Dishwasher, methods for operating a dishwasher, and computer program products

Abstract

The invention relates to a dishwasher (1), in particular a domestic dishwasher, comprising: a rinsing chamber (4); a control device (100) for executing one of a plurality of rinsing programs; and an automatic dosing device (110) for automatically dispensing a plurality of dosing quantities from a supply of a cleaning agent present as a solid into the rinsing chamber (4), wherein the control device (100) is configured to control the automatic dosing device (110) to switch to a cleaning state for cleaning the automatic dosing device (110) and to execute a special rinsing program for cleaning the automatic dosing device (110) among a plurality of rinsing programs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a dishwasher, a method for operating a dishwasher and a computer program product. Background Art

[0002] A dishwasher is known, which has an automatic dosing device. This automatic dosing device is used to reserve a certain amount of detergent and deliver the reserved detergent amount to the rinsing chamber of the dishwasher during the rinsing program.

[0003] Such automatic dosing devices can have movable components in order to achieve automatic dosing of the dosing quantities. Due to contamination, the function of the automatic dosing device may be impaired. Thus, the cleanliness of the rinsed items is no longer guaranteed. Summary of the invention

[0004] Against this background, the present invention is based on the object of providing an improved dishwasher.

[0005] According to a first aspect, a dishwasher, in particular a domestic dishwasher, is proposed, which comprises a rinsing chamber, a control device for executing one of a plurality of rinsing programs, and an automatic dosing device. The automatic dosing device is configured to automatically dispense a plurality of dosing quantities of a solid detergent from a reserve comprising a plurality of dosing quantities into the rinsing chamber. To clean the automatic dosing device, the control device is configured to control the automatic dosing device to switch to a cleaning state and to execute a special rinsing program for cleaning the automatic dosing device.

[0006] The dishwasher has the advantage that the automatic dispensing device can be cleaned simply and completely. In this way, the function of the automatic dispensing device can be ensured in particular. In addition, the cleaning of the automatic dispensing device can be performed automatically without the dishwasher user having to perform the cleaning.

[0007] The control device can be implemented in hardware technology and / or software technology. In the case of hardware technology, the control device can be designed as a computer or a microprocessor, for example. In the case of software implementation, the control device can be designed as a computer program product, a function, a routine, a part of a program code or an executable object.

[0008] The automatic dosing device is provided for automatically dispensing a plurality of detergent dosage amounts. In this context, it is understood in particular that the automatic dosing device dispenses the detergent dosage amounts into the rinsing chamber when controlled, for example, by a control device of the dishwasher. For this purpose, the automatic dosing device comprises, for example, a removal unit for removing the dosage amounts from a detergent reserve. The reserve remains in the dishwasher. The removed dosage amounts can then be conveyed directly into the rinsing chamber or also via an intermediate device, in particular a conveying channel, which is advantageously provided for separating the removal unit from the rinsing chamber in a fluid-tight manner.

[0009] The automatic dosing device is particularly provided for receiving a detergent reserve, wherein the reserve can contain an amount of detergent which corresponds to a multiple of the dosed amount, for example 10 times, 20 times or 50 times the dosed amount. This advantageously enables an automatic dosing device to be implemented, with which the dishwasher can carry out a plurality of rinsing cycles without the user having to refill the detergent.

[0010] For example, the reserve includes up to 500 ml or 500 g of detergent, and the dosage includes 10 ml or 10 g of detergent. Thus, when the reserve is first completely filled, the dosage can be taken out from the reserve 50 times before the reserve is exhausted.

[0011] The dosage amount is determined, for example, so that slightly soiled items to be washed can be cleaned thereby. In the case of heavily soiled items to be washed, the total dosage can be increased by dispensing the dosage amount several times. In the embodiment of the automatic dosage device, the dosage amount can be particularly small, for example milligrams, so that the total dosage of the cleaning agent can be adjusted very finely.

[0012] The cleaning agent is present in particular as a solid material. The cleaning agent comprises in particular cleaning agent particles, which have, for example, a diameter of a few micrometers to a few millimeters. In the case of particle sizes up to about 1 mm, this is, for example, a powder. In the case of particle sizes in the range of up to about 5 mm, this is, for example, a granulate or a tablet. Advantageously, the cleaning agent is loose or flowable. In this context, flowable or loose is understood in particular to mean that the cleaning agent behaves like a liquid under the action of gravity.

