Dishwasher with a control unit for dosing detergent(s) and associated cartridge

Abstract

Dishwasher (1), in particular a household dishwasher, with a washing chamber (2), wherein detergents can be fed into the washing chamber (2) in a metered manner with the aid of a control unit (8), wherein at least one sensor unit (E) is provided for detecting components of the washing water (W) moved in the washing chamber (2) and / or an associated pipe system, and the detected data can be used to adjust a dosage of detergent(s), and wherein detergents are stored in a cartridge (7) that can be inserted into the washing chamber (2) and can be influenced by the control unit (8), in particular with regard to its dispensing times and / or quantities of detergents, characterized in that one or more marker substances (13) are contained in the cartridge (7), in particular in at least one storage chamber (V9) of the cartridge (7), and these during at least one water-bearing partial washing process of a selected dishwashing program,in particular can be introduced into the rinsing water via at least one outlet opening (A9).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, with a washing chamber, wherein detergents can be fed into the washing chamber in a metered manner with the aid of a control unit.

[0002] DE 10 2008 033 238 A1 describes a cartridge for free-flowing detergents or cleaning agents for use in a dosing device, comprising a plurality of chambers for spatially separating the respective preparations of a detergent or cleaning agent, a cartridge base which, in the position of use, is directed downwards in the direction of gravity, and at least two chambers, each having at least one outlet opening arranged on the cartridge base. It is known for dishwashers, particularly before initial operation, to measure the hardness of the rinse water to be introduced into the wash chamber and to adjust the detergent dosage to the measured water hardness. However, this only results in an inaccurate adjustment to the actually required quantities of detergent, resulting in significant dosage errors. One remedy is, for example,It is intended to set the required amounts of detergent as overdoses to ensure that the user always finds clean dishes or the like after the wash cycle.

[0003] The invention is based on the problem of achieving an improvement here.

[0004] The invention solves this problem by a dishwasher having the features of claim 1 and by a cartridge having the features of claim 14.

[0005] By measuring components of the rinse water, especially during the dishwasher's wash cycle, information about the actual condition of the rinse water can be obtained as an instantaneous value, allowing the control system for further detergent supply during operation to be adjusted accordingly. In particular, such measurements can be performed multiple times during the wash cycle to achieve optimized detergent dosing for different phases.

[0006] According to the invention, it is particularly advantageous to store the cleaning agent in a cartridge that can be inserted into the wash cabinet. The cartridge comprises one or preferably several storage compartments and can be influenced by a control unit with regard to the dispensing times and / or quantities of cleaning agents. The aforementioned multiple measurements during the wash cycle allow for optimized adjustment of the dosage for different cleaning agents contained in the cartridge's storage compartments.

[0007] The control device or the control unit for the dosed supply of cleaning agent or cleaning agents into the washing chamber of the dishwasher can, for example, use the received input data on the type of dirt to change the opening times of outlet valves of the cartridge and / or vary the order in which individual storage chambers of the cartridge are controlled by opening the respective outlet valves.

[0008] In particular, the at least one sensor unit can detect ingredients in the dishwater, preferably depending on the type of soiling of the dishes placed in the dishwashing water. For example, if the overall soiling is low, the amount of detergent added can be reduced overall.

[0009] A high level of dosing accuracy can be achieved especially when different ingredients can be distinguished by the sensor unit.

[0010] For example, dyes may be detectable in the rinse water, as well as or alternatively fats, proteins and / or starch. Depending on their concentration, the dosage of cleaning agents can then be selectively adjusted. In particular, alkali carriers, e.g. alkalis, complexing and dispersing agents, enzymes such as amylase, protease and / or lipase, bleaching agents, bleach activators, surfactants, biocides and / or rinse aids that reduce the water's surface tension come into consideration as cleaning agents. The various cleaning agents can be stored in individual chambers of the cartridge and, depending on the ingredients in the rinse water currently detected by the sensor unit, can be added to the water fully automatically in an adjusted dosage. This avoids incorrect dosing; the result is maximum efficiency in the use of the respective cleaning agents and the required energy, as well as minimizing the duration of a rinse cycle.

