Water-bearing household appliance

US6851312B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Michael Rosenbauer · Reimlingen, DE
• Bruno Reiter · Stadtilm, DE
• Reinhard Hering · Holzheim, DE
• Michael Weisskopf · Bopfingen, DE
• Peter Schweier · Forheim, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 25, 2002
• Grant date: Feb 8, 2005
• Expiry date: Mar 25, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC D): Textiles; Paper
• CPC primary: D06F2103/18
• WIPO field: Other consumer goods
• WIPO sector: Other fields

Abstract

In a water-bearing household appliance with a liquid container filled through a valve in a liquid feed line, and in which a liquid filling level is detected for monitoring at least one safety level of a safety device, the safety device includes an optical light guidance system for reflecting a light beam by which the filling level is detected with the aid of a change in the reflection response on at least one reflecting site and is used to monitor the safety level. As an optical light guidance system, the safety device offers the advantage of dispensing with moving mechanical components—for example, a float, a level switch, an operating lever, an operating rod, etc.—to reduce the risk of mechanical defects that are associated with a substantial outlay on repair time and costs to a minimum or to completely eliminate the risk.