[0013] If a dishwasher is used, over time this can lead to dirt accumulation in the automatic dispensing device and / or condensation of detergent residues that adhere to surfaces along the dispensing path during dispensing. This can lead to blocked passages or even obstruction of components. To avoid this, the automatic dispensing device can be cleaned with the aid of a special rinsing program.

[0014] In particular, it is proposed that cleaning of the automatic dispensing system is carried out or recommended regularly, for example after a certain number of rinsing cycles in the dishwasher or after a certain time period, and / or in an event-controlled manner, for example when a component of the automatic dispensing system is detected to be blocked.

[0015] To perform cleaning, the automatic dispensing device is placed in a cleaning state by the control device. The cleaning state can be characterized, for example, by the movable components or elements being placed in a specific position. In addition, it can be provided that when the automatic dispensing device is in the cleaning state, at least several components can be removed from the automatic dispensing device by the user.

[0016] Special rinse programs are provided in particular for automatically cleaning automatic dosing devices. Rinse program parameters, for example, operating time, water volume, rinsing liquid temperature and / or circulating pump speed, can be selected or preset specifically. Advantageously, the special rinse program has a short operating time compared to other rinse programs that are considered for rinsing rinse items, so that the dishwasher can be used again for rinsing rinse items after a short time.

[0017] It can be provided that the special rinsing program is integrated as a subprogram step for rinsing the wash items. For example, the control device is configured to execute a rinsing program of the automatic dispensing device as a subprogram step after the subprogram step cleaning of the normal washing program, when the wash items have been cleaned and are therefore free of dirt. In particular, the control device is configured to execute this automatically (i.e. without additional user interaction). For example, during the execution of the rinsing program for rinsing the wash items, the control device determines that the automatic dispensing device needs to be cleaned or is in a state in which cleaning can be performed, and the rinsing program that has just been executed is then supplemented with the subprogram step of the special rinsing program. Advantageously, this is performed, for example, before the subprogram step rinsing of the rinsing program.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the dishwasher, the automatic dosing device has a dosing unit arranged in a first fluid-tight housing of the automatic dosing device, which is used to dispense dosing quantities, wherein the first housing has a cleaning opening that can be closed in a fluid-tight manner and is at least temporarily opened in the cleaning state of the automatic dosing device.

[0019] During normal operation of the dishwasher, the fluid-tight housing protects the dosing unit from dirt and moisture. The dosing unit is accessible from the outside via the cleaning opening, in particular for cleaning and / or maintenance purposes. The cleaning opening can be closed, for example, by means of a flap or a cover. In the closed state, the flap or the cover is in particular mechanically locked, so that an unintentional opening of the cleaning opening is excluded. In the cleaning state of the automatic dosing device, the cleaning opening is opened. For example, the flap or the cover is unlocked so that a user can open the flap or the cover by pivoting and / or remove them completely from the automatic dosing device. It can also be provided that when the locking is canceled, the drive member (for example a spring and / or an electric motor) automatically pivots the flap or the cover.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the dishwasher, the automatic dosing device has a receiving unit arranged in a second fluid-tight housing of the automatic dosing device, which is used to receive a removable storage container for providing a reserve of cleaning agent, wherein the second housing has a cleaning opening that can be closed in a fluid-tight manner and is at least temporarily opened in the cleaning state of the automatic dosing device.

[0021] During normal operation of the dishwasher, the fluid-tight housing protects the receiving unit and the storage container from dirt and moisture. With the help of the cleaning opening, on the one hand, the receiving unit can be accessed for cleaning and maintenance purposes. On the other hand, the removable storage container can be removed and inserted when the cleaning opening is open. The cleaning opening can be closed, for example, with the help of a flap or a cover. In the closed state, the flap or the cover is in particular mechanically locked so that unintentional opening of the cleaning opening is excluded. In the cleaning state of the automatic dosing device, the cleaning opening is open. For example, the flap or the cover is unlocked so that the user can open the flap or the cover by pivoting and / or completely remove it from the automatic dosing device. It can also be provided that when the locking is cancelled, the drive member (for example a spring and / or an electric motor) automatically pivots the flap or the cover.

