Patent ID: 8169622
Filing Date: 2012-05-01
Classification: A47L,D06F,G01N

Abstract:
1. An optical sensor for fitting to a washing machine or dishwasher including a washing space, the optical sensor comprising: a housing, an arrangement of optical components located in the housing, the optical components comprising a controllable light emitter and first and second light receivers configured to receive a light beam from the light emitter and produce a corresponding electrical output signal, and an analysis and control unit which is connected to the light emitter and the two light receivers, the analysis and control unit controlling the luminous flux of the light emitter depending at least on the output signal of the second light receiver, the first light receiver being arranged at the end of a first light measurement path which starts at the light emitter and runs on a portion outside the housing and through the washing space, and the second light receiver being arranged at the end of a second light measurement path which starts at the light emitter and runs in the housing and completely outside the washing space, the second light measurement path also including at least one optical surface that reflects light propagating along the second light measurement path such that the second light measurement path is not defined by a direct line between the light emitter and the second light receiver.