals to the specified control unit. It contains a program located in another area of the specified memory block and configured to implement a method for automatically assessing the degree of cleanliness of the dishwasher's filtration system, in accordance with any, including a particular case of the implementation of the method.

The dishwasher has the following special cases.

Said user interface is a screen built into said dishwasher, said screen being configured to display said blocked filter signal with light emitting indication, text messages and/or images.

Said dishwasher comprises a transceiver, and said user interface is a portable device having its own transceiver configured to communicate by sending signals to said transceiver of said dishwasher to receive data indicative of said blocked filter signal by means of a light emitting indication, text messages and/or images.

The task is achieved by the fact that the system for automatic assessment of the degree of cleanliness of the dishwasher filtration system contains:

- a dishwasher containing a pump that can be connected to the inlet of the water supply network for suction of clean water from the water supply network, one or more impellers in fluid communication with such a pump, a washing zone having a cleaning medium collection zone located between the lower impeller and the base wall of said washing area, a filter located on the lower wall of said washing medium collection area, and a door that can be connected in the closed state with said washing area, a control unit having a memory unit in one area of which the washing program (P) is stored , a dispenser for dispensing a detergent, and one or more resistive means for varying the temperature of tap water, one or more optical devices capable of obtaining digital images of the specified cleaning medium collection area, and a user interface, wherein said one or more optical devices and the specified user interface connected by direction signals with the specified control unit like the specified pump and transceiver device;

- a portable device that the user can hold by hand, having its own transceiver device, configured to communicate by sending signals with the specified transceiver device of the specified dishwasher, a screen configured to display light-emitting indication, text messages and / or images, and a memory unit .

The system contains a program located in the area of the memory block of the specified portable device that can be held by the user, and the specified program is configured to implement a method for automatically assessing the degree of cleanliness of the dishwasher filtration system, in accordance with any, including a particular case of the implementation of the method, and display on the specified interface and/or the specified screen of the specified portable device held by the user, the specified signal about the blocked filter using a light-emitting indication, text messages and/or images.

Benefits of the Invention

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method can be implemented that allows the user to be informed of the need for filter maintenance. This allows the user to perform proper maintenance of the dishwasher without degrading performance due to clogged filters.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to implement a method and corresponding dishwasher and a system consisting of a dishwasher and a device that can be carried by the user by hand, which allows:

- eliminate the increase in the noise level of the dishwasher;

- optimize washing performance and

- to ensure the cleaning of dishes from dirt and detergent

Brief description of the drawings

The characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of a possible practical embodiment, shown as a non-limiting example in the drawings, where:

fig. 1 diagram of the sequence of steps of the method according to the present invention;

fig. 2 is a perspective front view of a built-in type dishwasher without finishing panels, adapted to implement the method of FIG. one;

fig. 3 is a rear perspective view of the dishwasher of FIG. 2 without some dishwasher and utensil components;

fig. 4 is a detailed view of the dishwasher component of FIG. 2 and 3;

fig. 5 is a diagram of a system according to the present invention.

Implementation of the invention

Even implicit individual characteristics described with reference to specific embodiments should be considered as aids and/or characteristics interchangeable with other characteristics described with reference to other embodiments.

With reference to the attached figures 2, 3 and 4 pos. 1 denotes a dishwasher, for example a dishwasher built into a piece of kitchen furniture, shown without trim panels for a better understanding of the internal volumes.

Such a dishwasher 1 comprises a washing area 2 and a door 3 which, when closed, is connected to the washing area 2.

The dishwasher 1 has a base 1A, generally designed to accommodate the necessary mechanisms/devices in order to perform the basic operations of the machine 1.

Washing zone 2 limits the volume inside which the dishes S are located.

Specifically, the washing area 2 is defined by a plurality of walls such as base wall 2A, side walls 2B and 2C, top wall 2D and rear wall 2E, and defines an upper portion 2'' and a lower portion 2'.

