EP2319384B1 - Device for cleaning cutlery - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a system for cleaning dishes. The invention also relates to a method of cleaning dishes using such a system.

Household dishwashers are generally known ( EP 1 329 187 A2 ), whose metering systems are suitable for the storage of a larger amount of liquid rinse aid, in which case a fraction of this amount is metered into the washing container in each washing program. In addition, metering systems are known ( DE 199 28 040 A1 ), in which also liquid aftertreatment agents can be stored. These metering systems additionally have a receiving chamber, in which detergent in the form of powder or tablets is filled in each case for a rinse and which are then emptied by the program control during the corresponding program step in the washing. In these devices, it is considered disadvantageous that the user must fill with each rinse program cleaner in the receiving chamber. Another disadvantage is that the dosage of the cleaner is made by the user himself with a rough estimate of the actual amount required (when using powder) or without any possibility of variable dosage (when using tablets).

A storage of cleaning tablets or powder in large quantities in the range of influence of the washing container of a dishwasher has proved to be impractical, since these agents clump by the action of moisture and temperature increases and therefore are no longer automatically dosed, stick in their reservoirs or in their effect be affected.

There are also commercial cleaning and disinfecting equipment known ( DE 196 43 270 A1 ), in which from a sales container by means of a metering pump, the respectively required amount of active ingredient is supplied to the washing compartment of the device. A use of sales containers is not practical, since they require additional space or space inside the unit. In addition, an agent useful in household dishwashers having the same cleaning properties as conventional powders or tablets can not be stored in liquid or pasty formulation. The reason for this is the sensitivity of the enzymes required for starch and protein degradation to oxidizing substances, as required by an effective bleaching system. In liquid or pasty media, these counterparts can be separated less effectively than in powder or tablet cleaners. In the DE 10 2005 059 343 A1 becomes Therefore, a method for dosing of active ingredients in the washing compartment of a domestic dishwasher presented, in which a two-component cleaner is stored in two chambers of a reservoir.

From the WO 2008/145967 A1 It is known to stock a larger number of detergent portions in a magazine. This magazine is placed in the dishwasher and then dosed one portion per wash program automatically in the washing. Since this system is autonomous, the dishwasher can not cope with the peculiarities of the system or the purging additive used, and errors such as non-adjusted program parameters, improper use or simply a forgotten refilling of the magazine occur.

From the EP 1516576 B1 a dishwashing machine is known, which is adapted to the use of combination preparations in that a sensor is provided, with which the presence of the combination preparation, usually a so-called tab, is detectable. For this purpose, acoustic, optical, thermal or pneumatic sensors or sensors with which changes in the wash liquor with respect to the pH, temperature, turbidity, foaming or concentration are detectable. It is disadvantageous that with the first sensor group very different types of tabs are distinguishable and the measurement results of the second sensor group are easily distorted by the staining of the dishes.

The DE 20115173 U1 describes a dishwasher, which recognizes the type of Spülzusatzes by identification marks on Spülzusatz containers. Such containers are usually used only in commercial dishwashers, because only these are equipped with the required metering pumps.

The DE 10260144 A1 discloses a domestic appliance with a control device and a metering device to be placed in the washing container, which communicate with each other in a radio-based manner.

The DE 102008027284 A1 describes a dosing device for a household appliance, with a designated for whereabouts at a specified location in the washing compartment console and a recordable in the console removable unit in which the detergent is included or fillable. The metering device can also communicate with the household appliance by radio.

The invention thus raises the problem of producing the greatest possible user-friendliness in a system of the type mentioned. The invention also poses the problem of disclosing suitable or better still advantageous methods for cleaning dishes using the system according to the invention.

According to the invention, this problem is solved by a system having the features of patent claim 1 or by a method having the features of claim 6. Advantageous embodiments and modifications of the invention will become apparent from the respective following subclaims.

