Dishwasher and method of operating a dishwasher by using a combined composition constituted by several cleaning agents

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DESCRIPTION

Procedure for operating a dishwashing machine in the case of using a formulation combined with several active substances.

The invention relates to a method of operating a dish washing machine.

At the present time, for quite some time, so-called 3-in-1 combination formulations have been obtainable for use in dishwashing machines which, together with a cleaning substance, contain a softening substance and a clarifying substance, and these are supplied to the same time to the dishwasher washing container at a certain time. These 3-in-1 combined formulations are available in the form of pressed tablets, so-called 3-in-1 tabs, and also as a 3-in-1 powder. The 3-in-1 combination formulations can be filled into dispensing devices provided with In the dishwasher, in this case, they are metered into the washing container at a certain time, which is determined by the course of the dishwasher's washing program. On the other hand, they can be placed, before the connection of the washing program, also by the user of the dishwashing machine inside this dishwashing machine, eg. ex. in the cutlery basket. Today generally more than one selectable washing program is available to the user of a dishwasher for cleaning the soiled material to be washed which has been introduced into the dishwasher. As selectable washing programs, programs are sufficiently known under the names of short program, normal program, intensive program and ecological program, for which there are also the most diverse formations of synonymous concepts. Since the use of the 3-in-1 combination formulations by dishwashing machine users, complaints from customers to dishwashing machine manufacturers have accumulated. Indeed, the results of cleaning and / or drying of the material to be washed, which has been cleaned in the dishwasher, have partially deteriorated dramatically in the case of the use of 3-in-1 formulations, in relation to with the usual individual metered addition of the corresponding substances. The fact that, on the one hand, users do not take into account the prescribed location of the 3-in-1 combination formulation in the dishwasher, such that some of them place the tabs ( 3-in-1 tablets) inside the dishwasher, while the manufacturers prescribe one use exclusively by means of the dosing device. Furthermore, the data of the manufacturers of the 3-in-1 combined formulations are not appropriate as regards the choice of a suitable washing program, since the user of the dishwashing machine generally certainly knows which of the washing programs has to select him depending on the degree of soiling and / or drying of the dirt particles, but he does not have in himself any more intimate knowledge about the course of the washing program. This knowledge involves the manufacturer of the 3-in-1 combination formulation in the user and leaves in such a case totally without taking into consideration that different 3-in-1 combined formulations are present on the market, which dissolve in different ways depending on the most different parameters and therefore reach their highest efficiency at different times. Thus, some commercially available 3-in-1 combined formulations are added according to a so-called “dilution principle” (also known as Carry over principle), that is to say that at the beginning of the cleaning is added and begins the 3-in-1 combination formulation to dissolve. In this case, mainly the clarifying substance is first added in a high concentration, that is to say, dosed in excess, and it is assumed that, as a consequence of carry-overs in the wash water and adhesions of the dissolved clarifying substance next to the material to be washed, next to the walls of the washing container and next to the lid of the washing container as well as next to the inlet pipes, the concentration in the rinse phase is still sufficient to achieve a particularly good drying result. Another different embodiment of the 3-in-1 combination formulation provides that first only the cleansing substance and the softening substance are dissolved and that the rinse substance, which is encapsulated in the 3-in-1 combination formulation, e.g. ex. in the form of a bead encased in wax, it dissolves for the first time, in a temperature- and / or pH-dependent manner, during the rinsing phase. In the case of using a washing program, which already in the cleaning phase of the program works with high temperatures and / or where the duration of the cleaning process is selected very long, which is generally usual in the case of a intensive program, the clarifying substance of the type mentioned second is already dissolved however. The first-mentioned rinse substance has in particular the disadvantage that it dissolves too quickly when carrying out various phases of the wash program before rinsing, such as eg. ex. cleaning and intermediate washing, the latter being sandwiched, as is known, between the cleaning and rinsing phases of the program, and in this case, by means of a multiple change of the washing liquid in the rinsing phase of the program, no longer it is present in a sufficient concentration. A further defect in the case of the use of the 3-in-1 combined formulations may appear when the user of the dishwashing machine carries out the metered addition by introduction, e.g. For example, from a 3-in-1 tablet, before the start of the washing program, in any place in the dishwasher, but not in the combination of dosages. In this case, p. ex. In the pre-wash phase of the program, at least the cleaning substance and the softening substance begin to dissolve, and in general it can be verified, in laboratory tests, that the dissolution behavior of the combined 3-in-1 formulations is also very good. in the case of water, which is essentially the temperature of the inlet line. By pump-down, the substances of the 3-in-1 combination formulation are made available, in a smaller concentration, to the subsequent phases of the program, namely the cleaning, the intermediate wash and rinse phases of the program, which are have eventually been provided, which has a direct impact on both the cleaning result and the drying result of the washed material, and worsens the latter in general.

