EP1518489A1 - Dishwasher and method of operating a dishwasher when a multi-phase detergent with several active agents is used - Google Patents

Abstract

So-called 3in1 dish washing additives have wash, rinse and clarity chemicals in a single tablet or powder reducing the flexibility of the wash programs which is restored by monitoring the clarity of the recirculated water with sensors to alter the wash, rinse and clear rinse times and temperatures.

Description

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

There are now for some time so-called. 3in1-Kombinationspräpa = rate for use in dishwashers available together a cleaning substance, a softening substance and a rinse aid and the washing container of the dishwasher at a certain time at the same time be supplied. These 3in1 combination preparations are pressed in Tablet form so-called 3in1 tabs as well as 3in1 powder available. The 3in1 combination preparations can be provided in Dosing the dishwasher are inserted, In that case, they will be at a given time determined by the Spülprogrammablauf the dishwasher is added to the washing. On the other hand, they can too by the user of the dishwasher into the dishwasher, z. B. in the cutlery basket, before switching the Rinse program are laid. The user of a dishwasher is generally more than a selectable one today Rinse program for cleaning the set in the dishwasher soiled items are available. As selectable Rinse programs are adequate programs under the name Short program, normal program, intensive program, eco program, for which also most different synonymous concepts exist, known. Since using 3in1 combination preparations by the user of the dishwasher Customer complaints have been made by the manufacturers of Dishwashers heaped. Because the cleaning and / or Drying results of the cleaned in the dishwasher Scraps have become partially dramatic in use of 3-in-1 preparations versus conventional single dosing the corresponding substances deteriorates. As special problematic has proved that on the one hand the users the prescribed localization of the 3in1 combination preparation do not pay attention to the dishwasher, so some put the 3in1 tabs in the dishwasher while using by the manufacturer exclusively is prescribed by metering device. Furthermore, the Information from the manufacturers of 3in1 combination preparations regarding the Selection of a suitable washing program not appropriate because the dishwasher user generally knows, which rinsing program he depending on the pollution and Dehydration degree of the dirt particles has to pick, however no more intimate knowledge about the course of the wash program has. This knowledge implies the manufacturer of the 3in1 combination preparation at the user and lets it further completely disregarded that on the market various 3in1 combination preparations are present, depending on dissolve different parameters differently and accordingly at different times its highest effectiveness achieve. This is how some 3in1 combination products available on the market are working according to a so-called "dilution principle" (also known as the carry-over principle), d. H. at the beginning of cleaning Add the 3in1 combination preparation and start to dissolve. In the process, mainly the rinse aid is used first in a high concentration, d. H. added overdosed and it is assumed that as a result of carry-overs in rinsing water residues and adhesions of the dissolved Rinse aid on items to be washed, rinsing container walls and the ceiling of the Spülbehälters as well as in the supply lines the concentration in Rinse cycle is still sufficient to ensure a particularly good drying result to achieve. Another embodiment of the 3-in-one combination preparation provides that initially only the Dissolve cleaner and softener and rinse aid in the 3in1 combination product encapsulated, z. B. in the form of a wax-coated pearl is present, only temperature and / or pH-dependent dissolves during rinsing. When using a wash program, which already in the program section Cleaning works at high temperatures and / or where the duration of the cleaning process is very long, what is generally common in an intensive care program, the Rinse aid of the second type, however, already dissolved. Of the Rinse aid of the former type has in particular the disadvantage that when executing several rinse program sections before the Rinse, such. B. cleaning, intermediate rinsing, the latter known between the program sections cleaning and Rinse is switched on, dissolves too fast and thereby by multiple rinsing fluid change in the program section Rinse no longer available in sufficient concentration is. Another shortcoming when using 3in1 combination preparations can occur when the user of the Dishwasher metered by inserting, z. B. one 3in1 tabs, before starting the wash program at any Place the dishwasher, but not in the Dosierkombination performs. This begins z. B. in the program section prewash at least the cleaner and softener to dissolve, taking generally found in laboratory tests, that the dissolution behavior of the 3in1 combination preparations even with water, which is essentially Supply line temperature is very good. By pumping is the following program sections cleaning, if necessary provided Intermediate rinse, rinse, the Substances of the 3in1 combination drug in a smaller Concentration available, which has direct impact on both the cleaning as well as the drying result of the items to be washed has and generally worsens this.

It is an object of the invention to provide a dishwasher and a Propose method for operating a dishwasher, overcome at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages and provide a rinse program which is based on the Use of multi-drug combination preparations is adjusted or adapted, the user the Basic use of the previously known rinse programs continue to be allowed.

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 claim 11.

