DE4004057A1 - Program-controlled washing machine or dish washer - associated with separate housing unit used as recycling unit - Google Patents

Abstract

Program-controlled. washing machine or dishwasher includes intermediate storage for the storing and reuse of the washing or rinsing liq. The liq. is subjected to sterilisation. Machine has separate housing unit associated with the appliance and acts as a recycling unit that can be put into operation when required. The unit has intermediate storage, the sterilisation unit, a water control system, and a display and operating unit. The household appliance has plug connection for the recycling unit to provide for reciprocal information transfer. The recycling unit is severably connected to the washing soln. or rinsing container of the household appliance via associated water conducting paths and has a discharge system shared by both appliances. ADVANTAGE - Separate recycling unit, which can be operated when required, is provided and includes sterilisation unit which can function independently of the household appliance.

Description

The invention relates to a program-controlled household device, such as a dishwasher or washing machine, with a buffer for storage and reuse use of washing or rinsing liquid, the two disinfection of stored liquid is, as well as a method for operating the household appliance.

Today, water is used in modern washing machines and dishwashers already used very sparingly. In the past Years there has been a significant reduction in water consumption need through newly developed washing and rinsing processes reached. The limits for gentle treatment of the textile or a bacteriologically perfect surface However, the surface of the dishes appears to have been reached so that newer methods of reducing water consumption ches become necessary.

Devices are known to meet these requirements, the reuse of washing or rinsing liquid enable. DE-OS 29 10 140 already describes one Automatic washing method and apparatus and rinsing laundry with reuse at least a washing liquor as a washing, cooling and / or washing liquor for the next wash. For increased nucleation Avoiding in the storage fluid is pre-selected Beat the rinse liquor when reusing Hydro Compounds releasing sodium ions, for example vinegar acid to add.

The storage container for the storage liquid is via appropriate lines with the washing machine connected.  

In this known embodiment, it is disadvantageous felt that the storage container and that proper water supply system only in connection with the washing machine can be put into operation. The Accordingly, disinfection or the addition of germicides only during the operation of the Washing machine. Another disadvantage is in that a retrofitted storage container with appropriate water supply systems automatically always works when the washing machine is in operation and cannot be shut down optionally.

The invention is therefore based on the object for a household appliance a separate and if necessary in Functional unit for reuse of washing or to design rinsing liquid with an independent gig from the household appliance to put disinfection into operation device is equipped.

This object is achieved by the features of claim 1 solved.

Advantageous refinements and developments of Invention result from the following claims.

The advantages that can be achieved with the invention are in particular special in that storage fluid in an intermediate memory can be saved over a longer period of time can, because regardless of the operation of the household appliance Sterilization of the storage liquid in regular time intervals can take place.

Another advantage is that existing household devices in the simplest way with a recycling unit can be retrofitted. The recycling unit can can be put into operation or taken out of operation.

An embodiment of the invention is in the drawing shown and is described in more detail below. Show it:

Fig. 1 a program-controlled domestic appliance (1) with separately associated recycling unit (2),

Fig. 2 is a washing machine with an attached recycling unit (2),

Fig. 3, the recycling unit (2) of FIG. 1 for a washing machine in a side view, in section,

FIG. 4a through FIG. 4e the flow of water with the use of switching valves,

FIGS. 5a to Fig. 5e the flow of water with the use of pumps,

Fig. 6 shows a recycling unit (2) in the side view, in section, for use in a program controlled dishwashing machine,

Fig. 7, the recycling unit (2) with connected dishwasher the example of the water flow control "Filling of the recycling unit,"

Fig. 8 the latch of the recycling unit (2) in Fig. 6 in a schematic representation;

Figs. 9a to Fig. 9h the flow of water between the recycling unit (2) and the dishwasher using the example of a selected washing program,

Fig. 10, the recycling unit (2) with connected dishwasher the example of the watercourse "filling the dishwasher out of the recycling unit" control,

Fig. 11, the water flow control "pumping out the Spülflüssig ness from the dishwasher to the drain"

Fig. 12, the water flow control "emptying of the recycling unit,"

Fig. 13, the water flow control "circulating recycled water for the purpose of sterilization,"

Fig. 14, the control and display unit ( 5 ) of the recycling unit ( 2 ).

In Fig. 1, a program-controlled household appliance, such as a dishwasher or washing machine, is designated by ( 1 ). The subject of the invention is described below using the example of a washing machine with a separately assigned recycling unit ( 2 ).

