Dosing control device and dosing control method for a dishwasher

Abstract

A dosing control device for a dishwasher, the dishwasher comprising a tank. The dosing control device or the dishwasher comprises a dosing unit for dosing a cleaning agent for a cleaning process of the dishwasher. The dosing control device or the dishwasher comprises a determination unit for determining a concentration of the cleaning agent in the tank. The dosing control device is configured to iteratively activate and deactivate the dosing of the cleaning agent by the dosing unit based on the concentration of the cleaning agent determined by the determination unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a dispensing control device and a dispensing control method for a dishwasher. Background Technology

[0002] In traditional dishwashers, solid detergents are often used to prepare the cleaning solution. A common dispensing method involves spraying water into a cartridge, the bottom of which is permeable and contains the solid detergent. The detergent then dissolves in the cartridge. This solution is collected and guided via tubing to a tank containing an alkaline detergent solution. However, this traditional dishwasher method has the following drawbacks: the dissolution rate of the detergent in the liquid medium varies depending on water temperature, the humidity of the particles / formulation, etc. Furthermore, different detergents have varying solubility in the washing medium due to their different chemical properties. The cartridge filling amount also affects the rate of preparation of the desired detergent solution (in terms of both concentration and dissolution rate). This manifests as different rinsing characteristics from the cartridge and different final detergent concentrations in the machine. This results in significant conditional fluctuations, which the dispensing control must manage. In particular, the following problems arise: 1) Modeling to describe the dissolution characteristics of the solid detergent during the spraying process to accurately predict the dispensing amount and the resulting alkaline detergent concentration is impossible due to the unknown fluctuations. 2) Compared to the regulating section, the measuring section responds much less smoothly. Therefore, in conventional dishwashers, a sufficiently precise and stable dispensing control loop cannot be achieved. Especially when using a two-position regulator, significant overshoot can occur when the detergent is readily soluble. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The objective of this invention is to provide a dispensing control device, a dishwasher, and a dispensing control method to improve user-friendliness while taking into account the desired application scenarios.

[0004] The aforementioned task is accomplished by the ingredient control device according to claim 1, the dishwasher according to claim 16, and the ingredient control method according to claim 17. Claims 2 to 15 relate to particularly advantageous embodiments of the ingredient control device according to claim 1.

[0005] This invention relates to a dispensing control device for dishwashers, particularly commercial dishwashers. The dishwasher can be configured to clean dishes during a washing or cleaning process. The washing device includes a tank, particularly a washing tank or an alkaline detergent tank. The dispensing control device or dishwasher includes a dispensing unit for dispensing detergent for the washing process of the dishwasher. The dispensing control device or dishwasher includes a determining unit for determining the concentration of detergent in the tank. The dispensing control device is configured to iteratively activate and deactivate the dispensing of detergent through the dispensing unit based on the detergent concentration determined by the determining unit. The detergent can, in particular, be a solid detergent, a liquid detergent with a long adjustment range, a detergent in gel form, or a highly concentrated detergent.

[0006] The dispensing control device may be configured (at least partially or completely) separately from or spatially separated from the dishwasher, or (at least partially or completely) integrated into the dishwasher. The dispensing control device may take the concentration of the detergent in the tank, determined by the determining unit, as input, and control the dispensing unit based on this.

[0007] The dispensing unit may, in particular, include a spraying unit configured to spray fresh water into a cartridge containing a solid cleaning agent, thereby dissolving the solid cleaning agent in the fresh water to form a cleaning solution that flows from the cartridge into a tank, as described below. The dispensing unit may, in particular, include a solenoid valve that can be opened or closed to allow or prevent the spraying of fresh water into the cartridge, as also described below.

[0008] The determining unit can, in particular, calculate the concentration of the cleaning agent based on the measured conductivity of the cleaning solution or alkaline cleaning solution in the tank, as described below. The determining unit can, in particular, be configured to determine or continuously determine the concentration of the cleaning agent in the tank as a function of time.

[0009] In the first iteration cycle or the first dispensing cycle (e.g., starting from a state where the dispensing of cleaning agent by the dispensing unit is stopped), the dispensing control device is configured to activate the dispensing of cleaning agent once the concentration determined by the determining unit reaches or falls below a first threshold at a first moment.

[0010] In the first iteration cycle, the dispensing control device is further configured to determine a maximum dispensing time when the concentration determined by the determining unit reaches or falls below a first threshold. The maximum dispensing time is based on a predicted increase, the first threshold or the first cleaning agent concentration determined by the determining unit at a first moment, and a second threshold. The second threshold is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

[0011] The predicted increase can correspond to the expected increase in the concentration of the cleaning agent in the tank during each dispensing time (the time between activating and deactivating the cleaning agent dispensing, as described below) in the first iteration cycle (between the first time point and the third time point after the first time point, as described below). In the first iteration cycle, the predicted increase can be a predetermined value or a value determined during the initialization of the dispensing control device.

