EP2413773B1 - Dishwashing machine - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a dishwasher, in particular household dishwasher, at least comprising a washing container for receiving items to be cleaned, which can be cleaned at least during a cleaning step with detergent addition.

In dishwashers, especially household dishwashers, the reduction of energy consumption is of great importance. A reduction in energy consumption can be achieved through the use of so-called low-temperature programs, for example in conjunction with suitable low-temperature cleaners in which liquid, that is, water to which optional cleaning agent has been added, is brought to a maximum temperature of e.g. 50 ° C is heated. However, the continuous use of such low-temperature programs has the consequence that greasy dirt films can accumulate in the interior of the washing container. To eliminate such greasy films of dirt, a special machine cleaner can be used, but requires a separate cleaning cycle of an otherwise unloaded dishwasher, in which case an operation of at least 65 ° C is required. Alternatively, instead of a low temperature program to remove greasy soil films having a certain frequency, a normal or high temperature program may be used wherein liquid is heated to a maximum temperature of e.g. about 65 ° C or about 75 ° C in an intensive program is heated, are selected. The selection can be selected by an operator manually or automatically by the dishwasher itself. However, this increases as well as the operation of an otherwise empty dishwasher the energy needs.

One way to prevent the deposition of impurities, especially in the door area of a dishwasher from the outset, proposes the US 2006/0096615 A1 in front. In order to ensure that the said impurities are flushed out after each rinsing cycle, the circulating pump is stopped after a cleaning section for a certain time, so that the liquid level within the dishwasher rises to a certain level due to backwashing rinsing liquid. As a result, impurities are finally swept into the area of an outlet and can in this way be disposed of the dishwasher. However, the rinsing liquid is cooled down again in the sections in which the circulating pump is stopped, so that subsequent reheating must take place.

Therefore, the object of the invention is to develop a dishwasher to the effect that a cleaning of the washing container is possible with the lowest possible energy consumption.

The object of the invention is based on a dishwasher, in particular household dishwasher, at least comprising a rinsing container for receiving items to be cleaned, which can be cleaned at least during a step pre-rinsing and / or cleaning with detergent.

According to the invention, it is provided that a rinsing container cleaning program is provided with a lower wiping cleaning performance than in the step pre-rinsing and / or cleaning, during which at least temporarily inner surfaces of the rinsing container can be acted upon with liquid to remove fat deposits at least in the rinsing container. That is, the rinse tank cleaning program has a reduced cleaning performance with respect to items to be cleaned. In contrast to operation with a normal or high temperature program, the rinse tank cleaning program is designed so that substantially only the side walls, the rear wall and the inner door of the rinse tank and a screen covering the sump, which prevents particles from entering the circulation pump and There may cause a blockade is cleaned, while a loading of items does not substantially and therefore no heating of the dishes. Thus, the rinsing container cleaning program allows an energy-efficient cleaning of the rinsing container and also the sieve, so that a blockage of the sieve is prevented by greasy deposits.

In a further development, it is provided that the rinsing container cleaning program is a sub-step of a rinsing program having at least one step of pre-rinsing and / or cleaning with the addition of detergent. Such a rinsing program may include, for example, the steps of pre-rinsing, cleaning, intermediate rinsing, Rinse and dry. During the step of pre-rinsing, items to be washed are added without liquid detergent, for example water, while in the step, items to be washed are added with liquid which is heated to a maximum temperature, for example 50 ° C. In the intermediate rinse step, the items to be washed are treated with non-heated water and without addition of detergent, while in the rinse stage, the cleaned items are treated with water added with a rinse aid acting as a relaxation agent and then dried during the drying stage. Characterized in that the Spülbehälterreinigungsprogramm is a sub-step of a step pre-wash and / or cleaning with detergent addition, the cleaning of the washing can be done during a normal Spülprogrammdurchlaufs for cleaning items. Thus, no additional Spülprogrammdurchlauf an otherwise empty dishwasher is required, so that the total energy consumption is reduced. At the same time it is thus possible to combine the cleaning of a washing container with the cleaning of items to be washed, which also reduces the time required in addition to the energy consumption.

It is provided in a development that the washing container cleaning program before the step pre-wash and / or cleaning is executable. If e.g. a step pre-rinsing is provided, is applied to the cleaned items to be washed with heated liquid to achieve an increased cleaning performance compared to a normal pre-rinsing with application of items with unheated liquid, the Spülbehälterreinigungsprogramm may be a first step of a multi-step washing program. Alternatively, it is provided that before the cleaning step with the addition of a cleaning agent, the washing container cleaning program is performed.