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From German patent application DE 199 57 243 A1 a dish washing machine is known with several different types of washing programs, which are structured for operation with multi-phase cleaning agents, adding and mixing with the liquid. to wash a multi-phase cleaning tablet, which is rotationally symmetrically structured on the basis of four concentrically arranged partial volumes, in each case comprising an active substance, and the first active substance is immediately soluble when in contact with water, the second active substance containing enzymatic components, with a particularly high cleaning effect against food waste containing fats, at approximately 40 ° C it has a property of being hardly soluble, so it must be subjected to the action of the liquid to wash for the first time after approximately 12 min, the third very rapidly soluble active substance, which contains surfactant components with maximum efficacy at temperatures above 55 ° C, is coated with a thin layer of wax, which melts at 55 ° C, and the fourth active substance is an agent clarifier encapsulated by means of a thin layer of wax, which releases its content for the first time at 65 ° C, and the washing program includes a preliminary washing phase, in which fresh water is recirculated, cold to approximately 15 ° C, and the first active substance begins to dissolve, a subsequent cleaning phase with a change of the washing liquid, approximately 10 min after the start of the program, in which the liquid is heated to approximately 40 ° C and the second active substance dissolves, a renewed connection of the heating element approximately 35 min after the start of the program, starting the third active substance, at approximately 55 ° C, To go through the washing liquid an intermediate washing phase with a change of the water, and a subsequent rinsing phase, in which the washing liquid is heated to about 70 ° C and the rinsing substance is released.

The European patent application document EP-A-1195128 discloses a procedure for cleaning dishes, in which, due to the use of a combined formulation, a dispensing orifice of the reserve container destined to receive the clarifying substance , remains closed during the entire washing process.

A mission of the invention is to simplify the handling of dish washing machines in view of the use of combined formulations.

The problem raised by the aforementioned mission is solved by the object of claim 1.

According to the invention, in a dishwashing machine, at least one washing program can be selected by the user of the dishwashing machine, such as eg. ex. an intensive program, a normal program, a short program or an ecological program. The selection means are found in most cases in a handling control panel of the dish washing machine, and as such they are sufficiently well known.

Means are provided for the connection of an additional function, by means of which, in the case of a connection of this function, at least one parameter of the selected washing program is modifiable in view of the use of a combination of various substances. active. This has the consequence that the washing program selected by the user, such as an intensive program, a normal program, a short program or an ecological program, is automatically adapted to the use of a combined formulation, which in particular comprises a cleaning substance. , a softening substance and a clarifying substance. This means that, with the additional function switched on, a corresponding signal is emitted to the regulation and control unit, which automatically carries out the adaptation of the washing program, selected in each case in a user-dependent way, to the use of combined formulations. For this, for example, different control course routines are stored in the microcontroller of the control unit, which has been used, and / or accessed, or respectively intervenes, in a defined way on, different parameters of the control program. washing, such as temperature, duration of a certain phase of the washing program, filling volume with washing liquid, pH value and others, and these are modified in this way. An alternative embodiment is constituted by an additional function, in which a disconnection of a connecting means acts according to the invention. In another embodiment, a wash program, structured especially for the particular use with a combined formulation, is properly selectable as such among other wash programs.

Preferably, the additional function is structured for the use of a 3-in-1 combination formulation, this combined formulation containing, as specific substances for cleaning the material to be washed, essentially only a cleaning substance, a softening substance and a lightening substance. Irrespective of these components, the 3-in-1 combination formulation may also contain other substances, the direct or indirect influence of which on the cleaning and drying results of individual phases of the washing program, or on the overall cleaning results of the program. washing, is of secondary importance. As long as other substances with a specific action of the combined formulation are not expressly mentioned, these are nevertheless generally known and are encompassed together in a way that can be influenced by the object of the invention.

Furthermore, connection means are included for the connection of the additional function, these being preferably located on the control panel of the dishwasher together with other selection means and / or indication means. Another possibility of arranging the connecting means is offered by the dosing arrangement of the combined formulation, in which the combined formulation is preferably filled. In the

ES 2 335 883 T3 structuring the connection means the most different known forms of execution can be conceived, such as rotary selector switches, push buttons or the like. In addition, an actuation of a connection means by a user-dependent selection is also possible, which can be connected by selection on a menu-driven selector device, for example on an indicator display or, in the case of interconnected household appliances , through a graphic surface or possibly a voice recognition system.

In the dishwashing machine, by means of at least one sensor provided, the use of a combined formulation can be detected, in particular a 3-in-1 combination formulation, in such a way that for structuring the course of the program it is possible to differentiate , on the one hand, if a combined formulation works according to the dilution principle, or if a combined formulation is used, which dissolves the rinse substance for the first time in the rinse phase in a pH and / or temperature dependent manner. On the other hand, in the case of a repeated measurement by the sensor (s) during the entire course of the washing program, they can be checked e.g. ex. a modification of the concentration and / or the pH and / or modifications of the degree of hardness of the washing liquid, which allow conclusions to be drawn about the concentration of the individual active substances of the combined 3-in-1 formulation, with the consequence of that the course of the program can be modified at any appropriate time.

