Method for automatically controlling a dishwasher, dishwasher and computer program product

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for automatically controlling a dishwasher (1), comprising, inter alia, the steps of automatically detecting, by a control device (3) of the dishwasher (1), an adaptation signal associated with an output signal and generated by an input on an input means (4) of a dishwasher (1) or on a further input means (4a) associated with the dishwasher (1), which adaptation signal is associated with a parameter and / or a parameter value, and automatically continuing a started cleaning program either in the original program configuration, in a modified program configuration, or in an abort strategy in order to terminate the cleaning program, depending on the detected adaptation signal. The invention also relates to an associated dishwasher (1) and an associated computer program product.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for automatically controlling a dishwasher, as well as to a dishwasher and an associated computer program product.

[0002] WO 2020 160 745 A1 describes a water-conducting household appliance, in particular a dishwasher, comprising a control device for carrying out a treatment program from a number of treatment programs, each of the treatment programs having a sequence of sub-program steps, each of the sub-program steps being determined by a number of parameters, an input means for detecting a user input for selecting one of the number of treatment programs, the control device being configured to determine an optimization state depending on a current operating state of the water-conducting household appliance and the selected treatment program, to determine an optimization measure depending on the determined optimization state,wherein the optimization measure comprises optimizing a parameter value of one of the number of parameters of at least one of the sub-program steps of the selected treatment program, applying the optimization measure to provide an optimized treatment program and executing the optimized treatment program, and having an output device for outputting the optimization state, the optimization measure, the optimized parameter value and / or a parameter value dependent thereon to a user.

[0003] The object of the invention is to provide a method for automatically controlling a dishwasher, a dishwasher and / or an associated computer program product which can be operated in a particularly user-specific manner.

[0004] The object is achieved by a method for automatically controlling a dishwasher, comprising the steps: - automatic starting of a cleaning program stored in a memory of a control device of the dishwasher based on a start signal triggered at an input device of the dishwasher which is associated with the cleaning program, - automatic detection of the current actual value of at least one state variable in the dishwasher by means of at least one sensor of the dishwasher, - automatic comparison of the detected actual value of the at least one state variable with a reference value of the relevant state variable stored in the control device, - for the further operation of the dishwasher according to the cleaning program and based on the comparison of the recorded actual value of the at least one state variable with the stored reference value of the relevant state variable, automatic determination of a parameter and / or a parameter value assigned to the parameter, - automatically outputting at least one output signal associated with the specific parameter and / or the specific parameter value to an output means associated with the dishwasher, - automatic detection by the control device of an adjustment signal associated with the output signal, generated by an input on the input means of the dishwasher or on a further input means associated with the dishwasher, which adjustment signal is associated with the parameter and / or the parameter value, - automatic continuation of the started cleaning program either in the original program configuration, in a modified program configuration or in an abort strategy to terminate the cleaning program, depending on the detected adaptation signal.

[0005] One of the important features of modern household appliances is that they can be operated as cost-effectively as possible, while using water and detergents as efficiently and environmentally friendly as possible. Dishwashers are known to have several different cleaning programs that can be selected by the user. For this purpose, the dishwasher can be equipped with several different input devices, such as electrical buttons or a touchscreen with touch-sensitive keys, which the user can use to select a specific cleaning program for an upcoming dishwashing cycle. Different cleaning programs can differ, for example, in the water temperature used during the dishwashing cycle.For example, if the dishes and / or cutlery used in the dishwasher are only slightly dirty, the user can select a lower water temperature, such as 40 degrees instead of 50 or 65 degrees, primarily to save electrical energy for heating the water in the dishwasher.

[0006] It is also known that dishwashers have so-called automatic programs implemented, which, when selected by the user, cause the dishwasher's control device to automatically determine the appropriate temperature for the water or for the wash liquor. This can be done, for example, by using a suitable sensor to detect and evaluate the turbidity of the wash liquor while the wash program is running. The wash liquor generally comprises the fresh water fed into the dishwasher from a mains supply, a cleaning agent, and the contaminants dissolved, dispersed, and / or carried in this mixture from the cleaning process on the dishes and / or cutlery in the dishwasher. If the wash liquor is very turbid, for example, it can be assumed that the level of soiling is high, and the temperature of the wash liquor can therefore be automatically adjusted to a higher level accordingly.If, however, the turbidity is very low, the dishwasher's control unit can automatically set a lower temperature for the wash water, thus contributing to lower electrical consumption. In addition to automatically controlling the temperature of the wash water, the dishwasher's control unit can also automatically adjust the wash cycle duration, the amount of detergent, and / or the amount of rinse aid depending on the wash cycle in the automatic program.