In a further development, it is provided that a cleaning agent can be dissolved during the washing container cleaning program. This improves the cleaning of the washing by the cleaning effect of the dissolved detergent, wherein by appropriate control of an adding device of the dishwasher for dispensing a detergent release of the detergent in the washing takes place at the beginning of the Spülbehälterreinigungsprogramms.

In another embodiment, it is provided that a cleaning agent after the Spülbehälterreinigungsprogramm is resolvable, that is, for example, during the subsequent step cleaning. Here, the washing is cleaned without the support of the cleaning effect of the detergent, for example by only heated water is used. Regardless of whether the detergent is dissolved after the rinse tank cleaning program, the period of dissolution of the detergent may extend from the beginning of the rinse tank cleaning program to the cleaning step itself.

Furthermore, it is provided according to the invention that a wetting of items to be washed with liquid during the washing container cleaning program is less than during the pre-washing and / or cleaning step. As a result, a significant energy saving is possible because no energy or a smaller amount of energy must be spent during the Spülbehälterreinigungsprogramms for heating ware than during the cleaning step, since no impingement or at most a small admission of items to be washed with heated liquid. Thus, associated cooling of the circulated liquid with deterioration of the cleaning effect in the removal of the grease deposit is avoided.

For this purpose, it is provided in a development that a circulated during the Spülbehälterreinigungsprogramms liquid is at least temporarily feasible along a path which extends along a first portion substantially parallel to a cover of a washing and along a second section substantially parallel to side walls, rear wall and / or door of the washing container of the dishwasher extends. Thus, liquid is passed along the ceiling and the side walls, the rear wall and the inner door of baskets, which are provided in the washing container for receiving items to be cleaned during the Spülbehälterreinigungsprogramm.

In a further development, it is provided that a plurality of purging devices arranged one above the other in several levels are provided for the admission of items to be washed with liquid, wherein the topmost spray device can be operated during the washing container cleaning program. The spraying devices arranged in the planes can be a lower and an upper spray arm act, which are associated with a lower or upper crockery basket, as well as a top spray designed as a shower head, which is arranged on the ceiling of the spray container. In this case, the overhead shower is operated such that the circulated liquid is discharged at the outlet from the overhead shower substantially parallel to the ceiling of the washing.

In a further development, it is provided that a first quantity of liquid can be circulated during the rinsing container cleaning program, and during the step of pre-rinsing and / or cleaning a second quantity of liquid can be recirculated, the first quantity of liquid being smaller than the second quantity of liquid. As a result, a further energy saving during the Spülbehälterreinigungsprogramm is possible because only a smaller amount of liquid must be circulated. This can be a lot of 2 to 3 liters.

It is provided in a development that at least temporarily, the first amount of liquid at a higher first pressure is recirculatable than the second liquid volume circulated at a lower second pressure. Due to the increased pressure, the removal rate can be increased when circulating the first amount of liquid due to the higher kinetic energy, in particular no attention must be paid to unwanted damage to sensitive items, since the first amount of liquid does not come into contact with the items to be washed.

In a further development, a circulating pump for circulating liquid is provided, which is operable at least at a high and a low speed, wherein the circulating pump at least temporarily during the Spülbehälterreinigungsprogramms with the high speed and at least temporarily during the step pre-wash and / or cleaning with the low Speed is operable. Thus, by simply changing the speed of the circulation pump, the higher, first pressure and the lower, second pressure can be adjusted. In addition, it is thus easy to guide liquid along the first section of the path.

Furthermore, it is provided in a development that during the Spülbehälterreinigungsprogramms a first amount of liquid to a first maximum temperature is heatable, which is higher than a second maximum temperature to which a second amount of liquid during the pre-rinse and / or cleaning step is heatable. This again allows a significant reduction in energy consumption, since only the first amount of liquid for cleaning the washing container is heated to the higher, first maximum temperature, while the second amount of liquid is heated to the cleaning of items to the second, lower maximum temperature. It is particularly advantageous and energy-saving if the first quantity of liquid, which is heated to a first, higher maximum temperature, is smaller than the second quantity of liquid which is used during the pre-rinse and / or cleaning step.

It is provided in a development that the temperature difference between the maximum temperatures is at least substantially between 5 ° C and 50 ° C, preferably between 10 ° C and 25 ° C. Thus, an effective removal of grease deposits is guaranteed and at the same time given an energy-saving operation with cleaning of items to be washed.