The recycling unit ( 2 ) according to FIG. 1 is designed as an auxiliary device, which is preferably connected to the side of the washing machine. Fig. 2 shows the recycling unit ( 2 ) as an attachment for the washing machine. The respective recycling units ( 2 ) are adapted to the height and depth or width and depth of the washing machine in their housing dimensions, depending on the arrangement selected ( FIG. 1 or FIG. 2). Recycling unit ( 2 ) and household appliance ( 1 ) have their own network connections ( 13 ) and their own display and control units ( 5 ). Household appliance ( 1 ) and recycling unit ( 2 ) can function together or independently of one another, since the recycling unit ( 2 ) is designed with a separate water flow control ( 6 ) and the household appliance ( 1 ) with a program control ( 14 ).

However, the water flow control ( 6 ) can also be carried out from the program control ( 14 ), so that instead of a separate water flow control which has its own control electronics, a water flow control can be provided which has only one power unit for the operation of the pumps and changeover valves.

The controls ( 6 , 14 ) of the devices are coupled via a signal line ( 12 ), advantageously as a light guide, for the transmission of state-dependent data. The recycling unit ( 2 ) and household appliance ( 1 ) are connected to one another via water pipes ( 10 , 11 ) and have a common drainage system ( 9 ). The water inlet hose ( 10 ) leads from the tub ( 15 ) to the buffer ( 3 ). In the waterway, a recycling pump ( 16 ) is arranged, which promotes the fleet in the intermediate storage ( 3 ). The water inlet ( 10 ) has a water reservoir ( 17 ) in its upper area. The drain system ( 9 ) is formed from a drain hose ( 9 ') for the recycling unit ( 2 ) and a drain hose ( 9 '') for the household appliance ( 1 ). A drain pump ( 19 ) is arranged in the drain system ( 9 ) between the drain hose ( 9 ', 9 '') and the drain ( 18 ) on the intermediate store ( 3 ). The drain pump ( 19 ) is connected to the drain ( 18 ) of the buffer ( 3 ) via a pump chamber ( 20 ), to which a circulation pump ( 21 ) and a induction pump ( 22 ) are also connected.

The induction pump ( 22 ) conveys the stored water from the intermediate store ( 3 ) to the detergent dispenser box ( 23 ) of the washing machine or directly in the lye container ( 15 ). The circulation pump ( 21 ) circulates the stored water in the intermediate store ( 3 ) during the disinfection process. Alternatively, an agitator can be used to generate water movement. The water in the intermediate store ( 3 ) is sterilized to suppress germ growth at regular intervals of about 4 to 6 hours fully automatically by irradiation with a UV lamp for about 20 minutes. The UV lamp is arranged above half of the buffer ( 3 ) which is open at the top. However, other known devices for sterilizing liquids can also be used. The recycling unit ( 2 ) works completely independently of the washing machine during the sterilization process. If the water remains over a longer period of time, e.g. B. more than 6 to 7 days without reuse in the interim memory ( 3 ), it is automatically pumped out via the common drain system. The pumps ( 16 , 19 , 21 , 22 ) are arranged inside the housing of the recycling unit ( 2 ) in the lower housing area.

As shown in Fig. 3, the recycling unit ( 2 ) has a measuring arrangement for level sensing for the intermediate store ( 3 ), which is to be illustrated by the schematically illustrated measuring line ( 24 ). In a known manner, a pressure switch (level empty / full if necessary, safety level overflow) can be provided. The overflow safety would alternatively also be realized by closing the buffer ( 3 ) with a connection to the drain system ( 9 ). In the lower housing area there is also a leakage water detection device ( 25 ) which switches the recycling unit ( 2 ) and possibly the household appliance ( 1 ) off as soon as leakage water is sensed. Above the intermediate store ( 3 ) at the outlet for the water inlet hose ( 10 ) a filter ( 26 ) is arranged, which can be removed on the front of the recycling unit ( 2 ) for cleaning purposes. The filter ( 26 ) is equipped with a free overflow to the buffer ( 3 ).

The buffer ( 3 ) can also be removed for cleaning purposes on the front of the recycling unit ( 2 ). The intermediate store ( 3 ) is connected to the pump chamber ( 20 ) at its outlet ( 18 ) via a bayonet connection ( 27 ), which can be released from the front by means of the actuating lever ( 28 ). Bajo nice connection ( 27 ) and actuating lever ( 28 ) are arranged such that the door ( 29 ) of the recycling unit ( 2 ) can only be closed when the bayonet connection ( 27 ) is properly engaged.

FIG. 4a to 4e show the water circuit at the re-use of the washing or rinsing water with use of switching valves / devices and pumps.

FIGS. 5a to 5e show the water circuit at the re-use of the washing or rinsing water with use of check valves and pumps. The figure labeled "a" shows the filling process for the intermediate store ( 3 ), the figures labeled "b" show the overflow or emptying of the intermediate store ( 3 ). The figures labeled "c" show the circulation of the storage liquid. The figures labeled "d" show the process of flushing the storage liquid through the detergent dispenser drawer ( 23 ). The figures marked with "e" show the pumping process of the fleet from the household appliance ( 1 ) via the common drain system ( 9 ).