[0011] This achieves a significant level of resource conservation, particularly through optimized and thus reduced use of chemicals and energy, as well as a reduction in water consumption and the time required for the rinsing process. The sensor unit is particularly advantageous in that it can perform not only qualitative but also quantitative measurements, which measure the concentration of constituents in the rinse water.

[0012] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the sensor unit particularly advantageously comprises at least one "lab-on-a-chip" that can be flushed with the rinse water currently in the rinse liquor and can therefore record current data, such as the amount and / or type of soiling. Such "lab-on-chips," for example, protein chips, wear out over time, so it is advantageous to arrange them in a compartment of the cartridge and replace them with the cartridge after the cleaning agent has been used up.

[0013] In particular, the cartridge can be assigned its own power supply if necessary. The recorded data can be transmitted contactlessly to the dishwasher's control unit, for example, via a transponder or similar short-range radio technology.

[0014] Alternatively, the cartridge can be connected via electrical contacts as an interface to a reader and / or a power supply of the dishwasher.

[0015] For cost-effective production, an arrangement of several sensors in a multi-sensor module, i.e., a "sensor array," is advantageous. This module can integrate chemical and water-parametric sensors that simultaneously detect, for example, the type of soil (such as fats, spinach, starch, tea, etc.) and water parameters (such as hardness, pH value, etc.) and their reaction products, which arise in conjunction with the cleaning agents used and the corresponding temperature.

[0016] According to the invention, the cartridge contains one or more marker substances that can be introduced into the rinse water during operation, wherein the dishwasher is assigned a detection unit for detecting the one or more marker substances or their reaction products. This detection unit can in particular be provided with at least one UV light source and one or more photodiodes for detecting fluorescent or phosphorescent light and likewise forwards the detected data to a control unit. The detection unit can in particular also be accommodated in the cartridge. Additionally or alternatively, the detection unit can be arranged at a point in the rinse water pipe system, in particular in the pump sump. This advantageously allows ingredients such as the type of dirt, dirt / detergent reaction products, and water ingredients in the rinse water to be detected.If, in addition to or independently of this, such a detection unit is provided in the washing chamber of the washing container, in particular the dirt particles adhering to the items to be cleaned can also be analyzed, preferably with regard to their type and / or concentration. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a cartridge which can be filled or pre-filled with one or more cleaning agents and which comprises one or more storage spaces with one or more marker substances, which can be dispensed via at least one outlet opening during at least one partial rinsing process.

[0017] Other advantageous embodiments and / or further developments of the invention are recited in the subclaims. The advantageous embodiments and / or further developments of the invention explained above and / or recited in the subclaims can be used individually or in any combination with one another in the dishwasher and / or cartridge according to the invention.

[0018] The invention and its advantageous developments and further developments as well as their advantages are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

[0019] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic view of a dishwasher in a possible advantageous embodiment of the invention, wherein two possible arrangements for receiving spaces of a cartridge are indicated here by way of example, Fig. 2 a single part view of a cartridge which is empty and not provided with valves for the sake of clarity, approximately corresponding to detail II in Fig. 1, wherein the cartridge has a transponder that can transmit wirelessly using RFID technology, and wherein the cartridge has a sensor module within a chamber that can be flushed with rinse water, Fig. 3 in a similar view as in Fig. 2 an alternative cartridge, which additionally has a chamber for absorbing and releasing marker substances into the rinsing solution, Fig. 4 in a similar view as in Fig. 2 another alternative cartridge which has a chip and is connected to the dishwasher via electrical plug contacts, and Fig. 5 a similar cartridge as in Fig. 2 with valves inserted into them.

[0020] Elements with the same function and mode of action are listed in the Fig. 1 to 5 are each provided with the same reference numerals.

[0021] A dishwasher according to the invention can be a stand-alone appliance or a built-in appliance or an appliance that can be installed, for example within a kitchen unit.

