EP1362547A2 - Dishwasher and method of operating a dishwasher when a combined preparation of various active ingredients is used - Google Patents

Abstract

Switching on an additional function alters a washing parameter for a selected washing program in respect of the use of a 3-in-1 multi-purpose preparation. As the additional function is switched on, a first method alters a selected washing program in a processing stage as it is running. A second washing program selected by a user for operating a dishwasher uses 3-in-1 multi-purpose preparations. An Independent claim is also included for a method for operating a dishwasher.

Description

The invention relates to a dishwasher according to the preamble of claim 1 and two methods of operating one Dishwasher according to the preamble of claim 10 and according to the preamble of claim 13.

For some time now there have been so-called "3in1" combination preparations " for use in dishwashers available, which together a cleaning substance, a softening substance and contain a rinse aid and the rinse container the dishwasher at a certain time can be fed simultaneously. These "3in1" combination preparations are so-called compressed tablets. "3in1" tabs also available as "3in1" powder. The 3in1 combination products can be provided in dosing devices in the dishwasher, in this case them at a certain point in time through the wash program sequence the dishwasher is determined, the washing container added. On the other hand, they can also be changed by the user the dishwasher in the dishwasher, e.g. B. in the cutlery basket before switching on the washing program become. The user of a dishwasher today stands out generally more than a selectable wash program for Clean the dirty one set in the dishwasher Wash items available. As selectable washing programs are sufficient programs under the name short program, Normal program, intensive program, eco program, for those too Various synonymous concepts exist, known. Since the use of "3in1" combination preparations by the Dishwasher users have been experiencing customer complaints heaped among the manufacturers of dishwashers. Because the cleaning and / or drying results of the in the dishwasher cleaned items sometimes dramatically when using 3in1 preparations conventional individual metering of the corresponding Substances worsened. Has proven to be particularly problematic proved that, on the one hand, users have the prescribed localization of the 3in1 combination product in the dishwasher disregard, so that some of the 3in1 tabs in the Dishwasher while by the manufacturer Use only prescribed by dosing device is. Furthermore, the information of the manufacturers of the "3in1" combination preparations with regard to the selection of a suitable one Dishwashing program improper, since the user of the dishwasher generally knows what wash program he is depending on the degree of contamination and drying of the Must select dirt particles, but no more intimate knowledge about the course of the washing program itself. This knowledge the manufacturer of the 3in1 combination preparation implies in the User and also completely ignores that Various "3in1" combination preparations are available on the market are different depending on different parameters dissolve and accordingly at different times achieve their highest effectiveness. That's how some work 3in1 combination products available on the market according to a so-called "Dilution principle" (also known as carry over principle), d. H. at the beginning of cleaning, the 3in1 combination preparation added and begins to dissolve. there mainly the rinse aid is initially in a high Concentration, d. H. overdosed and it will assumed that as a result of carryover in rinsing water residues and adhesions of the dissolved rinse aid on wash ware, wash container walls and the ceiling of the washing compartment as well as in the The concentration in the rinse aid is still sufficient, to achieve a particularly good drying result. Another Embodiment of the 3in1 combination preparation provides that initially only the cleaner and softener dissolve and the rinse aid, which is encapsulated in the 3in1 combination preparation, z. B. is in the form of a wax-coated pearl itself only depending on temperature and / or pH during rinsing dissolves. When using a washing program, which already works in the high-temperature cleaning program section and / or where the duration of the cleaning process is very long is selected, which is generally common in an intensive program is, however, the rinse aid of the second type mentioned already resolved. The rinse aid of the first type has in particular the disadvantage that when executing several washing program sections before rinsing, e.g. B. cleaning, rinsing, the latter, as is known, between the program sections Clean and rinse is turned on dissolves too quickly and by changing the rinsing liquid several times in the rinse aid program section is no longer sufficient Concentration is present. Another shortcoming the use of 3in1 combination products can occur if the user of the dishwasher is dosing by inserting e.g. B. a 3in1 tab, before the start of the Rinse program anywhere on the dishwasher, however not in the dosing combination. This starts z. B. in the program section pre-rinse at least the cleaner and Softener to dissolve, generally in laboratory tests it was found that the dissolution behavior of the 3in1 combination preparations also with water, which essentially Has supply line temperature is very good. By pumping is the following program sections cleaning, If necessary, provided program sections intermediate rinsing, rinsing, the substances of the 3in1 combination product in one lower concentration available, which has direct impact on both the cleaning and drying results of the wash ware and generally worsens it.

It is an object of the invention, a dishwasher and propose two methods of operating a dishwasher, the at least one of the disadvantages mentioned above overcome and provide a rinse program, which on the use of combination preparations with several active ingredients is adapted or adapted, the user the basic use of the previously known washing programs should continue to be made possible.

The above object is achieved by a dishwasher according to the features of claim 1 and by a method solved according to the features of claims 11 and 14.

According to the device of the proposed invention is at one Dishwasher at least one washing program, such as. B. Intensive program, normal program, short program, eco program, selectable by the user of the dishwasher. The Selection tools are usually located in a control panel of the Dishwasher and are well known as such.

