WO2017108892A1 - Water-conducting domestic appliance and method for operating a water-conducting domestic appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a water-conducting domestic appliance (1), in particular a dishwasher, comprising a controller (12) for carrying out a number of washing programs for washing washing items and a dispensing device (13) for dispensing at least one cleaner into a washing container of the water-conducting domestic appliance (1). The controller (12) is designed to carry out a cleaning program for cleaning the water-conducting domestic appliance (1). The cleaning program has a first cleaning phase (P2) with a first cleaner at a first temperature and a second cleaning phase (P3) with a second cleaner at a second temperature. The controller (12) is designed to actuate the dispensing device (13) such that the dispensing device (13) dispenses the second cleaner into the washing container (2) during the second cleaning phase (P4).

Description

 Water-conducting household appliance and method for operating a water-conducting household appliance

The present invention relates to a water-conducting household appliance, such as a dishwasher. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for operating a water-conducting household appliance. Moreover, the present invention relates to a computer program product, which causes the execution of such a method on a program-controlled device.

Depending on the use of a dishwasher, it may be indoors, i. the rinsing container, at different points, even after a rinse to rinse the dishes, come to dirt or impurities. These soiling in the washing container can be caused by the way dishes are sorted, by the cleaner used or by the type of soiling of the dishes. Due to the classification of the dishes so-called spray shadows may arise. This means that the water jet is screened or deflected by dishes and thus no longer reaches the entire interior of the dishwasher. If a too weak program is selected in the event of a heavy soiling of the dishes, it can happen that the contamination can not be completely removed from the dishwasher. The pollution accumulates in such cases mainly in places with less water or low water pulse.

If the cleaning power of the selected cleaner is too low, the soiling of the dishes can likewise not be completely removed from the dishwasher and then deposits in the interior. This can be the case, for example, with aging of the cleaner or with a low-performance cleaner.

In order to eliminate such impurities in the interior, machine cleaners can be used to remove these impurities as part of a machine cleaning process. program. Usually, the dishwasher is operated without dishes, but with incorporated machine cleaner. However, such machine cleaning programs are designed only for certain types of contaminants. Therefore remain even after application of such a program in the interior of the dishwasher residues of impurities.

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

Accordingly, a water-conducting household appliance is proposed, which has a control device for carrying out a number of washing programs for washing a wash item and an output device for dispensing at least one detergent and / or rinse aid into a washing container of the water-conducting household appliance. The control device is configured to perform a cleaning program for cleaning the water-conducting domestic appliance, wherein the cleaning program has 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 further configured to control the dispensing device such that it dispenses the second detergent into the washing container during the second cleaning phase.

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

The first cleaner can for example be placed directly on the bottom of the washing or, in the case of a liquid detergent, in a container, for example, in the upper basket or a cutlery in the washing compartment. After the first cleaning phase with the directly introduced first cleaner then the second cleaner can be released by the output device. This is then used in the second cleaning phase. With the proposed household appliance, it is thus possible to use two independent cleaning phases with different task focus using already existing hardware, such as the output device. By using two cleaning phases, it is also possible, certain types of dirt such. As starch, cellulose, etc., to swell and dissolve in the first cleaning phase, to ensure a significantly better removal rate in the second cleaning phase can.

The water-conducting household appliance is in particular a household dishwasher. In particular, the household dishwasher uses zeolite for drying the washing container 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 steamer.

According to another embodiment, the first temperature is higher than the second temperature. The first temperature can be optimized for certain soiling and a specific cleaner. For example, in the first cleaning phase, a liquid machine cleaner can be used. This can be stored in a container, e.g. a bottle, are used in the washing. Such containers often have a wax-like seal, which must first be solved. The temperature of the first cleaning phase can be adjusted to this.

According to another embodiment, the first temperature is higher than 60 ° C, more preferably in a range of 65 ° C to 80 ° C. At a temperature above 60 ° certain soiling in the household appliance, ie the rinse tank and inlets and outlets can be solved. Furthermore, the first cleaner may be suitable for this temperature range. According to a further embodiment, the second temperature is in a range of 45 ° C to 55 ° C.

In the second cleaning phase, a lower temperature range is sufficient, since soiling, which can only be dissolved at higher temperatures, was already dissolved in the first cleaning phase. Therefore, the energy consumption can be reduced by high temperatures in the second cleaning phase.

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

The first cleaner may be designed to rid the domestic appliance of fats and lime. Such a cleaner may contain a high level of surfactant to emulsify existing fats. Furthermore, the cleaner may contain acid, e.g. Lemon or formic acid to dissolve lime in the washing and other water-bearing parts. The cleaning takes place here in an acidic environment.

