METHOD, COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT, AND DISHWASHER

Abstract

In a method for operating a dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, a washing program is performed from a number of washing programs, with the washing program including a sub-program step of pre-washing and a sub-program step of cleaning that follows the sub-program step of pre-washing. The sub-program step of pre-washing includes supplying water into a washing compartment of the dishwasher to provide a washing liquor, dispensing a predetermined amount of a cleaning agent into the washing liquor, and circulating the washing liquor and applying the washing liquor to items to be washed arranged in the washing compartment, while a heater for heating the washing liquor is inactive during the sub-program step of pre-washing. The sub-program step of pre-cleaning includes heating the washing liquor to a predetermined temperature, and circulating the heated washing liquor and applying the heated washing liquor to the items in the washing compartment.

Claims

1-13 (canceled)

14. A method for operating a dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, the method comprising performing a washing program from a number of washing programs, with the washing program comprising a sub-program step of pre-washing and a sub-program step of cleaning that follows the sub-program step of pre-washing, wherein the sub-program step of pre-washing comprises: supplying water into a washing compartment of the dishwasher to provide a washing liquor, dispensing a predetermined amount of a cleaning agent into the washing liquor, and circulating the washing liquor and applying the washing liquor to items to be washed arranged in the washing compartment, while a heater for heating the washing liquor is inactive during the sub-program step of pre-washing, and wherein the sub-program step of pre-cleaning comprises: heating the washing liquor to a predetermined temperature, and circulating the heated washing liquor and applying the heated washing liquor to the items in the washing compartment.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising performing directly preceding the sub-program step of pre-washing an activatable sub-program step of pre-treating, wherein the activatable sub-program step of pre-treating comprises: supplying water into the washing compartment of the dishwasher to provide a washing liquor, heating the washing liquor to a predetermined temperature, and circulating the heated washing liquor and applying the washing liquor to the items to be washed arranged in the washing compartment.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the predetermined amount of the cleaning agent into the washing liquor of the sub-program step of pre-washing is exclusively performed when the sub-program step of pre-treating has been run through.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising at least partially pumping out the washing liquor between the sub-program step of pre-treating and the sub-program step of pre-washing.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: detecting an amount of dirt dissolved in the washing liquor at end of the sub-program step of pre-treating, ascertaining a volume of washing liquor to be pumped out as a function of the detected amount of dirt, and pumping out the ascertained volume before the beginning of the sub-program step of pre-washing.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the predetermined temperature lies in an interval between 30 C.-70 C., preferably between 40 C.-60 C., further preferably between 50 C.-60 C.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein the cleaning agent dispensed into the washing liquor in the sub-program step of pre-washing is a solid cleaning agent.

21. The method of claim 14, wherein except for the cleaning agent dispensed into the washing liquor in the sub-program step of pre-washing, no further cleaning agent is dispensed into the washing liquor while the subprogram steps of pre-washing and cleaning are being performed.

22. The method of claim 14, further comprising specifying a respective one of the sub-program steps of pre-washing and cleaning of the washing program by a plurality of parameters with assigned parameter values, with the parameter values of the sub-program steps of pre-washing and cleaning of the washing program corresponding to parameter values predefined in a standard for ascertaining an energy label determined according to a standard for a particular region.

23. The method of claim 14, further comprising reducing a pump rotational speed during at least one of the sub-program steps of pre-washing and cleaning compared to a washing program, in which the cleaning agent is not dispensed into the washing liquor during the sub-program step of pre-washing, but rather during the sub-program step of cleaning.

24. The method of claim 14, further comprising reducing a duration of at least one of the sub-program step of pre-washing and the sub-program step of cleaning compared to a washing program in which the cleaning agent is not dispensed into the washing liquor during the sub-program step of pre-washing, but rather during the sub-program step of cleaning.

25. A computer program product embodied on a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising commands which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method set forth in claim 14.

