Dishwasher, in particular a domestic dishwasher

Abstract

A dishwasher with a wash chamber (2) providing a wash chamber (3), which has a loading opening (6) that can be closed in a fluid-tight manner by means of a wash chamber door (5), and with a camera unit (13) for visually detecting the wash chamber (3), characterized by a locking element (22) for mechanically deactivating the camera unit (13), wherein the locking element (22) can be moved from a first position deactivating the camera unit (13) to a second position activating the camera unit (13) and vice versa, and by means (20) that cause the locking element (22) to be moved from the first position to the second position and vice versa.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, with a washing container providing a washing chamber, which has a loading opening that can be closed by means of a washing chamber door, in particular a fluid-tight one, for loading with items to be cleaned, and with a camera unit for visually recording the washing chamber.

[0002] Dishwashers of the type mentioned above are well known from the prior art, which is why a separate printed proof is not required at this point.

[0003] Conventional dishwashers have a wash chamber that provides a washing area. This chamber is accessible to the user via a loading opening, which can be sealed fluid-tight by means of a pivoting wash chamber door. Under normal operating conditions, the wash chamber serves to hold items to be cleaned, such as dishes, cutlery, and / or the like.

[0004] To spray the items to be cleaned with cleaning fluid, the so-called wash liquor, the dishwasher has a spray system inside the wash tub. This spray system typically provides rotating spray arms, usually two or three of which are provided. Under normal operating conditions, the items to be cleaned are filled with the wash liquor by means of rotating spray arms.

[0005] The cleaning solution dispensed by the spray system during operation comes into contact with the items to be cleaned and then collects in a reservoir into which the wash tank empties. The reservoir is connected to a circulation pump on one side and a drain pump on the other. The circulation pump supplies the spray system with cleaning solution and, under normal operating conditions, circulates the cleaning fluid supplied to the dishwasher. At the end of a wash cycle, the drain pump removes and discards the cleaning solution.

[0006] The dishwasher of this type also has a camera unit for visually scanning the wash chamber. This visual scanning of the wash chamber by means of the camera unit serves, for example, to detect the load of the dishwasher and / or to sensing the degree of soiling of the items to be cleaned. A dishwasher with such a camera unit is known, for example, from DE 100 48 081 A1, which relates to a method for detecting the load of items to be washed and / or the degree of soiling of the items.

[0007] DE 10 2015 102 694 A1 discloses a method for determining the rotational speed of a spray arm of a dishwasher, in which images are created from the interior of a washing container housing the spray arm using a camera, which are then processed and compared for evaluation purposes, and in which the rotational speed of the spray arm is calculated as a function of the result of the image comparison.

[0008] The subsequently published WO 2020 / 144127 A1 and the subsequently published WO 2020 / 144128 A1 (prior art according to Art. 54 (3) EPC) each disclose a dishwasher with a washing container providing a washing chamber and a camera for visually recording the washing chamber and a locking element that can be moved from a locking position covering the camera opening to a working position releasing the camera opening and vice versa.

[0009] The detection of dishwashing load and / or the degree of soiling of dishes using a camera unit has proven effective in everyday practical use. Nevertheless, there is room for improvement, as users perceive it as a disadvantage that the dishwasher's camera unit could potentially be used to make unauthorized visual recordings of the surrounding atmosphere when the dishwasher door is open.

[0010] Based on the above description, the invention is based on the following: Task The underlying principle is to further develop a dishwasher in such a way that, when the dishwasher door is open, a user can clearly see that the camera unit is prevented from visually capturing the atmosphere surrounding the dishwasher.

[0011] To Solution The invention proposes a dishwasher with the features of claim 1 to address this problem.

[0012] The dishwasher has a wash chamber that provides a wash area and features a loading opening for items to be cleaned, which can be closed by means of a wash chamber door, in particular a fluid-tight one. Furthermore, the dishwasher has a camera unit for visually monitoring the wash chamber. This unit can be located, for example, on the wash chamber door. Typically, the dishwasher also has a collection basin into which the wash chamber empties. In addition, the dishwasher can have a spray arm located within the wash chamber for spraying the items to be cleaned with the wash solution, as well as a circulation pump, with the spray arm being fluidically connected to the circulation pump.

[0013] According to the invention, a locking element is provided that enables the camera unit to be deactivated or activated. Deactivation is effected mechanically by means of the locking element and not electronically.

