Device for capturing at least one process variable and method for operating a cleaning machine

Abstract

A device ( 1 ) is provided for capturing at least one process variable in a liquid-carrying work chamber ( 2 ) of a cleaning machine ( 3 ), in particular a washing machine ( 4 ) and/or dishwasher ( 15 ). The device includes a sensor unit ( 5 ) configured to capture the process variable and is designed for detachable arrangement in the work chamber ( 2 ).

1 . A device ( 1 ) for capturing at least one process variable in a liquid-carrying work chamber ( 2 ) of a cleaning machine ( 3 ), the device comprising:
 a sensor unit ( 5 ) configured to capture the at least one process variable, the sensor unit ( 5 ) being configured for detachable arrangement in the work chamber ( 2 ).   
     
     
         2 . The device ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , wherein the sensor unit ( 5 ) comprises an encapsulated power supply ( 6 ). 
     
     
         3 . The device ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , wherein the sensor unit ( 5 ) comprises at least one sensor ( 7 ) for at least one of temperature, pH value or exposure. 
     
     
         4 . The device ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , wherein the sensor unit ( 5 ) comprises a memory for capturing measurement values of the at least one process variable. 
     
     
         5 . The device ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , wherein the sensor unit ( 5 ) comprises a timer for capturing a time of measurement of the at least one process variable. 
     
     
         6 . The device ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , further comprising a collecting surface ( 10 ) for cleaning liquid ( 13 ) formed on the sensor unit ( 5 ). 
     
     
         7 . The device ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , wherein the sensor unit ( 5 ) forms a heat buffer ( 11 ). 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the heat buffer ( 11 ) is configured to simulate a temperature response behaviour of a cleaning item. 
     
     
         9 . The device ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , wherein the sensor unit ( 5 ) comprises a transmitter ( 12 ) for the wireless transmission of measurement values. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the cleaning machine is a washing machine ( 4 ) or dishwasher ( 15 ). 
     
     
         11 . A method for operating a cleaning machine ( 3 ), the method comprising measuring at least one process variable in a liquid-carrying work chamber ( 2 ) of the cleaning machine using a sensor unit. 
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the at least one process variable is a physical property of a cleaning liquid ( 13 ) which flows in the work chamber ( 2 ). 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the at least one process variable is an ambient characteristic variable. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the ambient characteristic value is an exposure of the sensor unit ( 5 ). 
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the at least one process variable is measured using the sensor unit ( 5 ) which is configured for detachable arrangement in the work chamber ( 2 ), and the method further comprises placing the sensor unit ( 5 ) in the work chamber ( 2 ) before a cleaning procedure. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the method further comprises removing the sensor unit ( 5 ) from the work chamber ( 2 ) after the cleaning procedure.