Cleaning device for cleaning items to be washed, method and control unit for operating a cleaning device
The integration of UWB sensors in cleaning devices addresses the challenge of automatic material identification and positioning, providing robust and efficient load detection and user recognition, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of cleaning operations.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2024190499
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-08-09
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-24
- Publication Date
- 2025-02-12
AI Technical Summary
Current cleaning devices lack efficient and automatic identification of rinsing materials, requiring manual user intervention and being prone to interference and orientation-dependent errors, which complicates load detection and positioning.
The implementation of an Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) sensor system within the cleaning device for automatic load detection and user recognition, allowing for precise localization and orientation-independent operation, reducing the need for multiple RFID systems and enhancing robustness against interference.
Enables reliable, long-term, and cost-effective detection and positioning of rinsing materials, allowing for optimized cleaning programs and reduced device complexity, with improved accuracy and robustness against interference.
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Abstract
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a cleaning device for cleaning items to be washed, as well as a method and a control unit for operating such a cleaning device.
[0002] Cleaning equipment, cleaning and disinfection equipment, and reprocessing equipment should be able to clearly identify the items placed inside before processing. Ideally, this should happen automatically, without requiring the user to inform the device that, for example, an item of type XYZ has been placed on level 1. Traditionally, however, the user can identify themselves to the device by presenting an RFID tag (RFID = radio-frequency identification; identification via electromagnetic waves) via a user antenna, although this requires a conscious manual action.
[0003] Such cleaning and disinfection devices can be equipped with an RFID system, typically comprising an RFID controller, RFID antenna cables, and RFID antennas. For example, the system can use one RFID antenna per loading level in the wash chamber to detect the presence of items being washed, provided an RFID tag is attached to the item. The RFID antenna must be positioned at a precisely defined distance from the tag on the item. This requires a clearly defined placement of the items in the wash chamber. Alternatively, two different RFID systems can be used per device, such as one for user identification and another for chemical detection or item identification.
[0004] The approach presented here aims to create an improved cleaning device for cleaning items to be washed, an improved method for operating a cleaning device, and an improved control unit for operating a cleaning device.
[0005] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a cleaning device, a method, and a control unit with the features of the main claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.
[0006] The advantages achievable with the invention lie particularly in the reliable and cost-effective long-term detection of loads, items to be washed, or load carriers such as baskets. Especially when the items to be detected are expensive, an ultra-wideband transmitter unit represents only a small portion of the overall cost. Furthermore, additional functionalities can be implemented via the UWB sensor technology (UWB = Ultra Wide Band) integrated into the device. This reduces the complexity of the sensor technology for load detection. In addition, rotational independence of the transmitter unit during detection can be achieved. Thus, a successor technology to RFID can be established for cleaning equipment, for example. This means that for most applications, only one sensor unit per wash chamber is sufficient for load detection.Nevertheless, precise localization of the items being washed can be achieved, and positional accuracy can be increased additionally or alternatively. Compared to conventional concepts, this allows for reduced integration and equipment costs, avoids the need for precise positioning of the items required with RFID tags, typically requires only a single sensor unit for all wash chamber levels, enables real-time parallel signal evaluation, increases robustness against interference (such as that caused by metals or the superposition of RFID oscillators on the tag), allows for distance detection to the object being measured, and, unlike RFID sensors and tags, enables detection and recording of the items being washed to be independent of the alignment between the transmitter and sensor units.
[0007] A cleaning device for cleaning items is presented, wherein a transmitter unit for providing an identification signal specific to the respective item is arranged on each item using ultra-wideband technology, and the cleaning device has the following features: a rinsing chamber for receiving the items to be rinsed; and at least one sensor unit arranged adjacent to or in the rinsing chamber, wherein the at least one sensor unit is designed to detect the identification signals of all transmitting units of items to be rinsed arranged in the rinsing chamber using ultra-wideband technology.