[0022] The Fig. The dishwasher 1 schematically illustrated in Figure 1 is a household dishwasher with a washing chamber 2 for holding and cleaning dishes, cutlery, cooking utensils, or the like. The washing chamber 2 is essentially cuboid-shaped and is bordered on five of its six outer surfaces by walls 3 of a washing container 21 of the dishwasher and at the front by a door 4, which, here only as an example, is pivotally hinged in its lower region to a housing of the dishwasher 1. The washing chamber 2 can also accommodate one or more rotatable spray arms (not shown) or other spray devices for distributing washing water and several receiving baskets 5.

[0023] According to the illustrated embodiments, it is provided that in a wall 3 or in the door 4 (in Fig. 1, these two possibilities are indicated simultaneously) a receiving space 6 is designed as a recessed niche for a cartridge 7. A cartridge 7, which is essentially designed as a cuboid-shaped flat body, can be inserted from above into this receiving space 6. Alternatively, a cartridge 7 can also be inserted into a receiving basket 5 or into another holder in the washing compartment 2. If necessary, it can also be designed as a loose component that can be inserted, for example, into a dish basket. It can also be expedient to insert the cartridge into a mobile receiving box which can be inserted into the washing compartment of the washing container as a separate component.

[0024] The cartridge 7 comprises several storage chambers V1 to V7 for cleaning agents and here a chamber V8 in which at least one sensor unit E with at least one multiple sensor module M is accommodated. Rinse water W from the rinse liquor can flow through at least the chamber V8. The storage chambers V1 ... V7 can be filled entirely or partially with solid-state cleaners and / or with liquid and / or gel-like cleaning agents. Such storage chambers filled with solid-state cleaners preferably also have an inlet for rinse water (not shown here). For storage chambers filled with liquid cleaners, an inlet for rinse water is not necessary but is of course also possible. The dispensing of cleaning agents can be carried out solely by gravity. The sensor module or "sensor array" M could also be located on the outside of the cartridge 7 in an area exposed to rinse water W.

[0025] Furthermore, the cartridge 7 can be designed as a plastic body and be entirely transparent for easy visual fill level monitoring. To simplify production, the cartridge 7 can, in particular, be designed as a single piece. It can, for example, be an injection-molded part produced in a single operation or be manufactured using an internal gas injection molding process. Furthermore, the cartridge 7 can form a flat body for its accommodation in the recess 6. This can, for example, preferably be 10 to 20 centimeters wide, several centimeters high, and in particular less than five centimeters deep.

[0026] As described above, the cartridge 7 contains several – here, for example, seven – storage spaces or chambers V1 ... V7. These can each be filled with the same cleaning agent. In particular, the multiple storage chambers can also be of the same size. Alternatively, several storage chambers can be filled, in particular differently from one another, with different cleaning agents. The respective filling with the same cleaning agent or different cleaning agents can either be carried out by the customer themselves, or the cartridge 7 is sold pre-filled with the same cleaning agent or different cleaning agents, in particular for several to several ten rinsing cycles. Even with replaceable cartridges 7 that can be purchased pre-filled in this way, there can be a refill option at the end user's own premises. Even in this case, filling for several rinsing cycles, for example 20 or 30, is possible.In any case, it's no longer necessary to add detergent or tablets before each wash cycle. This improves customer convenience. In particular, each storage room may contain a different cleaning agent, such as pre-cleaner, cleaners with different enzymes, water softeners and rinse aid.

[0027] As in the Fig. As can be seen from Figures 2 to 5, the storage rooms or pantries V1 to V7 can be of different sizes in order to be able to store cleaning agents that require different dosages in such a way that they are used up at the same time.

[0028] According to the illustrated embodiment, each storage space V1 ... V7 is specifically followed by a dosing chamber or dosing chamber D1 ... D7, which can be filled with cleaning agent(s) from the associated storage space V1 ... V7 and from which the filled cleaning agent can be discharged to the wash cabinet 2 via an outlet opening A1 ... A7. It is not mandatory that every storage space be equipped in this way; rather, particularly in storage spaces intended for holding solid-state cleaners, a floor of the storage space without a dosing chamber underneath can also be provided with only openings. If the cartridge 7 is mounted upright in the dishwasher 1, the cleaning agent can flow out of the storage space V1 ... V7 into the dosing chamber D1 ... D7 by gravity, as can the further outlet into the wash cabinet if - as shown here - the dosing chambers are arranged below the storage spaces.