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

According to the invention, a means for connecting an additional function provided by which at a turn on this Function at least one parameter of the selected wash program with regard to the use of a combination preparation changeable with several active substances. As a consequence, that the rinse program selected by the user, such as intensive program, Normal program, short program, eco program, on the use of a combination preparation, in particular Cleaning substance, softening substance and rinse aid substance includes, is adjusted automatically. That is, when turned on additional function is a corresponding signal to the Control unit is given, which automatically adjusts the respective user-selected washing program for use of combination preparations. These are for example various control routines in the microcontroller deposited the control unit, which is used, and / or on various parameters of the washing programs, such as temperature, Duration of a particular wash program section, wash liquid fill volume, pH value u. a. is defined as intervened and this changed. An alternative Solution is an additional feature in which a shutdown a switching means according to the invention acts. In another Embodiment of the invention is a specially designed Rinse program for special use with a combination preparation Among other rinse programs as such selectable.

The additional function is preferably based on the use of a 3-in-one combination preparation designed, this combination preparation as effective substances for cleaning the ware essentially only cleaner substance, softening substance and rinse aid substance. Regardless of these components The 3in1 combination preparation can also contain other substances whose direct or indirect influence on the Cleaning and drying results of individual wash program sections or the overall cleaning result of the washing program are of minor importance. If more effective Substances of the combined preparation not expressly However, these are known and influenced if they are called of the subject invention.

It is also a switching means for switching on the additional function this preferably in the screen carrier of the dishwasher in addition to other selection means and / or display means is localized. Another possibility is the switching device arrange, the metering device of the combined preparation, in which the combination preparation preferably filled is. In the embodiment of the switching means are most diverse known embodiments, such as rotary selector switch, Button or the like conceivable. There is also an operation a switching means by a user-dependent selection possible by selection in a menu-driven selection device, For example, in a display or at networked home appliances via a graphical interface or if necessary, a voice recognition system can be switched on.

In the dishwasher is provided by at least one Sensor the use of a combination preparation in particular a 3in1 combination preparation detectable, so that is distinguishable for the program execution on the one hand, whether a combination preparation works according to the dilution principle, or a combination preparation, which the rinse aid only dissolves pH-dependent and / or temperature-dependent in the final rinse phase, is used. On the other hand, with repeated sensor measurement during the entire rinse program expiration z. B. Concentration and / or pH change 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 drug, with the result that the program flow is modified at any appropriate time become.

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 be designed. Furthermore, 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 others Parameters of the entire wash cycle can be used. Furthermore, alternatively, at least one provided chemical Sensor with appropriately selected receptors, for detection z. B. several simultaneously occurring agents, such as Cleaner and softener and / or rinse aid, the use of a Recognize combination preparations and without switching on the additional function to the programmer control the use signal a combination preparation. By possibly repeated control measurements and / or comparison with others Sensor measurements during the program will be based on the usage a combination preparation closed and the program flow changed accordingly. 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 sensors determine continuously or discontinuous during the program or individual Rinse program sections whose time courses or times by the program control can be specified, of 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 preparations z. B. a predetermined minimum or maximum value is exceeded or undercut. Further z. B. in dependence a difference value, the z. B. manufacturer-dependent from the 3in1 combination product itself, as well as other typical parameters such as concentration jumps, Dissolution temperatures or parameter combinations such as pH and concentration or concentration and temperature the Spülprogrammäblaufes result. For a determinable period of time a wash cycle or over the entire duration the wash program will also change at least one Parameters of the wash program recorded and evaluated. So are z. B. with regard to the course of the pH of the rinsing liquid Conclusions on the concentration of the individual Active substances of the 3in1 combination preparation possible. So is Currently, the evaluation of the pH can be carried out in such a way that the program section Cleaning a maximum basic ph value either in the program section rinsing by one must be fallen below predetermined value, or its Change history, z. B. in a predetermined characteristic field, predefined within predefinable tolerances or pH jumps (erratic change in pH) within predefined Periods are determined or otherwise Time constants are determined for their occurrence, e.g. to reaching the dissolution temperature of an encapsulated rinse aid. According to the invention, such sensor measurement when turned on Additional function for adapting a rinsing program sequence to the use of a combination preparation for the active intervention in the program flow itself, at Selection of a special designed wash program sequence have this first a kind of control function to determine if during the program actually a combination preparation Use finds or at least an effective substance present in sufficient concentration at the given time is, adjustments of the Spülprogrammablaufes can be optional respectively.

A suitable method of evaluating the sensor measurement signals is z. B. the value or the change of certain parameters of Rinse program such as turbidity, pH, foaming, concentration, Water hardness u. a. individually as well as in suitable combinations at characteristic times of the rinse cycle, in terms of their qualitative and quantitative appearance and their delay times among themselves. For this purpose, within determinable time periods or Time intervals determined at least individual parameter values and this is an actual target value comparison, a difference value formation or 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 memory unit the program control are stored. In networked Home appliances can also use this storage unit outside the Dishwasher be located. Further, in the storage unit also certain program states can be stored, whose Combination pairings e.g. not desired are storable and these can prompt the user to perform certain actions. Such undesirable constellations result e.g. in the program section prewash if an increased Foaming and / or significant pH fluctuations occur, or a predetermined rinse aid concentration during all Falls below program sections or rinse aid concentration jumps regardless of a specific temperature or temperature course occur. The user can do it accordingly the occurred error situation z. B. prompted are the insertion of a combination preparation in the Dosierkombination or the program sequence is aborted until user-dependent re-commissioning of the Dishwasher occurs or recognized as defective Measurement result is at least displayed.