According to the invention, a switchable additional function is provided, due to the use of combination products with several active ingredients such a use of a program control is shown. As a result, the washing program selected by the user, such as intensive program, Normal program, short program, eco program, on use a combination preparation, in particular the cleaning substance, Includes softener and rinse aid, is automatically adjusted. That is, with the on An additional function is a corresponding signal to the control unit given the automatic adjustment of each user-selected washing program for use of combination products. This includes, for example various control flow routines in the microcontroller Control unit, which is used, and / or to various parameters of the washing programs, such as temperature, Duration of a certain washing program section, washing liquid filling volume, pH and a. is defined or intervened and thereby changed. An alternative Solution represents an additional function in which a shutdown a switching means acts according to the invention. In another Embodiment of the invention is a specially designed Rinse program for special use with a combination preparation selectable as such among other washing programs.

The additional function on the use of a is preferred "3in1" combination preparation designed, this combination preparation as action-specific substances for cleaning the Wash items essentially only detergent substance, softening substance and contains rinse aid. Regardless of these components can the "3in1" combination preparation also other Have substances whose direct or indirect influence on the cleaning and drying results of individual wash program sections or the overall cleaning result of the Rinsing program are of minor importance. If more drug-specific substances of the combination product are not explicitly mentioned, however, if known and can be influenced by the subject matter of the invention.

It is also a switching means for switching on the additional function comprises, this preferably in the aperture support of the dishwasher in addition to other selection means and / or display means is localized. Another possibility is the switching device to arrange, the dosing device of the combination preparation offers in which the combination preparation is preferably filled is. There are a wide variety of different configurations of the switching means known configurations, such as rotary selector switches, Push buttons or the like conceivable. There is also an actuation of a switching device through a user-dependent selection possible by selection in a menu-guided selection device, for example in a display or at networked household appliances via a graphical user interface or if necessary, a speech recognition system can be activated.

In the dishwasher is provided by at least one Sensor in particular the use of a combination preparation a "3in1" combination preparation detectable, so that for the program flow design on the one hand distinguishable is whether a combination preparation according to the dilution principle works, or a combination preparation that contains the rinse aid only in the rinse phase depending on pH and / or temperature dissolves, is used. On the other hand, with repeated Sensor measurement during the entire wash program sequence, e.g. B. Change in concentration and / or pH and / or changes the degree of hardness of the rinsing liquid are determined, the conclusions about the concentration of the individual active substances of the "3in1" combination preparation with which Consequence that the program run at any suitable time be modified.

As sensors, at least one of the sensors is chemical and / or acoustic and / or thermal and / or optical and / or pneumatic sensor type. These can be in Number and their specific detection property different be designed. There is also an evaluation of the sensor signals both with regard to the adaptation of the washing program sequence regarding the use of the "3in1" combination preparation as well as for the design of the other Parameters of the entire washing program sequence can be used. Alternatively, at least one chemical can be provided Sensor with appropriately selected receptors for detection z. B. several simultaneously occurring active ingredients, such as Cleaner and softener and / or rinse aid, using a Recognize combination preparations and also without switching on the additional function to the program sequence control the use signal a combination preparation. By possibly repeated control measurements and / or in comparison with others Sensor measurements during program execution are based on use a combination drug closed and the program changed accordingly. Is particularly preferred currently the use of a sensor that at least the pH value and / or the temperature and / or the degree of hardness of the rinsing liquid recognizes.

The intended sensor (s) continuously or discontinuously during the program or individually Rinsing program sections whose timings or times through program control can be specified, from individual program parameters, z. B. based on an actual-target-value comparison and / or a difference value and / or the change history of a parameter such as pH, temperature, turbidity, foaming, concentration, Water hardness whether a certain active substance of the Combination preparation z. B. a predetermined minimum or exceeds or falls below the maximum value. Furthermore, e.g. B. depending a difference value, the z. B. depending on the manufacturer can result from the "3in1" combination preparation itself, as well as with regard to other typical parameters such as concentration jumps, Dissolution temperatures or combinations of parameters like pH and concentration or concentration and temperature of the wash program sequence. For a definable period of time a wash program sequence or over the entire duration the washing program will also change at least one Parameters of the washing program recorded and evaluated. So are z. B. with regard to the course of the pH of the rinsing liquid Conclusions about the concentration of the individual Active substances of the "3in1" combination preparation possible. So is the evaluation of the pH value currently feasible, that the program section clean a maximum basic pH represents, either in the rinse aid program section must fall below a predetermined value, or else whose change history, e.g. B. in a given characteristic field, is predefined within predefined tolerances or pH value jumps (sudden change in pH value) within predefined time periods can be determined or on the other hand Time constants for their occurrence are determined, e.g. after reaching the dissolution temperature of an encapsulated Rinse aid. According to the invention, such a sensor measurement is used activated additional function to adapt a washing program sequence to the use of a combination preparation used for the active intervention in the program flow itself, when selecting a specially designed wash program sequence they initially have a kind of control function to determine whether a combination preparation is actually used during the program Is used, or at least an efficacy-specific one Substance sufficient at the specified time Concentration is present, adjustments to the wash program sequence can be done optionally.

