EP0255863B1 - Dishwashing machine - Google Patents

Dishwashing machine Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0255863B1
EP0255863B1 EP87109160A EP87109160A EP0255863B1 EP 0255863 B1 EP0255863 B1 EP 0255863B1 EP 87109160 A EP87109160 A EP 87109160A EP 87109160 A EP87109160 A EP 87109160A EP 0255863 B1 EP0255863 B1 EP 0255863B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
rinsing
fluid
cycle
cleaning
level
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP87109160A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0255863A3 (en
EP0255863A2 (en
Inventor
Rainer Dr. Dipl.-Phys. Stamminger
Heinz Käfferlein
Wolf-Dieter Krueger
Karlheinz Kohles
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Licentia Patent Verwaltungs GmbH
Original Assignee
Licentia Patent Verwaltungs GmbH
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Publication of EP0255863A3 publication Critical patent/EP0255863A3/en
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Publication of EP0255863B1 publication Critical patent/EP0255863B1/en
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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/0018—Controlling processes, i.e. processes to control the operation of the machine characterised by the purpose or target of the control
    • A47L15/0049—Detection or prevention of malfunction, including accident prevention
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/0018—Controlling processes, i.e. processes to control the operation of the machine characterised by the purpose or target of the control
    • A47L15/0047—Energy or water consumption, e.g. by saving energy or water
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/14—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware with stationary crockery baskets and spraying devices within the cleaning chamber
    • A47L15/18—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware with stationary crockery baskets and spraying devices within the cleaning chamber with movably-mounted spraying devices
    • A47L15/22—Rotary spraying devices
    • A47L15/23—Rotary spraying devices moved by means of the sprays
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/4214—Water supply, recirculation or discharge arrangements; Devices therefor
    • A47L15/4225—Arrangements or adaption of recirculation or discharge pumps
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/4297—Arrangements for detecting or measuring the condition of the washing water, e.g. turbidity
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2401/00—Automatic detection in controlling methods of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, e.g. information provided by sensors entered into controlling devices
    • A47L2401/10—Water cloudiness or dirtiness, e.g. turbidity, foaming or level of bacteria
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2401/00—Automatic detection in controlling methods of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, e.g. information provided by sensors entered into controlling devices
    • A47L2401/14—Water pressure or flow rate
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2501/00—Output in controlling method of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, i.e. quantities or components controlled, or actions performed by the controlling device executing the controlling method
    • A47L2501/02—Water discharge, e.g. opening or closure of discharge valve
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2501/00—Output in controlling method of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, i.e. quantities or components controlled, or actions performed by the controlling device executing the controlling method
    • A47L2501/26—Indication or alarm to the controlling device or to the user
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2501/00—Output in controlling method of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, i.e. quantities or components controlled, or actions performed by the controlling device executing the controlling method
    • A47L2501/30—Regulation of machine operational steps within the washing process, e.g. performing an additional rinsing phase, shortening or stopping of the drying phase, washing at decreased noise operation conditions