In the program section prewash or cleaning can be provided be that the time of actual addition of the 3in1 combination preparations is additionally monitored, z. B. by an aküstischen sensor the case of a tablet from the Dosing is detected in the washing. Other detection options offer optical sensors, the z. B. reinforced Foaming register or chemical sensors that Evaluate the change in the pH of the rinsing fluid.

With further advantage is in a possibly modified combination preparation, in the z. B. an enzymatic cleaner substance with an efficacy temperature limit of about 30 ° C and a Rinse aid substance with a dissolution temperature at approx. 58 ° C is included, with shortened scheduled program sections, and thus shortened solution duration, by short-term, possibly also repeated connection and / or controlled or regulated power output of the heating means in the process sections Pre-rinsing and / or intermediate rinsing the rinsing liquid preferably at the end of the respective process section heated, so for the following procedural steps Cleaning or rinsing, which are operated with hot rinsing liquid be, the respective chemical substance its complete Effectiveness can develop better and longer. By the Preheat or intensified heating of the rinsing liquid at the end of the preceding washing program section is the dissolving and Thus, the effectiveness of the cleaner or rinse aid for the Duration of each program section improved. The thereby supplied Energy is comparable to an activation energy. At a scheduled temperature control or temperature control can dissolution time, concentration, exposure time, Time of release of a chemical substance of the 3in1 combination preparation be optimized.

Of particular advantage is when user-dependent the actually used 3in1 combination product of program control is specified as a parameter, z. B. by input via an image capture, the z. B. the barcode of a 3in1 combination preparation detected or stored in the program memory Commercially available 3in1 combination preparations selected or the use of a specific combination product entered by the user in any other way can be, with the user-dependent predetermined information on the use of a specific 3-in-1 combination product either up to a changing one Input information will be saved or at the beginning of each or a defined predetermined time again queried becomes.

With further advantage can with query or evaluation of an information about the type and dosage form of the supplied Cleaning, rinsing and possibly softening substances a unique not identified as a 3-in-one combination product an incorrectly selected by the user Switch off 3in1 function or when selecting a 3inl program an error message is issued.

It is also advantageous that when the 3in1 function is switched on or when selecting a 3in1 wash program, the display for states of the washing program, which in conventional washing programs with single dosing of the substances are switched on, be turned off or hidden, such. B. the shutdown a display LED at the time of the regeneration process or a display LED that prompts you to top up your rinse aid.

Used by the user of the dishwasher after adjusting soiled items in the dishwasher Dishwashing program selected, a combination preparation of the dishwasher added and switched by an optional Selection means the use of a combination preparation indicated this is the program sequence control under consideration the additional function that the program flow of selected wash program changes and in its overall design adapted to the use of a combination preparation becomes. Depending on the selected Rinse program single or multiple parameters of different Rinse program sections Pre-rinsing, cleaning, intermediate rinsing, Rinse, in the manner described below automatically in essentially dependent on the evaluation of predetermined sensor measurements adapted or changed in a predefined way.

The steps indicated in the method claims In terms of their sequence, there is no inevitable requirement for the Spülprogrammablauf, but can specifically targeted, for. depending on the use of a particular combination preparation or type of combination product selected, repeatedly and / or in succession or by others, be followed in known program steps.

When using a Dosierkombination with usually separate pantries for the detergent and rinse aid substance when using a 3in1 combination preparation is the Function of the rinse aid and possibly the detergent dosing in the selected one Wash program hidden. In an alternative embodiment is it possible at the z. B. sensor-dependent determination the concentration of rinse aid this required Re-metering amounts, this compensates for any loss of dilution of the preceding rinse program sections. Unless during the selected wash program further opening times for the metering device for releasing various substances are provided, these are also blocked or the time the addition of a certain substance and / or changed in the metering.