Fig. 14 shows a display and control unit ( 5 ) for the recycling unit ( 2 ) of a washing machine or dishwasher. The display and control unit ( 5 ) has a display field ( 30 ) in which operating states, error messages and user information can be displayed. In the display field ( 30 ) z. B. indicates a defect in the UV lamp by blinking an LED. If this LED lights up continuously, this indicates to the user the operating state "disinfection device ( 4 ) in operation".

In addition, further LEDs are provided which signal an empty buffer ( 3 ) or a clogged filter ( 26 ) by flashing or continuously lighting up. Two additional LEDs in the display panel ( 30 ) indicate whether the user has selected a lye recycling process or a water recycling process on the control panel ( 31 ) using the corresponding selector switch ( 32 ).

The control panel ( 31 ) contains selector switches ( 32 ), via which, for. B. the recycling unit ( 2 ) can be switched on or off, the intermediate storage ( 3 ) can be emptied or an alkali or water recovery is selected. The selection button for the lye recovery or water recovery can be omitted in a dishwasher, since only the intermediate rinse or rinse water is generally stored here. With a washing machine, you can choose between lye and water recovery. After selecting the "Lye" button, the lye of the main wash cycle including the reactivation water is saved and used in the same way for a subsequent wash cycle. A subsequent wash cycle can then be carried out without or with a greatly reduced addition of detergent. The remaining amount of residual heat in the lye also saves considerable energy. In this case, the incoming storage water is monitored by the program control ( 14 ) of the washing machine for the set target temperature, ie cold water may be added. If the lye is used again, it will not be saved again. It is discharged via the common drain system ( 9 ).

After selecting the "Water" button, the water from the last two rinse cycles is led to the intermediate store ( 3 ) and used for a subsequent wash cycle in the main wash, in reactivation and, if necessary, in a first rinse cycle. The water from the last two rinses is then saved again.

The program control ( 14 ) of the washing machine receives a signal "buffer full" when the recycling unit ( 2 ) is electrically switched on and then gives a command to the recycling unit ( 2 ) to switch on the induction pump at the time of the water inlet for the main wash, reactivation and first rinse cycle ( 22 ). The recycling water is fed into the washing machine.

For safety reasons, "Between memory full "after a funding period of e.g. one minute then switched to fresh water supply, if the desired water level is not at least by then was reached for the first time.

This ensures that, for. B. even when the pump is blocked, the washing program runs undisturbed. At the same time, however, an error message should be given to the recycling unit ( 2 ) in this case. An error LED then lights up in the display panel ( 30 ).

The condition of the filter ( 26 ) can also be monitored by a pressure switch and displayed by LED.

If the recycling unit ( 2 ) is switched on, e.g. B. because fresh water operation is desired or no washing process is provided for a long time, then the pumping down routine is started via a selector switch ( 32 ) "emptying" and maintained for a period of 15 seconds via empty signal. Then 2-pole is switched off. This means that the washing machine always remains operational, even when the recycling unit is switched off or defective ( 2 ). Of course, the washing machine is fully operational even when the recycling unit ( 2 ) is not connected.

Is shown in FIG. 6, for water-bearing Haushaltge devices (1) designed recycling unit (2) for use in a commercially available program-controlled dishwasher (51) (Fig. 7), the selectable programs in z. B. has four program variants. The programs Universal, Spar, Fein or Intensiv can be provided as selectable programs, each of which contains water-carrying program sections, such as pre-rinsing, cleaning, intermediate rinsing and rinsing, and ending with a drying program section. With the economy program, there is no pre-rinsing. The process running with the recycling unit ( 2 ) is selected so that the rinse water of an intermediate rinse cycle and the rinse water of a rinse cycle of a selected program PRI are temporarily stored in the recycling unit and for a subsequent program PRII (see FIGS . 9a to 9h ) is reused in the pre-rinse and / or cleaning program sections. Within the recycling unit ( 2 ), the stored amount of rinsing water is sterilized, as will be described in detail later.

