DE10358971A1 - Dishwasher for using a combination product and associated method - Google Patents

Abstract

The object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher, which allows combined products easy to use even with large raw water hardness with good and effective drying performance, is achieved by the dishwasher according to the invention that with the water softening system for filling the dishwasher with raw water part of the for existing raw water hardness necessary degree of softening is achievable.

Description

The The invention relates to a dishwasher for using a Combi product and with a water softening system and with at least an optimized washing program as combination function for a combination product and an associated Method.

In dishwashers are used as aggregate various substances, eg. B. nonionic surfactants (Wetting agent), phosphates (builder), soda and silicates (alkali carriers), perborate, Amylase, protease (enzymes) and antifoaming agents, softeners, Fragrances, dyes, disintegrants and coatings needed. These especially serve as cleaning, descaling and rinse aid. These substances are according to their effect in each case in the separate cleaning, Descaling and rinse aid contain. In general, the cleaning agents and the rinse aid added separately. The cleaning agents are in the form of free-flowing powders, offered to Tabs compressed powders, gels or liquids. dishwashers feature usually over a water softening system, so that usually Descaling agent does not have to be added. This cleaning and cleaning rinse aid have to be added separately, with rinse aid generally stored in storage so that they can only be refilled at longer intervals and the cleaning agents must be added before each rinse. The Water softener must, like like the rinse aid, in longer intervals with Regenerating salt to be processed.

Around the ease of use for Users of dishwashers to increase So-called 3-in-1 combination products were developed, in which beside Detergents also rinse-aid and descaling agents are included. In 2-in-1 Kombiproduten are In addition to cleaning agents only rinse aid included. this has for the Users the benefit of adding rinse aids and regenerating the water softening system with a saline solution through the user is not required for 3-in-1 combo products. at 2-in-1-combination products is only the regeneration of the water softener with salt required. For the use of combination products, d. H. 2-in-1 combo products and 3-in-1-combination products, comes in special optimized program sequence, which can be used for individual wash programs, z. B. wash programs for particularly intensive cleaning (eg Intensive 70), For particularly economical cleaning (eg ECO 50), for particularly gentle cleaning (eg soft 40) and the especially fast and fast Cleaning (eg fast) or synonymous designations, is oriented differently.

The Cleaning programs in dishwashers usually have the subprogram steps "prewash", "cleaning", "intermediate rinsing", "rinsing" and "drying" with different characteristics of individual partial program steps. In combination products are in addition to detergents also rinse aid contain. However, the combination product is already added in the sub-program step "cleaning", wherein the component rinse aid of the combination product only in the partial program step "rinsing" needed becomes. With separate addition of detergent and rinse aid without the use of combination products, the rinse aid becomes added only in the part program step where it is needed namely when "rinsing", for this reason the special optimized program flow must be used for the Combined products should be designed so that even a part of the in the combination product rinse aid and optionally Descaling, even in the sub-program step "rinse" arrives is z. B. the sub-program step "intermediate rinse" less intense carried out for lye carryover. Furthermore, to improve the drying performance and the Temperature during the "rinse" can be increased or in dishwashers with a water tank, the heat-conducting connected to the washing container is to generate a cooled condensation surface on the washing during the sub-program step "drying", the water tank in addition to cool Raw water is exchanged, because this additional water could be saved with the less intensive "intermediate rinsing", so that no overall higher Water consumption is recorded.

