EP3393326B1 - Water-conducting domestic appliance and method for operating a water-conducting domestic appliance - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a water-bearing household appliance, such as a dishwasher. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for operating a water-bearing household appliance. In addition, the present invention relates to a computer program product which causes such a method to be carried out on a program-controlled device.

the DE 10 2009 002 147 A1 discloses a dishwasher (GS) which has a washing compartment (SB) for receiving items to be cleaned, wherein the items to be washed can be cleaned at least during a pre-washing step (V) and/or cleaning (R) with the addition of detergent. It is provided that a washing compartment cleaning program (RP) is provided with a lower washing performance than in the pre-rinse (V) and/or cleaning (R) step, during which liquid can be applied to the inner surfaces of the washing compartment (SB) at least temporarily in order to prevent fat deposits at least in the washing compartment (SB). remove.

the DE 10 2006 043 914 A1 discloses a method for operating a water-bearing household appliance, in particular a household dishwasher, the water-bearing household appliance having a program control for carrying out a large number of successive program steps and the program control being operatively connected to at least one detergent dosing system. A method for carrying out a program step in which a biocidally active liquid is added is also disclosed.

Depending on how a dishwasher is used, soiling or contamination can occur in the interior, i.e. the washing compartment, at different points, even after a wash cycle for washing the dishes. This soiling in the washing container can be caused by the way the dishes are arranged, the cleaning agent used or by the type of soiling on the dishes.

Depending on how the dishes are arranged, so-called spray shadows can occur. This means that the water jet is shielded or blocked by crockery is deflected and thus no longer reaches the entire interior of the dishwasher.

If a program that is too weak is selected when the dishes are heavily soiled, it may happen that the soiling cannot be completely removed from the dishwasher. In such cases, the contamination accumulates primarily in places with less water exposure or a low water impulse.

If the cleaning performance of the selected detergent is too low, the soiling of the dishes cannot be completely removed from the dishwasher and then settles in the interior. This can be the case, for example, if the cleaner is aging or if the cleaner is underperforming.

To remove such contamination from the interior, machine cleaners can be used to remove these contaminants as part of a machine cleaning program should eliminate. For this purpose, the dishwasher is usually operated without dishes, but with the machine detergent inserted. However, such machine cleaning programs are only designed for certain types of contamination. Therefore, residues of the contamination often remain in the interior of the dishwasher even after such a program has been used.

Against this background, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved water-conducting household appliance.

Accordingly, a water-bearing household appliance is proposed which has a control device for carrying out a number of washing programs for washing items to be washed and a dispensing device for dispensing at least one cleaning agent and/or rinse aid into a washing container of the water-bearing household appliance. The control device is set up to carry out a cleaning program for cleaning the water-bearing domestic appliance, the cleaning program having a first cleaning phase with a first cleaner at a first temperature and a second cleaning phase with a second cleaner at a second temperature. The control device is also set up to control the dispensing device in such a way that it dispenses the second detergent into the washing container during the second cleaning phase.

The proposed household appliance can use the same dispensing device as the dispensing device that is used for dishwashing detergents in the washing programs. By using two cleaning phases to clean the water-bearing household appliance, two different cleaners can be used, each of which is optimized for specific requirements. The two cleaning phases can use different cleaning agents at different temperatures.

The first detergent can, for example, be placed directly on the bottom of the washing compartment or, in the case of a liquid detergent, placed in a container, for example in the upper basket or a cutlery tray in the washing compartment. After the end of the first cleaning phase with the first cleaning agent introduced directly, the second cleaning agent can then be released by the dispensing device. This is then used in the second cleaning phase.

With the proposed household appliance, it is therefore possible to use two cleaning phases that are independent of one another and have a different task focus, using hardware that is already available, such as the dispensing device. By using two cleaning phases, it is also possible to remove certain types of dirt, e.g. B. starch, cellulose, etc., to swell and dissolve in the first cleaning phase in order to be able to ensure a significantly better removal rate in the second cleaning phase.

The water-bearing household appliance is in particular a household dishwasher. In particular, the domestic dishwashing machine uses zeolite to dry the washing tub and the dishes.

According to a further embodiment, the household appliance is a dishwasher, a washing machine, a dryer, in particular a tumble dryer, or a steam cooker.

According to the invention, the first temperature is higher than the second temperature.

The first temperature can be optimized for specific soiling and a specific cleaning agent. For example, a liquid machine cleaner can be used in the first cleaning phase. This can be placed in a container, e.g. a bottle, in the rinsing tank. Such containers often have a wax-like seal that must first be broken. The temperature of the first cleaning phase can be adjusted to this.