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a dishwasher according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • a known dishwasher of this type (US-A-3 888 269) is provided with a program switching device for controlling a multi-course overall wash cycle.
  • the program switching device controls first of all the pre-rinsing from four successive pre-rinse cycles, a cleaning cycle with heated rinsing liquid and the addition of detergent into the rinsing liquid, two subsequent rinse cycles and finally a drying cycle.
  • liquid is let into a rinsing container of the dishwasher, which is pumped around by a circulation pump via spray devices.
  • the program switching device also has program steps by means of which a rinse liquid change is controlled between the aforementioned rinse cycles, which consists of completely pumping out the rinse liquid and the supply of fresh water for the following rinse cycle.
  • a sensor for detecting the degree of contamination of the washing liquid is also connected to the program switching device and measures the turbidity of the washing liquid during the individual pre-wash cycles. If this sensor emits a signal during the pre-rinse cycle that is running, which signals less contamination of the rinsing liquid below a limit value, the program switching device immediately switches to the program step for the cleaning cycle.
  • the rinsing liquid change that usually follows after the rinsing cycle is hidden, so that the rinsing liquid is transferred from the pre-rinsing cycle into the cleaning cycle becomes.
  • the measurement of the turbidity of the pre-rinse liquid takes place only in the second pre-rinse cycle and is repeated if necessary in the third pre-rinse cycle, with the result that if the pre-rinse liquid is less contaminated, the immediate switch back to the cleaning cycle takes place and if the soiling is above the limit value fourth pre-rinse cycle, including a rinsing liquid change.
  • the subsequent rinsing cycles are no longer influenced by the sensor for detecting the degree of contamination.
  • the subsequent cleaning cycle and the subsequent two intermediate rinsing cycles are then processed in each case. In this embodiment, considerable water consumption and at least the energy consumption required for the circulation of the washing liquid in these washing steps occurs.
  • a dishwasher is also known (EP-A-0 188 158), the program switching device of which controls a multi-course total rinse cycle consisting of three pre-rinse cycles, two cleaning cycles with heated washing liquid and addition of detergent and an intermediate rinse cycle, which is followed by a program step for a drying cycle.
  • a program step is provided between the individual rinse cycles for carrying out a change of rinsing liquid.
  • the program switching device is connected here to a sensor for detecting the degree of contamination of the rinsing liquid in the pre-rinse cycles. If the washing liquid in the respective pre-wash cycle is above a limit value, the pre-wash liquid is then pumped out and a new pre-wash cycle is carried out.
  • the program run is aborted because an error in the control must then be expected. If, on the other hand, the sensor does not detect any contamination above the limit value, the current pre-rinse cycle is carried out to the end and a rinsing liquid change is carried out in any case. Then the specified cleaning cycles and the intermediate rinsing cycle are carried out unchanged. Even with the so controlled Dishwasher has a high water consumption and at least the energy consumption required for pumping around the washing liquid.
  • a dishwasher is also known (FR-A-2 417 967) in which a pressure sensor for detecting the degree of contamination of the washing liquid is attached to the outlet line of a circulation pump for pumping washing liquid.
  • This sensor controls the program switching device in such a way that in the respective rinsing cycle of a multi-course total rinsing cycle, liquid is initially let into the rinsing tank until the sensed pressure on the pump outlet line has a predetermined value. This ensures that the dishwasher can work with the minimum amount of water required for this pressure value.
  • a second, higher pressure value is then specified. For this purpose, rinsing liquid is fed in again until the specified pressure value is reached at the pump outlet.
  • the pressure value detected by the sensor depends on the degree of contamination of the rinsing liquid in such a way that a larger quantity of rinsing liquid must be present with increasing degree of contamination until the respectively specified pressure value is reached. Measures can also be provided to extend or shorten the entire washing cycle as a function of whether the dishes are clean or not. Unnecessary filling circuits can then be switched off or additional circuits can be added. However, complete rinsing liquid changes are also provided here between the individual rinsing cycles.
  • the invention has for its object to take measures in a dishwasher according to the preamble of claim 1, by means of which a further reduction in water and energy consumption is made possible with little contamination of the dishes to be washed.
  • the cleaning process is carried out completely, whereby a program step is provided during the cleaning process in which a subset of the dirty washing liquid is removed from the area of the sieves provided for filtering the washing liquid, where the dirt particles are piled up in concentrated form. The removed part of the rinsing liquid is then replaced by fresh water. Due to the high level of contamination in the cleaning cycle, two subsequent intermediate rinsing cycles are then carried out. If, on the other hand, the sensor detects a lower degree of contamination of the rinsing liquid in the cleaning cycle, partial emptying is not carried out in the cleaning cycle and only a single intermediate rinsing cycle is carried out.
  • the cleaning liquid provided for the pre-rinse cycle is taken over into the cleaning cycle and used there for heating and the addition of detergents for the cleaning cycle. There is also no partial emptying in the cleaning cycle and only a single intermediate rinse cycle. In this way, the amount of liquid required for the cleaning cycle and the amount of liquid required as a replacement for partial emptying as well as the Quantity of liquid saved for an intermediate rinse. The duration of the program can also be shortened accordingly.
  • the limit value for the signal supplied by the sensor can be adjustable so that different degrees of soiling can also be predetermined in different rinse cycles as a starting point for the determination of a reduced or increased degree of soiling. If the sensor also detects a low degree of contamination, the program control assigned to the dishwasher is influenced in such a way that the program sections which can be shortened in this case are skipped or the emptying pump is prevented from being switched on.
  • the pressure lines (4, 5) branch off from a flow reversing device (6), for example a continuously rotating rotary valve, which is connected to the pressure port (7) of a circulation pump (8).
  • a flow reversing device (6) for example a continuously rotating rotary valve, which is connected to the pressure port (7) of a circulation pump (8).
  • an intake (9) leads into a drain pan (10) provided in the bottom (11) of the washware container (1) and through funnel-shaped fine sieve (12) towards the interior (13) of the washware container (1) is covered.
  • the fine sieve (12) merges in the lower part into a cylindrical fine sieve cylinder (14) directed vertically downwards, which opens into a drainage shaft (15).
  • a drain connection (16) leads from the drain shaft (15) to an emptying pump, not shown.
  • a coarse sieve (17) is located within the fine sieve cylinder (14).
  • the washware container is filled with liquid via a water line (18) with the controllable valve (19) switched on, which is controlled by a program switching device (20) that also controls the circulation pump (8) and other electrical components.
  • At least one sensor (21) is arranged in the washing system in order to determine the degree of contamination of the washing liquid which is generated by the addition of washing agent to the filled water in the successive washing steps of the overall washing program controlled by the program switching device (20) during the cleaning of contaminated goods. which outputs a control signal dependent on the determined degree of contamination to the program switching device.
  • Different degrees of soiling can also be predetermined in different rinse cycles as a starting point for the determination of a reduced or increased degree of soiling.
  • the sensor (21) can be designed as a pressure sensor (21.1) which is connected to the pressure port of the circulation pump. However, pressure sensors (21.2 or 21.3) can also be connected to the pressure lines (4) or (5) to the spray arms (2) or (3). A pressure sensor (21.4) can also be assigned to the intake port (9) of the circulation pump (8). However, the sensor (21) can also be designed as an optical sensor and respond to the turbidity of the rinsing liquid. In addition, it is also possible to use the sensor (21) to record the weight of the washing liquid or the flow rate of the washing liquid. However, the speed of the spray arms (2 or 3) can also be scanned with a sensor (21.5).
  • the power-dependent speed of the circulation pump (8) or the current consumption of the drive motor for the circulation pump (8) can be detected with a sensor (21.6).
  • a sensor (21.6).
  • a bypass path can be provided in the flushing liquid path, in particular in the pipe system, in which a filter screen is arranged, a pressure sensor measuring the pressure loss or dynamic pressure occurring on the filter screen. This filter screen must be rinsed free after each rinse cycle in order to avoid falsification of the measurement result from previous rinse cycles.
  • the rinsing liquid with a pollution degree of 0 is practically pumped around in the rinsing system. If, for example, the pressure sensor (21.1) is used to determine the degree of contamination, then the maximum achievable pressure in the flushing system is present. If this pressure falls below a predetermined value in the course of the respective rinse cycle to be processed, which can be different in the pre-rinse cycle than in the cleaning cycle, this means normal or increased contamination of the items to be rinsed. There is then no reason to change a normal basic washing program according to FIG. 2. Accordingly, after the inflow of water for the pre-rinse cycle, the complete pre-rinse cycle specified by the program switching device is carried out.
  • the pre-rinse cycle is processed to the end.
  • the dirt-laden rinsing liquid is emptied there and fresh water is added again for the subsequent cleaning cycle.
  • a partial emptying of the washing liquid is carried out via the emptying pump.
  • the main part of the dirt collected in the coarse sieve and in the drain shaft is removed from the rinsing liquid and then the rinsing liquid level is refilled to the initial level, as well as the ongoing cleaning cycle up to the maximum end specified by the program switching device (20). continued.
  • the rinsing liquid from the pre-rinse cycle can be used immediately for the subsequent cleaning cycle. There is then no need to change the water from emptying and supplying. If the degree of soiling is higher but below the normal value, it is advisable to change the water. In any case, however, the duration of the program will be reduced by the hidden part of the pre-wash cycle. If a degree of soiling below the normal value is determined in the subsequent cleaning cycle at the time of the pressure measurement, then the partial water change after heating up the cleaning liquid can be omitted and at least the program time period required for the water change can be hidden.
  • the period in which the dishes are washed further after the end of the heating phase can also be shortened.
  • This rinsing time can be selected depending on the degree of contamination.
  • the water is changed again, one of the intermediate rinsing cycles being hidden. This is followed by the final rinse and drying cycle in the same program.
  • the correspondingly shortened running of the circulation pump results in a reduction in the drive energy for the circulation pump and a shortened washing program sequence in addition to the water saved.
  • the degree of contamination can be determined by a sensor that responds to the flow speed.
  • the rotational speed of the spray arms driven by recoil also changes, so that their rotational speed can also be a measure of the degree of contamination.
  • the power requirement for the drive motor of the circulating pump changes with the density of the rinsing liquid, which is dependent on the degree of contamination, so that the degree of contamination can also be determined by appropriate sensors via its speed or current consumption.
  • the liquid level in the drain pan changes with different delivery volumes of the circulating pump, so that the level of contamination can be determined from this using a level sensor (21.7).