The term "upper/lower" should be interpreted according to the correct installation and conditions of use of the dishwasher. In such a situation, the term "upper" refers to the part more distant from the base 1A, while the term "lower" refers to the part closer to the base 1A.

The door 3, which can be operated manually or by means of an electric servomotor, serves to hermetically close the washing zone 2 in order to prevent wastage of washing liquid during the washing program.

In the following description, the term "S" means, for example, a plate, cutlery, glass, saucepan, etc.

The impellers 5 are impellers of essentially a known type, so they will not be described. It should be noted that one or preferably two impellers 5 can be located in the sink zone 2. In particular, the lower impeller 5 is located in the lower zone 2' near the base 1A, and the upper impeller 5 is located in the upper zone 2'', preferably in lower part of the upper zone 2''.

The lower zone 2' of the washing zone 2 during operation of the dishwasher 1 defines a collection zone 2''' of the washing medium. In particular, such a cleaning medium collection area 2''' is located between the lower impeller 5 and the base wall 2A. With reference to FIG. 4, the cleaning medium collection area 2'''' is designed as a washing water collection tray, which is first cleaned during the suction of water from the water supply network at the beginning of the washing cycle and subsequently contaminated with residual dirt at the end of the washing cycle. However, it should be especially noted that residues of dirt can also be present during the suction of water from the water supply network at the beginning of the wash cycle in the form of residues of dirt from the previous wash cycle (s) preceding the current cycle.

The dishwasher 1 also includes a filter F, shown schematically in FIG. 4 and located on the lower wall of the washing medium collection area 2'''. The filter F contains a filter element F' for filtering the washing water and retaining the residual dirt and waste generated during the washing cycle. The filter F also includes a collection pan F'' which extends around the filter element F' and is designed to collect residues and accumulations of impurities that are retained by the filter element F'. It should be especially noted that the filter F must be manually washed periodically to remove the dirt and waste contained in the collection pan F''.

In the lower zone 2' and/or the upper zone 2'', a corresponding basket 21 with dish holders is installed, which is designed to hold various dishes S according to the methods known from the prior art, therefore, its description will not be given.

The term "basket 21 with dish holders" means a device and/or aids intended for their positioning and therefore suitable for supporting dishes S.

Such a basket and/or aids must correspond to the dimensions of the washing zone 2 of the dishwasher 1.

The dishwasher 1 includes a dispenser 6 configured to determine a suitable volume for accommodating products or detergents required for washing objects, in particular dishes S.

Such a dispenser 6 may contain one or more compartments, each of which is designed to accommodate a specific detergent product.

According to an embodiment, the dispenser 6 includes a door 7 which is movable 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 release of products from the respective compartments is excluded, while in the open position of the door 7, such washing products can be discharged from the moment when the door 3 is in the closed position and the washing program P is selected, with which dishwasher S.

In other words, the movement of the door 7 between the closed position and the open position is mechanically and/or electrically controlled by the control unit 4 based on the closing of the door 3 of the dishwasher 1.

According to the embodiment, and also with reference to FIG. 2 and 3, the dispenser 6 is located on the door 3, in particular on the side facing the washing area 2, at a predetermined height. In particular, the dispenser 6 is placed inside the door 3 along its thickness.

The dishwasher 1 includes a control unit 4, for example, located inside the door 3 along its thickness and equipped with a motherboard on which conventional electrical and electronic devices are placed, which may include a central processing unit, a group of input / output ports for receiving and issuing data to a storage device, the latter having a special area for permanent storage of at least one washing program.

The wash program P results from one or a combination of several of the following parameters:

- duration of the washing phase;

- washing pump pressure

- temperature at the stages of washing and drying;

- the volume of loaded water in liters.

The P program may also contain other parameters that are not listed for the sake of simplicity of description.

The control unit 4 is a unit for controlling and monitoring the operating functions of the dishwasher 1.