[0007] A disadvantage of such automatic programs, however, is that the dishwasher user may not be satisfied with the way in which the automatic program automatically controls the washing process. It is therefore possible that the dishwasher's control device does not automatically select the optimal operating mode. One possible scenario could be, for example, that residues of white rice on the dishes to be cleaned only lead to a relatively slight cloudiness of the washing water, which is interpreted by an automatic program as a low level of soiling, and the cleaning temperature, i.e. the temperature of the washing water, is automatically set at a lower level. This in turn means that the residues of white rice may not be completely removed from the dishes.When emptying the dishwasher, the user then notices that the washing process was not optimal and would prefer a higher cleaning temperature for such types of soiling in future washing processes.

[0008] To solve such a problem, the invention proposes that, on the one hand, an automatically variable cleaning program should be carried out, but, on the other hand, the user should nevertheless be given the opportunity to individually influence the manner in which the cleaning program is to be carried out. The method according to the invention thus enables communication between the control device of the dishwasher and a user, so that the control device can take the user's individual wishes into account during the otherwise automatic execution of the cleaning program.

[0009] After the user has loaded the dishes and / or cutlery into the dishwasher in the usual way and selected the cleaning program, for example by manually actuating a corresponding input device, such as a button, the method according to the invention initially automatically starts a corresponding cleaning program stored in the memory of the control device of the dishwasher based on the start signal triggered on an input device of the dishwasher by the manual actuation of the input device. This start signal, which can be assigned to a specific button as the input device, for example, is accordingly also assigned a corresponding specific cleaning program. It can thus further be provided that the user of the dishwasher presses an automatic button, for example, to start the automatic program.Alternatively, any other selectable cleaning program can be started by the user by operating the input device. The input device does not necessarily have to be mechanically attached to the dishwasher, but can optionally be an input device on a separate device that is connected to the dishwasher for control purposes. In this respect, such a separate device can be used in the manner of a remote control, whereby the input device of the separate device can be considered part of the dishwasher in the control-related sense due to its control-related connection to the dishwasher's control device.

[0010] When the automatic program is executed, the current actual value of at least one state variable in the dishwasher is automatically recorded using at least one sensor in the dishwasher. The monitored state variable can be the turbidity of the wash water, the cleanliness of the dishes and / or cutlery in the dishwasher, the temperature of the wash water, the temperature of the tap water flowing into the dishwasher, the type of detergent added, the amount of detergent added, the type of rinse aid added, the amount of rinse aid added, and / or the duration of the cleaning program to date. The state variable can, for example, simply be the presence of a dishwasher tablet in the detergent dispenser of the dishwasher.The state variable would then have only two possible values: whether a dishwasher tablet is present in the detergent dispenser or whether a dishwasher tablet is not present in the detergent dispenser. The output signal can also prompt the user to add a dishwasher tablet to the detergent dispenser. The adjustment signal can also include a user confirmation that a dishwasher tablet has been added to the detergent dispenser.

[0011] It may be provided that only one of these state variables is recorded. Alternatively, it may be provided that two or more different state variables are recorded. These multiple state variables can be recorded either simultaneously or at different times during the execution of the cleaning program or rinsing process.

[0012] After the at least one state variable has been automatically detected, the method according to the invention automatically compares the detected actual value of the at least one state variable with a reference value of the relevant state variable stored in the control device.

[0013] For the further operation of the dishwasher according to the cleaning program, a parameter and / or a parameter value assigned to the parameter is automatically determined on the basis of the comparison of the recorded actual value of the at least one state variable with the stored reference value of the relevant state variable.

[0014] For example, if the turbidity of the wash liquor is used as a state variable, a comparison with a turbidity reference value can automatically determine whether the level of soiling is high, average, or low. The level of soiling can be assigned parameters such as the temperature of the wash liquor and / or the cleaning time.

[0015] A high degree of soiling determined by the comparison can therefore prompt the control device to raise the temperature of the wash liquor, for example, to the parameter value of 65 degrees. An average degree of soiling determined by the comparison can, for example, prompt the control device to leave the temperature of the wash liquor at the current parameter value of 50 degrees. A low degree of soiling determined by the comparison, on the other hand, can prompt the control device to lower the temperature of the wash liquor, for example, to the parameter value of 45 degrees.