As sensors, at least one of these sensors is structured as a type of chemical and / or acoustic and / or thermal and / or optical and / or pneumatic sensor. These can be structured differently in their number and in their specific property that they have to detect. Furthermore, an evaluation of the sensor signals can be used, both with regard to the adaptation of the course of the washing program in relation to the use of the 3-in-1 combination formulation, as well as for the structuring of the others. parameters of the course of the overall washing program. Furthermore, alternatively, at least one chemical sensor provided, with correspondingly selected receptors, which for detection e.g. ex. of several active substances appearing at the same time, such as the cleansing substance and the softening substance and / or the clarifying substance, recognize the use of a combined formulation, and also without any connection of the additional function to the regulation and control system of the During the program, they indicate the use of a combined formulation. By means of possibly repeated control measurements and / or in tune with other measurements of the sensors during the course of the program, the conclusion is drawn about the use of a combined formulation and the course of the program is modified accordingly. The use of a sensor is currently particularly preferred, which recognizes at least the pH value and / or the temperature and / or the degree of hardness of the washing liquid.

The sensor (s) provided determine (s) in a continuous or discontinuous way, during the course of the program or during individual phases of the washing program, whose chronological courses or times of use can be preset by the system of regulation and control of the program, of individual parameters of the program, p. ex. with the aid of a comparison between the actual and the nominal value and / or a difference value and / or the evolution of the change in a parameter, such as pH value, temperature, cloudiness, foaming , the concentration or the hardness of the water, if a certain active substance of the combined formulation passes towards higher or lower values ​​p. ex. a preset maximum or minimum value. Also, p. ex. depending on a difference value, which can be set p. ex. depending on the manufacturer from the 3-in-1 combination formulation itself, as well as taking into account other typical parameters, such as concentration jumps, dissolution temperatures, or respectively combinations of parameters, such as those of the pH value and the concentration or those of the concentration and the temperature during the course of the program. For a determinable time segment of a wash program run or over the entire duration of the wash program, the change in at least one parameter of the wash program is also determined and evaluated. Thus, p. ex. Regarding the evolution of the pH value of the washing liquid, it is possible to draw conclusions about the concentration of the individual active substances of the 3-in-1 combination formulation. Thus, currently, the evaluation of the pH value is possible in such a way that the cleaning phase of the program constitutes a maximum basic pH value, or else in the rinsing phase of the program it must be transferred to lower values ​​by a pre-established value. , or else whose evolution of the modification, p. ex. in a presettable field of characteristic lines, it is previously defined within previously established tolerances, or they are determined, within previously defined chronological sections. jumps in the pH value (a sudden change in the pH value), or, on the other hand, time constants are determined for their appearance, eg. ex. after the dissolution temperature of an encapsulated clarifying substance has been reached. Such measurements with sensors are used per se, the additional function being connected, for adapting a course of the washing program to the use of a combined formulation, for active intervention during the course of the program per se, in the case If a specially structured washing program course has been selected, these first have a kind of monitoring function, in order to check whether, during the course of the program, a combination formulation actually finds use or if at least one substance with specific action is present in a sufficient concentration at the pre-established time. Optionally, adaptations of the course of the washing program can be made.

An appropriate method for the evaluation of the measurement signals of the sensors, consists e.g. ex. in determining the value or respectively the modification of certain parameters of the washing program, such as cloudiness, pH value, foam formation, concentration, water hardness, among other ways, individually, as well as in appropriate combinations at characteristic moments in the course of the project

ES 2 335 883 T3 washing program, as regards their qualitative and quantitative appearance, as well as their lag times between them. To this end, at least certain individual parameter values ​​can be determined within certain chronological sections or time intervals, and these can be subjected to a comparison between the real and the nominal value, to a formation of the values ​​of difference or a query of threshold values, or respectively modifications can be carried out with respect to values ​​previously adjusted or determined during the course of the program, all comparative values ​​being stored in tables or as default values ​​in at least one memory unit of the program's regulation and control system. In the case of interconnected household appliances, this memory unit can also be located outside the dishwasher. Furthermore, certain program states can also be stored in the memory unit in a storable manner, the combined pairings of which eg. ex. are not desired, and these can be requested from the user in the case of certain actions. Such unwanted constellations are established eg. ex. in the pre-wash phase of the program, when there is increased foam formation and / or obvious fluctuations in the pH value, or a pre-established concentration of the rinse substance is transferred to lower values ​​during all phases of the program, or else jumps in the concentration of the clarifying substance, independently of a certain temperature or a certain evolution of temperature. The user can be requested, corresponding to the erroneous situation that has appeared, p. ex. the introduction of a combined formulation in the combination of dosages, or else the course of the program is interrupted until, in a user-dependent manner, a renewed start-up of the dishwashing machine is carried out, or otherwise indicated by the minus the measurement result recognized as erroneous.

