System for remote monitoring or control of a washing machine like a commercial dishwasher

Abstract

The invention relates to a system, wherein the system has a washing machine (1), preferably in the form of a commercial washing machine (1). The washing machine (1) can be in the form of a ware washing machine or dishwasher. Further, the system has at least one sensor device for capturing at least one process-related parameter of the washing machine (1) and / or for monitoring at least one function-related component of the washing machine (1). The system additionally has a machine control unit, which has a wireless data transmission device to transmit received sensor data from the sensor device to an external device (2).

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a system having a cleaning machine, wherein the cleaning machine is preferably in the form of a commercial cleaning machine. The system further includes at least one sensor device.

[0002] Known cleaning machines have sensors for capturing parameters of the cleaning process. For example, temperature can be captured to monitor the progress of the cleaning procedure. In known cleaning machines, sensor data is transmitted to a controller, where an evaluation of the sensor data is performed.

[0003] The evaluated sensor data can be displayed on the cleaning machine's screen, providing the operator with a wealth of information about its operation. The evaluated sensor data can also be used by the controller to manage the cleaning program. For example, the length of the cleaning program can be varied based on the measured and evaluated sensor data.

[0004] A known drawback of cleaning machines is that operators need to be on-site to obtain information provided by the controller, as this information is displayed on the cleaning machine's screen.

[0005] Furthermore, for example, the operator needs to perform steps based on the presented information, such as refilling the salt. If spare parts are required, the operator of the cleaning machine needs to contact the cleaning machine's dealer or manufacturer to order them. In this case, in most cases, trained personnel must inspect the cleaning machine to be able to accurately determine which steps need to be taken.

[0006] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to develop / improve known systems so that the operation and maintenance of the systems are optimized.

[0007] According to the invention, this objective is achieved by independent claim 1. Advantageous improvements are described in the dependent claims.

[0008] Therefore, a system incorporating a cleaning machine is proposed. The cleaning machine is preferably in the form of a commercial cleaning machine. The cleaning machine can be in the form of an appliance cleaning machine or a dishwasher.

[0009] The system further includes at least one sensor device for capturing at least one process-related parameter of the cleaning machine and / or for monitoring at least one functionally related component of the cleaning machine. The system also includes a machine control unit with a wireless data transmission device for transmitting sensor data received from the sensor device to an external device not connected to the cleaning machine. The machine controller transmits the received sensor data—which is transmitted from the sensor device to the machine control unit—to the wireless data transmission device. The wireless data transmission device then transmits the sensor data to the external device, which is disposed separately from the cleaning machine, particularly physically separated from it.

[0010] For example, process-related parameters could be the temperature of the washing machine or its processing area. Other process-related parameters could be the humidity in the washing machine's processing area, the length of the washing process, and the degree of contamination on the items to be washed.

[0011] For example, a function-related component of a cleaning machine could be a properly inserted filter or a closed door.

[0012] The cleaning machine can be used to clean pottery, as well as trays, medical equipment and parts, brushes, plates, pots, pans, etc.

[0013] The advantage of the system according to the invention lies in the fact that the operator of the cleaning machine no longer needs to be directly on-site to obtain information about the operation and status of the cleaning machine. Instead, for example, the operator can use the Internet to access process-related parameters and monitoring of functional components of the cleaning machine. In this case, the operator accesses information that has already been transmitted from a wireless data transmission device to an external device.

[0014] Alternatively, manufacturers could directly obtain information about process-related parameters or functionally relevant components of the cleaning machine by accessing relevant data or information from external devices. This would allow for rapid and targeted responses to erroneous reports or missing parts. Furthermore, the cleaning machine would not need complex and expensive evaluation equipment, as the evaluation of process-related parameters and monitoring of process-related components could be performed on external devices.

[0015] Therefore, the response speed can be improved if a malfunction is detected in the cleaning machine, or if repairs or maintenance are required, or if spare parts need to be supplied. For example, the supply of consumables such as salt or rinsing aids can also be accelerated. Thus, these parts do not need to be stored in large quantities but can be ordered as needed.

