EP0405086B1 - Method for operating a program-controlled dishwasher - Google Patents

Method for operating a program-controlled dishwasher Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0405086B1
EP0405086B1 EP90107765A EP90107765A EP0405086B1 EP 0405086 B1 EP0405086 B1 EP 0405086B1 EP 90107765 A EP90107765 A EP 90107765A EP 90107765 A EP90107765 A EP 90107765A EP 0405086 B1 EP0405086 B1 EP 0405086B1
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Prior art keywords
program
ion exchanger
sub
water
cleaning
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0405086A1 (en
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Rüdiger Dipl.-Ing. Eiermann (FH)
Wolfgang Dipl.-Ing. Steck
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BOSCH-SIEMENS HAUSGERAETE GMBH
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Individual
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    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42Details
    • A47L15/4229Water softening arrangements

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for operating a program-controlled dishwasher, with a softening device consisting of an ion exchanger, a salt reservoir and a regeneration water reservoir, the dishwasher with from the sub-programs - pre-rinsing, cleaning, rinsing, rinsing, drying, adding a brine quantity Regeneration of the ion exchanger and addition of an amount of backwash water to rinse out the exchanged hardness formers from the regenerated ion exchanger - selectable wash programs can be operated.
  • a method and a program-controlled dishwasher of the type mentioned above is known from DE-OS 33 16 685, the sub-program adding a brine quantity for regenerating the ion exchanger being carried out during the drying sub-program and the sub-program adding a backwashing water quantity for rinsing out the exchanged hardness formers from the regenerated one Ion exchanger is carried out at the beginning of the program of a subsequent next rinsing program.
  • a method for operating a program-controlled dishwasher in which only the water for the sub-program final rinsing of a washing program is softened to enable the use of an ion exchanger with a particularly small exchange capacity in dishwashers.
  • This ion exchanger is rinsed according to the method described before each rinse sub-program, namely before, during or after the rinse sub-program.
  • FR-A-23 25 348 describes a method of the type mentioned at the outset for operating a program-controlled dishwasher, the sub-program adding a brine quantity for regenerating the ion exchanger being provided between the sub-program intermediate rinsing and the sub-program rinsing.
  • the sub-program adding a brine quantity to regenerate the ion exchanger and the sub-program adding a backwashing water quantity to rinse out the exchanged hardness formers from the regenerated ion exchanger is carried out and then a second part of the sub-program is carried out between rinsing .
  • the rinse aid sub-program is then carried out.
  • the amount of water to be filled in in the intermediate rinse program should be increased by a corresponding amount of water in the publications mentioned. This means an extension of the program and an unnecessary increase in water consumption.
  • the invention has for its object to be able to use water with the lowest water hardness in a method of the type mentioned for the rinse-aid sub-program without increased water consumption.
  • This object is achieved in that the sub-program adding a brine quantity to regenerate the ion exchanger is carried out in the sub-program cleaning and then the sub-program adding a quantity of backwash water for rinsing out the exchanged hardness formers from the regenerated ion exchanger follows the sub-program cleaning with this sub-program Brine quantity flowing out of the ion exchanger is stored in a storage container and is discharged at the end of the cleaning sub-program or directly after the cleaning sub-program bypassing the ion exchanger.
  • the invention is based on the knowledge that the best softening result is achieved with a freshly regenerated ion exchanger after sufficient backwashing water has been added.
  • the amount of backwashing water added in the sub-program adding a backwashing water to rinse out the exchanged hardness formers from the regenerated ion exchanger is usually limited to a small amount of water to avoid an extension of the program execution time and unnecessary water consumption, which only the majority of the hardness formulators wash out from the ion exchanger.
  • This rinsing of the ion exchanger is then continued in a subsequent sub-program without addition of detergent in order to avoid dilution of the detergent by brine components which may have been rinsed out.
  • water softened by the ion exchanger is also used to improve the cleaning result, in particular when a cleaner is added.
  • this is the case the degree of hardness of the water used is not of decisive importance as for the rinse sub-program.
  • the sub-program adding a brine quantity for regenerating the ion exchanger and the sub-program adding a backwashing water quantity for rinsing out the exchanged hardness formers from the regenerated ion exchanger in the sub-program intermediate rinsing FR-A-23 25 348 is carried out between two sections of the intermediate rinsing sub-program, which leads to the abovementioned disadvantages, in particular in an increased water consumption, to the complete rinsing out of the exchanged hardness formers.
  • the rinsing of the ion exchanger is practically continued in the intermediate rinsing sub-program with the entire amount of water used for the intermediate rinsing, with the result that an additional amount of water is not required to completely rinse out the exchanged hardness agents.
  • a direct discharge of the amount of brine flowing from the ion exchanger during cleaning causes the cleaning agent used for cleaning to dilute and a repeated passage through the ion exchanger leads to its back soiling, both of which are therefore avoided with the advantageous measure.
  • the sub-program adding a brine quantity for regenerating the ion exchanger is carried out at the end of the cleaning sub-program and the brine quantity flowing out of the ion exchanger is bypassed bypassing the storage container.
  • the amount of brine flowing out of the ion exchanger is stored in the filling container.
  • the filling container is empty after the start of the cleaning sub-program, it can be used to store the brine quantity. An additional container is thus avoided and the possibility is created without additional control means, e.g. Valves etc. bypassing the ion exchanger to derive the stored amount of brine.
  • the figure shows a program flow diagram.
  • the program sequence shown in the figure consists of the sub-programs prewashing, cleaning, intermediate rinsing, Rinsing, drying, adding an amount of brine to regenerate the ion exchanger and adding an amount of backwashing water to rinse out the exchanged hardness formers from the regenerated ion exchanger.
  • the program sequence diagram in the figure shows the periods of the functions of the components of the dishwasher that are essential for the program sequence, a control unit motor of a program control unit, a circulation pump, a drain pump, a regeneration valve, a filling valve and a heater in assigned columns, the division into Intervals shows the switching steps of the program control unit.
  • functional sequences the functions of the dishwasher are like marked as follows: F for filling the dishwasher with water by opening the inlet valve; U for circulating the water possibly mixed with a detergent or rinse aid through the circulating pump; H for heating the water by means of the heater; Reg.
  • t denotes the program time sequence.
  • T1 denotes the period for a first pre-rinse sub-program and t2 denotes the period for a second pre-rinse sub-program.
  • the cleaning sub-program takes place in the period t3.
  • the sub-program adding a brine quantity for regenerating the ion exchanger is carried out, in the figure with I and by means of a hatched field in the regeneration valve column, the time of initiation of the sub-program adding a brine quantity for regenerating the ion exchanger during the sub-program Clean and with II and by means of a filled-in field in the regeneration valve column the alternatively possible arrangement of the sub-program adding a brine quantity for regenerating the ion exchanger is shown at the end of the sub-program cleaning.
  • the amount of brine is stored in a storage container and discharged at the end of the cleaning sub-program to reduce the back contamination of the ion exchanger bypassing the ion exchanger.
  • the period of time of the sub-program following the sub-program cleaning is added by adding a quantity of backwash water for rinsing out the exchanged hardness formers from the regenerated ion exchanger.
  • the time period for the intermediate rinse program is specified with t5, the time period for rinse aid with t6.
  • the period for the drying sub-program is designated t7.
  • the rinse-aid sub-program is carried out after the intermediate rinse sub-program in which the backwashing of the ion exchanger has been completed, that is to say with the water softened from the regenerated ion exchanger to the lowest degree