26. A dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, the dishwasher comprising a control apparatus designed to perform a washing program from a number of washing programs, wherein the washing program comprises a number of sub-program steps, which are performed sequentially when the washing program is performed, with one of the number of sub-program steps being a sub-program step of pre-washing and another one of the number of sub-program steps being a sub-program step of cleaning that follows the sub-program step of pre-washing, said control apparatus being configured to control the dishwasher in the sub-program step of pre-washing such that water is supplied into a washing compartment of the dishwasher to provide a washing liquor, a predetermined amount of a cleaning agent is dispensed into the washing liquor, and the washing liquor is circulated and applied to items to be washed that are arranged in the washing compartment, while a heater for heating the washing liquor is inactive during the sub-program step of pre-washing, and in the sub-program step of pre-cleaning the washing liquor is heated to a predetermined temperature, and the heated washing liquor is circulated and applied to the items in the washing compartment.

27. The dishwasher of claim 26, wherein the control apparatus is designed to perform directly preceding the sub-program step of pre-washing an activatable sub-program step of pre-treating, wherein the activatable sub-program step of pre-treating comprises supplying water into the washing compartment of the dishwasher to provide a washing liquor, heating the washing liquor to a predetermined temperature, and circulating the heated washing liquor and applying the washing liquor to the items to be washed arranged in the washing compartment.

28. The dishwasher of claim 27, wherein the control apparatus is designed to exclusively perform dispensing of the predetermined amount of the cleaning agent into the washing liquor of the sub-program step of pre-washing when the sub-program step of pre-treating has been run through.

29. The dishwasher of claim 27, wherein the control apparatus is designed to at least cause partial pumping out of the washing liquor between the sub-program step of pre-treating and the sub-program step of pre-washing.

30. The dishwasher of claim 29, wherein the control apparatus is designed to detect an amount of dirt dissolved in the washing liquor at end of the sub-program step of pre-treating, to ascertain a volume of washing liquor to be pumped out as a function of the detected amount of dirt, and to pump out the ascertained volume before the beginning of the sub-program step of pre-washing.

31. The dishwasher of claim 26, wherein the predetermined temperature lies in an interval between 30 C.-70 C., preferably between 40 C.-60 C., further preferably between 50 C.-60 C.

32. The dishwasher of claim 26, wherein the cleaning agent dispensed into the washing liquor in the sub-program step of pre-washing is a solid cleaning agent.

33. The dishwasher of claim 26, wherein the control apparatus is designed to cause no further cleaning agent to be dispensed into the washing liquor while the subprogram steps of pre-washing and cleaning are being performed, except for the cleaning agent being dispensed into the washing liquor in the sub-program step of pre-washing.

34. The dishwasher of claim 26, wherein the control apparatus is designed to specify a respective one of the sub-program steps of pre-washing and cleaning of the washing program by a plurality of parameters with assigned parameter values, with the parameter values of the sub-program steps of pre-washing and cleaning of the washing program corresponding to parameter values predefined in a standard for ascertaining an energy label determined according to a standard for a particular region.

35. The dishwasher of claim 26, wherein the control apparatus is designed to reduce a pump rotational speed during at least one of the sub-program steps of pre-washing and cleaning compared to a washing program, in which the cleaning agent is not dispensed into the washing liquor during the sub-program step of pre-washing, but rather during the sub-program step of cleaning.

36. The dishwasher of claim 26, wherein the control apparatus is designed to reduce a duration of at least one of the sub-program step of pre-washing and the sub-program step of cleaning compared to a washing program in which the cleaning agent is not dispensed into the washing liquor during the sub-program step of pre-washing, but rather during the sub-program step of cleaning.

Description

[0068] Further advantageous embodiments and aspects of the invention are the subject matter of the subclaims and of the exemplary embodiments of the invention that are described below. The invention is described in greater detail below using preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0069] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a dishwasher;

[0070] FIG. 2 shows a schematic flow diagram for a conventional washing program;

[0071] FIG. 3 shows a schematic flow diagram for a washing program according to a first exemplary embodiment;

[0072] FIG. 4 shows a schematic flow diagram for a washing program according to a second exemplary embodiment; and

[0073] FIG. 5 shows a schematic block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a method for operating a dishwasher.

[0074] In the figures, elements that are identical or have the same function have been provided with the same reference characters unless otherwise stated.