A suitable method for evaluating the sensor measurement signals is z. B. the value or change of certain parameters of the Rinsing program such as turbidity, pH value, foaming, concentration, Water hardness u. a. individually as well as in suitable combinations at characteristic times of the washing program, in terms of their qualitative and quantitative appearance as well as their delay times among themselves. This can be done within definable time periods or Time intervals at least individual parameter values are determined and this an actual-target value comparison, a difference value formation or subjected to a threshold value query or the changes compared to preset or determined in the program flow Values are made, with all comparative values in tables or as default values in at least one storage unit the program control are stored. With networked This storage unit can also be used outside of the home appliance Dishwasher be localized. Furthermore, in the storage unit certain program states can also be saved, the Combination pairings e.g. are not allowed and these can prompt the user to take certain actions. Such undesirable constellations result e.g. Pre-rinse in the program section if there is an increased Foaming and / or significant pH fluctuations occur or a predetermined rinse aid concentration during all Program sections are below or rinse aid concentration jumps regardless of a certain temperature or temperature curve occur. The user can accordingly the error situation that has occurred B. prompted will be the insertion of a combination product in the dosing combination carry out or the program sequence is aborted until a new commissioning of the Dishwasher takes place or that recognized as faulty The measurement result is at least displayed.

Pre-rinsing or cleaning can be provided in the program section be that the time of the actual addition of the "3in1" combination preparation is additionally monitored, e.g. B. by an acoustic sensor the case of a tablet from the Dosing chamber is detected in the rinse tank. Other detection options offer optical sensors that e.g. B. enhanced Foam or chemical sensors register that evaluate the change in pH of the rinsing liquid.

With a further advantage, if a combination preparation is modified, in the z. B. an enzymatic detergent substance with an effective temperature limit of approx. 30 ° C and a Rinse aid substance with a dissolving temperature at approx. 58 ° C is included, with simultaneously shortened planned program sections, and therefore shorter solution time, due to short-term, if necessary, repeated switching on and / or controlled or regulated power output of the heating means in the process sections Pre-rinse and / or rinse the rinsing liquid preferably at the end of the respective process section heated up so that for the following process stages Clean or rinse with hot rinsing liquid the chemical substance is complete Effectiveness can develop better and longer. By the Preheat or heat up the rinsing liquid at the end of the previous washing program section is the dissolving and thus the effectiveness of the detergent or rinse aid for the Duration of each program section improved. The supplied Energy is comparable to an activation energy. With a planned temperature control or temperature regulation the dissolution time, concentration, exposure time, Time of release of a chemical substance of the "3in1" combination preparation be optimized.

It is particularly advantageous if this depends on the user "3in1" combination preparation of the program control actually used is specified as a parameter, e.g. B. by input via an image capture that z. B. the barcode one "3in1" combination preparation recognizes or in the program memory deposited commercially available "3in1" combination preparations can be selected or the use of a certain combination preparation otherwise entered by the user can be, the user-dependent information on the use of a particular "3in1" combination preparation either up to a changing Input information can be saved or at the beginning queried again at each or predefined predetermined time becomes.

Another advantage can be when querying or evaluating information about the type and dosage form of the supplied Cleaning, rinse aid and, if necessary, softening substances a clear not identified as a "3in1" combination preparation Product incorrectly selected by the user Switch off the "3in1" function or when selecting a "3in1" program an error message is output.

It is also advantageous that when the "3in1" function is switched on or when you select a "3in1" washing program for states of the washing program, which in conventional Rinse programs with individual dosing of the substances switched on are switched off or hidden, so z. B. the shutdown an indicator LED at the time of the regeneration process or an indicator LED to fill up rinse aid prompts.

Used by the user of the dishwasher after adjustment dirty dishes in the dishwasher Washing program selected, a combination preparation from the dishwasher added and activated by an optional Selection means the use of a combination preparation indicated, this is how the program sequence control looks, taking into account the additional function that the program flow of the selected washing program changes and in its entire design adapted to the use of a combination preparation becomes. In doing so, depending on the selected Washing program single or multiple parameters of the different Pre-rinsing, cleaning, intermediate rinsing, Rinse off, automatically in the manner described below essentially depends on the evaluation of given sensor measurements adapted or changed in a predetermined manner. The steps outlined in the process claims do not necessarily impose a sequence for the wash program, but can be targeted e.g. depending on the use of a certain combination preparation or type of combination product selected, repeated and / or sequentially or by others, known program steps are followed.

When using a dosage combination with usually separate storage chambers for the detergent and rinse aid substance when using a "3in1" combination preparation the function of rinse aid and if necessary the detergent dosage in the selected wash program is hidden. In an alternative Design it is possible in the z. B. sensor-dependent determination the concentration of the rinse aid in required Add quantities, this may equal dilution losses the previous sections of the wash program. Unless during opening times of the selected washing program for the dosing device to release various substances are provided, these are also blocked or the time the addition of a certain substance and / or changed in the quantity dosage.