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  • Washing And Drying Of Tableware (AREA)
  • Detergent Compositions (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Betrieb einer programmgesteuerten Geschirrspülmaschine, mit einer Enthärtungseinrichtung, bestehend aus einem Ionenaustauscher, einem Salzvorratsbehälter und einem Regenerierwasser-Vorratsbehälter, wobei die Geschirrspülmaschine mit aus den Teilprogrammen - Vorspülen, Reinigen, Zwischenspülen, Klarspülen, Trocknen, Zugabe einer Solemenge zum Regenerieren des Ionenaustauschers und Zugabe einer Rückspülwassermenge zum Ausspülen der ausgetauschten Härtebildner aus dem regenerierten Ionenaustauscher - wählbaren Spülprogrammen betätigbar ist.The invention relates to a method for operating a program-controlled dishwasher, with a softening device consisting of an ion exchanger, a salt reservoir and a regeneration water reservoir, the dishwasher with from the sub-programs - pre-rinsing, cleaning, rinsing, rinsing, drying, adding a brine quantity Regeneration of the ion exchanger and addition of an amount of backwash water to rinse out the exchanged hardness formers from the regenerated ion exchanger - selectable wash programs can be operated.

Ein Verfahren und eine programmgesteuerte Geschirrspülmaschine der obengenannten Art ist aus der DE-OS 33 16 685 bekannt, wobei das Teilprogramm Zugabe einer Solemenge zum Regenerieren des Ionenaustauschers während dem Teilprogramm Trocknen durchgeführt wird und das Teilprogramm Zugabe einer Rückspülwassermenge zum Ausspülen der ausgetauschten Härtebildner aus dem regenerierten Ionenaustauscher am Programmbeginn eines nachfolgenden nächsten Spülprogrammes durchgeführt wird.A method and a program-controlled dishwasher of the type mentioned above is known from DE-OS 33 16 685, the sub-program adding a brine quantity for regenerating the ion exchanger being carried out during the drying sub-program and the sub-program adding a backwashing water quantity for rinsing out the exchanged hardness formers from the regenerated one Ion exchanger is carried out at the beginning of the program of a subsequent next rinsing program.

