Household dishwasher and process

Abstract

A household dishwasher (1) comprising a wash tub (2), a door (3) provided on the wash tub (2), a door module (16) for automatically opening the door (3), and a control unit (15) for executing a wash program (SP1, SP2), wherein the control unit (15) is configured to selectively control the door module (16) during or after the execution of the wash program (SP1, SP2) in order to move the door (3) from a closed state (Z10) to an open state (Z20), and wherein the control unit (15) is configured to adapt the wash program (SP1, SP2) depending on the state (Z10, Z20) of the door (3) such that the drying performance of the household dishwasher (1) is independent of the state (Z10, Z20) of the door (3), characterized in that the control unit (15) is configured to adapt the wash program (SP1, SP2) is set up to increase the rinse aid dosage,to change the timing of a blower control and / or to change a fan speed.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a household dishwasher and a method for operating such a household dishwasher.

[0002] A household dishwasher may include an automatic door opening feature, which can either improve drying performance or reduce energy consumption while maintaining the same drying performance. However, an open door also poses a danger to children, as it exposes them to the hot interior at the end of the wash cycle, and they could potentially burn themselves on hot surfaces. Furthermore, children could injure themselves on the dishes inside the dishwasher. Therefore, household dishwashers often have a mechanical or electronic child lock to prevent children from opening the door. However, if the child lock is activated and the door cannot be opened at the end of the wash cycle, the drying performance may be reduced, even if the wash program remains the same.

[0003] DE 198 18 815 A1 discloses a household appliance that can be operated with at least one operating program and consumes electrical energy during the execution of the operating program. High energy consumption in the household appliance can be avoided even under unfavorable operating conditions by providing at least one limit value for energy consumption, the reaching of which influences the further execution of the operating program.

[0004] EP 0 541 974 A1 describes a household appliance with a washing compartment that can be closed by an appliance door and has at least one dish basket, wherein the appliance door can be folded about a horizontal pivot axis, wherein an electric motor drive with associated control device and downstream adjustment gear is provided in the appliance housing for closing and / or opening the appliance door completely or partially.

[0005] From DE 10 2011 084 954 A1, a dishwasher is known with a wash container for receiving items to be cleaned and dried, a door which closes the wash container when closed, and a program control device for controlling a drying cycle, wherein the door can be automatically opened in a crack at the end or during the drying cycle and at least one opening parameter, in particular an opening time and / or an opening duration and / or a width of the opening crack and / or at least one opening condition, can be determined depending on at least one user setting and / or at least one environmental condition in the vicinity of the dishwasher and / or at least one operating parameter of the dishwasher.

[0006] DE 101 22 182 A1 discloses a method for adjusting the drying program of a dishwasher, which allows the drying program to be adjusted depending on the duration the dishwasher door is open. This can reduce the drying time and / or save heating energy, or achieve gentler drying of the dishes.

[0007] Against this background, one object of the present invention is to provide an improved household dishwasher.

[0008] Accordingly, a household dishwasher is proposed, comprising a wash tub, a door attached to the wash tub, a door module for automatic door opening, and a control unit for executing a wash program. The control unit is configured to selectively activate the door module during or after the wash program to move the door from a closed to an open position. Furthermore, the control unit is configured to adjust the wash program based on the door's position, ensuring that the dishwasher's drying performance remains independent of the door's state.

[0009] By adjusting the washing program, a reduction in drying performance can be advantageously prevented if automatic opening of the door is not possible or desired.

[0010] In particular, the drying performance of the household dishwasher is thus independent of whether the door is open or closed. Preferably, the control unit is configured to selectively activate the door module during or after the wash program, switching it from a deactivated state (with the door closed) to an activated state (with the door open). The control unit is also configured to adjust the wash program based on the state of the door module, ensuring that the drying performance of the household dishwasher remains independent of the door module's state. This adjustment of the wash program is, or can be referred to as, drying compensation.

[0011] The door module is specifically designed to open and close the door automatically. For this purpose, the door module can include a door opening and closing mechanism and a drive unit. The door can be pivotally mounted on the wash tub. Alternatively, the door can be attached to a wash trolley that can be pulled out of and pushed into the wash tub. In this context, the phrase "the door module can open and / or close the door automatically" means that the door module can open and close the door without direct user intervention.