The activation of these special optimized program sequences as a combination function takes place either via a combination product button on the dishwasher or through an automatic function which automatically selects the special optimized program sequence in the event of a rinsing deficiency or when a combination product is detected with sensors in the rinsing liquor. Pressing the combination product button or automatic activation due to clear rinsing causes the rinse function to stop and the water softener to be switched off. Due to the mere carryover of the descaling agent contained in the 3-in-1 combination product, which was added in the "cleaning" part program step, to the following partial program step, in particular to the "rinse-through" partial program step, the degree of descaling is present in current 3-in-1 combination products In sub-program steps that follow the sub-program step "cleaning", not very large.Therefore, 3-in-1 combination products for large raw water hardness, for example from about 22 ° dH, no longer be used, because otherwise with Kalkab storage, especially on the dishes and heating elements, is to be expected. 3-in-1 combination products are also subject to changes, so that these, for example, from other degrees of hardness, z. B. in the range from 15 ° to 30 ° dH, can no longer be used. Furthermore, 2-in-1 combination products can not be usefully used on dishwashers with combination product buttons when the combi-product button is pressed or automatic activation of the combination function due to the deactivation of the softening system and the absence of descaling agents in 2-in-1 combination products no softening is carried out at all. When using a 2-in-1 combination product in non-activated combination function, however, the drying result is deteriorated because due to the non-optimized special program flow z. B. only a very small carryover of the rinse aid from the sub-program step "cleaning" in the "rinse" takes place.

From the EP 1 362 547 A2 For example, a dishwashing machine and a method of operating a dishwasher using a multi-drug combination preparation are known. In this case, the type of combination preparation used is detected by sensors and the wash program is aligned accordingly. The disadvantage here is that when the 3in1 function is switched on, the display for the time of the regeneration process for the softener is hidden or switched off. Although it is possible that only a partial softening is performed when using a combination preparation with softening substance, which is disadvantageously carried out with a complex individual adaptation of the washing program to a combination preparation with multiple active ingredients.

task The present invention is therefore a dishwasher and an associated one To provide a method which allows combination products as well at big Raw water hardening with good and effective drying performance easy to use.

These The object is achieved by the dishwasher according to the invention with the features according to claim 1 and 6 and the associated Method according to claim 10 and 15 solved. Advantageous developments of the invention are characterized by the subclaims.

The Dishwasher according to the invention for use of a 3-in-1 combination product a water softening system and at least one optimized washing program as combination function for a 3-in-1 combo product on, taking with the water softener for filling the dishwasher with raw water a part of for the existing raw water hardness necessary degree of softening when using the combination function is deliverable to 3-in-1 combination products at big Use raw water hardness to be able to.

In an advantageous embodiment is the combo function for selecting of the optimized wash program manually, z. B. with a combo product button, or automatically with Sensors, z. B. by a level sensor in the storage container for the rinse aid or chemical sensors in the washing container, can be activated.

Conveniently, is the part of the water softener Manually achievable degree of softening predetermined by the user, in the z. B. the water softening system is adjustable to a smaller level by the user than for the existing one raw water hardness without 3-in-1 combo product needed becomes.

In a supplementary embodiment is the part of the water softener achievable degree of softening automatically with the help of data about the water hardness from sensors by a preferably electronic control adjustable.

In a further embodiment the data come from the water hardness z. B. from a preferably optical sensor in the wash liquor or a hardness sensor in the raw water supply in the flow direction before the water softening system.

A further dishwashing machine according to the invention for using a 2-in-1 combination product has a water softening system and at least one optimized washing program as combination function for a 2-in-1 combination product, wherein the water softening system for filling the dishwasher ( 1 ) with raw water of the necessary for the existing raw water hardness degree of softening can be achieved.

Conveniently, is that of the water softener achievable degree of softening manually specified by the user, in the z. B. the water softening system adjustable to one level by the user.

In a further embodiment is that of the water softener achievable degree of softening automatically with the help of data about the water hardness from sensors by a preferably electronic control adjustable.

In an additional embodiment, the data come about the water hardness z. B. from a preferably optical sensor in the wash liquor or a hardness sensor in the raw water supply in Flow direction come before the water softening plant.

In a method according to the invention for operating a dishwasher with a water softening system and for use of a 3-in-1 combination product and for use with at least one optimized wash program for a 3-in-1 combo product with the water softener to fill the dishwasher with raw water a part of for the existing raw water hardness necessary softening degree when using the optimized wash program to use 3-in-1 combi products for large raw water hardnesses can.

advantageously, becomes the combo function to select of the optimized wash program manually, z. B. with a combo product button, or automatically with Sensors, z. B. by a level sensor in the storage container for the rinse aid or chemical sensors in the rinse tank, activated.