Bei dem in der DE-OS 33 16 685 gezeigten Verfahren werden alle Teilprogramme mit enthärtetem Wasser durchgeführt, so daß, da das Teilprogramm Zugabe einer Solemenge zum Regenerieren des Ionenaustauschers kurz vor Ende eines vorher abgelaufenen Spülprogrammes erst an vierter Stelle steht, im Ionenaustauscher eine Zunahme der ausgetauschten Härtebildner stattgefunden hat, die dazu führt, daß zum Teilprogramm Klarspülen ein Wasser verwendet werden muß, das eine entsprechend hohe Wasserhärte hat. Besonders beim Teilprogramm Klarspülen ist der Einsatz von Wasser mit möglichst niedriger Wasserhärte notwendig, um beim anschließenden Teilprogramm Trocknen ein Auftreten von Kalkrückständen auf dem in die Geschirrspülmaschine eingelagerten Geschirr zu vermeiden.In the process shown in DE-OS 33 16 685, all sub-programs are carried out with softened water, so that since the sub-program adding a brine quantity to regenerate the ion exchanger is only in fourth place shortly before the end of a previously run-off rinsing program, there is an increase in the ion exchanger the exchanged hardness agent has taken place, which means that a water that has a correspondingly high water hardness must be used for the rinse-aid sub-program. Especially with the rinse aid sub-program, water with the lowest possible water hardness is necessary in order to prevent limescale deposits from appearing on the dishes stored in the dishwasher during the subsequent sub-program drying.

Aus der DE-A-23 12 126 ist ein Verfahren zum Betrieb einer programmgesteuerten Geschirrspülmaschine bekannt, bei dem zur Ermöglichung der Verwendung eines Ionenaustauschers mit einer besonders kleinen Austauschkapazität bei Geschirrspülmaschinen lediglich das Wasser für das Teilprogramm Klarspülen eines Spülprogramms enthärtet wird. Dieser Ionenaustauscher wird nach dem beschriebenen Verfahren vor jedem Teilprogramm Klarspülen, nämlich vor, während bzw. nach dem Teilprogramm Zwischenspülen regeneriert.From DE-A-23 12 126 a method for operating a program-controlled dishwasher is known, in which only the water for the sub-program final rinsing of a washing program is softened to enable the use of an ion exchanger with a particularly small exchange capacity in dishwashers. This ion exchanger is rinsed according to the method described before each rinse sub-program, namely before, during or after the rinse sub-program.

Die FR-A-23 25 348 beschreibt ein Verfahren der eingangs genannten Art zum Betrieb einer programmgesteuerten Geschirrspülmaschine, wobei zwischen dem Teilprogramm Zwischenspülen und dem Teilprogramm Klarspülen das Teilprogramm Zugabe einer Solemenge zum Regenerieren des Ionenaustauschers vorgesehen ist. In dem Ausführungsbeispiel wird genauer ausgeführt, daß nach einem ersten Teil des Teilprogrammes Zwischenspülen das Teilprogramm Zugabe einer Solemenge zum Regenerieren des Ionenaustauschers und das Teilprogramm Zugabe einer Rückspülwassermenge zum Ausspülen der ausgetauschten Härtebildner aus dem regenerierten Ionenaustauscher durchgeführt wird und dann ein zweiter Teil des Teilprogrammes zwischenspülen erfolgt. Anschließend wird das Teilprogramm Klarspülen durchgeführt.FR-A-23 25 348 describes a method of the type mentioned at the outset for operating a program-controlled dishwasher, the sub-program adding a brine quantity for regenerating the ion exchanger being provided between the sub-program intermediate rinsing and the sub-program rinsing. In the exemplary embodiment, it is explained in more detail that after a first part of the intermediate rinsing sub-program, the sub-program adding a brine quantity to regenerate the ion exchanger and the sub-program adding a backwashing water quantity to rinse out the exchanged hardness formers from the regenerated ion exchanger is carried out and then a second part of the sub-program is carried out between rinsing . The rinse aid sub-program is then carried out.