According to a further embodiment, the first temperature is higher than 60°C, in particular in a range from 65°C to 80°C.

At a temperature above 60°, certain soiling in the household appliance, ie the washing compartment as well as the inlet and outlet pipes, can be loosened. Furthermore, the first cleaner can be suitable for this temperature range.

According to a further embodiment, the second temperature is in a range from 45°C to 55°C.

In the second cleaning phase, a lower temperature range is sufficient, since dirt that can only be removed at higher temperatures was at least partially dissolved in the first cleaning phase. Therefore, the energy consumption due to high temperatures in the second cleaning phase can be reduced.

According to a further embodiment, the first cleaning phase and/or the first cleaner is designed to dissolve limescale, fat and/or microorganisms.

The first cleaner can be designed to remove grease and limescale from the household appliance. Such a cleaner can contain a high proportion of surfactants in order to emulsify existing fats. The cleaner can also contain acid, e.g. citric or formic acid, to dissolve limescale in the wash tank and other water-bearing parts. The cleaning takes place here in the acidic environment.

Alternatively or additionally, the cleaner can be suitable for reducing microorganisms. Such a cleaner contains, among other things, bleach. This allows the disinfecting effect of oxygen released from the bleach to be used.

Both types of the first cleaner are particularly suitable for temperatures above 60° C and are effective in this area.

According to a further embodiment, the second cleaning phase and/or the second cleaning agent is designed to dissolve carbohydrates, proteins and/or cellulose.

For this purpose, the second cleaning agent can contain enzymes, for example, which are designed to break down carbohydrates, proteins or cellulose. In the second cleaning phase, an alkaline solution is created by the water and the second cleaning agent.

According to a further embodiment, the user can select whether the machine cleaning program is to be carried out in an energy-saving and/or cleaning-optimized manner target. This can also be selected while the cleaning program is running. Depending on the selection, the control device can supplement the cleaning program with a pre-wash phase, one or more intermediate wash phases, a final-rinse phase and/or a drying phase. Alternatively, the control device can add these phases to the cleaning program in an automated manner, with information about the degree of contamination of the household appliance being able to flow in, for example.

According to a further embodiment, the cleaning program has a pre-rinse phase before the first cleaning phase.

In the pre-rinse phase, impurities that have already been dissolved can be rinsed out of the household appliance. This means that in the first cleaning phase, you can start directly with solid dirt without using up the cleaner with dirt that has already been dissolved. The pre-rinse phase can be heated or unheated. In the first case, dirt can be more easily removed or dissolved. The temperature reached can be below the temperature at which the wax-like seal of the container in which the machine cleaner is located dissolves. In the second case, the energy consumption is reduced. In particular, the pre-rinse phase can also be selected by the user before the start of the machine cleaning program. Alternatively, the pre-purge phase can be automatically selected by the control device. For this purpose, for example, information from sensors can be used, which allow a statement about the degree of contamination of the household appliance.

According to a further embodiment, the cleaning program has an intermediate rinsing phase between the first cleaning phase and the second cleaning phase.

The intermediate rinsing phase can serve to prevent the first cleaning agent, which contains acid, for example, from being carried over into the second cleaning phase. Such a carryover could lead to undesired reactions between the first and the second cleaner.

The intermediate rinsing phase also serves to rinse loosened dirt out of the household appliance. The intermediate rinsing phase can also be heated or unheated and can be carried out with one or more baths, depending on whether you want to reduce energy consumption or improve cleaning performance. The intermediate rinsing phase can also be selected by the user before the start of the machine cleaning program, either additionally or automatically by the control device.

According to a further embodiment, the cleaning program has an intermediate rinsing phase after the second cleaning phase.

The intermediate rinsing phase after the second cleaning phase can be used to rinse loosened dirt out of the household appliance. The intermediate rinsing phase can also be heated or unheated and can be carried out with one or more baths, depending on whether you want to reduce energy consumption or improve cleaning performance. This intermediate rinsing phase can also be selected by the user before the start of the machine cleaning program, either additionally or automatically by the control device.

According to a further embodiment, the cleaning program has a final-rinse phase after the second cleaning phase.

The rinsing phase can be used to rinse out components or dissolved dirt from the household appliance again. The rinsing phase can be heated or unheated. Depending on the type of drying, it may be necessary to carry out the rinsing phase with heating. Furthermore, in the rinsing phase, rinsing agent can be added through the dispensing device.