[0014] Mechanical deactivation of the camera unit, unlike purely electronic deactivation, offers the advantage that it is readily apparent to a user that the camera unit is deactivated and therefore out of service. It may also be possible that, in the case of mechanical deactivation of the camera unit by the shutter mechanism, it is also deactivated electronically to avoid unnecessary energy consumption.

[0015] The locking element according to the invention serves generally to deactivate or activate the camera, that is, to enable the proper functioning of the camera unit or to lock it. The locking element can be moved from a first position to a second position and vice versa. In the first position of the locking element, the camera unit is covered, i.e., inoperative. In the second position, the locking element releases the camera unit, thereby activating it.

[0016] The locking mechanism enters its first position when the dishwasher door is open. Therefore, when the dishwasher door is open, the camera unit is deactivated, preventing it from visually capturing images of the area surrounding the dishwasher.

[0017] With the dishwasher door closed, the locking mechanism is in its second position, thus activating the camera unit. In this position, the locking mechanism can capture images of the dishwasher interior as intended, for example, to detect the load and / or to assess the degree of soiling of the items to be cleaned.

[0018] Covering the camera unit when the dishwasher door is open has a further positive effect. The cover prevents unwanted contamination of the camera unit by food scraps, dirt, and / or other solids or liquids that fall or flow down the dishwasher when loading the dishwasher.

[0019] The locking element according to the invention ensures that image capture is limited to the wash chamber. Image capture by the camera unit when the wash chamber door is open is impossible when the locking element is in the first position, i.e., the closed position. Therefore, the camera unit cannot capture the dishwasher's surroundings or a user of the dishwasher, which is particularly advantageous for data processing and data protection reasons.

[0020] The camera unit is deactivated purely mechanically by means of the shutter element, and not electronically or electrically, which is advantageously immediately apparent to the user. A user can easily see that the shutter element covers and thus deactivates the camera unit. This fosters trust and gives the user the reassurance of not being unintentionally observed.

[0021] According to a further feature of the invention, the means are designed to move the locking element from the first position to the second position and vice versa, depending on the position of the wash chamber door. Manual intervention to move the locking element from one position to the other or vice versa is not required according to this embodiment. Instead, the locking element moves automatically, depending on the position of the wash chamber door, which is achieved according to the invention by means provided for this purpose. These means can, for example, be a cable pulley system that acts on the locking element depending on the opening angle of the wash chamber door. Alternatively, a belt system, for example a toothed belt system, can also be provided.Alternatively, a lever arrangement with a counterweight can also be provided, which, due to gravity, causes the locking element to be transferred when the wash chamber door is pivoted.

[0022] According to a further feature of the invention, the means are designed to move the locking element from the first position to the second position and vice versa, depending on the closed state of the door lock on the dishwasher door. In this alternative embodiment, the locking element is not moved based on the position of the dishwasher door. Instead, the closed state of the dishwasher door lock is sensed. Depending on the closed state of the door lock, the locking element is then moved to either one position or the other. Possible closed states of the door lock are closed or open. Opening the dishwasher door, i.e., moving it to the open position, is only possible when the door lock is open.It is therefore proposed that the camera unit be automatically deactivated by means of the locking element when the door lock is in the open position. In this case, the lock bolt of the dishwasher door does not engage the corresponding door lock. However, if it is detected that the door lock bolt is engaged, the dishwasher door is closed and the locking element can be moved to its second position, i.e., its release position.

[0023] According to the invention, the camera unit comprises a camera and optics that interact with it. The camera can, for example, be in the form of a camera chip. The optics of the camera unit serve, in particular, to achieve a design optimized for the visual capture of the wash chamber. It is especially desirable to enable image capture that is as sharp as possible, even across the depth of the wash chamber.

[0024] According to a further feature of the invention, the camera unit includes a light source, preferably an LED. In its intended use, the light source illuminates the washing chamber, thus improving its visual detection. According to this preferred embodiment of the invention, separate light sources located in the washing chamber are not required.

[0025] According to a further feature of the invention, the camera unit has a fluid-tight housing that accommodates the camera, the optics, and the light source. Thus, the camera, the optics, and any light source are arranged within the fluid-tight housing. According to the invention, the camera unit is designed as a single, compact component. This can be prefabricated, which simplifies assembly and integration into the dishwasher. For image capture, the housing has a camera opening through which image capture takes place during intended use. The camera opening is sealed fluid-tight, for example, by means of a transparent cover made of glass or plastic. This transparent cover can also incorporate the optics of the camera unit.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the camera unit is provided by the dishwasher's door. A typical dishwasher door has an outer and an inner panel, spaced apart from each other, leaving a void. The camera unit can be accommodated within this void provided by the dishwasher door, i.e., positioned between the outer and inner panels. In this case, the inner panel of the dishwasher door has a corresponding opening through which the camera unit can capture images.