[0012] In the first iteration cycle, the dispensing control device is also configured to stop dispensing the cleaning agent once the shutdown condition is met at the second time point. The second time point (t2) can be after the first time point (t1). The shutdown condition is met at least when the maximum dispensing time (Δt) from the first time point has elapsed; in this case, it is particularly applicable that t2 = t1 + Δt.

[0013] In the first iteration cycle, the dispensing control device is further configured to determine an updated predicted rise value when the shutdown condition is met, for use as a predicted rise value in the second iteration cycle or second dispensing cycle following the first iteration cycle. Therefore, in the second iteration cycle, the dispensing control device can operate as described above for the first iteration cycle, but the predicted rise value is replaced by the updated predicted rise value. Thus, in the second iteration cycle, the predicted rise value can be set to the updated predicted rise value. The updated predicted rise value is based on a first time point, a second time point, a first threshold or a first concentration, and a second cleaning agent concentration determined by the determining unit at a third time point after the first time point.

[0014] The updated predicted increase can correspond to the actual increase in the cleaning agent concentration in the tank during each dispensing time (between the first and third time points), as determined in the first iteration cycle. Furthermore, the updated predicted increase can correspond to the expected increase in the cleaning agent concentration in the tank during each dispensing time during the second iteration cycle (between the first and third time points).

[0015] The dispensing control device according to the invention achieves extremely precise and efficient dispensing of cleaning agents. In particular, the dispensing of cleaning agents, especially the dispensing time and thus the amount or volume of cleaning agent dispensed in each iterative cycle, can automatically adapt to the concentration of the cleaning agent in the tank determined by the determining unit during the iteration process. When using solid cleaning agents, the dispensing can be adapted in particular to the different solubility characteristics of the solid cleaning agent (e.g., depending on the type of solid cleaning agent, water temperature, humidity state of the solid cleaning agent, cartridge filling amount, etc.).

[0016] In particular, by activating the dispensing of the cleaning agent through a dispensing control device when the concentration determined by the determining unit reaches or falls below a first threshold, the concentration of the cleaning agent in the tank is ensured to be no lower than or not significantly lower than the first threshold. Specifically, the first threshold can be greater than or equal to the expected minimum concentration of the cleaning agent in the tank, thus ensuring that the concentration is not lower than the expected minimum.

[0017] Specifically, the maximum dispensing time is determined by a dispensing control device based on a predicted increase value, a first threshold or a first cleaning agent concentration determined by a determining unit at a first moment, and a second threshold. Furthermore, the dispensing of cleaning agent is stopped by the dispensing control device when a shutdown condition is met, wherein the shutdown condition is met at least when the maximum dispensing time has elapsed from the first moment. This also ensures that the concentration of cleaning agent in the tank does not exceed or significantly exceed the second threshold. In particular, the second threshold can be less than or equal to the expected maximum concentration of cleaning agent in the tank, thus preventing the concentration from exceeding the expected maximum. Therefore, overshooting of the cleaning agent concentration beyond the expected maximum can be avoided.

[0018] Therefore, the desired theoretical range (the interval between the first threshold or desired minimum value and the second threshold or desired maximum value) of the cleaning agent concentration in the tank can be quickly and efficiently achieved and maintained, or the desired theoretical value in terms of concentration (when the first threshold equals the second threshold). This has a particular advantage when the second threshold is greater than the first threshold, or when the distance between the second and first thresholds is sufficiently large: it does not lead to continuous activation and deactivation of the dispensing unit. The minimum distance between the second and first thresholds can, in particular, depend on the measurement noise of the measuring unit (conductivity) and the switching frequency of the dispensing unit (durability).

[0019] The alternative method of determining the maximum dispensing time based on a first threshold has the following advantages: it eliminates the need for the determining unit to redetermine the first concentration of the cleaning agent at the first moment. In particular, the first threshold can be equal to or substantially equal to the first concentration, or serve as an approximation of the first concentration.

[0020] Furthermore, the alternative method of determining the maximum dispensing time based on the first cleaning agent concentration determined by the determining unit at a first moment has the advantage of being able to determine the updated predicted rise value with particular accuracy. This is especially advantageous when the first concentration determined by the determining unit at the first moment is already below or significantly below a first threshold, for example, due to a delayed response of the dispensing control device to reaching the first threshold.

[0021] In particular, by using the batching control device to determine the updated predicted rise value for use in the second iteration cycle following the first iteration cycle, the accuracy of the predicted rise value, and thus the accuracy and efficiency of the cleaning agent batching, are improved from the first cycle to the second cycle, or remain consistently accurate and efficient in each cycle.

[0022] Furthermore, the updated predicted increase is based on the actual determined concentration of the cleaning agent in the tank. Therefore, the dispensing control device according to the invention achieves efficient and precise dispensing, regardless of the type of cleaning agent used (e.g., regardless of the dissolution rate of the solid cleaning agent in fresh water). The variable dispensing time determined by the dispensing control device allows for the adaptive use of both poorly soluble and readily soluble powdered cleaning agents with the same adjustment, as a cleaning solution with a defined concentration of cleaning agent can be provided with minimal deviation (over or under).