Is the combination preparation in addition to the cleaning substance and the rinse aid substance also added a softening substance, the softening in a known manner in the dishwasher make unnecessary by a designated softening device should, then that is also known in a dishwasher Regenerate the softener with saturated to be performed Salt solutions (brine) not necessary, therefore is in the program flow the regeneration function, d. H. the clogging of a defined brine volume to the softening device, the otherwise at a defined time of program execution is provided hidden. Alternatively, at a designated Hardness sensor that determines the water hardness of the rinsing fluid can actually determine that in the dishwasher existing water hardness as a result of softening with the softening substance the combination preparation, if necessary be monitored and if necessary, the regeneration function of the water softener be switched on, so that partial softening of the water is made via the softener device. In hard water areas According to experience, the softening capacity of Softener substances of a 3in1 combination preparation not out. Therefore, it is of particular advantage if the information on the degree of hardness of the water actually used the Supply line in the design of the program flow flows. Of the Hardness of the water, for example, by the user via a specially provided input function, eg. In the control panel, be entered and saved or at one Blending device can be adjusted, with appropriate Means the value of the water hardness setting to the programmer control forward and with the 3in1 function switched on or selecting a 3-in-1 rinse program to switch on the regeneration function and / or at least the blending of hard with soft water at least at a given time enable.

It is intended that the previous water supply on the Softening device independent of its softening capacity, the with increasing number of rinsing fluid change depending the degree of hardness of the water supplied is exhausted, respectively. All other alternatives of the water supply are theoretically possible, but only appropriate if as standard, only combination preparations with a softening substance are available. This possibly in the reservoir of Dishwasher defines reserved water volume for the regeneration function can be particularly in soft water areas alternatively as a defined volume wholly or partly in the Liquid-carrying program sections for the design of a predetermined volume of liquid can be used.

Used by a sensor during an initial pre-rinse recognized the use of a combination preparation or the Use of same indicated by additional function, Thus, the duration of the initially provided program section Pre-rinsing can be shortened to prevent yourself dissolve the detergent and rinse aid ingredients too early and in the sections cleaning or rinsing too low Concentration. On the other hand, is a wash program selected having two or more Vorspülabschnitte with each complete water change provides so is by Omitting at least one pre-purging or reduction a program section prewash thereby also without the detection a combination drug already prophylactic prevents one from mistakenly in the dishwasher instead of mixed dosage in the dosage combination dissolve too early.

As described above, the process section is pre-rinse shortened or completely omitted, thereby reducing the time of loading the dishes with water, the release process of heavy pollution that may already be adhere to the dishes long, thereby shortened or completely canceled. This is a good one in some cases of pollution Cleaning result not conducive. That's why in such Cases of the process section preferably cleaning around the Duration of the procedural section extended to the process section Pre-rinse was shortened. So will the solving of the Dirt particles at least partially in the process section Cleaning moved.

Particularly preferred is the number of intermediate rinse sections between the program sections cleaning and rinsing on reduces an intermediate scavenging section, which is essentially the Task has isolated, some stuck dirt particles and eliminate chemical residues of cleaning. With more Advantage can the intermediate rinsing with reduced maximum Rinse fluid volume compared to the maximum provided Rinsing fluid volume of the program section cleaning operated so that the concentration of the dissolved rinse aid is higher than at the same size rinsing liquid volume as in cleaning. Will be cleaned during the program section the rinsing liquid is diluted several times and / or is by a corresponding turbidity measurement a low degree of contamination the rinsing liquid has been detected, so may on the intermediate rinse section if necessary completely omitted.

In the process section intermediate rinsing, with lukewarm rinsing liquid is operated and therefore no active heating provided by switching provided heating elements is during the procedural stages, with hot rinse liquid be operated, deprived of energy. To the Process flow energetically favorable and as described above also saves water and thus the concentration of the rinse aid increasing in the process section to make intermediate rinse, can be provided by repeatedly turning on and off the circulating pump with different determinable and / or predeterminable Duration of the on and off state of the circulation pump the rinsing liquid in the manner of a pulse rinsing on the To bring in items to be washed. When you turn off the circulation pump is Circulation of the rinsing liquid and thus the application of the Washware interrupted with rinsing liquid. This type of pulse flushing is brief with a sequence of splashing, pause, spattering, Pause, Splash, Pause, etc. described.

At the end of at least one procedure section such. B. the Intermediate rinsing may be dependent on the measurement of turbidity and / or the content of rinse aid in the rinsing liquid Be provided dilution step. The dilution step causes that a partial volume of the rinsing liquid, which during the intermediate rinsing was used in the subsequent process section Rinse is still used and with fresher Rinse liquid which is supplied, is mixed. As a result the dilution step, in particular, the loss Rinse aid versus complete pumping and filling reduced by rinsing liquid. Precisely for this reason can also regardless of the measurement of the turbidity of the rinsing liquid inevitably a dilution step instead of a complete one Pumping off the rinsing liquid z. B. at the end of a washing program section be provided.

As a further or alternative step, the temperature is preferred in the program section rinsing upstream Process sections, preferably in the process section cleaning, to a temperature below the dissolution temperature of the rinse aid, preferably below 58 ° C, reduced. This is at z. B. a selected intensive program, which usually the cleaning section with temperatures operates between 58 and 70 ° C, prevents it from being used a combination preparation with temperature-dependent release the rinse aid substance this possibly already dissolves here and consequently in the program section rinsing in too low a concentration is present.