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  • Washing And Drying Of Tableware (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Geschirrspülmaschine gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1.The invention relates to a dishwasher according to the preamble of claim 1.

Eine bekannte Geschirrspülmaschine dieser Art (US-A-3 888 269) ist mit einer Programmschalteinrichtung zur Steuerung eines mehrgängigen Gesamtspülganges versehen. Die Programmschalteinrichtung steuert dabei nacheinander zunächst das Vorspülen aus vier aufeinanderfolgenden Vorspülgängen, einen Reinigungsgang mit aufgeheizter Spülflüssigkeit und Spülmittelzugabe in die Spülflüssigkeit, zwei nachfolgende Klarspülgänge und schließlich einen Trocknungsgang. In den Programmschritten für Vorspülen, dem Reinigungsgang und die Zwischenspülgänge wird Flüssigkeit in einen Spülbehälter der Geschirrspülmaschine eingelassen, die von einer Umwälzpumpe über Sprühvorrichtungen umgepumpt wird. Die Programmschalteinrichtung weist auch Programmschritte auf, durch die zwischen den vorgenannten Spülgängen jeweils ein Spülflüssigkeitswechsel gesteuert wird, der aus dem vollständigen Abpumpen der Spülflüssigkeit und dem Zulauf von frischem Wasser für den folgenden Spülgang besteht. An die Programmschalteinrichtung ist außerdem ein Sensor zur Erfassung des Verschmutzungsgrades der Spülflüssigkeit angeschaltet, der während der einzelnen Vorspülgänge die Trübung der Spülflüssigkeit mißt. Wenn dieser Sensor im jeweils laufenden Vorspülgang ein Signal abgibt, das eine mindere, unter einem Grenzwert liegende Verschmutzung der Spülflüssigkeit signalisiert, dann schaltet die Programmschalteinrichtung sofort auf den Programmschritt für den Reinigungsgang um. Hierbei wird der sonst nach dem Spülgang folgende Spülflüssigkeitswechsel ausgeblendet, so daß die Spülflüssigkeit aus dem Vorspülgang in den Reinigungsgang übernommen wird. Die Messung der Trübung der Vorspül-Spülflüssigkeit erfolgt hierbei jedoch erst im zweiten Vorspülgang und wird bedarfsweise im dritten Vorspülgang wiederholt mit der Folge, daß bei minderer Verschmutzung der Vorspül-Spülflüssigkeit wieder die unmittelbare Umschaltung auf den Reinigungsgang erfolgt und bei über dem Grenzwert liegender Verschmutzung der vierte Vorspülgang komplett einschließlich eines Spülflüssigkeitswechsels abgearbeitet wird. Nach dem Abschluß des Vorspülens erfolgt keine Beeinflußung der nachfolgenden Spülgänge mehr durch den Sensor zur Erfassung des Verschmutzungsgrades. Der nachfolgende Reinigungsgang und die anschließenden beiden Zwischenspülgänge werden dann im jeden Fall abgearbeitet. Bei dieser Ausgestaltung tritt ersichtlich ein beachtlicher Wasserverbrauch und zumindest der für die Umwälzung der Spülflüssigkeit in diesen Spülgängen erforderliche Energieverbrauch auf.A known dishwasher of this type (US-A-3 888 269) is provided with a program switching device for controlling a multi-course overall wash cycle. The program switching device controls first of all the pre-rinsing from four successive pre-rinse cycles, a cleaning cycle with heated rinsing liquid and the addition of detergent into the rinsing liquid, two subsequent rinse cycles and finally a drying cycle. In the program steps for pre-rinsing, the cleaning cycle and the intermediate rinsing cycles, liquid is let into a rinsing container of the dishwasher, which is pumped around by a circulation pump via spray devices. The program switching device also has program steps by means of which a rinse liquid change is controlled between the aforementioned rinse cycles, which consists of completely pumping out the rinse liquid and the supply of fresh water for the following rinse cycle. A sensor for detecting the degree of contamination of the washing liquid is also connected to the program switching device and measures the turbidity of the washing liquid during the individual pre-wash cycles. If this sensor emits a signal during the pre-rinse cycle that is running, which signals less contamination of the rinsing liquid below a limit value, the program switching device immediately switches to the program step for the cleaning cycle. Here, the rinsing liquid change that usually follows after the rinsing cycle is hidden, so that the rinsing liquid is transferred from the pre-rinsing cycle into the cleaning cycle becomes. However, the measurement of the turbidity of the pre-rinse liquid takes place only in the second pre-rinse cycle and is repeated if necessary in the third pre-rinse cycle, with the result that if the pre-rinse liquid is less contaminated, the immediate switch back to the cleaning cycle takes place and if the soiling is above the limit value fourth pre-rinse cycle, including a rinsing liquid change. After the pre-rinsing has been completed, the subsequent rinsing cycles are no longer influenced by the sensor for detecting the degree of contamination. The subsequent cleaning cycle and the subsequent two intermediate rinsing cycles are then processed in each case. In this embodiment, considerable water consumption and at least the energy consumption required for the circulation of the washing liquid in these washing steps occurs.