In an embodiment of the present invention, it is also provided that the storage device of the control unit 4 also permanently stores a database in which, by means of appropriate parameters, information is stored on the operating data collected by the sensors installed inside the dishwasher. Various sensors are described below, designed to collect the parameters of the dishwasher during its operation, for example, optical sensors.

In order to ensure the implementation of the selected washing program, the dishwasher 1 includes a pump, for example, located in the base 1A, which can be connected to the inlet of the water network according to methods known to the person skilled in the art, the description of which is not given.

Such a pump is controlled by a control unit 4 and serves to create a flow of water into the impellers 5 located in the washing area.

The dishwasher 1 contains one or more optical devices 8 capable of obtaining digital images of the washing zone 2.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the optics 8 are positioned so that their optics face the washing medium collection area 2''', which, as mentioned above, is located between the lower impeller 5 and the base wall 2A. In particular, the optics 8 are arranged in such a way that their optics face the filter and in particular the collection tray F'' and optionally also the filter element F'.

In particular, in each wall 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D and / or 2E of the washing zone 2, one or more of the above optical devices 8 can be placed along its thickness.

To this end, a socket is provided for each optical device 8 (not shown in the attached figures),

Said socket defines a usable volume for accommodating the corresponding optical device, and preferably a light-transmitting cover panel is provided to cover the optics of the optical device.

Such a cover panel is, for example, made of glass or plastic or materials having similar specifications.

The cover panel is preferably positioned substantially flush with or slightly protruding from the wall surface 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D and 2E.

According to a preferred embodiment, which is not shown in the attached figures, the optical devices 8 are placed inside respective sockets formed in the body of the dishwasher 1 in the cleaning medium collection area 2'''. Preferably, the cleaning medium collection area 2''' is shaped like a washing liquid collection tray which has a bottom wall and a side wall (or a series of side walls) that define a container for collecting liquids.

Preferably, the socket in which one or more respective optical devices 8 are placed is formed along the thickness of the side wall of the cleaning medium collection area 2''', so that the optical device 8 can scan the cleaning medium collection area 2''' transversely, and in particular , to obtain images of the collection tray F'' of the filter F. Accordingly, the cover panel 8A is substantially flush with the side wall of the cleaning medium collection area 2'''.

Each socket contains all the electrical and electronic components necessary for the operation of the optical device 8. This arrangement is advantageous in view of the fact that it allows the optical device 8 to frame the area 2''' of the collection of the washing medium and, in particular, the collection tray F '', throughout the wash cycle.

Preferably, the optical device 8 has an optical field of view which allows images of the cleaning medium collection area 2''' to be within such a predetermined field of view, and even more preferably, to be focused on the surface area of the collection pan F''.

The purpose of the optical devices 8 used in the dishwasher 1 is to obtain images that are fixed and/or sequential at predetermined capture rates, for example, a single photogram or a series of images or a continuous stream of images of the cleaning medium collection zone 2''', and , in particular the collection tray F'' of the filter F.

According to a preferred form, the optics 8 produce images of the filter F seen transversely from the side wall of the cleaning medium collection area 2''', so that the surface area of the collection pan F'' can be seen and clearly identified. Alternatively, or in combination with the previous embodiment, the optics 8 generate filter images F viewed from the top wall 2D so that the surface area of the collection pan F'' can be seen and clearly identified.

It should be noted that the above optical devices 8 create images of the collection area 2''' of the washing medium, and in particular of the collection tray F', throughout the entire washing cycle at predetermined time intervals or a predetermined frequency of imaging. Preferably, the optics are configured to take images of the collection tray F' at the end of each wash cycle.

Such optical devices 8 are in communication with the control unit 4 via input/output ports to send the received data to the control unit 4.

Such optical devices 8 are, for example, included in a still camera and/or video camera. Such devices are known in the art and are therefore not described in detail in the present invention.

