DOSING DEVICE FOR A CLEANING MACHINE

Abstract

A system for dosing substances such as cleaning and/or care agents is disclosed. The system includes a dosing device, at least one energy source, a control unit, a sensor unit, and at least two cartridges for respectively accommodating at least one of the cleaning and/or care agents. The at least two cartridges are capable of being coupled to the dosing device.

Claims

1. A system comprising: a dosing device for dosing a substance chosen from cleaning and/or care agents comprising a control unit and a sensor unit, and at least two cartridges for respectively accommodating at least one of the cleaning and/or care agents, wherein the at least two cartridges is coupled to the dosing device, and wherein the dosing device optionally comprises a communication interface.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the at least two cartridges accommodates at least one of the cleaning and/or care agents chosen from: A) a cleaning booster substance; B) a shine and drying booster substance; C) a softening salt; D) a glass protection substance; E) a deodorizing substance; F) a machine cleaning substance; and/or G) a care substance.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least one of the at least two cartridges is detachably coupled to the dosing device.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least one of the at least two cartridges has a plurality of mutually spatially separated chambers for accommodating mutually different substances of the cleaning and/or care agents.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least one of the at least two cartridges comprises a depletion indicator.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sensor unit comprises at least one of the devices from the group of: A) at least one device for measuring a conductance; B) at least one device for measuring a temperature; C) at least one device for determining unpleasant fragrancing substances; D) at least one device for determining a loading status; E) at least one device for determining a turbidity; F) at least one device for determining a degree of soiling; G) at least one device for determining a pH; and H) at least one device for determining a brightness.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein a quantity of the cleaning and/or care agents accommodated in the at least two cartridges is dosed by the control unit.

8. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein a control signal from the control unit activates initiation of dosing of the cleaning and/or care agent accommodated in the at least two cartridges.

9. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the dosing device comprises at least one actuator connected to at least one energy source and the control unit in a manner such that a control signal from the control unit activates a movement of the actuator.

10. A method of using the system as claimed in claim 1 inside a dishwasher, a washing machine, or a clothes dryer.

11. A method for dosing substances including cleaning and/or care agents comprising the following steps: measuring and/or determining sensor information using at least one sensor unit; determining dosing information based on at least one piece of the measured and/or determined sensor information; generating a control signal by a control unit based on the determined dosing information; and initiating dosing of at least one of the cleaning and/or care agents accommodated in at least two cartridges of at least one dosing device.

12. (canceled)

13. The method as claimed in claim 11, further comprising at least one step selected from the group of: measuring a temperature; measuring a conductance; determining a brightness; determining unpleasant fragrancing substances; determining a pH; determining a turbidity; determining dosing information based on at least one piece of the determined and/or measured information; dosing of a machine cleaning and/or care substance based on the determined dosing information; and/or combinations thereof.

14. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the method is carried out in a household appliance and comprising: direct communication of the at least one dosing device with the household appliance, or indirect communication of the at least one dosing device with the household appliance.

15. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a household appliance chosen from a washing machine, dishwasher, or a clothes dryer.

16. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of the at least two cartridges is detachably coupled to the dosing device.

17. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of the at least two cartridges comprises a depletion indicator.

18. The method as claimed in claim 13 wherein the at least one piece of the determined and/or measured information is chosen from temperature, conductance, brightness, unpleasant fragrancing substance, pH, and turbidity.

19. A system comprising: at least two cartridges each accommodating a cleaning and/or care agent; and a dosing device coupled to the at least two cartridges and configured to dose the cleaning and/or care agent accommodated by the at least two cartridges with the dosing device comprising: a sensor unit adapted to capture sensor information including physical, chemical, and/or mechanical properties of an environment of the dosing device, a control unit configured to control dosing of the cleaning and/or care agent based on the sensor information, and a communication interface for transmitting a control signal generated by the control unit to an external device; and the external device configured to receive the control signal from the communication interface of the dosing device to implement the dosing of the cleaning and/or care agent.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0177] The present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and:

[0178] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a dosing device;

[0179] FIG. 2 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method in accordance with the first aspect, which can be carried out using an exemplary embodiment of a dosing device;

[0180] FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method in accordance with a second aspect, which can be carried out using an exemplary embodiment of a dosing device;

[0181] FIG. 4 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method in accordance with a third aspect, which can be carried out using an exemplary embodiment of a dosing device;

[0182] FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method in accordance with a fourth aspect, which can be carried out using an exemplary embodiment of a dosing device;

[0183] FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method in accordance with a fifth aspect, which can be carried out using an exemplary embodiment of a dosing device; and

[0184] FIG. 7 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method in accordance with a sixth aspect, which can be carried out using an exemplary embodiment of a dosing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0185] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the disclosure or the application and uses of the subject matter as described herein. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or the following detailed description.