Since modern dishwashers ( 51 ) are usually designed as household appliances ( 1 ) that can be integrated in kitchen cabinet rows, the dishwasher unit ( 51 ) separately assigned recycling unit ( 2 ) is preferably designed as an optional housing unit ( 52 ) so that it next to the dishwasher can be installed in the adjacent sink cabinet. In order to do justice to the installation ratio, the housing unit ( 52 ) expediently has a stepped housing contour ( FIGS. 6 and 9), which leaves a space for the drain pipes (siphon, etc.) of the sink, which is also installed in the base cabinet. A housing width equal to or less than 150 mm is advantageously selected, with the display and operating unit ( 5 ) with power switch and indicator lamps ( 55 ) for "on / off" in the attachment part (control electronics St) on the front of the recycling unit ( 2 ) "is arranged. If necessary. it is also possible to provide a closable opening in the housing for a filter device which may be present and which can be removed from the unit or from the intermediate store ( 3 ) for cleaning purposes. At the rear of the recycling unit ( 2 ), the three hoses (waste water hose ( 9 '), water inlet hose ( 10 ), water return hose ( 11 )) as well as the signal line ( 12 ) and the power cable of the recycling unit are installed. For safety reasons, all device connections between the two self-sufficient units (recycling unit ( 2 ) and dishwasher ( 51 )) are made in such a way that the signal line ( 12 ) only carries low-voltage signals.

The dishwasher ( 51 ) provided with the fresh water connection ( 7 ) is retrofitted for adaptation with the recycling unit ( 2 ) with a plug connection ( 8 ), such a plug connection ( 8 ') also being provided on the recycling unit ( 2 ) is. The signal line ( 12 ) connects both units for the mutual information transmission with one another, the signals given via this line containing program and / or status-dependent information. This information can be in one direction from the program switch of the dishwashing machine inquiries about the water supply in the recycling unit ( 2 ) or on the other hand confirmation signals from the recycling unit ( 2 ) to the household appliance ( 1 ) about the operating state of the recycling unit finally include water level information and possibly information for the softener control of the dishwasher ( 51 ). Instead of an electrical signal transmission, the signals can also be given optically via optical fibers known per se.

The housing unit ( 52 ) which can be provided to the dishwasher ( 51 ) in the manner of the self-sufficient recycling unit ( 2 ) which can be put into operation takes the intermediate storage ( 3 ) designed as a storage container ( 53 ), the disinfection device ( 4 ) and the water flow control ( 6 ) together with check valves (R 1 , R 2 ) of the drain system ( 9 ), changeover valves (U 1 , U 2 ), pumps (P 1 , P 2 ) and other valves (V, B) on ( Fig. 6 and 7). The changeover valves are electrically controllable valves, e.g. B. known memory actuators (wax switches).

The control electronics (St) of the recycling unit ( 2 ) work together with these valve and pump assemblies, which in turn interacts with the household ( 1 ) via the signal line ( 12 ).

The storage container ( 53 ) with / without outer housing insulation, which can be removed from the housing unit ( 52 ), has a filling volume for at least two washing container fillings of the connectable self-sufficient dishwasher ( 51 ) according to FIGS. 6 and 8 and is provided on the top with the disinfection device ( 4 ), which, as in the washing machine, is designed as a UV light source ( 54 ). The UV lamp is arranged with a safety distance above the water surface on the storage container ( 53 ) to the outside in a liquid-tight manner, so that on the one hand contamination by recycling water and on the other hand leakage of the intermediate store ( 3 ) is prevented. To check the fill level and to maintain the safety level in the buffer ( 2 ), level sensors ( 57 ) are provided at different heights on the storage container ( 53 ), with a level sensor ( 57 ) at half the filling volume of the buffer and another level sensor ( 57 ) at height the maximum fill level of the intermediate store ( 2 ) is arranged. If this latter level is reached, the ventilation valve (B) provided on the upper side of the intermediate store ( 2 ) closes off the storage container against the outside air, thereby preventing further filling of the intermediate store ( 3 ). A valve (V) switches to half or all of the water supply during temporary storage removal.

The control electronics (St) of the recycling unit ( 2 ) monitors the sterilization cycles of the sterilization device ( 4 ). Monitoring can be done using a photo element that is only UV sensitive. Is the sterilize the mung something wrong, the latch (3) is controlled by the drainage system (9) and the drain hose (9 ') and from the pump (P 1) in the effluent discharged (Fig. 12). This Fig. 12 also shows the necessary control of the valves (U 1 , U 2 , R 1 , R 2 ).

At the beginning of the recycling water inlets, the dishwasher ( 51 ) asks via the signal line ( 12 ) via program for compliance with the disinfection and the level sensor whether there is water in the unit. Only when both signals are present will there be a recycling run-in, otherwise the inlet solenoid valve of the dishwasher ( 51 ) will be energized and fresh water supplied via the fresh-water connection ( 7 ) of the household appliance ( 1 ). Conversely, the dishwasher ( 51 ) must also be able to activate the water flow control ( 6 ) and the recycling pumps (P 1 , P 2 ). The level sensors ( 57 ) on the storage container ( 53 ) detect the half-fill or full-fill conditions ( FIG. 8) and report this to the dishwasher ( 51 ). When switching off the recycling unit ( 2 ) it is advisable to empty temporarily stored recycling water into the drain and only then to separate the all-pole recycling unit ( 2 ) from the mains. This also monitors the control electronics (St) of the unit ( 2 ) in operative connection with the water flow control ( 6 ). When the recycling unit ( 2 ) is not switched on, the water flow via the valves (U 1 , U 2 , R 1 , R 2 ) is switched so that the dishwasher ( 51 ) feeds hose ( 9 ') directly into the drain ( Fig. 11).