[0012] The statement that the drying performance of the household dishwasher is "independent" of the state of the door or door module is preferably understood to mean that the drying performance ideally remains unchanged regardless of whether the door is open or closed. In particular, the drying performance ideally remains the same or nearly constant regardless of the state of the door and / or the state of the door module. However, "same" or "constant," or the statement that the drying performance is "independent" of the door state, can also be understood to mean that, theoretically, a slightly better drying performance can be achieved through drying compensation, or that a slight reduction in drying performance due to a purely mechanical child lock can only be approximately compensated for.In the latter case, for example, only the drying time could be extended; other measures would no longer be absolutely necessary.

[0013] The phrase "optionally" allowing the door module to be controlled preferably means that the door module is only activated if this is included in the respective wash program. This means that the door module can also be deactivated. The wash program is stored or saved in the control unit. A data carrier may be used for this purpose. The control unit can contain any number of wash programs. These wash programs can differ from one another in their program steps and / or in the configuration of those program steps.

[0014] Drying performance is determined according to DIN EN 50242 / EN 60436:2016. This involves determining the drying performance after a program with soiled dishes in a sequential, combined evaluation with the cleaning performance (first drying, then cleaning; keyword: "Combined cleaning and drying evaluation to prevent circumvention"). The calculation formulas used then relate the drying performance of the tested household dishwasher to the drying performance of a concurrently running reference appliance, resulting in the so-called drying index. The European Commission, in its Ecodesign Regulation, requires a minimum drying performance of < 1.12 for the comparison program (ECO). This means that the tested household dishwasher must be at least 12% better than the reference appliance, whose drying performance must fall within a specific limit range.

[0015] In the present case, the drying performance of the household dishwasher differs, when the door module is in the deactivated state (i.e., when the door remains closed), from the drying performance when the door module is in the activated state (i.e., when the door is opened) by a maximum of 20%, more preferably by a maximum of 10%, more preferably by a maximum of 5%, and more preferably by a maximum of 1%.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the control unit adjusts the washing program when the door module is in a deactivated state.

[0017] Conversely, this means that the control unit will not adjust the washing program if the door module is in the activated state and the door is opened.

[0018] According to another embodiment, the household dishwasher includes a switchable child lock, wherein the door module is always in the deactivated state when the child lock is switched on.

[0019] The child lock can be purely electronic. In this case, the child lock ensures that the door module remains deactivated throughout the entire wash cycle. The wash program is then adjusted so that the drying performance remains ideally or nearly unchanged despite the child lock. The child lock can also be integrated into the wash program. Alternatively, the child lock can be purely mechanical, preventing the door from being opened even when the door module is activated.

[0020] According to another embodiment, the control unit is designed to detect whether the child lock is activated or not.

[0021] In the event that the parental control is purely electronic, it is determined whether the parental control is activated or not simply by a user selecting a program or preset.

[0022] According to another embodiment, the household dishwasher includes a switching element that generates information as to whether the child lock is activated or not.

[0023] The switching element can be, for example, a switch located on the door, in particular a door contact switch. The switching element allows the door's status to be monitored. If this switching element does not detect an open door after a predetermined time within the wash program's opening sequence, the wash program can be modified accordingly.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the door module is always in the deactivated state when it is defective.

[0025] This ensures consistent drying performance of the household dishwasher even if the door module is defective and the door cannot be opened. The status of the door module can then be displayed to the user via a display on the dishwasher.

[0026] According to the invention, the control unit for adjusting the washing program is configured to increase the rinse aid dosage, change the timing of the blower activation, and / or change the fan speed. It can also increase the rinse temperature and / or extend the drying time.

[0027] The aforementioned measures can be used individually or in combination. Furthermore, additional steps can be taken to improve drying performance with the door closed.

[0028] Furthermore, a method for operating such a household dishwasher is proposed, comprising a wash tub, a door provided on the wash tub, a door module for automatically opening the door, and a control device for executing a wash program. The method includes the following steps: executing the wash program, selectively controlling the door module to move the door from a closed to an open state, and adjusting the wash program according to the door's state such that the drying performance of the household dishwasher is independent of the door's state.

[0029] The door module can be activated either during or after the wash cycle has finished. The wash cycle itself can be adjusted while it is running.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the washing program is then adjusted when the door module is in a deactivated state.

[0031] This means that the washing program will not be adjusted if the door module is in the activated state and the door can be opened as specified in the washing program.

[0032] According to another embodiment, the washing program is adjusted when a switchable child lock is activated.

[0033] The child lock prevents the door module from opening the door. The child lock can be purely electronic or mechanical.

[0034] Other possible implementations of the household dishwasher and / or the method also include combinations of features or embodiments described previously or subsequently with regard to the exemplary embodiments, even if not explicitly mentioned. In such cases, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the household dishwasher and / or the method.

