DE102022200772A1 - Method for operating a water-bearing household appliance, computer program product and system with a water-bearing household appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a water-bearing household appliance (1), in particular a dishwasher or a washing machine, which has a control device (100) for carrying out a treatment program from a plurality of treatment programs including a sustainability treatment program, the respective treatment program being preceded by a number of program parameters with assigned parameter values, with: carrying out a plurality of treatment cycles for cleaning items to be treated with the household appliance (1) using the sustainability treatment program, wherein after the respective treatment cycle has been carried out, the sustainability treatment program is changed by changing at least one parameter value of the Number is adjusted, the changed parameter value affecting a consumption amount (V) of at least one resource (31, 32) per treatment run and being changed in such a way that the consumption amount (V) of the at least one resource (31, 32) when using the adjusted sustainability -Treatment program is reduced compared to the treatment run carried out, and wherein the adjustment of the sustainability treatment program is paused and/or ended after the respective treatment run depending on a received user input (FB).

Description

The present invention relates to a method for operating a water-bearing household appliance, a computer program product and a system with a water-bearing household appliance.

Known water-bearing household appliances, such as dishwashers, offer several different treatment programs that are optimized for different scenarios, such as heavy soiling, low soiling, a short running time, low resource consumption and the like. Furthermore, it is known to provide adaptive treatment programs that are adjusted to a respective user or household over several flushing cycles. This is based, for example, on a learning process in which one learns what type of crockery is used in a household and which dishes are preferably prepared and consumed.

DE 10 2016 213 171 A1 discloses a method of controlling a dishwasher. The method includes steps of detecting a user preference for a cleaning cycle of the dishwasher; sampling parameters associated with a cleaning run of the dishwasher across multiple cleaning runs; detecting user input indicative of user satisfaction with one of the cleaning runs; and determining an optimization of a parameter of the parameters depending on the user input and the user preference.

DE 10 2018 221 163 A1 discloses a system with a water-bearing household appliance with a control device for carrying out a treatment program from a plurality M of treatment programs, each of the treatment programs being determined by a number of program parameters, a storage device for storing the M treatment programs in the form of an N-dimensional matrix, with each matrix element of the matrix being assigned one of the M treatment programs, the respective matrix element being able to be determined by one of a plurality of specific N-dimensional input vectors, an input means for detecting a user input for changing at least one of the program parameters, a Selection unit for selecting one of the determined N-dimensional input vectors depending on the detected user input, a determination unit for determining a matrix element from the matrix using the selected input vector, the control device being set up to carry out the treatment program assigned to the determined matrix element.

Against this background, one object of the present invention is to further improve the operation of a water-bearing domestic appliance.

According to a first aspect, a method for operating a water-bearing household appliance, in particular a dishwasher or a washing machine, is proposed. The water-conducting domestic appliance has a control device for carrying out a treatment program from a plurality of treatment programs, including a sustainability treatment program. The respective treatment program is defined by a number of program parameters with associated parameter values. The method comprises carrying out a plurality of treatment cycles for cleaning items to be treated with the household appliance using the sustainability treatment program, wherein after the respective treatment cycle has been carried out, the sustainability treatment program is adapted by changing at least one parameter value of the number, the changed parameter value influencing a consumption quantity of at least one resource per treatment cycle and being changed in such a way that the consumption quantity of the at least one resource when using the adapted sustainability treatment program compared to the treatment cycle carried out is reduced, and wherein the adaptation is reduced of the sustainability treatment program is paused and/or ended after the respective treatment run depending on a received user input.

Compared to conventional methods, this method has the advantage that the consumption of resources when carrying out the sustainability treatment program is constantly reduced. The reduction occurs incrementally from one program run to the next program run. In this way, the user of the household appliance gets used to the respective success of the treatment program carried out. By showing the user a saving in resources compared to a conventional treatment program, for example, the user is motivated to accept even slight deterioration in the result, such as a longer running time or reduced drying. Adjusting the sustainability treatment program can also be referred to as optimization.

The control device can be implemented in terms of hardware and/or software. In the case of a hardware implementation, the control device can, for example be designed as a computer or microprocessor. In the case of a software implementation, the control device can be embodied as a computer program product, as a function, as a routine, as an algorithm, as part of a program code or as an executable object.

The plurality of treatment programs include, for example, a fast treatment program, a gentle treatment program, an intensive treatment program, and the like, in addition to the sustainability treatment program. Specific treatment programs can be provided for specific household appliances, such as a glass treatment program for a dishwasher or a wool treatment program for a washing machine or the like.

The various treatment programs differ in particular in the parameter values assigned to the program parameters. Program parameters include, for example, a liquid amount, a target temperature for the liquid, a detergent amount, a detergent type, a pump speed, and a run time. A respective treatment program can comprise a number of sub-program steps, with a respective program parameter being able to have different parameter values in different sub-program steps. For example, a treatment program for a dishwasher can include the sub-program steps pre-wash, main wash, final rinse and drying, with the amount of liquid and target temperature being different in each of the sub-program steps. Depending on the type of water-bearing household appliance, different program parameters can be provided, for example the spin speed can form a program parameter for a washing machine that does not exist for a dishwasher.

The fact that the respective treatment program is defined by a number of program parameters with assigned parameter values means that the program parameters and parameter values determine the treatment program. The respective treatment program can nevertheless be adapted by adapting the program parameters or parameter values, for example in order to react to different usage situations. In this case, the adaptation can take place on the basis of detected sensor signals, such as soiling and/or a quantity of the item to be treated and/or a type of item to be treated. The term "fixed" in this context should therefore not be understood to mean that the respective treatment program is unchangeable.