Is the combination preparation in addition to the cleaning substance and a softening substance is also added to the rinse aid, the softening in a known manner in the dishwasher with a designated softening device is, as is well known, in a dishwasher regeneration of the softener with saturated Salt solutions (brine) are not necessary, therefore in the program the regeneration function, d. H. adding one defined brine volume to the softening device, otherwise at a defined point in time during the program is provided is hidden. Alternatively, one provided Hardness sensor that measures the water hardness of the rinsing liquid can determine which is actually in the dishwasher existing water hardness due to softening with the softening substance of the combination preparation if necessary be monitored and, if necessary, the regeneration function of the softener be switched on so that a partial softening of the water is carried out via the softening device. In hard water areas experience shows that the softening capacity of the Softening substances of a "3in1" combination preparation are not out. Therefore it is particularly beneficial if the information about the hardness of the water actually used Feeder flows into the design of the program flow. The The degree of hardness of the water can be determined by the user, for example specially provided input function, e.g. B. in the control panel, can be entered and saved or on a Blending device can be set, with corresponding Average the value of the water hardness setting to the program sequence control forward and with the "3in1" function switched on or selection of a "3in1" washing program the regeneration function and / or at least the blending from hard with soft water at least to a given one Allow time.

It is planned to continue the previous water supply via the Softening device regardless of its softening capacity, depending on the number of flushing fluid changes the degree of hardness of the water supplied is exhausted, respectively. All other water supply alternatives are Although theoretically possible, it is only useful if by default only combination preparations with a softening substance are available. If necessary in the storage container of the Dishwasher defines reserved water volume for the regeneration function can be particularly useful in soft water areas alternatively as a defined volume in whole or in part in the fluid-carrying program sections for dimensioning a predetermined liquid volume can be used.

Detected by a sensor during preliminary flushing recognized the use of a combination preparation or the Use of the same is indicated by the activated additional function, so can the duration of the initially planned program section Pre-rinse should be shortened to prevent Dissolve the contained detergent and rinse aid ingredients too early and in the sections Cleaning or Rinse Aid too low Concentration. On the other hand is a washing program selected using two or more pre-rinse sections provides for a complete water change, so through Omit at least one pre-rinse or the reduction on pre-rinse a program section without the detection a combination preparation is already prophylactic prevents one from being mistakenly in the dishwasher instead of combination preparations inserted in the dosing combination dissolves too soon.

If the pre-rinsing process section is described as above shortened or completely omitted, this reduces the time of loading the wash ware with water, the dissolving process of heavy soiling that may already be stick to the wash items for a long time, this will shorten or completely cancel them. This is a good thing in some pollution cases Cleaning result not beneficial. That is why in such Cases of the process section preferably clean around the Duration of the procedural section extended by which the procedural section Prewash was shortened. So the dissolving of the Dirt particles at least partially in the process section Cleaning postponed.

The number of intermediate rinsing sections is particularly preferred between the cleaning and rinse aid program sections an intermediate rinse section that substantially reduces the Task has to get stuck dirt particles and to eliminate chemical residues from cleaning. With more Intermediate rinsing can be advantageous at a reduced maximum Flushing liquid volume compared to the maximum intended Flushing liquid volume of the cleaning program section operated so that the concentration of dissolved rinse aid is higher than with the same flushing liquid volume like cleaning. Will clean during the program section the rinsing liquid is diluted several times and / or by a corresponding turbidity measurement a low degree of pollution of the rinsing liquid has been detected, the intermediate rinsing section can may be completely waived.

In the process section intermediate rinsing with lukewarm washing liquid is operated and therefore no active heating provides by switching on the provided heating elements those during the process sections, using hot rinsing liquid operated, withdrawn fed energy. To the Process flow energetically favorable and as described above also saves water and thus the concentration of the rinse aid to design intermediate rinsing in the process section, can be provided by repeated switching on and off the circulation pump with differently determinable and / or predeterminable Duration of the on and off status of the circulation pump the rinsing liquid in the manner of a pulse rinse on the Introduce wash ware. This is when the circulation pump is switched off Circulation of the rinsing liquid and thus the loading of the Washed goods interrupted with washing liquid. This type of pulse flushing is short with a sequence splashing, pausing, splashing, Break, splashing, break, etc. described.

At the end of at least one section of the process such. B. the Intermediate rinsing can depend on the measurement of the turbidity and / or the rinse aid content in the rinsing liquid Dilution step may be provided. The dilution step causes that a partial volume of the rinsing liquid, which during of intermediate rinsing was used in the subsequent process section Rinse aid continues to be used and with fresher Flushing liquid that is supplied is mixed. As a result of the dilution step, the loss becomes particularly apparent Rinse aid against complete pumping and filling reduced by rinsing liquid. For this reason, too regardless of the measurement of the turbidity of the rinsing liquid inevitably a dilution step instead of a complete one Pumping the rinsing liquid z. B. at the end of a washing program section be provided.

The temperature is preferred as a further or alternative step in the pre-rinse program section Process sections, preferably in the cleaning process section, to a temperature below the dissolution temperature of rinse aid, preferably below 58 ° C, reduced. So that at z. B. a selected intensive program, which usually the cleaning section with temperatures operates between 58 and 70 ° C, prevents that when in use a combination preparation with temperature-dependent approval the rinse aid substance may already dissolve here and consequently in the program section rinse aid in too low a concentration is present.

In the rinse aid program section, the wash ware is brought to a temperature of at least 58 ° C for the subsequent program section Drying heated up, this also makes the temperature dependent and possibly pH-dependent dissolving of the rinse aid allows.