Since dishwashers are usually equipped with softening devices for the production of soft water used in particular in the rinse cycles, whereby the softener vessels must be rinsed out program-controlled after the brine has been regenerated, the rinsing and regenerating functions can also be performed by the recycling unit ( 2 ) be prompted. Control signals for regeneration or rinsing z. B. given after a second program cycle to the household appliance ( 1 ), because through the intermediate storage of rinse water of a previous program, softened, soft rinse water is present at least once. The dishwasher ( 51 ) must then query the status of this signal from the recycling unit ( 2 ) before executing the rinse and regenerate functions and, if present, run over the functions. On the one hand, this leads to regeneration at the right time in pure fresh water operation and, on the other hand, also saves half of the salt consumption and rinsing water when operating with the recycling unit ( 2 ).

Referring to Figs. 9a to 9h and in conjunction with FIGS. 7 and 10 to 13 two program will now runs PRI and PRII (Fig. 9) of the dishwasher (51) operatively connected to the recycling unit (2) are explained in detail , whereby an operating mode is to be assumed in which only the washing water of the dishwasher used in the intermediate rinsing and rinsing sections of the program is to be stored as reusable washing liquid in the storage container ( 53 ) of the recycling unit ( 2 ) for reuse. The selected programs should be universal programs.

Fig. 9a shows a device connected to the fresh water line (7) Dishwasher (51) with the supplied recycling unit (2), wherein the drain hose of the dishwashing machine (51) as the water supply hose (10) for the recycling unit (2) and the water recirculation ( 11 ) from the recycling unit ( 2 ) to the rinsing container ( 56 ) of the dishwasher ( 51 ) is guided in a manner not shown so that it can be uncoupled. With ( 12 ) the already mentioned signal line between the two self-sufficient units is designated, which is connected to the control electronics (St) of the recycling unit ( 2 ) on the one hand and to the program control unit of the dishwasher ( 51 ) on the other hand. FIG. 9a symbolizes the two program steps of pre-rinsing and cleaning a program that can be carried out with the dishwasher ( 51 ), the buffer store ( 3 ) of the recycling unit ( 2 ) still not containing any recycling water, ie it is empty. The rinsing water used for pre-rinsing and cleaning is not temporarily stored, but is conveyed into the drain via the waste water hose ( 9 ') at the end of the program section pre-rinsing or cleaning ( Fig. 11).

Figs. 9b and 9c are the program section Zvi rule rinse represent a wash program which begins after pumping the Spülflüssig used in the cleaning cycle ness from the washing container (56) with the supply of fresh water through the fresh water connection (7). The rinsing liquid used in the intermediate rinse cycle in the dishwasher ( 51 ) is pumped at the end of this program section into the buffer ( 3 ) of the recycling unit ( 2 ) and fills the reservoir ( 53 ) in half ( Fig. 9c). The released for this by start impulses of the dishwasher ( 51 ) to the unit ( 2 ), enabled water flow within the recycling unit ( 2 ) illustrates Fig. 7 in detail. Upon filling of the buffer memory (3) of the dishwashing machine (51) promotes the device's own drain pump of the dishwashing machine (51) via the water supply hose (10) after preceding filtering the washing liquid through the enabled for the buffer memory (3) change-over valve (U 1) in the Storage container ( 53 ). The changeover valve (U 2 ) is controlled so that the water return guide ( 11 ) is blocked. The check valves (R 1 and R 2 ) of the drain system ( 9 ) secure the unit against any water that may return from the waste water hose ( 9 '). The intermediate rinse cycle is followed by the rinse cycle, which is shown schematically by FIGS. 9d and 9e. The dishwasher ( 51 ) also receives fresh water via the fresh water connection ( 7 ) in this rinse cycle. This hot rinse water, which is only slightly or not contaminated at all, is temporarily stored and now fills the storage container ( 53 ) of the recycling unit ( 2 ) completely. Fig. 9e shows the now filled and ready for a subsequent program run PRII storage container ( 53 ). The water flow for this corresponds to that already described in Fig. 7 be.