[0023] Furthermore, it allows for more uniform preparation of the detergent, resulting in more efficient use or distribution. Consequently, users achieve a more consistent cleaning result. This also provides a significant advantage in cleaning outcomes because the concentration of the lye solution (cleaning liquid) to be rinsed is more constant, allowing for optimal adaptation of the lye amount to subsequent washes. The detergent concentration of the washing lye solution can be set and maintained more precisely. Therefore, a lower average concentration is sufficient to consistently obtain clean tableware because there is less concentration fluctuation between the minimum and maximum detergent concentrations. This also results in economic advantages: less detergent is needed, the defined amount of detergent (e.g., from the cartridge) lasts longer, and fewer cartridges need to be purchased and processed for the same amount of cleaned tableware.

[0024] Furthermore, in the dispensing control device according to the invention, calibration is not required because the dispensing control device automatically adjusts the detergent dosage to the theoretical concentration range. Moreover, the dispensing control device can operate independently of other machine signals. Dispensing control is machine-independent and can be applied to machine types other than dishwashers.

[0025] In summary, the batching control device according to the present invention improves the efficiency and accuracy of batching, thereby enhancing user-friendliness.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the third time point and the first time point are separated from each other by a predetermined period of time. This has the advantage that the third time point and thus the second concentration of the cleaning agent can be determined particularly easily without additional measurements or determination of additional concentration values. Therefore, the preparation is more tolerant of transient disturbances in the concentration measurement signal. This improves the reliability of the preparation.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the second concentration determined by the determining unit at the third time point is the maximum concentration of the cleaning agent in the tank during the first iteration cycle (e.g., within the interval between the first time point of the first iteration cycle and the first time point of the second iteration cycle). Specifically, the determining unit may be configured to determine the concentration of the cleaning agent in the tank as a function of time, or to determine it continuously, and this function may have a maximum value at the third time point during the first iteration cycle, where the value of the maximum value is the second concentration.

[0028] This allows for particularly precise formulation of the cleaning agent, where the second concentration does not exceed or significantly exceed a second threshold, or does not exceed the desired maximum value. Since the second concentration is the maximum concentration within the iterative cycle, the result is that at each moment within the iterative cycle, the concentration of the cleaning agent does not exceed or significantly exceed the second threshold, or does not exceed the desired maximum value. Therefore, it is possible to set the cleaning agent concentration particularly reliably and precisely within the theoretical range.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the maximum dispensing time (Δt) is the quotient of the difference between the second threshold (c2_s) and the first threshold (c1_s) or the first concentration (c1) and the predicted increase (a). Therefore, the maximum dispensing time is given by the following formula: (1) Δt = (c2_s – c1_s) / a , or (2)Δt = (c2_s – c1) / a .

[0030] This has the advantage that the maximum batching time can be determined particularly easily. This calculation of the maximum batching time is especially advantageous when the increase in concentration in the tank depends linearly or approximately linearly on the batching time, and when the predicted increase precisely or approximately corresponds to the actual increase quotient or increase value—that is, when the following applies precisely or approximately: (3) c2 = c1 + a Δt.

[0031] In this case, the relationship can be derived from (2) and (3): (4) c2 = c2_s, That is, at the third time point, the concentration of the cleaning agent in the tank reaches the second threshold precisely or approximately. In particular, the closer the predicted increase is to the actual concentration increase per batching time, the more precisely the second threshold is reached at the third time point.

[0032] Calculating the maximum dispensing time based on equation (1) also has the following advantages: the first concentration of the cleaning agent at the first moment does not need to be determined by the determining unit. In particular, the first threshold can be equal to or substantially equal to the first concentration, or as an approximation of the first concentration.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the updated predicted rise value (a_neu) is the quotient of the difference between the second concentration (c2) and the first threshold (c1_s) or the first concentration (c1) and the difference between the second time point (t2) and the first time point (t1). Therefore, the updated predicted rise value is given by the following formula: (5) a_neu = (c2 – c1_s) / (t2 – t1) , or (6)a_neu = (c2 – c1) / (t2 – t1) .

[0034] This has the following advantages: the updated predicted rise value can be determined particularly easily. Furthermore, the updated predicted rise value, as given above, provides a particularly accurate prediction of the rise in the cleaning agent concentration in the tank during each dispensing time. Therefore, the updated predicted rise value can be used as the predicted rise value in the second iteration loop to accurately calculate the dispensing time as described above.

