Method and control unit for operating an appliance door for a cleaning appliance, and cleaning appliance

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating an appliance door (105) for a cleaning appliance (100). The method comprises a step in which a reflection beam, which represents a portion of a measuring beam reflected in a detection area (120), is received via an interface to a sensor unit (115). Said reflection beam was reflected at least at one reflection point (200) located in the detection area (120) between an inner side (145) of the appliance door (105) and a loading opening (110) of the cleaning appliance (100). The method comprises a step in which a distance between the sensor unit (115) and the reflection point is determined using at least one parameter of the measurement beam and / or the reflection beam, and a step in which a drive signal for driving a drive unit (107) coupled to the appliance door (105) is provided using a comparison of the determined distance with a target distance in order to operate the appliance door (105).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a control unit for operating a device door for a cleaning device and to a cleaning device.

[0002] DE 10 2019 114 740 A1 describes a water-conducting household appliance and a method for operating the water-conducting household appliance.

[0003] DE 10 2014 202441 A1 discloses a method for operating an appliance door, in which a user gesture is recognized by means of a gesture recognition device and the door is then automatically moved by a drive unit.

[0004] The approach presented here aims to create an improved method and an improved control unit for operating a device door for a cleaning device as well as an improved cleaning device.

[0005] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method and a control unit for operating a door for a cleaning appliance, as well as a cleaning appliance having the features of the main claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are set forth in the following subclaims.

[0006] The approach presented here creates a possibility for contactless door closing. Furthermore, it can advantageously determine whether an upper and / or lower basket of the cleaning device is inserted or not.

[0007] A method for operating an appliance door for a cleaning appliance is presented, the method comprising a receiving step, a determining step, and a providing step. In the receiving step, a reflection beam is received via an interface to a sensor unit, which represents a portion of a measuring beam reflected in a detection area, the reflection beam having been reflected at at least one reflection point arranged in the detection area between an inner side of the appliance door and a loading opening of the cleaning appliance. In the determining step, a distance between the sensor unit and the reflection point is determined using at least one parameter of the measuring beam and additionally or alternatively the reflection beam.In the step of providing, a control signal is provided for controlling a drive unit coupled to the appliance door using a comparison of the determined distance with a target distance in order to actuate the appliance door.

[0008] The method can, for example, be carried out in a household appliance as a cleaning device, which can be implemented as a dishwasher, for example. The appliance door can, for example, form a device front that can be folded downwards towards a standing surface. The method can advantageously make it possible to automate the appliance door and, in addition or alternatively, to operate it contactlessly. For this purpose, the cleaning device has the sensor unit that detects the reflected beam. The sensor unit can advantageously be implemented as a radar sensor, lidar sensor, ultrasonic sensor or, for example, as an infrared sensor. The reflected beam and thus the measuring beam can advantageously be emitted as a continuous beam. The detection area can advantageously extend from the sensor unit to the appliance door and, for example, cover a large area.For example, the detection area can cover half and additionally or alternatively more than 75% of the inner surface of the appliance door. This can advantageously also detect whether or not at least one basket of the cleaning appliance for holding items to be cleaned is fully pushed into the loading opening. This means that the portion of the measuring beam can be reflected at the reflection point if it is not fully pushed in. The reflection point is arranged, for example, on the basket, so that the reflection point can represent a basket position. If the basket is fully pushed in, the reflection point can be arranged, for example, on the inner surface of the appliance door and thus be related to the target distance. The target distance can advantageously be predetermined and, for example, stored on a memory unit.The target distance can advantageously represent a distance from the sensor unit to the open appliance door.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the control signal can be provided in the providing step in order to be able to close the appliance door if the determined distance between the sensor unit and the reflection point lies within a tolerance range of the target distance. This advantageously allows a conclusion to be drawn about a basket position. This means, for example, that at least one basket of the cleaning appliance should be fully pushed into the loading opening when the appliance door is closed. Advantageously, closing the appliance door in this way can prevent the appliance door from being triggered to close when the basket is not yet fully retracted, which could potentially cause dishes to break.

[0010] Furthermore, in the provisioning step, the appliance door can be closed after a reaction time has elapsed if the determined distance between the sensor unit and the reflection point during the reaction time is within a tolerance range of the target distance. Advantageously, the reaction time can be predetermined, for example, between 5 and 10 seconds, before the appliance door can be closed automatically. This can be used, for example, to conclude that the cleaning appliance's loading process has been completed.

[0011] The method may include a step of detecting a propagation time, which may represent a time period from the emission of the measuring beam to the reception of the reflected beam. In the determining step, the distance may be determined using the propagation time. This means that the propagation time may indicate a distance to an object located within the detection range and thus potentially obstructing a closing process. The object may, for example, represent a body part of the user or, for example, the at least one basket.