The rinsing liquid temporarily stored in the water-holding program sections between rinsing and rinsing in the storage container ( 53 ) is returned to the rinsing container ( 56 ) of the household appliance ( 1 ) in the subsequent washing program PRII for prewashing and / or cleaning the dishes, with the prewash cycle ( Fig . 9f and 9g) the first (in the lower portion Fig. 8) of the latch (3) reservoired recycled water is drained when the valve (V). This measure prevents possible contamination in the recycled water from being deposited in the intermediate store ( 3 ), since with the return pumping, the dirt particles that have sunk first are removed from the recycled water. On the other hand, it is not absolutely necessary to use the upper half of the water in the buffer tank ( 3 ) for the pre-rinse cycle. This upper half of the water is used for the subsequent cleaning cycle, so that this water-carrying program section is operated as intended with clean water.

Fig. 10 shows the water flow from the recycling unit ( 2 ) in the dishwasher. For this purpose, the water flow control ( 6 ) has caused a changeover of the changeover valves (U 1 and U 2 ) in such a way that the water return ( 11 ) to the dishwasher ( 51 ) is now activated via the pump (P 1 ) and the changeover valve (U 2 ) . The changeover valve (U 1 ) controls a free line away from the water supply hose ( 10 ) to the common drain system ( 9 ) or to the waste water hose ( 9 ') through the check valve (R 1 ). After the pre-rinse cycle, the rinse tank is emptied via the common waste water hose ( 9 '), since this rinse water is used up. The subsequent cleaning cycle ( FIG. 9h) is carried out with the residual water from the storage container ( 53 ), this rinsing water also being added to the spout at the end of the program section ( FIG. 11). In the subsequent intermediate rinse and rinse steps of the PRII program, the buffer ( 3 ) is refilled.

The rinsing water intended for reuse (intermediate rinsing water and rinse water) can additionally pass through a separate filter device, as in the case of the recycling unit ( 2 ) for the washing machine, before it is introduced into the storage container ( 53 ), if this is desired. Before the rinsing liquid is actually returned for reuse in the rinsing container ( 56 ), however, the temporarily stored recycling water is subjected to disinfection in any case. However, the disinfection is controlled so that not only the recycling water but also the inner walls of the storage container ( 53 ) are disinfected. The sterilization of the inside walls of the container is expediently also carried out by the UV lamp ( 54 ) of the sterilization device ( 4 ) when the storage container ( 56 ) is empty. The disinfection takes place as described in more detail below: The inside of the recycling unit ( 2 ) above the water surface of the storage container ( 53 ) arranged UV lamp ( 54 ) of the disinfection device ( 4 ) is used by the control of the unit at predetermined intervals switched on for a short time. The pump (P 2 ) ( Fig. 13), which acts as a circulation pump, ensures a certain amount of water circulation during the disinfection of the rinsing water that has been advised. The valve control required for this is shown in FIG. 13. This ensures that not only the upper water layers of the filled storage container ( 53 ) are sterilized but the buffered rinsing water as a whole. Instead of the circulation pump (P 2 ), a separate agitator could also be used for the same purpose. For disinfection with circulation, for example, times of 4 × 10 minutes per day can be seen. However, other sterilization cycles can also be carried out on a case-by-case basis. The disinfection function should run if possible when the buffer ( 3 ) is full. If the intermediate store ( 3 ) is empty, a disinfection process must take place before the first filling with intermediate rinse water. This sterilization process with an empty reservoir ( 53 ) ensures that the tank walls of the reservoir are treated. This effectively prevents bacterial growth and possible algae formation on the walls. The container walls are disinfected when the circulation pump (P 2 ) is at a standstill. To ensure this, the disinfection cycle without a pump is activated when the program starts and the level signal "Empty". As an additional safety measure, the components of the disinfection device ( 4 ), in particular the UV lamp ( 54 ), are checked for perfect function during the time cycle of the disinfection. If one of the components fails, the reservoir is automatically emptied and an error message is issued.

When the recycling unit ( 2 ) is switched on via the display and control unit ( 5 ), a sterilization cycle runs automatically, which depending on the amount of water stored either only activates the UV lamp or additionally the circulation pump (P 2 ). If the recycling unit ( 2 ) is switched off, e.g. B. because fresh water operation is desired or for a long time (vacation time) no rinsing process is provided, with the switching off of the recycling unit ( 2 ) automatically pumping out any stored rinsing liquid is controlled ( Fig. 12), the pumping process until it is reached of the level signal "storage container empty" expires. Then the recycling unit ( 2 ) is switched off with two poles.

As a further safety measure, the recycling unit ( 2 ) and the dishwashers ( 51 ) can be provided with a leakage water protection device, as is already the case with the washing machine described at the beginning.