[0022] According to a further embodiment of the dishwasher, the automatic dosing device has a fluid-tightly closable supply channel which fluidically connects the automatic dosing device to the rinsing chamber, wherein the fluid-tightly closable supply channel is open in the cleaning state of the automatic dosing device.

[0023] The delivery channel is arranged in particular between the metering unit and the rinsing chamber. During the rinsing process, the delivery channel is preferably closed in a fluid-tight manner so that the metering unit is not exposed to moisture in the rinsing chamber. For dispensing, it can be provided in particular that the metering unit is pre-dispensed into the closed delivery channel and then the delivery channel is briefly opened in order to dispense the pre-dispensed cleaning agent into the rinsing chamber.

[0024] The delivery channel is more susceptible to influences from the flushing chamber, which can, for example, impair the sealing function of the delivery channel. It can be provided that a valve is arranged at the confluence of the delivery channel into the flushing chamber for covering, in particular for closing in a jet-tight and / or fluid-tight manner. In the clean state of the automatic dosing device, the delivery channel and any valve provided are opened, so that a fluid connection is established between the dosing unit and the flushing chamber. As a result, the flushing liquid enters the delivery channel and flushes the delivery channel, so that dirt and / or encrusted cleaning agent residues can be reliably removed from the delivery channel.

[0025] According to a further embodiment of the dishwasher, the automatic dosing device has a drive member for driving at least one movable element for dosing the dosing quantities, wherein the control device is provided for actuating the drive member to move the movable element during the execution of a dedicated rinsing program.

[0026] The movable element comprises in particular a worm, a gear, a linear actuator or the like. The movable element can be moved within the range of motion of the automatic dosing device, for example can be pivoted or turned through a specific angular range. The movable element is in particular moved through the entire range of motion at least once, preferably several times through the entire range of motion. For example, the worm is turned forward and backward. In this way, comprehensive cleaning of the movable element is ensured.

[0027] According to a further embodiment of the dishwasher, a sensor unit is associated with the movable element, the sensor unit is used to detect a movement of the movable element and to output a sensor signal as a function of the detected movement, wherein the control device is provided to identify the movable element as a function of the sensor signal.

[0028] In this embodiment, it is detected when the movable element is blocked. The blocked movable element can lead to failure of the automatic dispensing device. In this embodiment, corresponding countermeasures can be carried out in a targeted manner, in particular cleaning the automatic dispensing device.

[0029] Advantageously, the sensor unit detects, for example, a motor current and / or a voltage of an electric motor of a movable element as a sensor signal. In particular, the sensor unit can also be integrated into the control device as a function and / or in hardware, thereby dispensing with a separate sensor unit.

[0030] According to a further embodiment of the dishwasher, the automatic dosing device is provided for dispensing detergent powders, detergent granules or detergent shaped bodies.

[0031] According to a further embodiment of the dishwasher, a user interface is provided for outputting user information as a function of the cleaning state of the automatic dosing device and / or a detected blockage of the movable element.

[0032] In this embodiment, for example, the user can be informed that a movable element of the automatic dispensing device is obstructing and that the automatic dispensing device should be cleaned. The user information can include various other information, in particular instructions for cleaning the automatic dispensing device.

[0033] The user interface comprises, for example, a display screen on the front side of the domestic dishwasher and / or a data interface, in particular for wireless data transmission, ie, for example, WLAN, By means of the data interface, for example, user information can be transmitted to a connected device of the user, for example a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet, and output accordingly by the device.

[0034] According to a further embodiment of the dishwasher, the dishwasher has a hydraulic system which is dedicated to a specific rinsing program.

[0035] The special hydraulic system comprises, in particular, valves, nozzles, water-conducting elements, etc. Such a special hydraulic system enables targeted cleaning of the automatic dosing device. It can be provided that the special hydraulic system can be removed and installed by a user or service personnel in the dishwasher to carry out a special rinsing program.

[0036] According to another embodiment of the dishwasher, the dishwasher has a delivery unit for delivering individual doses of the further cleaning agent. The control device is configured to control the delivery unit to deliver the further cleaning agent during the execution of a dedicated rinsing program.