Um bei den in der DE-A-23 12 126 und FR-A-23 25 348 beschriebenen Verfahren eine ausreichende Rückspülung des Ionenaustauschers zu erreichen, ergeben sich die nachbeschriebenen zwei Möglichkeiten, nämlich einerseits wird mit den üblicherweise eingesetzten Wassermengen für einen Teil des Zwischenspülens und für das Teilprogramm Zugabe einer Rückspülwassermenge zum Ausspülen der ausgetauschten Härtebildner aus dem regenerierten Ionenaustauscher der Härtebildneraustrag auch im Klarspülprogramm noch fortgesetzt werden müssen. Dies bedeutet, daß noch nicht optimal enthärtetes Wasser zusätzlich mit den Härtebildnern belastet wird. Dies führt zu der Gefahr einer verstärkten Bildung von Kalkrückständen nach dem Verdampfen des Wassers im Teilprogramm Trocknen. Es wird also ein gegenteiliges Ergebnis als gewünscht erzielt. Außerdem wird die Wirkung des Klarspülmittels verringert. Andererseits müßte, um einen Härtebildneraustrag aus dem Ionenaustauscher im Teilprogramm Klarspülen zu vermeiden, in dem Teilprogramm Zwischenspülen die einzufüllende Wassermenge bei den genannten Veröffentlichungen um eine entsprechende Wassermenge vergrößert werden. Dies bedeutet eine Verlängerung des Programmes und eine unnötige Erhöhung des Wasserverbrauchs.In order to achieve sufficient backwashing of the ion exchanger in the processes described in DE-A-23 12 126 and FR-A-23 25 348, there are two options described, namely on the one hand the amount of water usually used for part of the intermediate rinsing and for the sub-program addition of a backwashing water quantity to rinse out the exchanged hardness formers from the regenerated ion exchanger, the hardness formate discharge must also be continued in the rinse-off program. This means that water that has not yet been optimally softened is additionally contaminated with the hardness formers. This leads to the risk of an increased formation of lime residues after the water has evaporated in the drying sub-program. The opposite result is achieved as desired. It also reduces the effectiveness of the rinse aid. On the other hand, in order to avoid a hardening agent discharge from the ion exchanger in the rinse-aid sub-program, the amount of water to be filled in in the intermediate rinse program should be increased by a corresponding amount of water in the publications mentioned. This means an extension of the program and an unnecessary increase in water consumption.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, bei einem Verfahren der eingangs genannten Art für das Teilprogramm Klarspülen ohne erhöhten Wasserverbrauch Wasser mit der niedrigsten Wasserhärte verwenden zu können.The invention has for its object to be able to use water with the lowest water hardness in a method of the type mentioned for the rinse-aid sub-program without increased water consumption.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, daß im Teilprogramm Reinigen das Teilprogramm Zugabe einer Solemenge zum Regenerieren des Ionenaustauschers durchgeführt wird und anschließend an das um dieses Teilprogramm ergänzte Teilprogramm Reinigen das Teilprogramm Zugabe einer Rückspülwassermenge zum Ausspülen der ausgetauschten Härtebildner aus dem regenerierten Ionenaustauscher folgt, wobei die aus dem Ionenaustauscher ausfließende Solemenge in einem Vorratsbehälter gespeichert wird und am Ende des Teilprogrammes Reinigen oder direkt nach dem Teilprogramm Reinigen unter Umgehung des Ionenaustauschers abgeleitet wird.This object is achieved in that the sub-program adding a brine quantity to regenerate the ion exchanger is carried out in the sub-program cleaning and then the sub-program adding a quantity of backwash water for rinsing out the exchanged hardness formers from the regenerated ion exchanger follows the sub-program cleaning with this sub-program Brine quantity flowing out of the ion exchanger is stored in a storage container and is discharged at the end of the cleaning sub-program or directly after the cleaning sub-program bypassing the ion exchanger.

Die Erfindung geht von der Erkenntnis aus, daß das beste Enthärtungsergebnis mit einem frisch regenerierten Ionenaustauscher nach ausreichender Zugabe von Rückspülwasser erzielt wird. Die im Teilprogramm Zugabe einer Rückspülwassermenge zum Ausspülen der ausgetauschten Härtebildner aus dem regenerierten Ionenaustauscher zugegebene Rückspülwassermenge ist üblicherweise zur Vermeidung einer Verlängerung der Programmablaufzeit und unnötigen Wasserverbrauchs auf eine geringe Wassermenge begrenzt, die nur den größten Teil der Härtebildner aus dem Ionenaustauscher ausspült. Dieses Durchspülen des Ionenaustauschers wird dann in einem nachfolgenden Teilprogramm ohne Reinigerzugabe, um eine Verdünnung des Reinigers durch evtl. ausgespülte Solebestandteile zu vermeiden, fortgesetzt. Bei dem bekannten Verfahren nach DE-OS 33 16 685 erfolgt dies während dem Teilprogramm Vorspülen, bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren während des Teilprogramms Zwischenspülen. Daher ist es durch die Durchführung des Teilprogrammes Zugabe einer Solemenge zum Regenerieren des Ionenaustauschers in dem Teilprogramm Reinigen möglich, bei dem Teilprogramm Klarspülen die Geschirrspülmaschine mit der niedrigst möglichen Wasserhärte zu betreiben. Weiterhin wird durch das an das Teilprogramm Reinigen anschließende Teilprogramm Zugabe einer Rückspülwassermenge zum Ausspülen der ausgetauschten Härtebildner die im Pumpensumpf verbliebenen Speisereste aus dem Geschirrspüler gepumpt bevor das Teilprogramm Zwischenspülen beginnt. Dies verhindert eine Rückanschmutzung des Geschirrs beim Zwischenspülgang.The invention is based on the knowledge that the best softening result is achieved with a freshly regenerated ion exchanger after sufficient backwashing water has been added. The amount of backwashing water added in the sub-program adding a backwashing water to rinse out the exchanged hardness formers from the regenerated ion exchanger is usually limited to a small amount of water to avoid an extension of the program execution time and unnecessary water consumption, which only the majority of the hardness formulators wash out from the ion exchanger. This rinsing of the ion exchanger is then continued in a subsequent sub-program without addition of detergent in order to avoid dilution of the detergent by brine components which may have been rinsed out. In the known method according to DE-OS 33 16 685, this takes place during the pre-rinse sub-program, and in the method according to the invention during the sub-rinse sub-program. It is therefore possible, by carrying out the sub-program adding a brine quantity to regenerate the ion exchanger in the cleaning sub-program, to operate the dishwasher with the lowest possible water hardness in the rinse-off sub-program. Furthermore, by adding a backwash amount of water to rinse out the exchanged hardness constituents after the part program cleaning, the food residues remaining in the pump sump are pumped out of the dishwasher before the part program intermediate rinsing begins. This prevents the dishes from becoming dirty again during the intermediate rinse cycle.