Claims (33)

1. Program-controlled household appliance, such as a dishwasher or washing machine, with an intermediate store for storing and reusing washing or rinsing liquid, the buffered liquid being subjected to disinfection, characterized in that
that a separately assigned to the household appliance ( 1 ) housing unit in the manner of a functionally necessary, self-sufficient recycling unit ( 2 ) for receiving the intermediate store ( 3 ), the disinfection device ( 4 ), a water flow control ( 6 ) (valves , Pumps, control electronics) and a display and operating unit ( 5 ) is provided,
that the household appliance provided with a fresh water connection ( 7 ) is retrofitted with a plug connection ( 8 ) for the recycling unit ( 2 ) for mutual information transmission,
that the recycling unit ( 2 ) via assigned water lines ( 10 , 11 ) with the suds or rinsing container ( 15 , 56 ) of the household appliance ( 1 ) is separably connected and a two self-contained devices common drainage system ( 9 ) that Recycling unit ( 2 ) is connected to the plug connection ( 8 ) of the self-sufficient household appliance ( 1 ) via a signal line ( 12 ) that can be switched depending on the program and / or condition. 2. Program-controlled household appliance, in particular washing machine, according to claim 1, characterized in that the recycling unit ( 2 ) is designed as a housing unit which can be provided on the side next to the washing machine and is matched to the height and depth of the washing machine in its housing dimensions. 3. Program-controlled household appliance, in particular washing machine, according to claim 1, characterized in that the recycling unit ( 2 ) is designed as a housing unit which can be placed on the washing machine and is matched to the width and depth of the washing machine in its housing dimensions. 4. Program-controlled household appliance, in particular washing machine, according to claim 1, characterized in that the recycling unit ( 2 ) is designed as a base for the washing machine. 5. Washing machine according to claim 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that the intermediate store ( 3 ) is removably arranged in the housing unit. 6. Washing machine according to one or more of the preceding claims 2 to 5, characterized in that a UV lamp is arranged above the intermediate store ( 3 ) as the disinfection device ( 4 ). 7. Washing machine according to one or more of the preceding claims 2 to 6, characterized in that a light guide is provided as the signal line ( 12 ). 8. Washing machine according to one or more of the preceding claims 2 to 7, characterized in that a filter ( 26 ) is arranged in the water flow for the intermediate store ( 3 ). 9. Washing machine according to claim 8, characterized in that the filter ( 26 ) is additionally formed with a free overflow in the buffer ( 3 ). 10. Washing machine according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the filter ( 26 ) is removably arranged. 11. Washing machine according to one or more of the preceding claims 2 to 10, characterized in that the pumps ( 19 , 21 , 22 ) are connected via a common pump chamber ( 20 ) to the outlet ( 18 ) of the intermediate store ( 3 ). 12. Washing machine according to claim 5 and 11, characterized in that the pump chamber ( 20 ) via a bayonet connection ( 27 ) is connected to the outlet of the intermediate store ( 3 ). 13. Washing machine according to one or more of the preceding claims 2 to 12, characterized in that a leakage water detection device ( 25 ) is arranged in the lower region of the recycling unit ( 2 ). 14. A method for operating a program-controlled household appliance, in particular a washing machine, with the features of claim 1, characterized in that the water of the last two rinses of a washing program in the buffer ( 3 ) of the recycling unit ( 2 ) is stored and in a subsequent wash in the main wash, the reactivation and, if necessary, the first rinse. 15. Procedure for operating a program-controlled Household appliance, especially a washing machine, with the features of claim 1, characterized, that the lye of the main wash and, if necessary, the reactivation water for a subsequent wash in the main laundry is reused. 16. Program-controlled household appliance, in particular dishwasher with selectable washing and cleaning programs, according to claim 1, characterized in that the recycling unit ( 2 ) as a household appliance ( 1 ) can be provided housing unit ( 52 ) in the form of a built-in or built-under appliance is designed for a sink cabinet or the like. 17. Program-controlled household appliance, in particular dishwasher, according to claim 16, characterized in that the housing unit ( 52 ) seen in the installed position, a rearwardly graduated housing to form a free space for installation units (siphon and the like.) Of the sink cabinet as well as for laying and installation the device's own water pipe (waste water hose ( 9 '), water inlet hose ( 10 ), water return ( 11 )) and the signal line ( 12 ) to the household device ( 1 ). 18. Program-controlled household appliance, in particular dishwasher, according to claim 16 and 17, characterized in that the display and control unit ( 5 ) on the graduated housing unit ( 52 ) in the raised device attachment part (control electronics (St)) is arranged operable from the front. 19. Program-controlled household appliance, in particular dishwasher, according to one or more of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the intermediate store ( 3 ) of the recycling unit ( 2 ) as a possibly insulated storage container ( 53 ) with a filling volume of more than one Rinsing tank filling is formed. 