[0186] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a dosing device 100, which in particular can implement and/or control exemplary methods for dosing substances such as cleaning and/or care agent in accordance with exemplary aspects of the present disclosure. In particular, by employing the exemplary embodiment of a dosing device 100, an exemplary method 200 in accordance with FIG. 2 (aspect 1), 300 in accordance with FIG. 3 (aspect 2), 400 in accordance with FIG. 4 (aspect 3), 500 in accordance with FIG. 5 (aspect 4), 600 in accordance with FIG. 6 (aspect 5) or 700 in accordance with FIG. 7 (aspect 6), as well as an exemplary method in accordance with aspect 7, may be implemented and/or controlled.

[0187] The dosing device 100 comprises a control unit 110, a sensor unit 120, at least two cartridges, here cartridges 141, 142 and 143, as well as optional communication interface(s) 160, an optional actuator 150 and an optional energy source 130. An energy source may, for example, be disposed in a cartridge, for example cartridge 143. In this case, the cartridge 143 comprising the energy source is electrically connected to the dosing device 100, so that the dosing device 100 as well as the components comprising the dosing device, in particular the control unit 110 and the sensor unit 120, can use the energy supplied by the energy source.

[0188] The sensor unit 120 comprises, for example, one or more devices for measuring and/or determining information. This information may be transmitted from the sensor unit 120 to the control unit 110 for further use or further processing.

[0189] Here, the control unit 110 comprises a processor 111 and a memory 112. The memory 112 may, for example, be a program memory, a central memory and/or a data memory. Instructions may be stored in the program memory which, for example, enable the processor 111 to execute appropriate instructions.

[0190] As an example, the control unit 110 can evaluate information determined and/or measured by the sensor unit 120 and based on this, a control signal may be generated. The control signal may initiate an action, for example. As an example, the control signal may cause dosing of substances accommodated in the cartridges 141, 142, 143. Furthermore, a control signal may be transmitted to the optional actuator 150, which may be connected to the energy source 130 in a manner such that a movement of the actuator is brought about on the basis of the control signal. As an example, by employing the actuator, dispensing of substances accommodated in the cartridges 141, 142, 143 may be released and cut off, so that these substances can be dosed. A control signal may also be transmitted via the optional communication interface(s) 160 to an external device, for example a UV light so that, for example, crockery inside a dishwasher can be treated.

[0191] Information determined and/or measured by the sensor unit 120 may be processed by the control unit 110. As an example, dosing information may be determined on the basis of this measured and/or determined information. For the determination, for example, a cleaning and/or care agent accommodated in the at least two cartridges may be taken into consideration. The processing of this information determined and/or measured by the sensor unit may also be carried out in a decentralized manner, for example on a server, a server cloud, or on an external networkable input/output device (for example a smart phone, tablet, desktop computer or a smart home management system, to name a few examples).

[0192] The processor 111 is in particular configured as a microprocessor, microcontrol unit, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0193] The processor 111 can execute program instructions which may be stored in the memory 112, and may, for example, store intermediate results, information determined and/or measured by the sensor unit 120 or the like in a central memory (also known as the working memory). As an example, the memory 112 is a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, a magnetic memory, an EEPROM memory (electrically erasable programmable read only memory) and/or an optical memory. A central memory may, for example, be a volatile or non-volatile memory, in particular a random-access memory (RAM) such as a static RAM memory (SRAM), a dynamic RAM memory (DRAM), a ferroelectric RAM memory (FeRAM), and/or a magnetic RAM memory (MRAM).

[0194] Memory 112 is preferably a data carrier that is preferably permanently connected to the dosing device 100. Hard drives that, for example, are built into the dosing device 100, are associated with the data carrier that is permanently connected to the dosing device 100. Alternatively, the data carrier may, for example also be a data carrier that can be removable connected to the dosing device 100, such as a memory stick, a removable disk, a portable hard drive, a CD, a DVD, and/or a diskette.