Für die am Anfang eines neuen Programmablaufes und vor oder während des neuerlichen Regenerierens des Ionenaustauschers liegenden Teilprogramme Vorspülen und Reinigen wird zur Verbesserung des Reinigungsergebnisses, insbesondere bei Beimischung eines Reinigers, auch durch den Ionenaustauscher enthärtetes Wasser verwendet. Hierzu ist aber erfahrungsgemäß der Härtegrad des verwendeten Wassers nicht von der entscheidenden Bedeutung wie für das Teilprogramm Klarspülen.For the pre-rinsing and cleaning partial programs lying at the beginning of a new program sequence and before or during the renewed regeneration of the ion exchanger, water softened by the ion exchanger is also used to improve the cleaning result, in particular when a cleaner is added. Experience has shown that this is the case the degree of hardness of the water used is not of decisive importance as for the rinse sub-program.

Bei den bekannten Verfahren nach DE-A-23 12 126 und FR-A-23 25 348 wird das Teilprogramm Zugabe einer Solemenge zum Regenerieren des Ionenaustauschers und das Teilprogramm Zugabe einer Rückspülwassermenge zum Ausspülen der ausgetauschten Härtebildner aus dem regenerierten Ionenaustauscher im Teilprogramm Zwischenspülen, bei der FR-A-23 25 348 zwischen zwei Teilabschnitte des Teilprogramms Zwischenspülen durchgeführt, was zu den vorgenannten Nachteilen, insbesondere in einem erhöhten Wasserverbrauch zum vollständigen Ausspülen der ausgetauschten Härtebildner führt. Bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren wird das Durchspülen des Ionenaustauschers praktisch im Teilprogramm Zwischenspülen mit der gesamten zum Zwischenspülen verwendeten Wassermenge fortgesetzt, womit eine zusätzliche Wassermenge zum vollständigen Ausspülen der ausgetauschten Härtebildner nicht benötigt wird.In the known processes according to DE-A-23 12 126 and FR-A-23 25 348, the sub-program adding a brine quantity for regenerating the ion exchanger and the sub-program adding a backwashing water quantity for rinsing out the exchanged hardness formers from the regenerated ion exchanger in the sub-program intermediate rinsing FR-A-23 25 348 is carried out between two sections of the intermediate rinsing sub-program, which leads to the abovementioned disadvantages, in particular in an increased water consumption, to the complete rinsing out of the exchanged hardness formers. In the method according to the invention, the rinsing of the ion exchanger is practically continued in the intermediate rinsing sub-program with the entire amount of water used for the intermediate rinsing, with the result that an additional amount of water is not required to completely rinse out the exchanged hardness agents.

Ein direktes Ausleiten der aus dem Ionenaustauscher fließenden Solemenge während des Reinigens verursacht eine Verdünnung des zum Reinigen verwendeten Reinigungsmittels und ein nochmaliges Durchleiten durch den Ionenaustauscher führt zu dessen Rückanschmutzung, beides wird deshalb mit der vorteilhaften Maßnahme vermieden.A direct discharge of the amount of brine flowing from the ion exchanger during cleaning causes the cleaning agent used for cleaning to dilute and a repeated passage through the ion exchanger leads to its back soiling, both of which are therefore avoided with the advantageous measure.

Nach einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsform der Erfindung wird das Teilprogramm Zugabe einer Solemenge zum Regenerieren des Ionenaustauschers am Ende des Teilprogramms Reinigen durchgeführt und die aus dem Ionenaustauscher ausfließende Solemenge unter Umngehung des Vorratsbehälters abgeleitet.According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the sub-program adding a brine quantity for regenerating the ion exchanger is carried out at the end of the cleaning sub-program and the brine quantity flowing out of the ion exchanger is bypassed bypassing the storage container.

Nach einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausführung wird bei einer Geschirrspülmaschine die mit einem Einfüllbehälter, der mit Wasser aus dem Ionenaustauscher füllbar ist, ausgestattet ist, die aus dem Ionenaustauscher ausfließende Solemenge in dem Einfüllbehälter gespeichert.According to a further advantageous embodiment, in a dishwasher which is equipped with a filling container which can be filled with water from the ion exchanger, the amount of brine flowing out of the ion exchanger is stored in the filling container.

Da der Einfüllbehälter nach dem Beginn des Teilprogramms Reinigen leer ist, kann dieser zur Speicherung der Solemenge verwendet werden. Damit wird ein zusätzlicher Behälter vermieden und die Möglichkeit geschaffen, ohne zusätzliche Steuermittel, z.B. Ventile etc. unter Umgehung des Ionenaustauschers die gespeicherte Solemenge abzuleiten.Since the filling container is empty after the start of the cleaning sub-program, it can be used to store the brine quantity. An additional container is thus avoided and the possibility is created without additional control means, e.g. Valves etc. bypassing the ion exchanger to derive the stored amount of brine.