[0008] The cleaning device can also be described as a cleaning and disinfection device. It can be designed to clean items from medical, laboratory, and dental applications, as well as items such as breathing apparatus, self-contained breathing apparatus, or similar equipment. The items being cleaned can therefore be medical devices, laboratory equipment, dental equipment, breathing apparatus, self-contained breathing apparatus, or similar. The transmitter unit can also be referred to as a tag or an ultra-wideband transmitter unit. The cleaning chamber can be designed to hold multiple individual items. The cleaning chamber can be designed to accommodate different types of items. The at least one sensor unit can also be referred to as an ultra-wideband sensor unit.The at least one sensor unit can be located adjacent to the wash chamber, inside the wash chamber, or integrated into a wall of the wash chamber. The at least one sensor unit and all transmitters of items being washed in the wash chamber can form an ultra-wideband system.
[0009] According to one embodiment, the at least one sensor unit can be arranged asymmetrically relative to at least one axis of symmetry and additionally or alternatively to at least one plane of symmetry of the washing chamber. Such an asymmetrical arrangement enables unambiguous position determination of items being washed within the washing chamber.
[0010] The system can also include at least one sensor unit designed to evaluate identification signals in order to determine identification data specific to the item being washed. This identification data can represent the type of item being washed and, additionally or alternatively, the requirements of the item with regard to a cleaning program to be performed. Depending on the identification data, a cleaning program of the cleaning device can be activated. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of enabling automatic load detection, particularly for program control. This allows a cleaning program to be optimally adjusted to the requirements of the item being washed.
[0011] Furthermore, the at least one sensor unit can be configured to determine the position of each item in the wash chamber using recorded signal transit times of the identification signals. Signal transit times can represent the transit times of the identification signals between all transmitting units and the at least one sensor unit. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that automatic load detection can also be enabled with regard to the positioning of items in the wash chamber. This allows a cleaning program to be optimally adapted to the arrangement of the items in the wash chamber.
[0012] Furthermore, the at least one sensor unit can be directly connected to a control unit of the cleaning device via signal transmission. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that a dedicated control unit exclusively for the at least one sensor unit is not required. Instead, the at least one sensor unit can communicate directly with the device's control system.
[0013] The cleaning device has several receiving areas in the wash chamber for the items to be washed, such as different loading levels and / or wash baskets and / or multiple basket or module inserts. These various receiving areas, in particular loading levels, wash baskets, and / or basket or module inserts, have a fixed position within the wash chamber for each wash cycle. For example, an upper basket and a lower basket, and possibly additional baskets, may be provided. Each of these can, in turn, provide several receiving areas, each of which can accommodate one or more basket or module inserts. The receiving areas may include holding devices for the secure retention of the items to be washed, especially items from medical, laboratory, or dental applications, or items such as breathing apparatus, self-contained breathing apparatus, or similar equipment.They can also provide connection devices to which, for example, an internal channel of the item being washed can be connected. Depending on the application, this can serve, for example, to direct cleaning solution or drying air supplied by the cleaning device via the connection device into the internal channel of the item being washed, thereby enabling internal cleaning and / or drying of the item, or, in another application, to pressurize the internal channel with a gas to keep it free of cleaning solution.
[0014] As already explained, the sensor unit is preferably arranged asymmetrically relative to at least one axis of symmetry and additionally or alternatively to at least one plane of symmetry of the rinsing chamber. This allows, in particular, a sensor unit to be provided that is designed to determine the position of each item being cleaned in a specific receiving area of the cleaning device using the detected signal transit times of the identification signals. Due to the different transit times of the identification signals, an item being cleaned can be assigned to a specific receiving area by means of the sensor unit. In other words, the sensor unit is preferably arranged such that the arrangement of items being cleaned in different receiving areas results in different signal transit times.
[0015] By providing a second sensor unit that is arranged in a different position than the first sensor unit, but preferably also asymmetrically arranged relative to at least one axis of symmetry and additionally or alternatively at least one plane of symmetry of the rinsing chamber, the assignment of a rinsing item to a receiving area can be further improved, or a larger number of different receiving areas can be distinguished with greater certainty and clarity.
