DE10220839A1 - Dishwasher and washing process has additional operating elements to alter the washing and rinsing cycles according to need - Google Patents

Abstract

A dishwasher (1) has operating elements to select many standard programs including separate cleaning and rinsing steps in which the rinsing medium is dosed from a holder (3) into the wash area (5). An additional operating element changes the standard step to one in which the rinse medium is blended in the washing area. An Independent claim is also included for an operating process for the above machine.

Description

The invention relates to a dishwasher with a plurality of program-controlled, via at least one control element selectable standard washing programs, which at least program sections cleaning and rinsing separated by a water change in which, during the rinsing with a dosing device, rinse aid from a storage container is fed into the washing compartment. Furthermore, the invention relates to methods for rinsing items to be washed in such a dishwasher and method for controlling the hardness of a rinsing liquid in the washing compartment of said dishwasher.

Such dishwashers are well known (Miele G 692 Plus). They point in the Inner door to a reservoir for rinse aid, from which during the Program section rinsing dosed liquid rinse aid is directed into the washing compartment. The supply of liquid rinse aid in the washroom was in the past the Prerequisite for spotless and shiny dishes. Because the liquid rinse aid reduces the surface tension of the rinsing liquid, allowing a drop formation on the Dishes are prevented and the rinse liquid ideally in a thin film thoroughly from the dishes expires. Also, such dishwashers have a in the washing room Regenerating salt container on. He had to regenerate one in the past in the past Housing arranged softener filled with granular or powdered regenerating salt so that it is ensured that the softener flows into the dishwasher Tap water adequately softened. Furthermore, such has Dishwashers in their inner door a metering device for treatment. Of the Dosing from the treatment agent i. d. R. at the beginning of the program section Purge the rinse fluid programmatically fed to the dishes dried on Dissolve leftovers.

Today, essentially three treatment agents are known. They are standard supplied by the user of the metering device for treatment agent.

They differ in their composition, their function (s) and theirs temporal effect in the program sequence determined.

As a treatment agent, in addition to the traditional cleaner, which is essentially consisting exclusively of cleaning substances that i. d. R. only in the program section Cleanse, nowadays increasingly called "2in1" and "3in1" combination cleaner offered. The "2in1" combination cleaner contains in addition to the cleaning substances Rinse aid substances that are active during the rinse program section. Of the "3in1" Combination Cleaner has in addition to the substances of the "2in1" Combination Cleaner still substances for softening the tap water. They soften the water by that they bind the hardness of the water and / or at least partially envelop.

However, the disadvantage of using combination cleaners in dishwashers is that the rinse aid supplied separately to the reservoir in addition to the active Rinse aid substances, which originate from the combination cleaner, are introduced into the rinsing liquid become. As a result, in addition to a high concentration of foam, which is too low Pump pressure and lead to increased noise, streaks on the dishes on.

The invention thus presents the problem of a dishwasher with a To reveal program control that allows the user in a simple way, the Adjust program sequence to the supplied treatment agent. Further, it turns According to the invention, the problem is a method for rinsing dishes for such Dishwasher to reveal. In addition, should in a process an optimal the treatment agent adapted hardness of the washing liquid in the washing compartment of the Dishwasher can be adjusted.

According to the invention, this problem with a dishwasher of the beginning mentioned type achieved in that at least one additional operating element for Modification of the program sequence of at least one of the standard wash programs is provided with the actuation of the program section rinse the supply of Rinse aid is faded into the washing compartment. Further disclose the claims 2 to 8 and 11 to 15 method for rinsing dishes and the claims 9, 10 and 16, 17 method for Control of the hardness of the rinsing liquid for adaptation to the supplied treatment agent.

By such a dishwasher on the one hand the advantage is achieved that rinse aid is saved. On the other hand, with the dishwasher according to the invention regardless of the treatment agent achieved an optimal wash result.

In a particular embodiment of the dishwasher is in operation of the Dishwasher and the operation of the additional control element signaling of the rinse aid lack deactivated. This gives the advantage that the user only is informed about a rinse-aid shortage, if in fact rinse-aid for the Program section rinsing is needed.