However, it should be appreciated that in the present description, the camera and/or video camera that can be used in the dishwasher 1 is preferably capable of producing images with a capture time of less than a tenth of a second and meets the specifications that they can also operate in water, those. the camera and/or video camera conform to the IPx(1-8) standard.

Alternatively, or in combination with such specifications, it is provided that the socket in which the optical devices 8 are located is made in such a way that it is watertight, for example, as a result of the use of sealing methods.

The dishwasher 1 contains a user interface 9, i. e. a command interface through which the user can control and manage the operations and functions of the dishwasher itself.

To this end, the user interface 9 communicates with the control unit 4 via input/output ports to receive data processed by the central processor of the control unit 4 itself.

In an embodiment, the user interface 9 is a screen 23 built into the dishwasher 1 so that it is visible to the user during normal use and/or with the addition of a signaling device (not shown in the figure).

In an aspect with reference to FIG. 2 and 3, the user interface 9 is built into the door 3 so that the screen faces outwards from the washing area 2.

It should be appreciated that the screen 23 of the user interface 9 is configured to display light emitting indications, text messages and/or individual or continuous images. In particular, the images that can be displayed on the screen can be images of the washing zone 2 and the corresponding objects located therein, detected by the optical devices 8.

In particular, the screen may be of a touch type.

In another embodiment, the user interface 9 comprises one or more analog buttons and/or a combination of analog/digital controls and/or a combination of analog/digital controls and a screen, the latter being a touchscreen type.

The user interface signaling device 9 is used to inform the user about operating conditions and states by means of an audible signal.

In an embodiment, the dishwasher 1 includes a transceiver configured to communicate with a wired or wireless network. For example, the wireless network may be an Internet Protocol based network over a Wi-Fi connection or a WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network) over Bluetooth.

With reference to the above, the user interface 9 also includes a portable device (i.e., carried by the user manually) 22, such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, and the like).

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

In particular, the portable device 22 includes its own transceiver, configured to communicate with the transceiver of the dishwasher 1.

According to an embodiment, the portable device 22, capable of communicating with the control unit 4 of the dishwasher 1, can also be connected via the Internet, for example, via a GSM infrastructure, to one or more remote servers 24, in order to perform archiving, saving and/or processing operations with data on images obtained using optical devices 8.

In other words, the portable device 22 is capable of connecting both directly to the dishwasher 1 and to the Internet via the GSM infrastructure. In such a case, a system is provided comprising a dishwasher 1 and a portable device 22 communicating with each other via a GSM network, a Wi-Fi connection and/or a WPAN network.

It should be noted that the screen of the portable device 22 is configured to display light emitting indications, text messages and/or images received from optical devices 8.

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

According to an embodiment, the control unit 4 is in communication with a user interface 9 (whether it is an interface in the form of a specific screen of the dishwasher 1 only or a screen interface of the portable device 22) in order to be able to transmit information via the user interface 22 about the status of the blocked filter F and/or any modifications to be made to one or more wash parameters of the P wash program.

The term "one or more specified washing parameters of the washing program P" means in the present description any change in the parameters of the program P according to the identification of the state of the blocked filter F.

Below with reference to FIG. 1, a description is given of a method for automatically judging the degree of cleanliness of a filter system of a dishwasher 1, which comprises the step 11 of obtaining a first digital image of the DA indicative of a first state of the filter F in which the filter F is clean. Preferably, the step 11 of obtaining the first digital image is performed during manufacture and/or testing and/or initial arrangement of the dishwasher 1 to obtain the first digital image 11A of the filter F in the maximum frequency state.

This step 11 of obtaining the first digital image is performed by means of an optical device (devices 8) installed inside the washing zone 2. To this end, the control unit 4 monitors the step of obtaining the first digital image by controlling the optical device(s) 8.