[0016] With the knowledge thus obtained of the presence, type and quantity of certain items to be washed in the individual intake areas, the cleaning program can be selected and / or modified, thereby achieving improved and / or more efficient cleaning.
[0017] According to one embodiment, the cleaning device can also include an additional sensor unit, which may be configured to detect a further identification signal from another transmitter unit using ultra-wideband technology. This transmitter unit may be located on or in a user-owned device in the vicinity of the cleaning device. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of enabling automatic user recognition. This also allows for additional functions, such as automatic door opening or changes to a device display depending on the user's distance from the device. The additional transmitter unit may, for example, already be present and usable in the user's external devices, such as a smartphone.
[0018] Thus, according to the embodiments, a cleaning device, or also a cleaning and disinfection device, can be implemented with a UWB sensor system for automatic load detection and optionally also for automatic user detection.
[0019] A method for operating an embodiment of a cleaning device mentioned herein is also presented, the method comprising the following steps: Capturing the identification signals of all transmitting units of items arranged in the washing chamber using ultra-wideband technology with the aid of at least one sensor unit; and controlling the operating resources of the cleaning device depending on the captured identification signals in order to carry out a cleaning program for the items to clean them.
[0020] By carrying out the method, an embodiment of a cleaning device mentioned herein can be operated advantageously, or, in other words, its operation can be controlled advantageously.
[0021] According to one embodiment, in the acquisition step, the additional identification signal of the second transmitting unit can be acquired using ultra-wideband technology and the second sensor unit. In the control step, the operating devices can then be controlled based on this acquired identification signal. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of enabling automatic user recognition. This also allows for additional functions, such as automatic door opening or changes to a device display depending on the user's distance from the device.
[0022] An additional transmitter unit may already be present and usable in the user's external devices, such as a smartphone.
[0023] The approach presented here further creates a control unit designed to execute, control, and implement the steps of a variant of the method presented here in appropriate devices. This embodiment of the invention, in the form of a device, also allows the underlying problem to be solved quickly and efficiently.
[0024] The control unit can be configured to read input signals and use these input signals to determine and provide output signals. An input signal can, for example, be a sensor signal readable via an input interface of the control unit. An output signal can be a control signal or a data signal that can be provided at an output interface of the control unit. The control unit can be configured to determine the output signals using a processing instruction implemented in hardware or software. For example, the control unit can include a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, or a software module and may be implemented as a discrete component or comprised of a discrete component.
[0025] 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.
[0026] The approach described here can be used 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.
[0027] An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It shows Figure 1: A schematic representation of a cleaning device for cleaning items to be washed; Figure 2: A schematic representation of an embodiment of a cleaning device for cleaning items to be washed; Figure 3: A schematic representation of an embodiment of a cleaning device for cleaning items to be washed; Figure 4: A schematic representation of an embodiment of a cleaning device for cleaning items to be washed; Figure 5: A schematic representation of an embodiment of a cleaning device for cleaning items to be washed; Figure 6: A schematic representation of an embodiment of a control unit for operating a cleaning device; Figure 7: A flowchart of an embodiment of a method for operating a cleaning device; Figure 8: A flowchart of a process in connection with the method fromFigure 7 Figure 9 shows a flowchart of a process in connection with the procedure from Figure 7 ; and Figure 10, a flowchart of a process in connection with the procedure from Figure 7 .
[0028] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a cleaning device 100 for cleaning items to be washed. The cleaning device 100 comprises a washing chamber 102 for receiving the items to be washed, wherein, according to the example shown here, a first item with a first RFID tag T1 and a second item with a second RFID tag T2 are received in the washing chamber 102, an operating and display element 104, a first RFID sensor 112 arranged on the washing chamber 102 for a first loading level of the washing chamber 102, a second RFID sensor 114 arranged on the washing chamber 102 for a second loading level of the washing chamber 102, an external RFID sensor 116 for the area surrounding the cleaning device 100, an RFID controller 118 and a device control unit 120.
[0029] Furthermore, the illustration shows a user X in the vicinity of the cleaning device 100 with another RFID tag TX for user identification using the RFID external sensor 116.