[0035] Further advantageous embodiments and aspects of the household dishwasher and / or the method are the subject of the dependent claims and the exemplary embodiments of the household dishwasher and / or the method described below. The household dishwasher and / or the method are further explained below with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying figures. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a household dishwasher; Fig. Figure 2 shows another schematic view of the household dishwasher according to Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 3 shows another schematic view of the household dishwasher according to Fig. 1; and Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a method for operating the household dishwasher according to Fig. 1.

[0036] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements have been given the same reference symbols, unless otherwise indicated.

[0037] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a household dishwasher 1. The household dishwasher 1 comprises a wash tub 2, which can be closed by a door 3, in particular a watertight one. For this purpose, a sealing device can be provided between the door 3 and the wash tub 2. The wash tub 2 can be arranged in a housing of the household dishwasher 1. The wash tub 2 and the door 3 can form a wash chamber 4 for washing dishes.

[0038] Door 3 is in the Fig. Figure 1 shows the door 3 in a fully open position. The door 3 can be opened or closed by pivoting it about a pivot axis 5 provided at one of its lower ends. The door 3 can be used to open or close a loading opening 6 of the wash tank 2. The wash tank 2 has a base 7, a ceiling 8 opposite the base 7, a rear wall 9 opposite the closed door 3, and two opposing side walls 10, 11. The base 7, ceiling 8, rear wall 9, and side walls 10, 11 can, for example, be made of sheet steel. In particular, the base 7 can be made of a different material than the ceiling 8 and the side walls 10, 11. For example, the base 7 can be made of a plastic material.

[0039] The household dishwasher 1 further comprises at least one dishware holder 12 to 14. Preferably, several, for example three, dishware holders 12 to 14 can be provided, wherein the dishware holder 12 can be a lower dishware holder or a lower basket, the dishware holder 13 an upper dishware holder or an upper basket, and the dishware holder 14 a cutlery drawer. As the Fig. As further shown in Figure 1, the dishware holders 12 to 14 are arranged one above the other in the washing container 2. Each dishware holder 12 to 14 can be moved either into or out of the washing container 2. In particular, each dishware holder 12 to 14 can be pushed into the washing container 2 in an insertion direction E and pulled out of the washing container 2 in an extraction direction A opposite to the insertion direction E.

[0040] The household dishwasher 1 further comprises a control unit 15 and a door module 16 for automatically opening and closing the door 3. The control unit 15 and / or the door module 16 can be, as shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the control unit 15 and / or the door module 16 may be located on the door 3. Alternatively, the control unit 15 and / or the door module 16 may also be located on the wash tub 2 or at any other position on the household dishwasher 1. Furthermore, the household dishwasher 1 may also include a switching element 17. The switching element 17 can be used, for example, to monitor and / or detect the open state of the door 3. The switching element 17 may be a door contact switch or be designated as such. The switching element 17 is optional.

[0041] As the Fig. Figure 2 shows that the control unit 15 comprises a number N of wash programs SP1, SP2. The number N can be any integer. For example, as shown in the Fig. Figure 2 shows two such washing programs, SP1 and SP2. However, the number of washing programs SP1 and SP2 is arbitrary. Preferably, more than two washing programs SP1 and SP2 are provided. The washing programs SP1 and SP2 can be stored or saved on a data carrier (not shown) of the control unit 15.

[0042] The dishwashing programs SP1 and SP2 each have at least one program step (PS1, namely a pre-rinse cycle), one program step (PS2, namely a main wash cycle), and one program step (PS3, namely a final rinse cycle). However, the number of program steps PS1 to PS3 is arbitrary. This means that the dishwashing programs SP1 and SP2 can include further steps, as specified in the... Fig. The program includes two steps not shown. The third program step, PS3, may include opening door 3 to ventilate the wash chamber 4. This improves the drying of items placed in the wash chamber 4. Wash programs SP1 and SP2 differ, for example, in the length of program steps PS1 to PS3, the selected temperatures, or similar factors. This means that wash programs SP1 and SP2 can be selected depending on the type of items to be cleaned and / or the level of soiling. For example, wash program SP1 may include opening door 3, whereas wash program SP2 does not.

[0043] The door module 16 can be controlled by the control unit 15, depending on the selected wash program SP1 or SP2, to open the door 3 at a predetermined time or program step PS1 to PS3 and, if necessary, close it again. The door module 16 comprises a door opening and closing mechanism (not shown) and a drive for actuating the door opening and closing mechanism. The drive of the door module 16 is controlled by the control unit 15. The drive can, for example, be an electric motor.