Anhand der Zeichnung wird im folgenden das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren näher erläutert.The method according to the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing.

Die Figur zeigt ein Programmablauf-Diagramm.The figure shows a program flow diagram.

Bei einer programmgesteuerten Geschirrspülmaschine, mit einer Enthärtungseinrichtung, bestehend aus einem Ionenaustauscher, einem Salzvorratsbehälter und einem Regenerierwasser-Vorratsbehälter ist der in der Figur gezeigte Programmablauf aus den Teilprogrammen Vorspülen, Reinigen, Zwischenspülen, Klarspülen, Trocknen, Zugabe einer Solemenge zum Regenerieren des Ionenaustauschers und Zugabe einer Rückspülwassermenge zum Ausspülen der ausgetauschten Härtebildner aus dem regenerierten Ionenaustauscher wählbar. In dem Programmablauf-Diagramm in der Figur sind die Zeiträume der Funktionen der für den Programmablauf wesentlichen Bestandteile der Geschirrspülmaschine, eines Steuergerätemotors eines Programmsteuergeräts, einer Umwälzpumpe, einer Laugenpumpe, eines Regenerierventils, eines Einfüllventils und einer Heizung in zugeordneten Spalten dargestellt, wobei die Einteilung in Zeitabständen die Schaltschritte des Programmsteuergerätes zeigt. In einer weiteren Spalte Funktionsabläufe sind die Funktionen der Geschirrspülmaschine wie folgt gekennzeichnet: F für Füllen der Geschirrspülmaschine mit Wasser durch Öffnen des Einlaufventiles; U für Umwälzen des evtl. mit einem Reiniger oder Klarspüler vermischten Wassers durch die Umwälzpumpe; H für Heizen des Wassers mittels der Heizung; Reg. für das Teilprogramm Zugabe einer Solemenge zum Regenerieren des Ionenaustauschers, das durch Öffnen des Regenerierventils eingeleitet wird; D für Durchspülen des Ionenaustauschers; und T für Trocknen. In dem Programmablauf-Diagramm in der Figur ist mit t der Programmzeitablauf bezeichnet. Mit t1 ist der Zeitraum für ein erstes Vorspül-Teilprogramm und mit t2 der Zeitraum für ein zweites Vorspül-Teilprogramm bezeichnet. Das Teilprogramm Reinigen findet in dem Zeitraum t3 statt. In dem Zeitraum des Teilprogrammes Reinigen t3 wird das Teilprogramm Zugabe einer Solemenge zum Regenerieren des Ionenaustauschers durchgeführt, wobei in der Figur mit I und mittels eines schraffierten Feldes in der Spalte Regenerierventil der Zeitpunkt der Einleitung des Teilprogrammes Zugabe einer Solemenge zum Regenerieren des Ionenaustauschers während des Teilprogrammes Reinigen und mit II und mittels eines ausgefüllten Feldes in der Spalte Regenerierventil die alternativ mögliche Anordnung des Teilprogrammes Zugabe einer Solemenge zum Regenerieren des Ionenaustauschers am Ende des Teilprogrammes Reinigen gezeigt ist. Um sicherzustellen, daß bei Durchführung des Teilprogramms Zugabe einer Solemenge zum Regenerieren des Ionenaustauschers während des Teilprogramms Reinigen die aus dem Ionenaustauscher ausfließende Solemenge nicht während des Reinigungsprozesses mit der Reinigerflüssigkeit vermischt wird, was bekannterweise zu einer Verdünnung der Reingierflüssigkeit und damit zu einer Vrschlechterung des Reinigungsergebnisses führt, wird die Solemenge in einem Vorratsbehälter gespeichert und am Ende des Teilprogramms Reinigen zur Verminderung der Rückanschmutzung des Ionenaustauschers unter Umgehung des Ionenaustauschers abgeleitet. Bei Geschirrspülmaschinen, die mit einem Einfüllbehälter, der mit Wasser aus dem Ionenaustauscher füllbar ist, ausgestattet ist, wird, da nach dem Beginn des Teilprogramms Reinigen der Einfüllbehälter leer ist, dieser als Vorratsbehälter zur Zwischenspeicherung der aus dem Ionenaustauscher ausfließenden Solemenge verwendet. Am Ende des Teilprogrammes Reinigen wird bei einem am Ausgang des Einfüllbehälters angeordneten Einfüllventil durch Öffnen des Einfüllventils oder, wenn der Einfüllbehälter, wie auch bekannt, durch einen Saugheber entleert wird, nach dem Teilprogramm Reinigen beim neuerlichen Füllen des Einfüllbehälters im erfindungsgemäß anschließenden Teilprogramm Zugabe einer Rückspülwassermenge zum Ausspülen der ausgetauschten Härtebildner aus dem regenerierten Ionenaustauscher, die zwischengespeicherte Solemenge ausgeleitet.In the case of a program-controlled dishwasher, with a softening device consisting of an ion exchanger, a salt reservoir and a regeneration water reservoir, the program sequence shown in the figure consists of the sub-programs prewashing, cleaning, intermediate rinsing, Rinsing, drying, adding an amount of brine to regenerate the ion exchanger and adding an amount of backwashing water to rinse out the exchanged hardness formers from the regenerated ion exchanger. The program sequence diagram in the figure shows the periods of the functions of the components of the dishwasher that are essential for the program sequence, a control unit motor of a program control unit, a circulation pump, a drain pump, a regeneration valve, a filling valve and a heater in assigned columns, the division into Intervals shows the switching steps of the program control unit. In a further column, functional sequences, the functions of the dishwasher are like marked as follows: F for filling the dishwasher with water by opening the inlet valve; U for circulating the water possibly mixed with a detergent or rinse aid through the circulating pump; H for heating the water by means of the heater; Reg. For the sub-program adding a quantity of brine to regenerate the ion exchanger, which is initiated by opening the regeneration valve; D for flushing the ion exchanger; and T for drying. In the program flow diagram in the figure, t denotes the program time sequence. T1 denotes the period for a first pre-rinse sub-program and t2 denotes the period for a second pre-rinse sub-program. The cleaning sub-program takes place in the period t3. In the period of the cleaning sub-program t3, the sub-program adding a brine quantity for regenerating the ion exchanger is carried out, in the figure with I and by means of a hatched field in the regeneration valve column, the time of initiation of the sub-program adding a brine quantity for regenerating the ion exchanger during the sub-program Clean and with II and by means of a filled-in field in the regeneration valve column the alternatively possible arrangement of the sub-program adding a brine quantity for regenerating the ion exchanger is shown at the end of the sub-program cleaning. To ensure that when carrying out the sub-program adding a brine quantity to regenerate the ion exchanger during the sub-program cleaning, the brine quantity flowing out of the ion exchanger is not mixed with the cleaning liquid during the cleaning process, which is known to lead to a dilution of the cleaning liquid and thus to a deterioration in the cleaning result , the amount of brine is stored in a storage container and discharged at the end of the cleaning sub-program to reduce the back contamination of the ion exchanger bypassing the ion exchanger. For dishwashers that are equipped with a filling container, which can be filled with water from the ion exchanger is used, since after the start of the sub-program cleaning the filling container is empty, it is used as a storage container for the temporary storage of the amount of brine flowing out of the ion exchanger. At the end of the cleaning sub-program, adding a backwash water quantity to a filling valve arranged at the outlet of the filling container by opening the filling valve or, if the filling container is emptied by a siphon, after the cleaning sub-program in the subsequent sub-program when the filling container is refilled for rinsing out the exchanged hardness formers from the regenerated ion exchanger, the temporarily stored amount of brine is discharged.