In a further embodiment becomes the part of the water softener provided degree of softening manually specified by the user, in the z. B. the water softening system set to a smaller level by the user than for the existing one raw water hardness without 3-in-1 combo product needed becomes.

In another embodiment is the part of the water softening system provided degree of softening automatically with the help of data about the water hardness from sensors regulated by a preferably electronic control.

advantageously, the data come from the water hardness z. B. from a preferably optical sensor in the wash liquor or a hardness sensor in the raw water supply in the flow direction before the water softening system.

In a further inventive method to operate a dishwasher with a water softening system and for use with a 2-in-1 combination product and for use with at least one optimized wash program for a Combi product is used with the water softener fill the dishwasher with raw water for the existing raw water hardness necessary degree of softening when using the optimized wash program provided.

In Another embodiment of the water softening system Managed degree of softening manually pretend by the user, in the z. B. the water softening system set to one level by the user.

Conveniently, is the one of the water softener provided degree of softening automatically with the help of data about the water hardness from sensors regulated by a preferably electronic control.

In a further embodiment the data come from the water hardness from a preferably optical sensor in the rinsing liquor or a hardness sensor in the raw water supply in the flow direction before the water softening system.

The Working principle of the present invention will be described with reference to an embodiment and exemplified by drawings. Show it:

1 a perspective view of a dishwasher according to the invention,

2 a schematic flow chart according to the invention for a dishwasher with electronic control,

3 a schematic flowchart according to the invention for a dishwasher with electronic control and lime sensor in the washing and

4 a schematic flowchart according to the invention for a dishwasher with electronic control and hardness sensor in the water softening system.

In 1 is a dishwasher according to the invention 1 with control panel 2 shown. The control panel preferably does not have a combination product button, because the combination function, ie the activation of the special optimized program sequence is automatically detected by a level sensor in the reservoir for rinse aid. However, it is also possible that this detection of the combination function is performed manually with a combination product button.

The inventive principle to 3-in-1 combination products, even with large raw water hardness, z. B. from about 22 ° dH, it can be seen that when activated combination function, the water softening system is not turned off, but the water softener is operated with reduced degree of softening. As a result, the degree of hardness of the raw water with a high raw water hardness is lowered to a level which allows the amount of descaling agent effective in all partial program steps in the combined product to be sufficient to achieve good cleaning and drying results. The lack of degree of softening by the 3-in-1 combination products is thus compensated by the water softening system. At the same time a spe From the point of view of a highly optimized program sequence for combination products, which is preferably fixed and is not complicated and individually adapted.

at 2-in-1 combination products according to the invention, the water softener with undiminished degree of softening according to the existing raw water hardness by manual specification or automatic regulation operated. At the same time is the combination function activated, so that the special optimized program flow for combi-products, z. B. to carry over the rinse aid activated. With that too can good drying results can be achieved with 2-in-1 combination products.

In 2 a schematic flowchart according to the invention is shown for a dishwasher with electronic control when using a 3-in-1 combi product. dishwashers 1 have adjustment means, the z. B. on the control panel 2 attached to adjust the degree of descaling of the water softener, z. B. in stages from 0 to 7, wherein 0 means a complete deactivation of the water softening system and 7 activates the maximum degree of descaling of the water softening system. In very soft water, the decalcification z. B. placed on level 1 or 2. For water with a high degree of hardness, z. B. from 22 ° dH to 30 ° dH, z. For example, level 6 is manually set by the user. At very high degrees of hardness of the raw water, z. B. from 31 ° dH to 50 ° dH, the level 7 is selected. In the case of raw water hardnesses up to 21 ° dH, the use of 3-in-1 combination products does not require activation of the water softening system because the softening agent contained in the 3-in-1 combination product is sufficient for raw water with these degrees of hardness. For large degrees of hardness of z. B. 22 ° dH to 30 ° dH, the water softener is set lower, z. B. instead of level 6 to level 4. For very large degrees of hardness, for example, instead of level 7, the level 6 is selected. Subsequently, it is determined with a level sensor in the reservoir for rinse aid (not shown), whether sufficient rinse aid is present. With the help of these data, the combination function is automatically activated in the absence of rinse aid. If the level sensor is missing, this is also possible manually with a combination product button (not shown). This means that the program sequence can be automatically activated with the special optimized program flow for combi-products. Softening in the water softener is reduced to a reduced level because a lower level is manually selected. For a 2-in-1 combination product, the water softener must be set to the actual, non-depressed level required for the raw water hardness.