Es ist auch eine Geschirrspülmaschine bekannt (EP-A-0 188 158), deren Programmschalteinrichtung einen mehrgängigen Gesamtspülgang aus drei Vorspülgängen, zwei Reinigungsgängen mit erwärmter Spülflüssigkeit und Waschmittelzugabe und einen Zwischenspülgang steuert, an den sich ein Programmschritt für einen Trockengang anschließt. Zwischen den einzelnen Spülgängen ist jeweils ein Programmschritt für die Durchführung eines Spülflüssigkeitswechsels vorgesehen. Die Programmschalteinrichtung ist hier mit einem Sensor zur Erfassung des Verschmutzungsgrades der Spülflüssigkeit in den Vorspülgängen verbunden. Bei über einem Grenzwert liegender Verschmutzung der Spülflüssigkeit im jeweiligen Vorspülgang wird danach jeweils die Vorspül-Flüssigkeit abgepumpt und ein neuer Vorspülgang durchgeführt. Wenn auch im dritten Vorspülgang eine zu hohe Verschmutzung signalisiert wird, erfolgt ein Abbruch des Programmablaufs, weil dann mit einem Fehler in der Steuerung gerechnet werden muß. Wenn der Sensor dagegen keine über dem Grenzwert liegende Verschmutzung feststellt, wird der jeweils laufende Vorspülgang bis zu seinem Ende abgearbeitet und in jedem Fall ein Spülflüssigkeitswechsel durchgeführt. Danach werden die vorgegebenen Reinigungsgänge und der Zwischenspülgang unverändert durchgeführt. Auch bei der so gesteuerten Geschirrspülmaschine ist ein hoher Wasserverbrauch und zumindest der für das Umpumpen der Spülflüssigkeit erforderliche Energieverbrauch gegeben.A dishwasher is also known (EP-A-0 188 158), the program switching device of which controls a multi-course total rinse cycle consisting of three pre-rinse cycles, two cleaning cycles with heated washing liquid and addition of detergent and an intermediate rinse cycle, which is followed by a program step for a drying cycle. A program step is provided between the individual rinse cycles for carrying out a change of rinsing liquid. The program switching device is connected here to a sensor for detecting the degree of contamination of the rinsing liquid in the pre-rinse cycles. If the washing liquid in the respective pre-wash cycle is above a limit value, the pre-wash liquid is then pumped out and a new pre-wash cycle is carried out. If excessive contamination is also signaled in the third pre-rinse cycle, the program run is aborted because an error in the control must then be expected. If, on the other hand, the sensor does not detect any contamination above the limit value, the current pre-rinse cycle is carried out to the end and a rinsing liquid change is carried out in any case. Then the specified cleaning cycles and the intermediate rinsing cycle are carried out unchanged. Even with the so controlled Dishwasher has a high water consumption and at least the energy consumption required for pumping around the washing liquid.

Schließlich ist auch eine Geschirrspülmaschine bekannt (FR-A-2 417 967), bei der an die Ausgangsleitung einer Umwälzpumpe für das Umpumpen von Spülflüssigkeit ein Drucksensor zur Erfassung des Verschmutzungsgrades der Spülflüssigkeit angesetzt ist. Dieser Sensor steuert die Programmschalteinrichtung in der Weise, daß im jeweils ablaufenden Spülgang eines mehrgängigen Gesamtspülganges zu Beginn Flüssigkeit solange in den Spülbehälter eingelassen wird, bis der abgefühlte Druck an der Pumpenausgangsleitung einen vorgegebenen Wert aufweist. Hierdurch wird sichergestellt, daß die Geschirrspülmaschine mit der für diesen Druckwert erforderlichen minimalen Wassermenge arbeiten kann. Im weiteren Ablauf des Spülprogrammes wird dann ein zweiter, höherer Druckwert vorgegeben. Hierfür wird wieder Spülflüssigkeit solange zugeführt, bis am Pumpenausgang der vorgegebene Druckwert erreicht ist. Dieser Druckwert wird demnach ebenfalls mit der geringstmöglichen Flüssigkeitsmenge erreicht. Dabei ist der vom Sensor erfasste Druckwert abhängig vom Verschmutzungsgrad der Spülflüssigkeit in der Weise, daß mit zunehmendem Verschmutzungsgrad eine größere Spülflüssigkeitsmenge vorhanden sein muß, bis der jeweils vorgegebene Druckwert erreicht ist. Dabei können noch Maßnahmen vorgesehen sein, um den gesamten Spülkreislauf in Funktion davon zu verlängern oder zu verkürzen, ob das Geschirr rein ist oder nicht. Es können dann unnötige Füllkreisläufe ausgeschaltet oder zusätzliche Kreisläufe hinzugefügt werden. Es sind jedoch auch hier zwischen den einzelnen Spülgängen komplette Spülflüssigkeitswechsel vorgesehen.Finally, a dishwasher is also known (FR-A-2 417 967) in which a pressure sensor for detecting the degree of contamination of the washing liquid is attached to the outlet line of a circulation pump for pumping washing liquid. This sensor controls the program switching device in such a way that in the respective rinsing cycle of a multi-course total rinsing cycle, liquid is initially let into the rinsing tank until the sensed pressure on the pump outlet line has a predetermined value. This ensures that the dishwasher can work with the minimum amount of water required for this pressure value. In the further course of the washing program, a second, higher pressure value is then specified. For this purpose, rinsing liquid is fed in again until the specified pressure value is reached at the pump outlet. This pressure value is therefore also achieved with the smallest possible amount of liquid. The pressure value detected by the sensor depends on the degree of contamination of the rinsing liquid in such a way that a larger quantity of rinsing liquid must be present with increasing degree of contamination until the respectively specified pressure value is reached. Measures can also be provided to extend or shorten the entire washing cycle as a function of whether the dishes are clean or not. Unnecessary filling circuits can then be switched off or additional circuits can be added. However, complete rinsing liquid changes are also provided here between the individual rinsing cycles.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, bei einer Geschirrspülmaschine gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 Maßnahmen zu treffen, durch welche bei geringer Verschmutzung des zu spülenden Geschirrs eine weitere Reduzierung des Wasser-und Energieverbrauchs ermöglicht wird.The invention has for its object to take measures in a dishwasher according to the preamble of claim 1, by means of which a further reduction in water and energy consumption is made possible with little contamination of the dishes to be washed.

Die Lösung dieser Aufgabe erfolgt der Erfindung durch die kennzeichnenden Merkmale des Anspruchs 1.This object is achieved by the invention characterizing features of claim 1.