The method comprises the step 12 of digitally processing the first digital image 11A to obtain the first processed image 11B, in which the first processed image 11B identifies the first surface value related to the surface area of the collection pan F'' of the filter F in the first state in which the filter F is clean.

The method comprises the step 13 of obtaining a second digital image 13A characterizing the second state of the filter F at the end of the washing cycle.

The method also comprises the step 14 of digitally processing the second digital image 13A to obtain a second processed image 13B, in which the second processed image 13B identifies a second surface value related to the surface area of possible accumulation of contaminants in the collection pan F'' of the filter F in the second state, in which , for example, the filter F contains the accumulation of contaminants.

For example, by comparison with the first surface value identified by the first processed image 11B, it is possible to calculate a second surface value related to the surface area of dirt accumulation in the collection pan F'' of the filter F in the second state at the end of the washing cycle. Specifically, the second surface value of the second processed image 13B can be calculated by subtracting the free surface area value of the collecting pan F'' from the first surface value, where the free surface area value is the portion of the surface of the second processed image 13B that does not contain dirt accumulation in the collecting pan. F'' filter F.

The method comprises the step 15 of comparing the second surface value with the first surface value in order to calculate the percentage plugging of the OCL of the filter F during the transition from the first state to the second state.

The method also comprises the step 16 of generating a contamination signal Sig indicative of the presence of contamination accumulation in the filter F when the percentage blockage OCL of the filter F exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

The method also comprises the step 17 of generating an audible and/or visual signal indicative of the state of the blocked filter when a contamination signal Sig is generated.

Preferably, the method also comprises the step 18 of interrupting the cleaning cycle or modifying the parameters of the cleaning program P of the dishwasher 1 when a soiling signal Sig is generated.

It should be appreciated that the steps of the method described below, namely the steps of image acquisition and processing, can be performed either directly by the CPU of the control unit 4 or, more preferably, by the CPU of the user's portable device also via an Internet connection to the CPUs of remote servers. used for data analysis and processing.

Preferably, the method also comprises the step of modifying the 17 cleaning parameters of the cleaning program P of the dishwasher 1 when a soiling signal Sig is generated.

According to a preferred solution, the step 15 of comparing the second surface value with the first surface value comprises a sub-step of calculating the ratio of the second surface value and the first surface value to calculate the percentage plugging of the OCL of the filter F from the first state to the second state.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the step 12 of digitally processing the first digital image 11A to obtain the first processed image 11B comprises the sub-step of dividing the surface area of the prefabricated pallet F'' into a first predetermined number of zones N. Each zone N has a predetermined surface area value. In other words, the surface area of the collecting tray F" is divided by a grid consisting of a first predetermined number of zones N. The step 14 of digital processing of the second digital image 13A to obtain the second processed image 13B comprises a sub-step of counting the second number of zones N of the surface area of the collecting tray F' ' occupied by the surface area of the accumulation of impurities in the filter F. The step 15 of comparing the second surface value with the first surface value comprises a sub-step of calculating the ratio of the second number of zones N and the first number of zones N to calculate the percentage plugging value of the OCL of the filter F when passing from the first state to the second state Preferably, the step 12 of digitally processing the first digital image 11A to obtain the first processed image 11B comprises the sub-steps:

dividing the filter surface area F into a first predetermined number of zones N, each zone N having a predetermined amount of surface area, and

- calculation of the first surface value, by summing the values of the surface areas of the first number of zones N.

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

- counting the second number of zones N of the surface area of the collection pan F'', occupied by the surface area of the accumulation of contaminants in the filter F, and

- calculating the second surface value by summing the values of the surface areas of the second number of zones N.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first digital image PA is indicative of the first initial state of the filter F before using the dishwasher 1. Preferably, the method comprises a washing cycle step of the dishwasher 1. In such a case, the second digital image 13A is indicative of the second state of the filter F after a predetermined interval has elapsed. the time following the start step of the wash cycle, and more preferably at the end of the wash cycle.

