Domestic appliance having sensor device
By designing sensor devices in household appliances and analyzing the color in the liquid using light emission and reception techniques, the problem that the existing technology cannot detect the color of clean water is solved, and the detection and control of the color of clean water is realized to ensure the washing process Validity.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202410730816.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-06-30
- Filing Date
- 2024-06-06
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-31
AI Technical Summary
Existing household appliance sensor devices cannot detect the color of clean water, and can only identify the turbidity, and cannot draw conclusions about the color of clean water.
Design a sensor device, including a light emitter and a light receiver, by emitting primary colors such as red, green, and blue and measuring it in the liquid, using the light receiver to receive signals, combine the control unit and the light guide element to analyze the color of the liquid, Then determine the color of the liquid.
The detection and analysis of the color of clean water is realized, and the operation of household appliances can be controlled through sensor signals to prevent discoloration of clothing and provide qualitative and quantitative measurements of liquid composition.
Smart Images
Figure CN119223897A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a household appliance with a sensor device, wherein the sensor device is designed and intended to use (spectral) measurement data features to obtain information about the chemical and physical properties of a liquid. The measurement data features can be used, for example, to determine the turbidity of the liquid. For example, the liquid can be process water or clean water and is located in a bucket of the household appliance. For example, turbidity is caused by optical scattering caused by particles in the liquid and optical absorption of individual components of the liquid. The household appliance can be, for example, a dishwasher, a washing machine or other electrical appliance that can hold liquid. The sensor device includes a light transmitter side and a light receiver side, wherein light can be transmitted between the light transmitter side and the light receiver side and through a liquid at least partially located between the light transmitter side and the light receiving side. The light transmitted along the measurement path can be received by one or more light receivers at the end. Background Art
[0002] Such domestic appliances having a sensor device are sufficiently known from the prior art, so that the turbidity of the corresponding liquid can be detected by means of the sensor device in order to be able to detect the degree of contamination of the clean water.
[0003] However, according to the prior art, ie household appliances with a sensor device for detecting the turbidity of clean water, it is not possible to draw conclusions about the color of the clean water. Summary of the invention
[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a domestic appliance having a sensor device, wherein the sensor device is provided and designed to detect the color of the cleansing water.
[0005] This object is achieved by a domestic appliance having the features of claim 1 and a method for determining the color of a liquid having the features of claim 20 .
[0006] The core idea of the invention is to provide a household appliance with a sensor device, wherein the sensor device is designed and intended for detecting the turbidity of a liquid, such as clean water. The sensor device comprises a light transmitter side and a light receiver side, wherein light can be transmitted from the light transmitter side to the light receiver side and can be received by the light receiver after transmission. According to the invention, a sensor device is now provided, which is further provided and designed to detect the color of clean water.
[0007] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that optical absorption or transmission and / or optical scattering of the liquid can be detected by the sensor device.
[0008] Color can be used to draw conclusions about the composition of the medium, since different sensor signals can be expected depending on the composition. For example, the composition of a liquid medium can be identified by its color and determined qualitatively and quantitatively. The composition of a liquid medium can be, for example, different types of dirt, detergents or colorants.
[0009] Since the sensor device is also designed to detect the color of the liquid, it can react consistently when a color change of the liquid is detected. The sensor signal can be connected to a control unit, through which the household appliance can perform specific actions based on the measurement results or control the operation of the household appliance. For example, these actions can be error messages, acoustic signals, adjusting the washing program or communicating with a smartphone via a wireless connection.
[0010] Here, for example, one can prevent the laundry to be washed in a washing machine from changing color due to the color in the liquid released from the fabrics, for example by receiving a message on a mobile device.
[0011] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, it can be arranged that the sensor device includes one or more light sources. Particularly preferably, the one or more light sources are arranged on the light emitter side, i.e. on the light emitter side. Further preferably, at least two of the primary colors of additive mixing, i.e. red, green or blue, can be emitted by one or more light sources. The emitted red, green or blue light of the primary colors is attenuated by the liquid, so that the corresponding color of the liquid can be determined. The light source can be formed by several individual light sources, which represent separate light sources. The light source can preferably come from the following group: LED, laser, super luminescent LED, thermal emitter or any combination thereof, which can preferably emit at least two of the primary colors red, green and blue, possibly each with a specific wavelength. Particularly preferably, one or more light sources can emit three of the primary colors. At least two of the primary colors, preferably three, can be used to display each color in the additive color space.