The sustainability treatment program can also be referred to as an adaptive treatment program, since the parameter values assigned to the program parameters are not fixed, but can be changed, and in particular are adjusted and changed between different program runs.

When a treatment run is carried out for the first time using the sustainability treatment program, the parameter values have, for example, a respective predetermined value, which can also be referred to as the starting value. Starting from the respective start value, the parameter values are gradually adjusted so that the consumption of resources is reduced. The “first implementation” is, for example, the first implementation after the household appliance has been put into operation or after the household appliance has been reset to the factory settings.

The optimization of the sustainability treatment program takes place step by step, with at least one parameter value assigned to one of the program parameters being adjusted after each execution of the treatment run. The adjusted program parameter has an influence on the consumption of at least one resource, such as an amount of water, an amount of energy, an amount of cleaning agent, a period of time and/or a starting time. The parameter value is adjusted in such a way that the amount of consumption of the at least one resource is reduced in the subsequent treatment run. For example, the amount of water that is supplied in a main rinsing step is reduced. On the one hand, this reduces the amount of water consumed as a resource, and on the other hand, less energy is required to heat the water to a certain temperature. Alternatively, the water can be heated to a higher temperature with the same amount of energy.

Adjusting the parameter value can have an adverse effect on a treatment performance, in particular a cleaning performance of a dishwasher or a washing machine. However, this is not necessarily the case; whether a disadvantage is realized depends, among other things, on the type and severity of the soiling to be cleaned. This can be different for different households. The items to be treated, such as crockery or laundry, can have a different appearance in different households chen typical degree of contamination. It also depends on the type of soiling how much cleaning effort is required. Different types of soiling can occur, for example, due to different eating habits (composition of the food) and/or different occupations (construction workers or office workers) or different life situations (single household or children). Therefore, an objectively necessary cleaning performance for the complete cleaning of an item to be treated can be different for different households. In addition, a subjective perception of the cleaning performance can also be different. For example, for some users it may be acceptable that dishes are not completely dry or that they take longer to dry completely. For these reasons, the optimal sustainability treatment program that achieves the best possible consumption reduction in a given household may differ in different households. The optimal sustainability treatment program can be achieved through the proposed incremental adjustments in the respective household.

The incremental optimization of the sustainability treatment program can be interrupted or terminated by the user. For example, after the treatment run has been carried out, the user has the option of entering the user input into the household appliance via a user interface. The user input can, for example, reflect the user's satisfaction with the treatment result. For example, the user may provide input indicating that the user is dissatisfied with the treatment outcome or some aspect of the treatment outcome. It should be noted that the user input is not mandatory. If no user input is received, it can be assumed in particular that the user is satisfied with the treatment result and that the sustainability treatment program can therefore be further adapted and optimized.

The user interface can be provided by a control element arranged on the household appliance, such as a touch-sensitive screen and/or buttons, rotary controls and slide controls, or by a mobile device that is connected to the household appliance via a network. The mobile device can in particular include a mobile phone belonging to the user, on which a corresponding software application is running and which is connected to the household appliance via a wireless network, such as a WLAN or a mobile network.

It can also be provided that the user input is only received if the user confirms that he does not want any further reduction in the consumption quantity of the resource. Here, for example, a possible future saving of the resource can be determined and output to the user, so that the user understands which reduction in consumption depends on his decision.

Preferably, the adaptation of the sustainability treatment program is only paused when the user input is received. This means that, for example, for a predetermined number of subsequent program runs, there is initially no further adaptation, but the adaptation is automatically resumed after the number has expired. The predetermined number is, for example, one, two, three, four, five, or also up to ten program runs. This allows the user to get used to the treatment performance. For example, once the user has become accustomed to the treatment performance, they are more tolerant of further adjustments that are associated with resource savings.

It should be noted that the reduction in the amount consumed can relate in particular to a relative amount consumed in relation to an amount of the item to be treated (load) and/or soiling of the item to be treated. In other words, the consumption quantity and its reduction can relate to a unit quantity and a unit soiling of the item to be treated. For example, an absolute consumption quantity in the subsequent treatment program can be higher than in the preceding treatment program if the quantity of the material to be treated is higher.

According to one embodiment of the method, the user input includes a selection of a treatment program other than the sustainability treatment program from the plurality.

Preferably, the customization of the sustainability treatment regimen is terminated only when the user selects another treatment regimen from the plurality to run. As soon as the user selects the sustainability treatment program again, this can be carried out on the basis of the parameter values from the last execution of the sustainability treatment program and, starting from these, further adjustments and optimizations can then be made.

According to a further embodiment of the method, a current consumption quantity of the at least one resource which the Ver consumption amount in the last treatment run is determined, and a future consumption quantity of the at least one resource is determined on the basis of the adapted sustainability treatment program, and the determined current consumption quantity and the determined future consumption quantity are output to a user of the household appliance.

The current consumption quantity can be determined in particular on the basis of measured values recorded during the current or last execution of the treatment run. The future consumption quantity can be determined, for example, by means of a simulation or model calculation for the household appliance. The simulation can be carried out in particular on the basis of a digital twin of the household appliance. The model calculation can be carried out on the basis of a number of mathematical equations, in particular a system of equations comprising differential equations. The simulation or the digital twin and/or the model calculation or the mathematical equations can be calibrated in particular on the basis of the recorded measured values and the set parameter values, so that a precise prediction is made possible. The future consumption quantity can be determined in particular on the basis of a predetermined or determined average soiling of the item to be treated and/or a predetermined or determined average load of the item to be treated in the household appliance. The average soiling or average load can be determined in particular on the basis of soiling and loads detected in programs run in the past.