[0030] The first RFID sensor 112, the second RFID sensor 114 and the RFID external sensor 116 are connected to the RFID controller 118 in a signal-transmitting manner, which in turn is connected to the device control 120 in a signal-transmitting manner.
[0031] Figure 2 Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device 200 for cleaning items to be washed. The cleaning device 200 can also be referred to as a cleaning and disinfection device. The items to be washed include, for example, medical devices, laboratory equipment, dental equipment, breathing apparatus, self-contained breathing apparatus, or the like.
[0032] The cleaning device 200 includes a washing chamber 202 for receiving the items to be washed. In the illustration of Figure 2The two items shown are merely examples. Each item is equipped with a transmitter unit S1, S2 to provide an identification signal specific to that item using ultra-wideband technology. A first transmitter unit S1 is attached to the first item to provide a first identification signal specific to that item. A second transmitter unit S2 is attached to the second item to provide a second identification signal specific to that item. The first and second items are arranged at different loading levels in the washing chamber 202.
[0033] The cleaning device 200 further comprises at least one sensor unit 210. According to the embodiment shown here, the cleaning device 200 comprises only one sensor unit 210. The at least one sensor unit 210 is arranged adjacent to or within the washing chamber 202. The at least one sensor unit 210 is designed to detect the identification signals of all transmitting units S1, S2 of items to be washed in the washing chamber 202 using ultra-wideband technology.
[0034] Furthermore, the cleaning device 200 includes a control and display element 204. Even if it is shown in the illustration of Figure 2 Unless explicitly shown or described, the cleaning device 200 also includes operating equipment for carrying out a cleaning program on the items being washed, such as a pump and the like.
[0035] The at least one sensor unit 210 is specifically designed to evaluate the identification signals in order to determine identification data specific to each item being washed. The identification data represents a type of item being washed and / or the requirements of the item with regard to a cleaning program to be performed. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one sensor unit 210 is designed to determine the position of each item being washed in the washing chamber 202 using the recorded signal transit times of the identification signals.
[0036] In other words, devices called UWB tags, known as transmitter units S1 and S2, are attached to the load or the items being washed. These transmitter units S1 and S2 are active tags and have an internal energy storage device that can be recharged outside of the processing system by connecting them to a suitable electrical power source. At least one sensor unit 210, or UWB sensor unit, is arranged for each level in the washing chamber 202 to evaluate the UWB tags or transmitter units S1 and S2. The sensor unit 210 is specifically designed to detect both distance (see s1 and s2) and other characteristics of the items being washed, such as unique identifiers.
[0037] According to one embodiment, the cleaning device 200 also includes a further sensor unit 215. The further sensor unit 215 is designed to detect a further identification signal from a further transmitter unit SX, which is arranged on or in a user-owned or user-worn device X in the vicinity of the cleaning device 200, using ultra-wideband technology. The further sensor unit 215 is arranged in the area of a housing of the cleaning device 200.
[0038] In other words, an additional UWB sensor or sensor unit 215 located at the edge of the outer surfaces of the cleaning device 200 or its housing can read at least one user-located UWB tag or at least one additional transmitter unit SX, which is located, for example, in the user's peripheral devices such as a smartphone. This allows user identification to occur automatically without manual intervention, such as holding a transponder, provided the additional transmitter unit SX has been configured for this use case.
[0039] Depending on the distance range (see, for example, distances s3, s4, s5), the additional transmitter unit SX can determine the distance to the user X and thus, for example, change the displayed content on the control and display element 204 accordingly. If the user X approaches the cleaning device 200 extremely closely via this detection (see distance s3), then, for example, an additional function such as the automatic opening of the device doors could be triggered.
[0040] The at least one sensor unit 210 is directly connected to the control unit 220 of the cleaning device 200 and is capable of transmitting signals. Furthermore, the additional sensor unit 215 is also directly connected to the control unit 220 and is capable of transmitting signals. In addition, the operating and display element 204 is also directly connected to the control unit 220 and is capable of transmitting signals. In other words, the at least one sensor unit 210 is in direct communication with the control unit 220 or the device control system. A separate RFID controller, as is common in prior art, is therefore not required.