The inventive system for cleaning dishes consists of a dishwasher with a rinsing container and with a control device having a sensor for detecting a property of a rinsing additive, and from a metering device comprising a magazine from which a number of rinse additive portions successively in the Rinsing can be dosed. In this case, an encoder is arranged or can be arranged on the magazine, with which an identifiable by the controller signal of the sensor can be triggered and in the washing and / or on the magazine holding means are arranged, through which the encoder can be brought into a defined position to the sensor. This ensures that the sensor cooperating with the controller is always able to reliably recognize the inserted magazine and accordingly to adapt the further program sequence.

It has proved to be expedient if the control device with the sensor is arranged in a door which closes an opening on the front side of the washing container. In this case, a first possibility is to arrange holding means on the door. In an advantageous embodiment, holding means are arranged on a dishwashing basket arranged in the washing container, preferably on its side adjacent to the door. As a result, on the one hand with the door closed a close spatial proximity between the sensor and encoder possible, which produces a good communication between these two components, on the other hand, the user can remove the magazine from an ergonomically favorable position for him and use again.

The sensor can be magnetically, electromagnetically, optically or mechanically activated. In particular, the possibility of a magnetic activation appears to be advantageous, because then no openings on the inner panel of the door must be made, if this is made as usual from stainless steel.

According to the invention, the encoder is fastened or attachable to a cover arranged on the magazine. In this way, on the one hand the opening of the lid can be easily detected by the fact that the signal flow is interrupted by the encoder to the sensor. The controller can detect in this way that the magazine is refilled and react accordingly. On the other hand, the lid is a place easily accessible to the user. For example, he can easily attach a donor supplied with the dishwasher to a designated place.

Another object of the invention is a method for cleaning dishes, which makes use of the system described above and is set in accordance with the control of the dishwasher in motion. For this purpose, the controller recognizes the filling of the magazine from the sensor signal and activates an optical or acoustic level indicator. The user thus knows when the magazine is empty and refilling is necessary. Alternatively or additionally, the remaining supply of rinse additive portions can be displayed. The recognition of the filling can, as described above, by the opening of the lid and the associated interruption of the signal flow be implemented by the encoder to the sensor. This is particularly easy if the magazine is attached to the door and the encoder always has the same distance to the sensor. Otherwise, appropriate measures must be taken in the area of the encoder, which generate a signal change when the cover is removed.

• Unterdrücken einer Spülzusatz-Zugabe aus einer weiteren Dosiereinrichtung;
• Vorverlegen des Zeitpunktes einer Trübungsmessung der Spülflüssigkeit;
• Abgabe eines Hinweises in einer Warn- oder Anzeigevorrichtung, wenn ein gewähltes Programm nicht für den sensierten Spülzusatz geeignet ist;
• Ändern oder Abbrechen des Programmablaufs, wenn ein gewähltes Programm nicht für den sensierten Spülzusatz geeignet ist;
• Unterdrücken oder Verringern der Anzahl von Zwischenspül-Abschnitten;
• Verkürzen der Dauer von Zwischenspül-Abschnitten;
• Heizen in Zwischenspül-Abschnitten;
• Unterdrücken oder Verringern der Zugabe von Klarspülmittel im Klarspül-Programmabschnitt;
• Erhöhung der Flottentemperatur im Klarspül-Programmabschnitt;
• Verlängern der Dauer des Klarspül-Programmabschnitts;
• Unterdrücken eines Regeneriervorgangs für eine Enthärtereinrichtung;
• Unterdrücken einer Enthärtung der Spülflüssigkeit in einzelnen oder allen wasserführenden Programmabschnitten;
• Unterdrücken von Klarspüler- und/oder Regeneriersalz-Mangelanzeigen.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, when the use of a rinsing additive from the magazine is detected, the controller adjusts the program sequence of the dishwasher. In the simplest form, it is assumed that there is only one type of rinse additive portions to fill the magazine. Then it is sufficient to recognize the presence of the magazine and to react with the corresponding program changes. If different rinse additives can be stored in magazines, different or changeable encoders can be used, so that the user of the program control can communicate the type of rinsing additive used via the sensor signal. The adaptation of the program sequence to the flushing additive can be carried out by at least one of the following method steps:

• Suppressing a rinse additive addition from a further dosing device;
• Advancing the time of a turbidity measurement of the rinsing liquid;
• Providing a hint in a warning or indicating device if a selected program is not suitable for the sensed rinse additive;
• Changing or aborting the program sequence if a selected program is not suitable for the sensed rinse additive;
• Suppressing or reducing the number of intermediate rinse sections;
• Shortening the duration of intermediate rinse sections;
• Heating in intermediate rinse sections;
• Suppressing or reducing the addition of rinse aid in the rinse program section;
• Increase in float temperature in the rinse program section;
• Increasing the duration of the rinse program section;
• Suppressing a regeneration process for a softening device;
• Suppressing softening of the rinsing liquid in individual or all water-bearing program sections;
• Suppress rinse aid and / or regeneration salt deficiency displays.

Figur 1

einen Längsschnitt durch ein erfindungsgemäßes System, bestehend aus einer Geschirrspülmaschine und einer Dosiereinrichtung;

Figur 2

die für die Erfindung wesentlichen Teile des Systems als Einzelheit;

Figuren 3, 4

verschiedene Varianten zur Befestigung der Dosiereinrichtung

Figuren 5, 6

verschiedene Varianten von Gebern und Sensoren

An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and will be described in more detail below. It shows

FIG. 1

a longitudinal section through a system according to the invention, consisting of a dishwasher and a metering device;

FIG. 2

the parts of the system essential to the invention as a detail;

FIGS. 3, 4

Various variants for attaching the metering device

FIGS. 5, 6

different variants of encoders and sensors

FIG. 1 shows the inventive system 1 in the form of a schematic diagram. In the illustrated dishwasher 2, a side wall is removed and thus a view of the interior of the washing container 3 is possible. In the washing container 3, two baskets, an upper basket 4 and a lower basket 5, in pull-out (not shown) from the container 3 are arranged in a known manner. The baskets 4 and 5 are used to hold items to be washed (not shown), which irrigates with the aid of associated spray arms 6 and 7 with rinsing liquid and thereby can be cleaned. The rinsing container 3 has on its front side an opening 8, which is closable by a door 9 pivotally mounted in the lower region. The door 9 is constructed of an outer panel 10 and an inner panel 11 connected at the edges. This results in a cavity 12, which receives a device control 13, switching elements 14 and signal lines 15 in the upper area. In the middle area are parts of one of the EP 1 329 187 A2 known Kombidosiergerätes 16 arranged in the door 9. The Kombidosiergerät 16 is used in addition to the dosage of rinse aid for program-controlled delivery of a single amount of detergent in powder or tab, which the user before the start of the program in a designated receptacle (not shown) deposited. On the door 9 also controls 17 and a display 18 or a similar display device are also arranged in the upper area.

The dishwasher shown is additionally equipped with a metering device 20, whose structure in the WO 2008/145967 A1 and their functioning in the WO 2008/053191 is described. This metering device 20 comprises a magazine 21 which receives a number of rinse additive portions 22. The magazine 21 is in the FIG. 2 shown as a detail, while the rinse additive portions 22 are recognizable in an outbreak. It is able to dose one of the rinse additive portions 22 in the washing container 3 in each washing program. The magazine 21 comprises a removable lid 23 and a lower part 24. In FIG. 2 is also apparent that in the washing container 3 and the magazine 21 cooperating holding means are provided, with which the magazine 21 can be placed at a defined location within the washing container 3. For this purpose, the lower part 24 is provided with a hook 25 which can be suspended in a strut 26. The strut 26 may be part of one of the baskets 4 or 5, preferably the upper basket 4. It is particularly advantageous if the strut 26 is arranged on the side adjacent to the door of the dish rack. The FIGS. 3 and 4 show other possible holding means, so shows FIG. 3 an annular holder 27 and FIG. 4 a backdrop 28 with a matching counterpart 29. In an embodiment, not shown in the figures, the magazine 21 be an integral part of the dishwasher 2, in which the lower part 24 is attached either to a dish rack 4 or 5 or to the door 9.