[0012] In a recognition step, a user's gesture can be recognized via the interface to the sensor unit using a further reflection beam, which can represent a portion of a further measuring beam reflected in the detection area, wherein the further reflection beam was reflected at at least one further reflection point arranged in the detection area. In the provision step, the drive unit can be controlled in response to the recognized gesture in order to be able to operate the appliance door, in particular to be able to close the appliance door. The gesture can advantageously comprise a spatial or temporal sequence of several reflection points, such as a wave or, for example, an approach to the sensor unit. Advantageously, the gesture can be recognized and processed using artificial intelligence (AI), which can, for example, be trained.Such a design enables safe and error-free control of the appliance door.

[0013] According to one embodiment, in the determining step, a further distance between the sensor unit and the further reflection point can be determined using at least one parameter of the further measuring beam and additionally or alternatively of the further reflection beam. A movement or a position of an object within a distance range can be recognized as a gesture, which can include further distances that are less than two-thirds of the target distance, in particular less than half the target distance. The further distance, or the further reflection point, can represent, for example, a position of a user's hand. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of reliably distinguishing between the detection of objects (such as the basket) at the target distance from the sensor and objects that are at a significantly smaller distance from the sensor, such as an operator's hand.

[0014] Furthermore, in the recognition step, the gesture can be recognized as the movement to switch between a first device mode, which represents the closing of the device door, and a second device mode, which represents the closing of the device door and the subsequent start of a cleaning program of the cleaning device. Advantageously, the movement can be recognized as a wiping movement, which can, for example, be associated with switching between the device modes. This can advantageously improve user comfort. Gesture control advantageously allows the cleaning device to be controlled ergonomically.

[0015] The method may comprise a step of emitting the measuring beam into the detection zone, in particular wherein the emitting step can be repeated in order to emit the measuring beam into the detection zone as a pulsed measuring beam. For example, the measuring beam can be emitted at regular intervals, which advantageously improves the energy balance of the cleaning device and, on the other hand, allows the detection zone to be monitored over a longer period of time for objects located therein.

[0016] According to one embodiment, in the receiving step, the reflected beam can be received as an infrared light beam, radar beam, lidar beam, and additionally or alternatively as an ultrasonic wave. Advantageously, the method or the steps of the method can thereby be carried out or controlled invisibly for the user, since the infrared light beam, radar beam, lidar beam, and additionally or alternatively the ultrasonic wave are invisible to the human eye. Nevertheless, a reliable and precise measurement can be performed.

[0017] In a repeated receiving step, a current reflection beam can be received, which can represent a reflected portion of a current measuring beam and which was reflected at a current reflection point arranged in the detection area. In a repeated determining step, a current distance between the sensor unit and the current reflection point can be determined using the current reflection beam, and in a repeated providing step, a stop signal can be provided in order to be able to stop the operated device door if the current distance between the sensor unit and the current reflection point is smaller than the target distance within a tolerance range. This means that the closing process of the device door can advantageously be stopped as soon as an obstacle is detected.The obstacle can, for example, be associated with a gesture control, such as the user's hand. For example, the stop signal can also cause the appliance door to open.

[0018] For example, the method can comprise a step of outputting a status signal after determining the distance in order to be able to signal a device mode of the cleaning device and additionally or alternatively the operation of the device door, in particular wherein the control signal can be provided after the output of the status signal. The status signal can advantageously be implemented as an acoustic and additionally or alternatively as a visual signal. For example, a sound can be output or alternatively a lighting unit, such as an LED, can be controlled. The lighting unit can, for example, light up in different colors and additionally or alternatively flash, so that the device modes can be represented, for example, by different colors and additionally or alternatively lighting types.

[0019] The approach presented here further provides a control unit configured to perform, control, or implement the steps of a variant of the method presented here in corresponding devices. The variant in the form of a device also allows the method and thus the approach presented to be implemented quickly and efficiently.

[0020] The control unit can be designed to read in input signals and to determine and provide output signals using the input signals. An input signal can, for example, represent a sensor signal that can be read in via an input interface of the control unit. An output signal can represent a control signal or a data signal that can be provided at an output interface of the control unit. The control unit can be designed to determine the output signals using a processing rule implemented in hardware or software. For example, the control unit can comprise a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, or a software module and can, for example, be implemented as a discrete component or be comprised of a discrete component.

[0021] Also advantageous is a computer program product or computer program with program code that can be stored on a machine-readable carrier or storage medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk memory, or an optical memory. If the program product or program is executed on a computer or a control unit, the program product or program can be used to carry out, implement, and / or control the steps of the method according to one of the embodiments described here.