[0027] Alternatively, the camera unit can be positioned or integrated into one of the two side walls, the rear wall, or elsewhere in or on the wash chamber. The only important factor regarding the camera unit's position is that it allows for visual recording of the wash chamber or the desired area within it.

[0028] According to the invention, the locking element is a pivotable cover cap. To deactivate the camera unit, the cover cap is pivotable in front of the camera, the lens, and / or the camera opening. The locking element thus pivots in front of the camera, the lens, and / or the housing opening depending on the position of the dishwasher door and / or the closed state of the dishwasher door lock. To activate the camera unit, the locking element, designed as a cover cap, pivots into its second position, i.e., its release position, in which the camera, the lens, and the housing opening are exposed, so that a visual recording of the dishwasher interior can take place as intended using the camera unit.

[0029] According to a further feature of the invention, the locking element comprises two oppositely pivotable half-caps. In this embodiment, the locking element is designed in two parts. It has two half-caps, each of which is pivotable. To deactivate the camera unit, both half-caps must be pivoted into their first position, i.e., the locked position. In doing so, the two half-caps pivot in opposite directions to each other. To activate the camera unit, both half-caps must be moved into their respective unlocked positions, again pivoting in opposite directions to each other. The advantage of this arrangement lies particularly in the space-saving design and the space-saving pivoting path of each half-cap.

[0030] According to a further feature of the invention, the means that effect the movement of the locking element from the first position to the second position and vice versa comprise a cable that interacts at one end with the locking element and at the other end with an abutment. The cable thus constitutes the force-transmitting element between the dishwasher door and the means, the coupling of the cable to the abutment, for example on the base of the dishwasher, simultaneously ensures that the movement of the locking element to the first or second position occurs depending on the position of the dishwasher door.

[0031] Alternatively, instead of a cable, the mechanism uses a toothed belt or chain and gears that interact with the toothed belt or chain. In this case, too, the locking element pivots depending on the position of the wash chamber door.

[0032] According to an alternative embodiment, the means are provided with an electric motor drive. In its intended use, this drive drives the locking element and causes it to move from the first position to the second position or vice versa. The electric motor drive can be connected to the locking element via a gear arrangement to transmit power.

[0033] The advantage of the electric motor drive lies particularly in its ability to be activated depending on the locking status of the dishwasher door. Specifically, it can be configured so that when the door lock is opened, the electric motor drive is activated, moving the locking element into the closed position. When the door is closed as intended, the door lock also engages, activating the electric motor drive and thus also activating or releasing the camera unit by moving the locking element.

[0034] According to a further alternative embodiment of the invention, the means include a counterweight that pivots due to gravity. This counterweight is freely pivotable and mounted on the dishwasher door, so that pivoting the dishwasher door also causes the counterweight to pivot. Thus, the locking element pivots depending on the position of the counterweight and therefore also depending on the position of the dishwasher door.

[0035] According to a further feature of the invention, the locking element provides an information carrier on its outer surface facing away from the camera. This information carrier is intended, in particular, to indicate to a user of the dishwasher that the locking element is in the closed position, i.e., that the camera unit is deactivated. Such an information carrier can, for example, include a camera symbol with a line through it. This makes it obvious to a user that the camera unit is prevented from capturing an image, regardless of whether it is also electronically switched off or not.

[0036] The invention ensures that the camera unit is reliably deactivated mechanically, depending on the position of the dishwasher door and / or the closed position of the door lock. This protects the user's privacy, which is also indicated to the user by the locking mechanism in the closed position, thus fostering user confidence. It is readily apparent to the user that no image can be captured when the dishwasher door is open, but that the dishwasher can still be imaged as intended when the door is closed.

[0037] In this context, there is also the option for the user to permanently set the locking mechanism to its first position, i.e., its locked position. This allows the user to permanently deactivate the camera unit. If, at a later time, the user wishes to use the camera unit as intended, the locking mechanism, or its swivel function, can be reactivated, thus enabling the camera unit to be deactivated or activated as described above.