[0195] Memory 112 may, for example, store the operating system and/or the firmware for the dosing device 100 which, upon startup of the dosing device 100, is at least partially loaded into a central memory, for example, and executed by the processor 111. In particular, when starting up the dosing device 100, at least a portion of the core of the operating system and/or the firmware is loaded into a central memory and executed by processor 111. The operating system for the dosing device 100 may, for example, be a Windows, UNIX, Linux, android, Apple iOS, and/or Mac operating system.

[0196] In particular, the operating system enables the dosing device 100 to be used. As an example, the operating system administers operating features such as a central memory and a program memory which, for example, may be comprised in the memory 112, optional communication interface(s) 160, and also provides, inter alia, program interfaces for other programs for the basic functions, and controls the execution of programs.

[0197] The processor 111 may control the optional communication interface(s) which, for example, may be a network interface and may be configured as a network card, network module and/or modem. Communication interface(s) 160 is in particular configured in a manner such that a connection of the dosing device 100 with other devices, in particular via a (wireless) communication system, for example a network, can be produced (via the communication system), received and transmitted (via the communication system). Examples of a communication system are a local network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless network (for example in accordance with the IEEE-802.11 standard, Bluetooth (LE) standard and/or the NFC standard), a wired network, a cellular network, a telephone network, and/or the internet.

[0198] Furthermore, the processor 111 may manage and/or control the sensor unit 120.

[0199] FIG. 2 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method 200 in accordance with a first aspect (aspect 1), which, for example, can be executed and/or controlled by an exemplary embodiment of a dosing device, for example dosing device 100 of FIG. 1.

[0200] The method 200 for dosing softening salt comprises the following steps of the method:

[0201] measuring a temperature;

[0202] measuring a conductance;

[0203] determining dosing information based on at least one piece of the determined and/or measured information;

[0204] dosing softening salt based on the determined dosing information.

[0205] Here, a sensor unit, for example sensor unit 120 of FIG. 1, comprises at least one device for measuring a temperature and at least one device for measuring a conductance.

[0206] The device for measuring a conductance may, for example, undertake two functions. The device for measuring a conductance may, for example, detect the presence of water (for example the start of a washing process in a dishwasher). Furthermore, the device for measuring a conductance may measure an initial conductivity of washing water (without the cleaner, for example, having been dosed). The measurement of the conductivity may, for example, be carried out by employing two electrodes through which current is passed.

[0207] The water hardness, for example of washing water, is essentially determined by the cations calcium and magnesium. A specific conductance is established for a specific water hardness, as a function of a dimension (width, length, volume) of electrodes which, for example, may be used for the measurement of the conductance.

[0208] The following table shows, for example for a standard electrode, the dependency of the water hardness on the conductivity. The standard electrode is a standard laboratory electrode which had been calibrated against potassium chloride solutions of various concentrations. As an example, it may be a WTW Tetracon 325 Universal conductivity measurement cell (4-electrode graphite cell), measurement range of about 1 S/cm to about 2 S/cm and 0 to about 100 C.

TABLE-US-00001 Overview of water hardness in German and French grades ppm S/cm dH f Hardness 0-70 0-140 0-4 0-7 very soft 70-150 140-300 4-9 7-15 soft 150-250 300-500 9-15 15-25 slightly hard 250-320 500-640 15-19 25-32 medium hard 320-420 640-840 19-25 32-42 hard above 420 above 840 above 25 above 42 very hard 1 dH = 1.716 f; approx. 30 S corresponds to approx. 1 dH

[0209] Preferably, in steps 201 and 202, both a measurement of a temperature as well as of a conductance are made. The conductance may be strongly temperature-dependent. As an example, the mobility of ions is increased at a higher temperature compared to a temperature which is lower than that temperature. In addition, the degree of dissociation of a liquid rises at higher temperatures, initiated by a fall in the viscosity of this liquid.

[0210] When using automatic dishwashers, as is typically the case with a dishwasher, knowledge of the prevailing water hardness can play an important role. Water that has not been softened may, for example, lead directly to spots and limescale deposits on the crockery to be cleaned. In order to avoid this, it is possible to soften the water used, for example. Accordingly, establishing the water hardness for satisfactory performance is sometimes an important parameter.

[0211] Substances which can be used as dishwasher products with an integrated softening function usually exploit the principle of crystal growth inhibition using special polymer systems and phosphates in order to inhibit limescale deposits. Variations of sulfonated polyacrylates, ethylenediaminesuccinic acid (EDDS), or methylglycine diacetic acid (MGDA) may be used, for example. These aforementioned substances are readily soluble in water.