[0037] In particular, the delivery unit can have a container that is manually filled by the user before the flushing operation. In particular, during the cleaning of the automatic dosing device, the delivery unit can be used to deliver a further cleaning agent by means of a special flushing program. The further cleaning agent is in particular a special cleaning agent, but can also be a cleaning agent for flushing the flushing items.

[0038] In one embodiment, it can be provided that a special cleaning agent is provided in the rinse chamber for cleaning the automatic dosing device and / or that a special cleaning cartridge is provided in the receiving unit instead of a storage container with cleaning agent. The cleaning cartridge has the advantage that during the cleaning of the automatic dosing device, the contents of the cleaning cartridge can be dispensed via the dispensing path, wherein during dispensing the cleaning agent takes up the dispensing path through the automatic dosing device. The cleaning cartridge contains in particular a liquid cleaning agent.

[0039] In addition, the cleaning cartridge can have a mechanical cleaning member, in particular a brush. By moving, for example rotating, the cleaning cartridge in the receiving unit, a mechanical cleaning effect can be achieved using the brush.

[0040] According to a second aspect, a method for operating a dishwasher, in particular a domestic dishwasher, is provided, the dishwasher having a rinsing chamber, a control device for executing one of a plurality of rinsing programs, and an automatic dosing device for automatically dispensing a plurality of detergent dosages from a detergent reserve comprising a plurality of dosages into the rinsing chamber. In a first method step, the control device controls the automatic dosing device to switch to a cleaning state. In a second method step, a special rinsing program for cleaning the automatic dosing device is executed.

[0041] The method can be carried out, for example, by means of a dishwasher according to the first aspect.

[0042] Furthermore, a computer program product is proposed which causes the above-described method to be carried out on a program-controlled device.

[0043] The computer program product, for example a computer program component, can be provided or delivered, for example, as a storage medium, for example a memory card, a USB stick, a CD-ROM, a DVD or also in the form of a file that can be downloaded from a server in a network. For example, this can be done in a wireless communication network by transmitting a corresponding file with the computer program product or the computer program medium.

[0044] The embodiments and features described for the proposed device apply correspondingly to the proposed method.

[0045] Other possible embodiments of the present invention also include combinations of features or embodiments described above and below with respect to the embodiments that are not explicitly mentioned. Here, those skilled in the art also add individual aspects as improvements or supplements to the corresponding basic forms of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Further advantageous embodiments and aspects of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims of the invention and of the exemplary embodiments described below. In addition, the invention is explained in more detail according to preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0047] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view showing an embodiment of a dishwasher;

[0048] Figure 2 A schematic side view showing another embodiment of a dishwasher in a cleaning state;

[0049] Figure 3 schematically illustrates an embodiment of an automatic batching device; and

[0050] Figure 4 A schematic block diagram shows an exemplary embodiment of a method for operating a dishwasher.

[0051] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols unless otherwise indicated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a dishwasher 1 is shown, which is designed here as a domestic dishwasher. The domestic dishwasher 1 comprises a rinsing container 2 which can be closed in an especially watertight manner by a door 3. For this purpose, a seal can be provided between the door 3 and the rinsing container 2. The rinsing container 2 is preferably square. The rinsing container 2 can be arranged in a housing of the domestic dishwasher 1. The rinsing container 2 and the door 3 can form a rinsing chamber 4 for rinsing items 15.

[0053] Figure 13 is shown in its open position. The door 3 can be opened or closed by pivoting about a pivot axis 5 arranged at the lower end of the door 3. The filling opening 6 of the rinsing container 2 can be closed or opened by means of the door 3. The rinsing container 2 has a bottom 7, a top 8 arranged opposite the bottom 7, a rear wall 9 arranged opposite the closed door 3, and two side walls 10, 11 arranged opposite each other. The bottom 7, the top 8, the rear wall 9 and the side walls 10, 11 can be made of high-quality steel, for example. Alternatively, the bottom 7 can be made of a synthetic material, for example.