[0038] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the figures. These show Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a dishwasher according to a first embodiment of the invention with a closed wash chamber door; Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of the dishwasher according to Fig. 1with the washroom door open; Fig. 3 shows a schematic detail of the camera unit. Fig. 1 Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a dishwasher according to a second embodiment of the invention with a closed wash chamber door; Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of the dishwasher according to the invention. Fig. 4 with the washroom door open; Fig. 6 shows a schematic detail of the camera unit. Fig. 4 Fig. 7 shows a schematic detail view of a camera unit according to a third embodiment with the washroom door closed; Fig. 8 shows a schematic detail view of the camera unit according to Fig. 7 with the wash chamber door open; Fig. 9 in a schematic perspective view shows a locking element in the release position, i.e., with the camera unit activated; Fig. 10 in a schematic perspective view shows the locking element after Fig. 9in the closed position, i.e., deactivated camera unit; Fig. 11 in a schematic detail view of a camera unit according to a further embodiment with the wash chamber door closed; Fig. 12 in a schematic detail view of the camera unit after Fig. 11 with the dishwasher door open; Fig. 13 shows a schematic detail view of a camera unit according to a further embodiment with the dishwasher door closed; Fig. 14 shows a schematic detail view of the camera unit according to Fig. 13 with the wash chamber door open; Fig. 15 shows a schematic detail view of a camera unit according to a further embodiment with the wash chamber door closed, and Fig. 16 shows a schematic detail view of the camera unit according to Fig. 15 with the dishwasher door open.

[0039] The Figures 1 to 16The figures show, in different views, a dishwasher 1 and a camera unit 13 according to the invention. Identical reference numerals identify the same components, although for the sake of clarity not all reference numerals are shown in all figures.

[0040] Fig. 1 The schematic representation shows a dishwasher 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. In this representation, the wash chamber door 5 is closed. Fig. 2 Dishwasher 1 shows 5 when the dishwasher door is open.

[0041] As can be seen from a synthesis of the Figs. 1 and 2As a result, the dishwasher 1 has a wash tub 2. The wash tub 2 in turn provides a wash chamber 3, which, in its intended use, serves to hold the items 4 to be cleaned. In the illustrated embodiment, the items 4 to be cleaned are held by dish racks, specifically in the form of dish baskets, comprising a lower basket, an upper basket, and a cutlery drawer.

[0042] The wash chamber 3 is accessible from the user through a loading opening 6. The loading opening 6 can be closed fluid-tight by means of the wash chamber door 5, the wash chamber door 5 being pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis and being opened from the user's side. Fig. 1 shown locking position in the Fig. 2 The disclosure shown can be transferred, and vice versa.

[0043] The dishwasher 1 also has a collection pot 8 into which the wash tank 2 empties. Within the wash chamber 3, spray arms 7 are also arranged, which, in normal use, serve to spray the items 4 to be washed with the wash solution.

[0044] Dishwasher 1 also has a circulation pump, which is not shown in detail in the figures. This pump is fluidically connected to the spray arms 7 and supplies them with dishwashing liquid during normal use. The dishwashing liquid is discharged from the spray arms 7 towards the items 4 to be cleaned, from which it drips and collects in the reservoir 8. From there, it is drawn in by the circulation pump and returned to the spray arms 7.

[0045] The dishwasher 1 also has a camera unit 13, which, according to the illustrated embodiments, is provided by the wash chamber door 5. Alternatively, the camera unit 13 can also be provided by a wall bordering the wash tub 2.

[0046] The camera unit 13 serves for the visual detection of the washing chamber 3, for example for load detection and / or sensing the degree of soiling of the items to be cleaned 4.

[0047] How especially the detailed view after Fig. 3 As can be seen, the camera unit 13 has a camera 14, a cooperating optic 15 and two LEDs as light sources 16. The camera 14, the optic 15 and, if applicable, the light source 16 are arranged within a fluid-tight housing 17.

[0048] The wash chamber door 5 has an outer sheet 10 and an inner sheet 11, which are spaced apart from each other to form a volumetric space 12. This volumetric space 12 accommodates the camera unit 13, the inner sheet 11 being equipped with a corresponding recess 18 through which, in the intended use, an image is captured by the camera unit 13. The recess 18 is sealed fluid-tight by a cover 19 made of a transparent material, such as transparent plastic or clear glass.

[0049] How a synthesis of Figs. 1, 2 and 3 As can be seen, the camera unit 13 has a locking element 22, which is designed as a cover cap. The locking element 22 is pivotally mounted and can be moved in the direction of arrow 23. Fig. 3to pivot, specifically from a first position to a second position and vice versa.