[0044] The door module 16 can be controlled by the control unit 15 from one located in the Fig. The system transitions between two states: deactivated state Z1, represented by solid lines, in which door 3 is closed (or in which door module 16 closes door 3), and activated state Z2, represented by dashed lines, in which door module 16 opens door 3 automatically, and vice versa. The deactivated state Z1 can also be referred to as the closed state, and the activated state Z2 as the open state. In the deactivated state Z1, door module 16 may be without power. If door module 16 is defective, it will be in the deactivated state Z1.

[0045] When the door module 16 is moved from the activated state Z2 to the deactivated state Z1, it is configured to automatically close the door 3. "Automatically" in this context means that the door module 16, with the aid of the aforementioned drive and / or the door opening and closing mechanism, can open and close the door 3 without any active intervention by the user, i.e., without applying any force to the door 3. Moving the door module 16 from the deactivated state Z1 to the activated state Z2 and vice versa can be part of the respective wash program SP1 or SP2.

[0046] The household dishwasher 1 also includes a switchable child lock 18, which prevents the door 3 from being opened unintentionally. The child lock 18 can be a purely electronic child lock. In this case, the child lock 18 is part of the wash program SP1, SP2, whereby the child lock 18 then simply ensures that the door module 16 remains in the deactivated state Z1 throughout the entire wash program SP1, SP2, so that the door 3 is always closed.

[0047] The child lock 18 can also be a purely mechanical child lock that mechanically prevents the door 3 from being opened. In this case, the door module 16 can be moved from the deactivated state Z1 to the activated state Z2 and vice versa during the wash program SP1, SP2, but the child lock 18 prevents the door 3 from being opened. That is, the child lock 18 blocks the door 3 regardless of whether the door module 16 is in the deactivated state Z1 or the activated state Z2. In this case, the control unit 15 can detect whether the child lock 18 is engaged or not using the switching element 17. The switching element 17 can, in this case, be part of a switching device for the child lock 18 in the form of a ballpoint pen mechanism. Furthermore, the switching element 17 can also be configured to directly monitor the door 3 using a sensor.In this case, the switching element 17 can be a door contact switch, as mentioned previously.

[0048] As the Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the door 3 can be moved from a closed state Z10 (shown with solid lines) to an open state Z20 (shown with dashed lines) and vice versa using the door module 16. In the open state Z20, the door 3 is preferably not fully open, but only partially open, so that steam can escape from the washing chamber 4. Whether the door 3 is in the closed state Z10 or the open state Z20 can be detected, for example, using the switching element 17.

[0049] The control unit 15 is configured to adjust the respective wash program SP1, SP2 depending on the state Z10, Z20 of the door 3 and, in particular, depending on the state Z1, Z2 of the door module 16, such that the drying performance of the household dishwasher 1 is independent of the state Z10, Z20 of the door 3 and, in particular, independent of the state Z1, Z2 of the door module 16. That is, the drying performance is ideally the same both when the respective wash program SP1, SP2 includes opening the door 3, i.e., moving the door 3 from the closed state Z10 to the open state Z20, and when the door 3 is not opened. This adjustment of the wash program SP1, SP2 is referred to as drying compensation. For example, door 3 will not open if door module 16 is in the deactivated state Z1 and / or if child lock 18 is activated.As mentioned previously, the child lock 18 can also block door 3 even when door module 16 is in the activated state Z2. The child lock 18 then operates purely mechanically and prevents door module 16 from moving door 3 from the closed state Z10 to the open state Z20.

[0050] The control unit 15 detects whether door 3 is open at the designated point in the SP1 / SP2 wash program. If door 3 is in the closed state Z10, the SP1 / SP2 wash program is adjusted. If door 3 is in the open state Z20, as defined in the SP1 / SP2 wash program, the SP1 / SP2 wash program is not adjusted accordingly. The SP1 / SP2 wash program can be adjusted, for example, by increasing the rinse temperature, extending the drying time, increasing the rinse aid dosage, changing the timing of the fan activation, and / or changing the fan speed. Ideally, the drying performance remains unchanged regardless of the state Z1 / Z2 of door module 16 or the state Z10 / Z20 of door 3. However, minor deviations in drying performance depending on the states Z1, Z2, Z10, and Z20 are possible.In particular, the control unit 15 only adjusts the washing program SP1, SP2 if the door module 16 is in the deactivated state Z1.