Combination cleaners are known in which the rinse aids from a shell be surrounded, which dissolves only below a certain pH. So that Shell is completely dissolved and the Klarspülsubstanzen come to full effect, it is advantageous that upon actuation of the additional control element and selection of any Standard wash program the program control that the program section rinse assigned running time before the beginning of the program section rinsing with a predetermined Minimum time compares and falls below the running time at least to the value of Minimum time is set. It has been shown that with a minimum of 7 min especially good Rinse results can be achieved.

In other combination cleaners, the dissolution of the rinse aids is essentially depends on their residence time in the rinsing liquid. Therefore, the program section should On the one hand have cleaning a certain minimum time, so that rinse aids in dissolved Mold on the dishes and on the inner walls of the sink during rinsing available. On the other hand, the program section cleaning must not be too long, otherwise not Rinse enough more rinse aid on the dishes and stick on the inner walls of the sink. That is why when pressing the additional control element and when selecting any standard washing program the Duration of the program section Cleaning in an advantageous embodiment to 5 bis 55 minutes have been limited. With this time interval, good rinse results have been achieved.

In an advantageous further development, an operating element for changing the Program sequence provided by at least one of the standard washing programs, with the when pressed, the regeneration of the ion exchanger is hidden. This succeeds Save Regeneriersalz and make the rinse environmentally friendly.

In a particularly advantageous method, the rinse water hardness is controlled so that they optimally adapted to the softening properties of today's "3in1" combination cleaners can be. In this procedure, first when pressing a control and at Selection of a selected standard wash program controlled a comparison device. The Comparator then compares a given actual value for the raw water hardness Maximum value of 16 ° with a given or measured actual value of Water hardness. Since it is possible up to a water hardness of 16 ° d, an optimal hardness of the Rinse liquid alone by the substances for softening a commercial at present Setting "3in1" Combination Cleaner will fall below the given value Maximum value of 16 ° d the regeneration of the softener by the program control hidden. Furthermore, in an advantageous development when exceeding the Maximum value of 16 ° d, non-softened tap water with softened tap water in mixed in such a proportion that the mixed water has a hardness between 11 ° d and 16 ° d.

Even with "3in1" combination cleaners with less or more pronounced Softening properties to be able to set the optimum hardness of the rinsing liquid is a alternative advantageous method has been developed. In the advantageous method is a Input device provided in the dishwasher, with a maximum value for the Raw water hardness for rinsing, in particular by the operator, can be adjusted. Of the The maximum set value is set when a control element is actuated and when a selection is made Standard dishwashing program supplied to a comparison device. The comparison device then compares the maximum value with a given or measured actual value of Rohwassers, and causes falls below the set maximum value that the Regeneration of Enthärtes is hidden. In a particularly advantageous Continuation of the procedure does not work if the set maximum value is exceeded softened tap water with softened tap water in one Mixing ratio is that the mixed water has a hardness below the has set maximum value.

To hide a regeneration are as simple and inexpensive means valves or used a water switch.

Furthermore, it is advantageous, with suppression of the regeneration, for each selected standard Dishwashing program when operating the dishwasher the signaling of salt deficiency deactivate. This prevents the user from buying replenishment salt if necessary and into the Regenerating salt container fills, although the ion exchanger does not need to be regenerated. In modern dishwashers there is the possibility of tap water through the softener and / or directly into the washroom. In such dishwashers is in a special embodiment of the invention, the tap water directly - and not only about the softener - directed into the dishwasher dishwasher. That offers the advantage that the ion exchanger retains its exchanger ions so that they are flushed with traditional ones Cleaners are available.

In the following description, the invention with reference to an embodiment explained in more detail.

It shows:

Fig. 1 is a dishwasher in perspective view with the door open

Fig. 2 shows a control panel with an additional control element for changing standard washing programs, which is designed as a rotary selector switch

Fig. 3 shows a control panel with additional controls for changing standard washing programs, which is designed as push buttons

The invention is based on a known and commercially available program-controlled dishwasher ( 1 ), as it is also offered by the applicant. In such a dishwasher ( 1 ), a storage container ( 3 ) of a metering device (nd) for rinse aid and a rinsing agent chamber ( 4 ) ( 4 ) for a treatment agent are arranged on the inside of the door ( 2 ). Furthermore, a regeneration salt container ( 6 ) is provided for the regeneration of a softener arranged in the housing of the device in the washing compartment ( 5 ).