The determined current and future consumption quantity is preferably output graphically by means of a screen, for example in the form of a diagram such as a bar chart, which highlights the differences between the consumption quantities in an intuitively comprehensible manner. Additionally or alternatively, numerical values can be output in a table. This may motivate the user to continue using the sustainability treatment regimen while progressively adjusting it. It can also be said that through the interaction with the user, in particular the output of the determined consumption values to the user, a further reduction in consumption is achieved while at the same time ensuring user satisfaction.

In embodiments, the respective consumption quantity is determined and output for a plurality of program runs, for example for ten program runs or for a number of program runs expected within a year, in order to highlight a long-term difference between the current sustainability treatment program and the adapted sustainability treatment program.

In further embodiments, a consumption amount of the resource for a standard treatment program can also be determined and output in order to make the overall savings through the use of the sustainability treatment program clear to the user compared to a conventional treatment program.

According to a further embodiment of the method, the current consumption quantity and the future consumption quantity of at least two resources, preferably three resources, are determined and output to the user.

According to a further embodiment of the method, the current consumption amount of the at least one resource and/or the future consumption amount of the at least one resource is determined and output in relation to a treatment run, in relation to a predetermined plurality of treatment runs and/or in relation to a predetermined usage period, the respective consumption amount for the predetermined usage period being determined on the basis of a predetermined usage frequency of the household appliance or a usage frequency determined on the basis of previous usage statistics.

The predetermined period of use is, for example, a month, a quarter or even a year.

According to a further embodiment of the method, a future saving of the at least one resource is determined and output to the user on the basis of the determined current consumption quantity and the determined future consumption quantity.

The future savings can also be referred to as savings potential. By outputting the savings potential, the user can be shown even more clearly what savings can be achieved by continuing to use the sustainability treatment program. Thus, the user can be further motivated to continue using the sustainability treatment program.

According to a further embodiment of the method, at least one superordinate resource required for the provision of the at least one resource and a provision function for the superordinate resource, the one Relation between the higher-level resource and the resource includes determined, and based on the determined future savings for the at least one resource and the determined provision function, a future saving for the higher-level resource is determined and issued to the user.

An example of a superordinate resource for the electrical energy resource is, for example, an amount of CO2 (CO2: carbon dioxide) released to generate the energy required, an amount of fuel required to generate the energy required, a number of trees required to break down the amount of CO2 released, and the like. An example of a superordinate resource for the cleaning agent resource is the energy required to produce the amount of cleaning agent or the amount of CO2 corresponding to the energy.

The fact that the provision function is determined means, for example, that parameters of a predetermined mathematical equation are assigned specific parameter values. In embodiments, this also includes the assignment of predetermined parameter values. Determining the provisioning function may also include selecting a specific provisioning function from a plurality of predetermined provisioning functions. The selection can be made depending on user specifications, for example. For example, the user can select one or more of a plurality of different higher-level resources, and the corresponding provisioning function is selected according to his selection. For example, the provisioning function may be dependent on a user's electricity plan. For example, the provisioning function for an electricity tariff based on coal electricity can be designed differently than for an electricity tariff based on renewable energies. Accordingly, a respective provision function is selected, which is intended for a respective electricity tariff. The selected provisioning function can also be parameterized depending on the user specifications if this is not predetermined.

According to a further embodiment of the method, a first adapted sustainability treatment program is determined for a first usage scenario and a second adapted sustainability treatment program is determined for a second usage scenario, the first and the second sustainability treatment program differing in at least one parameter value, and wherein for the first and for the second adapted sustainability treatment program a respective future consumption quantity of the at least one resource is determined on the basis of the respective adapted sustainability treatment program and the respective determined future consumption quantity together with the respective usage scenario is issued to a user of the household appliance.

A respective usage scenario includes, for example, an immediate start of the treatment cycle, a quick implementation of the treatment cycle (short duration), a slow implementation of the treatment cycle (long duration), a later implementation of the treatment cycle, an implementation of the treatment cycle at night, an implementation of the treatment cycle when a renewable energy source, in particular a photovoltaic system of the user, provides sufficient electrical energy for the implementation and/or also an end of the treatment cycle at a specific latest point in time.

The respective usage scenario includes in particular a start time and a duration or an end time for the treatment program.

This embodiment has the advantage that a user can be motivated by the specific comparison and the display of the respective consumption values to select the treatment program that is more favorable in terms of resource consumption. If, for example, the user does not need the items to be treated as quickly as possible, in particular only needs them the following day, a slower implementation of the treatment cycle can advantageously be used in order to reduce the amount of water and/or the amount of energy.

Furthermore, further optimizations, in particular time-related optimizations, can be carried out in this way. For example, you can wait until a renewable energy source is available. In particular, if the household in which the household appliance is used and is connected to the power grid has a renewable energy source, such as a photovoltaic system, a wind power system or a hydroelectric power system, it is advantageous to await its availability. In this case, the availability can also depend on other consumers in the household, such as charging an electric vehicle or current use of a cooking appliance or other electrical appliance. The consumers are preferably networked with one another and set up to exchange their current use and preferably also future use with one another (smart home).