20. Program-controlled household appliance, in particular dishwasher, according to one or more of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the reservoir ( 53 ) preferably with the water flow control ( 6 ) together with control electronics (St) and the disinfection device ( 4 ) one for itself testable assembly within the recycling unit ( 2 ) forms. 21. Program-controlled household appliance, in particular dishwasher according to one or more of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the water flow control of the recycling unit ( 2 ) has a circulation pump (P 2 ) for the temporarily stored water supply in the storage container ( 53 ) and a pump ( P 1 ) for conveying the stored rinsing liquid from the storage container ( 53 ) into the dishwasher ( 51 ) in addition to waterways to activate and / or block switching or check valves (U 1 , U 2 , R 1 , R 2 ) of the drain system ( 9 ) includes. 22. Program-controlled household appliance, in particular dishwasher, according to one or more of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the recycling water temporarily stored in the storage container ( 53 ) is the fresh water used in the intermediate rinse cycle and in the rinse cycle, which during a selectable dishwasher program Via the assigned fresh water connection ( 7 ) the household appliance is supplied and that the recycling water, if necessary. With the interposition of a filter device provided in the recycling unit ( 2 ), the storage container ( 53 ) of the unit is supplied. 23. Program-controlled household appliance, in particular dishwasher, according to one or more of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the intermediate store ( 3 ) of the recycling unit ( 2 ) is provided with a preferably float-controlled ventilation valve. 24. Program-controlled household appliance, in particular dishwasher, according to one or more of che 1 to 23, characterized in that the sterilization device ( 4 ) is arranged on the intermediate store ( 3 ) above the highest filling level of the storage container ( 53 ) and from a UV lamp ( 54 ) exists. 25. Program-controlled household appliance, in particular dishwasher, according to one or more of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that the UV lamp ( 54 ) of the sterilization device ( 4 ) is liquid-tightly mounted in the reservoir housing. 26. Program-controlled household appliance, in particular dishwasher, according to one or more of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that the reservoir ( 53 ) level sensor ( 57 ) are assigned at different heights, and that the reservoir ( 53 ) is a valve-controlled drain system for optional access to different water reserves. 27. A method for recycling operation of a program-controlled dishwasher according to one or more of claims 1 to 26, wherein during the successive, water-carrying program sections pre-rinsing, cleaning, intermediate rinsing and rinsing the rinsing container of the household appliance fresh water from the mains or rinsing water from the recycling Unit supplied, sprayed onto the dishes by a spray device and removed from the washing container again, characterized in that
that only the rinse water used in the intermediate rinse and rinse program sections is temporarily stored as reusable rinse liquid in the storage container ( 53 ),
that the temporarily stored washing liquid is returned to the washing container ( 56 ) in a subsequent washing program (PRI, PRII) for pre-washing and / or cleaning the dishes and then pumped out, that the recycling water intended for reuse is introduced before being introduced into the storage container ( 53 ) if necessary, filtered and subjected to sterilization before being returned for reuse in the washing container ( 56 ) of the dishwasher ( 51 ),
that a storage container ( 53 ) is used, which has a filling volume for two rinsing container fillings. 28. The method for recycling operation of a program-controlled dishwasher according to claim 27, characterized in that the disinfection takes place in the buffered rinsing liquid in the reservoir ( 53 ), and that the buffered rinsing liquid is circulated during the sterilization. 29. The method for recycling operation of a programmable dishwasher according to claim 27 and 28, characterized in that the disinfection is carried out at intervals in selectable time intervals by the control electronics (St) of the recycling unit ( 2 ). 30. A method for recycling operation of a program-controlled dishwasher according to claims 27 to 29, characterized in that when the intermediate store ( 3 ) is empty, the container walls of the storage container ( 53 ) are sterilized, the circulation pump (P 2 ) remaining switched off . 31. A method for regenerating a program-controlled dishwasher according to claims 27 to 30, characterized in that the recycling unit ( 2 ) control signals via the two devices common signal line ( 12 ) to the dishwasher for cleaning or rinsing out the softening device in the Ge Household appliance ( 1 ) sends, status signals from the recycling unit ( 2 ) being queried before the rinse function is carried out. 32. Process for recycling operation of a programmable dishwasher according to claims 27 to 31, characterized in that at the beginning of the recycling water inlets into the dishwasher ( 51 ) via the signal line ( 12 ) by program after compliance with the disinfection and after the water supply in the intermediate store ( 3 ) is asked, a recycling run into the dishwasher ( 51 ) taking place only if these state variables are present and that the wash tank ( 56 ) is filled with fresh water if the signals are not present. 33. A method for recycling operation of a program-controlled dishwasher according to claims 27 to 32, characterized in that when the recycling unit ( 2 ) is switched off, intermediate stored recycling water is emptied into the drain, the storage container ( 53 ), if necessary, is sterilized and the recycling unit ( 2 ) is disconnected from the mains at all poles.