[0012] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that at least two colors, preferably three colors, of visible light (390 nm to 790 nm) can be emitted by one or more light sources. It is particularly preferred that these colors are different from one another so as to cover the additive color space. Purely by way of example, red can be emitted with a peak wavelength in the range of 625 nm to 635 nm, green can be emitted with a peak wavelength in the range of 510 nm to 540 nm, and blue can be emitted with a peak wavelength in the range of 450 nm to 480 nm. It is particularly preferred that the peak wavelength of red is at 630 nm, the peak wavelength of green is at 520 nm and the peak wavelength of blue is at 465 nm.
[0013] According to another preferred embodiment, at least one further light source, i.e. one or more further sources, may be provided. UV light and / or infrared (IR) light may be emitted by said (multiple) further light sources. This makes it possible to obtain additional information from the interaction of the UV or IR light with the liquid, such as scattering on particles or fluorescence.
[0014] It is also conceivable to provide a broadband light source in the sensor device, such as an LED emitting white light. For example, if one or more light sources emit three colors, in a preferred embodiment the peak wavelength of the first color is in the range of 400-500 nm, the peak wavelength of the second color is in the range of 500-600 nm and the peak wavelength of the third color is in the range of 600-700 nm. These colors may form a color triangle in a color diagram. The spectrum of light from a colored light source in the visible range usually follows a Gaussian or Lorentzian distribution around the peak wavelength. UV and IR light sources also usually have a Gaussian or Lorentzian distribution around the peak wavelength.
[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the sensor device has a light guide. The light guide can be used to transmit light in a simple and cost-effective manner. In another preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the light guide is divided into a light transmitter side and a light receiver side. Therefore, the light transmitter side and the light receiver side can be simply formed by the light guide.
[0016] Alternatively, it is conceivable that the sensor device comprises no light guide, thereby providing a direct transmission of light from the light transmitter side to the light receiver side.
[0017] It is particularly preferred that the light emitter side and the light receiver side are at a distance from each other. This means that the light source(s) and the light receiver(s) are at a distance from each other, and that the distance is greater than zero.
[0018] It is further preferred that the one or more light sources are arranged on a light transmitter side.It is further preferred that the one or more light receivers are arranged on a light receiver side.
[0019] The colors are emitted by one or more light sources, transmitted by light guides from the light emitter side through the liquid to the light receiver side and accordingly to the light receiver. In order to avoid mixing in terms of absorption when passing through the liquid, a particularly preferred embodiment provides that the colors are emitted one after the other in a specific or determinable sequence by means of the light source(s). This means, for example, that first a first color, for example red, then a second color, such as green, and finally a third color, i.e. blue, is emitted by the light source and the corresponding signals are recorded.
[0020] According to a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that after the light emitter has emitted a color, light can be received and a corresponding sensor signal can be obtained.
[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the different wavelength ranges can be received by one or more optical receivers one after the other in a specific sequence. This allows the various wavelengths to be analyzed or assigned one after the other.
[0022] The sensor signal is particularly preferably dependent on the color of the liquid. For example, if the liquid is dyed the same color as clothes, then light of one color is absorbed better than another color. For example, if the liquid is red, then blue and green light are absorbed more strongly than red light, which is hardly absorbed. For example, in the case of orange or yellow liquids, blue is absorbed most strongly, while green is only slightly absorbed and red is hardly absorbed.
[0023] The corresponding sensor signal of the light receiver is therefore dependent on the color of the clean water, so that conclusions can be drawn about the actual color.