[0212] Water can be softened with the aid of softening salt. In addition, the performance of dishwasher products with integrated softening functions using softening salt has been enhanced, optimized and/or intensified. This can, for example, be additionally carried out by appropriate dosing of a specific quantity of a softening salt. Because the capacity of a cartridge is restricted, a solution or solutions of said substances and mixtures of substances with as high a concentration as possible should, for example, be stored, for example for repeated dosing. The mixture of substances for softening can furthermore be supplemented with auxiliary materials for automatic dishwashing such as, for example, surfactants, carboxylic acids, solvents, solubility promoters, dyes, aromatic substances, or the like.

[0213] Precipitates, in particular alkaline earth carbonate precipitates, may become more intensive with increasing temperature. This may, for example, be caused by the conversion of soluble bicarbonate into insoluble alkaline earth carbonate. Correspondingly, the dosing of softening salt can be matched to the measured temperature. As an example, the temperature may be measured in every respective dishwashing step carried out by a dishwasher and a determination of dosing information may be executed and/or controlled on the basis of the measured temperature.

[0214] In order to improve the action of softening salt, dosing of the softening salt may be carried out exclusively in those dishwashing steps in which no dishwasher detergent is dosed such as, for example, in an intermediate washing operation and/or in the rinse aid operation. An intermediate washing operation and/or a rinse aid operation may be included in a cleaning cycle carried out by a dishwasher. Correspondingly, for example, the determination of dosing information in step 203 may be carried out taking the above facts into consideration.

[0215] A determination of a dishwashing step is known, for example, from DE 10 2010 062 138 A1, the disclosure of which is hereby explicitly incorporated into the present description. As an example, with the aid of a device for measuring a temperature, a maximum temperature T.sub.max may be measured, and after this temperature T.sub.max is exceeded, dosing of softening salt may be carried out and/or controlled. This also applies in the case of a rapid drop in a measured temperature dT/dt, which is indicative of a change of water. As an example, the determination of dosing information may involve dosing softening salt based on information of this type. In this manner, dosing of softening salt may be carried out in those dishwashing steps in which no dishwasher detergent is dosed.

[0216] Deposit and spot formation can be prevented by employing a measurement of a conductance and dosing information on the basis of this measurement, and by employing dosing softening salt, for example in accordance with the steps 202 to 204. The separate dosing of softening salt may have a further advantage for a consumer, wherein the consumer can dispense with the use of multifunctional products such as, for example, a dishwasher product with an integrated softening function for water. Furthermore, when water hardness is high, for example more than 21 dH, the consumer might dispense with the use of salt and therefore with the associated softening unit. From an ecological viewpoint, dosing of softening salt with the exemplary method 200 may be managed and/or controlled by measuring a temperature and by measuring a conductance. In contrast to this, softening of the water in accordance with the prior art uses multi-functional products in an uncontrolled manner when dosing the softening agent(s) integrated into the dishwasher detergent product. Management and/or control of an appropriate dose is not possible in this case.

[0217] FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method 300 in accordance with a second aspect (aspect 2) which, for example, may be executed and/or controlled by an exemplary embodiment of a dosing device, for example dosing device 100 of FIG. 1.

[0218] The method 300 for dosing deodorant comprises the following steps of the method:

[0219] detecting a brightness;

[0220] measuring a conductance;

[0221] detecting an unpleasant fragrancing substance;

[0222] determining dosing information based on at least one piece of the determined and/or measured information (brightness, conductance, unpleasant fragrancing substance);

[0223] dosing of deodorizing substance based on the determined dosing information.

[0224] Optionally, the method may comprise the following step of the method:

[0225] initiating an irradiation, for example of the interior of a dishwasher, in particular with UV radiation, preferably UV-C radiation.

[0226] The method as claimed in a second aspect, deodorization may be activated only when deodorization is desired and/or required. To this end, for example, a deodorizing substance may be accommodated in one of the cartridges of the dosing device 100. Deodorization with this deodorizing substance makes end of life signaling possible. Knowing the volume of deodorizing substance accommodated in the cartridge and the quantity which is dispensed per dose of deodorizing substance that is dispensed and/or controlled, a calculation can be carried out so that the residual quantity of deodorizing substance inside the cartridge can be calculated.