According to a further embodiment of the method, the respective future consumption quantity for all resources that are consumed in carrying out the treatment run is determined for the first and the second adapted sustainability treatment program and a sustainability index is determined depending on the respective determined future consumption quantities and issued to the user, the second adapted sustainability treatment program being determined in such a way that the sustainability index for the second adapted sustainability treatment program indicates a more sustainable use of the household appliance.

The sustainability index is determined in particular on the basis of a function in which the future consumption values determined are used, with each consumption value being weighted in a specific way. The weighting of the respective consumption values can depend on user specifications and/or external circumstances. For example, the weighting of the energy consumption can be set to zero if sustainably generated electricity is used to operate the household appliance. The sustainability index is in particular a one-dimensional indication from which the user can immediately deduce the sustainability of the respective treatment program. The sustainability index is thus comparable, for example, to the EU energy label, which divides the energy efficiency of devices into a number of different classes and allows the user to quickly conclude how energy-efficient a specific device is in a class comparison.

According to a further embodiment of the method, the received user input includes an indication of the user's satisfaction with an aspect of the last treatment run, wherein aspects of the treatment run include a cleaning performance, a drying performance, a noise emission during the treatment run and/or a duration of the treatment run, and where, if the indication indicates dissatisfaction of the user with the respective aspect, the adaptation of the sustainability treatment program is carried out in such a way that the respective aspect remains constant or is improved by the adaptation.

The fact that the aspect remains constant or is improved means, for example, that the aspect is not getting worse. For example, the drying performance remains the same or is improved compared to the previous treatment program.

In order to still achieve a further reduction in consumption values, another aspect of the treatment program can be optimized, for example. Alternatively and/or additionally, in order to improve an aspect with which the user is not satisfied, provision can be made for another aspect to be degraded in order to improve this aspect. For example, more energy could be used for drying, with this energy being saved elsewhere.

According to a further embodiment of the method, if the received user input indicates dissatisfaction of the user with a result of the last treatment run performed, the adjustment of the sustainability treatment program is paused for a predetermined number of subsequent treatment runs using the sustainability treatment program, and the adjustment of the sustainability treatment program is continued after the execution of the predetermined number.

The predetermined number includes, for example, one, two, three, four, five, up to ten or more than ten treatment runs.

According to a further embodiment of the method, the sustainability treatment program is adapted depending on the availability of sustainably generated energy for operating the household appliance.

The availability of the sustainably generated energy can be determined based on a message from a grid operator and/or can be determined based on a weather forecast.

According to a second aspect, a computer program product is proposed which comprises instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the latter to execute the method according to the first aspect.

A computer program product, such as a computer program means, can be made available or supplied by a server in a network, for example, as a storage medium such as a memory card, USB stick, CD-ROM, DVD, or in the form of a downloadable file. This can be done, for example, in a wireless communication network by transferring a corresponding file with the computer program product or the computer program means.

According to a third aspect, a system with a water-bearing household appliance, esp special a dishwasher or a washing machine. The water-bearing household appliance comprises a control device for carrying out a treatment program from a plurality of treatment programs comprising a sustainability treatment program, the respective treatment program being defined by a number of program parameters with associated parameter values, the control device being set up to carry out a plurality of treatment cycles for cleaning items to be treated with the household appliance using the sustainability treatment program. The system also includes an adjustment unit which is set up to adjust the sustainability treatment program after the respective treatment run has been carried out by changing at least one parameter value of the number, the changed parameter value influencing a consumption amount of at least one resource per treatment run, the adjustment unit being set up to change the parameter value in such a way that the consumption amount of the at least one resource when using the adapted sustainability treatment program compared to the treatment run carried out is reduced, the control device being set up to the treatment following the treatment run run using the adjusted sustainability treatment program. The system also includes a receiving unit for receiving a user input, with the adjustment unit being set up to pause and/or end the adjustment of the sustainability treatment program after the respective treatment course depending on the received user input.

This system has the same advantages as explained for the method according to the first aspect. The embodiments and features described for the proposed method apply correspondingly to the proposed system and vice versa.

The control device, the adjustment unit and/or the receiving unit can be implemented in terms of hardware and/or software. In the case of a hardware implementation, the control device or the respective unit can be designed, for example, as a computer or as a microprocessor. In the case of a software implementation, the control device or the respective unit can be embodied as a computer program product, as a function, as a routine, as an algorithm, as part of a program code or as an executable object.

In embodiments, the control device, the adjustment unit and the receiving unit are distributed and set up to communicate with one another via a communication connection, in particular a network connection. For example, the adaptation unit is integrated on a device that is external to the household appliance, such as a user's mobile device or a server that can be reached via the Internet. The control device and the receiving unit are designed to communicate with the mobile device or the server.

In one embodiment, the control device, the adjustment unit and the receiving unit are integrated in the water-bearing household appliance. In a further embodiment, the adaptation unit and the receiving unit are components of the control device.

According to one embodiment of the system, a determination unit is provided which is set up to determine a current consumption quantity of the at least one resource, which is the consumption quantity in the last treatment run carried out, and a future consumption quantity of the at least one resource on the basis of the adapted sustainability treatment program, and an output unit is provided which is set up to output the determined current consumption quantity and the determined future consumption quantity to a user of the household appliance.

The determination unit and the output unit can be integrated in the household appliance. In embodiments, the determination unit and/or the output unit are integrated on a device that is external to the household appliance, in particular on a mobile device of the user, such as a mobile phone of the user.

Further possible implementations of the invention also include combinations of features or embodiments described above or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments that are not explicitly mentioned. The person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the invention.