According to a preferred solution, the step 16 of generating a contamination signal Sig indicative of the presence of accumulation of contamination in the filter F comprises a sub-step of generating a contamination signal Sig when the percentage plugging OCL of the filter F is greater than or equal to 10%. In other words, a contamination signal Sig is generated when at least 10% of the surface area of the collection pan F'' of the filter F is occupied by waste or contamination accumulations.

In a preferred embodiment, the method is iteratively repeated during the wash cycle:

- step 13 of obtaining the second digital image 13A, characterizing the second state of the filter F after a predetermined time interval from the start of the washing cycle of the dishwasher 1,

- a digital processing step 14 of the second digital image 13A to obtain a second processed image 13B,

step 15 of comparing the second surface value with the first surface value to calculate the percentage plugging value of the OCL of the filter F during the transition from the first state to the second state,

- a step 16 for generating a pollution signal Sig indicative of the presence of pollution accumulation in the filter F, when the percentage blockage OCL of the filter F exceeds a predetermined threshold value,

- step 17 of generating an audible and/or visual signal indicative of the state of the blocked filter, when the signal Sig is generated indicating the presence of contamination.

According to the preferred solution, the step 11 of obtaining the first digital image PA, characterizing the first state of the filter F, contains the sub-steps of storing the first digital image 11A in the database of the dishwasher 1.

Preferably, the step 17 of generating an audible and/or visual signal comprises a sub-step of transmitting, via the user interface 9, an audible and/or visual signal indicative of the state of the blocked filter when a contamination signal Sig is generated.

Preferably, the method comprises the step of signaling, via the user interface 9, a blocked filter status when a contamination signal is generated and/or interrupting a wash cycle and/or a modification being performed on one or more parameters of the cleaning program P.

Advantageously, the method of the present invention makes it possible to detect the presence of impurities in the filter F of the dishwasher 1.

Also advantageously, the method makes it possible to interrupt the washing cycle or to modify one or more cleaning parameters of the cleaning program P as a function of the possible presence of impurities.

In particular, the cleanup parameters of the cleanup program, which can be modified based on the percentage clogging detected and the cycle time during which this value was detected, include one or a combination of several of the following parameters:

- the duration of the washing phase;

- washing pump pressure

- temperature at the stages of washing and drying;

- volume of loaded water in liters.

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

As has been shown, with the method and the dishwasher 1, it is possible to signal through the user interface 9 to identify a change in the operating state of the machine itself, to enable the machine to be restored to its installed state. This reduces the need to perform a predetermined wash of certain dishes and/or repeat the wash cycle with the subsequent supply of water, detergent, and also reduces energy costs.

It should be especially noted that in the absence of blockage of the filter F, the second processed image 13B will not have any image changes compared to the first processed image 11B. Meanwhile, if the filter F is clogged, a part of the surface area of the collection pan F'' will be occupied by the accumulation of impurities/waste, and therefore the state of "blocked filter" will be identified.

In another preferred embodiment, it is possible to create a "remove filter blockage" condition in the event that manual filter cleaning performed by the user removes all or substantially all previously detected blockages, resulting in a percent filter blockage less than a threshold value. In addition, in the same way, it is possible to generate a “clean filter” signal transmission when the percentage clogging of the filter is zero.

It is clear that a person skilled in the art, in order to meet additional specific requirements, can make numerous modifications to the above options, corresponding to the scope of protection established in the following claims.