[0075] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a dishwasher 1, which is embodied as a household dishwasher in this example. The household dishwasher 1 comprises a dishwasher cavity 2, which can be closed off by a door 3, in particular in a watertight manner. To this end, a sealing facility can be provided between the door 3 and the dishwasher cavity 2. The dishwasher cavity 2 is preferably cuboid in shape. The dishwasher cavity 2 can be arranged in a housing of the household dishwasher 1. The dishwasher cavity 2 and the door 3 can form a washing compartment 4 for washing items to be washed.

[0076] The door 3 is shown in its opened position in FIG. 1. The door 3 can be closed or opened by pivoting about a pivot axis 5 provided on a lower end of the door 3. A loading opening 6 of the dishwasher cavity 2 can be closed or opened with the aid of the door 3. The dishwasher cavity 2 has a bottom 7, a ceiling 8 arranged opposite the bottom 7, a rear wall 9 arranged opposite the closed door 3, and two side walls 10, 11 arranged opposite one another. The bottom 7, the ceiling 8, the rear wall 9 and the side walls 10, 11 can be manufactured from a stainless steel sheet, for example. Alternatively, the bottom 7 can be manufactured from a plastic material, for example.

[0077] The household dishwasher 1 also has at least one receptacle for items to be washed 12 to 14. A number of, for example three, receptacles for items to be washed 12 to 14 can preferably be provided, wherein the receptacle for items to be washed 12 can be a lower receptacle for items to be washed or a bottom basket, the receptacle for items to be washed 13 can be an upper receptacle for items to be washed or an upper basket and the receptacle for items to be washed 14 can be a cutlery drawer. As furthermore shown in FIG. 1, the receptacles for dishware 12 to 14 are arranged one above the other in the dishwasher cavity 2. Each receptacle for items to be washed 12 to 14 can optionally be moved in or out of the dishwasher cavity 2. In particular, each receptacle for items to be washed 12 to 14 is able to be inserted or pushed into the dishwasher cavity 2 in an insertion direction E and extracted or pulled out from the dishwasher cavity 2 in an extraction direction A opposite the insertion direction E.

[0078] Arranged in the door 3 of the dishwasher 1 is a control apparatus 15 and a dispensing unit 16. The control apparatus 15 is configured to perform a washing program SP1, SP1* (see FIG. 3 or 4) from a number of washing programs. A respective washing program SP1, SP1* comprises a number of sub-program steps TP0-TP4 (see FIGS. 2-4), which are performed sequentially when the washing program SP1, SP1* is performed, wherein at least one particular washing program SP1, SP1* of the number comprises a sub-program step of pre-washing TP1 and a sub-program step of cleaning TP2 that follows. The dispensing unit 16 is in particular configured for the program-controlled addition of a cleaning agent into the washing compartment 4. For example, the dispensing unit 16 is configured for adding a single dose of the cleaning agent one time during a respective washing program. To add the cleaning agent, the dispensing unit 16 is actuated by the control apparatus 15 at an adding time point predetermined for a respective washing program.

[0079] The sub-program step of pre-washing TP1 comprises at least a supplying of water into the washing compartment 4 of the household dishwasher I to provide a washing liquor. In this context, fresh water or even temporarily stored water from a previously performed washing program can be used. The supply of fresh water is controlled for example by actuation of a valve arranged in a water connection line (not shown). Temporarily stored water can be stored for example in a tank of the dishwasher 1 and let into the washing compartment 4 in this step (not shown). Furthermore, the pre-washing TP1 comprises the dispensing of a predetermined amount of cleaning agent into the washing liquor. The predetermined amount is preferably the amount of cleaning agent filled into the dispensing unit 16 by a user of the household dishwasher 1. The pre-washing TP1 also comprises circulating the washing liquor and applying the washing liquor to items to be washed arranged in the washing compartment 4, for example by means of a circulating pump (not shown). A heater (not shown) for heating the washing liquor is inactive during the pre-washing TP1, so that a temperature of the washing liquor is set on the basis of an initial temperature of the supplied water and the temperature of the items to be washed and the washing compartment 4.

[0080] The sub-program step of cleaning TP2 comprises the heating of the washing liquor to a predetermined temperature and the circulating of the heated washing liquor and applying of the heated washing liquor to the items to be washed arranged in the washing compartment 4.