[0022] Furthermore, a cleaning device is presented, which has a device door for closing a loading opening of the cleaning device, and a drive unit coupled to the device door, which is designed to actuate the device door. Furthermore, the cleaning device has a sensor unit for detecting a portion of a measuring beam reflected in a detection area, wherein the sensor unit is arranged on an edge of the cleaning device, and a control unit in a previously mentioned variant, which is connected to the device door and the sensor unit.

[0023] The cleaning device can advantageously be implemented as a dishwasher, which can be used, for example, as a household appliance. The approach described here can also be used accordingly in connection with a commercial or professional device, for example, a medical device, such as a cleaning or disinfection device, a small sterilizer, a large-capacity disinfector, or a container washing system. Advantageously, the sensor unit can be oriented toward an inner side of the device door. The drive unit can be implemented, for example, as an electric motor.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit can comprise a radar sensor, a lidar sensor, an infrared sensor, and additionally or alternatively an ultrasonic sensor. Advantageously, the sensor unit can be designed as such a sensor and also comprise a plurality of functions. This can reduce the number of required sensors and thus save costs. The sensor unit with a single sensor therefore offers potential savings as well as a lower failure rate of the cleaning device, provided the sensor unit has a long service life.

[0025] Preferably, the sensor unit is arranged on an upper edge of the cleaning device connecting the two side walls of the cleaning device, so that gesture control by the user by means of the sensor unit is particularly convenient when the door of the cleaning device is open.

[0026] An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It shows Figure 1 shows a schematic front view of a cleaning device according to an embodiment; Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a cleaning device; Figure 3 shows a schematic front view of an embodiment of a cleaning device; Figure 4 shows a schematic front view of an embodiment of a cleaning device; Figure 5 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a cleaning device; Figure 6 shows a schematic front view of an embodiment of a cleaning device; Figure 7 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for operating a device door for a cleaning device; and Figure 8 shows a block diagram of a control unit according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 1shows a schematic front view of a cleaning appliance 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The cleaning appliance 100 is designed as a dishwasher, which has an appliance door 105 for closing a loading opening 110 of the cleaning appliance 100. The cleaning appliance 100 has a drive unit 107 coupled to the appliance door 105, which is designed to actuate the appliance door 105. For example, the drive unit 107 is realized or can be realized as an electric motor and is arranged, merely by way of example, in a base region of the cleaning appliance 100, i.e., in the region of a standing surface of the cleaning appliance 100. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable for the drive unit 107 to be positioned elsewhere in the cleaning appliance 100.

[0028] Furthermore, the cleaning device 100 has a sensor unit 115, which is designed to detect a reflected portion of a measuring beam in a detection area 120. The sensor unit 115 is arranged on a device edge 125 of the cleaning device 100 and optionally has a lidar sensor, an infrared sensor, and / or an ultrasonic sensor. Furthermore, the cleaning device 100 has a control unit 130, which is designed to carry out and / or control a method for actuating the device door 105, as described, for example, in Figure 7 will be described in more detail. The control unit 130 is electrically connected to the appliance door 105 and the sensor unit 115. According to this exemplary embodiment, the control unit 130 is arranged on or in a control panel of the cleaning appliance 100.

[0029] According to this exemplary embodiment, the cleaning appliance 100 has at least one basket 135, in particular two baskets 135, which are designed to hold items 140 to be cleaned, such as dishes. The baskets 135 are implemented, for example, as inserts that are pushed through the loading opening 110 in order to be arranged one above the other in the cleaning appliance 100 when the cleaning appliance 100 is ready for operation. The sensor unit 115 is arranged centrally on the appliance edge 125 and such that the detection area 120 is directed towards the opened appliance door 105. This means that the sensor unit 115 is directed towards the floor, so that the detection area 120, for example conically, points towards the inside, i.e., towards an inner surface 145 of the appliance door 105, and a potential obstacle can be detected in this area.Furthermore, the cleaning device 100 has a receiving area 150 on the device door 105, which is designed to receive a cleaning agent for cleaning the items to be cleaned 140.

[0030] In other words, a cleaning device 100 is presented with a control unit 130, which is designed to provide a contactless door closure with basket insertion control by the device mentioned here and in Figure 7to control and / or carry out the described methods. For this purpose, for a motorized door closure by means of the drive unit 107, an operation with the door open is searched for using the sensor unit 115 in order to trigger the door closing process. At the same time, it is ensured that the insert baskets, which are also described simply as baskets 135, are completely pushed into the cleaning device 100. To achieve this, the cleaning device 100 has, for example, a user interface (UI) concept designed for the user, and, on the other hand, a suitable sensor unit 115 that ensures that the baskets 135 are retracted.