[0024] It is particularly preferred that the one or more light receivers are at least one selected from the group consisting of phototransistors, photodiodes, bolometers and any combination thereof. In principle, laser diodes are also conceivable. With the help of a light receiver, such as a phototransistor, the corresponding light can be detected and a corresponding signal can be output to the system. With a phototransistor, the received light generates a photocurrent; the more light received, the greater the photocurrent. The photocurrent can be absorbed at the phototransistor using a suitable circuit and converted into another signal, such as a voltage. Similarly, suitable output signals are also generated for other types of receivers. Other receivers that can be used are continuous sensors or active layers, such as phototransistors with different band gaps in the active area. Furthermore, a 1-pixel or multi-pixel RGB camera can be used as a receiver.
[0025] It is particularly preferred to use a phototransistor, a photodiode, a bolometer, a laser diode or any combination thereof as the light receiver. Along the measurement path, the light emitted by the transmitter is attenuated or weakened and detected by a receiver (e.g. a phototransistor) at the end of the measurement path. The received light is then converted into an electrical signal, e.g. a voltage. The value of the output signal depends on the attenuation of the light by the measurement path.
[0026] Depending on the wavelength of the emitted light, it is attenuated to different degrees along the measurement path by the medium through which it passes. Therefore, for different wavelengths, different output signals, such as output signals in the form of voltages, can be expected. The resulting output signal can be used to infer the color of the liquid within the measurement portion.
[0027] It is further preferred that for each color of light received by the one or more emitters, for example in the form of a first, second and third color, for example red, green and blue, a sensor signal, for example a voltage, can be recorded separately at the light receiver. The respective or corresponding sensor signals can then be combined, for example by a control unit, in order to determine the color of the liquid in the additive color space.
[0028] Preferably, a broadband receiver can be used that can receive light in a wide wavelength range. In addition, the receiver can be equipped with a short-pass or long-pass filter or a bandpass filter, for example. The light source can also be equipped with a wavelength filter. However, these filters can also be implemented as separate components, for example on the transmitter and / or receiver side. The filter can also be provided as a separate component in the form of a switchable segmented filter wheel, so that different wavelength ranges can be set for each segment, which wavelength ranges can be filtered out. Such a filter wheel can be used both on the transmitter side and on the receiver side. The filter wheel can have different segments to filter out different wavelength ranges. Alternatively, the filter can be a switchable glass, whose transmission can be changed in a specific wavelength range by applying a voltage or temperature. Such glass can be electrochromic or thermochromic. It can also be an LC glass, which functions similarly to an LC display. In addition, multiple receivers can also be arranged as a detector array.
[0029] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that the sensor device is calibrated or can be calibrated. In particular, the calibration is made with reference to a colorless, clear or transparent liquid, such as tap water or distilled water. This means that when light is sent from the light transmitter side to the light receiver side or from the light source(s) to the light receiver(s), the sensor signal of the light receiver(s) can be assigned to an uncolored liquid, such as a clean liquid. The fact that one or more light components are absorbed due to the color change of the liquid also changes the output signal of the sensor, such as the voltage output when light is detected.
[0030] Color in additive color space can be represented and determined as follows.
[0031] When light or a color of light such as red, green, blue is absorbed or partially absorbed by the liquid, the sensor output signal (e.g., voltage, current, PWM, etc. and any combination thereof) changes accordingly. This relationship applies to light of any wavelength, including light in the applicable range between 200nm and 2500nm.
[0032] It will be appreciated that the calibration is for or corresponds to a value of 100%, so the light color absorbed accounts for a correspondingly lower percentage. This percentage can be multiplied by the color factor of the additive color space of 255. The value 255 corresponds to the maximum value of the color of the corresponding color. If the determined percentage is multiplied by the color space value 255, a corresponding value is generated in the additive color space for each color present. Combining the determined values for red, green and blue in the color space then gives three intensities in the additive color space, which can be used to determine the color of the liquid present.
[0033] Alternatively, the color space value may also be specified on a scale as a percentage value with values from 0 to 100% and / or as a factor with values from 0 to 1, or in other units and, if necessary, also in its linear and non-linear scale. The calculation of the color space value using the sensor signal is performed similarly each time.