The temperature control of the rinsing liquid is advantageous during a selected flushing method that is based on the use of combination preparations automatically, as mentioned above, was adjusted, on the one hand by the dissolution temperatures of the individual chemical substances determined. The other is under energetic aspects during the pre-rinse, if it is done not by switching on the flushing liquid provided heating means heated so that the rinsing liquid essentially depends on the water inlet temperature is. During cleaning and rinsing, the Flushing liquid as a result of switching on the provided heating medium actively heated and in the intermediate rinse program section without Switching on these heating means passively, d. H. by removing Energy from the heat capacity of the dishwasher, clearly to a temperature below the dissolution temperature of a temperature-dependent rinse aid heated.

Without limiting the invention, it is possible to use components of the washing program with the "3in1" function selected completely or partly run according to a predefined program to let or recognize and evaluate certain parameters, z. B. by sensors, in a suitable manner to the current situation in relation to a given target situation entirely or partially adapt.

The activation of the "3in1" function or the selection of one "3in1" washing program can also be used for networked household appliances, the location-independent of one not in the dishwasher localized central computers are operated, if necessary be switched on.

In addition to the already known selectable washing programs normal program, Intensive program, eco program, short program, can a special "3in1" washing program can also be provided the use of combination preparations, especially those which contain detergent, softener and rinse aid at the same time, is adjusted from the outset. This "3in1" washing program is used by the user of the dishwasher directly selected and is essential by the following Characterized process steps, the mentioned, however not an inevitable sequence of procedural steps represents a possible wash program sequence without the final one Program section drying:

Change or switch off the softening function of the regeneration device and / or changing or switching off the opening more specifically Storage chambers of the dosing device for in particular in addition to the combination product, still individually stocked chemical substances (detergent, rinse aid) and / or Changing the metering amount of the stored chemical Substances.

Switching off corresponding display elements for functions, that during the program run at least by the program flow control from the outset, that means switched off by default , preferably switching off the display regeneration with the regeneration function switched off by the regeneration device and / or switching off the rinse aid display refill with automatic metering switched off at least the rinse aid.

The pre-rinse is done with cold water, which is essentially depends on the water supply temperature for one extremely short duration of 2 to 5 minutes, preferably 2 to 3 minutes. During this time, mainly fresh dirt can be removed and dirt that adheres for longer is softened. Depending on an optional turbidity measurement of the liquid can take one or more dilution steps if heavily soiled the rinsing liquid can be provided, wherein a Dilution step due to the shortness of the pre-rinse, preferably at the end of pre-rinsing. Find at the end of pre-rinsing no dilution step takes place, so the rinsing liquid completely changed before the next program section.

The freshly added rinsing liquid, which also dilutes and may be contaminated to a certain extent now in the process section cleaning to a temperature that below the dissolving temperature of the rinse aid, preferably between 40 and 57 ° C, is heated.

The combination preparation is preferred by the metering device within the first third of the program section Clean the rinsing container, provided the combination preparation not by the user before starting the rinse / rinse program in the washing container, e.g. B. in the cutlery basket, was inserted.

At the above The temperature of the rinsing liquid in the rinsing tank circulated for about 10 to 30 minutes during cleaning and Completely pumped clean at the end of the cleaning process section or diluted. This decision can be made by an optional made turbidity measurement of the rinsing liquid dependent become.

If at least one turbidity measurement of the rinsing liquid is carried out, this is how performing several dilution steps in Dependence on the degree of pollution and / or the concentration individual components of the combination product optional executable. The cleaning process section is followed by a process section Intermediate rinse, in which the now existing Passive fresh or diluted rinsing liquid, d. H. exclusively by taking energy from the heat capacity of the dishwasher is heated up so that this during their circulation last remaining dirt residues and chemical residues of the cleaning process section removed. The revolution the rinsing liquid takes place in the intermediate rinsing process section for a duration of approximately 2 to 10 minutes. alternative Intermediate rinsing can also be used as pulse rinsing with reduced maximum flushing liquid volume with respect to the maximum Flushing liquid volume of cleaning can be operated.

The intermediate rinsing section is completed with a complete or partial emptying ended.

In the final rinse process section, the rinsing container is defined Flushing liquid volume supplied. This can be from be firm in the front and / or variable depending various parameters can be set. A dependent Size is the concentration of what is actually in the rinse aid of the existing rinse aid, as these are immediate Influence on the rinse aid result and thus on that afterwards achievable drying result of the wash ware takes. So in the case of a low concentration of rinse aid the rinsing liquid at the beginning of the rinse program section as low as possible, however depending on the Degree of turbidity of the rinsing liquid are supplied. Otherwise it is the concentration of rinse aid at the beginning of the program section Rinse aid above average or sufficient high, the concentration of the rinse aid can be increased a defined adjustable rinsing liquid volume can be set to a predetermined concentration. The Rinse liquid with rinse aid already dissolved, as well that with rinse aid still to be dissolved is now preferred to a dissolving temperature above the dissolving temperature a pH value and / or temperature-dependent dissolving Rinse aid heated. This dissolution temperature is currently above 58 ° C (for the "3in1" combination preparation calgonite Powerballs®). For a period of 2 to 15 minutes, however also at least until a predetermined temperature is reached from currently preferably 65 to 70 ° C, the rinsing liquid heated and circulated. At the end of the program section The rinse liquid will rinse as much as possible removed from the rinsing tank by pumping.