Bei einer Ausgestaltung einer Geschirrspülmaschine gemäß der Erfindung wird davon ausgegangen, daß im einzigen Vorspülgang die am zu reinigenden Geschirr haftenden Schmutzteile abgelöst werden, die mit einer Spülflüssigkeit ohne Reinigungsmittelzugabe sich üblicherweise ablösen. Ein wesentlich größerer Teil dieser zunächst ablösbaren Schmutzteile läßt sich auch in einem weiteren Vorspülgang nicht vom Geschirr entfernen, so daß der Wasser- und Energieaufwand für weitere Vorspülgänge eingespart wird. Die nach dem Vorspülgang am Geschirr verbleibenden, im wesentlichen nur durch Reinigungsmittelzugabe zur erwärmten Spülflüssigkeit lösbaren Schmutzanteile führen dann im dementsprechend durchgeführten nachfolgenden Reinigungsgang zu einer Verschmutzung der Reinigungs-Spülflüssigkeit. Wenn die daraus resultierende Verschmutzung oberhalb eines vorgegebenen Grenzwertes liegt, wird der Reinigungsvorgang komplett abgearbeitet, wobei während des Reinigungsganges ein Programmschritt vorgesehen ist, in dem eine Teilmenge der verschmutzten Spülflüssigkeit aus dem Bereich der für die Filterung der Spülflüssigkeit vorgesehenen Siebe abgeführt wird, wo die Schmutzteile in konzentrierter Form angehäuft sind. Die entfernte Teilmenge der Spülflüssigkeit wird dann durch Frischwasser ersetzt. Auf Grund der hohen Verschmutzung im Reinigungsgang werden dann zwei nachfolgende Zwischenspülgänge durchgeführt. Wenn dagegen im Reinigungsgang ein minderer, unter dem Grenzwert liegender Verschmutzungsgrad der Spülflüssigkeit vom Sensor ermittelt wird, dann wird die Teilentleerung im Reinigungsgang nicht ausgeführt und auch nur ein einziger Zwischenspülgang abgearbeitet. Bei sehr geringer Verschmutzung des zu reinigenden Geschirrs wird demnach die für den Vorspülgang vorgesehene Reinigungsflüssigkeit in den Reinigungsgang übernommen und dort unter Erwärmung und Zusatz von Spülmitteln für den Reinigungsgang ausgenutzt. Es erfolgt auch keine Teilentleerung im Reinigungsgang und nur ein einziger Zwischenspülgang. Es wird hierbei somit die für den Reinigungsgang und die im Reinigungsgang als Ersatz für die Teilentleerung erforderliche Flüssigkeitsmenge sowie auf die Flüssigkeitsmenge für einen Zwischenspülgang eingespart. Auch die Programmablaufdauer kann entsprechend verkürzt werden.In one embodiment of a dishwasher according to the invention, it is assumed that in the single pre-wash cycle the dirt particles adhering to the dishes to be cleaned are removed, which are usually detached with a washing liquid without the addition of detergent. A much larger part of these initially detachable dirt parts cannot be removed from the dishes in a further pre-wash cycle, so that the water and energy expenditure for further pre-wash cycles is saved. The dirt portions remaining on the dishes after the pre-wash cycle, which can essentially only be removed by adding detergent to the heated washing liquid, then lead to contamination of the cleaning washing liquid in the corresponding subsequent cleaning cycle. If the resulting contamination is above a predetermined limit value, the cleaning process is carried out completely, whereby a program step is provided during the cleaning process in which a subset of the dirty washing liquid is removed from the area of the sieves provided for filtering the washing liquid, where the dirt particles are piled up in concentrated form. The removed part of the rinsing liquid is then replaced by fresh water. Due to the high level of contamination in the cleaning cycle, two subsequent intermediate rinsing cycles are then carried out. If, on the other hand, the sensor detects a lower degree of contamination of the rinsing liquid in the cleaning cycle, partial emptying is not carried out in the cleaning cycle and only a single intermediate rinsing cycle is carried out. If the dishes to be cleaned are very slightly soiled, the cleaning liquid provided for the pre-rinse cycle is taken over into the cleaning cycle and used there for heating and the addition of detergents for the cleaning cycle. There is also no partial emptying in the cleaning cycle and only a single intermediate rinse cycle. In this way, the amount of liquid required for the cleaning cycle and the amount of liquid required as a replacement for partial emptying as well as the Quantity of liquid saved for an intermediate rinse. The duration of the program can also be shortened accordingly.

Ist die Verschmutzung nur im Reinigungsgang gering, dann wird nach der Durchführung eines kompletten Vorspülganges die Teilentleerung im Reinigungsgang und ein Zwischenspülgang und die dafür erforderlichen Flüssigkeitsmengen eingespart. Der Grenzwert für das vom Sensor gelieferte Signal kann dabei einstellbar sein, um in unterschiedlichen Spülgängen auch unterschiedliche Verschmutzungsgrade als Ausgangsbasis für die Feststellung eines minderen bzw. erhöhten Verschmutzungsgrades vorbestimmen zu können. Ermittelt der Sensor im übrigen einen geringen Verschmutzungsgrad, dann wird die der Geschirrspülmaschine zugeordnete Programmsteuerung so beeinflußt, daß die in diesem Falle verkürzbaren Programmabschnitte übersprungen werden bzw. das Einschalten der Entleerungspumpe verhindert wird.If the level of contamination is only low in the cleaning cycle, partial emptying in the cleaning cycle and an intermediate rinsing cycle and the amount of liquid required are saved after performing a complete pre-rinse cycle. The limit value for the signal supplied by the sensor can be adjustable so that different degrees of soiling can also be predetermined in different rinse cycles as a starting point for the determination of a reduced or increased degree of soiling. If the sensor also detects a low degree of contamination, the program control assigned to the dishwasher is influenced in such a way that the program sections which can be shortened in this case are skipped or the emptying pump is prevented from being switched on.

Die Erfindung ist nachfolgend anhand von Skizzen eines Ausführungsbeispiels näher erläutert.The invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of sketches of an exemplary embodiment.

Es zeigen:

  • Figur 1: Eine Prinzipdarstellung einer Geschirrspülmaschine mit Steuereinrichtungen für einen verkürzten Programmablauf und
  • Figur 2: Ein Schema eines ungekürzten Programmablaufs sowie
  • Figur 3 ein Schema für einen verkürzten Programmablauf.
Show it:
  • Figure 1: A schematic diagram of a dishwasher with control devices for a shortened program and
  • Figure 2: A schematic of an unabridged program flow as well
  • Figure 3 is a schematic for a shortened program flow.