[0034] Furthermore, according to a particularly preferred embodiment, it is arranged that, in particular, an additional emission of infrared light or light in the infrared range is provided. This allows the turbidity of the cleaning water to be checked, in particular assuming that the optical absorption in the liquid in the IR spectrum is low. Since the intensity of the respective colors of red, green and blue can also be reduced by reflection or scattering from dirt particles or the like if the cleaning water is relatively turbid or very turbid, it is intended to display the color as a function of the turbidity of the cleaning water. This makes it possible to determine whether the color is due to the turbidity of the cleaning liquid or is absorbed due to the cleaning liquid color.
[0035] It is known that optical scattering can be wavelength dependent. Shorter wavelengths are usually more strongly affected by scattering nonlinearly than longer wavelengths. This generally applies both to the visible light range and to the range of broadened emission of a single light source. This nonlinearity changes the detected emission peak and spectrum and shifts it to longer wavelengths. By taking representative measurements of scattering in a selected non-absorbent IR range, this can be compensated, for example using software.
[0036] Furthermore, according to a particularly preferred embodiment, the cleaning liquid or cleaning water may already be pre-colored by detergent or the like. In order to confirm that the color of the cleaning water is caused by the detergent and not by dye loss on the clothes, for example, the color of the detergent may be taken into account in the present control unit. With the present invention, a color change of a liquid that already has the color of the detergent is still possible.
[0037] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that, when an undesired discoloration or coloration of the cleaning water is detected, a notification can be sent to the control unit to an application or the like, for example on a smartphone. In this way, the respective user of the household appliance can be informed that the objects to be cleaned (e.g. laundry) are expected to be discolored and that the washing process should therefore be cancelled.
[0038] Therefore, according to another preferred embodiment, it can be provided that if discoloration of the cleaning water is detected, the household appliance can be automatically stopped by a corresponding control signal from the control unit, so that further discoloration of the object to be cleaned can also be avoided.
[0039] The color of clean water can also be used to monitor various treatment processes, for example in the textile industry. Here, it is advantageous if the wastewater generated during the dyeing process is discharged into the environment without any residues of dye.
[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, it is also conceivable that the calibration is not performed for uncolored and transparent water, but for example for common clean water with one or more specific detergent additives. For example, this can be stored as a calibration so that the influence of the detergent can be minimized.
[0041] According to another preferred embodiment, it can be arranged that the sensor device comprises a memory unit. For example, various detergent additives, calibration settings, etc. can be stored in the memory unit and changed, added or deleted as required. Accordingly, for each washing process, a corresponding set corresponding to the actual use of the household appliance can be called up.
[0042] According to another preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the sensor device is connected to a database (e.g. via the Internet / LAN) and can communicate with it in both directions. In the database, for example, measured variables or determined parameters can be stored, for example for different detergent additions, calibration settings, etc., and can be changed, added or deleted as required. Thus, for each washing process, the corresponding record can be called up, which corresponds to the actual use of the household appliance. In addition, updates can be obtained via the database.
[0043] According to another preferred embodiment, artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to analyze the (spectral) measurement data features. Artificial intelligence can help characterize the chemical and physical properties of the liquid.
[0044] According to another preferred embodiment, it is envisaged that exactly one light receiver is provided, for example in the form of a phototransistor. This means that the sensor device can comprise exactly one phototransistor. This makes it possible to further reduce the number of required components. The sensor device is therefore configured so that the different colors of the light source are deflected in such a way that they can illuminate the phototransistor. For this purpose, a light deflection structure or a light-guiding element is provided, such as a (total reflection) deflection mirror, which is designed so that the various light beams are concentrated on as small an area as possible, or ideally or preferably on the point where the phototransistor is located.
[0045] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the sensor device has a light-conducting element, wherein the light-conducting element is intended and designed to deflect the light in such a way that the light is focused on or near a single point. The light receiver is preferably arranged at this point.
[0046] For example, if several light sources are provided as separate components, the respective beam paths can be combined accordingly and can be better detected by the light receiver.
[0047] According to another preferred embodiment, the light guiding element may be a parabolic element or a curved surface. This allows the light to be deflected and focused onto a point.
[0048] The light guide element is also preferably arranged on the light guide in the vicinity of the light receiver.