According to a further embodiment, the cleaning program has a final drying phase.

A final drying can be used to ensure that no microorganisms multiply in the household appliance due to a damp environment.

Furthermore, a method for operating a water-bearing household appliance, in particular a dishwasher, which has a control device for carrying out a number of washing programs for washing items to be washed and a dispensing device for dispensing at least one cleaning agent into a washing container of the water-bearing household appliance is proposed. The method has the following steps: Carrying out a cleaning program for cleaning the water-bearing household appliance, the cleaning program having a first cleaning phase with a first cleaner at a first temperature and a second cleaning phase with a second cleaner at a second temperature, and outputting the second detergent in the rinsing tank during the second cleaning phase.

Furthermore, a computer program product is proposed which causes the method explained above to be carried out on a program-controlled device.

A computer program product, such as a computer program means, can be made available or supplied by a server in a network, for example, as a storage medium such as a memory card, USB stick, CD-ROM, DVD, or in the form of a downloadable file. This can be done, for example, in a wireless communication network by transferring a corresponding file with the computer program product or the computer program means.

The embodiments and features described for the proposed device apply accordingly to the proposed method.

Further possible implementations of the invention also include combinations of features or embodiments described above or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments that are not explicitly mentioned. The person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the invention.

• Fig. 1 zeigt eine Perspektivansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform eines wasserführenden Haushaltsgeräts;
• Fig. 2 zeigt ein schematisches Zeit-Diagramm für ein Beispiel eines Maschinenreinigungsprogramms, welches durch das Haushaltsgerät der Fig. 1 durchgeführt wird;
• Fig. 3 zeigt ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines Verfahrens zum Betreiben des wasserführenden Haushaltsgeräts.

Further advantageous refinements and aspects of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims and of the exemplary embodiments of the invention described below. The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of preferred embodiments with reference to the enclosed figures.

• 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a water-bearing household appliance;
• 2 shows a schematic time diagram for an example of a machine cleaning program, which is carried out by the household appliance 1 is carried out;
• 3 shows an embodiment of a method for operating the water-bearing household appliance.

Elements that are the same or have the same function have been provided with the same reference symbols in the figures, unless otherwise stated.

In 1 a perspective view of a first embodiment of a water-bearing household appliance 1 is shown. In the example of 1 the household appliance 1 is a dishwasher.

The dishwasher 1 has a body that includes a washing compartment 2 and a door 3 . The washing container 2 and the door 3 form a washing chamber 4 for washing items to be washed. Door 3 is in 1 shown in their open position. By pivoting about a pivot axis S provided at a lower end of the door 3, the door 3 can be closed or opened.

The washing compartment 2 is cuboid, for example, and can comprise a floor 5, a cover 6 opposite the floor 5, a rear wall 7 opposite the door 3, and two side walls 8, 9 opposite one another. In particular, the side walls 8, 9 can be made of stainless steel sheet.

The dishwasher 1 also has at least one loading level 10 . The at least one loading level 10 is preferably a washware receptacle of the dishwasher 1. In particular, multiple loading levels 10 can be provided, which include a lower basket, an upper basket and/or a cutlery drawer be able. The multiple loading levels 10 are preferably arranged one above the other in the washing compartment 2 . Each loading level 10 can be moved either in a push-in direction E into the washing compartment 2 or in a pull-out direction A out of it. For this purpose, a rail 11 is preferably provided on both sides of a respective loading level 10 .

A control device 12 optionally provided in the body or in the door 3 of the dishwasher 1 is set up to control the sequence of wash programs for washing items to be washed and a machine cleaning program.

The dishwasher 1 of 1 also has a dispensing device 13 for dispensing detergent into the washing compartment 2. Detergent can be dispensed via the dispensing device 13 both in the washing programs and in the machine cleaning program. The dispenser 13 is located in 1 in the door 3, but can also be arranged in the washing compartment 2.

The control device 12 is designed to carry out the machine cleaning program. This has at least a first cleaning phase P2 with a first cleaner at a first temperature and a second cleaning phase P4 with a second cleaner at a second temperature. During the second cleaning phase P4 the control device 12 controls the dispensing device 13 in such a way that it dispenses the second detergent into the washing container 2 .

In addition to the first cleaning phase P2 and the second cleaning phase P4, the machine cleaning program can have one or more further rinsing cycles or phases, as described in 2 are shown.

2 shows a schematic time diagram for an example of a machine cleaning program. The length of the individual phases is only schematic and does not have to correspond to the actual time relationship between the individual phases.