On the wash ware, the wash container ceiling, the wash container walls remaining liquid and water vapor will be in the, on the Program section rinse following, program section Drying removed. The drying is preferably as Condensation drying carried out. During the condensation drying if available, preferably in the first third this program section switched on at least one circulating air blower.

The intermediate rinsing during the liquid-carrying process sections can preferably be designed as pulse rinsing be d. H. that rinsing during the process section the circulation pump repeats for a predeterminable or determinable Duration is switched on and off. Here is the duration switching on the circulation pump and switching off the Circulation pump depending on a flushing liquid level in the flushing tank, which corresponds to a lower level, where the circulation pump does not suck in air. Because of the above mentioned limited factor there are further dependencies to the speed of the circulation pump, which increases with increasing Revs more rinsing liquid from the sump. The design the impulses of switching the circulation pump on and off also depending on a turbidity measurement of the rinsing liquid the duration can be adjusted if the degree of contamination is low the switching on of the circulation pump compared to the duration of the switching off of the circulation pump can be shortened and with an increased degree of contamination be extended accordingly. Dependent on a pH measurement and / or the temperature of the liquid and / or a determined rinse aid concentration can do this to a maximum existing flushing liquid volume during a liquid-carrying Process section, preferably in the process section Intermediate rinsing, defined. So can be based on the dissolution behavior and / or the concentration of the Rinse aid and / or one of the other substances of the combination product Be influenced. Becomes a combination product used, which contains a rinse aid, the temperature and / or pH value-dependent dissolution behavior has a certain pH, preferably in the neutral pH range, to reach during the intermediate rinsing. This sets if necessary, both an increased flushing fluid volume during the Intermediate rinsing beforehand, so that this pH value can also be or several intended dilution steps during the Interim rinsing can be achieved.

In one embodiment, the invention is based on a Method for operating a household dishwasher, which for the use of 3in1 combination preparations, so of those with the active ingredients detergent, rinse aid and Softener, is suitable, explained in more detail.

The single figure shows a diagram of the individual process sections a washing program sequence. It is assumed that the water of the supply line is essentially soft is and thus has a low degree of hardness.

The time and is not to scale on the ordinate of curve A. the abscissa is not to scale what is in the rinse tank Volume of rinsing liquid applied. Individual important Parameters for the process sequence, which for a particularly good The cleaning result of the wash ware is indispensable corresponding arrows marked. Preferably at the beginning of the Rinsing programs are automatic metering functions that do not include "3in1" combination preparation, hidden, this affects the automatic metering of the Rinse aid, also the automatic regeneration function hidden. From the figure it can be seen that the washing program with a pre-rinse of very short duration from 2 to 5 Minutes at the water supply temperature.

In this program section are preferably the dishwasher no chemical substances to improve the prewash result added. However, it cannot be prevented that the user mistakenly used the 3in1 combination preparation even before the dishwasher starts was fed. After the rinsing liquid has been pumped out completely pre-rinse at the end of the program section by arrow VV, fresh rinsing liquid becomes the rinsing container fed. This is based on an intended maximum flushing liquid volume of approx. 4 1, measured on a dishwasher, which is intended to hold 12 standard place settings, limited. At the beginning of the cleaning program section, the Flushing liquid heated by switching on the provided heating medium. The rinsing liquid should have a temperature of approx. Reach 55 ° C, which is a temperature at the time of the invention below the dissolving temperature of the pH and rinse aid temperature-dependent dissolvable 3inl combination preparation, such as Calgonit Powerballs®. In the first Third of the cleaning program section will be the "3in1" combination preparation, preferably while feeding Rinsing liquid, added (marked with arrow 3in1).

The rinsing liquid is at the maximum specified temperature circulated in the rinsing container for about 10 to 30 minutes and thereby the items to be cleaned are loaded. At the end of the program section Will clean the rinsing liquid from the Rinsing tank removed almost completely (marked by Arrow VR). The flushing fluid volume is for a following Program section intermediate rinsing freshly filled and exclusively by extracting energy in the heat capacity the dishwasher is stored, heated and circulated. The maximum flushing liquid volume supplied can be in Dependence of a turbidity measurement and / or a concentration measurement of existing rinse aid based on the dilution principle works, can be varied. So how is dotted shown, the flushing liquid volume with a high degree of contamination and / or high concentration of rinse aid and / or strongly basic environment of the rinsing liquid is preferred elevated. With a low degree of pollution, quite a bit lower Concentration of rinse aid in relation to the concentration that rinsing is necessary and / or neutral rinsing liquid the flushing fluid volume is as dashed shown, humiliated.