In the program section rinsing, the items to be washed are at a temperature of at least 58 ° C for the subsequent program section Drying heated, this is also the temperature-dependent and optionally pH-dependent dissolution of the rinse aid allows.

Advantageously, the temperature control of the rinsing liquid during a selected rinsing procedure based on the use of combination preparations automatically, as mentioned above, was adjusted, on the one hand by the dissolution temperatures of determined individual chemical substances. On the other hand is under energetic aspects during the pre-rinsing, provided it is carried out, the flushing liquid not by switching provided heating means heated, so that the rinsing liquid essentially dependent on the water inlet temperature is. During cleaning and rinsing, the Rinsing liquid as a result of switching on intended heating means actively heated and in the program section intermediate rinsing without Connecting these heating means passive, d. H. by removing from 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 components of the rinse program with the 3in1 function selected or partially run according to a defined predetermined program to allow or recognize and evaluate certain parameters, z. B. by sensors in a suitable manner to the actual situation with respect to a given desired situation completely or partially adapt.

The connection of the 3in1 function or the selection of a 3in1 wash program can also be used in networked household appliances, Locally independent of a not located in the dishwasher Central computer operated, if necessary be switched on.

In addition to the already known selectable washing programs normal program, Intensive program, eco program, short program, can also be provided a special 3in1 wash program, the the use of combination preparations, in particular those containing the cleaners, softeners and rinse aid at the same time, adapted from the outset. This 3in1 wash program is directly selected by the user of the dishwasher and is essential through the following Procedural steps characterized, but called not inevitable sequence of process steps is doing a possible rinse program without the final program section Drying:

Changing or switching off the softener function of the regenerating device and / or changing or turning off the opening more specifically Storage chambers of the metering device for in particular in addition to the combined preparation individually stockpiled chemical substances (cleaner, rinse aid) and / or Change the addition amount of stored chemical Substances.

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

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

The freshly added rinsing liquid, which also diluted and so that it can be contaminated to some degree now in the process section cleaning to a temperature that below the dissolution temperature of the rinse aid, preferably between 40 and 57 ° C, is heated.

The combination preparation is preferably through the metering device within the first third of the program section Purge supplied to the washing container, if the combination preparation not by the user before starting the flushing program in the washing, z. B. in the cutlery basket, was inserted.

In the o. G. Temperature is the rinsing liquid in the washing circulated during the cleaning about 10 to 30 minutes and At the end of the process section cleaning completely pumped out or diluted. This decision may be optional performed turbidity measurement of the rinsing liquid become.

If at least one turbidity measurement of the rinsing liquid is carried out, so is performing several dilution steps in Dependence of the degree of soiling and / or the concentration individual components of the combination preparation optional executable. The process section cleaning is followed by a process section between rinsing, in which the now existing fresh or diluted flushing liquid passive, d. H. exclusively by removing energy from the heat capacity of the dishwasher is heated, so that this during their circulation remaining dirt left over and chemical residues of the process section cleaning removed. The circulation the rinsing liquid is in the process section intermediate rinsing for a duration of about 2 to 10 minutes instead. alternative Intermediate rinsing can also be used as pulse rinsing at reduced maximum rinsing fluid volume with respect to the maximum Rinsing fluid volumes of the cleaning are operated.

The process section is rinsed with a complete or partial emptying finished.

In the process section rinsing the rinse tank is a defined Rinsing fluid volume supplied. This can of be fixed in front and / or variable depending on various parameters can be set. A dependent Size is thereby the concentration of thereby actually in the rinse liquid existing rinse aid, since these immediate Influence on the rinse aid result and thus on the subsequent achievable drying result of the ware increases. Thus, in the case of a low concentration of rinse aid at the beginning of the program section rinse the rinse liquid as low as possible, but possibly depending on Turbidity of the rinsing liquid to be supplied. Otherwise it is the concentration of the rinse aid at the beginning of the program section Clear rinse above average or sufficient high, so can the concentration of the rinse aid by feeding a defined adjustable Spülflüssigkeitsvolumens be set to a predetermined concentration. The Rinsing liquid with already dissolved rinse aid, as well with rinse aid still to be dissolved, is now preferred to a dissolution temperature above the dissolution temperature a ph value and / or temperature dependent dissolving Rinse clearer. This dissolution temperature is currently above 58 ° C (for the 3in1 combination Calgonite Powerballs®). For a duration of 2 to 15 minutes, but also at least until reaching a predetermined temperature from currently preferably 65 to 70 ° C, the rinse liquid heated and circulated. At the end of the program section rinse the rinsing liquid is as far as possible by pumping removed from the washing container.