In a further development, it is provided that in the second, larger amount of liquid, the first, smaller amount of liquid is included. That is, at the end of a wash program having at least one rinsing tank cleaning program and a subsequent step pre-rinsing and / or cleaning, first the smaller, first liquid amount is heated to a first, higher maximum temperature and at the beginning of the step, fresh water from a house-side water supply network or a buffer of the dishwasher added until the second amount of liquid is filled in the dishwasher, for example. 1 to 3 liters. In this case, a heating of the second amount of liquid, for example, during the cleaning step to achieve the required cleaning effect is not required, since the resulting mixture temperature of the first smaller amount of liquid and the second liquid amount, the second, lower maximum temperature of, for example, 50 ° C. Thus, the energy applied in the Spülbehälterreinigungsprogramm for heating the first smaller amount of liquid to the first higher maximum temperature in the subsequent cleaning step is used again for cleaning to be cleaned items, so that a particularly energy-saving operation is possible or It is a pre-wash with heated liquid and thus increased cleaning line allows no additional energy needs.

Furthermore, the object is achieved by a method for operating a dishwasher, in particular a domestic dishwasher, while the arranged in a washing container is cleaned at least during a step pre-washing and / or cleaning with detergent, wherein during a Spülbehälterreinigungsprogramm with a lower Spülgut-cleaning performance when in the pre-rinsing and / or cleaning step, fatty deposits in the rinsing container are removed by subjecting the items to washing with liquid, wicks being wetted during the rinsing container cleaning program being less than during the pre-rinsing and / or cleaning with liquid step.

Further developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Geschirrspülmaschine, und

Fig. 2

eine schematische Darstellung eines Füllstandsvertaufs bei Betrieb einer erfindungsgemäßen Geschirrspülmaschine.

In the following the invention will be explained with reference to a drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of an embodiment of a dishwasher according to the invention, and

Fig. 2

a schematic representation of a Füllstandsvertaufs when operating a dishwasher according to the invention.

It is going on first FIG. 1 Referenced.

Shown in the present embodiment, designed as a household dishwasher dishwasher GS. The dishwasher GS has a washing container SB for receiving items to be cleaned. For this purpose, extendable baskets GK are arranged in the rinse tank SB. For loading and unloading, the washing container SB can be opened or closed by means of a door (not shown) formed from an outer door and an inner door.

The lower of the two baskets GK is associated with a rotating lower spray arm US, while the upper dish basket GK is associated with an upper rotating spray arm OS. Furthermore, on the ceiling DE of the washing container SB as a Roof shower DB trained sprayer arranged. For circulating liquid, for example water, to which cleaning agent or rinse aid may be added, the lower spray arm US and the upper spray arm OS and the overhead shower DB are connected in liquid-conducting manner to a circulation pump UP which sucks the liquid accumulating in the pump sump PS of the dishwasher GS and the lower spray arm US, the upper spray arm OS and / or the roof shower DB supplies. To be able to supply either the lower spray arm US, the upper spray arm OS or the overhead shower DB individually or in any groups or all at the same time with liquid, a water diverter WW between the circulation pump UP and the secondary lines (not shown) is provided. Between the rinsing tank SB and the pump sump PS, a sieve S is provided with which particles can be kept away from the circulation pump UP and thus it is ensured that such particles can not cause a blockade of the circulation pump UP. For the selected control of the lower spray arm US, the upper spray arm OS or the shower head DB a control device (not shown) is provided, which controls both the circulation pump UP and the water diverter WW during operation of the dishwasher.

It is now additionally on FIG. 2 Referenced.

A washing program for cleaning items to be washed usually has the steps of pre-rinse V, cleaning R, intermediate rinsing Z, rinsing K and drying T. During the pre-rinsing V, the soiled items to be washed are treated with unheated liquid without cleaning agent, so that coarse soiling can be removed by the mechanical action of the liquid or of the water. This is followed by the cleaning R step, in which the items to be washed are cleaned with heated liquid and with the addition of detergent, the liquid being e.g. can be heated to a maximum temperature of about 50 ° C.