Im Spülgutbehälter (1) einer Geschirrspülmaschine befindet sich ein oberer Sprüharm (2) und ein unterer Sprüharm (3), die über zugehörige Druckleitungen (4 bzw. 5) mit Spülflüssigkeit gespeist werden. Die Druckleitungen (4,5) zweigen von einer Strömungsumsteuervorrichtung (6), zum Beispiel einem kontinuierlich umlaufenden Drehschieber ab, der an den Druckstutzen (7) einer Umwälzpumpe (8) angeschlossen ist. Von der Umwälzpumpe (8) führt ein Ansaugstutzen (9) in eine Ablaufwanne (10), die im Boden (11) des Spülgutbehälters (1) vorgesehen und durch ein trichterförmiges Feinsieb (12) zum Innenraum (13) des Spülgutbehälters (1) hin abgedeckt ist. Das Feinsieb (12) geht im unteren Teil in einen zylindrischen, senkrecht nach unten gerichteten Feinsiebzylinder (14) über, der in einen Ablaufschacht (15) mündet. Vom Ablaufschacht (15) führt ein Ablaufstutzen (16) zu einer nicht dargestellten Entleerungspumpe. Innerhalb des Feinsiebzylinders (14) befindet sich ein Grobsieb (17). Das Füllen des Spülgutbehälters mit Flüssigkeit erfolgt über eine Wasserleitung (18) mit eingeschaltetem steuerbarem Ventil (19), das über eine auch die Umwälzpumpe (8) und andere elektrische Bautteile steuernden Programmschalteinrichtung (20) gesteuert wird.In the washware container (1) of a dishwasher there is an upper spray arm (2) and a lower spray arm (3), which are fed with washing liquid via associated pressure lines (4 and 5). The pressure lines (4, 5) branch off from a flow reversing device (6), for example a continuously rotating rotary valve, which is connected to the pressure port (7) of a circulation pump (8). From the circulating pump (8), an intake (9) leads into a drain pan (10) provided in the bottom (11) of the washware container (1) and through funnel-shaped fine sieve (12) towards the interior (13) of the washware container (1) is covered. The fine sieve (12) merges in the lower part into a cylindrical fine sieve cylinder (14) directed vertically downwards, which opens into a drainage shaft (15). A drain connection (16) leads from the drain shaft (15) to an emptying pump, not shown. A coarse sieve (17) is located within the fine sieve cylinder (14). The washware container is filled with liquid via a water line (18) with the controllable valve (19) switched on, which is controlled by a program switching device (20) that also controls the circulation pump (8) and other electrical components.

Um den Verschmutzungsgrad der Spülflüssigkeit, die durch den Zusatz von Spülmittel zum eingefüllten Wasser erzeugt wird in den aufeinanderfolgenden Spülgängen des von der Programmschalteinrichtung (20) gesteuerten Gesamtspülprogramms während der Reinigung von verschmutzten Gütern zu ermitteln, ist im Spülsystem wenigstens ein Sensor (21) angeordnet, der ein vom ermittelten Verschmutzungsgrad abhängiges Steuersignal an die Programmschalteinrichtung abgibt. Dabei können in unterschiedlichen Spülgängen auch unterschiedliche Verschmutzungsgrade als Ausgangsbasis für die Feststellung eines minderen bzw. erhöhten Verschmutzungsgrades vorbestimmt werden.At least one sensor (21) is arranged in the washing system in order to determine the degree of contamination of the washing liquid which is generated by the addition of washing agent to the filled water in the successive washing steps of the overall washing program controlled by the program switching device (20) during the cleaning of contaminated goods. which outputs a control signal dependent on the determined degree of contamination to the program switching device. Different degrees of soiling can also be predetermined in different rinse cycles as a starting point for the determination of a reduced or increased degree of soiling.

Der Sensor (21) kann dabei als Drucksensor (21.1) ausgebildet werden, der an den Druckstutzen der Umwälzpumpe angeschlossen ist. Es können jedoch auch Drucksensoren (21.2 bzw. 21.3) an die Druckleitungen (4) bzw. (5) zu den Sprüharmen (2) bzw. (3) angeschlossen werden. Auch kann ein Drucksensor (21.4) dem Ansaugstutzen (9) der Umwälzpumpe (8) zugeordnet werden. Der Sensor (21) kann jedoch auch als optischer Sensor ausgebildet sein und auf die Trübung der Spülflüssigkeit ansprechen. Daneben ist es aber auch möglich, mit dem Sensor (21) die Wichte der Spülflüssigkeit oder die Strömungsgeschwindigkeit der Spülflüssigkeit zu erfassen. Es kann jedoch auch mit einem Sensor (21.5) die Drehzahl der Sprüharme (2 bzw. 3) abgetastet werden. Ebenso kann mit einem Sensor (21.6) die leistungsabhänige Drehzahl der Umwälzpumpe (8) oder die Stromaufnahme des Antriebsmotors für die Umwälzpumpe (8) erfaßt werden. Schließlich ist es auch möglich, das in Spülbetrieb sich einstellende dynamische Arbeitsniveau des Flüssigkeitsstandes in der Ablaufwanne (10) abzutasten, das sich mit dem Verschmutzungsgrad ändert. Ferner kann im Spülflüssigkeitsweg, insbesondere im Rohrsystem ein Beipaßweg vorgesehen werden, in dem ein Filtersieb angeordnet ist, wobei ein Drucksensor den am Filtersieb auftretenden Druckverlust oder Staudruck misst. Dieses Filtersieb muß nach jedem Spülgang freigespült werden, um Verfälschungen des Meßergebnisses aus vorausgehenden Spülgängen zu vermeiden.The sensor (21) can be designed as a pressure sensor (21.1) which is connected to the pressure port of the circulation pump. However, pressure sensors (21.2 or 21.3) can also be connected to the pressure lines (4) or (5) to the spray arms (2) or (3). A pressure sensor (21.4) can also be assigned to the intake port (9) of the circulation pump (8). However, the sensor (21) can also be designed as an optical sensor and respond to the turbidity of the rinsing liquid. In addition, it is also possible to use the sensor (21) to record the weight of the washing liquid or the flow rate of the washing liquid. However, the speed of the spray arms (2 or 3) can also be scanned with a sensor (21.5). Likewise, the power-dependent speed of the circulation pump (8) or the current consumption of the drive motor for the circulation pump (8) can be detected with a sensor (21.6). Finally, it is also possible to adjust the dynamic working level of the liquid level in the drain pan (10) during flushing operation. to sense that changes with the degree of pollution. Furthermore, a bypass path can be provided in the flushing liquid path, in particular in the pipe system, in which a filter screen is arranged, a pressure sensor measuring the pressure loss or dynamic pressure occurring on the filter screen. This filter screen must be rinsed free after each rinse cycle in order to avoid falsification of the measurement result from previous rinse cycles.