[0035] Calculating the updated predicted rise based on equation (5) also has the following advantages: the first concentration of the cleaning agent at the first moment does not need to be determined by the determining unit. In particular, the first threshold can be equal to or substantially equal to the first concentration, or as an approximation of the first concentration.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the updated predicted rise value (a_neu) is a weighted average of the predicted rise value (a) and the cyclic rise value (a_cycl), wherein the cyclic rise value is based on a first time point (t1), a second time point (t2), a first threshold (c1_s) or a first concentration (c1), and a second concentration (c2). In particular, the updated predicted rise value can be given by the following formula: (7) a_neu = (a N + a_cycl) / (N + 1), Where N is a natural number, preferably N = 1, N = 2, N = 3, N = 4, or N = 5. The cyclic rise value (a_cycl) can be the quotient of the difference between the second concentration (c2) and the first threshold (c1_s) or the difference between the first concentration (c1) and the difference between the second time step (t2) and the first time step (t1): (8) a_cycl = (c2 – c1_s) / (t2 – t1) , or (9)a_cycl = (c2 – c1) / (t2 – t1) .

[0037] This has the following advantages: it uses the predicted rise value averaged over multiple iterations, thus avoiding strong oscillations or fluctuations in the predicted rise value recalculated in each iteration. Therefore, it further improves the accuracy of ingredient proportioning.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the shutdown condition is further satisfied when the concentration determined by the determining unit reaches or exceeds the second threshold. In this case, dispensing is stopped even if the maximum dispensing time has not yet expired from the first moment. This has the advantage of avoiding excessive dispensing of cleaning agent, and in particular, avoiding an excessive rise in the concentration of cleaning agent in the tank exceeding the second threshold.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the dishwasher also includes machine control, and the shutdown condition is further met when the dispensing control device receives a signal from the machine control indicating that dispensing is not permitted. In this case, dispensing is stopped even if the maximum dispensing time has not yet expired from the first moment. This avoids further dispensing of detergent, for example, when the washing process is interrupted by the user or a malfunction occurs related to the dishwasher or the detergent dispenser. In this case, the machine control can send a signal to the dispensing control device indicating that dispensing is not permitted. Therefore, incorrect washing processes or damage to the dishwasher can be avoided. Thus, safety and user-friendliness are improved.

[0040] In particular, the dishwasher can be configured to output signals (FILL signal, WASH signal, RINSE signal) according to a pre-defined protocol. These signals can reflect the machine status and indicate whether dispensing is enabled or permitted. An external dispensing control unit can use these signals to control / enable dispensing. In addition to these signals, the dispensing control unit can be equipped with a determination unit or conductivity sensor in the tank to measure the detergent concentration. The above-mentioned dispensing control can be implemented on the dispensing control unit when it has a WASH signal, a determination unit or conductivity sensor in the tank, and a dispensing unit or solid dispensing device. Other machine statuses are not required.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the maximum dispensing time is also based on the amount of fresh water or solvent supplied to the tank, or on the amount of cleaning or alkaline detergent present in or discharged from the tank. Since the machine control, in particular, understands all the processes in the dishwasher (e.g., pumps about to turn on or off, tank levels decreasing or increasing, detergent concentration gradients in the tank, etc.), it can make forward-looking predictions for subsequent iterations, such as how much fresh water is expected to be supplied to the tank at that time. These predictions can be incorporated into the calculation of the dispensing time (Δt).

[0042] Therefore, even if the concentration of the cleaning agent in the tank changes due to the supply of fresh water to the tank or the discharge of cleaning solution (the solution of the cleaning agent) from the tank, the cleaning agent can be precisely mixed.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the dishwasher also includes machine control. When detergent dispensing is deactivated and the dispensing control device receives a signal from the machine control indicating that dispensing is not permitted, the dispensing control device is configured to prevent activation of detergent dispensing. Therefore, activation of dispensing can be prevented even if the concentration determined by the determining unit reaches or falls below a first threshold. Specifically, dispensing can be prevented until the dispensing control device receives a signal from the machine control indicating that dispensing is permitted. Thus, detergent dispensing can be avoided, for example, when the washing process is interrupted by the user or a malfunction occurs related to the dishwasher or the detergent cartridge. In this case, the machine control can send a signal to the dispensing control device indicating that dispensing is not permitted. Therefore, incorrect washing processes or damage to the dishwasher can be avoided.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning agent is a solid cleaning agent. The dispensing unit further includes a receiving unit for loading a cartridge containing the solid cleaning agent into the receiving unit; and a spraying unit for spraying fresh water into the cartridge, such that the solid cleaning agent contained in the cartridge is dissolved in the fresh water to form a cleaning solution, which flows from the cartridge into a tank. The dispensing control device is also configured to activate the dispensing of cleaning agent from the cartridge by allowing the spraying unit to spray fresh water, and to deactivate the dispensing of cleaning agent from the cartridge by preventing the spraying unit from spraying fresh water. Particularly preferably, the dispensing unit includes a solenoid valve, and the dispensing control device is configured to allow the spraying unit to spray fresh water by opening the solenoid valve, and to prevent the spraying unit from spraying fresh water by closing the solenoid valve. Therefore, the dispensing can be adapted to the solubility characteristics of the solid cleaning agent (e.g., depending on the type of solid cleaning agent, water temperature, humidity state of the solid cleaning agent, cartridge filling amount, etc.).