In 3 is a schematic flowchart according to the invention for a dishwasher with electronic control and lime sensor in the washing shown using a 3-in-1 combination product. As a lime sensor z. B. an optical sensor used, which recognizes lime deposits on an optically scannable part, this part z. B. is arranged in the washing, so that the limescale resulting from the wash liquor. From this it can be concluded that the degree of hardness of the rinsing liquor. The water softening system is set to the "Auto" position for activation of the automatic function by the user from a degree of hardness of the raw water from 22 ° dH Due to the automatic detection of the degree of hardness in the rinsing water, the degree of softening when using the 3-in-1 combination product in The water softening system is then automatically switched off below 21 ° dH Subsequently, a fill level sensor in the rinse aid reservoir (not shown) determines whether sufficient rinse aid is present Level sensor is also possible manually with a combination product button (not shown) .Thus, the program sequence can be automatically activated with the special optimized program flow for combi products due to the indirect measurement of the hardness of the rinse liquor by the optical sensor in the Rinsing tank is automatically withdrawn from the water softening system based on the data from the optical sensor only that proportion of lime to the raw water, which is not covered by the 3-in-1 combi product. The degree of softening by the water softener is thus automatically regulated as a function of the raw water hardness.

at a 2-in-1 combination product automatically becomes the full degree of softening the water softening system activated, because in 2-in-1 combo products no softeners available. It will also be within the program process in individual partial program steps, the data from the optical sensor recorded under consideration the softening by the 3-in-1 combination product and thus the water softener automatically with reduced, adjusted degree of descaling regulated (not shown), z. B. by waste strongly decalcified raw water with the rinsing liquor.

In 4 is a schematic flowchart according to the invention for a dishwasher with electronic control and hardness sensor in the water softening system when using a 3-in-1 combination product shown. This is for hardness measurement z. B. conducted a conductance, this being done in the raw water supply before the water softening system. This measures the hardness of the raw water. When using a 3-in-1 combination product, the water softening system is preferably set to position "0" even at degrees of hardness above 22 ° dH by the user An automatic activation of the water softening system is also carried out in position "0." Subsequently, a fill level sensor in the rinse aid reservoir (not shown) determines whether sufficient rinse aid is present Combination function activated automatically If the level sensor is missing, this can also be done manually with a combination product key (not shown) .This program can be automatically activated with the special optimized program sequence for combination products activated due to the data from the hardness sensor, the water softening system the degree of hardness of the raw water so far that the remaining residual hardness of the raw water from the 3-in-1 combination product can be handled decalcified to a degree of hardness of 21 ° dH.

at a 2-in-1 combination product, the water softener is preferably not to position "0", so that the water softening system performs the full decalcification.

Preferably is in all the described embodiments, despite automatic or manually activated combination function the salt deficiency indicator for the regeneration salt the water softening system activated, so that a lack of regenerating salt is displayed to the user becomes. This is necessary because the water softener - while in reduced extent required becomes.

With the present dishwasher according to the invention on the one hand, the use of a combination product and the associated procedure must be to the use of a combination product for raw water hardness above 22 ° dH not waived and on the other hand, the ease of use remains for the user essentially because no rinse aid addition is required and a regeneration of the water softener Required with regenerating salt only at very long intervals is because a significant proportion of the decalcification is taken from the combination product becomes. This is especially true for raw water hardness with a degree of hardness, which is only slightly above 21 ° dH, because here the vast Proportion of necessary softening taken from the combi product becomes. The special, existing and optimized washing programs for combination products have to advantageously not be adapted consuming.