[0227] In step 301, the detection of a brightness may be determined, for example using a light sensor. The light sensor outputs information when a dishwasher door is opened. As a rule, a user will load soiled crockery into a dishwasher by opening the dishwasher door. Determination of dosing information in step 304 can then be carried out on the basis of a determined brightness, such that dosing of deodorizing substance may be carried out and/or managed in the event that a dishwasher has been loaded with soiled crockery. In this manner, bad odors sometimes caused by the soiled crockery can be covered up by deodorizing substance.

[0228] If the determination of dosing information in step 304 is additionally based on a conductance measured in step 302, then through the measured conductance, a determination may be carried out as to whether a washing program has been started. If a washing program has not been started, then as a rule, loading is being carried out.

[0229] Furthermore, for example, dosing information based on a number of loading procedures may be obtained which, for example, can be counted and determined via the detection of a brightness in step 301. To this end, for example, a processor, for example processor 111 in accordance with FIG. 1, may determine the number of loading procedures based on information captured by a device for determining brightness. On the basis of this information from the device for determining a brightness, the time difference between two loading procedures may also be determined, for example, and in step 304, appropriate dosing information may be obtained. Correspondingly, in step 305, dosing of a deodorizing substance may be carried out, for example at set intervals of time and/or, for example, when a predetermined time interval has been exceeded.

[0230] In step 304, detection of an unpleasant fragrancing substance, for example by employing a device for detecting an unpleasant fragrancing substance, may be carried out. This may, for example, be one or more electrochemical sensors which are capable of detecting and/or identifying the presence of specific aromatic substances or sulfur-containing fragrancing substances, and/or volatile carboxylic acids, and/or volatile hydrocarbons. In one embodiment, the sensor may generate a signal when a threshold is exceeded. In this regard, the threshold may be set relatively low, because substances which are perceived as unpleasant have a low perception threshold in human beings. A signal which is generated when a threshold is exceeded may be indicative of the presence of an unpleasant fragrancing substance.

[0231] Unpleasant fragrancing substances may, for example, be decomposition products from microbial activity, so that this can be considered to be an indirect indicator of the prevailing sanitation conditions inside a dishwasher.

[0232] In addition to dosing deodorizing substances, in step 305, dosing of sanitizing agents may also be carried out and/or controlled in optional step 306. As an example, the sanitizing agents may be microbiocides of any type, in particular microbiocidal fragrancing substances. Furthermore, the signal which is generated when a threshold, for example predetermined, is exceeded, may, in step 306, optionally initiate the in-situ production of biocidal substances. Examples of biocidal substances are ozone or chlorine dioxide, which may be obtained by electrochemical or physical reactions. Based on the information measured and/or determined in steps 301 to 303, a determination of dosing information may be carried out in step 304, which is indicative of an appropriate dose of deodorizing substance. Subsequently, in step 305, the appropriate dosing may be carried out. Optionally, in step 306, irradiation may be initiated which, for example, may be carried out using an external irradiation device. Unpleasant fragrancing substances may, for example, be neutralized by irradiation with UV radiation, in particular with UV-C radiation.

[0233] Dosing or releasing a deodorizing substance as well as sanitizing agents accommodated in a cartridge may, for example, be carried out by any active (electro)mechanical method such as, for example, by gravimetric dosing from a reservoir, pumping, spraying, misting and evaporation, or by opening a sluice. Equally, passive methods without actuating an actuator such as actuator 150 in accordance with FIG. 1, for example, such as by vaporization, diffusion, sublimation or the like in order to dose a deodorizing substance, as well as sanitizing agents, is also possible. Dosing of deodorizing substance as well as of sanitizing agents may alternatively, for example, be carried out by employing a chemical reaction such as, for example, by the decomposition of an oxygen carrier such as hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by heavy metal ions, iodide or hydroxide ions in order to obtain oxygen, or the decomposition of potassium permanganate with sulfuric acid in order to produce ozone-rich oxygen.

[0234] FIG. 4 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method 400 in accordance with a third aspect (aspect 3) which, for example, may be executed and/or controlled by an exemplary embodiment of a dosing device, for example dosing device 100 of FIG. 1.

[0235] The method 400 for dosing shine and drying booster substance comprises the following steps of the method:

[0236] measuring a temperature;

[0237] measuring a conductance;

[0238] detecting a turbidity;

[0239] determining dosing information based on at least one piece of the determined and/or measured information (temperature, conductance, turbidity);

[0240] dosing of shine and drying booster substance based on the determined dosing information.