[0029] The dosing chambers D1 ... D7, as well as the valves S1 ... S7, are part of the cartridge 7, which is not mandatory.

[0030] In Fig. 5 it becomes clear that an outlet valve S1 ... S7 is movable between a refill position allowing the passage of detergent from the respective storage chamber V1 ... V7 into the dosing chamber D1 ... D7 specifically arranged downstream of it and an outlet position allowing the discharge of detergent from the dosing chamber into the rinsing chamber 2 (shown here at the passage chamber D3).

[0031] In this case, the same outlet valve S1 ... S7 can control both the passage of cleaning agent from the respective storage chamber V1 ... V7 into the dosing chamber D1 ... D7 located downstream of it and the outlet of cleaning agent from the respective dosing chamber into the rinsing chamber 2.

[0032] In this exemplary embodiment, the valves can be actuated between the two aforementioned positions, which simultaneously form an upper and a lower extreme position of a stroke movement of the respective valve, by means of an actuator of the dishwasher 1 or the cartridge 7 acting individually on each valve.

[0033] If the passage from the respective storage chamber (e.g. V1) to the respective dosing chamber (e.g. D1) is opened via the downwardly displaced valve S1, an outlet opening (e.g. A1) directly into the washing chamber 2 or into a lower collecting tray, from which detergent can enter the washing chamber, is simultaneously closed. Conversely, in the Fig. 5 For example, in the case of the storage chamber V3, the passage into the associated, downstream dosing chamber D3 is closed via the upwardly displaced valve S3, but at the same time the outlet opening A3 of the dosing chamber D3 is opened, so that detergent can reach the wash chamber 2 from the dosing chamber D3 without any further flow from the storage chamber V3 being possible. For such a refill of the dosing chamber D3, a new valve stroke of the valve S3 would first be necessary. The only one valve per storage and downstream dosing chamber pair is thus movable in a dual function between a refill position which releases the flow from the respective storage chamber V1 ... V7 into the respective associated dosing chamber D1 ... D7 and an outlet position which releases the passage or discharge of detergent from the respective dosing chamber D1 ... D7 into the wash chamber 2.

[0034] The movement of the respective valve can be achieved by means of an associated actuator (not shown here) against the force of a downward-pressing spring 12, which is located in the respective reservoir, in the direction that releases the outlet opening of the respective dosing chamber. These actuators can act like tappets.

[0035] How to continue in Fig. 5, the outlet valves S1 ... S7 are held in the mounted position of the cartridge 7 at an angle of at least 20° to the vertical or direction of gravity and in particular also at an angle of at least 20° to the horizontal. As a result, when cleaning agent runs out of the respective dosing chamber such as D3 into the rinsing chamber 2, air can flow into the dosing chamber such as D3 and when the valve such as S3 is subsequently lifted downwards by means of its spring element 12 to close the outlet opening such as A3 of the dosing chamber such as D3, so that a negative pressure is prevented there even without a further ventilation opening and cleaning agent can flow from the storage chamber into the dosing chamber solely by means of gravity.Cartridge 7 is therefore particularly inexpensive to produce and, due to the lack of additional openings, is also very safe against unwanted skin contact with the sometimes aggressive cleaning agents.

[0036] Each of the valves S1 ... S7 can be individually switched by a control unit 8 (see e.g. Fig. 2). The control unit is formed, in particular, by the program sequence control device of the dishwasher. The control unit 8 enables very precise and needs-based dosing of individual detergent components, allowing significant savings in detergent and energy compared to conventional solutions. For example, the data from the sensor unit E evaluated in the control unit 8 can be used to add the appropriate enzymes from the various storage compartments V1 ... V7 depending on the current level of contamination of the rinse water. The sensor unit E can also detect when the rinse water has been sufficiently clarified so that rinse aid can be added in the final phase of the rinse cycle. Dosing can thus be significantly reduced and made more precise.For this purpose, various washing programs with different opening times and / or opening durations of the respective valves S1 ... S7 can be stored in the central control unit 8 of the dishwasher 1. The control unit can, in particular, operate fully electronically and use data transmitted by the sensor unit E as input data for different washing programs. Further input data, such as hardness, temperature, information on the concentration and effect of the respective detergents, can also be taken into account. The sensor unit can detect various components of the washing water circulating in the washing cabinet 2 and / or an associated piping system during operation and transmit this data to the control unit 8 for adjustment in order to be able to control the dosage of various detergents.