On the dishes, the Spülbehälterdecke, the Spülbehälterwänden Remaining liquid and water vapor is in, on the Program section rinsing following, program section Dry away. The drying is preferably as Condensation drying performed. During the condensation drying is, if available, preferably in the first third this program section turned 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 intermediate rinsing during the process section the circulation pump repeated for a predeterminable or determinable Duration is switched on and off. Here is the duration Turning on the circulation pump and off the Circulating pump depending on a level of flushing liquid in the washing container, which corresponds to a lower fill level, in which the circulating pump does not suck in air. Due to the above there are further dependencies to the speed of the circulation pump, which increases with increasing Speed more rinsing fluid takes the sump. The design the pulses of turning on and off the circulation pump is also as a function of a turbidity measurement of the rinsing liquid adjustable, so can the duration of low pollution degree the switching of the circulation pump against the duration of switching off the circulation pump can be shortened and with 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, the maximum existing rinsing liquid volume during a liquid-carrying Process section, preferably in the process section Intermediate rinse, be set defined. So may be due to the dissolution behavior and / or the concentration of Rinse aid and / or one of the other substances of the combination preparation Be influenced. Will be a combined preparation used, which contains a rinse aid, a Temperature- and / or pH-dependent dissolution behavior has, is a certain pH, preferably in the neutral pH range, during the intermediate flushing. This sets if necessary, both an increased volume of rinsing fluid during the Subsequent rinsing ahead, as well as that pH by a or several intended dilution steps during the Intermediate 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, ie of those with the active ingredients cleaner, rinse aid and Softener, is suitable, explained in more detail.

The single figure shows a schematic of the individual process sections a rinse cycle. It is assumed that that the water of the supply is substantially. soft is and thus has a low degree of hardness.

On the ordinate of the curve A is not to scale the time and on the abscissa is not to scale that is present in the washing compartment Rinsing fluid volume applied. Single important Parameters for the procedure, which for a particularly good Cleaning results of the items are indispensable, are by corresponding arrows marked. Preferably at the beginning of Rinse programs are automatic dosing functions that do not include 3in1 combination preparation, hidden, this applies in any case to the automatic metering of the Rinse aid, also the automatic regeneration function hidden. From the figure it can be seen that the wash program with a pre-wash of very short duration from 2 to 5 Minutes is carried out at supply temperature of the water.

In this program section are preferably the dishwasher no chemical substances to improve the pre-wash result added. But it can not be prevented that by the user mistakenly the 3in1 combination preparation even before the start of the dishwasher was fed. After complete pumping out of the rinsing liquid Pre-rinse at the end of the program section by arrow VV, fresh rinse liquid is the rinse tank fed. This is due to a planned maximum volume of rinsing liquid of about 4 liters, measured on a dishwasher, which is intended to accommodate 12 standard blankets, limited. At the beginning of the program section cleaning is the Rinsing liquid heated by switching provided heating means. The rinsing liquid should have a temperature of approx. Reach 55 ° C, which at the time of'erfindung a temperature below the dissolution temperature of the rinse aid of pH temperature-dependent dissolvable 3in1 combination preparation, such as Calgonit Powerballs®. In the first One third of the program section cleaning will be the 3in1 combination product, preferably during the feeding of Rinsing liquid, added (marked with arrow 3inl).

The rinsing liquid is at the maximum predetermined temperature circulated about 10 to 30 minutes in the washing and thereby the washed items to be cleaned acted upon. At the end of the program section Cleaning is the rinsing liquid from the Washing container almost completely removed (marked by Arrow VR). The rinse fluid volume will be for a following Program section intermediate rinse freshly filled and exclusively by removing energy in the heat capacities of the dishwasher is stored, heated and circulated. The maximum amount of rinsing fluid supplied can be in Dependence of a turbidity measurement and / or a concentration measurement of existing rinse aid, according to the dilution principle works, can be varied. Such is how dotted represented, the Spülflüssigkeitsvolumen at high pollution degree and / or high degree of concentration of the rinse aid and / or strongly basic medium of the rinsing liquid elevated. At low pollution level, already quite low Concentration of the rinse aid in terms of concentration, the when rinsing is necessary, and / or already neutral rinsing liquid the rinsing fluid volume is as dashed represented, lowered.

The intermediate rinsing step goes to a dilution step or after a complete drainage, not shown e.g. Dependence of turbidity level in the program section Rinse over. This is at least partially the Rinse fluid volume increases and preferably reaches the maximum rinsing fluid volume of the program section Clean. On the other hand, alternatively, the rinsing liquid volume by appropriately evaluated measurement results provided sensors also exactly to a predetermined concentration range of the rinse aid. The value of then rinse liquid volume to be supplied by the arithmetic unit the program sequence control are calculated. Consequently the duration of the intermediate rinsing varies between 2 to 10 min and the duration of the rinse about between 2 to 15 min. The Rinse fluid volume is in the rest of the program now to a temperature above a pH or temperature dependent Dissolution temperature of the rinse aid increased, the dissolution temperature the rinse aid is currently at about 58 ° C, so that to a minimum rinse temperature of 60 to 70 ° C is heated. At the end of the program section rinse the rinse liquid is almost completely from the rinse tank removed (marked by arrow VK). To the program section Rinsing is followed by a program section drying on, but not shown here.