[0241] Modem dishwasher products are usually multifunctional products in which, inter alia, a limited quantity of rinsing surfactants is present to boost the shine and drying of crockery. Dosing is carried out before a cleaning cycle is begun by adding the product. In order to boost the shine and drying, the rinsing surfactants have to be entrained into the rinsing operation, also described as carry-over. Too low a quantity of carried-over rinsing surfactant can result in poor shine and drying boosting.

[0242] Accordingly, in step 405, method 400 provides for separate dosing of shine and drying booster substance. The dosing in step 405 is carried out based on dosing information generated in step 404. Separate dosing of shine and drying booster substance in particular results in good shine and drying boosting when one or more of the following conditions are satisfied:

a) the temperature in the rinsing operation is very low;
b) the temperature in the main washing operation was very high;
c) several intermediate washing operations were carried out;
d) a warm prewash operation has been carried out;
e) a heating rate (dT/dt, wherein T is a temperature) in the main washing operation was very high;
f) a lot of grime was carried in;
g) very little surfactant was carried in.

[0243] In order to detect these conditions, in steps 401 to 403, temperature measurement may be measured, conductivity measurement may be measured, and a turbidity may be determined and/or controlled. The measured and/or generated information may, for example, be evaluated by the control unit 110 and dosing information may be determined on the basis of this information. For the conditions set out above, the following information must respectively be measured and/or generated:

a) temperature;
b) temperature;
c) temperature and conductance;
d) temperature;
e) temperature;
f) conductance and turbidity;
g) turbidity.

[0244] The conditions set out above may be evaluated taking the following information into consideration, so that an appropriate determination of dosing information is possible: [0245] a) too low a temperature=poor drying; [0246] b) high temperature in main washing operation=high grime load, poor carry-over, grime carry-in; [0247] c) several intermediate washing operations=poor carry-over; [0248] d) warm prewash=high grime load, poor carry-over; [0249] e) high heating rate=high risk to plastic crockery (low thermal capacity), poor drying; [0250] lot of grime in rinse=poor shine boosting, possibility of residues on crockery; [0251] g) low surfactant quantity=poor shine and drying boosting.

[0252] In these cases, dosing of shine and drying booster substance which is accommodated in one of at least two cartridges for dosing by carrying out separate addition using a dosing device, for example dosing device 100 in accordance with FIG. 1, can guarantee a sufficient shine and drying boost.

[0253] Correspondingly, in step 405, dosing of shine and drying booster substance may be carried out based on the determined dosing information.

[0254] FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method 500 in accordance with a fourth aspect (aspect 4) which, for example, may be executed and/or controlled by an exemplary embodiment of a dosing device, for example dosing device 100 of FIG. 1.

[0255] The method 500 for dosing glass protection substance comprises the following steps of the method:

[0256] measuring a temperature;

[0257] measuring a conductance;

[0258] determining dosing information based on at least one piece of the determined and/or measured information (temperature, conductance);

[0259] dosing of glass protection substance based on the determined dosing information.

[0260] Modern dishwasher detergents are usually multifunctional products in which, inter alia, a limited quantity of substances is integrated which are capable of inhibiting the occurrence of glass and dcor corrosion. These substances are also described as glass protection substances. Because substances in these multi-functional products carry over from one washing operation into a next washing operation, the integrated glass protection substance is sometimes deactivated by other ingredients of the dishwasher detergent, for example by precipitation, or it might not be carried over in sufficient quantities.

[0261] Method 500 enables glass protection substance to be dosed independently, i.e. separately from other dishwasher detergents. In particular, glass protection substances operate efficiently when they are dosed in washing operations in which no cleaning agent is present. In particular, these operations are prewash operations, intermediate washing operations and rinse operations. As already discussed above in relation to the method in accordance with the first aspect (aspect 1), by measuring a temperature and/or by measuring a conductance, the operational status of a dishwasher can be captured, in particular as regards which section of the process, i.e. operation of a cleaning cycle, is active.

[0262] The measurement of a temperature and the measurement of a conductance are carried out and/or controlled in step 501 and step 502. Based on these measured values, dosing information may be determined in step 503. Taking the present discussion into consideration, in step 504, dosing of glass protection substance may be carried out, based on the determined dosing information, exclusively in those sections of a cleaning cycle carried out by a dishwasher, in which no further cleaner or cleaning agent is present.