This is followed by a step Intermediate rinsing Z, during which the cleaned items to be washed are treated with unheated liquid without the addition of detergent. Now follows the step rinsing, during which, for example, the cleaned items to be treated with rinse aid, ie with relaxation agents, added water, which may be provided to prepare the subsequent step dry T, the liquid to heat, for example, to temperatures of 60 ° C to 70 ° C. In the last step, the drying T, the drying of the cleaned items to be washed, for example by self-heat drying takes place. It can be deviating provided to hide individual steps in variants of a wash program, such as the step pre-rinse V, individual steps such as the intermediate rinse Z several times, for example twice to perform, or even during the pre-rinse V to clean dishes to be cleaned with heated liquid to to increase the cleaning performance.

In order to remove grease deposits in the washing container SB of the dishwasher GS, in particular on the side walls SW, on the rear wall RW and on the inner door (not shown) of the washing container SB, but also for removing grease deposits from the sieve S, a Spülbehälterreinigungsprogramm RP is provided.

The rinse tank cleaning program RP is performed after the pre-wash V and before the cleaning R step. This means that with a dishwasher GS with this rinsing tank cleaning program RP it is also possible to clean and dry ware and to eliminate greasy deposits in the rinse tank SB and also from the sieve S.

For this purpose, during the pre-rinsing V, an amount of liquid Q2, for example 4 to 5 liters, circulated by operation of the circulation pump UP and with the lower spray arm US, the upper spray arm OS and / or the roof shower DB on the arranged in the baskets GK ware with unheated Liquid, for example, water applied to remove coarse soiling.

After completion of the pre-rinsing V, the amount of liquid Q2 is conveyed to a house-side sanitation network with a drain pump (not shown). To carry out the following rinsing container cleaning program RP, the dishwasher GS is then filled with a quantity of liquid Q1, for example 2 to 3 liters of water. Further, by a controller, the water switch WW is placed in such a position that only the overhead shower DB is supplied with liquid, while the lower spray arm US and the upper spray arm OS are not supplied with liquid and as a result also do not rotate during the Spülbehälterreinigungsprogramm RP , The circulation pump UP during the Spülbehreinigungsprogramm RP operated at a speed which is higher than the speed at which the circulation pump UP during the pre-wash step V and / or the subsequent step cleaning R is operated. Thus, the liquid amount Q1 is circulated at a higher pressure during the purge tank cleaning program RP than during the pre-purge V and / or the purge R.

Hereby it is achieved that the liquid quantity Q1 moves during the washing container cleaning program RP along a path W, which is formed by a first portion ABI and a second portion ABII. The path W in the region of the first section ABI runs essentially parallel to the ceiling DE of the washing container SB, while the path in the second section ABII extends substantially parallel to the two side walls SW, the rear wall RW and the inner door (not shown) the amount of liquid Q1 does not come into contact with the items to be washed placed in the dishwashing baskets GK.

In order to increase the cleaning performance during the Spülbehreinreinigungsprogramm RP, it is provided that the liquid quantity Q1 is heated, for example to a temperature of 60 ° to 80 ° C. It is achieved by the guidance of the amount of liquid Q1 along the path W, that the circulated amount of liquid Q1 is not cooled by contact with the cold items in the baskets GK and thus unnecessary energy is lost, which would increase the total energy demand. Finally, in order to increase the cleaning effect of the rinsing tank cleaning program RP, provision may already be made for a cleaning agent already during the rinsing tank cleaning program RP, i. before the beginning of the cleaning step R dissolve, z. B. in which an adding device (not shown) by a control device (not shown) is driven such that the release of a cleaning agent is caused.

If the dishwasher GS has a dispensing bowl (not shown), for example, associated with a dish rack GK, in which a cleaning agent is to be dissolved, it is also possible to dissolve the cleaning agent during the washing container cleaning program RP by targeted actuation of the lower spray arm US or the upper spray arm OS to effect, provided by operation of the lower spray arm US or the upper spray arm OS an admission the Einspülschale with liquid is possible. Alternatively, a dissolution of the cleaning agent can also take place only with the beginning of the cleaning step R, so that removal of greasy deposits in the rinsing container SB during the rinsing container cleaning program RP occurs essentially only by the mechanical cleaning action of the heated rinsing liquor in this case.