• 1 zeigt eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht eines Systems umfassend ein wasserführendes Haushaltsgerät;
• 2 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht eines weiteren Systems umfassend ein wasserführendes Haushaltsgerät und ein Mobilgerät;
• 3 zeigt ein schematisches Blockdiagramm eines Ausführungsbeispiels für ein Verfahren zum Betreiben eines wasserführenden Haushaltsgeräts;
• 4 zeigt ein schematisches Diagramm eines Beispiels für die Entwicklung von Verbrauchsmengen eines wasserführenden Haushaltsgeräts;
• 5 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform einer Anzeige von Verbrauchsmengen für unterschiedliche Behandlungsprogramme;
• 6 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform einer Anzeige von Verbrauchsmengen für unterschiedliche Behandlungsprogramme mit einer Auswahlmöglichkeit;
• 7 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer dritten Ausführungsform einer Anzeige von Verbrauchsmengen für unterschiedliche Behandlungsprogramme; und
• 8 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer vierten Ausführungsform einer Anzeige von Verbrauchsmengen für unterschiedliche Behandlungsprogramme.

Further advantageous refinements and aspects of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims and of the exemplary embodiments of the invention described below. Furthermore, the invention is based on preferred embodiments tion forms explained in more detail with reference to the enclosed figures.

• 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a system comprising a water-bearing household appliance;
• 2 shows a schematic view of another system comprising a water-bearing household appliance and a mobile device;
• 3 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a method for operating a water-bearing household appliance;
• 4 shows a schematic diagram of an example for the development of consumption quantities of a water-bearing household appliance;
• 5 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a display of consumption quantities for different treatment programs;
• 6 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of a display of consumption quantities for different treatment programs with a selection option;
• 7 shows a schematic view of a third embodiment of a display of consumption quantities for different treatment programs; and
• 8th shows a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of a display of consumption quantities for different treatment programs.

Elements that are the same or have the same function have been provided with the same reference symbols in the figures, unless otherwise stated.

1 shows a schematic perspective view of a system 200 comprising a water-bearing household appliance 1, which in this example is designed as a household dishwasher. The domestic dishwasher 1 includes a washing compartment 2, which can be closed by a door 3, which is in particular watertight. For this purpose, a sealing device can be provided between the door 3 and the washing container 2 . The washing container 2 is preferably cuboid. The washing compartment 2 can be arranged in a housing of the domestic dishwasher 1 . The washing compartment 2 and the door 3 can form a washing chamber 4 for washing items to be washed.

Door 3 is in the 1 shown in their open position. The door 3 can be closed or opened by pivoting about a pivot axis 5 provided at a lower end of the door 3 . With the help of the door 3, a loading opening 6 of the washing compartment 2 can be closed or opened. The washing compartment 2 has a base 7, a cover 8 arranged opposite the base 7, a rear wall 9 arranged opposite the closed door 3 and two side walls 10, 11 arranged opposite one another. The bottom 7, the top 8, the rear wall 9 and the side walls 10, 11 can be made from a stainless steel sheet, for example. Alternatively, for example, the bottom 7 can be made of a plastic material.

The household dishwasher 1 also has at least one washware holder 12 to 14 . Preferably, several, for example three, washware holders 12 to 14 can be provided, with washware holder 12 being a lower washware holder or a lower rack, washware holder 13 being an upper washware holder or an upper rack and washware holder 14 being a cutlery drawer. As the 1 further shows that the washing items receptacles 12 to 14 are arranged one above the other in the washing compartment 2 . Each washware holder 12 to 14 can be moved either into or out of the washing compartment 2 . In particular, each washware receptacle 12 to 14 can be pushed or moved into the washing compartment 2 in an insertion direction E and pulled out or moved out of the washing compartment 2 in an extension direction A counter to the insertion direction E.

A control device 100 , an adjustment unit 110 and a receiving unit 120 are arranged schematically on the door 3 . The control device 100 is set up to carry out one treatment program from a plurality of treatment programs including a sustainability treatment program, and is also set up to carry out a plurality of treatment runs for cleaning items to be treated with the household appliance 1 using the sustainability treatment program. The respective treatment program is defined by a number of program parameters with associated parameter values. The adaptation unit 110 is set up to adapt the sustainability treatment program by changing at least one parameter value of the number after the respective treatment run has been carried out, the changed parameter value having a consumption quantity V (see 4 , 5 or 7 ) of at least one resource 31, 32 (see 4 ) influenced per treatment run, wherein the adjustment unit 110 is set up to change the parameter value such that the consumption amount V of the at least one resource 31, 32 when used of the adjusted sustainability treatment program is reduced compared to the treatment course carried out. The control device 100 is set up to carry out the treatment run following the treatment run using the adapted sustainability treatment program. The receiving unit 120 is for receiving a user input FB (see 4 ) set up, wherein the adjustment unit 110 is set up to pause and/or end the adjustment of the sustainability treatment program after the respective treatment course depending on the received user input FB.

The domestic dishwasher 1 is preferably in accordance with the basis of 3 explained procedures operated.

2 shows a schematic view of another system 200 comprising a water-bearing household appliance 1 and a mobile device 140. The water-bearing household appliance is designed, for example, as a washing machine or a dishwasher, in particular it has the features of the 1 explained domestic dishwasher 1 on.