[0054] The domestic dishwasher 1 further comprises at least one rinse product receptacle 12 to 14. Preferably, a plurality of, for example, three rinse product receptacles 12 to 14 can be provided, wherein the rinse product receptacle 12 can be a lower rinse product receptacle or a lower basket, the rinse product receptacle 13 can be an upper rinse product receptacle or an upper basket, and the rinse product receptacle 14 can be a cutlery drawer. Figure 1 It is also shown that the flushing item receptacles 12 to 14 are arranged one above the other in the rinsing container 2. Each flushing item receptacle 12 to 14 can be selectively moved into or out of the rinsing container 2. In particular, each flushing item receptacle 12 to 14 can be pushed into the rinsing container 2 along the insertion direction E and can be pulled out of the rinsing container 2 along the withdrawal direction A, opposite to the insertion direction E.

[0055] Furthermore, a control device 100 and an automatic dosing device 110 are arranged at the door 3 of the domestic dishwasher 1. The control device 100 is provided for controlling, regulating and / or checking all controllable components of the domestic dishwasher 1, such as valves, pumps, heating devices, water distributors, conveying units, etc., which are not shown for reasons of overview. In particular, the control device 100 is provided for driving the automatic dosing device 100. The automatic dosing device 110 is provided for dispensing one or more dosing amounts of solid detergent into the rinsing chamber 4 when it is correspondingly controlled by the control device 100. For this purpose, the automatic dosing device 110 has, for example, a dosing unit 114 (see Figure 3 The automatic dosing device 110 may also have other components / elements, such as a fluid-tight housing 112, a cleaning opening 113, a receiving unit 113, a conveying channel 120, a sealing unit 121, a movable element 122 and / or a sensor unit 123 (see Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 ).

[0056] The control device 100 is configured to execute one of a plurality of rinsing programs. The number includes, for example, a plurality of different rinsing programs for rinsing items, i.e., for example, a gentle program, a strong program, an energy-saving program, etc. In addition, the number includes at least one special rinsing program, which is configured for cleaning the automatic dispensing device 110 and has rinsing parameters dedicated thereto. In the following, the special rinsing program can be referred to as a cleaning program.

[0057] Figure 2 A schematic side view of another exemplary embodiment of a dishwasher is shown, which is in turn designed as a domestic dishwasher 1, which is just in the cleaning state. The dishwasher 1 shown can be, for example, Figure 1 The domestic dishwasher 1 is shown here with the door 3 in the closed position. A spray arm 15 is arranged at the bottom 7 of the domestic dishwasher 1, which is provided for applying a rinse liquid to the rinsed items in the rinse chamber 4 when the domestic dishwasher 1 is in normal operation. A dedicated hydraulic system 16 is arranged at the lid 8 of the domestic dishwasher 1, which hydraulic system can be used specifically for cleaning the automatic dispensing device 110. A user interface 102 is arranged at the outside of the door 3, the user interface here comprising a digital display and by means of which user information can be output. The user information comprises, for example, an indication of a blockage of a movable element 122 of the automatic dispensing device 110, so that the automatic dispensing device 110 should be cleaned.

[0058] An automatic dispensing device 110 is arranged on the inner side of the door 3. The automatic dispensing device 110 includes a receiving unit 118 arranged in a fluid-tight housing 112 for receiving a removable storage container, which is currently taken out. Here, the receiving unit 118 can rotate around an axis so that the storage container can rotate together with the receiving unit 118 when loaded. The receiving unit 118 thereby forms a movable element 122 of the automatic dispensing device 110. Therefore, the receiving unit 118 can be accessed by means of a cleaning opening 113, and the cleaning opening can be closed in a fluid-tight manner by a valve 116. The sensor unit 123 is arranged in the upper range of the fluid-tight housing 112, and the sensor unit is configured to detect the movement of the receiving unit 118. The conveying channel 120 is connected to the fluid-tight housing 112, and the conveying channel can be closed in a fluid-tight manner by means of a sealing element 121.

[0059] The automatic dosing device 110 is shown in its clean state, which is currently characterized by: the valve 116 is open, the storage container is removed and the sealing element 121 is opened. Figure 1 ) When performing a cleaning program, the automatic dispensing device 110 can be effectively cleaned. In the cleaning program, the dedicated hydraulic system 16 is especially at least temporarily applied with a flushing rinsing liquid.