[0031] According to this exemplary embodiment, this is achieved by a single sensor, described here as sensor unit 115. Furthermore, sensor unit 115 serves to further monitor whether objects are located in the area of ​​the door during the door closing process and is designed to recognize simple hand gestures and thereby cause a deliberate interruption of the door closing process using control unit 130.

[0032] The sensor unit 115 is positioned, for example, in such a way that it detects the area described as detection area 120 in front of the baskets 135 up to the appliance door 105, and in the same detection area 120 detects contactless movements of the hand in the form of gestures with which the door closing mechanism can be triggered.

[0033] The sensor unit 115 measures, for example, a distance in order to measure the path in front of the baskets 135. If one of the baskets 135 is extended, it is located within the measuring range of the sensor unit 115, i.e., within the detection range 120, and is detected. A distance value based on a time-of-flight measurement is used as a measured value, for example, by a pulsed or continuous light signal from a time-of-flight sensor, a lidar sensor, or another electromagnetic wave (EM wave), such as a radar sensor, for example, an FMCW radar sensor ( frequency modulated continuous wave) to measure distances between stationary objects. At 60 GHz, for example, spatial resolutions of 3 cm are possible. A reflection from the bottom edge of the door in the form of a reflected beam also represents a measurement signal, so that simpler infrared sensors without time-of-flight measurement can also be used. When the basket is extended, a deviation from the intensity value resulting from the known reflection surface of the inside of the door is detected. The sensor unit 115 as an ultrasonic sensor, which determines the distance by determining the time-of-flight of the emitted sound waves, is also feasible.

[0034] To ensure that extended baskets are always detected in the measuring section, sensor unit 115 has a beam that is not too sharply focused. This is especially true if the baskets 135 do not have a reflective surface for the sensor along their entire length, but instead have a grating, for example, through which an overly focused beam could "see through." If sensor unit 115 has a wider aperture angle, gratings can also be detected.

[0035] For example, if the baskets 135 are fully inserted, the necessary condition for triggering the automatic door closure is met. In this case, the user must perform a predefined contactless gesture to trigger the mechanism. This gesture is characterized, for example, by being performed in the detection area 120 of the sensor unit 115. Such a gesture has characteristic features, for example, that are recorded and evaluated as a measured value and only optionally classified as a gesture using a suitable AI algorithm.

[0036] One example of this is the use of a time-of-flight sensor, which measures not only the absolute distance but also the intensity of the reflected light. This allows various gestures to be recognized, such as swiping past in a specific direction, approach gestures, or holding gestures. Even duplicate gestures, such as multiple swipes in the form of a wave, are recognized. For example, using an ultrasonic sensor and measuring the time of flight of the emitted pulse, such information about a performed gesture can also be obtained. An FMCW radar sensor can detect even more complex gestures, which are trained and subsequently recognized using a so-called deep learning algorithm. Alternatively, a camera system can be used if it is positioned accordingly and recognizes the desired trigger gesture and the position of the baskets 135.The predefined and detected gesture is captured, for example, by the sensor unit 115 and recognized by the control unit 130. For example, the user is given a signal, for example in the form of a flashing light, as visual feedback for the recognition, so that they can decide whether they knowingly called up the function and leave knowing that their gesture was recognized. The device door 105 is now closed automatically, and the cleaning device 100 executes a preprogrammed program if necessary. If, however, the user has triggered the function unintentionally, for example, and this was signaled by the flashing light, the door closing is interrupted at any time if the user places their hand in the detection area 120 of the sensor unit 115.

[0037] The sensor unit 115 is further configured to monitor the position of the baskets 135 and is also used to interrupt the function in the event of an unintentional activation. Even while the door is closing, the sensor unit 115 can continue to monitor the detection area 120, preventing unwanted objects from accidentally entering the wash cabinet or the area of ​​the appliance door 105 during closing. The detection area 120 can also be extended to the side of the wash cabinet using a suitable sensor system, allowing objects approaching this area when the appliance door 105 is closing to be detected, thus preventing the door from closing.

[0038] According to this embodiment, the sensor unit 115 is arranged centrally and above the loading opening 110 and a washing chamber located behind it, so that the largest possible field of view falls on the area of ​​the open appliance door 105, the position of the inserted baskets 135 is controlled and hand gestures in the detection area 120 are executed and recognized in a comfortable posture of the user.

[0039] Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a cleaning device 100. The cleaning device 100 corresponds, for example, to the one shown in Figure 1 described cleaning device 100. Only the illustration differs in that the cleaning device 100 according to this embodiment is opened and shown in a side view. In Figure 1The cleaning device 100 is shown frontally and open. Also according to this exemplary embodiment, one of the baskets 135 is pulled out so that it is arranged in the detection area 120. Since one of the baskets 135 is pulled out according to this exemplary embodiment, it reflects a portion of a measuring beam at at least one reflection point 200. Since the distance is smaller than a target distance, no attempt is made to close the device door 105. According to this exemplary embodiment, the sensor unit 115 is also arranged in the region of the device edge 125 such that the detection area 120 points toward the inner surface 145 of the open device door 105. In other words, the target distance corresponds to a maximum distance of the sensor unit 115 from the inner surface 145 of the device door 145 within the detection area 120.