Alternatively or additionally, the cleaner may be suitable for the reduction of microorganisms. Such a cleaner contains, among other bleaching agents. As a result, the disinfecting effect of oxygen released from the bleaching agent can be utilized.

Both types of the first cleaner are particularly suitable for temperatures above 60 ° C and unfold their activity in this area. According to a further embodiment, the second cleaning phase and / or the second cleaner is designed to dissolve carbohydrates, proteins and / or cellulose.

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

According to a further embodiment, the user can select whether the machine cleaning program is carried out in an energy-saving and / or cleaning-optimized manner. that should. This can also be selected during the execution of the cleaning program. Depending on the selection, the control device may supplement the cleaning program with a pre-rinse phase, one or more intermediate rinse phases, a final rinse phase and / or a drying phase. Alternatively, the control device can automatically supplement the cleaning program with these phases, wherein, for example, information about the degree of contamination of the household appliance can be included.

In accordance with a further embodiment, the cleaning program has a pre-rinse phase before the first cleaning phase.

In the pre-rinse phase, contaminants that are already dissolved can be flushed out of the household appliance. Thus, in the first cleaning phase can be applied directly to solid contaminants, without consuming the cleaner with already dissolved contaminants. The pre-purge phase can be heated or unheated. In the first case, dirt can be easily dissolved or dissolved. In this case, the temperature reached can be below the temperature at which the wax-like seal of the container dissolves, in which the machine cleaner is located. In the second case the energy consumption is reduced. The pre-rinse phase can in particular 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 rinse phase can serve to prevent carryover of the first cleaner, which contains, for example, acid, into the second cleaning phase. Such carryover could lead to unwanted reactions between the first and second cleaners. The intermediate rinsing phase also serves to rinse out dissolved dirt from the household appliance. The intermediate rinse phase can also be heated or unheated, as well as with one or more baths, depending on whether energy consumption is reduced or cleaning performance is improved. The intermediate rinse phase can also be selected by the user before the start of the machine cleaning program in addition to or automated by the control device.

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

The intermediate rinse phase after the second cleaning phase can be used to rinse out any dissolved soiling from the household appliance. The intermediate rinsing phase can also be heated or unheated, as well as with one or more baths, depending on whether the energy consumption is reduced or the cleaning performance is to be improved. This intermediate purging phase can also be selected by the user before the start of the machine cleaning program in addition to or automated by the control device.

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

The final-rinse phase can be used to rinse out components or dissolved soiling from the household appliance again. The final rinse phase can be heated or unheated. Depending on the type of drying, it may be necessary to carry out the rinse phase heated. Furthermore, in the final rinse phase, rinse aid can be added through the dispenser.

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

With a final drying can be ensured that no microorganisms multiply by a humid environment in the household appliance. Furthermore, a method is proposed for operating a water-conducting domestic appliance, in particular a dishwasher, which has a control device for carrying out a number of wash programs for washing a wash item and an output device for dispensing at least one detergent into a wash container of the water-conducting household appliance. The method comprises the following steps: performing a cleaning program for cleaning the water-conducting domestic appliance, wherein the cleaning program has 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 of the second cleaner into the washing compartment during the second cleaning phase.

Furthermore, a computer program product is proposed, which causes the execution of the method as explained above on a program-controlled device.

A computer program product, such as a computer program means may, for example, be used as a storage medium, e.g. Memory card, USB stick, CD-ROM, DVD, or even in the form of a downloadable file provided by a server in a network or delivered. This can be done, for example, in a wireless communication network by transmitting 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 not explicitly mentioned combinations of features or embodiments described above or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments. The person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the invention.

Further advantageous embodiments and aspects of the invention are the subject matter of the subclaims and the exemplary embodiments of the invention described below. dung. Furthermore, the invention will be explained in more detail by means of preferred embodiments with reference to the attached figures.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a water-conducting household appliance;

Fig. 2 is a schematic time chart for an example of a machine cleaning program performed by the home appliance of Fig. 1;

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a method for operating the water-conducting domestic appliance.

In the figures, the same or functionally identical elements have been given the same reference numerals, unless stated otherwise. In Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a water-conducting household appliance 1 is shown. In the example of FIG. 1, the household appliance 1 is a dishwasher.