[0016] This allows for a reduction in the downtime of the cleaning machine, which is the time during which the machine or equipment cannot be operated, such as during maintenance, cleaning, or other periods when the cleaning machine is stopped.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the external device is in the form of a server. The server is designed to allow sensor data to be transmitted from a wireless data transmission device to the server via an Internet connection.

[0018] This ensures that external devices in the form of servers can be provided physically separately from the cleaning machines. Furthermore, multiple cleaning machines can transmit their measured sensor data to a single server, thereby reducing overall complexity and, consequently, cost.

[0019] Furthermore, the superior computing power of servers allows for improved evaluation of measured or captured process-related parameters and monitoring of functionally relevant components of the cleaning machine. In contrast, evaluation devices integrated into the cleaning machine, due to their need for small size and low cost, have limited computing power. Servers, with their superior computing power, can be used to evaluate the measured sensor data as effectively as possible. Therefore, the speed of evaluation can also be improved.

[0020] Furthermore, access to the evaluated sensor data is simplified because various devices can access the server using known methods. For example, the server can thus be accessed by different terminals (e.g., laptops or smartphones) to receive the evaluated sensor data.

[0021] In this scenario, access to sensor data and / or the evaluated sensor data can be controlled, allowing specific groups of people to be authorized to access the data. For example, possible groups in this case include maintenance personnel, machine operators / owners, dealers, etc.

[0022] According to another aspect of the invention, the server is designed to at least partially evaluate sensor data.

[0023] The effect this achieves is that when the server is accessed, the evaluated sensor data is available, allowing for a direct interpretation of the cleaning machine's status. Therefore, for example, the server can be accessed using a smartphone or laptop computer, in which case the evaluated sensor data is transmitted to the smartphone or laptop computer. The user of the smartphone or laptop computer can then immediately determine whether a response to the evaluated sensor data is necessary.

[0024] The evaluation can also be performed on the server, which automatically compares predetermined limit values ​​with the evaluated sensor data to determine whether a response is needed. If a response is required, the server can be designed to send a notification. For example, such a notification could be sent via email to the smartphone or laptop of the cleaning machine operator or the laptop of the maintenance personnel.

[0025] According to another aspect of the invention, the server is designed to perform temperature assessment based on the received sensor data and preferably to perform temperature recording.

[0026] Therefore, it can be determined whether the temperature in the treatment zone of the cleaning machine corresponds to or exceeds a predetermined limit value. The temperature in the treatment zone of the cleaning machine can also be monitored over a longer period, and checks can therefore be performed to determine whether the temperature in the treatment zone exhibits abnormal values ​​or exceeds predetermined limits during the cleaning process of the cleaning machine.

[0027] According to another aspect of the invention, the server is designed to perform resource usage assessment based on received sensor data, preferably based on the power consumption of the cleaning machine.

[0028] Therefore, it is possible to check whether the resource usage of the cleaning machine corresponds to the predetermined value or exceeds the predetermined limit value.

[0029] According to another aspect of the invention, the server is designed to perform operating cost calculations based on received sensor data. Preferably, the operating cost calculations are performed based on resource usage assessments.

[0030] According to another aspect of the invention, the server uses the received sensor data as the basis for performing error detection and / or fault detection.

[0031] Therefore, the response time to detected errors or faults can be reduced, because in this case, the server preferably automatically generates appropriate reports and sends them to the operator and / or manufacturer and / or distributor of the cleaning machine.

[0032] According to another aspect of the invention, the server is designed to use the received sensor data as the basis for performing service recommendation detection, and preferably hygiene procedure detection.

[0033] For example, this involves using sensor data to indicate the degree of contamination on items to be cleaned.

[0034] The service recommendations or hygiene procedures detected can be transmitted to the operator of the cleaning machine, allowing the latter to initiate the appropriate procedures. Alternatively, the operator can retrieve hygiene logs for user-selectable time periods.

[0035] According to another aspect of the invention, the wireless data transmission device is in the form of a Bluetooth device or a WLAN device.

[0036] Therefore, common data transmission modules can be installed in cleaning machines, which reduces the cost of wireless data transmission devices.

[0037] According to another aspect of the invention, the external device is designed to transmit sensor data and / or at least a portion of the evaluated sensor data to the terminal of the operator of the cleaning machine and / or the terminal of the manufacturer and / or the terminal of the owner of the cleaning machine and / or the terminal of the distributor. This transmission is preferably wireless and even more preferably via an Internet connection.

