Patent ID: 7748394
Filing Date: 2010-07-06
Classification: A47L,G01F

Abstract:
1. A dishwasher comprising: at least one washing container for receiving items to be handled, with the items to be handled being subjected to an operative handling cycle including at least one of a washing step and a rinsing step wherein the washing step includes introduction of a cleaning agent and a fluid carrier forming a washing fluid and the rinsing step includes introduction of a rinsing fluid; and a system for recognition of the fluid level of the washing fluid contained in the dishwasher, the fluid level recognition system having at least one capacitive filling level sensor having at least two probes, forming two capacitor plates, each operatively coupled to a sensor surface and projecting into the washing container for operative contact with the washing fluid, thereby using the washing fluid as a dielectric having a dielectric constant that changes with the fill level of the washing fluid, wherein at a first fill level the probes and the washing fluid form a capacitor having a first capacitance value indicating a first fill level and causing the filling level sensor to sense the first fill level and at a second fill level the probes and the washing fluid form a capacitor having a second capacitance value indicating a second fill level and causing the filling level sensor to sense the second fill level, wherein at least one sensor probe made of electrically conducting material is provided inside the washing container and an electromagnetic field can be formed between the sensor probe and the filling level sensor, wherein the electromagnetic field varies depending on the height of the liquid level or varies depending on the dielectric constant of the medium surrounding the sensor probe, and wherein the at least one sensor probe is arranged such that it is separated with respect to an active sensor surface of the filling level sensor by a wall of the washing container.