Furthermore, an encoder 30, which communicates with a sensor 31 and excites it to emit a signal, is arranged on the metering device 20. From the sensor signal, the device controller 13 detects the presence of the encoder 30 and thus the equipment of the dishwasher 2 with the metering device 20. Die FIG. 5 shows the simplest encoder-sensor combination in the form of a magnetic encoder 301 on the magazine cover 23 and an inductive sensor 311 in the door. 9 FIG. 6 FIG. 12 shows an encoder 302 having a design shape identifiable by an optical sensor 312. Here are simple graphic patterns such as barcodes o. Ä. Conceivable, but also holograms and the like. Alternative donor-sensor combinations not shown in the drawings are mechanically constructed or use RFID. The encoders 30 may also be arranged on at least one of the rinse additive portions 22 itself. If different types of rinse additives are offered, the transmitter 30 can then also convey information about the respective type of rinse additive 22 that has been stored in a magazine. For this purpose, this information, for example in the form of a bar code (not shown) may be printed on the rinse additive portions 22 and detected by a window in the magazine by the optical sensor. Such an option is also possible if the encoder 30 is indeed arranged on the magazine 21, but can be influenced in such a way that the signal generated at the sensor 31 also depends on the type of flushing additive 22. Instead of a fixed arrangement on the magazine 21 or the rinse additive 22 and a donor 30 is conceivable, which is supplied with the dishwasher 2 and is then attached by the user on the magazine 21 or the rinse additive 22 at a designated location.

With the system 1 according to the invention, the device control 13 can detect the removal of the magazine lid 23 when the sensor signal is interrupted. If then a renewed approach of the lid 23 is sensed, the device controller 13 can conclude that the magazine 21 has been filled. Subsequently, it can calculate the fill level of the magazine 21 by counting the processed programs and activate a corresponding optical or acoustic level indicator, for example in the display 18. As a result, the user can be informed in good time of a need to refill the magazine 21.

• Es wird die Öffnung der Reinigerklappe 33 des Kombidosiergerätes 16 unterdrückt und damit eine weitere Reinigerzugabe verhindert.

In addition, after an identification of the transmitter 30 and the associated use of the magazine rinse additive 22, the device controller 13 may perform at least one of the following program adjustments:

• The opening of the cleaning flap 33 of the Kombidosiergerätes 16 is suppressed and thus prevents further detergent addition.

If an automatic program is selected, the usual turbidity measurement is not carried out after approx. 10 minutes of water circulation in order to decide whether the water should be changed in the event of severe turbidity or otherwise used. This decision would be falsified by the previously solved amount of cleaners, because this produces a cloudiness. Instead, the turbidity is measured after only 1-2 minutes of water circulation, and the decision on a water change is made on the basis of another, lower threshold value.

If a quick program is selected, the customer is shown on the display 18 that the magazined cleaning agent does not match the program because it does not dissolve quickly enough. The program duration in the cleaning program section is extended so that the cleaner can dissolve completely and is not dragged into the rinse cycle and produces very unsightly deposits on the items to be washed. Alternatively, a program start can be suppressed and the user can be prompted to redial a suitable program.

The from the WO 2008/145967 A1 and the WO 2008/053191 known metering device 20 detects the implementation of a new program and the associated need for a new dosage by the temperature difference of hot (when circulating the heated rinsing liquor during the program flow) too cold (after the program end). If very cold water is used in the intermediate rinsing, the second water inlet, where the appliance has already cooled down, can cause a second, unwanted dosing due to the strong cooling. This can be prevented. The necessary program changes may then consist in a suppression of a second intermediate rinse program section, a shortening of the intermediate rinse program sections or a heating in the intermediate rinse program sections.

• Unterdrücken oder Verringern der Zugabe von Klarspülmittel im Klarspül-Programmabschnitt;
• Erhöhung der Flottentemperatur im Klarspül-Programmabschnitt;
• Verlängern der Dauer des Klarspül-Programmabschnitts;
• Unterdrücken eines Regeneriervorgangs für eine Enthärtereinrichtung;
• Unterdrücken einer Enthärtung der Spülflüssigkeit in einzelnen oder allen wasserführenden Programmabschnitten;
• Unterdrücken von Klarspüler- und/oder Regeneriersalz-Mangelanzeigen.