[0081] In particular, the control apparatus 15 is configured for performing the washing programs SP1, SP1* explained on the basis of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 as well as the method explained on the basis of FIG. 5.

[0082] FIG. 2 shows a schematic flow diagram for a conventional washing program SP. In this context, two diagrams are shown one above the other, each showing a temporal sequence along a horizontal time axis t. In this context, the upper diagram indicates the individual sub-program steps TP1-TP4 and the lower diagram by way of example indicates a temperature progression of the washing liquor while the washing program SP is being performed. The same points in time on the time axes t correspond to one another.

[0083] The washing program SP is started at a point in time t0. First, a pre-washing TP1 is performed. The washing liquor is not heated during the pre-washing TP1, so that the temperature T0 thereof is set on the basis of an initial temperature of the supplied water and the temperature of the items to be washed and the washing compartment 4, and is substantially constant. In this example, the temperature T0 is a room temperature, for example. During the pre-washing TP1, the washing liquor is circulated and thus applied to the items to be washed.

[0084] At the point in time t1, the pre-washing TP1 ends and the cleaning TP2 is started. At this point in time t1, the washing liquor is warmed and heated to a target temperature T1. Additionally, cleaning agent DET is added at the beginning of the cleaning TP2, which is marked by the arrow. During the cleaning TP2, the washing liquor is circulated and thus applied to the items to be washed. The temperature of the washing liquor drops slowly in this time period, for example due to thermal losses of the dishwasher 1.

[0085] The cleaning TP2 is ended at the point in time t2. In this example, the washing liquor is now fully pumped out. The rinsing TP3 begins, for which purpose fresh water is supplied. During the rinsing TP3, a rinse agent can be added (not shown). During the rinsing TP3, the washing liquor is circulated and thus applied to the items to be washed. Near the end of the rinsing TP3, the washing liquor is heated, in order to bring the items to be washed to an increased temperature, which supports the following drying step TP4. Finally, in the rinsing TP3 the washing liquor is pumped out and there is a transition to the drying TP4.

[0086] In the drying step TP4, the items to be washed rest and dry by way of drip-drying and evaporation of the adhering moisture.

[0087] FIG. 3 shows a schematic flow diagram for a washing program SP1 according to a first exemplary embodiment. The washing program SP1 comprises for example the same sub-program steps TP1-TP4 that were explained on the basis of FIG. 2. Unlike the conventional washing program SP in FIG. 2, in the washing program SP1 in FIG. 3 the cleaning agent DET is dispensed as early as at the beginning of the pre-washing TP1. This results in an extended exposure time of the chemical active substances of the cleaning agent, namely the combined duration of the pre-washing TP1 and the cleaning TP2, and thus an improved cleaning performance. The temperature progression of the washing liquor in this example is likewise equal to that in FIG. 2.

[0088] FIG. 4 shows a schematic flow diagram for a washing program SP1* according to a second exemplary embodiment. The washing program SP1* in FIG. 4 is based on the washing program SP1 in FIG. 3, but a pre-treating TP0 is performed before the pre-washing TP1.

[0089] The pre-treating TP0 in this context begins at a point in time t0* that lies before the point in time t0. As can be seen from the corresponding temperature progression, the washing liquor is heated as part of the pre-treating TP0, in this example to the temperature T1. During the pre-treating TP0, the washing liquor is circulated and thus applied to the items to be washed. The temperature of the washing liquor drops slowly. At the end of the pre-treating TP0, in this example the washing liquor is fully pumped out. In embodiments, a partial pumping-out can be provided.

[0090] At the point in time t0, the pre-washing TP1 begins again, wherein first water is supplied. As the items to be washed and the washing compartment 4 still have an increased temperature, the supplied washing liquor that is supplied in particular at the temperature T0, is warmed up to the temperature T2. This increased temperature T2 of the washing liquor has the advantageous effect that cleaning agent DET added at the beginning of the pre-washing TP1 dissolves more effectively therein and achieves a higher level of effectiveness. The further sequence of the washing program SP1* corresponds to the washing program SP1 in FIG. 3, for example.