Claims (42)

1. A method for automatically assessing the degree of cleanliness of a dishwasher filtration system (1), comprising a washing zone (2) having a washing medium collection zone (2''') in which the filter (F) is located, and this method is characterized in that it includes : - step (11) of obtaining the first digital image (11A) characterizing the first state of the specified filter (F), - step (12) of digital processing of said first digital image (11A) to obtain a first processed image (11B), in which said first processed image (11B) identifies the first surface value related to the surface area of the filter collection pan (F'') ( F) in the first state in which said filter (F) is clean, - step (13) of obtaining a second digital image (13A) characterizing the second state of the specified filter (F), - step (14) of digital processing of said second digital image (13A) to obtain a second processed image (13B), in which said second processed image (13B) identifies a second surface value related to the surface area of the accumulation of contaminants in said collection pan (F' ') the specified filter (F) in the second state, in which the specified filter (F) contains the accumulation of impurities, - step (15) comparing said second surface value with said first surface value to calculate the percentage clogging (OCL) of said filter (F) in the transition from said first state to said second state, - step (16) generating a signal (Sig) about the presence of contamination, indicating the presence of accumulation of impurities in the specified filter (F), when the specified percentage clogging (OCL) of the specified filter (F) exceeds a predetermined threshold value, - step (17) generating an audible and/or visual signal indicating the state of the blocked filter, when the specified signal (Sig) about the presence of contamination is generated. 2. The method according to claim 1, in which: - said step (15) of comparing said second surface value with said first surface value comprises a sub-step of calculating the ratio of said second surface value and said first surface value to calculate said percentage clogging (OCL) of said filter (F) upon transition from said first state to specified second state. 3. The method according to claim 1, in which: - said step (12) of digital processing of said first digital image (11A) to obtain said first processed image (11B) comprises a sub-step of dividing said surface area of said collection tray (F'') into a first predetermined number of zones (N), each zone (N) has a given amount of surface area, - said step (14) of digital processing of said second digital image (13A) to obtain said second processed image (13B) comprises a sub-step of counting the second number of zones (N) of said surface area of said collection tray (F'') occupied by said surface area of said accumulation of contaminants in the specified filter (F), - said step (15) of comparing said second surface value with said first surface value comprises a sub-step of calculating the ratio of said second number of zones (N) and said first number of zones (N) to calculate said percentage clogging (OCL) of said filter (F) at transition from said first state to said second state. 4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, in which: - said step (12) of digital processing of said first digital image (11A) to obtain said first processed image (11B) comprises sub-steps: - dividing said surface area of said filter (F) into a first predetermined number of zones (N), each zone (N) having a predetermined amount of surface area, - calculating said first surface value by summing the surface areas of said first number of zones (N), - said step (14) of digital processing of said second digital image (13A) to obtain said second processed image (13B) comprises sub-steps: - counting the second number of zones (N) of the specified surface area of the specified collection tray (F''), occupied by the specified surface area of the specified accumulation of contaminants in the specified filter (F), - calculating said second surface value by summing the surface areas of said second number of zones (N). 5. The method according to claim 1, in which: - the specified first digital image (11A) is a sign of the first initial state of the specified filter (F) before using the specified dishwasher (1), - said method comprises the step of starting a washing cycle of said dishwasher (1), - the specified second digital image (13A) is a sign of the second state of the specified filter (F) after the specified time interval following the specified stage of the beginning of the specified washing cycle. 6. The method according to any one of paragraphs. 1-5, in which: - the specified stage (16) of generating a signal (Sig) about the presence of pollution, characterizing the presence of accumulation of pollution in the specified filter (F), contains a sub-step (16) of generating the specified signal (Sig) about the presence of pollution, when the specified percentage clogging (OCL) of the specified filter (F) is greater than or equal to 10%. 7. The method according to any one of paragraphs. 