[0037] By detecting the ingredients of the dishwater, information can ideally be obtained on both the amount of soiling and the type of soiling of the dishes or similar items brought in.

[0038] For example, dyes can be detected in the rinse water, as well as or alternatively fats, spinach, tea, proteins and / or starch. Depending on their concentration, the dosage of cleaning agents can then be selectively adjusted, with particularly suitable cleaning agents being alkali carriers, e.g. alkalis, complexing and dispersing agents, enzymes such as amylase, protease and / or lipase, bleaching agents, bleach activators, surfactants, biocides and / or rinse aids that reduce the water's surface tension. Depending on the results of the ingredients of the rinse water W currently detected by the sensor unit E, the control unit 8 can react automatically and with virtually no time delay and adjust the dosage. Other water parameters, such as the temperature and hardness of the rinse water, can also be detected by the multiple sensor module M. Chemical reaction products that arise in connection with the detergent chemistry and the temperature can also be determined.

[0039] The sensor unit E preferably comprises one or more "lab-on-chips," which are known from medical technology and are also referred to as biochips or protein chips. They can be designed, in particular, as sensor arrays. These "lab-on-chips" can be supplied with the rinse water W currently present in the rinse liquor and can thus record current data, such as the amount and type of contamination. Such "lab-on-chips," for example protein chips, wear out over time, so it is advantageous to arrange them in a compartment of the cartridge 7 and to be able to replace them with the cartridge after the cleaning agents have been used up. The entire sensor unit E can therefore be permanently arranged in a compartment V8. When the cleaning agents have been used up, for example, after 20 or 30 rinse cycles, the cartridge 7 with the sensor unit E can be disposed of in its entirety.For example, the chamber V8 is open at the top, allowing direct inflow of flushing water W from the flushing chamber 2 or from a pipe system above the cartridge 7.

[0040] The sensor unit E can also be provided with its own energy supply in the cartridge 7, for example a button cell 9. Alternatively, it is also possible to use the energy from the dishwasher 1, in particular with a fixed electrical connection 16 between the latter and the cartridge 7 (see Fig. 4).

[0041] In Fig. Figure 2 shows that the data acquired by the sensor unit E in the cartridge 7 can be read contactlessly by a reader 11 associated with the dishwasher 1. For this purpose, the cartridge 7 comprises a readable transponder 10, which can be active or passive, i.e., a separate power supply of the cartridge 7 with the transponder 10 is not mandatory, but is possible.

[0042] Alternatively, according to Fig. 4, the cartridge 7 can be connected to a reader and / or a power supply of the dishwasher via electrical contacts 16. Here, an electronic assembly with at least one memory chip is provided on the otherwise unchanged cartridge 7, which can be connected, for example, to an external power supply at an interface 17 in the washing cabinet 2. The electrical contact can be established via contact pins, which are forced into electrical contact when the cartridge 7 is inserted, thus preventing incorrect operation.Here, too, the data read via the interface is forwarded to the control unit 8 of the dishwasher, so that a previously stored variant regarding the dosage and washing technology can be selected and activated for the washing process, or new dosage and program changes or program variants can be transferred from the memory chip of the cartridge 7 to the main control 8. These programs then directly influence the valve opening times and thus the time and dosage of the cleaning agents, thereby achieving very good effectiveness with minimized use of cleaning agents.

[0043] Due to the electrical contact, which can also connect the cartridge 7 to a power supply of the dishwasher 1, a separate power supply for the cartridge 7 is not necessary here, but is possible.