[0041] Figure 3 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device 200 for cleaning items to be washed. The cleaning device 200 and the illustration in Figure 2 are shown in Figure 2. Figure 3 correspond to the cleaning device and the representation from Figure 2except that the at least one sensor unit 210 is arranged asymmetrically with respect to the rinsing chamber 202 relative to at least one axis of symmetry and / or plane of symmetry of the rinsing chamber 202.
[0042] Thus, the at least one sensor unit 210 is particularly advantageously designed to determine the position of each item to be washed in the washing chamber 202 using recorded signal transit times of the identification signals, or in other words, the distances s1 and s2 between the respective transmitting units S1 and S2 and the sensor unit 210.
[0043] In other words, if the sensor unit 210 in the washing chamber 202 is not placed at the same distance from the loading levels, then a conclusion can be drawn from the different detected signal travel times or distances, see s1 and s2, to the transmitting units S1 and S2, as to whether, for example, the first transmitting unit S1 is placed in the upper or the lower basket.
[0044] Figure 4 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device 200 for cleaning items to be washed. The cleaning device 200 in Figure 4 This corresponds to the cleaning device from Figure 3 , with only one difference in the loading of the wash chamber 202 compared to in Figure 3Of the cleaning device 200, only the rinsing chamber 202, which includes at least one sensor unit 210, the control unit 220, and the operating equipment, is shown, and the equipment of the rinsing chamber 202 is described in more detail. For example, a basket 402a is arranged in the rinsing chamber 202, to which a basket insert 402b is attached, to which, by way of example, three module inserts 402c, 402d, 402e are attached.
[0045] The washing chamber 202 is shown here as merely an example loaded with five items to be washed, each with a transmitter unit S1, S2, S3, S4, S5. For example, a first item with a first transmitter unit S1 is attached to basket 402a, a second item with a second transmitter unit S2 is attached to basket insert 402b, a third item with a third transmitter unit S3 is attached to a first module insert 402c, a fourth item with a fourth transmitter unit S4 is attached to a second module insert 402d, and a fifth item with a fifth transmitter unit S5 is attached to a third module insert 402e.
[0046] The sensor unit 210 is designed to determine the following exemplary identification data of the respective items being washed, and to determine the following exemplary distances or positions of the respective items being washed, using the acquired identification signals of the transmitter units S1 to S5: First item being washed with first transmitter unit S1: Hierarchy level 1, Dental application, distance 30 cm.
[0047] Third item being washed with third transmitting unit S3: Hierarchy level 3, application dental, flow information high flow, distance 35 cm.
[0048] Fourth item being washed with fourth transmitting unit S4: Hierarchy level 3, application dental, flow information high flow, distance 45 cm.
[0049] Fifth item being washed with fifth transmitting unit S5: Hierarchy level 3, application Dental, flow information low flow, distance 57 cm.
[0050] Second item being washed with second transmitting unit S2: Hierarchy level 2, Dental application, distance 67 cm.
[0051] The identification data, specifically the hierarchy level, application, and flow information, are fixed values permanently linked to the hardware of the transmitting units. The intervals are variable values determined by the recorded signal propagation times. From these, the items being washed can be assigned to their respective receiving areas (basket 402a, basket insert 402b, module insert 402c, 402d, 402e).
[0052] Figure 5 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device 200 for cleaning items to be washed. The cleaning device 200 in Figure 5 This corresponds to the cleaning device from Figure 4with the exception that the cleaning device 200 has two sensor units 210 and 510, the equipment of the washing chamber 202 is essentially omitted and the loading of the washing chamber 202 is different.
[0053] According to the embodiment shown here, the cleaning device 200 thus has two sensor units 210 and 510 arranged asymmetrically with respect to the rinsing chamber 202. The sensor units 210 and 510 are each directly connected to the control unit 220 and are capable of transmitting signals.