Zu Beginn eines Spülganges wird die Spülflüssigkeit praktisch mit dem Verschmutzungsgrad 0 im Spülsystem umgepumpt. Wird beispielsweise der Drucksensor (21.1) zur Ermittlung des Verschmutzungsgrades herangezogen, dann steht daran zunächst der maximal erreichbare Druck im Spülsystem an. Fällt dieser Druck im Laufe des jeweils abzuarbeitenden Spülganges unter einen vorbestimmten Wert, der im Vorspülgang anders als im Reinigungsgang sein kann, dann bedeutet das eine normale oder erhöhte Verschmutzung des zu spülenden Gutes. Es besteht dann kein Anlaß dazu, ein übliches Grundspülprogramm gemäß Figur 2 abzuändern. Demnach wird nach dem Zulauf von Wasser für den Vorspülgang der von der Programmschalteinrichtung vorgegebene komplette Vorspülgang ausgeführt. Nachdem die im Verlauf des Vorspülganges verfolgte Druckmessung einen normalen bis hohen Verschmutzungsgrad signalisiert, wird der Vorspülgang bis zum Ende abgearbeitet. Es erfolgt dort eine Entleerung der schmutzbeladenen Spülflüssigkeit und ein erneuter Zulauf von Frischwasser für den nachfolgenden Reinigungsgang. Ergibt die vorzugsweise am Ende des Aufheizvorganges für die Reinigungsflüssigkeit erfolgende Druckmessung wieder einen normalen bis erhöhten Verschmutzungsgrad, wird eine teilweise Entleerung von Spülflüssigkeit über die Entleerungspumpe vorgenommen. Dabei wird insbesondere der im Grobsieb und im Ablaufschacht angesammelte Hauptteil von Verschmutzungen aus der Spülflüssigkeit entfernt und anschließend der Spülflüssigkeitspegel wieder auf das Ausgangsniveau aufgefüllt, sowie der laufende Reinigungsgang bis zum maximalen, von der Programmschalteinrichtung (20) vorgegebenen End. weitergeführt. Es fügen sich dann jeweils nach einer Entleerung und erneutem Zulauf von Wasser beispielsweise zwei Zwischenspülgänge und ein Klarspülgang an, wobei in letzterem die Spülflüssigkeit wieder aufgeheizt wird, damit das zu spülende Gut für den anschließenden Trockengang am Ende des Gesamtspülganges getrocknet aus der Geschirrspülmaschine entnommen werden kann.At the beginning of a rinse cycle, the rinsing liquid with a pollution degree of 0 is practically pumped around in the rinsing system. If, for example, the pressure sensor (21.1) is used to determine the degree of contamination, then the maximum achievable pressure in the flushing system is present. If this pressure falls below a predetermined value in the course of the respective rinse cycle to be processed, which can be different in the pre-rinse cycle than in the cleaning cycle, this means normal or increased contamination of the items to be rinsed. There is then no reason to change a normal basic washing program according to FIG. 2. Accordingly, after the inflow of water for the pre-rinse cycle, the complete pre-rinse cycle specified by the program switching device is carried out. After the pressure measurement followed in the course of the pre-rinse cycle signals a normal to high degree of contamination, the pre-rinse cycle is processed to the end. The dirt-laden rinsing liquid is emptied there and fresh water is added again for the subsequent cleaning cycle. If the pressure measurement, which preferably takes place at the end of the heating process for the cleaning liquid, again results in a normal to increased degree of contamination, a partial emptying of the washing liquid is carried out via the emptying pump. In particular, the main part of the dirt collected in the coarse sieve and in the drain shaft is removed from the rinsing liquid and then the rinsing liquid level is refilled to the initial level, as well as the ongoing cleaning cycle up to the maximum end specified by the program switching device (20). continued. Then, for example, two intermediate rinse cycles and a rinse cycle, for example after each emptying and re-supplying of water, are added, the rinsing liquid being heated up again in the latter, so that this increases washing good for the subsequent drying cycle at the end of the total washing cycle can be removed from the dishwasher.

Wird über den Sensor (21) eine unter einem vorbestimmten Wert liegende Verschmutzung im Vorspülgang ermittelt, dann wird gemäß Figur 3 ab dem Zeitpunkt der Auswertung der Druckmessung die restliche Zeitdauer des Vorspülganges im Programmablauf ausgeblendet bzw. überfahren. Ist der Verschmutzungsgrad sehr gering, dann kann die Spülflüssigkeit aus dem Vorspülgang unmittelbar für den nachfolgenden Reinigungsgang verwendet werden. Es braucht dann kein aus Entleerung und Zulauf bestehender Wasserwechsel vorgenommen zu werden. Bei höherem, jedoch unter dem Normalwert liegenden Verschmutzungsgrad ist es zweckmäßig, einen Wasserwechsel vorzunehmen. In jedem Fall wird dann jedoch die Programmablaufdauer um den ausgeblendeten Teil des Vorspülganges verkürzt. Wird im nachfolgenden Reinigungsang zum Zeitpunkt der Druckmessung ein unterhalb des Normalwertes liegender Verschmutzungsgrad festgestellt, dann kann der Teilwasserwechsel nach dem Aufheizen der Reinigungsflüssigkeit entfallen und zumindest der für den Wasserwechsel erforderliche Programmzeitabschnitt ausgeblendet werden. Gegebenenfalls kann dabei auch der Zeitraum verkürzt werden, in dem das Geschirr nach dem Ende der Aufheizphase weitergespült wird. Diese Weiterspüldauer kann abhängig vom Verschmutzungsgrad gewählt werden. Am Ende des Reinigungsganges erfolgt wieder ein Wasserwechsel, wobei einer der Zwischenspülgänge ausgeblendet wird. Danach folgt in unverändertem Programmablauf der Klarspülgang und Trockengang. Soweit in den ausgeblendeten Teilen von Spülgängen keine Heizenergie eingespart wird, ergibt sich jedoch durch den entsprechend verkürzten Lauf der Umwälzpumpe neben dem eingesparten Wasser auch eine Verminderung der Antriebsenergie für die Umwälzpumpe und insgesamt ein verkürzter Spülprogrammablauf.If contamination in the pre-rinse cycle that is below a predetermined value is determined by the sensor (21), then according to FIG. If the degree of contamination is very low, the rinsing liquid from the pre-rinse cycle can be used immediately for the subsequent cleaning cycle. There is then no need to change the water from emptying and supplying. If the degree of soiling is higher but below the normal value, it is advisable to change the water. In any case, however, the duration of the program will be reduced by the hidden part of the pre-wash cycle. If a degree of soiling below the normal value is determined in the subsequent cleaning cycle at the time of the pressure measurement, then the partial water change after heating up the cleaning liquid can be omitted and at least the program time period required for the water change can be hidden. If necessary, the period in which the dishes are washed further after the end of the heating phase can also be shortened. This rinsing time can be selected depending on the degree of contamination. At the end of the cleaning cycle, the water is changed again, one of the intermediate rinsing cycles being hidden. This is followed by the final rinse and drying cycle in the same program. Insofar as no heating energy is saved in the hidden parts of the rinsing cycles, the correspondingly shortened running of the circulation pump results in a reduction in the drive energy for the circulation pump and a shortened washing program sequence in addition to the water saved.