The intermediate rinsing process section follows a dilution step or after a complete drain, not shown e.g. Dependence on degree of turbidity in the program section Rinse through. This is at least partially the case Rinse liquid volume increases and preferably achieves that maximum available rinsing liquid volume of the program section Clean. On the other hand, the flushing liquid volume can alternatively through appropriately evaluated measurement results provided sensors also precisely to a predetermined concentration range of the rinse aid can be set. The value of the then flushing liquid volume to be supplied must be by the computing unit the program sequence control can be calculated. Consequently the duration of the intermediate rinsing varies between 2 to 10 min and the duration of the final rinse is between 2 to 15 min. The Flushing fluid volume will now be in the further program flow to a temperature above a pH or temperature dependent Dissolution temperature of the rinse aid increases, the dissolution temperature the rinse aid is currently around 58 ° C, see above that to a minimum rinse temperature of 60 to 70 ° C is heated. Rinse at the end of the program section the rinsing liquid is almost completely out of the rinsing tank removed (indicated by arrow VK). To the program section Rinsing is followed by a drying program section on, which is not shown here.

Without restricting the invention, all information, the numerical values include the 3inl combination products currently available on the market (Calgonit Powerball®, Somat 3in1®, Sun 3in1 Optimal®) adapted. With corresponding changes in the composition of these 3in1 combination preparations are the ones mentioned Adjust parameters with numerical values accordingly. For further modification of the proposed program sequences is based on the parallel applications P-10073, title "Procedure for operating a dishwasher "and P-10026, title "Method for operating a dishwasher, Dishwasher "from May 16, 2002 by the applicant directed.

A program flow design is also possible without restricting the invention or a method conceivable in which the above described invention is reversed, d. H. all preset Programs are based on the use of ("3in1" -) combination preparations designed and operated by a Switching means is an adaptation to the use individually stocked or disposable cleaning, rinse aid and Softener from the selected washing program possible.

Claims (16)