In addition to the above measures, which may be required for any type of flushing additive, the device control can also make adjustments to special flushing additives. If, for example, a combination cleaner with rinse-aid and softener additives is detected as a magazineable rinse additive 22 - either by the special sensor described above or because it can be assumed that only such a cleaner is offered as a magazineable rinse additive 22 - at least one of the following adaptations is carried out:

• Suppressing or reducing the addition of rinse aid in the rinse program section;
• Increase in float temperature in the rinse program section;
• Increasing the duration of the rinse program section;
• Suppressing a regeneration process for a softening device;
• Suppressing softening of the rinsing liquid in individual or all water-bearing program sections;
• Suppress rinse aid and / or regeneration salt deficiency displays.

Claims (8)

1. System (1) for cleaning crockery, consisting of

   • a dishwasher (2) comprising a washing container (3) and a control device (13) which has a sensor (31, 311, 312) for detecting a property of a rinsing additive,

   • a dosing means (20) comprising a hopper (21) from which a number of rinsing-additive portions (22) may be dosed in succession into the washing container (3),
   a sensing element (30, 301, 302) being arranged or being able to be arranged on the hopper (21), using which sensing element a signal from the sensor (31) can be triggered, which signal can be identified by the control device (13), characterised in that the sensing element (30, 301, 302) is fixed or can be fixed to a lid (23) arranged on the hopper (21) and in that retaining means (25 to 29) are arranged in the washing container (3) and/or on the hopper (21), by means of which retaining means the sensing element (30, 301, 302) can be brought into a defined position relative to the sensor (31) so that a signal flow can be established between the sensing element and the sensor, the signal flow from the sensing element (30, 301, 302) to the sensor (31, 311, 32) being interrupted, or a signal change being produced, by opening the lid (23).
2. System (1) according to claim 1,
   characterised in that
   the control device (13) is arranged, together with the sensor (31, 311, 312), in a door (9) which closes an opening (8) in the front side of the washing container (3).
3. System (1) according to claim 2,
   characterised in that
   the retaining means are arranged on the door (9).
4. System according to claim 2,
   characterised in that
   the retaining means (26, 29) are arranged on a dish rack (4, 5) arranged in the washing container, preferably on the side thereof adjacent to the door (9).
5. System (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that the sensor (31, 311, 312) can be activated magnetically, electromagnetically, optically or mechanically.
6. Method for cleaning crockery using a system (1) having the features of any of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the control device (13) detects the filling of the hopper (21) from an interruption or change to the signal flow, and the subsequent restoration of the signal flow, caused by the lid (23) being opened, and activates an optical or acoustic fill-level indication (18).
7. Method for cleaning crockery according to claim 6,
   characterised in that
   the control device (13) adapts the program sequence of the dishwasher (2) when it detects the use of a rinsing additive (22) from the hopper (21).
8. Method for cleaning crockery according to claim 7,
   characterised in that
   the program sequence is adapted to the rinsing additive (22) by at least one of the following method steps:

   • suppressing the addition of rinsing additive from a further dosing means (16);

   • bringing forward the point in time at which the turbidity of the rinsing fluid is measured;

   • outputting a piece of information in a warning- or display device (18) if a selected program is not suitable for the detected rinsing additive (22);

   • changing or terminating the program sequence if a selected program is not suitable for the detected rinsing additive (22);

   • suppressing or reducing the number of intermediate rinsing portions;

   • shortening the duration of intermediate rinsing portions;

   • heating in intermediate rinsing portions;

   • suppressing or reducing the addition of rinsing agent in the rinsing program portion;

   • raising the temperature of the solution in the rinsing program portion;

   • prolonging the duration of the rinsing program portion;

   • suppressing a regeneration process for a softener device;

   • suppressing softening of the rinsing fluid in individual or in all water-conducting program portions;

   • suppressing displays regarding a lack of rinsing agent and/or regeneration salt.

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