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning agent is a solid cleaning agent. The determining unit includes a measuring unit for measuring the conductivity of the cleaning liquid in the tank, wherein the cleaning liquid is a solution of the solid cleaning agent; and a calculating unit for calculating the concentration of the solid cleaning agent in the tank based on the measured conductivity of the cleaning liquid. Therefore, the concentration of the solid cleaning agent in the tank is determined with particularly high accuracy and efficiency, thereby achieving particularly accurate and efficient batching control.

[0046] The present invention also relates to a dishwasher having the dispensing control device described above (for the dishwasher). The dispensing control device can be implemented through different components of the dishwasher, particularly electronic and hardware components, software components, or combinations thereof. With this dishwasher, as described above, the efficiency and accuracy of dispensing are improved, thereby enhancing user-friendliness.

[0047] This invention also relates to a dispensing control method for controlling the dispensing of cleaning agent during the cleaning process of a dishwasher. The dispensing control method includes: determining the concentration of cleaning agent in the dishwasher tub by a determining unit; and iteratively activating and deactivating the dispensing of cleaning agent based on the cleaning agent concentration determined by the determining unit. In a first iterative cycle, the dispensing control method includes: activating the dispensing of cleaning agent once the concentration determined by the determining unit reaches or falls below a first threshold at a first moment; and determining a maximum dispensing time when the concentration determined by the determining unit reaches or falls below the first threshold, wherein the maximum dispensing time is based on a predicted increase, the first threshold, or the concentration determined by the determining unit. The unit determines a first cleaning agent concentration and a second threshold at a first time point, wherein the second threshold is greater than or equal to the first threshold; once the deactivation condition is met at the second time point, the dispensing of the cleaning agent is stopped, wherein the deactivation condition is met at least when the maximum dispensing time from the first time point expires; and when the deactivation condition is met, an updated predicted rise value is determined for use as a predicted rise value in a second iteration cycle following the first iteration cycle, wherein the updated predicted rise value is based on the first time point, the second time point, the first threshold or the first concentration, and the second cleaning agent concentration determined by the determining unit at a third time point after the first time point.

[0048] All the features of the batching control device described above can be similarly implemented in the batching control method according to the present invention, and the batching control method has similar technical advantages to the batching control device. Therefore, the efficiency and accuracy of batching are improved, thereby enhancing user-friendliness. Attached Figure Description

[0049] These and other features and advantages of the invention will become clear with the aid of the accompanying drawings, which illustrate particularly advantageous embodiments. The drawings show: Figure 1A An embodiment of the dispensing control device according to the present invention is shown for dispensing cleaning agent when the cleaning agent is an easily soluble solid cleaning agent; Figure 1B This illustration shows an embodiment of the dispensing control device according to the invention for dispensing cleaning agents when the cleaning agent is a poorly soluble solid cleaning agent; and Figure 2 The operation of one embodiment of the batching control device according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Figure 1AThe illustration shows the dispensing of cleaning agent when the cleaning agent is an easily soluble solid cleaning agent, according to an embodiment of the dispensing control device of the present invention. The solid line curve (“the present invention”) shows the change of solid cleaning agent concentration in the tank over time in the dispensing control device of the present invention, and the dashed line curve (“comparative example”) shows the change of solid cleaning agent concentration in the tank over time in a conventional dishwasher using a conventional two-position regulator to control the dispensing. Figure 1B The illustration shows the dispensing of cleaning agent when the cleaning agent is a poorly soluble solid cleaning agent, according to an embodiment of the dispensing control device of the present invention. The solid line curve (“the present invention”) shows the change of solid cleaning agent concentration in the tank over time in the dispensing control device of the present invention, and the dashed line curve (“comparative example”) shows the change of solid cleaning agent concentration in the tank over time in a conventional dishwasher using a fixed dispensing cycle.

[0051] exist Figure 1A and Figure 1B In this process, at the beginning (at the origin of the time axis), the dispensing of cleaning agent by the dispensing unit is deactivated. In the first iteration cycle (e.g., the interval from the first earliest time denoted by t1 to the second subsequent time denoted by t2), the dispensing control device activates the dispensing of cleaning agent when the concentration determined by the determining unit reaches or falls below a first threshold c1_s at the first time t1. This is illustrated by a vertical rising line at t1 (part of the dashed line from t1 to t2). The dispensing control device then determines the maximum dispensing time Δt based on the predicted rise value a, the first threshold c1_s or the first cleaning agent concentration c1 determined by the determining unit at the first time t1, and a second threshold c2_s.

[0052] In the first iteration cycle, the dispensing control device stops dispensing the cleaning agent when the shutdown condition is met at a second time t2. This is illustrated by a vertical descending line at t2 (part of the dashed line from t1 to t2). In this example, the shutdown condition is met when the maximum dispensing time Δt from the first time t1 expires. Therefore, t2 = t1 + Δt applies in this example. The dispensing control device then determines an updated predicted rise value a_neu for use as a predicted rise value in the second iteration cycle following the first iteration cycle (e.g., from a second time denoted by t1 to another time not shown, at which time the concentration determined by the determining unit again reaches or falls below the first threshold c1_s). The updated predicted rise value a_neu is based on the first time t1, the second time t2, the first threshold c1_s or the first concentration c1, and the second cleaning agent concentration c2 determined by the determining unit at a third time t3 after the first time t1.