To carry out the subsequent step of cleaning R, the amount of liquid Q1 present in the dishwasher GS is filled up by topping up from an intermediate tank (not shown) of the dishwasher GS or by removal from a domestic supply network until the quantity Q2 is reached. Subsequently, by simultaneous and / or alternating operation of the lower spray arm US, the upper spray arm OS and / or the overhead shower DB the items to be washed in the dish racks GK acted upon with detergent added liquid. Further heating of the liquid quantity Q2 in order to achieve an optimum cleaning effect is not necessary since the mixture temperature causes the quantity of liquid Q1, which is e.g. is heated to 80 ° C and the refilled difference to the amount of liquid Q2 a mixture temperature of about 45 ° C to 55 ° C results. Thus, the energy applied to purge the purge tank SB during the purge tank cleaning program RP is reused to heat the liquid amount Q1 in the purge step R, so that the overall energy consumption is reduced.

This is followed in the present embodiment, the step intermediate rinse Z, for the dishwasher GS is again filled with fresh water and the items to be cleaned with liquid by operation of the lower spray arm US, the upper spray arm OS and / or the overhead shower DB is acted upon. Subsequently, the step rinsing K takes place, during which also by operation of the lower spray arm US, the upper spray arm OS and / or the shower head DB the cleaned items are treated with water to which was applied as a relaxation agent rinse aid before drying in a final step T is dried and can be removed from the baskets GK.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

ABI first section ABII second part DB top spray DE blanket GK dish rack GS dishwasher K Rinse PS sump R Clean RP Spülbehälterreinigungsprogramm RW rear wall S scree SW Side wall T dry UP circulating pump V prewash W path WW water points Z intermediate rinse

Claims (30)