1-6, wherein said method is iteratively repeated during a wash cycle: - step (13) for obtaining a second digital image (13A) characterizing the specified second state of the filter (F) after a predetermined time interval from the start of the washing cycle of the specified dishwasher (1), - step (14) of digital processing of said second digital image (13A) to obtain said second processed image (13B), - step (15) comparing said second surface value with said first surface value in order to calculate said percentage plugging value (OCL) of said filter F during the transition from said first state to said second state, - step (16) generating a signal (Sig) about the presence of pollution, characterizing the presence of accumulation of pollution in the specified filter (F), when the specified percentage clogging (OCL) of the specified filter (F) exceeds a predetermined threshold value, - step (17) generating said audible and/or visual signal characterizing the state of the blocked filter, when said signal (Sig) about the presence of contamination is generated. 8. The method according to any one of paragraphs. 1-7, wherein said step (11) of obtaining said first digital image (11A) characterizing said first state of said filter (F) comprises the sub-steps of storing said first digital image (11A) in a database of said dishwasher (1). 9. The method according to any one of paragraphs. 1-8, wherein said dishwasher (1) comprises a user interface (9), and said step (17) of generating said audio and/or visual signal comprises a sub-step of transmitting said audio and/or visual signal through said user interface (9). , which characterizes the state of the blocked filter when the specified signal (Sig) about the presence of pollution is generated. 10. Dishwasher (1), containing a pump that can be connected to the inlet of the water supply network to suck clean water from the water supply network, one or more impellers (5) in fluid communication with such a pump, a washing zone (2) having washing medium collection zone (2''') located between the lower impeller (5) and the wall (2A) of the base of the said washing zone (2), filter (F) located on the lower wall of the washing medium collection zone (2''') , and a door (3), which can be connected in the closed state with the specified washing zone (2), a control unit (4) having a memory block, in one area of which the washing program (P) is stored, a dispenser (6) made with the possibility of discharging the detergent into the specified zone (2''') of collecting the washing medium, and one or more resistive means for varying the temperature of tap water, one or more optical devices (8) capable of obtaining digital images of the specified filter (F), and an interface (9) the user, and the decree These one or more optical devices (8) and the specified user interface (9) are connected by sending signals to the specified control unit (4), characterized in that it contains a program located in another area of the specified memory block and configured to implement the method according to any from the previous paragraphs. 1-9. 11. Dishwasher according to claim. 10, in which the specified user interface (9) is a screen built into the specified dishwasher, and the specified screen (23) is configured to display the specified signal about the blocked filter using light-emitting indication, text messages and/ or images. 12. Dishwasher according to claim 10, wherein said dishwasher comprises a transceiver and said user interface (9) is a portable device having its own transceiver configured to communicate by sending signals with said transceiver of said dishwasher (1 ) for receiving data characterizing the specified signal about the blocked filter with the help of light-emitting indication, text messages and/or images. 13. The system for automatic assessment of the degree of purity of the filtering system of the dishwasher (1), containing: - a dishwasher containing a pump that can be connected to the inlet of the water supply network for suction of clean water from the water supply network, one or more impellers (5) in fluid communication with such a pump, a washing zone (2) having a zone (2' '') collection of the washing medium, located between the lower impeller (5) and the wall (2A) of the base of the specified zone (2) of washing, the filter (F) located on the lower wall of the specified zone (2''') of collecting the washing medium, and the door (3), which can be connected in a closed state with the specified washing zone (2), a control unit (4) having a memory unit, in one area of which the washing program (P) is stored, a dispenser (6) for dosing detergent, and one or more resistive means for varying the temperature of the tap water, one or more optical devices (8) capable of obtaining digital images of the specified zone (2''') for collecting the washing medium, and a user interface (9), wherein the said one or more optical devices CV (8) and said user interface (9) are connected by sending signals to said control unit (4) like said pump and transceiver; - a portable device (22), which the user can hold by hand, having its own transceiver device, configured to communicate by sending signals with the specified transceiver device of the specified dishwasher, a screen configured to display light-emitting indication, text messages and / or images, and a block of memory characterized in that it contains a program located in the area of the memory block of the specified portable (22) device that can be held by the user, and the specified program is configured to implement the method according to any of the previous paragraphs. 1-9 and displaying on said interface (9) and/or said screen of said portable device held by the user, said signal of a blocked filter using light emitting indication, text messages and/or images.

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