Sensor device for detecting the presence of an electrically conductive substance in a space region, and applications thereof

A sensor device (1) for detecting the presence of a body or substance in a spatial region (A), in particular for detecting an electrically conductive liquid flow in a washing machine such as a washing bath flow emitted by a spraying impeller into a dishwasher machine, comprising

• a detecting circuit (2), including at least first and second foils or sheets (A, B) of an electrically conductive material;
• and
• a controller coupled with said detecting circuit (2) and having an output (4) connected with one (B) of said foils (A, B) for applying a first electric radiofrequency signal thereto and an input (6) connected to another one (A) of said foils (A, B) for receiving a second radiofrequency signal induced in said other foil (A);
• said controller being arranged to generate an information signal indicative of the strength of said second signal, which varies as a function of the presence of a body or a substance on or near said other foil (A).