[0051] For example, the door module 16 is in the deactivated state Z1 when the child lock 18 is activated or when the door module 16 is defective. This means that the control unit 15 adjusts the respective wash program SP1, SP2 even if the door module 16 is defective and the door 3 does not open as desired at the predetermined time of the wash program SP1, SP2. In this case, the wash program SP1, SP2 is modified so that the drying performance ideally does not decrease, or only decreases slightly, despite the defective door module 16. This means that even with a defective door module 16, the operating results of the household dishwasher 1 can be provided satisfactorily at least until the door module 16 is replaced by customer service. The household dishwasher 1 may have an indicator device that is configured to show whether the door module 16 is defective or not.

[0052] The Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a method for operating the household dishwasher 1. In step S1, the respective wash program SP1, SP2 is executed. In step S2, the door module 16 is selectively controlled to move the door 3 from the closed state Z10 to the open state Z20. For this purpose, the door module 16 is moved from the deactivated state Z1 to the activated state Z2.

[0053] In step S3, the wash program SP1, SP2 is adjusted based on the state Z10, Z20 of door 3 or the state Z1, Z2 of door module 16, such that the drying performance of the household dishwasher 1 is independent of the state Z10, Z20 of door 3 or the state of door module 16. This means that the drying performance ideally changes not at all or only minimally, regardless of whether door 3 is opened or not. Preferably, the wash program SP1, SP2 is only adjusted if door module 16 is in the deactivated state Z1. Door module 16 is in the deactivated state Z1, for example, if the child lock 18 is engaged or if door module 16 is defective.

[0054] In the previously described household dishwasher 1 or in the previously described method, a reduction in drying performance or drying result can advantageously be prevented by adjusting the washing program SP1, SP2 if automatic opening of the door 3 is not possible or not desired.

[0055] Although the present invention has been described using exemplary embodiments, it can be modified in many ways. Reference symbols used: 1 household dishwasher 2 washing containers 3 Door 4. Dishwashing area 5 swivel axes 6 Feed opening 7 Floor 8 ceiling 9 Back panel 10 side wall 11 Side wall 12 Dishwashing tray 13 Dishwashing tray 14 Dishwashing tray 15 Control unit 16 door module 17 Switching element 18 Child safety lock A Extraction direction E Insertion direction PS1 program step PS2 program step PS3 program step SP1 washing program SP2 washing program S1 step S2 step S3 step Z1 condition Z2 condition Z10 condition Z20 condition

Claims

A household dishwasher (1) comprising a wash tub (2), a door (3) provided on the wash tub (2), a door module (16) for automatically opening the door (3), and a control unit (15) for executing a wash program (SP1, SP2), wherein the control unit (15) is configured to selectively control the door module (16) during or after the execution of the wash program (SP1, SP2) in order to move the door (3) from a closed state (Z10) to an open state (Z20), and wherein the control unit (15) is configured to adapt the wash program (SP1, SP2) depending on the state (Z10, Z20) of the door (3) such that the drying performance of the household dishwasher (1) is independent of the state (Z10, Z20) of the door (3), characterized in that the control unit (15) is configured to adapt the wash program (SP1, SP2) is set up to increase the rinse aid dosage,to change the timing of a blower control and / or to change a fan speed. Household dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device (15) adjusts the washing program (SP1, SP2) when the door module (16) is in a deactivated state (Z1). Household dishwasher according to claim 2, characterized by a switchable child lock (18), wherein the door module (16) is always in the deactivated state (Z1) when the child lock (18) is switched on. Household dishwasher according to claim 3, characterized in that the control device (15) is configured to detect whether the child lock (18) is activated or not. Household dishwasher according to claim 4, characterized by a switching element (17) that generates information as to whether the child lock (18) is activated or not. Household dishwasher according to one of claims 2 - 5, characterized in that the door module (16) is always in the deactivated state (Z1) when it is defective. Method for operating a household dishwasher (1) with a wash tub (2), a door (3) provided on the wash tub (2), a door module (16) for automatically opening the door (3), and a control device (15) for carrying out a wash program (SP1, SP2), comprising the steps: carrying out (S1) the wash program (SP1, SP2), selectively controlling (S2) the door module (16) to move the door (3) from a closed state (Z10) to an open state (Z20), and adjusting (S3) the wash program depending on the state (Z10, Z20) of the door (3) such that the drying performance of the household dishwasher (1) is independent of the state (Z10, Z20) of the door (3), characterized in that, to adjust the wash program (SP1, SP2), the rinse aid dosage is increased, a point in time of a The blower control is changed and / or the fan speed is changed. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that the rinsing program (SP1, SP2) is then adjusted when the door module (16) is in a deactivated state (Z1). Method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the rinsing program (SP1, SP2) is adjusted when a switchable child lock (18) is activated.

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