[0049] According to another preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the sensor device comprises a housing. It is particularly preferred that electronic components such as light receivers, light sources and light guides are arranged in the housing. It is further preferred that the housing is at least partially translucent. The housing is also preferably designed so that it is sealed with respect to liquids.
[0050] The present object is also achieved by a method for determining the color of a liquid, the method comprising the following steps:
[0051] a) providing a household appliance according to a preferred embodiment;
[0052] b) emitting light by means of the light source or light sources;
[0053] c) receiving light through a light receiver or a plurality of light receivers and obtaining a sensor signal;
[0054] d) Combine the sensor signals and determine the color of the liquid.
[0055] The further embodiments and configurations of the described embodiments are applicable to other embodiments and can be combined freely with one another, as long as they do not correspond to contrary embodiments. Further advantageous embodiments are indicated in the dependent claims.
[0056] Features related to structural configurations and process features may be used in a corresponding manner. Likewise, features disclosed only in conjunction with other features may also be considered disclosed independently of these features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0057] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0058] Further objects, advantages and practicalities of the present invention can be found in the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Herein is shown:
[0059] Figure 1Household appliances having a sensor device;
[0060] Figure 2A A schematic diagram of a sensor device according to an embodiment;
[0061] Figure 2B A schematic diagram of a sensor device according to another embodiment;
[0062] Figure 3 A circuit of a sensor device according to an embodiment;
[0063] Figure 4 wavelength spectrum;
[0064] Figure 5A Sample photos;
[0065] Figure 5B Sample table;
[0066] Fig. 6A A sensor device having a light-guiding element;
[0067] Figure 6B A sensor device having a light-guiding element;
[0068] Figure 7A-7D according to Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The sensor device of an embodiment; and
[0069] Figure 8 Sequence of processes used to determine the color of clean water.
[0070] In the accompanying drawings, the same components will be understood by corresponding reference numerals. For the sake of clarity, some components in some of the drawings may not be marked with reference symbols, but designated elsewhere. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0071] according to Figure 1 , a household appliance 1 is schematically shown, which can be designed, for example, as a dishwasher, a washing machine or the like. The household appliance 1 comprises a sensor device 2 integrated in the household appliance 1. Preferably, the sensor device 2 is at least partially in contact with a liquid 7, for example, cleaning water 7. A control unit 17 is also shown, to which the sensor signal can preferably be connected. Via the control unit 17, the household appliance 1 can perform actions or control the operation of the household appliance 1 depending on the measurement results or the sensor signal. Such actions can be, for example, error messages, acoustic signals, adjustments to the washing program or communication with a smartphone via a wireless connection (e.g. WLAN, Bluetooth or the like).
[0072] Figure 2A and Figure 2BThe sensor device 2 according to two embodiments is shown in more detail, wherein some components are already present, since the sensor device 2 is based on a turbidity sensor, it is considered necessary to add to the existing sensor device 2. Irrespective of the embodiment, the sensor device 2 has a light emitter side 3 and a light receiver side 4. At least one light source 5 and at least one light receiver 6 are also provided. Light may be emitted by the light source 5. For example, the light source 5 is an LED light source that may emit light having a specific wavelength or wavelengths.
[0073] according to Figure 2A , shows a part of a sensor device 2, wherein one or more light sources 5 are arranged on the light emitter side 3 and one or more light receivers 6 are arranged on the light receiver side. Light can be emitted by the light source 5 and received by the light receiver 6. As an example, light is shown as a light path L between the light source 5 and the light receiver 6.
[0074] Further preferably, the light emitter side 3 and the light receiver side 4 are arranged at a distance from each other, i.e. at a distance 8 from each other. The side parts 3 and 4 are particularly preferably finger-shaped. A liquid 7 is arranged between the light emitter side 3 and the light receiver side 4, so that the emitted light is transferred from the light emitter side 3 to the light receiver side 4 through the liquid 7.
[0075] Furthermore, a housing 14 is provided, in which the electronic components are located in order to seal them off from the liquid 7 .
[0076] Figure 2B A further or more advanced embodiment of a sensor device 2 is shown.