[0040] In other words, as in Figure 1a dishwasher, described here as a cleaning appliance 100, with the lower basket 135 extended. The sensor unit 115 is arranged centrally above the loading opening and detects the basket 135 in its detection area 120. The control device, described as a control unit, signals to the user, for example, that the automatic, motorized door closure cannot be activated. Optionally, this is signaled, for example, by one or more LEDs, which are used, for example, to illuminate the wash cabinet and / or the wash ware. They are arranged, for example, on a wash cabinet side wall and / or in the area of ​​an upper end edge of the loading opening, also referred to as the loading opening. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the LEDs indicate when the user attempts to activate the function.For example, multiple flashes optionally in a first color upon successful activation and a longer glow optionally in a second color when the function is blocked.

[0041] Figure 3 shows a schematic front view of an embodiment of a cleaning device 100. The cleaning device 100 corresponds or is at least similar to the one shown in one of the Figures 1 to 2 described cleaning device 100. Only the position of the baskets 135 is shown differently according to this embodiment, since both baskets 135 of the cleaning device 100 are inserted and thus not detected in the detection area 120. This means that the cleaning device 100 is in device mode or in the additional device mode, so that the automated door closing is initiated.

[0042] According to this exemplary embodiment, both baskets 135 are fully inserted. The sensor unit 115 detects this because no object is visible in the detection area 120. This can be signaled to the user in a specific manner, for example. It is also possible to trigger the door closure.

[0043] Figure 4 shows a schematic front view of an embodiment of a cleaning device 100. The cleaning device 100 is similar, for example, to the one shown in at least one of the Figures 1 to 3 This means that the baskets 135 of the cleaning device 100 shown here, as well as in Figure 3are inserted. According to this embodiment, only one object 400 is detected in the detection area 120, in particular a hand of a user, which, for example, triggers a gesture to switch between the device modes by, for example, a swiping motion and / or the automated closing of the device door 105 by, for example, a waving motion. The gesture is detected, for example, by received reflection points within a spatial or temporal sequence, as described in Figure 7 is described in more detail within the framework of the method for operating a device door 105 for a cleaning device 100.

[0044] At the device edge 125, the cleaning device 100 optionally has a lamp unit comprising a first lamp element 405 and a second lamp element 410. According to this exemplary embodiment, the sensor unit 115 is arranged between the lamp elements 405, 410, which are designed, for example, to visually confirm the selected device mode. Alternatively, and only optionally, the lamp elements 405, 410 can be used to illuminate the detection area 120 and an area adjacent to the detection area 120. Furthermore, the first lamp element 405 is arranged in a first third of the device edge 125, the sensor unit 115 in a second third of the device edge 125, and the second lamp element 410 in a third third of the device edge 125. As an alternative to the exemplary embodiment described here, the lamp unit can be implemented as part of the sensor unit 115.

[0045] According to this exemplary embodiment, the door closing function is activated. For example, the user performs a specific hand gesture. Sensor unit 115 detects the gesture and optionally has the ability to signal this to the user in a specific way. For example, visual feedback is provided so that the user is certain that the function has been activated and can leave with peace of mind. The door closing process, including program start, occurs automatically and at a predetermined speed.

[0046] The preferred measurement principle is implemented using the sensor unit 115, which is implemented or can be implemented as a time-of-flight sensor. It emits, for example, infrared light and detects the reflected light as a reflected beam with a specific aperture angle. The time of flight of the light is measured, which determines the distance to the target, i.e., the object 400. The aperture angle also allows distance measurements of baskets 135 and / or grids. The sensor unit 115 is configured to detect extended baskets 135, and to detect only the distance to the open device door 105 when the baskets 135 are inserted.

[0047] However, if the sensor unit 115 detects that the detection area 120 is clear, the door closure is activated, provided, for example, that a characteristic hand gesture has been performed in the detection area 120, which is detected using a KI algorithm. For this purpose, there are, for example, characteristic time profiles of the distance and intensity values ​​that indicate swiping or approach gestures. Other movements, such as pulling out a basket 135 or other random movements, are also detected and differentiated from the activation gesture.

[0048] If the activation gesture is nevertheless carried out involuntarily, the activation of the door closing is optionally indicated by visual feedback, so that the user is given a certain reaction time before the actual door closing begins, during which he can, for example, hold his hand in the detection area 120 to stop the process.