In this example, the adjustment unit 110 is integrated in the control device 100 . In addition, a determination unit 130 is integrated in the control device 100 . Receiving unit 120 is designed as a transmitting/receiving unit and is coupled to control device 100 and to an antenna 152 for wireless communication. Furthermore, the transceiver 120 is coupled to a user interface 150 . The user interface 150 can be set up to record a user input and can also be set up to output a message to a user of the water-bearing household appliance 1 . In this respect, the user interface 150 can comprise an output unit, which preferably comprises a screen. The user can preferably control the household appliance 1 via the user interface 150 . The transmitter/receiver unit transmits recorded inputs to control device 100.

Alternatively and/or additionally, the transmitter/receiver unit can establish a wireless communication connection with a device external to the household appliance 1 , such as the mobile device 140 . The mobile device 140 is a smartphone, for example, on which an application for controlling and/or monitoring the household appliance 1 is running. The mobile device 140 can transmit a user input to the household appliance via the wireless communication connection or also receive information from the household appliance about its operating state and the like. In particular, the screen of the mobile device 140 forms an output unit.

Determination unit 130 is set up to calculate a current consumption quantity V (see 4 , 5 or 7 ) of at least one resource 31, 32 (see 4 ), which is the consumption amount V of the resource in the last treatment run performed, and a future consumption amount V* (see 5 or 7 ) of the at least one resource on the basis of the sustainability treatment program adapted by the adaptation unit 110 and to output the current consumption quantity V and the future consumption quantity V* to the output unit. The output unit is integrated in the user interface 150 and/or in the mobile device 140, for example. The output unit is set up to output the ascertained current consumption quantity V and the ascertained future consumption quantity V* to the user of the household appliance 1 . This can be in the form of a graphical display 300, for example, as shown in FIG 5 - 8th explained, take place.

The water-bearing household appliance 1 is preferably in accordance with the basis of 3 explained procedures operated.

3 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a method for operating a water-bearing household appliance 1, for example that of 1 or the 2 .

In a first step S10, the water-bearing household appliance 1 is started.

In a second step S20 it is checked whether the sustainability treatment program is selected. If this is not the case (N), the method jumps back to the first step S10. If this is the case (Y), the process continues with the following step S30.

In the third step S30, the parameter values of the program parameters of the last execution of a treatment run are determined using the sustainability treatment program. If the sustainability treatment program is being carried out for the first time since the household appliance was put into operation or after a reset to the factory settings, predetermined parameter values are called up, for example.

In a fourth step S40, a check is made as to whether a user signal has been received since the sustainability treatment program was last run was caught, which contains information that the user is not satisfied with the result of the last treatment run. If this is the case (Y), the method continues with step S70. If this is not the case (N), the method continues with step S50.

In step S50, the sustainability treatment program is adjusted. For this purpose, at least one parameter value of the sustainability treatment program is changed in such a way that a consumption quantity V (see 4 , 5 or 7 ) of at least one resource 31, 32 (see 4 ) is reduced in the subsequent treatment run compared to the previous treatment run. It can also be said that the sustainability treatment program is consumption-optimized.

Subsequently, in step S60, the adapted sustainability treatment program is carried out. After the sustainability treatment program has been carried out, the process is ended with step S80.

If a received user signal is detected in step S40, step S70 is executed instead of steps S50 and S60. This includes, for example, the implementation of the sustainability treatment program using the same parameter values as last. Alternatively (not shown), if the user input specifies which aspect the user is dissatisfied with, the treatment program can be adjusted in such a way that the specified aspect is improved without an overall increase in resource consumption.

4 shows a schematic diagram of an example of the development of consumption quantities V for two resources 31, 32 of a water-bearing household appliance 1, for example the dishwasher 1 or 2 , with repeated implementation of the sustainability treatment program. The horizontal axis N counts the number of treatment runs and the vertical axis V shows the amount consumed in the form of a percentage. Resource 31 is an example of the amount of energy and resource 32 is an example of the amount of water. The diagram shows that the consumption quantities V of the two resources 21, 32 steadily decrease over the course of the first four treatment cycles.

After the fourth treatment run, a user input FB is received, for example, which indicates that the user is not entirely satisfied with the drying performance. The drying performance can be influenced, for example, by a temperature of the water during rinsing. In order not to further reduce the drying performance, the water temperature during rinsing, for example, is initially not lowered any further, which is why the energy remains constant, for example, in the subsequent treatment runs. It can also be said that the optimization of the energy resource is paused due to user input. The amount of water can still be further reduced, as this does not affect the drying performance, for example.

After a predetermined number of treatment runs, four in this example, the energy consumption is also optimized again, as can be seen from the drop after the eighth treatment run.

It can be seen from the diagram that the consumption of resources can be reduced steadily and incrementally using the sustainability treatment program, which means that a high level of resource savings is possible in the long term.

5 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a display 300 of consumption quantities for different treatment programs. The display 300 can be, for example, on a screen of the user interface 150 (see FIG 2 ) or the mobile device 140 (see 2 ) are issued.

In this example, the letter E stands for the energy resource, the letter W stands for the water resource, the letter C stands for the chemical/detergent resource, the letter T stands for the time resource. The consumption quantities for the four resources mentioned for the current or most recently implemented sustainability treatment program and for the future, adapted sustainability treatment program are each shown in the form of a bar chart. In the representation of the future consumption values, the hatched areas ΔE, ΔW, ΔC show the savings compared to the current treatment program, the hatched area ΔT shows the extension of the treatment cycle.