On the outside of the door ( 7 ), a control panel ( 8 ) is mounted, on which left above an on / off switch ( 9 ) and below in two columns operating elements ( 10 ) are arranged. The controls ( 10 ) are designed as push buttons. About the controls ( 10 ), the program control ( 11 ) for selecting so-called standard flushing programs (here Intensiv_75 °, Normal_50 °, Universal_55 °, Kurz_45 and Spar) can be selected. Such standard rinse programs include separate program sections such as pre-rinsing, cleaning, intermediate rinsing, rinsing and drying.

To prevent the formation of lime stains on the dishes or glass opacities during the course of a standard washing program, the hardness of the rinsing liquid can be adjusted in accordance with the following procedures. First, the degree of hardness of the tap water flowing into the dishwasher ( 1 ) is determined. Depending on this, the controller calculates whether the tap water is passed through the ion exchanger as softened water in the wash compartment ( 5 ) or as a mixture consisting of softened water and non-softened tap water in the wash compartment ( 5 ) is passed. To regenerate the water softener, a salt solution flowing from the regeneration salt container ( 6 ) is supplied to the ion exchanger under program control.

In order to achieve good cleaning and rinsing results in a program flow of a standard wash program, on the one hand, the treatment agent program controlled at the end of the program section pre-rinsing or at the beginning of the program section cleaning out of its detergent chamber ( 4 ) in the washing compartment ( 5 ). On the other hand, at the beginning of the program section rinsing a certain amount of rinse aid is passed via its metering device to the warm rinsing liquid in the washing compartment ( 5 ).

To ensure that the dishwasher ( 1 ) has enough rinse aid for the next program sequence, has the dishwasher ( 1 ) as a means for sensing a rinse aid shortage in the metering a float, via the program control ( 11 ) or a switch with an indicator light ( 11 ) on the control panel ( 8 ) is connected, which lights up in the presence of a rinse aid shortage.

So that enough regeneration salt is always available for the regeneration of the softener, a float is also installed in the regeneration salt container ( 6 ) for sensing a salt deficiency. In the event of a lack of salt, the float activates a switch which illuminates the indicator light ( 12 ) on the control panel ( 8 ) via the program control ( 11 ).

According to the invention the control panel ( 8 ) is equipped with an additional, separately provided control element ( 14 ). The first additional control element ( 14 ) is gem. Fig. 1 formed as a rotary selector switch, with which adjust the program sequences of standard washing programs to so-called "2in1" and "3in1" combination cleaner in addition to the switch position "Normal" named after the treatment means switching positions "2in1" and "3in1" to let. In another embodiment, the aforementioned switching positions ("normal", "2in1", "3in1") by three separate, designed as push buttons, controls ( 16 , 14 , 15 ) can be adjusted, which are arranged on a control panel ( 8 ). The pushbuttons are coupled with each other in such a way that only one switching position can be selected.

As an alternative to the illustrated control panels ( 8 ) of FIGS . 2-3, it is also possible to use control panels with a display and controls (slide, lift, push buttons, rotary switches, etc.) to select standard Spülprogramme and / or To change the program flow of the standard wash programs next to the display or to integrate them into the display. Upon actuation of the operating element, the display shows the user information about the settings made and guides the user to further possible menu settings.

The additional controls ( 16 , 14 , 15 ) are further coupled to the program controller ( 11 ). The additional operating elements ( 16 , 14 , 15 ) interact with the program control ( 11 ) in such a way that they change the washing programs stored in the memory of the program control ( 11 ) in the switching positions "2in1" and "3in1" Shaft position "Normal" the selected standard washing programs with those in the memory of the program control ( 11 ) provided information, as mentioned run. In the switch positions "2in1" and "3in1", the program sequences of the selected standard wash programs are changed by modifying, deleting or partially replacing the information stored in the memory of the program control ( 11 ) with new information.

According to the invention, when the dishwasher ( 1 ) is switched on and the switching state "2in1" or "3in1" is selected, the program sequence of a standard washing program is changed so that the supply of rinse aid into the washing compartment ( 5 ) is masked out in the program section rinsing. If the metering device of the rinse aid is connected to the washing compartment ( 5 ) via a first controllable valve, then the supply of rinse aid into the washing compartment ( 5 ) can be masked in a simple manner by closing or keeping closed the first valve. Alternatively, the supply to the washing compartment ( 5 ) is achieved by a rinse aid, it is sufficient to disable it during the rinse program. Conveniently, when the "2in1" or "3in1" switch position is selected, the indicator light ( 5 ) arranged above the recessed grip ( 2 ) for deactivating a rinse aid deficiency is deactivated via the program control ( 11 ), since when using combination cleaners the dishwasher (FIG. 1 ) no rinse aid must be supplied separately.