[0049] Figure 5shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a cleaning device 100. The cleaning device 100 is similar, for example, to the one shown in Figure 4 described cleaning device 100. Here, too, the baskets are inserted. Instead, the object 400 is shown, i.e., the user's hand and thus, for example, a gesture of the user that is detected in the detection area 120.

[0050] Figure 6 shows a schematic front view of an embodiment of a cleaning device 100. The cleaning device 100 is similar to that shown in at least one of the Figures 1 to 5 The cleaning device 100 described above is shown in FIG. According to this exemplary embodiment, the second lamp element 410 is activated, which represents a selected one of the two device modes by way of example only. To distinguish the device modes from one another, the lamp elements 405, 410 illuminate in different colors, for example.

[0051] As before, this exemplary embodiment describes a combination of the basket insertion control and door closing functions with an optional autostart via the described sensor unit 115. Gestures to be performed include, for example, swiping to change modes and approaching to start the function.

[0052] For example, swipe gestures are used to switch between the "Door Close Only" and "Door Close and Program Start" modes. The user can recognize the latter mode, for example, by a status indicator glowing green. This was implemented here, for example, in the form of the second lamp element 410 as a lit LED. Starting the door closure is initiated, for example, and / or optionally, with a proximity gesture. The proximity gesture is only accepted when all baskets 135 are fully inserted.

[0053] The status display for the selected mode can be realized alternatively by a light projection on the inside of the appliance door 105 or by an LED on the appliance door 105, for example, on the dosing device, which is described here as the receiving area 150. In addition, the basket detection also enables automatic door closing after a specified time has elapsed when all baskets 135 are fully inserted.

[0054] Figure 7 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 700 for operating a door for a cleaning device. The method 700 is carried out or controlled, for example, in a cleaning device, as described in at least one of the Figures 1 to 6The method 700 comprises a receiving step 705, a determining step 710, and a providing step 715. In receiving step 705, a reflection beam is received via an interface to a sensor unit, such as a radar sensor, lidar sensor, ultrasonic sensor, or infrared sensor. The reflection beam represents a portion of a measuring beam reflected in a detection area, which was output, for example, as a continuous beam. The reflection beam was reflected at at least one reflection point arranged in the detection area between an inner side, i.e., an inner surface, of the appliance door and a loading opening of the cleaning appliance. For example, the detection area covers the loading opening and / or an inner surface of the appliance door over a large area, for example, 75% or more.In step 710 of determining, a distance between the sensor unit and the reflection point, for example, at an obstacle or representing a basket position, is determined using at least one parameter of the measuring beam and / or the reflection beam. In step 715 of providing, a control signal for controlling a drive unit coupled to the appliance door is provided using a comparison of the determined distance with a target distance in order to actuate the appliance door. The target distance represents, for example, a maximum distance between the sensor unit and the inner surface of the appliance door.

[0055] Only optionally, in step 705 of receiving, the reflection beam is received as an infrared light beam, radar beam, lidar beam and / or as an ultrasonic wave. In a repeated step 705 of receiving, for example, a current reflection beam is received, which represents a reflected portion of a current measuring beam and which was reflected at a current reflection point arranged in the detection area. Furthermore, in a repeated step 710 of determining, a current distance between the sensor unit and the current reflection point is determined using the current reflection beam, and in a repeated step 715 of providing, a stop signal is provided to stop the actuated device door or, for example, a movement thereof, if the current distance between the sensor unit and the current reflection point is smaller than the target distance within a tolerance range.This means that the door will stop closing if an obstacle is detected, such as a user's hand. This means that the door closing mechanism can be stopped by the user as needed. Furthermore, the control signal is optionally provided in step 715 of providing in order to close the appliance door if the determined distance between the sensor unit and the reflection point lies within a tolerance range of the target distance. This occurs, for example, after a reaction time has elapsed if the determined distance during the reaction time between the sensor unit and the reflection point lies within a tolerance range of the target distance, so that, for example, the appliance door closes automatically unless further action by the user is detected.

[0056] The method 700 further comprises a step 720 of emitting the measuring beam into the detection zone. The emitting step 720 is repeated, in particular, to emit the measuring beam as a pulsed measuring beam into the detection zone. For example, the method 700 comprises a step 725 of detecting a propagation time, which represents a time period from the emission of the measuring beam to the reception of the reflected beam. In the determining step 710, the distance is then determined using the propagation time.