[0263] FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method 600 in accordance with a fifth aspect (aspect 5) which, for example, may be executed and/or controlled by an exemplary embodiment of a dosing device, for example dosing device 100 of FIG. 1.

[0264] The method 600 for dosing cleaning booster substance comprises the following steps of the method:

[0265] measuring a temperature;

[0266] measuring a conductance;

[0267] detecting unpleasant fragrancing substances;

[0268] detecting a degree of soiling;

[0269] detecting a turbidity;

[0270] determining dosing information based on at least one piece of the determined and/or measured information (temperature, conductance, unpleasant fragrancing substance, soiling, turbidity);

[0271] dosing of cleaning booster substance based on the determined dosing information.

[0272] Multi-functional dishwasher detergents as a rule comprise a series of ingredients which act to strengthen the cleaning power, which are also described as cleaning booster substances. These may, for example, be enzymes, alkalization agents, surfactants, sanitizing agents, bleaching agents, as well as bleaching catalysts.

[0273] In order to ensure sufficient cleaning power under specific conditions which are listed below, the method 500 allows for separate dosing of cleaning booster substance which, for example, may be accommodated in one of the cartridges of a dosing device 100 in accordance with FIG. 1. It should be understood that repeated dosing may be carried out. Furthermore, dosing of cleaning booster substance may be carried out at any time within a cleaning cycle carried out by a dishwasher. The time may, for example, be determined by a control unit, for example the control unit 110 in accordance with FIG. 1, and corresponding dosing information may be determined which includes the specific time. In this manner, in step 606, dosing of cleaning booster substance may be carried out and/or controlled based on this specific dosing information.

[0274] As an example, different cleaning booster substances may be accommodated in cartridges 141, 142, 143 of FIG. 1. Sometimes, different cleaning booster substances such as, for example, bleaching agents and enzymes, have to be stored separately because of their reactivity towards each other.

[0275] The following conditions by way of example during a cleaning cycle of a dishwasher could make dosing of a cleaning booster substance necessary in order to be able to obtain sufficient cleaning power: [0276] a) very severe soiling of the items to be washed (for example crockery) and/or of the dishwasher.fwdarw.dose enzyme and surfactant cleaning booster substances; [0277] b) use of a liquid cleaner without bleach.fwdarw.dose bleaching agent and/or bleaching system cleaning booster substances; [0278] c) hard burned-on surface soiling.fwdarw.dose alkalization agent and enzyme cleaning booster substances; [0279] d) high grease load.fwdarw.dose surfactant cleaning booster substances; [0280] e) microbiotic load/contamination.fwdarw.dose bleaching agent and/or sanitizing agent cleaning booster substances; [0281] f) fall in cleaning temperature, for example to save energy.fwdarw.dose enzyme and bleaching catalyst cleaning booster substances; [0282] g) shortening program run time (cleaning cycle run time).fwdarw.dose enzyme and alkalization agent cleaning booster substances; [0283] h) using a lower quality cleaner.fwdarw.dose bleaching agent and/or bleaching system and/or enzyme cleaning booster substances.

[0284] In this manner, dosing of cleaning booster substances, in addition to functioning as a cleaning booster, also contributes to saving energy, water and time (see in particular the situations f) and g) set out above).

[0285] In steps 601 to 605, for independent implementation of the method 600 in particular, information can be captured which, for example, enables a control unit, for example control unit 110 in accordance with FIG. 1, to carry out the cleaning process and to determine dosing information from the measured and/or generated information (see step 606). Based on the determined dosing information, in step 607, dosing of cleaning booster substance may be carried out and/or controlled.

[0286] FIG. 7 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method 700 in accordance with a sixth aspect (aspect 6) which, for example, may be executed and/or controlled by an exemplary embodiment of a dosing device, for example dosing device 100 of FIG. 1.

[0287] The method 700 for dosing machine cleaning and/or care substances comprises the following steps of the method:

[0288] measuring a temperature;

[0289] measuring a conductance;

[0290] detecting a brightness;

[0291] detecting unpleasant fragrancing substances;

[0292] determining a pH;

[0293] detecting a turbidity;

[0294] determining dosing information based on at least one piece of the determined and/or measured information (temperature, conductance, brightness, unpleasant fragrancing substance, pH, turbidity);

[0295] dosing of machine cleaning and/or care substance based on the determined dosing information.