[0053] The third time t3 and the first time t1 can be separated from each other by a predetermined period of time T, such as Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown. Alternatively, as Figure 1A and Figure 1B Similarly, as shown, the determining unit can be configured to determine the concentration of the cleaning agent in the tank as a function of time, and the dispensing control device can determine a third time t3' such that the second concentration c2' determined by the determining unit at the third time t3' is the maximum concentration of the cleaning agent in the first iteration cycle. In this case, the concentration of the cleaning agent in the tank as a function of time has a maximum value at the third time t3', and the value of the maximum value is the second concentration c2'.

[0054] like Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the second concentration c2 determined at time t3 in the first iteration cycle is lower than the second threshold c2_s. This may indicate that the dispensing time Δt in the first iteration cycle is too short or the predicted rise value is too high. Therefore, in the second iteration cycle, the predicted rise value is reduced (i.e., the updated predicted rise value used as the predicted rise value in the second iteration cycle is less than the predicted rise value used in the first iteration cycle). Consequently, the dispensing time Δt in the second iteration cycle increases compared to the first iteration cycle. Furthermore, as... Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the second concentration c2 determined at time t3 in the second iteration cycle is higher than the second threshold c2_s. This may indicate that the batching time Δt in the second iteration cycle is too short or the updated predicted rise value is too low. Therefore, in the third iteration cycle ( Figure 1A and Figure 1B (Not shown in the image) This can further improve the predicted increase value.

[0055] By iteratively applying this method, the concentration of the cleaning agent in the tank can be set within a theoretical range (the interval between a first threshold c1_s or an expected minimum value less than the first threshold c1_s (not shown) and a second threshold c2_s or an expected maximum value greater than the second threshold c2_s (not shown)). In particular, the concentration of the cleaning agent in the tank can be set independently or substantially independently of the type of solid cleaning agent or its current solubility characteristics, such as... Figure 1A and Figure 1B The contrast is particularly evident in: Figure 1B In the two iterative loops, the batching time Δt is greater than [a certain value]. Figure 1A The ingredient preparation time corresponds to Figure 1B The predicted increase for each of them is less than Figure 1A The predicted increase in concentration; however, the change in concentration over time... Figure 1A and Figure 1B There were no significant differences between them.

[0056] therefore, Figure 1AThe solid line curve in the figure illustrates the operation of the dispensing control device according to the invention under readily soluble cleaning agents. The figure schematically shows the change in concentration in the alkaline cleaning solution over time. Furthermore, the time period and cycle time for cassette rinsing are also indicated. It can be seen that the concentration hardly changes at the end of rinsing. If the spray pulse is too short, this is taken into account in the calculation of the next spray pulse. This results in the maximum concentration oscillating around c2_s with a relatively small amplitude. The oscillation occurs because the solubility characteristics may fluctuate slightly between spray pulses. Figure 1A The dashed curve in the figure shows the change in concentration in the tank over time when using a conventional two-position regulator. In this case, rinsing must continue until c2_s is reached. This results in a large overshoot, shown by the dashed line.

[0057] therefore, Figure 1B The solid curves also illustrate the operation of the batching control device according to the invention with poorly soluble cleaning agents. If the cleaning agent is poorly soluble, rinsing must be performed for a significantly longer time. Similarly, the rinsing time varies due to the previous increase in concentration in the alkaline cleaning solution. Figure 1B The dashed line in the diagram illustrates an attempt to control the concentration using fixed mixing and circulation times, and to set it up so that readily soluble cleaning agents can work satisfactorily. In this case, it would no longer be possible to achieve the desired concentration for poorly soluble cleaning agents.

[0058] Figure 2 The operation of one embodiment of the dispensing control device according to the present invention is shown. The dispensing cycle process is as follows: Once the concentration of solid cleaning agent in the alkaline washing solution determined by the determining unit drops below the first threshold c1_s at the first time t1, the timeout (maximum dispensing time Δt) for rinsing the cleaning agent from the cartridge is determined from the following parameters: the concentration increase per rinsing time (predicted increase value a); the current concentration of solid cleaning agent in the alkaline washing solution determined at the first time t1 (first concentration c1); and the second threshold c2_s of the concentration.

[0059] The calculation of the timeout range can be performed linearly, for example: Δt = (c2_s – c1) / a.

[0060] Now start rinsing and record the starting time (first time t1).

[0061] If c2_s is reached before the timeout (before the maximum batching time Δt expires), then stop rinsing and record the stop time (second time t2).

[0062] If the timeout expires, even if c2_s has not been reached, the rinsing will stop and the stopping time (second time t2) will be recorded.