[0057] According to this exemplary embodiment, method 700 additionally comprises a recognition step 730, in which a user gesture is recognized via the interface to the sensor unit using a further reflection beam. The further reflection beam represents, for example, a portion of a further measurement beam reflected in the detection area, wherein the further reflection beam was reflected at at least one further reflection point arranged in the detection area. Consequently, in provision step 715, the drive unit is controlled in response to the recognized gesture in order to actuate the appliance door, in particular to close the appliance door.Further optionally, in step 710 of determining, a further distance between the sensor unit and the further reflection point, for example on a user's hand, is determined using at least one parameter of the further measuring beam and / or the further reflection beam. A gesture is recognized, for example, as a movement or a position of an object within a distance range that includes further distances that are less than two-thirds of the target distance, in particular less than half the target distance. For example, in step 730 of recognizing, the gesture is recognized as a movement in order to switch between a first device mode, which represents the closing of the device door, and a second device mode, which represents the closing of the device door and a subsequent start of a cleaning program of the cleaning device. The movement is, for example, a wiping movement or a waving movement.

[0058] Further optionally, method 700 includes a step 735 of outputting a status signal after determining the distance to signal a device mode of the cleaning device and / or the operation of the device door. The status signal is output, for example, as an acoustic and / or visual signal, for example in the form of a warning tone or in the form of a lit and / or flashing light. The control signal is also provided after the output step 735.

[0059] Figure 8 shows a block diagram of a control unit 130 according to an embodiment. The control unit 130 is implemented, for example, as part of a cleaning device, as described in at least one of the Figures 1 to 6 The control unit 130 is designed to control or carry out one or more steps of a method for operating a device door for a cleaning device, as described in Figure 7was described. According to this exemplary embodiment, the control unit 130 has a receiving unit 800, a determining unit 805, and a providing unit 810. The receiving unit 800 is designed to receive a reflection beam 815 via an interface to a sensor unit 115, wherein the reflection beam 815 represents a portion of a measuring beam reflected in a detection area. The reflection beam 815 was reflected at at least one reflection point arranged in the detection area between an inner side of the appliance door and a loading opening of the cleaning appliance. The determining unit 805 is designed to determine a distance 820 between the sensor unit 115 and the reflection point using at least one parameter of the measuring beam and / or the reflection beam 815.The provision unit 810 is configured to provide a control signal 825 for controlling a drive unit 107 coupled to the appliance door by comparing the determined distance 820 with a target distance in order to actuate the appliance door. For example, the target distance is predetermined and represents the distance to the open appliance door.

[0060] Only optionally, the control unit 130 further comprises a transmission unit 830, which is designed to cause the measurement beam 835 to be emitted into the detection area, which is carried out repeatedly in particular in order to emit the measurement beam 835 as a pulsed measurement beam 835 into the detection area. The control unit 130 also optionally comprises a detection unit 840 for detecting a propagation time, which represents a period of time from the emission of the measurement beam 835 to the reception of the reflection beam 815, before the determination unit 805 determines the distance using the propagation time. Furthermore, according to this exemplary embodiment, the control unit 130 has a recognition unit 845, which is designed to recognize a user gesture using a further reflection beam 850.The further reflection beam 850 represents, for example, a portion of a further measuring beam 852 reflected in the detection area, which was emitted, for example and only optionally, using the transmitting unit 830, wherein the further reflection beam 850 was reflected at at least one further reflection point arranged in the detection area. According to this exemplary embodiment, the providing unit 810 then provides the control signal 825 to the drive unit 107 using the recognized gesture 855 in order to actuate the appliance door, in particular to close the appliance door. Furthermore, the determining unit 805 is designed, for example, to determine a further distance 860 between the sensor unit 115 and the further reflection point, for example on a user's hand, using at least one parameter of the further measuring beam 852 and / or the further reflection beam 850.

[0061] The control unit 130 further optionally has an output unit 865 for outputting a status signal 870 after determining the distance 820 and / or the further distance 860 in order to signal a device mode of the cleaning device and / or the actuation of the device door, for example by means of a visual and / or acoustic signal.

[0062] The control unit 130 is also configured to repeatedly execute the method, so that the receiving unit 800 is configured to receive, for example, a current reflection beam 875. The current reflection beam 875 represents, for example, a reflected portion of a current measurement beam and was reflected at a current reflection point arranged in the detection area. Consequently, the determination unit 805 is configured to determine a current distance 880 between the sensor unit 115 and the current reflection point using the current reflection beam 875. According to this exemplary embodiment, the provision unit 810 is configured to then provide a stop signal 885 to stop the actuated appliance door if the current distance between the sensor unit 115 and the current reflection point is smaller than the target distance within a tolerance range.

[0063] In other words, the control unit 130 enables automated door closing in a dishwasher. Using the sensor unit 115, the door is closed contactlessly and / or by gestures, and the position of the insert baskets, or basket recognition with position determination, is enabled.