1. Dishwashing machine (GS), especially household dishwashing machine, at least featuring a washing compartment (SB) for accommodating items to be cleaned which are able to be cleaned at least during a pre-rinsing step (V) and/or cleaning step (R) with added cleaning agent, whereby a washing compartment cleaning program (RP) is provided with a lower power for cleaning items than in the pre-rinsing step (V) and/or cleaning step (R), during which at least at times inner surfaces of the washing compartment (SB) are able to have liquid applied to them in order to remove the fat deposits at least in the washing compartment (SB), characterised in that a wetting of items to be washed with liquid during the washing compartment cleaning program (RP) is less than during the pre-rinsing step (V) and/or cleaning step (R).
2. Dishwashing machine (GS) according to claim 1, characterised in that the dishwasher compartment cleaning program (RP) is a part step of a wash program comprising at least a pre-rinsing step (V) and/or cleaning step (R) with addition of cleaning agent.
3. Dishwashing machine (GS) according to claim 2, characterised in that the washing compartment cleaning program (RP) is able to be executed before the pre-rinsing step (V) and/or cleaning step (R).
4. Dishwashing machine (GS) according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that a cleaning agent is able to be dissolved during the washing compartment cleaning program (RP).
5. Dishwashing machine (GS) according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that a cleaning agent is able to be dissolved after the washing compartment cleaning program (RP).
6. Dishwashing machine (GS) according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that a liquid circulated during the washing compartment cleaning program (RP) is able to be guided for at least part of the time along a path (W) which runs along a first section (ABI) essentially in parallel to a roof (DE) of a washing compartment (SB).
7. Dishwashing machine (GS) according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that a liquid circulated during the washing compartment cleaning program (RP) is able to be guided for at least part of the time along a path (W) which runs along a second section (ABII) essentially extending along side walls (SW), rear wall (RW) and/or inner door of the washing compartment (SB) of the dishwashing machine (GS).
8. Dishwashing machine (GS) according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that a plurality of spray devices (US; OS, DB) arranged at a number of levels above one another are provided for applying liquid to items to be washed, with the uppermost spray device (DB) able to be operated during the washing compartment cleaning program (RP).
9. Dishwashing machine (GS) according to claim 8, characterised in that the uppermost spray device (DB) is embodied as a shower head.
10. Dishwashing machine (GS) according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that a first quantity of liquid (Q1) is able to be circulated during the washing compartment cleaning program (RP) and a second quantity of liquid (Q2) is able to be circulated during the cleaning step (R), with the first quantity of liquid (Q1) being smaller than the second quantity of liquid (Q2).
11. Dishwashing machine (GS) according to claim 10, characterised in that the first quantity of liquid (Q1) is able to be circulated at a higher first pressure for at least part of the time than the second quantity of liquid (Q2) able to be circulated at a lower, second pressure.
12. Dishwashing machine (GS) according to at least one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that a circulation pump (UP) which is at least able to be operated at a high-speed and a low speed, is provided for circulating liquid, with the circulation pump (UP) able to be operated for at least part of the time during the washing compartment cleaning program (RP) at the high speed and at least part of the time during the pre-rinsing step (V) and/or cleaning step (R) at the low speed.
13. Dishwashing machine (GS) according to at least one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that, during the washing compartment cleaning program (RP), a first quantity of liquid (Q1) is able to be heated up to a first maximum temperature which is higher than a second maximum temperature to which a second quantity of liquid (Q2) is able to be heated during the pre-rinsing step (V) and/or cleaning step (R).
14. Dishwashing machine (GS) according to claim 13, characterised in that the temperature difference between the maximum temperatures amounts at least essentially to between 5°C and 50°C, preferably between 10°C and 25°C.
15. Dishwashing machine (GS) according to at least one of claims 11 to 14, characterised in that the first quantity of liquid (Q1) is contained in the second quantity of liquid (Q2).
16. Method for operating a dishwashing machine (GS), especially a household dishwashing machine, during which items to be washed arranged in a washing compartment (SB) are cleaned with the addition of cleaning agent at least during a pre-rinsing step (V) and/or cleaning step (R), whereby a washing compartment cleaning program (RP) is executed with a lower item cleaning power than in the pre-rinsing step (V) and/or cleaning step (R) during which at least at some times inner surfaces of the washing compartment (SB) have liquid applied to them in order to remove fat deposits at least in the washing compartment (SB), characterised in that items to be washed are wetted less with liquid during the washing compartment cleaning program (RP) than during the pre-rinsing step and/or cleaning step (R).
17. Method according to claim 16, characterised in that the washing compartment cleaning program (RP) is executed as a part step of a washing program comprising at least one pre-rinsing step (B) and/or cleaning step (R) with addition of cleaning agent.
18. Method according to claim 17, characterised in that the washing compartment cleaning program (RP) is executed before the pre-rinsing step (V) and/or cleaning step (R).
19. Method according to claim 17 or 18, characterised in that cleaning agents are dissolved during the washing compartment cleaning program (RP).
20. Method according to at least one of claims 17 to 19, characterised in that cleaning agents are dissolved after the washing compartment cleaning program (RP).
21. Method according to a least one of claims 16 to 20, characterised in that a liquid circulated during the washing compartment cleaning program (RP) is guided for at least some of the time along a path which extends along a first section (ABI) essentially in parallel to a roof (DE) of a washing compartment (SB).
22. Method according to at least one of claims 16 to 21, characterised in that a liquid circulated during the washing compartment cleaning program (RP) is guided for at least some of the time along a path which extends along a second section (ABII) essentially passed sidewalls (SW), rear wall (RW) and/or inner door of the washing compartment (SB) of the dishwashing machine (GS).
23. Method according to at least one of claims 16 to 22, characterised in that liquid can be applied to items to be washed with a plurality of spray devices (US, OS, DB) arranged at a number of levels above one another, with the uppermost spray device (DB) being operated during the washing compartment cleaning program (RP).
24. Method according to claim 23, characterised in that the uppermost spray device (DB) is used as a shower head.
25. Method according to claim 16 to 24, characterised in that, during the washing compartment cleaning program (RP), a first quantity of liquid (Q1) is circulated and during the cleaning step (R) a second quantity of liquid (Q2) is circulated, with the first quantity of liquid (Q1) being smaller than the second quantity of liquid (Q2).
26. Method according to claim 25, characterised in that, for at least some of the time, the first quantity of liquid (Q1) is circulated at a higher first pressure than the quantity of liquid (Q2) circulated at a lower, second pressure.
27. Method according to at least one of claims 16 to 26, characterised in that a circulation pump (UP), which is operated at least at a high-speed and a low speed, is provided for circulating liquid, with the circulation pump (UP) being operated for at least some of the time during the washing compartment cleaning program (RP) at the high-speed and for at least some of the time during the pre-rinsing step (V) and/or cleaning step (R) at the low speed.
28. Method according to at least one of claims 16 to 27, characterised in that, during the washing compartment cleaning program (RP), a first quantity of liquid (Q1) is heated up to the first maximum temperature which is higher than a second maximum temperature to which a second quantity of liquid (Q2) is heated up during the pre-rinsing step (V) and/or cleaning step (R).
29. Method according to claim 28, characterised in that the temperature difference between the maximum temperatures amounts at least essentially to between 5°C and 50°C, preferably between 10°C and 25°C.
30. Method according to at least one of claims 25 to 29, characterised in that the first quantity of liquid (Q1) is contained in the second quantity of liquid (Q2).

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