The current consumption quantity V for the respective resource (for reasons of clarity, only the bar of energy E is marked with the reference “V”) can be determined in particular on the basis of measured values recorded during the current or last execution of the treatment run. The future consumption quantity V* for the respective resource (for reasons of clarity, only the bar of energy E is marked with the reference “V*”) can be calculated, for example, by a simulation or model calculation voltage for the household appliance 1 can be determined. In particular, the simulation can be carried out on the basis of a digital twin of the household appliance 1 . The model calculation can be carried out on the basis of a number of mathematical equations, in particular a system of equations comprising differential equations. The simulation or the digital twin and/or the model calculation or the mathematical equations can be calibrated in particular on the basis of the recorded measured values and the set parameter values, so that a precise prediction is made possible. The future consumption quantity V* can be determined in particular on the basis of a predetermined or determined average soiling of the item to be treated and/or a predetermined or determined average load of the household appliance 1 with the item to be treated. The average soiling or average load can be determined in particular on the basis of soiling and loads detected in programs run in the past. The above statements apply accordingly to the 6 - 8th .

In addition, exemplary values are given for the savings in CO2 (carbon dioxide) due to the reduced consumption of energy through the adapted treatment program and the saving in water through the adapted treatment program, each calculated for one year (p.a.: per annum). In particular, the value for saving CO2 is determined, for example, on the basis of a provision function that includes a relation between the superordinate resource CO2 and the resource energy. As an alternative or in addition to CO2, values for other higher-level resources can also be determined and output based on the respective provision functions.

6 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of a display 300 of consumption quantities for different treatment programs with a selection option for selecting one of the treatment programs displayed. The display 300 can be, for example, on a screen of the user interface 150 (see FIG 2 ) or the mobile device 140 (see 2 ) are issued.

In this example there are two alternatives Alt.1 and Alt.2 for carrying out the next treatment program with the household appliance 1 (see 1 or 2 ) shown. These are different usage scenarios. The difference between the two usage scenarios Alt. 1 and Alt.2 lies on the one hand in the start time, but on the other hand also in the duration and the energy source used to operate the household appliance 1 . In addition, a determined sustainability index is given for each usage scenario.

The first usage scenario, Alt. 1, is intended for the fastest possible implementation of the treatment program. Here, the treatment program is started immediately and lasts two hours using electrical energy from the power grid. The second usage scenario is intended for a later (12:00 p.m.) and slower execution (three hours instead of two hours), whereby the availability of sufficient electrical energy from the in-house photovoltaic system is awaited. The energy consumption can also be reduced by the longer duration. In particular, there are no external energy costs for the user.

The sustainability index enables the user to record the sustainability of the respective treatment program at a glance. The sustainability index is determined, for example, on the basis of the determined future consumption quantities, which are weighted in a certain way and are included in the index. In this example, the sustainability index is a letter of the alphabet from A - G, with sustainability decreasing from A to G.

In addition, two selection fields are shown, via which the user can select the respective treatment program. This is done, for example, via a touch-sensitive screen or the like.

7 shows a schematic view of a third embodiment of a display 300 of consumption quantities for different treatment programs in the form of a bar graph. The display 300 can be, for example, on a screen of the user interface 150 (see FIG 2 ) or the mobile device 140 (see 2 ) are issued.

In this example, the letter E stands for the energy resource, the letter W stands for the water resource, the letter C stands for the chemical/detergent resource, the letter T stands for the time resource. Here, the consumption quantities V, V* assigned to a resource for the current and the adapted (future) sustainability treatment program are shown one above the other.

In addition to the graphic output of the consumption quantities V, V* by the length of the respective bar, the change is also given in the form of a number.

8th Figure 12 shows a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of a display 300 of Ver required quantities for different treatment programs. The display 300 can be, for example, on a screen of the user interface 150 (see FIG 2 ) or the mobile device 140 (see 2 ) are issued.

The display of 8th includes two separate tables, a first table relates to water consumption and a second table relates to energy consumption.

The respective table includes consumption values for the current and the adjusted (future) sustainability treatment program for predetermined periods of time, which in this example include one day and one year. In addition, the costs associated with the consumption of the respective resource are given for the same periods of time. The costs are determined, for example, on the basis of user information on the user's water and electricity tariff. As an alternative or in addition, it can be provided that the costs are determined on the basis of current tariff characteristics received, which are provided, for example, by an operator of the respective supply network.

Although the present invention has been described using exemplary embodiments, it can be modified in many ways.

Reference List

1

dishwasher

2

flush tank

3

door

4

washing chamber

5

pivot axis

6

loading opening

7

Floor

8th

Ceiling

9

back panel

10

Side wall

11

Side wall

12

items to be washed

13

items to be washed

14

items to be washed

31

resource (energy)

32

resource (water)

100

control device

110

adjustment unit

120

Receiving unit, transceiver unit

130

investigation unit

140

mobile device

150

user interface

152

antenna

200

system

300

Advertisement

A

extraction direction

E

insertion direction

FB

feedback

N

number

S10

process step

S20

process step

S30

process step

S40

process step

S50

process step

S60

process step

S70

process step

S80

process step

V

consumption quantity

V*

consumption quantity

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• DE 102016213171 A1 [0003]
• DE 102018221163 A1 [0004]

Claims (15)