[0038] Therefore, the sensor data, or at least some of the evaluated sensor data, may be available to the operator of the cleaning machine. Alternatively, the sensor data, or at least some of the evaluated sensor data, may be available to the manufacturer and / or owner and / or distributor of the cleaning machine.

[0039] This shortens the response time, which indicates how much time has passed between capturing sensor data in the cleaning machine and responding appropriately to that data, such as by ordering spare parts or initiating a sanitation procedure.

[0040] According to another aspect of the invention, the external device is in the form of a terminal for the operator of the cleaning machine. In this case, a separate server is not required, and the wireless data transmission device transmits sensor data directly to the operator's terminal, and preferably to the operator's smartphone.

[0041] In this scenario, an evaluation is provided of sensor data that will be processed on the operator's smartphone, or of sensor data transmitted from the smartphone to another server via an internet connection. On this additional server, the sensor data can be evaluated, and the evaluated sensor data can then be transmitted again to the operator's smartphone or terminal.

[0042] The wireless data transmission device can therefore be part of a WLAN network or act as a hotspot to transmit sensor data directly to the operator's terminal. If the wireless data transmission device is part of a WLAN network, data is transmitted from the wireless data transmission device to an external device, preferably a server.

[0043] According to another aspect of the invention, the operator's terminal for the cleaning machine is in the form of a PC, laptop computer, smartphone, or tablet computer.

[0044] Therefore, the operator of the cleaning machine can acquire sensor data, or a portion of the assessed sensor data, in the best possible visual way. This may involve using a display on the terminal, thus potentially eliminating the need for a large display on the cleaning machine. This, in turn, reduces the cost of manufacturing the cleaning machine.

[0045] The terminal, preferably in the form of a smartphone, can issue quick operating instructions directly to the operator, explaining simple repair or maintenance operations on the machine. It is also conceivable that consumables or spare parts can be easily reordered. Finally, it is envisioned that categorized error reports from the cleaning machine be presented to the operator via the terminal, and that the operator be notified of matters related to those categorized error reports.

[0046] Operators can also use the terminal to view the operational status of all their machines on a single device. In case of an error, the operator can contact a designated service partner with a single button press. Operators can also identify downtime or peak hours for the cleaning machines and / or receive recommendations for more effective machine usage.

[0047] Sensor data also allows resource usage to be assessed based on stored or retrieved costs within a user-selectable timeframe, in which case water, chemical, and energy costs can be assessed separately.

[0048] According to another aspect of the invention, sensor data can be evaluated on the manufacturer's server, enabling the detection of user behavior by the operator of the cleaning machine and / or malfunctions in the cleaning machine and / or error reports from the cleaning machine.

[0049] Therefore, the manufacturer can respond appropriately in a timely manner. Similarly or alternatively, the manufacturer can provide appropriate suggestions to the operators of the cleaning machine so as to use the operators' user behavior as a basis for optimizing the operation of the cleaning machine.

[0050] According to another aspect of the invention, the manufacturer's server is designed such that determined user behavior and / or fault and / or error reports can serve as the basis for transmitting assistance to the operator of the cleaning machine and / or suggesting the delivery of spare parts to the operator of the cleaning machine and / or delivering spare parts to the operator of the cleaning machine.

[0051] The system allows operators to respond selectively to the assessed sensor data without having to read the entire user manual for the cleaning machine. It provides targeted guidance to the operator to perform the necessary actions, thus avoiding unnecessary reading or notifications about the cleaning machine. This translates to time savings for the operator. Consequently, spare parts delivery can be optimized by using information for targeted or even automated ordering of spare parts. Alternatively, it can be envisioned that the operator could request a quote for spare parts.

[0052] According to another aspect of the invention, an application program can be installed on the operator's terminal, such that the program can communicate with a server and / or a manufacturer's server and can present data to the operator.