[0054] The washing chamber 202 is shown here as merely an example, loaded with three items to be washed: a first item SG1 with a first transmitter unit S1, a second item SG2 with a second transmitter unit S2, and a third item with a third transmitter unit S3. In the illustration of Figure 5Furthermore, distances s1a, s1b, s2a, s2b, s3a, s3b between the respective transmitting units S1, S2, S3 and the sensor units 210 and 510 are shown.
[0055] In other words, it shows Figure 5 A double asymmetric sensor position. The loading position can be determined by the signal transit time between the transmitting units S1, S2, S3 and the individual sensor units 210 and 510, which are asymmetrically mounted in the rinsing chamber or rinsing chamber 202. This can offer advantages, especially for high-value loads such as dental transmission instruments or fire service applications, e.g., compressed air cylinders or self-contained breathing apparatus.
[0056] Figure 6Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a control unit 600 for operating a cleaning device. The control unit 600 is designed to operate the cleaning device from one of the figures described herein or a similar cleaning device, or to control its operation.
[0057] The control unit 600 includes a detection device 610 for detecting the identification signals 605 of all transmitting units S1 ... Sn of items arranged in the washing chamber using ultra-wideband technology and at least one sensor unit. Furthermore, the control unit 600 includes a control device 620 for controlling operating equipment 630 of the cleaning device depending on the detected identification signals 605, in particular using a control signal 625, in order to execute a cleaning program for the items to be cleaned.
[0058] The control unit 600 can be designed wholly or partially as part of the at least one sensor unit. The control unit 600 can also be designed wholly or partially as part of the control device. Furthermore, the detection device 610 and the actuating device 620 of the control unit 600 can be distributed across the at least one sensor unit and the control device.
[0059] Figure 7 Figure 700 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of method 700 for operating a cleaning device. By carrying out method 700, the cleaning device from one of the figures described herein or a similar cleaning device can be operated. The control unit consists of Figure 6 or a similar control unit is designed to perform and / or control the steps of procedure 700 for operation in appropriate units or facilities.
[0060] The operating method 700 comprises a step 710 of acquiring the identification signals of all transmitting units of items arranged in the washing chamber using ultra-wideband technology and at least one sensor unit. Furthermore, the operating method 700 comprises a step 720 of controlling the cleaning equipment's operating resources based on the acquired identification signals in order to execute a cleaning program for the items to clean them.
[0061] According to one embodiment, in step 710 of the acquisition process, the additional identification signal of the further transmitting unit is acquired using ultra-wideband technology and the additional sensor unit. In step 720 of the control process, the operating equipment is controlled depending on the additional identification signal acquired in step 710.
[0062] Figure 8shows a flowchart of process 840 in conjunction with the procedure from Figure 7 Process 840 is a program selection process.
[0063] Block 841 records the number of transmitting units in the rinsing chamber. Subsequently, block 842 checks for a match of the "application" attribute; see also Figure 9 If the check returns a false result, program termination occurs at block 843 and the spring case "Incorrect loading" is output. If the check returns a true result, block 844 assigns the module inserts in the basket insert depending on the distance of the hierarchy levels 3.
[0064] In block 845, the target pump speed is then adjusted depending on the "flow information" attribute for the relevant application program; see also Figure 10The recommended program is then offered / recommended to the user in block 846. This marks the end of process 840.
[0065] Figure 9 shows a flowchart of process 950 in conjunction with the procedure from Figure 7 Process 950 is the process for checking the conformity of the attribute "application", which is already in Figure 8 is mentioned as Block 842.
[0066] In block 951, the target application = attribute "Application" of the sending unit with the highest priority hierarchy level (1) is set. Subsequently, in block 952, it is checked whether the attribute "Application" of the lower hierarchy levels (2) matches. If not, an error message "Incorrect basket insertion" is issued in block 953. Otherwise, in block 954, it is checked whether the attribute "Application" of the lower hierarchy levels (3) matches. If not, an error message "Incorrect module insertion" is issued in block 955. Otherwise, the result "true" is output in block 956. Here, the execution of process 950 ends.