Method for operating a water-bearing household appliance (1), in particular a dishwasher or a washing machine, which has a control device (100) for carrying out a treatment program from a plurality of treatment programs comprising a sustainability treatment program, the respective treatment program being defined by a number of program parameters with associated parameter values, with: Carrying out a plurality of treatment runs for cleaning items to be treated with the household appliance (1) using the sustainability treatment program, wherein after the implementation of the respective treatment run the sustainability treatment program is adapted by changing at least one parameter value of the number, the changed parameter value affecting a consumption amount (V) of at least one resource (31, 32) per treatment run and being changed in such a way that the consumption amount (V) of the at least one resource (31, 32) when using the adapted sustainability s treatment program is reduced compared to the treatment run carried out, and wherein the adaptation of the sustainability treatment program is paused and/or ended after the respective treatment run depending on a received user input (FB). procedure after claim 1 , characterized in that the user input (FB) includes a selection of a treatment program other than the sustainability treatment program from the plurality. procedure after claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that a current consumption quantity (V) of the at least one resource (31, 32), which is the consumption quantity (V) in the last treatment run, is determined, and that a future consumption quantity (V*) of the at least one resource is determined on the basis of the adapted sustainability treatment program, and the determined current consumption quantity (V) and the determined future consumption quantity (V*) are output to a user of the household appliance (1). procedure after claim 3 , characterized in that the current consumption quantity (V) and the future consumption quantity (V*) of at least two resources (31, 32), preferably three resources (31, 32), are determined and output to the user. procedure after claim 3 or 4 , characterized in that the current consumption quantity (V) of the at least one resource (31, 32) and/or the future consumption quantity (V*) of the at least one resource (31, 32) in relation to a treatment run, in relation to a predetermined plurality of treatment runs and/or in relation to a predetermined period of use is determined and output, the respective consumption volume (V) for the predetermined period of use being based on a predetermined usage frequency of the household or a usage frequency determined on the basis of previous usage statistics device (1) is determined. Procedure according to one of claims 3 until 5 , characterized in that a future saving of the at least one resource (31, 32) is determined and output to the user on the basis of the determined current consumption quantity (V) and the determined future consumption quantity (V*). procedure after claim 6 , characterized in that at least one higher-level resource required for the provision of the at least one resource (31, 32) and a provision function for the higher-level resource, which includes a relation between the higher-level resource and the resource (31, 32), is determined, and based on the determined future savings for the at least one resource (31, 32) and the determined provision function, a future saving for the higher-level resource is determined and issued to the user. Procedure according to one of Claims 1 until 7 , wherein a first adapted sustainability treatment program is determined for a first usage scenario and a second adapted sustainability treatment program is determined for a second usage scenario, the first and the second sustainability treatment program differing in at least one parameter value, and wherein for the first and for the second adapted sustainability treatment program a respective future consumption quantity (V*) of the at least one resource is determined on the basis of the respective adapted sustainability treatment program and the respective determined future consumption quantity (V*) together with the respective usage scenario to the user of the household appliance (1) is issued. procedure after claim 8 , characterized in that the respective future consumption quantity (V*) for all resources ver in carrying out the treatment run are needed, are determined for the first and the second adapted sustainability treatment program and that in each case a sustainability index is determined as a function of the respective determined future consumption quantities (V*) and issued to the user, the second adapted sustainability treatment program being determined in such a way that the sustainability index for the second adapted sustainability treatment program indicates a more sustainable use of the household appliance. Procedure according to one of Claims 1 until 9 , Characterized in that the received user input includes an indication of the user's satisfaction with an aspect of the last treatment run, wherein aspects of the treatment run include a cleaning performance, a drying performance, a noise emission during the treatment run and/or a duration of the treatment run, and where if the indication indicates dissatisfaction of the user with the respective aspect, the adaptation of the sustainability treatment program is carried out in such a way that the respective aspect remains constant or is improved by the adaptation. Procedure according to one of Claims 1 until 10 , characterized in that if the received user input indicates a user dissatisfaction with a result of the last treatment course performed, the adjustment of the sustainability treatment program is paused for a predetermined number of subsequent treatment courses using the sustainability treatment program, and the adjustment of the sustainability treatment program is continued after the implementation of the predetermined number. Procedure according to one of Claims 1 until 11 , characterized in that the adaptation of the sustainability treatment program depending on the availability of sustainably generated energy for operating the household appliance (1) is carried out. Computer program product, comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the latter to carry out the method according to one of Claims 1 - 12 to execute. System (200) with a water-bearing household appliance (1), in particular a dishwasher or a washing machine, which has a control device (100) for carrying out a treatment program from a plurality of treatment programs comprising a sustainability treatment program, the respective treatment program being defined by a number of program parameters with assigned parameter values, the control device (100) being set up for carrying out a plurality of treatment runs for cleaning items to be treated with the household appliance (1) using the sustainability treatment program, with a Adaptation unit (110), which is set up to adapt the sustainability treatment program by changing at least one parameter value of the number after the respective treatment run has been carried out, the changed parameter value affecting a consumption quantity (V) of at least one resource (31, 32) per treatment run, the adaptation unit (120) being set up to change the parameter value in such a way that the consumption quantity (V) of the at least one resource (31, 32) when using the adapted sustainability treatment program the treatment run carried out is reduced, wherein the control device (100) is set up to carry out the treatment run following the treatment run using the adapted sustainability treatment program, and having a receiving unit (120) for receiving a user input, wherein the adjustment unit (110) is set up to pause and/or end the adaptation of the sustainability treatment program after the respective treatment run depending on the received user input. system after Claim 14 , characterized by a determination unit (130) which is set up to determine a current consumption quantity (V) of the at least one resource (31, 32), which is the consumption quantity (V) in the last treatment run carried out, and a future consumption quantity (V*) of the at least one resource (31, 32) on the basis of the adapted sustainability treatment program, and having an output unit (140, 150) which is set up to output the determined current consumption quantity (V) and the to output determined future consumption quantity (V*) to a user of the household appliance (1).

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