[0077] Preferably, the sensor device 2 comprises a light source 5 on the light emitter side 3. The sensor device 2 has a light guide 11 with a first light guide element 12 and a second light guide element 13. Preferably, the first light guide element 12 is arranged on the light emitter side 3 and the second light guide element 13 is arranged on the light receiver side 4. Preferably, the light guide elements 12, 13 can be connected to each other, for example, by a connecting element 15. Thereby, the stability of the light guide 11 can be increased. Figure 2A The design and implementation also applies to Figure 2B .
[0078] Light of the light source 5, represented by the light path L, is emitted to the first light-guiding element 12, is transmitted through the first light-guiding element 12 and is transmitted to the second light-guiding element 13. It is particularly preferred that the light-guiding elements 12, 13 are spaced apart from each other by a distance 8. When the light is guided in the second light-guiding element 4, the light is transmitted to one or more light receivers 6, which are designed to receive the light and output corresponding sensor signals. When the light is transferred from the first light-guiding element 12 to the second light-guiding element 13, the light passes through the liquid 7.
[0079] Since the light guides 12, 13 may already be present, the light source 5 and the light receiver 6 are arranged at a distance from the respective light guide elements 12, 13. In existing turbidity sensors, existing standard turbidity sensor designs can be used, wherein for example a multi-chip LED is provided which can emit red, green and blue and / or white. In this way, the function for detecting one of the colors of the liquid 7 can then be integrated into an existing turbidity sensor.
[0080] It can also be provided that the light receiver 6 and the light source 5 can be connected to one another at least by a signal so that changes or deviations of a received sensor signal of the light receiver 6 are compared as a function of a reference value present in the light source 5 .
[0081] It is particularly preferred that the light reaching the light receiver 6 is converted into an electrical variable, such as a voltage, using a suitable circuit, wherein the electrical variable, such as a voltage, can represent the output signal. If a reference liquid is present between the light sides 3, 4 during the measurement, the output signal, such as a voltage, can be taken as a reference value for a reference state. Any deviation from the reference state will result in a different measurement result or a different output signal, such as a voltage. Based on the absorption or attenuation of light or light of a specific wavelength, the color of the liquid 7 can then be inferred.
[0082] The sensor signal depends on the intensity of the transmitted light or the portion that is not absorbed.
[0083] It is particularly preferred that the light receiver 6 is designed as a phototransistor. The phototransistor is sensitive to the transmitted light, so when the light strikes the phototransistor, the photoelectric effect generates a photocurrent, which can be further processed into an output signal using a suitable circuit. The output signal can be, for example, a voltage, which therefore depends on the intensity of the light reaching the receiver.
[0084] The wiring diagram of the current light source 5 and the light receiver 6 is shown in FIG. Figure 3 One or more additional light sources 16 may also be provided, which may emit UV light and / or IR light, for example. In principle, depending on the design of the sensor device 2, the circuit may be adapted accordingly.
[0085] The sensor device 2 can preferably be calibrated accordingly, whereby, for example, it can be calibrated against a reference liquid. Particularly preferably, the reference liquid can be pure or distilled water, so that the received light can be indicated as a reference by the light receiver 6 and the corresponding sensor signal. If the emitted light decays along the measurement path, the output signal changes according to this decay. Deviations from the reference signal can be used to draw conclusions about the properties of the liquid, for example its color.
[0086] Figure 4 Examples of colors that can be emitted by one or more light sources 5 are shown. Figure 3 As shown, the light source 5 is intended to emit at least three different colors, preferably the primary colors red, green and blue, which are mixed by additive color mixing. Figure 4 , further providing the position of the corresponding wavelength range or the corresponding peak wavelength of the corresponding range.
[0087] Figure 5A and Figure 5B A sample series with corresponding evaluation is shown, and how the color of the liquid 7 is determined by the sensor device 2 .
[0088] The present system with the sensor device 2 is calibrated against distilled water or referenced to distilled water. Further samples are indicated here, which are numbered or labeled accordingly. Color differences can be seen in Figure 5A The values output by the light receiver 6 relating to the transmitted colors red, green and blue are correspondingly highlighted as 100%. Deviations in the output of the light receiver 6 (i.e. the phototransistor) are correspondingly represented by lower percentages. This can be seen, for example, in samples D3 and D2. It can also be seen which of the red, green and blue colors are correspondingly absorbed.