[0060] Figure 3 An exemplary embodiment of an automatic dosing device 110 is shown, such as that which can be used in Figure 1 or Figure 2 The automatic dosing device 110 comprises a receiving unit 118 for receiving a removable storage container (not shown), which in this embodiment has a round shape. The receiving unit 118 is designed so that the storage container can be rotated therein, wherein the dispensing or pre-dispensing is caused by rotating the storage container. The receiving unit 118 is arranged in a housing 112 that can be closed in a fluid-tight manner and can be accessed via a cleaning opening 113. The cleaning opening 113 can be opened in particular by means of a valve 116 (see Figure 2 ) is closed in a fluid-tight manner. In the open state of the cleaning opening 113, the flap 116 can be opened by the user or can also be opened automatically. Thus, for example, the storage container can be removed and the receiving unit 118 can be cleaned without hindrance.

[0061] Furthermore, a metering unit 114 is arranged in the fluid-tight housing 112. The metering unit 114 can, for example, check the dispensing of a metering quantity from a storage container into the flushing chamber 4 (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 ). The dosing unit 114 , like the receiving unit 118 , is accessible via the cleaning opening 113 .

[0062] In addition, the automatic dosing device 110 has a conveying channel 120, which connects the dosing unit 114 to the flushing chamber 4 in a fluidic manner, wherein an outlet 119 opens into the flushing chamber 4 at the lower end of the conveying channel 120. A sealing element 121 is arranged at the conveying channel 120, which is provided for sealing the conveying channel 120 in a fluid-tight manner. For example, the conveying channel 120 is formed by an extrusion hose and the sealing element 121 is configured in the form of a clamp, which is provided for extruding the extrusion hose. The outlet 119 can be closed, for example, by an openable valve (not shown).

[0063] In the clean state of the automatic dosing device 110, in particular, at least one of the two cleaning openings 113 is in an open state. Thus, the housing 112 is closed in a non-fluid-tight manner. In addition, it can be proposed that the storage container is taken out in the clean state of the receiving unit 118. The sealing element 121 is also opened, so that there is a fluid connection between the dosing unit 114 and the flushing chamber 4. In particular, by this, the flushing liquid outputted toward the opened clean opening 113 can enter the automatic dosing device 110 via the corresponding clean opening 113, and there remove dirt and / or encrusted cleaning agent and thus clean the automatic dosing device 110. The entered flushing liquid can flow back into the flushing chamber 4 via the conveying channel 120.

[0064] Figure 4 A method for operating a dishwasher 1, for example Figure 1 or Figure 2 Schematic block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a method for a domestic dishwasher 1 . The dishwasher 1 has a control device 100 and an automatic dosing device 110 .

[0065] In a first method step S1, the automatic dosing device 110 is controlled by the control device 100 of the dishwasher 1 to switch into the cleaning state. For this purpose, in particular, the existing cleaning opening 113 (see Figure 2 and Figure 3 ), so that contaminated components of the automatic dosing equipment 110 can be cleaned.

[0066] In a second method step S2, a special rinsing program is performed for cleaning the automatic dosing device 110. The special rinsing program can be provided in particular that during the execution of the special rinsing program, movable components of the automatic dosing device 110, i.e., for example, the receiving unit 118 and / or the dosing unit 114 (see Figure 3 ), so that the sections that may be blocked can also be cleaned. For example, the rotatable receiving unit 118 can be rotated as in Figure 2 or Figure 3 , preferably in two directions.

[0067] Although the present invention has been described based on the embodiments, various modifications can be made thereto.

[0068] Reference numerals used:

[0069] 1 Dishwasher

[0070] 2 Rinse the container

[0071] 3 doors

[0072] 4. Washing room

[0073] 5 Pivot axis

[0074] 6 Loading opening

[0075] 7 Bottom

[0076] 8 Top

[0077] 9 Back wall

[0078] 10 Sidewall

[0079] 11 Sidewall

[0080] 12. Rinse item storage area

[0081] 13. Rinse item storage area

[0082] 14. Rinse item storage area

[0083] 15 Spray Arm

[0084] 16 Special hydraulic system

[0085] 100 Control devices

[0086] 110 Automatic batching equipment

[0087] 102 User Interface

[0088] 112 Housing

[0089] 113 Cleaning opening

[0090] 114 Batching Unit

[0091] 116 valve

[0092] 118 Accommodation Units

[0093] 119 Exit

[0094] 120 conveying channel

[0095] 121 Sealing element

[0096] 122 movable components

[0097] 123 Sensor unit

[0098] A Extraction direction

[0099] E Push direction

[0100] S1 Method steps

[0101] S2 Method steps.