[0016] Similarly, a high degree of contamination determined by the comparison may prompt the control device to extend the duration of the flushing process, for example, by 30 minutes beyond the normal duration of the flushing process. An average degree of contamination determined by the comparison may, for example, prompt the control device to maintain the normal duration of the flushing process. A low degree of contamination determined by the comparison, on the other hand, may prompt the control device to shorten the duration of the flushing process, for example, by 30 minutes less than the normal duration of the flushing process.

[0017] According to the invention, the method now provides that at least one output signal associated with the specific parameter and / or the specific parameter value is automatically output to an output means associated with the dishwasher.

[0018] In the sense of the examples described in more detail above, the output signal can thus be assigned information for the user, which can directly or indirectly inform the user which change to the current cleaning program the control device would automatically make if the control device receives a corresponding adjustment signal through an input on the dishwasher.

[0019] Accordingly, in the first embodiment, the output signal can be associated with information for the user, such as, for example, "Due to a detected high level of soiling, it is recommended to increase the temperature of the rinsing process. However, this may increase power consumption." or "Due to a detected low level of soiling, it is recommended to lower the temperature of the rinsing process. This may help reduce power consumption." In the second embodiment, the output signal can be associated with information for the user, such as, for example, "Due to a detected high level of soiling, it is recommended to extend the duration of the rinsing process by 30 minutes. However, this may increase power consumption." or "Due to a detected low level of soiling, it is recommended to shorten the duration of the rinsing process by 30 minutes. This may help reduce power consumption."

[0020] With the automatic output of the output signal, not only the reason for the issued recommendation for action and the recommendation for action itself can be communicated, but also the consequences that the respective recommendation for action has, for example, on the consumption of electrical energy, on the consumption of water, cleaning agent and / or rinse aid.

[0021] The output signal can be automatically output in different ways. For example, the dishwasher can have a display on which a written sentence such as "Due to a low level of soiling detected, it is recommended that the washing cycle be reduced by 30 minutes." On larger displays, the display can be static in full text. On smaller displays, the display can be dynamic, for example in the form of scrolling text. In another output variant, the dishwasher can have a loudspeaker and the output signal can be played as spoken text via the loudspeaker. The loudspeaker does not necessarily have to be integrated into the dishwasher. For example, the loudspeaker can be part of a device separate from the dishwasher, i.e. an external device.The separate device can be, for example, a tablet computer, a mobile phone, in particular a smartphone, or a cloud-based voice service device. So that the control device of the dishwasher can initiate the output on the separate device, the dishwasher can have a communication interface that can establish a connection between the control device of the dishwasher and the separate device. The communication interface can be, for example, an internet connection, a Wi-Fi network connection, or a short-range radio connection. The output signal can be output on the separate device not only as spoken text on the loudspeaker there, but can also be visually displayed in text form on a display of the separate device.

[0022] In the method according to the invention, the control device is configured, after displaying the output signal optionally on the dishwasher and / or on the separate appliance, to wait for an adaptation signal associated with the output signal, generated by an input on the input means of the dishwasher or on a further input means associated with the dishwasher, which adaptation signal is associated with the parameter and / or the parameter value, and to automatically detect this. The control device therefore does not automatically change the program configuration of the started cleaning program, but rather prompts the user to respond by outputting the output signal. The control device can automatically determine and detect the user's response by detecting the adaptation signal triggered by the input.

[0023] The input can be made by a person, for example, via an input device on the dishwasher and / or via an input device on the separate appliance. For manual input by the person, the input device can be, for example, a button or switch, the actuation of which, for example, with a finger of the person's hand, can transmit the desired adjustment signal to the control device. Thus, by pressing a specific button or switch, the recommended action displayed on the display can be accepted, or by pressing a different button or switch, the recommended action can be rejected.Likewise, an input can be made by the person speaking an action command, which can be automatically recorded via a microphone of the dishwasher and / or the separate appliance, evaluated and further processed into an adjustment signal so that the adjustment signal can be passed to the control device.

[0024] Depending on the actual adaptation signal received by the control device, the method according to the invention provides that the started cleaning program is automatically continued either in the original program configuration, in a modified program configuration or in an abort strategy in order to terminate the cleaning program, depending on the detected adaptation signal.

[0025] For example, a user can reject an extension of the rinse time automatically suggested by the control unit due to a high degree of turbidity in the rinse water by making a corresponding input. After entering a corresponding command, either manually or acoustically, an associated adjustment signal can be generated, which causes the control unit to continue the cleaning program unchanged without extending the rinse time.

[0026] However, if the user agrees to the proposed extension of the rinsing time by making a corresponding input, an associated adjustment signal can be generated which causes the control device to change the cleaning program and extend the rinsing time.