The dishwasher 1 has a body comprising a washing container 2 and a door 3. The rinsing container 2 and the door 3 form a rinsing chamber 4 for rinsing dishes. The door 3 is shown in Fig. 1 in its open position. By pivoting about a provided at a lower end of the door 3 pivot axis S, the door 3 can be closed or opened. The washing container 2 is, for example, cuboidal and may include a bottom 5, a bottom 5 opposite ceiling 6, a door 3 opposite the rear wall 7 and two opposing side walls 8, 9. In particular, the side walls 8, 9 may 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, a plurality of loading levels 10 may be provided which comprise a lower basket, an upper basket and / or a cutlery drawer can. The plurality of loading levels 10 are preferably arranged one above the other in the washing container 2. Each loading level 10 is selectively displaceable in an insertion direction E into the washing container 2 or in an extension direction A out of this. For this purpose, a rail 1 1 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 adapted to control the flow of wash programs for washing dishes and a machine cleaning program. The dishwasher 1 of FIG. 1 further has an output device 13 for dispensing detergent into the washing container 2. Cleaner can be dispensed via the dispensing device 13 in both the washing programs and the machine cleaning program. The dispenser 13 is located in Fig. 1 in the door 3, but may also be arranged in the washing compartment 2.

The control device 12 is configured to perform the engine 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 such 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 may have one or more further rinse cycles or phases, as shown in FIG.

Fig. 2 is a schematic time chart 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 ratio of the individual phases to one another.

First, an optional, in particular unheated, pre-purge P1 is performed. In the first cleaning phase P2, a machine cleaner is added. This phase P2 can for example be carried out at 65 to 80 ° C in order to optimally support the cleaner.

Subsequently, an optional intermediate purging phase P3 is performed. This can be used to prevent a carryover of the first cleaner in the second cleaning phase P4.

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

In an optional intermediate purging phase P5, dissolved contaminants can be rinsed out.

Subsequently, an optional rinse phase P6 can be carried out. In this, the household appliance 1 can be heated again to about 70 ° C to support a subsequent drying phase P7. For further support of the drying process, rinse aid can be added in the final rinse phase.

The final drying phase P7 is optional.

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

In this case, in a first step S1, a cleaning program for cleaning the water-conducting domestic 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 cleaner is discharged into the washing tank 2 during the second cleaning phase P4.

The steps S1 and S2 can also be performed in parallel. Although the present invention has been described with reference to embodiments, it is variously modifiable.

Used reference signs:

1 water-conducting household appliance

2 rinse tanks

 3 door

4 rinsing chamber

 5 floor

 6 ceiling

 7 rear wall

 8, 9 side walls

10 loading level

 1 1 rail

 12 control device

 13 output device A extension direction

 E insertion direction

 P1 -P7 phases

 S pivot axis

 S1 -S2 process steps

Claims

Water-conducting domestic appliance (1), in particular a dishwasher, with a control device (12) for carrying out a number of wash programs for washing a wash item and an output device (13) for dispensing at least one detergent into a wash container (2) of the water-conducting household appliance (1), wherein the control device (12) is adapted to perform a cleaning program for cleaning the water-conducting household appliance (1), wherein the cleaning program 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, wherein the control device (12) is adapted to the output device (13) to control such that this (13) outputs the second cleaner during the second cleaning phase (P4) in the washing compartment (2). Domestic appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first temperature is higher than the second temperature. Domestic appliance (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first temperature is higher than 60 ° C, in particular in a range of 65 ° C to 80 ° C. Domestic appliance (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second temperature is in a range of 45 ° C to 55 ° C. Domestic appliance (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first cleaning phase (P2) and / or the first cleaner is adapted to dissolve lime, fat and / or microorganisms. 6. Household appliance (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the second cleaning phase (P4) and / or the second cleaner is adapted to dissolve carbohydrates, proteins and / or cellulose. 7. Household appliance (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the cleaning program before the first cleaning phase (P2) has a pre-rinse phase (P1). 8. Household appliance (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cleaning program between the first cleaning phase (P2) and the second cleaning phase (P4) has a Zwischenspülphase (P3). 9. Household appliance (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the cleaning program after the second cleaning phase (P4) has an intermediate rinsing phase (P5). 10. Household appliance (1) according to one of claims 1 to, characterized in that the cleaning program after the second cleaning phase (P4) has a rinse phase (P6). 1 1. Domestic appliance (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the cleaning program has a final drying phase (P7). 12. A method for operating a water-conducting domestic appliance (1), in particular a dishwasher, with a control device (12) for carrying out a number of wash programs for washing a wash item and an output device (13) for dispensing at least one detergent into a wash container (2) of the water-conducting household appliance (1), with:  Performing (S1) a cleaning program for cleaning the water-carrying Domestic appliance (1), wherein the cleaning program has 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, and  Dispensing (S2) of the second cleaner in the washing container (2) during the second Cleaning phase (P4). Computer program product, which causes the execution of the method according to claim 12 on a program-controlled device.