In the pre-wash or cleaning phase of the program, provision can be made that the timing of the actual metered addition of the 3 e 1 combination formulation is additionally monitored, e.g. ex. an acoustic sensor detects the fall of a tablet from the dosing chamber into the washing container. Other detection possibilities are offered by optical sensors, which eg. ex. they register an increased formation of foam, or chemical sensors, which evaluate the change in the pH of the washing liquid.

With an additional advantage, in the case of an optionally modified combined formulation, in which p. ex. They comprise an enzymatic cleaning substance with an activity temperature limit of approximately 30 ° C and a cleaning substance with a dissolution temperature of approximately 58 ° C, in the case of simultaneously shortened planned program phases, and consequently of a shortened duration of dissolution, by means of a short-term connection, optionally also repeated and / or a regulated or controlled power delivery of the heating means in the prewash and / or intermediate wash phases of the process, the washing liquid is preferably heated at the end of the respective process phase, in such a way that for the following cleaning or rinsing phases of the procedure, which are operated with a hot washing liquid, the respective chemical can develop its full activity better and for a longer time. By pre-heating or respectively increased heating of the washing liquid at the end of the preceding phase of the washing program, the dissolution and consequently the activity of the cleaning or rinsing substance are improved for the entire duration of each of the phases of the wash. Program. The energy supplied in this case is comparable to an activation energy. In the event that temperature regulation or temperature control is foreseen, the duration of the dissolution, the concentration, the action time and the moment of the release of a chemical substance of the combined formulation of 3 in 1.

Especially advantageous in this case is the fact that, in a user-dependent way, the 3-in-1 combination formulation actually used is preset as a parameter for the regulation and control system of the program, e.g. ex. by introduction via image acquisition, recognizing p. ex. the barcode of a 3-in-1 combination formulation, or commercially available 3-in-1 combination formulations that have been deposited in the program memory are selected, or may be entered by the user in another way other than the use of a certain combined formulation, realizing that the pre-established information in a user-dependent manner, about the use of a certain 3-in-1 combined formulation, Either it is stored until an input of information that has been modified, or it is consulted again at the beginning of each moment or at a predefined moment in a defined manner.

With an additional advantage, in the case of a query or respectively an evaluation of information about the type and form of presentation of the cleaning, clarifying and possibly softening substances that are provided, a product not unequivocally identified as a combined formulation of 3 in 1 can turn off a wrongly selected 3 in 1 function by the user, or respectively, an error message can be issued when selecting a 3-in-1 program.

It is furthermore advantageous that, if a 3-in-1 function has been switched on or in the case of a selection of a 3-in-1 wash program, the indication about a few can be switched on, switched off or masked. statuses of the washing program, which are connected in the case of common washing programs with an individual dosage of the substances, such as eg. For example, the disconnection of an indicator LED (light emitting diode) at the time of the regeneration process, or an indicator LED, requesting the filling with clarifying substance.

If the user of the dishwasher, after introducing a dirty material to be washed in the dishwasher, selects a washing program, a combined formulation is added to the dishwasher and using a selection means optionally connected indication of use

ES 2 335 883 T3 of a combined formulation, then the regulation and control system of the course of the program, taking into consideration the additional function, foresees that the course of the selected washing program is modified and adapted in its overall structure to the use of a combined formulation. In this case, depending on the selected washing program, individual parameters or several parameters of the different phases of the washing program, pre-wash, cleaning, intermediate wash and rinse, are automatically adapted in a manner described below, depending essentially on the the evaluation of preset measurements of the sensors, or they are modified in a fixed preset manner.

The steps shown in this case in the method claims do not constitute, in terms of their order of succession, any mandatory requirement for the course of the washing program, but can be selected deliberately, eg. ex. Depending on the use of a certain combined formulation or of a certain type of combined formulation, they can be connected repeatedly and / or consecutively, or they can be followed by other stages of the program, known per se.

In the case of the use of a combination of dosages with usually separate storage chambers for the cleaning substance and the clarifying substance, and in the case of the use of a combined 3-in-1 formulation, the function of the dosed addition is masked. of the rinse aid and possibly the cleaning substance in the selected wash program. In an alternative embodiment, it is possible, in the case of sensor-dependent determination p. ex. from the concentration of the clarifying substance, it is possible to add this in a metered amount in the necessary quantities; this eventually compensates for losses due to dilution in the preceding phases of the washing program. If, during the selected washing program, additional opening times are foreseen for the dosing arrangement in order to effect the release of different substances, these are also blocked, or the time of dosed addition of a certain substance is shifted, and / or it is modified in the quantitative dosage.