Dishwasher in which at least one washing program can be selected, characterized in that this washing program is itself defined for the use of a combination preparation with several active substances or at least one means is provided for switching on an additional function, by means of which at least one parameter of the selected one is provided when this function is switched on Rinsing program with regard to the use of a combination preparation with several active substances is changeable. Dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the additional function for a "3in1" combination preparation with at least one Cleaning substance, a softening substance and one Rinse aid is designed, which is in the form of a pressed Tablet, pearl or as powder or liquid Is used. Dishwasher according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a switching means for switching on the additional function is arranged on the aperture support of the dishwasher or in or on a metering device or is arranged at another location. Dishwasher according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one sensor is provided, the measured values of which can be specifically recorded and evaluated, so that the program control unit of the dishwasher can influence the course of the selected washing program in a defined manner and / or, if necessary, the program control unit specifically and others Sensor measurements and / or input-dependent queries are initiated before at least a defined intervention in the washing program sequence takes place. Dishwasher according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one chemical and / or at least one acoustic and / or at least one optical sensor and / or at least one thermal and / or at least one pneumatic sensor is arranged in the dishwasher. Dishwasher according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that continuously or discontinuously on the basis of at least one actual / target value comparison and / or difference value and / or the change in at least one washing program parameter pH value and / or temperature and / or turbidity and / or Foam formation and / or concentration can be seen in which qualitative and / or quantitative measure the release of at least one specific substance of the combination preparation took place. Dishwasher according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that times and / or time intervals for specific sensor measurements and / or setpoints and / or threshold values and / or other comparison values for evaluating these sensor measurements are stored in at least one memory unit of the program control. Dishwasher according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that it can be detected by at least one sensor provided, preferably at the beginning of the washing program sequence or during the first liquid-carrying washing program section, whether a combination preparation in the metering device or elsewhere in the dishwasher, preferably in a cutlery basket, and / or that at least once in the course of the washing program, at least one measurement of a sensor can detect whether a rinse aid substance present in the combination preparation has already been added to the washing liquid at an earlier or defined point in time during the program, or preferably only in the program section Rinse aid is released and / or whether a defined rinse aid concentration is above or below. Dishwasher according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a recognition device, in particular an image recognition device, is provided, by means of which information about the use of a specific combination preparation can be determined. Dishwasher according to claim 1 to 9, characterized in that display elements are provided on the dishwasher, which indicate the use of a combination preparation and / or certain operating states or the entire sequence of a washing program specially adapted or selectable to the use of a combination preparation. Method for operating a dishwasher, in which at least one washing program can be selected, which can be configured and run by optionally switching an additional function on or off for the use of a combination preparation and / or in an automatic, essentially sensory detection of the use of a combination preparation the use of a combination preparation with several active substances is adapted, characterized in that at least one of the following method steps is carried out in the course of the washing program. - a) the metering of certain substances which are stored in the metering device is shifted in time and / or the amount of metering is changed or completely hidden - b) the automatic regeneration function of the regeneration device is switched off, unless a defined hardness sensor exceeds or falls below a defined degree of hardness and / or a defined degree of hardness of the rinsing liquid is determined by a user-dependent setting on the regeneration dosage and / or via a program-controlled input device The regeneration function is faded in with the additional function switched on, the overall degree of hardness of the rinsing liquid being reduced by at least temporarily switching on the regeneration function and / or blending the rinsing liquid with soft water when a defined hardness level of the rinsing liquid is exceeded - c) at the start of the rinsing program, the rinse aid substance is blocked from the dosing combination, a corresponding default value is set and stored in a memory unit of the program control, this default value being resettable if the rinse aid concentration is detected to be below a definable concentration value and / or at a definable point in time of the program run, rinse aid substance is added in a definable volume of the rinsing liquid and / or until a definable minimum concentration value is reached, such an addition preferably only taking place in the rinse aid program section. d) during the course of the program, depending on the procedure of the actually executed program section b) with regard to the regeneration function, clogging of a defined brine volume in a softening device is faded in or out. - e) Information about the actual and / or target state of at least one parameter of the washing program or a hint derived therefrom and / or request to the user is displayed by corresponding display elements. - f) the duration of at least one program section, preferably pre-rinsing, is reduced or reduced to zero. - g) the duration of two process sections, preferably the program sections pre-rinsing and cleaning and / or cleaning and intermediate rinsing, are lengthened and / or shortened, the length of the lengthening and shortening being in a definable ratio. h) one or more provided intermediate rinsing sections are reduced to one or no intermediate rinsing sections. - i) at least in one program section, the rinsing liquid in the manner of a pulse rinsing on the items to be washed by switching the circulating pump on and off once or repeatedly, with the duration of the on and off state of the circulating pump being determinable or predefinable, or by regulating or controlling the speed of the circulating pump applied. - j) during at least one program section, preferably at the end of the process sections pre-rinsing, cleaning and / or intermediate rinsing, at least one dilution step with a reduction in the dirt concentration of the rinsing liquid is dependent on at least one measurement of the turbidity and / or the concentration of at least one active substance in the rinsing liquid or executed independently. - k) the maximum temperature in the program sections preceding rinse-aid, in particular in the cleaning process section, is reduced to a temperature below the dissolution temperature of the rinse-aid substance. - l) in the rinse aid program section, the temperature is raised to a temperature which is above the temperature of the dissolution of the rinse aid substance. Method for operating a dishwasher according to claim 11, characterized in that at least in the cleaning and rinsing process sections as a result of switching on the heating means provided, the washing liquid is actively heated and, if necessary, in the intermediate rinsing program section, the washing liquid is preferably passively heated without switching on these heating means and / or during the Pre-rinsing the rinsing liquid is essentially not actively heated. Method for operating a dishwasher according to claim 11, characterized in that during the intermediate rinsing and / or pre-rinsing, the heating means provided are briefly switched on and off, this being repeated repeatedly at different or equal lengths below or near the solubility temperature of the cleaning substance and / or Softening substance and / or the rinse aid substance. Method for operating a dishwasher, which can be selected as a washing program for operating a dishwasher for the use of combination preparations with several active ingredients, preferably "3in1" combination preparations, among several washing programs with a defined program sequence, characterized in that at least one method step of claims 11 to 13 is carried out or several of these method steps follow one another or at a distance or are at least repeated individually. Method according to one of Claims 11 to 14, characterized in that at least one of the following method steps is permanently predetermined in the course of a washing program which is adapted or can be selected for use with a combination preparation: Changing or switching off the softening function of the regeneration device and / or changing or switching off the opening of special storage chambers of the metering device. Switching off corresponding display elements for functions that are switched off during the program run, at least by the program run control from the outset, that is to say preset. Pre-rinsing with cold, water supply temperature-dependent rinsing liquid with a pre-rinsing time of preferably 2 to 5 minutes; complete rinsing liquid change at the end of the process section pre-rinsing, wherein one or more dilution steps can be carried out with a liquid change during the pre-rinsing. Heating the rinsing liquid in the cleaning process section to a temperature which is below the dissolving temperature of the rinse aid, preferably between 45 and 57 ° C. Dosing of the combination preparation during the heating phase of the rinsing liquid in the cleaning program section, preferably at the beginning or in the first third of the cleaning program section. Circulation of the rinsing liquid in the rinsing tank in the cleaning program section at a cleaning temperature (40 to 57 ° C) for a period of 10 to 30 minutes, with the rinsing liquid being completely pumped out at the end of the cleaning process section, depending on the result of a turbidity measurement of the rinsing liquid or the cleaning method section is completed by a dilution step, wherein several dilution steps can optionally be carried out during the cleaning. passive heating of the rinsing liquid in a process section, intermediate rinsing, which is freshly added or blended with rinsing liquid of the cleaning program section, and circulation of the rinsing liquid in the rinsing container for a period of 2 to 10 minutes. End of the intermediate rinsing process section with complete or partial emptying, the latter initiating a dilution step to the following process section. Filling the rinsing liquid to a defined and / or variably adjustable filling level of the rinsing liquid in the rinsing liquid program section, heating the rinsing liquid by switching on the heating medium provided via the dissolving temperature of the rinsing agent substance of the combination preparation, preferably to 58 to 70 ° C. and circulating the rinsing liquid with the dissolved or diluted and delayed rinse aid. Completely emptying the rinsing liquid from the rinsing container at the end of the final rinse process section only when a defined concentration of the rinse aid substance has not fallen below for a defined period of time, at least in the final rinse program section. Method for operating a dishwasher according to claim 15, characterized in that the circulation pump is preferably switched on and off repeatedly in the intermediate rinsing process section for a predeterminable or determinable duration, the duration of the activation of the circulation pump and the deactivation of the circulation pump depending on a rinsing liquid level in the rinsing container and / or the speed of the circulation pump of a turbidity measurement of the washing liquid, the maximum available washing liquid volume being set as a function of the temperature of the washing liquid and / or the determined rinse aid concentration and / or the pH value and / or the strainer.

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