Der Zeitraum des an das Teilprogramm Reinigen anschließenden Teilprogramms Zugabe einer Rückspülwassermenge zum Ausspülen der ausgetauschten Härtebildner aus dem regenerierten Ionenaustauscher ist mit t4 bezeichnet. Der Zeitraum für das Teilprogramm Zwischenspülen ist mit t5 angegeben, der Zeitraum für das Klarspülen mit t6. Der Zeitraum für das Teilprogramm Trocknen ist mit t7 bezeichnet.The period of time of the sub-program following the sub-program cleaning is added by adding a quantity of backwash water for rinsing out the exchanged hardness formers from the regenerated ion exchanger. The time period for the intermediate rinse program is specified with t5, the time period for rinse aid with t6. The period for the drying sub-program is designated t7.

Wie schon erwähnt, ist es üblich, das Rückspülen des Ionenaustauschers im nächsten Teilprogramm ohne Zugabe eines Reinigers fortzusetzen Dafür ist vorteilhafterweise der Zeitraum des Teilprogrammes Zwischenspülen t5 genutzt. Beim Teilprogramm Zwischenspülen ist der Enthärtungsgrad des verwendeten Wassers noch von untergeordneter Bedeutung. Das Teilprogramm Klarspülen wird bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren anschließend an das Teilprogramm Zwischenspülen, in dem das Rückspülen des Ionenaustauschers vervollständig wurde, also mit dem aus dem regenerierten Ionenaustauscher auf den niedrigsten Grad enthärteten Wassers betriebenAs already mentioned, it is customary to continue the backwashing of the ion exchanger in the next sub-program without adding a cleaner. The period of the sub-program intermediate rinsing t5 is advantageously used for this. The degree of softening of the water used is still of minor importance in the intermediate rinse program. In the method according to the invention, the rinse-aid sub-program is carried out after the intermediate rinse sub-program in which the backwashing of the ion exchanger has been completed, that is to say with the water softened from the regenerated ion exchanger to the lowest degree

Claims (3)