If, in addition to the cleaning substance and the clarifying substance, a softening substance is also added to the combined formulation, which must, in a known way, make it unnecessary to soften in the dishwasher by means of a softening device provided, then it is not necessary to regenerate the softening substance with saturated solutions of common salt (brines), to be carried out in a known way in a dish washing machine, and therefore in the course of the program the regeneration function is masked, i.e. the addition of a defined volume of brine to the de-hardening device, which otherwise, it is scheduled at a defined time in the course of the program. Alternatively, if a hardness sensor is provided, which can determine the hardness of the water in the washing liquid, the hardness of the water actually present in the dishwasher as a result of softening can be monitored if necessary. the softening substance of the combined formulation, and eventually the regeneration function of the softening substance can be switched on, such that a partial de-hardening of the water is carried out through the de-hardening device. In hard water regions, experience has shown that the softening capacity of the softening substances in a 3-in-1 combination formulation is not sufficient. It is therefore of particular advantage when information about the degree of hardness of the water actually used is fed into the inlet pipeline in structuring the course of the program. The degree of hardness of the water can be entered and stored, for example by the user, via a specially provided input function, eg. ex. on the manipulation control panel, or it can also be adjusted in a mixing arrangement, whereby corresponding means transmit the value of the water hardness setting to the system for regulating and controlling the course of the program, and in the case if the 3-in-1 function or a selection of a 3-in-1 wash program is switched on, they make possible the connection of the regeneration function and / or at least the mixing of a hard water with a soft water, at least at a previously established moment.

It is planned to continue to carry out the current input of water through the softening device in a manner independent of its softening capacity, which, with an increasing number of washing liquid changes, has been depleted depending on the degree of hardness of the water used. . All other alternatives of the water inlet are certainly possible in theory, but they are convenient only in the case that, in a classical way, only formulations combined with a softening substance are obtainable. The volume of water, optionally kept in a defined way in the reserve container of the dishwasher for the regeneration function, can be used, in particular in regions with soft water, alternatively as a totally or partially defined volume in the regions. phases of the program that conduct liquid, for sizing a previously determined volume of liquid.

If, by means of a sensor, during an introductory pre-wash, the use of a combined formulation is recognized or the use of the same is indicated by a connected additional function, then the duration of the pre-wash phase of the program is shortened, planned at the beginning, in order to prevent the included cleaning and rinsing active substances from dissolving too early and being present in too small a concentration in the cleaning and rinsing phases respectively. If, on the other hand, a washing program is selected, which provides for two or more pre-wash phases in each case with a complete change of water, then by suppressing at least one pre-wash or respectively by reducing to one phase. program pre-wash, it is prevented in this way, also without detection of a combined formulation, already in a prophylactic way, that a combination formulation mistakenly entered in the dishwasher rather than in the combination of dosages dissolves too early.

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If, as explained above, the previous washing phase of the process is shortened or completely eliminated, then in this way the time period of the operation of loading the material to be washed with water is reduced, and in this way it is shortened or the process of detaching stubborn stains, which may have already adhered for a long time to the material to be washed, is totally suppressed. This, in some cases of soiling, is not useful to obtain a good cleaning result. Therefore, in such cases, the cleaning phase of the process is preferably prolonged by the duration of the process phase, by which the previous wash phase of the process had been shortened. Thus, the detachment of the dirt particles is at least partially displaced until the cleaning phase of the process.

According to the invention, the number of intermediate wash phases between the cleaning and rinsing phases of the program is reduced to an intermediate wash phase, which essentially has the task of removing dirt particles and chemical residues from cleaning that have been attached individually. With an additional advantage, the intermediate wash can be carried out, in the case of having decreased the maximum volume of liquid to wash in relation to the maximum anticipated volume of the cleaning phase of the program, in such a way that the concentration of the dissolved rinse substance it is higher than in the case of a volume of washing liquid equal to that of cleaning. If, during the cleaning phase of the program, the washing liquid is diluted multiple times and / or if a lower degree of contamination of the washing liquid has been detected by a corresponding measurement of the haze, then it is possible to dispense with it, possibly completely, of the intermediate wash phase.

In the intermediate washing phase of the process, which is carried out with a warm washing liquid and as a consequence of this no active heating is foreseen by means of a connection of provided heating elements, the energy supplied during the phases of the process is withdrawn, which they are made with a hot washing liquid. In order to structure the course of the process in an energetically favorable way and, as described above, also saving water and consequently increasing the concentration of the clarifying substance in the intermediate washing phase of the process, it can be provided, by repeated connections and disconnections of the recirculation pump, with a differently determinable and / or presettable duration of the connection and disconnection status, introducing the washing liquid as a pulse wash into the material to be washed. When the recirculation pump is switched off, the recirculation of the washing liquid and consequently the loading of the material to be washed with washing liquid is interrupted. This pulse wash mode is briefly described with a sequence of spray, pause, spray, pause, spray, pause, etc.