[0053] The program is designed to present the operator with all relevant sensor data and / or at least some of the evaluated sensor data, enabling the operator to quickly determine whether a response is necessary, and if so, what kind of response is appropriate. Preferably, the operator can further directly select an appropriate response, after which the program transmits the appropriate command to a server, which then transmits the command to the cleaning machine's wireless data transmission device. The latter then transmits the command to the cleaning machine's machine control unit, which subsequently actuates the cleaning machine appropriately.

[0054] According to another aspect of the invention, the operator can use the program to control the cleaning machine and / or use instructions to correct errors in the cleaning machine, and / or can order spare parts and / or cleaners and / or rinsing aids and / or water filter cartridges by means of the program.

[0055] Therefore, the operation of the cleaning machine is basically convenient, because the operator does not need to be directly close to the cleaning machine.

[0056] According to another aspect of the invention, the program includes at least one operating instruction and / or the operating instruction can be transmitted to the program from a server and / or a manufacturing server. The operating instruction preferably includes descriptions of processes for refilling salt and / or for cleaning the washing arm and / or for inserting the tank cover filter.

[0057] Therefore, in order to respond optimally to the sensor data evaluated by the cleaning machine, the operator of the cleaning machine does not need to have much existing knowledge.

[0058] According to one aspect of the invention, the program is designed to provide the operator of the cleaning machine with statistics on the machine's resource usage.

[0059] Therefore, the operator of the cleaning machine has the best way to understand whether the machine is being used as intended. If necessary, the operator can use the statistics as a basis for modifying the machine's usage to suit their needs. For example, one could envision displaying statistics related to the machine's resource usage to the operator, allowing them to shift the cleaning machine's use to the night to save costs.

[0060] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, based on exemplary embodiments of the system according to the invention.

[0061] In the attached diagram:

[0062] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating the system, external device, user terminal of the cleaning machine, and manufacturer's server according to the present invention is shown; and

[0063] Figure 2A schematic diagram of a cleaning machine according to the present invention is shown, including multiple systems, external devices, user terminals, distributors, and manufacturing servers.

[0064] Figure 1 A system is shown, wherein the system is a cleaning machine 1.

[0065] The cleaning machine 1 has at least one sensor device disposed therein, wherein the sensor device measures or captures process-related parameters of the cleaning machine and further monitors at least one functionally related component of the cleaning machine. For this purpose, the sensor device preferably has at least one sensor.

[0066] The sensor device may have at least one sensor for capturing process-related parameters and at least one other sensor for monitoring functionally related components of the cleaning machine 1. Alternatively, a single sensor may be provided to capture process-related parameters and monitor functionally related components of the cleaning machine 1.

[0067] For example, the sensor is in the form of a temperature sensor. Furthermore, at least one sensor or sensor device is... Figure 1 It is not shown in the diagram, but it is located inside the cleaning machine 1.

[0068] In addition, cleaning machine 1 (in Figure 1 (Not shown) It has a machine control unit designed (e.g., configured via software, firmware, and / or hardware) for controlling the cleaning machine 1. For example, the machine control unit is in the form of a processor, wherein the machine control unit preferably also has volatile and / or non-volatile memory.

[0069] Finally, according to the present invention, the cleaning machine 1 has a wireless data transmission device. This device is disposed in the cleaning machine 1 and is preferably provided as part of the machine control unit. The wireless data transmission device is not included in... Figure 1 As shown in the image.

[0070] At least one sensor generates sensor data corresponding to process-related parameters of the cleaning machine or generated through monitoring at least one functionally related component of the cleaning machine 1. This sensor data is transmitted from the at least one sensor to the machine control unit of the cleaning machine. The machine control unit then transmits the sensor data to a wireless data transmission device.

[0071] The wireless data transmission device transmits sensor data to external device 2. External device 2 is preferably in the form of a server.

[0072] The wireless data transmission device or cleaning machine 1 and the external device (server 2) may provide a security device 5, preferably a firewall 6, between them.

[0073] Safety device 5 is designed to prevent unauthorized access to the sensor data of the cleaning machine 1.

[0074] An external device (server 2) can transmit sensor data to the user's terminal 3 of the cleaning machine. For example, terminal 3 can also be associated with maintenance personnel to optimize the operation of the cleaning machine 1.

[0075] For example, terminal 3 can be in the form of a smartphone, tablet, or PC.