  1. Method for the operation of a program- controlled dishwashing machine with a water-softening equipment consisting of an ion exchanger, a salt stock container and a regenerating water stock container, wherein the dishwashing machine is actuatable by rinsing programs selectable from the partial programs of preliminary rinsing, cleaning, intermediate rinsing, clear rinsing, drying, addition of a quantity of brine for the regeneration of the ion exchanger and of addition of a quantity of flushing water for flushing the exchanged hardness formers out of the regenerated ion exchanger, characterised thereby, that the partial program of addition of a quantity of brine for the regeneration of the ion exchanger is executed in the partial program of cleaning and, subsequent to the partial program of cleaning augmented by this partial program, is followed by the partial program of addition of a quantity of flushing water for flushing the exchanged hardness formers out of the regenerated ion exchanger, wherein the quantity of brine flowing out of the ion exchanger is stored in a stock container and conducted away while bypassing the ion exchanger either at the end of the partial program of cleaning or directly after the partial program of cleaning.
  2. Method according to claim 1, characterised thereby, that the partial program of addition of a quantity of brine for the regeneration of the ion exchanger is executed at the end of the partial program of cleaning and the quantity of brine flowing out of the ion exchanger is conducted away while bypassing the stock container.
  3. Method according to claim 1, wherein the dishwashing machine is equipped with a container which is fillable with water from the ion exchanger, characterised thereby, that the quantity of brine flowing out of the ion exchanger is stored in the feed container.
EP90107765A 1989-06-29 1990-04-24 Method for operating a program-controlled dishwasher Expired - Lifetime EP0405086B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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DE3921422 1989-06-29
DE3921422A DE3921422A1 (en) 1989-06-29 1989-06-29 METHOD FOR OPERATING A PROGRAM-CONTROLLED DISHWASHER

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EP0405086B1 true EP0405086B1 (en) 1993-11-10

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DE4125414A1 (en) * 1991-07-31 1993-02-04 Bosch Siemens Hausgeraete Program-controlled dishwasher operation - has water softening device to eliminate expulsion of hardening component during washing
DE4131791C1 (en) * 1991-09-24 1993-02-04 Bosch-Siemens Hausgeraete Gmbh, 8000 Muenchen, De Method for operating dishwasher - uses programmable water softening ion exchanger and regenerating water storage container
GR1001227B (en) * 1992-04-20 1993-06-30 Dimitrios Pachopoulos New-type dishwasher of high aesthetics and liturgicity.
DE4233934C2 (en) * 1992-10-08 1996-02-29 Bosch Siemens Hausgeraete Device for washing dishes
DE4233936C2 (en) * 1992-10-08 1996-02-01 Bosch Siemens Hausgeraete Process for washing dishes
DE4238450C2 (en) * 1992-11-13 1995-11-16 Bosch Siemens Hausgeraete Program-controlled household dishwasher
DE4413432C1 (en) * 1994-04-18 1995-08-31 Bauknecht Hausgeraete Programme-controlled dishwashing machine
IT1288831B1 (en) * 1996-11-15 1998-09-24 Bitron Spa PERFECTED DESCALER DEVICE
DE19903635A1 (en) * 1999-01-29 2000-08-10 Premark Feg Llc Small softener for dishwasher
DE19907074A1 (en) * 1999-02-19 2000-08-24 Bsh Bosch Siemens Hausgeraete Water-bearing household appliance, in particular household dishwasher
DE19940162A1 (en) * 1999-08-25 2001-03-01 Miele & Cie Method for providing soft water for washing dishes in a program-controlled dishwasher
DE19960307A1 (en) * 1999-12-14 2001-06-21 Bsh Bosch Siemens Hausgeraete Method for operating a program-controlled dishwasher
DE602006014090D1 (en) 2006-04-12 2010-06-17 Vestel Beyaz Esya Sanayi Ve Ti Saltwater removal process for dishwashers
DE102009026904A1 (en) * 2009-06-10 2010-12-16 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Dishwasher with a softening device and associated maintenance process

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DE2312126C2 (en) * 1973-03-10 1983-02-24 Bosch-Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH, 7000 Stuttgart Dishwasher with a rinsing container and an ion exchanger for softening fresh water
NL7609553A (en) * 1975-09-24 1977-03-28 Zanussi A Spa Industrie PROCEDURE FOR ADJUSTING THE WORK PROGRESS OF A DISHWASHER.
IT1156468B (en) * 1982-05-07 1987-02-04 Indesit MACHINE FOR WASHING WITH A PERFECTED RESIN REGENERATION PROCESS
DE3316685C2 (en) * 1983-05-06 1985-11-07 Bosch-Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH, 7000 Stuttgart Household dishwasher
DE3732452A1 (en) * 1987-09-25 1989-04-20 Bosch Siemens Hausgeraete PROGRAM-CONTROLLED HOUSEHOLD DISHWASHER

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ES2045623T3 (en) 1994-01-16
DE3921422C2 (en) 1991-09-19
DE3921422A1 (en) 1991-01-10
EP0405086A1 (en) 1991-01-02
DE59003411D1 (en) 1993-12-16
DD295977A5 (en) 1991-11-21

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