At the end of at least one phase of the procedure, such as e.g. ex. the intermediate wash, depending on the measurement of the haze and / or the content of clarifying substance in the washing liquid, a dilution step may be provided. The dilution step results in that a partial volume of the wash liquid, which had been used during the intermediate wash, is subsequently used in the subsequent rinse phase of the process, and is mixed with a fresh wash liquid, which is provided. As a consequence of the dilution step, the loss, in particular, of clarifying substance is reduced compared to a complete pump-down and filling of the washing liquid. For this very reason, also independent of the measurement of the turbidity of the washing liquid, a dilution step may necessarily be provided instead of a complete pump-down of the washing liquid, eg. ex. at the end of a phase of the washing program.

As an additional or alternative step, the temperature is preferably reduced in the steps of the process preceding the rinse phase of the program, preferably in the cleaning phase of the process, to a temperature below the dissolution temperature of the rinse substance. , preferably below 58 ° C. Therefore, p. ex. in the case of having selected an intensive program, which usually performs the cleaning phase with temperatures between 58 and 70 ° C, it is prevented that in the case of the use of a combined formulation with temperature-dependent release of the substance rinse, it may dissolve already here, and as a consequence it is present in too low a concentration in the rinse phase of the program.

In the rinse phase of the program, the material to be washed is heated to a temperature of at least 58 ° C for the subsequent drying phase of the program, thus also preventing the dissolution of the rinse substance, which is dependent on temperature and possibly dependent on the pH value.

Advantageously, the temperature regime of the washing liquid during a selected washing procedure, which had been automatically adapted to the use of combined formulations, as mentioned above, is on the one hand determined by the dissolution temperatures of the individual chemicals. On the other hand, from energy points of view, during the previous washing, as long as it is carried out, the washing liquid is not heated by connection of some heating means provided, so that the washing liquid is essentially dependent on the inlet water temperature. During cleaning and rinsing, the washing liquid, as a result of the inclusion and connection of the provided heating means, is actively heated, and in the intermediate washing phase of the program, without connection of these heating means, it is heated passively, p. ex. by withdrawing energy from the heat capacities of the dishwashing machine, manifestly until reaching a temperature below the temperature of dissolution of a temperature-dependent rinse substance.

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Without restricting the invention, it is possible to run component parts of the washing program, in the case of having selected a 3-in-1 function, totally or partially according to a previously established program in a defined way, or respectively to fully or partially adapt the recognition and evaluation of certain parameters, p. ex. by means of sensors, in an appropriate way, to the real situation in relation to a pre-established nominal situation.

The connection of the 3-in-1 function, or the choice of a 3-in-1 washing program, can be carried out, also in the case of interconnected household appliances that are operated, and if necessary connected, in a different way. site independent, from a central computer not located in the dishwasher.

Along with the already known selectable washing programs, normal program, intensive program, ecological program and short program, a special 3-in-1 washing program can also be provided, which has been adapted in advance to the use of combined formulations, in particular those containing at the same time a cleaning substance, a softening substance and a clarifying substance. This 3-in-1 washing program is selected directly by the user of the dishwashing machine and is characterized by the essential procedural steps mentioned below, the sequence mentioned in such case, but not forced, of the steps of In this case, the procedure constitutes a possible course of the washing program without the final drying phase of the program:

A modification or disconnection of the de-hardening function of the regeneration arrangement and / or a modification or disconnection of the opening of special holding chambers in reserve of the dosing device for chemical substances (cleaning substance, clarifying substance) that are still kept in book individually, in particular together with the combined formulation and / or a modification of the metered quantity of the chemical substances kept in reserve.

A deactivation of corresponding display elements for functions, which are deactivated in advance, that is to say in a previously set mode, during the course of the program, at least by means of the system for regulating and controlling the course of the program, preferably a deactivation of the regeneration indicator in case the regeneration function is switched off, by means of the regeneration arrangement, and / or a disconnection of the refill indicator with the clarifying substance, in the event that at least one automatic dosed addition of the clarifying substance is switched off.

Pre-washing is carried out with cold water, which is therefore essentially dependent on the water inlet temperature, for an extremely short period of 2 to 5 min., Preferably 2 to 3 min. In this period of time, mainly fresh stains can come off and stains adhered for a longer time can soften. Depending on an optional measurement of the cloudiness of the liquid, in the event of severe contamination, one or more dilution stages of the washing liquid can be provided, a dilution stage being provided due to the short duration of the prewash, preferably at the end of the previous wash. If no dilution step takes place at the end of the pre-wash, then the wash liquid is completely changed before the next phase of the program.

The freshly added washing liquid, which can also be diluted and therefore contaminated to a certain degree, is then heated in the cleaning phase of the process to a temperature which is below the dissolution temperature of the the clarifying substance, preferably between 40 and 57 ° C.

The combined formulation is fed into the wash container via the dosing device, preferably within the first third of the cleaning phase of the program, as long as the combined formulation has not been introduced into the wash container, e.g. ex. in the cutlery basket, by the user before starting the wash in the wash program.