Without limiting the invention are all information, the numerical values to the 3inl combination products currently available on the market (Calgonit Powerball®, Somat 3in1®, Sun. 3in1 Optimal @) adjusted. With appropriate changes in the composition these 3in1 combination preparations are the ones mentioned Adjust parameters with numerical values accordingly. For further modification of the proposed program sequences to parallel applications P-10073, title "Procedures for operating a dishwasher "and P-10026, Title "Method of operating a dishwasher, Dishwasher "from 16.05.2002 the Applicant directed.

Without limiting the invention is also a program flow design 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 actuated by a Switching means is an adaptation to the use individually stocked or metered cleaning, rinsing and softening agent of the selected wash program possible.

Claims (17)

Dishwasher, in which at least one known per se, designed for the dishwasher operation without combination preparations with multiple active ingredients rinse program is selectable,
characterized in that
at least one means for connecting an additional function is provided, by which at least one parameter of the selected washing program with respect to the use of a combination preparation with a plurality of active substances can be changed when this function is switched on. Dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the additional function for a 3-in-1 combination preparation with at least one Cleaning substance, a softening substance and a Rinsing substance is designed, which is in the form of a pressed Tablet, pearl or as a powder or liquid Use finds. Dishwasher according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that
a switching means for switching on the additional function is arranged on the cover support of the dishwasher or in or on a metering device or is arranged elsewhere. 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 selectively detected and evaluated, so that the program control unit of the dishwasher can control the flow of the selected washing program in a defined manner and / or if necessary the program control unit specifically initiates further sensor measurements and / or input-dependent queries before at least one defined one Intervention in the rinse program expiration occurs. 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
can be recognized continuously or discontinuously on the basis of at least one actual / desired value comparison and / or difference value and / or the change of at least one rinse program parameter pH and / or temperature and / or turbidity and / or foaming and / or concentration, in which qualitative and / or or quantitative measure, the release of at least one specific substance of the combination preparation is carried out. Dishwasher according to one of claims 4 to 6,
characterized in that
Time points and / or time intervals for specific sensor measurements and / or setpoint values and / or threshold values and / or other comparison values for the evaluation of 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
is detectable by at least one sensor provided, preferably during the first liquid-carrying rinse program section, whether a combination preparation in the metering device or elsewhere in the dishwasher, preferably in a cutlery basket, introduced and / or that at least once in the course of the wash program by at least one Measuring a sensor can be seen whether a present in the combination preparation rinse aid has already been added at an earlier or defined time during the program flow of the rinse or preferably only in the program section rinsing, is released and / or whether a defined rinse aid concentration is exceeded or fallen below. Dishwasher according to one of claims 1 to 8,
characterized in that
a recognition device, in particular an image recognition device is provided, can be determined by the information about the use of a particular combination preparation. Dishwasher according to claims 1 to 9,
characterized in that
display elements are provided on the dishwasher, which indicate the use of a combination preparation and / or specific drain states or the entire course of a specially adapted to the use of a combination preparation or selectable wash program. Method for operating a dishwashing machine, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 10, with a washing program known per se for dishwasher operation without combination preparations with a plurality of active ingredients,
characterized in that
the rinse program when using a combination preparation with multiple active ingredients in its design and its course is adapted to the use of a combination preparation with multiple active ingredients. A method of operating a dishwasher according to claim 11,
characterized in that
the adaptation of the washing program to the use of a combination preparation with optional switching on or off of an additional function for the use of a combination preparation and / or an automatic, essentially sensory recognition of the use of a combination preparation. A method of operating a dishwasher according to claim 11 or 12,
characterized in that
the adaptation of the washing program to the use of a combined preparation comprises at least one of the following measures: a) The metered addition of certain substances which are stored in the metering device is moved at the time and / or changed in the amount of dosing or completely blanked. b) The automatic regeneration function of the regenerating device is switched off, unless a designated hardness sensor overshoots or falls below a defined degree of hardness and / or a user-dependent setting on the Regenerierdosierung a defined degree of hardness of the rinsing liquid is determined and / or via a program-controlled input device the fade the Regenerierfunktion with activated additional function takes place, wherein when exceeding a defined degree of hardness of the rinsing liquid by at least temporarily reconnect the Regenerierfunktion and / or blending the rinsing liquid with soft water, the hardness of the rinsing liquid is reduced overall. c) At the beginning of the wash program, a metered addition of the rinse aid substance from the metering combination is blocked; For this purpose, a corresponding default value in a memory unit of the program control is set and stored, wherein in the case of detecting the falling below the rinse aid concentration below a definable concentration