[0067] Figure 10 shows a flowchart of process 1060 in conjunction with the procedure from Figure 7Process 1060 is the process of adjusting the target pump speed depending on the "flow information" attribute for the relevant application program, which is already described in Figure 8 is mentioned as Block 845.
[0068] In block 1061, an average is calculated where: low flow rate = -1; medium flow rate = 0; high flow rate = 1. Subsequently, in block 1062, it is checked whether the average is greater than zero. If this condition is met, in block 1063, the target pump speed is increased for all blocks.
[0069] If the condition checked in block 1062 is not met, block 1064 checks whether the mean value is less than zero. If so, block 1065 reduces the target pump speed for all game blocks. Otherwise, block 1066 maintains the target pump speed for all game blocks.
[0070] Starting from either block 1063, block 1065, or block 1066, the process continues in block 1067. Here, the execution of process 1060 ends.
[0071] Processes 840, 950 and 1060 from the Figure 8, 9 and 10 are also related to the in Figure 4 to consider the aforementioned exemplary identification data of the items being washed, which are contained in the Figure 8, 9 and 10 The aforementioned attributes represent them.
Claims
1. Cleaning device (200) for cleaning wash ware (SG1, SG2), wherein a transmitting unit (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5) for providing an identification signal (605) specific for the respective wash ware (SG1, SG2) by means of ultra-broadband technology is arranged on each wash ware (SG1, SG2), wherein the cleaning device (200) has the following features: a washing chamber (202) for receiving the wash ware (SG1, SG2); and at least one sensor unit (210; 510) arranged adjacent to or in the washing chamber (202), wherein the at least one sensor unit (210; 510) is designed to detect the identification signals (605) of all transmitting units (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5) of wash ware (SG1, SG2) arranged in the washing chamber (202) by means of ultra-broadband technology.
2. Cleaning device (200) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor unit (210; 510) is arranged asymmetrically with respect to the rinsing chamber (202) relative to at least one axis of symmetry and / or plane of symmetry of the rinsing chamber (202).
3. Cleaning appliance (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sensor unit (210; 510) is designed to evaluate the identification signals (605) in order to determine specific identification data for the respective wash ware (SG1, SG2), wherein the identification data represent a type of wash ware (SG1, SG2) and / or requirements of the wash ware (SG1, SG2) with regard to a cleaning program to be carried out.
4. Cleaning appliance (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sensor unit (210; 510) is designed to determine a position of each item of wash ware (SG1, SG2) in the wash chamber (202) using detected signal propagation times of the identification signals (605).
5. Cleaning device (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sensor unit (210; 510) is directly connected to a control device (220) of the cleaning device (200) in a signal-transmitting manner.
6. Cleaning device (200) according to one of the preceding claims, with a further sensor unit (215) which is designed to detect a further identification signal from a further transmitting unit (SX) which is arranged on or in a user-side device in an environment of the cleaning device (200) by means of ultra-wideband technology.
7. A method (700) for operating a cleaning appliance (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method (700) comprises the following steps: detecting (710) the identification signals of all transmitting units (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5) of wash ware (SG1, SG2) arranged in the washing chamber (202) by means of ultra-broadband technology using the at least one sensor unit (210; 510); and controlling (720) operating means (630) of the cleaning appliance (200) as a function of the detected identification signals (605) in order to carry out a cleaning program for the wash ware (SG1, SG2) in order to clean the wash ware (SG1, SG2).
8. The method (700) according to claim 7, wherein in the step (710) of detecting, the further identification signal of the further transmitting unit (SX) is detected by means of ultra-wideband technology using the further sensor unit (215), wherein in the step (720) of controlling, the operating means (630) are controlled in dependence on the detected further identification signal.
9. Control unit (600) which is designed to carry out and / or control the steps (710, 720) of the method (700) according to one of claims 7 to 8 in corresponding units (610, 620).
10. Computer program product with program code for carrying out the method (700) according to one of claims 7 to 8, when the computer program product is executed on a control unit (600) according to claim 9.
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