At the above-mentioned temperature, the washing liquid is recirculated in the washing container during cleaning, for approximately 10 to 30 minutes and at the end of the cleaning phase of the process it is pumped out completely or diluted. This decision can be made in a manner dependent on a measurement of the haze of the washing liquid, which has been optionally carried out.

If at least one measurement of the haze of the washing liquid is carried out, then an execution of several dilution steps is optionally executable, depending on the degree of fouling and / or the concentration of individual components of the combined formulation. The cleaning phase of the procedure is followed by an intermediate washing phase of the procedure, in which the new or diluted washing liquid, now present, is passively heated, that is to say exclusively by withdrawing energy from the capacities of heat from the dishwasher, in such a way that these last traces of dirt still present and the chemical residues from the cleaning phase of the process are removed during recirculation. Recirculation of the wash liquid takes place in the intermediate wash phase of the process over a period of time of approximately 2 to 10 minutes. Alternatively, the intermediate wash can also be carried out as a pulse wash in case the maximum volume of the washing liquid has been decreased with respect to the maximum volume of the washing liquid of the cleaning phase.

ES 2 335 883 T3

The intermediate washing phase of the process can be completed with a total or partial emptying.

In the rinse phase of the process, a defined volume of the washing liquid is supplied to the wash container. This may have been fixedly dimensioned beforehand or it may have been variably adjusted depending on the most different parameters. A dependent quantity is in this case the concentration of the rinse substance actually present in the washing liquid, since this exerts a direct influence on the result of the rinsing phase and consequently on the result of the drying of the washed material, which is can get below. Thus, in the case of a small concentration of the rinse substance at the beginning of the rinse phase of the program, the washing liquid will be added in the least amount possible, but possibly depending on the degree of cloudiness of the washing liquid. If, in another case, the concentration of the clarifying substance at the beginning of the rinse phase of the program is higher than average or sufficiently high, then the concentration of the clarifying substance can be adjusted to a predetermined concentration by adding a volume, adjustable in a defined way, of the liquid to be washed. The washing liquid, which already contains a dissolved rinse substance, as well as that in which there is a rinse substance that still needs to be dissolved, is now preferably heated to a dissolution temperature above the dissolution temperature of a solution. clarifying substance that dissolves, depending on the pH value and the temperature. This dissolution temperature is currently above 58 ° C (for the 3-in-1 Calgonit Powerballs® combination formulation). For a period of time of 2 to 15 minutes, but also at least until a preset temperature is reached, which is currently referred to as 65 to 70 ° C, the washing liquid is heated and recirculated. At the end of the rinse phase of the program, the washing liquid is removed, as long as this is possible, by pumping it out from the washing container.

The remaining liquid and the water vapor, which have remained next to the material to be washed, next to the lid of the washing container and next to the walls of the washing container, are removed in the drying phase of the program, which follows the rinse phase of the program. The drying is preferably carried out in such a case as condensation drying. During condensation drying, whenever it is present, preferably in the first third of this phase of the program, at least one circulating air fan is inserted.

The intermediate wash during the liquid-conducting process phases may preferably be structured as a pulse wash, that is to say that during the intermediate wash phase of the process the recirculation pump is repeatedly switched on and off for a preset or determinable period of time. In this case, the durations of the recirculation pump on and the recirculation pump off are dependent on a level of washing liquid in the washing container, which corresponds to a lower fill level, in which the recirculation pump does not draw in any air. Because of the above-mentioned limiting factor, there are additional dependencies on the number of revolutions of the recirculation pump, which withdraws more of the washing liquid from the sump with increasing number of revolutions. If the setting of the pulses for the on and off of the recirculation pump is adjustable also depending on a measurement of the cloudiness of the washing liquid, then in the case of a small degree of contamination, the duration can be shortened. of the recirculation pump switch-on relative to the recirculation pump switch-off duration, and can be correspondingly prolonged in the event of an increased degree of fouling. Depending on a measurement of the pH value and / or the temperature of the liquid and / or a certain concentration of the rinse substance, the volume of washing liquid that is present at most during one phase can be adjusted in a defined way. of the process in which liquid is conducted, preferably in the intermediate washing phase of the process. Thus, an influence can be exerted on the dissolution behavior and / or on the concentration of the clarifying substance and / or of one of the other substances of the combined formulation. If a combined formulation is used, which contains a clarifying substance, which has a dissolution behavior that is dependent on temperature and / or the pH value, a certain pH value must be reached, preferably in the neutral region of the pH, during the intermediate wash. This eventually presupposes both an increased volume of washing liquid during the intermediate wash, and also that this pH value can be reached by means of one or more dilution steps provided during the intermediate wash.

In an exemplary embodiment, the invention is explained in greater detail with the aid of a method for operating a domestic dishwashing machine, which is suitable for the use of 3-in-1 combined formulations, that is, those containing the substances active cleansing, clarifying and softening.

In this context, the single figure shows a diagram of the individual steps of the process of a course of washing program. In this case, it is assumed that the water in the inlet line is essentially soft and therefore has a small degree of hardness.