value of this default value is reset and / or at a definable time of the program flow rinse aid substance in definierbarem volume of the rinsing liquid and / or is added to achieve a definable Mindestkonzentrationswertes, wherein such an addition preferably takes place only in the program section rinsing. d) During the program sequence, a clogging of a defined brine volume in a softening device is displayed or faded in as a function of the process control of the actually executed program section b) with regard to the regeneration function. e) information about the actual and / or desired state of at least one parameter of the wash program or a derived hint and / or request are displayed to the user by corresponding display elements. f) The duration of at least one program section, preferably a pre-rinse, is shortened 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, is extended and / or shortened, the duration of the extension and shortening being in a definable ratio. h) One or more dedicated intermediate flush sections are reduced to one or no intermediate flush section. i) At least in a program section, the rinsing liquid is applied to the items to be washed in the manner of a pulse rinse by a single or repeated switching on and off of the circulating pump with different determinable or predefinable duration of the on and off state of the circulation pump or by controlled or controlled speed change of the circulation pump , j) during at least one program section, preferably at the end of the process sections pre-rinsing, cleaning and / or intermediate rinse, at least one dilution step with reduction of the soil concentration of the rinsing liquid depending on at least one measurement of turbidity and / or concentration of at least one active substance in the rinsing liquid or independently of this. k) The maximum temperature is reduced to a temperature below the dissolution temperature of the rinse aid substance in the program sections preceding the final rinse, in particular in the process section cleaning. l) In the program section rinsing is heated to a temperature above the temperature of the dissolution of the rinse aid substance. Method for operating a dishwasher according to one of claims 11 to 13,
characterized in that
the rinsing liquid is actively heated at least in the cleaning and rinsing sections of the process as a result of switching on the heating medium and, if appropriate, the rinsing liquid is preferably heated passively without connecting these heating means in the intermediate rinsing section and / or the rinsing liquid is not actively heated during the pre-rinsing. A method of operating a dishwasher according to any one of claims 11 to 13,
characterized in that
during the intermediate rinsing and / or pre-rinsing, the intended heating means are switched on and off for a short time, this taking place repeatedly at different or equally long intervals below or near the solubility temperature of the cleaning substance and / or the softening substance and / or the rinse aid substance. Method according to one of claims 11 to 15,
characterized in that
at least one of the following method steps in the course of the adapted to the use of a combination preparation washing program is provided: a) changing or switching off the softening function of the regenerating device and / or changing or switching off the opening of special storage chambers of the metering device. b) switching off corresponding display elements to functions that are switched off during the program sequence, at least by the program sequence control from the outset, that is, by default. c) pre-rinsing with cold, water supply temperature-dependent rinsing liquid with a Vorspüldauer of preferably 2 to 5 minutes; Full rinsing liquid change at the end of the process section prewash, wherein one or more dilution steps can be performed with a liquid change during the pre-rinse. d) heating the rinsing liquid in the process section cleaning to a temperature which is below the dissolution temperature of the rinse aid, preferably between 45 and 57 ° C. e) adding the combination preparation during the heating phase of the washing liquid in the program section cleaning, preferably at the beginning or in the first third of the program section cleaning. f) circulation of the rinsing liquid in the rinsing container in the program section cleaning at a cleaning temperature (40 to 57 ° C) for a period of 10 to 30 minutes, at the end of the process section cleaning the rinse liquid, possibly as a function of the result of turbidity measurement of the rinsing liquid completely is pumped off or the process step cleaning is completed by a dilution step, wherein a plurality of dilution steps can optionally be carried out during the cleaning, g) passive heating of the rinsing liquid in a process section intermediate rinsing, which is freshly supplied or blended with rinsing liquid of the program section cleaning and circulating the rinsing liquid in the rinse tank for a period of 2 to 10 minutes. h) terminating the process section intermediate rinse with a complete or partial emptying, the latter initiating a dilution step to the next stage of the process. i) filling the rinsing liquid to a defined and / or variably adjustable filling level of the rinsing liquid in the program section rinsing, heating the rinsing liquid by switching provided heating means on the dissolution temperature of the rinse aid 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. j) Complete emptying of the rinsing liquid from the rinsing container at the end of the process section rinsing only when a defined concentration of the rinsing substance for a defined period of time has not fallen below at least in the program section rinsing. A method of operating a dishwasher according to claim 16,
characterized in that
the circulating pump is preferably switched on and off repeatedly in the intermediate flushing section for a predeterminable or determinable duration, the duration of switching on the circulating pump and switching off the circulating pump dependent on a flushing liquid level in the flushing tank and / or the rotational speed of the circulating pump and / or a turbidity measurement the rinsing liquid is, wherein the maximum rinsing liquid volume is set depending on the temperature of the rinsing liquid and / or the determined rinse aid concentration and / or the pH and / or the sieve contamination.

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