[0296] Multi-functional dishwasher detergents as a rule comprise ingredients which prevent the build-up of grime deposits. These are also described as machine cleaning and/or care substances. An example of an application which may be mentioned is that the higher the prevailing water hardness, the more critical is the required inhibiting action of the ingredients. This is required in order to prevent the formation of deposits of limescale, grime and grease. In order to ensure that a dishwasher functions properly, it may be necessary to remove these deposits using machine cleaning and/or care substances. Frequently, care of the machine is not a high priority, or is neglected by the user of a dishwasher.

[0297] The method 700 illustrates that this cleaning can essentially be carried out automatically. To this end, for example, a cartridge of a dosing device, for example dosing device 100 in accordance with FIG. 1, may comprise a machine cleaning and/or care substance.

[0298] On the one hand, it is possible to carry out almost continuous cleaning and care, for example carried out during the course of a cleaning cycle, and on the other hand, temporary cleaning and care may be carried out, for example at predetermined time intervals.

[0299] Specific dosing information may include time information which, for example, determines measured and/or determined information based on a sensor unit, for example sensor unit 120 in accordance with FIG. 1. The action of dosed machine cleaning and/or care substance is in particular efficient in operations in which no or only a little cleaning activity is occurring. Correspondingly, for example, dosing may be carried out in particular in a later post-washing phase of a cleaning operation or in an operation following this cleaning operation. Correspondingly, in steps 701 to 705, information may be measured and/or generated with which the current operation of a cleaning cycle can be determined, for example through a control unit. Furthermore, dosing of machine cleaning and/or care substances may be carried out at the start of water circulation. This may also be determined by the information measured and/or determined in steps 701 to 705.

[0300] Corresponding dosing information is determined in step 707, on the basis of which, in step 708, dosing of machine cleaning and/or care substances for cleaning and/or care in a dishwasher is possible.

[0301] An exemplary embodiment in accordance with a seventh aspect of a method for dosing substances such as cleaning and/or care agents comprises the following steps of the method:

[0302] measuring and/or determining sensor information using at least one sensor unit;

[0303] determining dosing information based on at least one piece of the measured and/or determined sensor information;

[0304] generating a control signal by a control unit based on the determined dosing information;

[0305] initiating an action based on the control unit signal, in particular initiating dosing of at least one cleaning and/or care agent accommodated in at least two cartridges of a dosing device.

[0306] Other exemplary embodiments comprise one or more of the following aspects, which may be respectively combined with each other and also be combined with one or more claims:

[0307] Aspect 8: a dosing device which is configured or comprises appropriate agents for carrying out and/or controlling a method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9 and/or one of aspects 1 to 7.

[0308] Aspect 9: a dosing device comprising at least one processor (111) and at least one memory (112) with computer program code, wherein the at least one memory (112) and the computer program code are configured in a manner such that with the at least one processor (111), at least one method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9 and/or one of aspects 1 to 7 can be carried out and/or controlled.

[0309] Aspect 10: a computer program which comprises program instructions which allow a processor (111) to execute and/or control a method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9 and/or one of aspects 1 to 7 when the computer program is executed on the processor (111).

[0310] Aspect 11: a computer-based storage medium which contains a computer program in accordance with one of the methods as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9 and/or one of aspects 1 to 7.

[0311] The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure described in this specification and the associated respective optional features and properties described should also be understood to have been disclosed in any combinations thereof. In particular, in addition, the description of a feature comprised in one exemplary embodimentunless explicitly stated otherwiseshould not be construed here to mean that the feature is essential or vital to the function of the exemplary embodiment. The sequence of the steps of the method described in this specification in the individual flow diagrams is not mandatory; alternative sequences for the steps of the method may be envisaged. The steps of the method may be implemented in various manners, and so an implementation in software (through program instructions), hardware or a combination of the two may be envisaged for the purposes of implementing the steps of the method.

[0312] Terms such as comprise, provided with, contained, contain and/or the like in the patent claims do not exclude other elements or steps. The formulation at least partially includes both the partially and also the completely cases. The formulation and/or should be understood to mean that both the alternatives and also the combination thereof are disclosed, and so A and/or B means (A) or (B) or (A and B). The use of the indefinite article does not exclude a plurality. An individual device may carry out the functions of several units or devices cited in the patent claims. Reference numerals given in the patent claims should not be considered to be limitations upon the corresponding means and steps.

[0313] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the various embodiments in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment as contemplated herein. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the various embodiments as set forth in the appended claims.