On the ordinate of curve A the time is recorded, not to scale, and on the abscissa the volume of washing liquid that is present in the washing container is recorded, not to scale. Important individual parameters for the course of the procedure, which are essential to obtain a particularly good cleaning result of the material to be washed, are characterized by corresponding arrows. Preferably, at the beginning of the washing program, automatic dosed addition functions are masked, which do not include any addition of a 3-in-1 combination formulation, this concerns in each case the automatic dosed addition of the clarifying substance, furthermore the automatic regeneration function. From the figure you can

ES 2 335 883 T3 it should be noted that the washing program is carried out with a very short pre-wash, of 2 to 5 minutes, at the temperature of the water inlet line.

In this phase of the program, preferably no chemical substance intended to improve the result of the pre-wash is added to the dishwasher. However, in such a case, it cannot be prevented that the user had mistakenly supplied the 3-in-1 combination formulation already before the start-up of the dishwashing machine. After a complete pump-down of the liquid at the end of the pre-wash phase of the program, which is characterized by the arrow VV, fresh wash liquid is added to the wash container. This is limited to a maximum planned volume of washing liquid of approximately 4 l, dimensioned for a dish washing machine, which is intended to receive 12 normal services. At the beginning of the cleaning phase of the program, the washing liquid is heated by connection of a heating means provided. In this case, the washing liquid must reach a temperature of approximately 55 ° C, which corresponds at the time of application of the invention to a temperature below the dissolution temperature of the clarifying substance of a combined formulation of 3 in 1, which is soluble in a pH- and temperature-dependent manner, such as for example Calgonit Powerball®. In the first third of the cleaning phase of the program, the 3 in 1 combination formulation is preferably added during the delivery of the washing liquid (which is characterized by the arrow "3 in 1").

The washing liquid is recirculated in the washing container at the preset maximum temperature for about 10 to 30 minutes, and in this way the material to be washed is loaded with it. At the end of the cleaning phase of the program, the washing liquid is almost completely withdrawn from the washing container (characterized by the arrow Vr). The volume of the washing liquid is replenished for a next intermediate washing phase of the program, and is heated exclusively by withdrawing an energy, which is stored in the heat capacities of the rod washing machine, and is recirculated. The volume of washing liquid, added at most, can be varied depending on a measurement of the cloudiness and / or a measurement of the concentration of the rinse substance present, which works according to the dilution principle. Thus, as represented by a dotted line, the volume of washing liquid is preferably increased in the event of a high degree of soiling and / or a high degree of concentration of the clarifying substance and / or of a strongly basic medium. of washing liquid. In the case of a small degree of soiling and an already very low concentration of the rinse substance in relation to the concentration, which is necessary in rinsing, and / or of an already neutral washing liquid, the volume of the liquid is decreased. to wash, as represented by dashed line.

The intermediate wash phase of the process is prolonged after a dilution step or after a complete pump-down, not shown, e.g. ex. Depending on the degree of cloudiness, it becomes the rinsing phase of the program. For this, the volume of the washing liquid is increased at least partially and preferably the maximum present volume of the washing liquid of the cleaning phase of the program is reached. Alternatively, by means of correspondingly evaluated measurement results from provided sensors, the volume of the washing liquid can also be adjusted exactly to a preset concentration range of the rinse substance. The value of the volume of the washing liquid, which is then to be supplied, must then be calculated by means of the computer unit of the system for regulating the course of the program. Consequently, the duration of the intermediate wash varies between 2 and 10 min and the duration of the rinse varies between approximately 2 and 15 min. The volume of the washing liquid is increased in the subsequent course of the program, now at a temperature above a dissolution temperature of the clarifying substance, which is dependent on the pH value and the temperature; the dissolution temperature of the rinse substance is currently around 58 ° C, so that during the rinse it is heated to a minimum temperature of 60 to 70 ° C. At the end of the rinse phase of the program, the washing liquid is almost completely withdrawn from the washing container (which is characterized by the arrow Vk). The rinsing phase of the program is followed by a drying phase of the program, which is not depicted in greater detail here, however.

Without restricting the invention, all the data, comprising numerical values, are adapted to the combined 3 in 1 formulations currently available on the market (Calgonit Powerball®, Somat 3in1®, Sun 3in1 Optimal®). In the case of corresponding modifications of the composition of these 3-in-1 combined formulations, the parameters with numerical value data, which have been mentioned, have to be adapted in a corresponding way. For the subsequent modification of the proposed program courses, reference is made to documents EP-A-1362547 and EP-A-1516 576 of the applicant.

Without restricting the invention, it is also possible to conceive a structuring of the course of the program or respectively a process, in which the previously described invention is reversed, that is to say that all the previously set programs are structured for the use of combined formulations (of 3 in 1) and by means of controllable connection means it is possible to adapt to the use of the clarifying, cleaning and softening substances, individually kept in reserve or respectively added to the selected washing program.