In some combination cleaners, the dissolution of the rinse aids depends essentially on their residence time in the rinse. On the one hand, therefore, the program section cleaning must have a certain minimum time so that the rinse aid substances dissolve during rinsing. On the other hand, the program section cleaning must not be too long, otherwise no longer enough rinse aids for the program section rinse remain on the dishes and on the inner walls of the washing compartment ( 5 ) adhere. Therefore, the Prorgrammsteuerng when selecting the "2in1" or "3in1" switch position compares the cleaning duration associated with the selected standard wash program with a predetermined time interval at which the rinse aid substances acc. optimally effect the above criteria. If the predetermined time interval is undershot, the program control ( 11 ) assigns a new value of the cleaning period to the cleaning interval. In the exemplary embodiment, the predetermined time interval has a lower limit of 5 minutes and an upper limit of 55 minutes.

In other combination cleaners, the rinse aid substances are surrounded by a shell, which dissolves when it falls below a certain pH. However, the pH of the rinsing liquid is so great during the program section cleaning by the detergent substances present in the rinsing liquid that the shell does not dissolve during the cleaning cycle. Compared with the program section cleaning, the pH of the rinsing liquid during the program section rinsing is relatively small. Thus, in such combination cleaners their effect can be controlled substantially over the duration of the program section rinsing. It has been shown that good rinse results are achieved from a duration of rinse of 7 min. Therefore, when selecting a standard wash program and the switch position "2in1" or "3in1" the duration of the rinse with the stored in the memory of the program control ( 11 ) minimum duration of 7 min compared. If the duration of the rinsing of the selected standard wash program is below this minimum time, it is increased to at least the minimum time of 7 minutes.

In order to make optimum use of the softening properties of today's commercially available "3in1" combination cleaners, a comparison device is provided in the program control ( 11 ) which compares a predetermined maximum value of 16 ° d for the raw water hardness with a predetermined or measured actual value of the raw water hardness. In this case, the actual value of the raw water hardness can be determined in a first possibility via the known evaluation of a conductivity measurement in the softener. In another possibility, the actual value can be specified by the user via a means known per se. Alternatively, the actual value can also be set by the waterworks by radio via a receiving device within the device.

When falling below the maximum value programmatically valves and / or a water diverter are switched so that tap water is passed directly into the washing compartment ( 5 ) and a supply of tap water is prevented via the ion exchanger. Furthermore, when the maximum value is undershot, the regeneration of the ion exchanger is blanked out and the display element for signaling a salt deficiency is deactivated via the program control ( 11 ). On the other hand, when the maximum value is exceeded, non-softened tap water is mixed with softened tap water by switching valves and / or a water switch in such a proportion that the mixed water has a hardness below 16 ° d.

An advantageous further development of the o. G. Procedure provides that the maximum value for the Raw water hardness of the above-described method is not fixed, but about an input device can be set. To enter the maximum value you can known controls (buttons, rotary selector switch and the like.) Are used. By the Input possibility of the maximum value for the raw water hardness, the advantage is achieved that also with treatment agents with different softening properties, an optimal Hardness of the rinsing liquid with the o. G. Procedure can be adjusted.

Claims (17)