Claims

1. Method (700) for activating an appliance door (105) for a cleaning appliance (100), wherein the method (700) comprises the following steps: - receiving (705) a reflection beam (815), which represents a portion of a measuring beam (835) reflected in a detection region (120), via an interface to a sensor unit (115), wherein the reflection beam (815) was reflected at at least one reflection point (200) arranged in the detection region (120) between an inner side (145) of the appliance door (105) and a loading opening (110) of the cleaning appliance (100); - determining (710) a distance (820) between the sensor unit (115) and the reflection point (200) using at least one parameter of the measuring beam (835) and / or of the reflection beam (815); and - providing (715) a control signal (825) for controlling a drive unit (107) coupled to the appliance door (105) using a comparison of the determined distance (820) with a target distance in order to activate the appliance door (105).

2. Method (700) according to claim 1, wherein in the step (715) of providing, the control signal (825) is provided to close the appliance door (105) when the determined distance (820) between the sensor unit (115) and the reflection point (200) is within a tolerance range of the target distance.

3. Method (700) according to claim 2, wherein in the step (715) of providing, the appliance door (105) is closed after expiration of a reaction time period if the determined distance (820) during the reaction time period between the sensor unit (115) and the reflection point (200) is within a tolerance range of the target distance.

4. Method (700) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a step (725) of detecting a transit time which represents a time period starting from the emission of the measuring beam (835) until the reception of the reflection beam (815), wherein in the step (710) of determining, the distance (820) is determined using the transit time.

5. Method (700) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a step (730) of recognising a gesture of a user using a further reflection beam (850), which represents a portion of a further measuring beam (852) reflected in the detection region (120), via the interface to the sensor unit (115), wherein the further reflection beam (815) was reflected at at least one further reflection point arranged in the detection region (120), and wherein in the step (715) of providing, the drive unit (107) is controlled in response to the recognised gesture in order to activate the appliance door (105), in particular to close the appliance door (105).

6. Method (700) according to claim 5, wherein in the step (710) of determining, a further distance (860) between the sensor unit (115) and the further reflection point (850) is determined using at least one parameter of the further measuring beam (852) and / or of the further reflection beam (850), and wherein a movement or a position of an object (400) within a distance range which includes further distances that are less than two-thirds of the target distance, in particular less than half of the target distance, is recognised as a gesture.

7. Method (700) according to one of claims 5 to 6, wherein in the step (730) of recognising, the gesture is recognised as the movement to switch between a first appliance mode, which represents the closing of the appliance door (105), and a second appliance mode, which represents the closing of the appliance door (105) and a subsequent program start of a cleaning program of the cleaning appliance (100).

8. Method (700) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a step (720) of emitting the measuring beam (835) into the detection region (120), in particular wherein the step (720) of emitting is repeated in order to emit the measuring beam (835) as a pulsed measuring beam into the detection region (120).

9. Method (700) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein in the step (705) of receiving, the reflection beam (815) is received as an infrared light beam, radar beam, lidar beam and / or as an ultrasonic wave.

10. Method (700) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein in a repeated step (705) of receiving, a current reflection beam (875) is received, which represents a reflected portion of a current measuring beam and which was reflected at a current reflection point arranged in the detection region (120), wherein in a repeated step (710) of determining, a current distance (880) between the sensor unit (115) and the current reflection point is determined using the current reflection beam (875), wherein in a repeated step (715) of providing, a stop signal (885) is provided in order to stop the activated appliance door (105) if the current distance (880) between the sensor unit (115) and the current reflection point is less than the target distance within a tolerance range.

11. Method (700) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a step (735) of outputting a status signal (870) after the distance (820) has been determined (710), in order to signal an appliance mode of the cleaning appliance (100) and / or the activation of the appliance door (105), in particular wherein the control signal (825) is provided after the status signal (870) has been output (735).

12. Control unit (130) designed for performing and / or controlling the steps (705, 710, 715, 720, 725, 730, 735) of the method (700) according to any of the preceding claims in corresponding units (800, 805, 810, 830, 840, 845, 865).

13. Computer program product comprising program code for carrying out the method (700) according to any of claims 1 to 11 when the computer program product is run on a control unit (130) according to claim 12.

14. Cleaning appliance (100) comprising the following features: - an appliance door (105) for closing a loading opening (110) of the cleaning appliance (100); - a drive unit (107) coupled to the appliance door (105) and designed to activate the appliance door (105); - a sensor unit (115) for detecting a portion of a measuring beam (835) reflected in a detection region (120), wherein the sensor unit (115) is arranged on an appliance edge (125) of the cleaning appliance (100); and - a control unit (130) according to claim 12, wherein the control unit (130) is connected to the appliance door (105) and the sensor unit (115).

15. Cleaning appliance (100) according to claim 14, wherein the sensor unit (115) comprises a radar sensor, a lidar sensor, an infrared sensor and / or an ultrasonic sensor.

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