Claims

1. A dishwasher (1), comprising: a rinsing chamber (4); a control device (100) for executing one of a plurality of rinsing programs; and an automatic dosing device (110), the automatic dosing device being used to automatically dispense a plurality of dosing quantities from a reserve of detergent present as a solid into the rinsing chamber (4), the automatic dosing device (110) being configured to dispense detergent powder, detergent granules or detergent shaped bodies, wherein: The control device (100) is configured to control the automatic dispensing device (110) to switch to a cleaning state and execute a special rinsing program for cleaning the automatic dispensing device (110) in a plurality of rinsing programs for cleaning the automatic dispensing device (110), the dishwasher having a delivery unit for delivering single doses of other cleaning agents, wherein the control device (100) is configured to control the delivery unit to deliver the other cleaning agents during the execution of the special rinsing program, the automatic dispensing device (110) having a dispensing unit (114) arranged in a first fluid-tight housing of the automatic dispensing device (110), the dispensing unit being used to dispense a dispensing amount, wherein the first fluid-tight housing has a cleaning opening (113) that can be closed in a fluid-tight manner, and the cleaning opening is at least temporarily opened in the cleaning state of the automatic dispensing device (110).

2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized in that The automatic dosing device (110) has a receiving unit (118) arranged in a second fluid-tight housing of the automatic dosing device (110), the receiving unit being used to receive a removable storage container for providing a reserve of the cleaning agent, wherein the second fluid-tight housing has a cleaning opening (113) that can be closed in a fluid-tight manner, and the cleaning opening is at least temporarily opened in a cleaning state of the automatic dosing device (110).

3. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that: The automatic dosing device (110) has a fluid-tightly closable conveying channel (120), which connects the automatic dosing device (110) to the rinsing chamber (4), wherein in the cleaning state of the automatic dosing device (110), the fluid-tightly closable conveying channel (120) is opened.

4. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that: The automatic dosing device (110) has a drive member for driving at least one movable element (122) for dispensing a dosing quantity, wherein the control device (100) is configured to control the drive member to move the movable element (122) during the execution of the dedicated flushing program.

5. The dishwasher according to claim 4, characterized in that: A sensor unit (123) is associated with the movable element (122), the sensor unit being used to detect movement of the movable element (122) and to output a sensor signal based on the detected movement, wherein the control device (100) is configured to identify obstruction of the movable element (122) based on the sensor signal.

6. The dishwasher according to claim 4, characterized in that A user interface (102) is provided, which is used to output user information based on the cleaning state of the automatic dosing device (110) and / or the detected obstruction of the movable element (122).

7. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that: The dishwasher has a dedicated hydraulic system (16) for the dedicated rinsing program.

8. The dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dishwasher is a domestic dishwasher.

9. A method for operating a dishwasher (1), the dishwasher comprising: a rinsing chamber (4); a control device (100) for executing one of a plurality of rinsing programs; and an automatic dosing device (110), the automatic dosing device being used to automatically dispense a plurality of dosing quantities of a detergent from a detergent reserve comprising a plurality of dosing quantities into the rinsing chamber (4), the automatic dosing device (110) being configured to dispense detergent powder, detergent granules or detergent shaped bodies, the method comprising: The automatic dispensing device (110) is controlled (S1) by the control device (100) to switch to a cleaning state, and executing (S2) a dedicated flushing program for cleaning the automatic dispensing device (110), The dishwasher has a delivery unit for delivering individual doses of further cleaning agents, wherein: The control device (100) is configured to control the delivery unit to deliver the further cleaning agent during execution of the dedicated rinsing program. The automatic dispensing device (110) has a dispensing unit (114) arranged in a first fluid-tight housing of the automatic dispensing device (110), the dispensing unit being used to dispense a dispensing amount, wherein the first fluid-tight housing has a cleaning opening (113) that can be closed in a fluid-tight manner, and in a cleaning state of the automatic dispensing device (110), the cleaning opening is at least temporarily opened.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The dishwasher is a domestic dishwasher.

11. A computer program product causing the method according to claim 9 or 10 to be executed on a program-controlled device.

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