[0050] The pivoting mechanism of the shutter element 22 serves to deactivate or activate the camera unit 13. The camera unit 13 is deactivated when the shutter element is in its first position, i.e., in its so-called closed position. The camera unit 13 is activated, i.e., ready for use, when the shutter element 22 is in its second position, i.e., in its so-called open position.

[0051] The activation or deactivation of the camera unit 13 by means of the shutter element 22 is carried out exclusively mechanically, namely by pivoting the shutter element 22 from the first position to the second position or vice versa.

[0052] The pivoting of the locking element 22 is carried out according to the exemplary embodiment as described below. Figs. 1 to 3depending on the position of the dishwasher door 5. Thus, the camera unit 13 is activated when the dishwasher door 5 is closed, as is the case with the Fig. 1 and 3 This can be seen. With the wash chamber door 5 open, the locking element 22 is moved into its closed position, thus deactivating the camera unit 13, as shown in the illustration. Fig. 2 This can be seen.

[0053] To activate or deactivate the camera unit 13, the dishwasher 1 has means that cause the locking element 22 to move from the first position to the second position and vice versa. According to the exemplary embodiment according to the Figs. 1 to 3 These means comprise a cable pull 21 which interacts at one end with the locking element 22 and at the other end with the wash chamber 2 or another fixed pivot point. This ensures that the locking element 22 moves from the closed position to the Fig. 2 into the release position after Fig. 1 twisted, thus activating the camera unit 13. When the wash chamber door 5 is opened, a tension spring 24 ensures that the locking element 22 is automatically moved into the closed position. Fig. 2 A spring-induced pivoting of the locking element 22 is permitted because, when the wash chamber door 5 is opened, the counterforce provided by the cable 21 decreases due to the cable elongation. When the wash chamber door 5 is closed, the cable 21 is tensioned again, so that, contrary to the spring force exerted by the spring 24, the locking element 22 can rotate into the closed position.

[0054] The Figures 4 to 6This reveals another embodiment. According to this embodiment, instead of a cable 21, a toothed belt 27 is used, which is guided over two gears 28 and 29. When the wash chamber door 5 pivots, the gear 29 on the base rotates, which drives the toothed belt 27, which in turn rotates the gear 28. The gear 28 is operatively connected to the locking element 22, so that pivoting the wash chamber door 5 results in a rotational movement of the locking element 22. When the wash chamber door opens, the locking element 22 is guided in front of the camera 14, whereas when the wash chamber door closes, the locking element releases the camera.

[0055] The Figs. 7 and 8show another embodiment. According to this embodiment, the locking element 22 is designed in two parts and has two half-caps 30 and 31. Opening the locking element 22 according to Fig. 7 or the closing of the locking element 22 according to Fig. 8 This is achieved via a cable 32, which is hinged at the other end in the lower base area of ​​the dishwasher 1. When the wash chamber door 5 pivots, the two half-caps 30 and 31 pivot about their respective pivot points, similar to an excavator bucket. A spring, not shown in detail in the figures, acts between the two half-caps, causing the half-caps 30 and 31 to move automatically when the wash chamber door is closed.

[0056] Fig. 9The figure shows a section of the inside of the dishwasher door 5 with the dishwasher door 5 closed. It can be seen that the locking element 22 is pivoted into its release position according to this door position, meaning that the camera unit 13 can be operated as intended.

[0057] Fig. 10Figure 1 shows the interior view of the dishwasher door 5 with the door open. As can be seen from this view, when the dishwasher door 5 is open, the locking element 22 pivots into its closed position, thus covering and deactivating the camera unit 13. To clearly indicate the deactivation of the camera unit 13 to the user, the locking element 22 is equipped with an information carrier 33 on its upper surface facing away from the camera unit 13. This information carrier 33 is visible to the user when the locking element 22 is in the closed position. According to the illustrated embodiment, the information carrier 33 is a pictogram in the form of a camera symbol with a line through it.

[0058] The Figs. 11 and 12This reveals a further embodiment. According to this embodiment, an electric motor drive 9 is provided. This is connected to a control element 25 by means of a cable 26.

[0059] The electric motor drive 9 has a pinion 35 (which can also be designed as a gear or part of a gear) that interacts with the locking element 22 via an intermediate gear 36, the pinion (or gear) 35 and the gear 36 forming a gear arrangement 34. When the pinion 35 rotates, the locking element 22 also rotates accordingly.