Claims (18)

Dishwasher ( 1 ) for using a 3-in-1 combination product with a water softening system and with at least one optimized washing program as a combination function for a 3-in-1 combination product, characterized in that with the water softening system for filling the dishwasher ( 1 ) with raw water, a part of the necessary for the existing raw water hardness degree of softening when using the combination function is achievable in order to use 3-in-1 combination products for large raw water hardness. Dishwasher ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the combination function for selecting the optimized wash program manually, for. B. with a combination product button, or automatically with sensors, eg. B. by a level sensor in the reservoir for the rinse aid or preferably chemical sensors in the rinse tank, can be activated. Dishwasher ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the part of the achievable by the water softener degree of softening is manually predetermined by the user, in the z. B. the water softener is set to a smaller level by the user, as needed for the existing raw water hardness without a 3-in-1 combination product. dishwasher according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the part of from the water softener achievable degree of softening automatically with the help of data about the water hardness Sensors by a preferably electronic control adjustable is. Dishwasher ( 1 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that the data on the hardness of water from a preferably optical sensor in the rinsing liquor or a hardness sensor in the raw water supply in the flow direction in front of the water softening system originate. Dishwasher ( 1 ) for use of a 2-in-1 combination product with a water softening system and with at least one optimized washing program as a combination function for a combination product, characterized in that with the water softening system for filling the dishwasher ( 1 ) with raw water which is necessary for the existing raw water hardness degree of softening when using the combination function is achievable. Dishwasher ( 1 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that the achievable by the water softener degree of softening is manually predetermined by the user, in the z. B. the water softener is adjustable to one level by the user. Dishwasher according to claim 6, since characterized in that the achievable by the water softening degree of softening is automatically controlled by means of data on the water hardness of sensors by a preferably electronic control. Dishwasher ( 1 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that the data on the water hardness z. B. originate from a preferably optical sensor in the rinsing liquor or a hardness sensor in the raw water supply in the flow direction before the water softening system. Method for operating a dishwasher ( 1 ) with a water softening system and for the use of a 3-in-1 combination product and for use with at least one optimized washing program for a 3-in-1 combination product, characterized in that with the water softening system for filling the dishwasher ( 1 ) with raw water, a part of the required for the existing raw water hardness degree of softening is provided using the optimized wash program to use 3-in-1 combi products for large raw water hardness can. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that that the combo function to select of the optimized wash program manually, z. B. with a combination product button, or automatically with sensors, z. B. by a level sensor in the storage container for the rinse aid or chemical sensors in the rinse tank, activated becomes. Method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized that part of the water softener provided degree of softening is manually specified by the user, in the z. B. the water softening system set to a smaller level by the user than for the existing one raw water hardness without 3-in-1 combo product needed becomes. Method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized that part of the water softener provided degree of softening automatically with the help of data about the water hardness from sensors regulated by a preferably electronic control becomes. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that that the data is about the water hardness z. B. from a preferably optical sensor in the wash liquor or a hardness sensor in the raw water supply in the flow direction before the water softening system come. Method for operating a dishwasher ( 1 ) with a water softening system and for the use of a 2-in-1 combination product and for use with at least one optimized washing program for a combination product, characterized in that with the water softening system for filling the dishwasher ( 1 ) with raw water, the degree of softening required for the existing raw water hardness when using the optimized wash program is provided. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that that provided by the water softener softening degree manually pretend by the user, in the z. B. the water softening system set to one level by the user. Method according to claim 15, characterized that provided by the water softener softening degree automatically with the help of data about the water hardness from sensors is controlled by a preferably electronic control. Method according to claim 17, characterized that the data is about the water hardness z. B. from a preferably optical sensor in the wash liquor or a hardness sensor in the raw water supply in the flow direction before the water softening system come.