[0076] Sensor data transmitted from the cleaning machine 1 to the external device (server 2) can be partially evaluated on the external device (server 2). For this purpose, the external device (server 2) has a processor and also preferably has volatile and / or non-volatile memory.

[0077] Sensor data and / or part of the evaluated sensor data can be transmitted directly to terminal 3 or transmitted to terminal 3 after evaluation by an external device (server 2).

[0078] Alternatively, sensor data and / or part of the evaluated sensor data can be transmitted to the cleaning machine manufacturer's manufacturer server 4.

[0079] Sensor data can also be transmitted directly from the wireless data transmission device to the operator's terminal. In this case, the wireless data transmission device is preferably provided as a Bluetooth device. The wireless data transmission device can also be in the form of a WLAN hotspot.

[0080] The transmission of sensor data and / or part of the evaluated sensor data from an external device (server 2) to the manufacturer's server 4 is preferably achieved via an Internet connection. The transmission via the Internet 6 is preferably monitored by another security device 5. This other security device 5 may be in the form of a firewall.

[0081] like Figure 2 As shown, multiple cleaning machines 1 can also transmit their sensor data to a single external device (server 2).

[0082] The external device (server 2) can then transmit the sensor data directly to terminal 3 and / or manufacturer server 4 and / or distributor 7.

[0083] Alternatively or concurrently, an external device (server 2) may at least partially evaluate the sensor data.

[0084] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments of the system according to the invention shown in the accompanying drawings, but rather to combinations of all features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A cleaning machine system, the cleaning machine system comprising: Multiple appliance cleaning machines or dishwashers, wherein the appliance cleaning machines or dishwashers are commercial appliance cleaning machines or dishwashers; A sensor device for capturing at least one process-related parameter of each of the plurality of appliance cleaners or dishwashers and / or for monitoring at least one function-related component of the appliance cleaner or dishwasher; A machine control unit having a wireless data transmission device for transmitting sensor data received from the sensor device to an external device; The external device is a server, and the server is designed to allow the sensor data to be transmitted from the wireless data transmission device to the server via an Internet connection. The server is designed to at least partially evaluate the sensor data; The server is designed to perform further evaluations by automatically comparing predetermined limit values ​​with the sensor data being evaluated. The external device is designed as follows: The sensor data and / or at least a portion of the evaluated sensor data are transmitted to the operator's terminal of the appliance washer or dishwasher, allowing the operator to view the operating status of all of the multiple appliance washers or dishwashers on a single device, and to identify the stop times or peak times of the appliance washer or dishwasher; and The sensor data is transmitted to the terminal of the appliance cleaner or dishwasher manufacturer, and the sensor data is evaluated on the manufacturer's server so that user behavior of the operator of the appliance cleaner or dishwasher can be detected.

2. The cleaning machine system as described in claim 1, wherein, The server is designed to perform a temperature assessment, including at least temperature recording, based on the received sensor data. The manufacturer server is designed such that detected user behavior serves as the basis for: transmitting assistance to the operator of the appliance cleaner or dishwasher, and / or suggesting the delivery of spare parts to the operator of the appliance cleaner or dishwasher, and / or delivering spare parts to the operator of the appliance cleaner or dishwasher.

3. The cleaning machine system as described in claim 1, wherein, The server is designed to perform resource usage assessments based on the received sensor data.

4. The cleaning machine system as described in claim 3, wherein, The server is designed to perform operational cost calculations based on the resource usage assessment.

5. The cleaning machine system according to claim 1, wherein, The server is designed to use the received sensor data as the basis for performing error detection.

6. The cleaning machine system as described in claim 1, wherein, The server is designed to use the received sensor data as the basis for performing service recommendation detection.

7. The cleaning machine system as described in claim 1, wherein, The wireless data transmission device is a Bluetooth device or a WLAN device.

8. The cleaning machine system as described in claim 1, wherein, The terminal of the operator of the appliance cleaner or dishwasher is a PC, laptop computer, smartphone, or tablet computer.

9. The cleaning machine system as described in claim 1, wherein, The program is installed on the terminal of the operator of the appliance cleaner or dishwasher, enabling the program to communicate with the server and / or the manufacturer's server and to present data to the operator of the appliance cleaner or dishwasher.

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