[0060] The advantage of this embodiment is that it eliminates the need for vulnerable mechanical components. Furthermore, the locking element can operate independently of the position of the wash chamber door 5, as the drive 9 is activated by the control element 25. For example, the drive 9 can be switched on and off depending on the closed position of the lock on the wash chamber door 5. If the lock closes, the control element 25 activates the electric motor drive 9, which then moves the locking element 22 into its release position. Opening the lock, however, automatically moves the locking element 22 into its closed position.

[0061] Another embodiment is shown in the Figs. 13 and 14According to this variant, the locking element 22 is motorized by means of a direct drive, which is realized by the locking element 22 having an integrated gear 38. Otherwise, the operating principle corresponds to that of the embodiment according to the Figs. 11 and 12 .

[0062] Another embodiment is shown in the Figs. 15 and 16In this embodiment, the locking element 22 is pivoted mechanically by means of a counterweight 39. This counterweight causes the locking element 22 to pivot automatically about the axis of rotation 40, depending on the position of the dishwasher door 5. The advantage of this design lies in its particularly simple construction. Neither complicated mechanical components nor an electric motor drive are used. The pivoting torque or release torque of the counterweight 39 can be designed at a defined angle using a lever arm mechanism. This ensures that a pivoting of the dishwasher door 5 by only a few degrees is enough to fully pivot the locking element 22. This has the advantage that even a slight opening movement of the dishwasher door 5 deactivates the camera unit 13.Conversely, only a near-complete closing of the washroom door 5 leads to a renewed release of the camera unit 13. Reference sign

[0063] 1 Dishwasher 2 Wash container 3 Wash chamber 4 Dishes 5 Wash chamber door 6 Loading opening 7 Spray arm 8 Collection pot 9 Electromotive drive 10 Outer sheet 11 Inner sheet 12 Volume chamber 13 Camera unit 14 Camera 15 Optics 16 Light source 17 Housing 18 Recess 19 Cover 20 Center 21 Cable pull 22 Locking element 23 Arrow 24 Spring 25 Control element 26 Cable 27 Timing belt 28 Gear 29 Gear 30 Half cap 31 Half cap 32 Cable pull 33 Information carrier 34 Gear assembly 35 Pinion 36 Gear 38 Gear 39 Counterweight 40 Shaft of rotation

Claims

1. Dishwasher, in particular a domestic dishwasher, comprising a washing container (2) which provides a washing chamber (3) which has a loading opening (6) for loading with washware (4) to be cleaned, which loading opening can be closed by means of a washing chamber door (5), and comprising a camera unit (13) for visually capturing the washing chamber (3), wherein the camera unit (13) has a fluid-tight housing (17) which accommodates a camera (14) and optics (15) interacting therewith, characterised by a closure element (22) for mechanically deactivating the camera unit (13), wherein the closure element (22) can be transferred from a first position deactivating the camera unit (13) to a second position activating the camera unit (13) and vice versa, and by means (20) which cause the closure element (22) to be transferred from the first position to the second position and vice versa, wherein the closure element (22) is a pivotable cover cap which is arranged inside the housing (17) and which can be pivoted in front of the camera (14) and / or the optics (15) depending on the position of the washing chamber door (5) and / or on a closed state of a door lock of the washing chamber door (5).

2. Dishwasher according to claim 1, characterised in that the means (20) cause the closure element (22) to be transferred from the first position to the second position and vice versa depending on the position of the washing chamber door (5).

3. Dishwasher according to claim 1, characterised in that the means (20) cause the closure element (22) to be transferred from the first position to the second position and vice versa depending on a closed state of a door lock of the washing chamber door (5).

4. Dishwasher according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the camera unit (13) comprises a lighting means (16), preferably an LED.

5. Dishwasher according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the closure element (22) comprises two half caps (30, 31) which can be pivoted in opposite directions.

6. Dishwasher according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that< / b> the means (20) comprise a cable (21; 32) which interacts at one end with the closure element (22) and at the other end with a fixed abutment, preferably a machine base.

7. Dishwasher according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the means (20) comprise a toothed belt (27) and gears (28, 29) interacting therewith.

8. Dishwasher according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the means (20) comprise an electromotor drive (9).

9. Dishwasher according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the means (20) comprise a gearing arrangement (34).

10. Dishwasher according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the means (20) comprise a counterweight (39) which can be pivoted by gravity.

11. Dishwasher according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the closure element (22) provides an information carrier (33) on the outer surface thereof facing away from the camera (14) and / or the optics (15).

Images