[0089] After the corresponding sensor values are determined or obtained, these values are multiplied by the maximum value of the additive color space, which is 255. The obtained value, i.e. the product of the 255 value multiplied by the corresponding percentage, gives the corresponding value in the additive color space. This is done for each of the colors red, green and blue, so that the corresponding hue in the additive color space can be determined by combining the three product values. From Figure 5A and 5B As can be seen from the color comparison in the figure, the calculation or determination is very accurate.
[0090] Figure 5B Part A shows the respective measured values and reference values. Figure 5B Part B of FIG. 1 shows the ratio of the respective measured value to the reference value. Finally, part C shows the respective calculated values of the additive color space, which can be used to determine the color in the additive color space.
[0091] According to a preferred embodiment, a single light receiver 6 is provided. In order to be able to focus different light beams or multiple light paths onto the single light receiver element 6, a light guide element 9 is preferably provided, wherein the light guide element is arranged and designed to deflect the light in such a way that the light is focused onto a single point. Particularly preferably, the light guide element 9 is Fig. 6A , where the light guide element 9 is a parabolic element or a curved surface 10. LEDs 1 to 4 of different output or light emission for the light source 5 are shown, which may correspond to, for example, red, green, blue and infrared light sources.
[0092] On the contrary, according to one embodiment, Figure 6B As shown, a single light source 5 can be provided, for example as a broadband light source, such as a white LED, which is separated by a light guide element 9 or a parabolic element 10. The phototransistors are preferably designed such that they are only sensitive to a specific wavelength range, or filters are arranged corresponding to the light guide element 9 and the phototransistors, which filters can filter the light of the light source 5. Preferably, the filter can also be arranged in the corresponding light receiver.
[0093] Merely as an example, a sensor device 2 having a light-guiding element 10 such as 7A to 7D shown. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B A plurality of light sources 5 are shown together with a single light receiver 6. Figure 7C and Fig.7D , a plurality of light receivers 6 together with a single light source 5 are shown.
[0094] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B At least two light sources 5, 5', 5" are shown, each of which is assigned to a first or second light path L', L". The transmission of light from the light sources 5, 5', 5' to the light receiver 6 has already been described. A light guide element 9 is now additionally arranged in front of the light receiver 6, which focuses the light paths L', L" on a point at which the light receiver is arranged.
[0095] Figure 7C and Fig.7D Another situation is shown with a single light source 5 and several light receivers 6, 6', 6".
[0096] Figure 8 A purely exemplary method for determining the color of clean water 7 is shown, wherein the method comprises the following steps:
[0097] In step S1, a corresponding household appliance 1 is provided, which comprises a sensor device 2 according to the invention. In a next step S2, light is emitted by the light source 5 and preferably transmitted via the light guides 3, 4 to the light receiver 6. In step S3, the light is received by the light receiver 6 and a corresponding sensor signal is obtained from the light receiver 6. After receiving the corresponding sensor signals (the corresponding sensor signals are, for example, sensor signals for different colors of the light source 5), these sensor signals are combined with each other and the color of the clean water 7 is determined from the combination of the sensor signals.
[0098] The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents that are essential to the invention, provided that these features are new compared to the prior art, either individually or in combination. It should also be noted that the various figures also depict features that may be advantageous in themselves. A person skilled in the art immediately recognizes that a particular feature described in a figure may also be advantageous without resorting to further features of the figure. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art recognizes that a combination of several features shown in a single figure or in different figures may also produce advantages.
[0099] List of Reference Numerals
[0100] 1Household appliances
[0101] 2Sensor device
[0102] 3. Optical transmitter side
[0103] 4 Optical receiver side
[0104] 5, 5', 5" light source
[0105] 6, 6', 6' optical receiver
[0106] 7Liquid, clean water
[0107] 8Distance
[0108] 9 Light guide element
[0109] 10 Parabolic elements
[0110] 11 Light Guide
[0111] 12. First light guide element
[0112] 13. Second light guide element
[0113] 14 Housing
[0114] 15 Connecting elements
[0115] 16 Other light sources
[0116] 17 Control Unit
[0117] L, L', L” optical paths.