[0044] In a further embodiment according to Fig. 3, in addition to or in addition to the sensor unit E, at least one further chamber—here, for example, chamber V9—in which rinse water W can be introduced during operation, contains one or more so-called marker substances 13. Of course, the storage chamber can also have multiple chambers for the selective storage and addition of marker substances. These marker substances operate via fluorescence or phosphorescence according to the following principle: A fluorescent chemical group can be attached to large biomolecules through a chemical reaction, which then serves as a sensitive marker for that molecule. The marker substances can react chemically with organic molecules, such as dirt particles. Excitation 14, particularly with UV light, causes the markers to glow and can thus be detected based on their specific wavelength. For example, coupling to spinach produces a green light, while coupling to starch produces a blue light. Using this information, the appropriate cleaning agents can then be added from additional chambers V2 ... V6.

[0045] The marker substances 13 can also be added from chamber V9 in a controlled manner during the rinsing cycle.

[0046] The light excitation 14 and also a detection unit 15 for detecting the marker substances or their reaction products is assigned to the dishwasher 1 and in Fig.1 is shown as an example in a lower area of the door 4.

[0047] This detection unit 15 is provided with a UV light source 14 and photodiodes, arranged, for example, in an array, for detecting fluorescent or phosphorescent light. This detection unit is arranged, in particular, at a location in the dishwasher's rinse water pipe system, in particular in the pump sump. This advantageously allows the components in the rinse water, such as the type of dirt, dirt / detergent reaction products, and water constituents, to be detected. If, in addition to or independently of this, such a detection unit is provided in the wash chamber of the washing container, the dirt particles adhering to the items to be cleaned can also be analyzed, preferably with regard to their type and / or concentration.

[0048] Alternatively, it is also possible to equip the cartridge itself with such a detection unit.

[0049] In all embodiments, the cartridge can be refilled by the customer. The cartridge can also be handled as a tightly sealed unit that can be returned after approximately 20 to 40 flushes and refilled by the manufacturer, or completely disposed of. These variants also provide maximum safety for the user against skin contact with a cleaning agent and against incorrect operation.

[0050] A cartridge 7 that can be used and handled filled or empty is separately claimed. It is designed, in particular, as an interchangeable module.

[0051] In summary, the following design variants of an exchangeable cartridge designed according to the invention may be particularly useful: Advantageously, a multi-sensor module is integrated into the cartridge, which communicates with the main control or the dishwasher's control unit via a discrete interface or a transponder (+ reader). The sensor module can, in particular, incorporate chemical and water-parametric sensors that can detect, for example, the type of dirt (such as grease, spinach, starch, tea, etc.), water parameters (e.g., hardness, pH value), and their reaction products, which arise in conjunction with the detergent chemicals and the temperature.

[0052] The sensor module can be implemented, for example, using so-called "lab-on-chip" technology (also known as "biochip" or "protein chip" technology). This results in a cost-effective system. Since chemical sensors are subject to aging in practice, they can be easily replaced. They are specifically designed as "disposable sensors."

[0053] The sensor module is based on the following functional principle: A fluorescent chemical group can be attached to large biomolecules through a chemical reaction, which then serves as a highly sensitive marker for that molecule. These markers can react chemically with organic molecules, such as dirt particles. Excitation, for example, with UV light, causes the markers to glow and can thus be detected based on the specific wavelength.

[0054] The following technical implementation may be particularly useful: The marker substances can be stored in the ADS (Automatic Dosing System) cartridge and added via the ADS dosing device during a rinsing phase. The specific wavelengths and their intensity can be detected via a photodiode array. In particular, at least one UV light source is provided as the transmitting unit, and at least one wavelength-selective optical receiver for receiving at least one specific wavelength (“fluorescence spectroscopy”) is provided as the receiving unit. The transmitting unit and receiving unit can preferably be combined to form a detection unit. This detection unit can be arranged in the rinse water to detect the ingredients (such as dirt, dirt / detergent reaction products, water ingredients) in the water and / or in the wash chamber to detect the dirt particles adhering to the washware. Advantage of the sensor module:

[0055] It now allows for adjustment of the dosage and the rinse program to the chemical conditions (such as the type and amount of dirt, water hardness). Furthermore, resource conservation is possible through the optimized use of chemicals, energy, water consumption, runtime, etc. List of reference symbols 1 dishwasher, 2 rinsing compartments, 3 walls, 4 doors, 5 receiving basket, 6 niche, 7 cartridges, 8 control unit, 9 button cells, 10 transponders, 11 reader, 12 compression spring, 13 marker substances, 14 Light excitation, 15 recording unit, 16 electrical contacts, 17 interface, 21 rinsing containers V 1 ... V7 storage rooms, D1 ... D7 dosing rooms, V8 chamber for sensor arrangement, V9 chamber for marker substances, A9 Outlet opening of the chamber for marker substances S1 ... S7 valves, A1 ... A7 outlet openings, E sensor unit, M multi-sensor module, W Rinse water

Claims

[1] Dishwasher (1), in particular a household dishwasher, with a washing chamber (2), wherein detergents can be fed into the washing chamber (2) in a metered manner with the aid of a control unit (8), wherein at least one sensor unit (E) is provided for detecting components of the washing water (W) moving in the washing chamber (2) and / or an associated pipe system, and the detected data can be used to adjust a dosage of detergent(s), and wherein detergents are stored in a cartridge (7) which can be inserted into the washing chamber (2) and which can be influenced by the control unit (8), in particular with regard to its dispensing times and / or quantities of detergents characterized bythat one or more marker substances (13) are contained in the cartridge (7), in particular in at least one storage chamber (V9) of the cartridge (7), and these can be introduced into the rinsing water during at least one water-conducting partial rinsing process of a selected dishwashing program, in particular via at least one outlet opening (A9). [2] Dishwasher (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that ingredients of the rinsing water (W), in particular dyes, fats, proteins and / or starch, the type of soiling, the concentration of the ingredients, and / or the hardness of the rinsing water (W), are detectable. [3] Dishwasher (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sensor unit (E) comprises at least one sensor array or at least one “lab-on-chip” which can be flushed with rinsing water (W). [4] Dishwasher (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the cartridge (7) has at least one sensor unit (E) for detecting components of the rinsing water (W) moved in the rinsing chamber (2) and / or an associated pipe system. [5] Dishwasher (1) according to claim 4, characterized by that the sensor unit (E) is contained in a space (V8) of the cartridge (7) and is interchangeable with it. [6] Dishwasher (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cartridge (7) is assigned its own energy supply (9). [7] Dishwasher (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the data recorded by the sensor unit (E) in the cartridge (7) can be read out contactlessly by a reading device (11) assigned to the dishwasher (1). [8] Dishwasher according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the cartridge (7) is provided with at least one information carrier, in particular a transponder (10), about the data detected by the sensor unit (E) and / or data about its contents, which can be read by the dishwasher (1). [9] Dishwasher (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cartridge (7) can be connected to a reader and / or a power supply of the dishwasher (1) via electrical contacts (16). [10] Dishwasher (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cartridge (7) comprises a plurality of storage chambers (V1 ... V6), each of which is followed by a dosing chamber (D1 ... D6) which can be filled with cleaning agent from the storage chamber and from which the filled cleaning agent can be delivered to the rinsing chamber (2) via an outlet opening (A1 ... A6). [11] Dishwasher (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the dishwasher (1) is assigned at least one detection unit (15) for detecting one or more marker substances (13) and / or their reaction products. [12] Dishwasher (1) according to claim 11, characterized by that the detection unit (15) is provided with at least one UV light source (14) and / or one or more photodiodes for detecting fluorescent or phosphorescent light. [13] Dishwasher (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it comprises a control device (8) for influencing the respective rinsing program as a function of information read out from the at least one sensor unit (E). [14] Cartridge (7) which can be filled or is filled with one or more cleaning agents for use in a dishwasher (1), in particular according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cartridge (7) comprises one or more storage chambers (V9) with one or more marker substances (13) and these can be released via at least one outlet opening (A9) during at least one partial rinsing process.

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