1. Dishwasher ( 1 ) with a plurality of program-controlled, via at least one control element ( 10 ) selectable standard wash programs containing at least by a water change program sections cleaning and rinsing, wherein during rinsing via a dosing rinse aid from a reservoir ( 3 ) in the Rinsing space ( 5 ) can be fed, characterized in that at least one additional operating element ( 14 ) is provided for changing the program sequence of at least one of the standard rinsing programs, with the operation of the rinse program section hidden the supply of rinse aid in the washing compartment ( 5 ) becomes. 2. A method for rinsing items to be washed in a dishwasher ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that upon actuation of the control element ( 14 ) and selection of a standard washing program in the program section rinsing the supply of rinse aid in the washing compartment ( 5 ) by closing or Closed holding a first valve or by deactivating a rinse aid conveyor is hidden. 3. The method of claim 2 in a dishwasher ( 1 ) with means for sensing and a device for signaling a rinse aid shortage, characterized in that during operation of the dishwasher ( 1 ) and upon actuation of the operating element ( 14 ) the signaling of the rinse aid shortage is deactivated. 4. The method according to at least one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that upon actuation of the additional control element ( 14 ) and selection of any standard washing program, the program control ( 11 ) the program section rinsing associated runtime before the program section rinsing with a predetermined Minimum time compares and falls below the running time sets at least the value of the minimum time. 5. The method according to claim 4, characterized, that the predetermined minimum time is 7 min. 6. The method according to at least one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that upon actuation of the operating element ( 14 ) and upon selection of any standard washing program, the program control ( 11 ) limits the duration of the program section cleaning to 5 to 55 min. 7. The method according to at least one of claims 2 to 6 for carrying out in a dishwasher ( 1 ) with a softener having an ion exchanger and a Regeneriersalzbehälter ( 6 ), wherein the ion exchanger is regenerated via a saline solution flowing from the Regeneriersalzbehälter ( 6 ), characterized in that an operating element is provided, with which the regeneration of the ion exchanger is hidden when actuated. 8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the deactivation of the regeneration by selecting a second switching position with the operating element ( 14 ) or by actuation of a further operating element ( 14 b) is achieved. 9. A method for controlling the hardness of the washing liquid in a method for washing items to be washed according to at least one of claims 2 to 6,
with a dishwasher ( 1 ) having a softener and a regeneration salt container ( 6 ), wherein the softener is regenerable via a salt solution flowing out of the regeneration container, characterized
an input device is provided in the dishwasher ( 1 ) with which a maximum value for the raw water hardness for rinsing can be set,
in that the maximum value is supplied to a comparison device upon actuation of a control element and upon selection of a standard wash program, and the comparison device compares the set maximum value with a predetermined or measured actual value of the raw water hardness, the regeneration being hidden if the maximum value is undershot. 10. A method for controlling the hardness of the washing liquid in a method for washing items to be washed according to at least one of claims 2 to 6,
with a dishwasher ( 1 ) having a softener and a regeneration salt container ( 6 ), wherein the softener is regenerable via a salt solution flowing out of the regeneration container,
characterized,
that upon actuation of a control element and selection of a standard wash program, a comparison device is controlled which compares a predetermined maximum value of 16 ° d for the raw water hardness with a predetermined or measured actual value of raw water hardness, and that falls below the maximum value, the program control ( 11 ) hides the regeneration. 11. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the control of the comparison device by actuation of the operating element ( 14 ) or by actuation of a further operating element ( 14 b) is achieved. 12. A method with a dishwasher ( 1 ) according to at least one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the regeneration of the ion exchanger is hidden by closing or keeping closed a second in the water-carrying line to Regeneriersalzbehälter ( 6 ) switched valve. 13. The method according to at least one of claims 7 to 11 with means for sensing and a device for signaling a salt deficiency, characterized in that when hiding the regeneration in each selected standard wash program during operation of the dishwasher ( 1 ) the signaling of the salt deficiency is deactivated , 14. The method according to at least one of claims 7 to 13, wherein in the washing compartment ( 5 ) of the dishwasher ( 1 ) both directly and via the ion exchanger of the water softener tap water is zulädbar, characterized in that when suppression of regeneration in each selected standard Flushing program Tap water is routed directly into the flushing chamber ( 5 ) during the entire program sequence in the water-bearing program sections and a supply line of tap water is faded out via the ion exchanger. 15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the direct supply of tap water into the washing compartment ( 5 ) and the suppression of the supply of tap water via the ion exchanger by switching a third valve or a water switch takes place. 16. Method for controlling the hardness of the rinsing liquid during a water-bearing Program section in a method for rinsing dishes after at least one of claims 9 to 13, characterized, if the actual value of the raw water hardness is the one set with the input device Maximum value exceeds, non-softened tap water with softened Tap water is mixed in such a proportion that the mixed Water has a hardness below the set maximum value. 17. Method for controlling the hardness of the rinsing liquid during a water-carrying Program section in a method for rinsing dishes after at least one of claims 9 to 13, that if the actual value of the raw water hardness exceeds the given maximum value of 16 ° d exceeds, not softened tap water with softened tap water in one mixing ratio such that the mixed water has a hardness of 16 ° d below.