[0091] It is possible to distinguish between the sub-program steps of pre-treating TP0 and pre-washing TP1 on the basis of the composition of the washing liquor, wherein a dirt load of the washing liquor at the end of the pre-treating TP0 is higher than at the beginning of the pre-washing TP1. This is achieved by partially or fully exchanging the washing liquor and/or by diluting the washing liquor with fresh water.

[0092] It should be noted that the individual sub-program steps can also have an internal subcategorization, for example into multiple phases. Thus, phases can be provided with different parameter values, for example for the rotational speed of the circulating pump or for setting a water distributor and the like. In the washing programs SP1, SP1*, a partial or full exchange of the washing liquor can take place between two respective sub-program steps. In particular, this can be performed as a function of a dirt load of the washing liquor at a respective point in time. In the drying step TP4, the air in the washing compartment 4 can be circulated and an inner wall of the washing compartment 4 can be cooled down, in order to speed up condensation of moisture. As an alternative to the warming-up of the washing liquor in the rinsing TP3 to heat the items to be washed, a zeolite drying apparatus can furthermore be provided.

[0093] It should also be noted that the temperature progressions shown are merely examples and variations therefrom are possible.

[0094] FIG. 5 shows a schematic block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a method for operating a dishwasher 1, for example the household dishwasher shown in FIG. 1. The method steps S1-S5 shown relate to a particular washing program SP1, SP1* (see FIG. 3 or 4), which comprises a sub-program step of pre-washing TP1 (see FIG. 3 or 4) and a sub-program step of cleaning TP2 (see FIG. 3 or 4).

[0095] The sub-program step of pre-washing TP1 comprises in a first step S1 the supplying of water into a washing compartment 4 (see FIG. 1) of the dishwasher 1 to provide a washing liquor, in a second step S2 the dispensing of a predetermined amount of cleaning agent into the washing liquor and in a third step S3 the circulating of the washing liquor and applying of the washing liquor to items to be washed arranged in the washing compartment 4. The dispensing of the cleaning agent in particular involves a program-controlled dispensing of a single dose of the cleaning agent that happens one time for the washing program SP1, SP1*. A heater for heating the washing liquor is inactive during the pre-washing TP1. The sub-program step of cleaning TP2 comprises in a step S4 the heating of the washing liquor to a predetermined temperature T1 (see FIG. 3 or 4) and in a further step S5 the circulating of the heated washing liquor and applying of the heated washing liquor to the items to be washed arranged in the washing compartment 4.

[0096] It should be noted that the method can comprise further method steps, which are performed temporally before the step S1 or temporally after the step S5. One example of this is formed by additional method steps for performing the sub-program step of pre-treating TP0 (see FIG. 4) before the step S1 and additional method steps for performing the sub-program steps of rinsing TP3 and/or drying TP4 (see FIG. 3 or 4). The pre-washing TP1, which in this example comprises the steps S1-S3, and the cleaning TP2, which comprises the steps S4 and S5, can also comprise further method steps, provided that these do not stand opposed to the steps shown.

[0097] Although the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it can be modified in numerous different ways.

REFERENCE CHARACTERS USED

[0098] 1 dishwasher [0099] 2 dishwasher cavity [0100] 3 door [0101] 4 washing compartment [0102] 5 pivot axis [0103] 6 loading opening [0104] 7 bottom [0105] 8 ceiling [0106] 9 rear wall [0107] 10 side wall [0108] 11 side wall [0109] 12 receptacle for items to be washed [0110] 13 receptacle for items to be washed [0111] 14 receptacle for items to be washed [0112] 15 control apparatus [0113] 16 dispensing unit [0114] A extraction direction [0115] DET cleaning agent addition [0116] E insertion direction [0117] S1 method step [0118] S2 method step [0119] S3 method step [0120] S4 method step [0121] S5 method step [0122] SP washing program [0123] SP1 washing program [0124] SP1* washing program [0125] t time [0126] T temperature [0127] T0 temperature value

[0128] T1 temperature value

[0129] T2 temperature value [0130] t0 point in time [0131] t0* point in time [0132] t1 point in time [0133] t2 point in time [0134] t3 point in time [0135] t4 point in time [0136] TP0 sub-program step [0137] TP1 sub-program step [0138] TP2 sub-program step [0139] TP3 sub-program step [0140] TP4 sub-program step