Da sich bei ändernden Druckverhältnissen im Spülsystem auch die Geschwindigkeit der Spülflüssigeit verändert, kann der Verschmutzungsgrad über einen auf die Strömungsgeschwindigkeit ansprechenden Sensor ermittelt werden.Since the speed of the flushing liquid also changes with changing pressure conditions in the flushing system, the degree of contamination can be determined by a sensor that responds to the flow speed.

Bei sich ändernden Druckverhältnissen im Spülsystem verändert sich aber auch die Umlaufgeschwindigkeit der durch Rückstoß angetriebenen Sprüharme, so daß deren Drehgeschwindigkeit ebenfalls ein Maß für den Verschmutzungsgrad sein kann. Außerdem ändert sich mit der vom Verschmutzungsgrad abhängigen Dichte der Spülflüssigkeit der Leistungsbedarf für den Antriebsmotor der Umwälzpumpe, so daß sich über deren Drehzahl oder Stromaufnahme ebenfalls durch entsprechende Sensoren der Verschmutzungsgrad ermitteln läßt. Ferner ändert sich bei unterschiedlichem Fördervolumen der Umwälzpumpe auch der Flüssigkeitsstand in der Ablaufwanne, so daß hieraus über einen Niveausensor (21.7) der Verschmutzungsgrad ermittelt werden kann.With changing pressure conditions in the flushing system, however, the rotational speed of the spray arms driven by recoil also changes, so that their rotational speed can also be a measure of the degree of contamination. In addition, the power requirement for the drive motor of the circulating pump changes with the density of the rinsing liquid, which is dependent on the degree of contamination, so that the degree of contamination can also be determined by appropriate sensors via its speed or current consumption. Furthermore, the liquid level in the drain pan changes with different delivery volumes of the circulating pump, so that the level of contamination can be determined from this using a level sensor (21.7).

Claims (4)

  1. Dishwasher, having a programmer (20) for controlling a multi-cycle total washing cycle, which programmer controls at least consecutive program stages for pre-rinsing, a cleaning cycle with heated cleaning fluid, and intermediate rinsing cycles, in which fluid is allowed into a rinsing container (1,13) and is pumped round by a circulating pump (8) via spray devices (2, 3), a change of fluid taking place between the individual rinsing cycles, which involves complete evacuation of the fluid and the supply of fresh water into the next rinsing cycle. and having a sensor (21) for detecting the dirt level of the fluid, which, in the case of a low dirt level in the rinsing fluid of below a certain limit value, during pre-rinsing transmits a signal to the programmer (20), which suppresses the change of rinsing fluid after pre-rinsing or moves the programmer (20) on beyond the immediately following program stage for the change of rinsing fluid, characterised in that the programmer (20) has a program stage for only one single pre-rinsing cycle, in that in the program stage for the cleaning cycle the sensor (21) is switched on, in that in the program stage for the cleaning cycle a partial change of fluid is provided, in which only some of the dirty cleaning fluid is discharged and the fluid level is filled up to the starting level, and in that the signal transmitted by the sensor (21) to the programmer (20) in the case of a low dirt level of the cleaning fluid in the cleaning cycle blocks the partial change of fluid and only releases the program stage for a single intermediate rinsing cycle.
  2. Dishwasher according to claim 1, characterised in that the limit value for the signal supplied by the sensor (21) is adjustable.
  3. Dishwasher according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the further intermediate rinsing cycle is temporarily jumped by the programmer in the case of a low dirt level in the cleaning cycle.
  4. Process for operating a dishwasher according to claim 1, 2 or 3, having a multi-cycle total washing program, which consists at least of pre-rinsing, a cleaning cycle and intermediate rinsing cycles, between each of which a complete change of rinsing fluid takes place, wherein during pre-rinsing, the dirt level of the rinsing fluid is detected and, if the level of dirt is less than a preset dirt level, the subsequent change of rinsing fluid is blocked and the pre-rinsing fluid is taken over into the cleaning cycle, characterised in that a single pre-rinsing cycle is carried out, in that in the cleaning cycle the dirt level is measured, in that in the cleaning cycle a partial change of fluid is provided, in which only some of the dirty cleaning fluid is discharged and the fluid level is filled to the starting level, and in that in the cleaning cycle, in the case of a low dirt level, the partial change of fluid is blocked and then only one intermediate rinsing cycle is carried out with a preliminary, complete change of fluid.
EP87109160A 1986-08-04 1987-06-25 Dishwashing machine Expired - Lifetime EP0255863B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE3626351 1986-08-04
DE19863626351 DE3626351A1 (en) 1986-08-04 1986-08-04 METHOD FOR OPERATING A DISHWASHER

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EP0255863A2 EP0255863A2 (en) 1988-02-17
EP0255863A3 EP0255863A3 (en) 1989-03-15
EP0255863B1 true EP0255863B1 (en) 1992-07-01

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EP87109160A Expired - Lifetime EP0255863B1 (en) 1986-08-04 1987-06-25 Dishwashing machine

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ES (1) ES2033741T3 (en)

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DE3780097D1 (en) 1992-08-06
ES2033741T3 (en) 1993-04-01
DE3626351C2 (en) 1992-08-06
DE3626351A1 (en) 1988-02-11
EP0255863A3 (en) 1989-03-15
EP0255863A2 (en) 1988-02-17

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