Claims
1. A household appliance (1) having a sensor device (2), wherein the sensor device (2) is designed and arranged for this purpose, wherein information about chemical and / or physical properties of a liquid, for example the turbidity of a liquid (7), can be determined based on spectroscopic measurement data features, wherein the sensor device (2) has a light transmitter side and a light receiver side, wherein light can be transmitted from the light transmitter side to the light receiver side and can be received by one or more light receivers (6) after the transmission, Features The sensor device (2) is further arranged and designed to detect the color of the liquid (7).
2. The household appliance (1) according to claim 1, Features The sensor device (2) has one or more light sources (5) on the light emitter side, wherein at least two of the additively mixed primary colors can be emitted by the one or more light sources (5).
3. The household appliance (1) according to claim 2, Features The one or more light sources are capable of emitting three of the primary colors.
4. The household appliance (1) according to claim 1, Features The sensor device has one or more light sources, by means of which a broadband light spectrum can be emitted.
5. The household appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, Features At least one further light source is provided, by which infrared light and / or ultraviolet light can be emitted.
6. The household appliance according to claim 5, Features The at least one additional light source is a light source selected from the group consisting of an LED, a laser, a super luminescent LED or any combination thereof.
7. The household appliance (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 3, Features The colors can be emitted one after another in a specific sequence by the one or more light sources (5).
8. The household appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 7, Features The different wavelength ranges can be received by the one or more optical receivers one after the other in a specific sequence.
9. The household appliance (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, Features After the color is emitted, the light can be received by the one or more light receivers (6) and a corresponding sensor signal can be obtained, which sensor signal is dependent on the color of the liquid (7).
10. The household appliance (1) according to claim 9, Features The one or more light receivers (6) are at least one selected from the group including phototransistors, photodiodes, laser diodes, bolometers and any combination thereof, so that the sensor signal is at least one selected from the group including voltage, current, PWM or any combination thereof, wherein the sensor signal for each color is recordable and the individual sensor signals can be combined to determine the color of the liquid (7) in the additive color space.
11. The household appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 10, Features The sensor device comprises a light guide which is split into a light transmitter side and a light receiver side.
12. The household appliance according to claim 11, Features The light guide comprises a first light guide element and a second light guide element, wherein the light transmitter side is provided by the first light guide element and the light receiver side is provided by the second light guide element.
13. The household appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 12, Features The light transmitter side and the light receiver side are arranged at a distance from each other.
14. The household appliance according to claim 11 or 12, Features The light guide has a light guide element which is arranged and designed to deflect the light in such a way that it is focused onto a single point, in which a single light receiver is arranged.
15. The household appliance according to claim 14, Features The light guiding element is a parabolic element and / or a curved surface.
16. The household appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 13, Features The light guide has a light guide element, wherein the light guide element is intended and designed to split light having a broadband spectrum into a plurality of individual light beams.
17. The household appliance according to claim 16, Features A plurality of light receivers are provided which are intended and designed to receive the individual light beams.
18. The household appliance according to claim 16, Features A single optical receiver is provided that is intended and designed to receive broadband light.
19. The household appliance according to claim 17, Features The light receivers each have a different spectral sensitivity such that each of the light receivers is capable of receiving light of a different color.
20. The household appliance according to claim 17, Features One or more filter elements are arranged between the light receiver and the light guiding element, the filter elements being intended and designed to optically filter the light.
21. A household appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, Features The spectroscopic measurement data features can be evaluated with the aid of artificial intelligence (AI), in particular with regard to characterization of the chemical and physical properties of the liquid.
22. A method for determining the color of clean water, the method comprising the following method steps: a) providing a household appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 19; b) emitting light through the light source (5); c) receiving the light through the one or more light receivers (6) and obtaining a sensor signal; d) combining the sensor signals and determining the color of the liquid (7).