[0063] A suitable cycle time T is defined. The cycle time T can be predetermined. Alternatively, the cycle time can also be varied. To do this, the rise in conductivity or cleaning agent concentration in the tank is observed to extend or shorten the cycle time T as much as possible until the moment when the maximum cleaning agent concentration is reached. Now wait until the third moment t3 = t1 + T is reached so that a new concentration (second concentration c2) can be formed in the tank.

[0064] If, under the constant definition of cycle time, the time has already been reached due to a longer flushing time, then no waiting is required.

[0065] Now record the concentration of the alkaline washing solution reached (second concentration c2).

[0066] Based on the collected data, update the concentration increase per flush time (updated predicted increase value a_neu). This can be done linearly, for example. To avoid strong oscillations in the calculated increase value, existing increase values ​​can be weighted in. Example calculation: a_neu = (a 4 + (c2 – c1) / (t2 – t1)) / 5.

[0067] For the next loop, set a = a_neu.

[0068] Now wait until the concentration of the alkaline washing solution drops again before restarting the cycle.

[0069] exist Figure 2 In the diagram, the boxes represent the states of the batching control device. Arrows indicate the conditions that must be met to switch from one state to the next. The process described in the box is executed once when entering a new state. Multiple states can be merged using a parent box.

[0070] The process is specifically defined as follows: - SetConfiguration(): Sets the parameters of the regulator or batching control device.

[0071] - SetStartCircumstances(): Records the current concentration (first concentration c1) and start time (first time t1) of the alkaline washing solution.

[0072] - CalculateDoseTime(): Calculates the maximum batching time Δt based on the previous loop.

[0073] - SwitchDosageDeviceOn(): Activates dispensing (e.g., opens a solenoid valve to flush out solid cleaning agents).

[0074] - SwitchDosageDeviceOff(): Disables dispensing (e.g., shuts down the solenoid valve).

[0075] - SetStopCircumstances(): Records the stopping time (second time t2).

[0076] - DoCycleEvaluation(): Updates the increase in alkaline washing solution concentration per batching time, i.e., calculates the updated predicted increase value a_neu. For this, the value determined in the previous state and the current concentration of the alkaline washing solution are used.

[0077] The state transition conditions are defined as follows: - “Start Comand by higher level processes”: Start Comand by higher level processes (material control).

[0078] - "Stop Comand by higher level processes": The higher-level machine process stops adjusting (material control).

[0079] - "Allowed": The machine's environmental conditions allow for the addition of ingredients.

[0080] - "!Allowed": The machine's environmental conditions do not allow for the addition of ingredients.

[0081] - “Required”: The concentration has dropped to a level where further ingredients are needed.

[0082] - "IsDoseTimeExpired (Whether the batching time has expired)": The calculated maximum batching time Δt has expired.

[0083] - "IsMaximumConcentrationReached (whether the maximum concentration has been reached)": The desired maximum concentration c2_s has been reached.

[0084] - “PeriodTime expired”: Period time T has expired.

[0085] List of reference numerals

[0086] t1 First Moment

[0087] t2 Second Time

[0088] t3, t3' Third time interval

[0089] The first threshold of c1_s concentration

[0090] The second threshold for c2_s concentration

[0091] c2, c2' Second concentration

[0092] Δt Maximum batching time

[0093] T cycle time

Claims

1. A dispensing control device for a dishwasher, wherein the dishwasher includes a tub; The dispensing control device or the dishwasher includes a dispensing unit for dispensing cleaning agents for the cleaning process of the dishwasher; The dispensing control device or the dishwasher includes a determining unit for determining the concentration of the cleaning agent in the tank; The dispensing control device is configured to iteratively activate and deactivate the dispensing of the cleaning agent via the dispensing unit based on the concentration of the cleaning agent determined by the determining unit; and In the first iteration loop, the batching control device is configured as follows: - The dispensing control device activates the dispensing of the cleaning agent when the concentration determined by the determining unit reaches or falls below a first threshold (c1_s) at a first moment (t1); - When the concentration determined by the determining unit reaches or falls below the first threshold (c1_s), the dispensing control device determines a maximum dispensing time (Δt), wherein the maximum dispensing time (Δt) is based on a predicted rise value (a), the first threshold (c1_s) or a first cleaning agent concentration (c1) determined by the determining unit at the first time (t1), and a second threshold (c2_s), wherein the second threshold (c2_s) is greater than or equal to the first threshold (c1_s). - The dispensing control device stops dispensing the cleaning agent when the shutdown condition is met at a second time (t2), wherein the shutdown condition is met at least when the maximum dispensing time (Δt) from the first time (t1) has elapsed; and - When the deactivation condition is met, the dispensing control device determines an updated predicted rise value (a_neu) for use as a predicted rise value in a second iteration following the first iteration cycle, wherein the updated predicted rise value (a_neu) is based on the first time point (t1), the second time point (t2), the first threshold (c1_s) or the first concentration (c1), and the second cleaning agent concentration (c2, c2') determined by the determining unit at a third time point (t3, t3') after the first time point (t1).