First, an optional, in particular unheated, pre-rinse phase P1 is carried out.

A machine cleaner is added in the first cleaning phase P2. This phase P2 can be carried out at 65 to 80°C, for example, in order to optimally support the cleaner.

An optional intermediate rinsing phase P3 is then carried out. This can be used to prevent the first cleaning agent from being carried over into the second cleaning phase P4.

The second cleaning phase P4 is carried out with a second cleaning agent at 45 to 55°C. Optionally, the second cleaning phase can include a heating phase.

In an optional intermediate rinsing phase P5, loosened dirt can be rinsed out.

A final rinsing phase P6 can then optionally be carried out. In this, the household appliance 1 can be heated again to about 70° C. in order to support a subsequent drying phase P7. Rinse aid can be added during the rinsing phase to further support the drying process.

The final drying phase P7 is optional.

3 shows a method for operating a water-bearing household appliance 1. An example of such a water-bearing household appliance 1 is in 1 shown.

In a first step S1, a cleaning program for cleaning the water-bearing household appliance 1 is carried out, the cleaning program having a first cleaning phase P2 with a first cleaner at a first temperature and a second cleaning phase P4 with a second cleaner at a second temperature.

In step S2, the second detergent is dispensed into the washing compartment 2 during the second cleaning phase P4.

Steps S1 and S2 can also be carried out in parallel.

Although the present invention has been described using exemplary embodiments, it can be modified in many ways.

Reference signs used:

1

water-bearing household appliance

2

flush tank

3

door

4

washing chamber

5

floor

6

ceiling

7

back panel

8, 9

side walls

10

loading level

11

rail

12

control device

13

dispenser

A

pull direction

E

insertion direction

P1-P7

phases

S

pivot axis

S1-S2

process steps

Claims (12)

1. Water-conducting household appliance (1), in particular dishwasher, having a controller (12) for carrying out a number of wash programs for washing items to be washed and a dispensing apparatus (13) for dispensing at least one cleaning agent into a dishwasher cavity (2) of the water-conducting household appliance (1), wherein the controller (12) is configured to carry out a cleaning program for cleaning the water-conducting household appliance (1), characterised in that the cleaning program has a first cleaning phase (P2) with a first cleaning agent at a first temperature and a second cleaning phase (P4) with a second cleaning agent at a second temperature, wherein the controller (12) is configured to actuate the dispensing apparatus (13) such that this (13) dispenses the second cleaning agent into the dishwasher cavity (2) during the second cleaning phase (P4), wherein the first temperature is higher than the second temperature.
2. Household appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the first temperature is higher than 60°C, in particular in a range of 65°C to 80°C.
3. Household appliance (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the second temperature lies in a range of 45°C to 55°C.
4. Household appliance (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the first cleaning phase (P2) and/or the first cleaning agent is designed to dissolve limescale, fat and/or microorganisms.
5. Household appliance (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the second cleaning phase (P4) and/or the second cleaning agent is designed to dissolve carbohydrate, protein and/or cellulose.
6. Household appliance (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the cleaning program has a pre-rinse phase (P1) prior to the first cleaning phase (P2).
7. Household appliance (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the cleaning program has an intermediate wash phase (P3) between the first cleaning phase (P2) and the second cleaning phase (P4).
8. Household appliance (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the cleaning program has an intermediate wash phase (P5) after the second cleaning phase (P4).
9. Household appliance (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the cleaning program has a rinse-aid phase (P6) after the second cleaning phase (P4).
10. Household appliance (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the cleaning program has a final drying phase (P7).
11. Method for operating a water-conducting household appliance (1), in particular a dishwasher, which has a controller (12) for carrying out a number of wash programs for washing items to be washed and a dispensing apparatus (13) for dispensing at least one cleaning agent into a dishwasher cavity (2) of the water-conducting household appliance (1), characterised by the steps:

    carrying out (S1) a cleaning program for cleaning the water-conducting household appliance (1), wherein the cleaning program has a first cleaning phase (P2) with a first cleaning agent at a first temperature and a second cleaning phase (P4) with a second cleaning agent at a second temperature, and

    actuating the dispensing apparatus (13) so that said apparatus (13) dispenses the second cleaning agent into the dishwasher cavity (2) during the second cleaning phase (P4), wherein the first temperature is higher than the second temperature.
12. Computer program product, which triggers the realisation of the method according to claim 11 on the water-conducting household appliance of claim 1.

Images