2. The batching control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The third time point (t3) and the first time point (t1) are separated from each other by a predetermined period of time (T).

3. The batching control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second concentration (c2') determined by the determining unit at the third time (t3') is the maximum concentration of the cleaning agent in the tank during the first iteration cycle.

4. The batching control device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The maximum dispensing time (Δt) is the quotient of the difference between the second threshold (c2_s) and the first threshold (c1_s) or the first concentration (c1) and the predicted increase value (a).

5. The batching control device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The updated predicted rise value (a_neu) is the quotient of the difference between the second concentration (c2, c2') and the first threshold (c1_s) or the first concentration (c1) and the difference between the second time (t2) and the first time (t1).

6. The batching control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The updated predicted rise value (a_neu) is a weighted average of the predicted rise value (a) and the cyclic rise value (a_cycl), wherein the cyclic rise value (a_cycl) is based on the first time point (t1), the second time point (t2), the first threshold (c1_s) or the first concentration (c1), and the second concentration (c2, c2').

7. The batching control device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The updated predicted increase (a_neu) is given by the following formula: a_neu = (a N + a_cycl) / (N + 1), where N is a natural number, preferably N = 1, N = 2, N = 3, N = 4 or N = 5.

8. The batching control device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The cyclic rise value (a_cycl) is the quotient of the difference between the second concentration (c2, c2') and the first threshold (c1_s) or the first concentration (c1) and the difference between the second time (t2) and the first time (t1).

9. The batching control device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The deactivation condition is further satisfied when the concentration determined by the determining unit reaches or exceeds the second threshold (c2_s).

10. The batching control device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The dishwasher includes machine control; wherein the shutdown condition is further satisfied when the dispensing control device receives a signal from the machine control indicating that dispensing is not permitted.

11. The batching control device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The maximum batching time (Δt) is further based on the amount of fresh water supplied to the tank, or on the amount of cleaning fluid present in or discharged from the tank.

12. The batching control device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The dishwasher includes machine control; wherein when the dispensing of the cleaning agent is deactivated and the dispensing control receives from the machine control a signal indicating that dispensing is not permitted, the dispensing control is configured to prevent the activation of the cleaning agent dispensing.

13. The batching control device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The cleaning agent is a solid cleaning agent; The dispensing unit includes: A receiving unit for inserting a cartridge containing the solid cleaning agent into the receiving unit; as well as A spraying unit for spraying fresh water into the cartridge, thereby dissolving the solid cleaning agent contained in the cartridge in the fresh water to form a cleaning solution that flows from the cartridge into the tank; and The dispensing control device is configured to activate the dispensing of the cleaning agent from the cartridge by allowing the spraying unit to spray fresh water, and to deactivate the dispensing of the cleaning agent from the cartridge by preventing the spraying unit from spraying fresh water.

14. The batching control device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The dispensing unit further includes a solenoid valve; wherein the dispensing control device is configured to allow the spraying unit to spray fresh water by opening the solenoid valve, and to prevent the spraying unit from spraying fresh water by closing the solenoid valve.

15. The batching control device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The cleaning agent is a solid cleaning agent; wherein the determining unit includes: A measuring unit is used to measure the conductivity of the cleaning fluid in the tank, wherein the cleaning fluid is a solution of the solid cleaning agent; and A calculation unit is used to calculate the concentration of the solid cleaning agent in the tank based on the measured conductivity of the cleaning fluid.

16. A dishwasher having a dispensing control device according to any one of the preceding claims.

17. A method for controlling the dispensing of cleaning agents during the cleaning process of a dishwasher, wherein the method includes: The concentration of the cleaning agent in the tank of the dishwasher is determined by the determining unit; as well as Based on the concentration of the cleaning agent determined by the determining unit, the ingredients of the cleaning agent are iteratively activated and deactivated; The ingredient control method described in the first iteration loop includes: - Once the concentration determined by the determining unit reaches or falls below the first threshold (c1_s) at the first moment (t1), the preparation of the cleaning agent is activated; - When the concentration determined by the determining unit reaches or falls below the first threshold (c1_s), a maximum dispensing time (Δt) is determined, wherein the maximum dispensing time (Δt) is based on a predicted rise value (a), the first threshold (c1_s) or a first cleaning agent concentration (c1) determined by the determining unit at the first time (t1), and a second threshold (c2_s), wherein the second threshold (c2_s) is greater than or equal to the first threshold (c1_s). - Once the discontinuation condition is met at the second time (t2), the dispensing of the cleaning agent is stopped, wherein the discontinuation condition is met at least when the maximum dispensing time (Δt) from the first time (t1) has elapsed; and - When the deactivation condition is met, an updated predicted rise value (a_neu) is determined for use as a predicted rise value in a second iteration following the first iteration cycle, wherein the updated predicted rise value (a_neu) is based on the first time point (t1), the second time point (t2), the first threshold (c1_s) or the first concentration (c1), and the second cleaning agent concentration (c2, c2') determined by the determining unit at a third time point (t3, t3') after the first time point (t1).

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