[0027] In another embodiment, a user can, for example, reject a reduction in the temperature of the wash liquor automatically suggested by the control device due to a low degree of turbidity of the wash liquor by making a corresponding input. After entering a corresponding command, either manually or acoustically, an associated adjustment signal can be generated, which causes the control device to continue the cleaning program unchanged and to maintain the wash liquor at the previously planned temperature, possibly refraining from saving electrical energy through any necessary reheating.

[0028] However, if the user agrees to the proposed reduction in the temperature of the rinsing solution by making a corresponding input, an associated adjustment signal can be generated which causes the control device to change the cleaning program and reduce the temperature of the rinsing solution by not carrying out any reheating or only carrying out a lower reheating and consequently making it possible to save electrical energy compared to the original cleaning program sequence.

[0029] If, after the control device has automatically output the output signal, no adjustment signal can be detected by the control device within a predetermined waiting time, the control device can either be configured such that the control device automatically initiates the suggested adjustment after the waiting time has elapsed and changes the cleaning program accordingly, or the control device can be configured such that the control device does not make the suggested adjustment after the waiting time has elapsed and continues to execute the cleaning program as originally specified without changing it. Whether the control device automatically makes or rejects the suggested adjustment to the cleaning program in such a case, in which feedback from the user is not provided in a timely manner, can be specified in a configuration data record within the control device.Such a setting may be configurable by a user if necessary.

[0030] In a supplementary further development of the method, it can be provided that, after the end of a cleaning program, the control device outputs in summary form any adjustments made during the course of the cleaning program and / or the savings in electrical energy, water, cleaning agent and / or rinse aid achieved as a result of the adjustments made, for example visually on a display or acoustically by means of an automatic announcement on the dishwasher or on the separate appliance.

[0031] The output signal may indicate the type of parameter, the magnitude of the parameter value, at least one adjustment method for the cleaning program and / or the process-related consequences of the automatically suggested adjustment method.

[0032] As already described, the output signal can be communicated to a dishwasher user visually on a display in text form or acoustically via a loudspeaker as a voice output. However, the output signal can also be communicated in other ways. For example, graphic representations such as symbols characterizing the respective parameter, the parameter value, the adjustment method and / or the process-related sequence can be shown on a display and can be interpreted accordingly by a user. For example, the display of a thermometer symbol in conjunction with a display of a downward-pointing arrow can indicate that the control device recommends reducing the temperature of the wash liquor.The representation of a symbol of a banknote or coins, for example, can show the process-technical consequence of saving electrical energy and thus the saving of costs.

[0033] To carry out the method, the output signal can be an acoustic output signal which is output via a loudspeaker of the dishwasher and / or via a loudspeaker of an external device connected to the dishwasher via a communication interface of the dishwasher, or the output signal can be an optical output signal which is output via a display of the dishwasher and / or via a display of an external device connected to the dishwasher via a communication interface of the dishwasher.

[0034] The external device can be, for example, a tablet computer or a smartphone that is set up to remotely control the dishwasher.

[0035] The adjustment signal can be generated by a manual input on an input means on the dishwasher and / or by a manual input on another input means on an external device connected to the dishwasher via a communication interface and transmitted to the control device for immediate adjustment of the current cleaning program.

[0036] If a user wishes to apply the cleaning program adjustment automatically suggested by the control device, they can make the corresponding input directly on the dishwasher or on the separate, external device. Based on the input, a corresponding adjustment signal is then generated, either in the dishwasher or on the external device, and the adjustment signal is transmitted to the dishwasher's control device, allowing the control device to automatically and immediately make a change to the cleaning program corresponding to the suggested adjustment.

[0037] The adjustment signal can be generated by a manual input on an input means on the dishwasher and / or by a manual input on a further input means on an external device connected to the dishwasher via a communication interface and stored in a memory of the control device for reading at a later time when restarting a subsequent cleaning program.

[0038] If a user wishes to apply the adjustment method automatically suggested by the control device not only to the current cleaning program but also to set it as the default for subsequent cleaning cycles, they can make a corresponding input directly on the dishwasher or on the separate, external device, also specifying that the accepted adjustment method should also be applied to subsequent cleaning cycles. In this respect, the user can make a permanent change to saved cleaning programs, i.e., reprogram the cleaning programs in a certain permitted manner.

[0039] In the method according to the invention, at least one of the following state variables can be used as the state variable to be recorded: - the turbidity of the rinsing liquor, - the cleaning condition of dishes and / or cutlery in the dishwasher, - the temperature of the rinsing water, - the temperature of the tap water entering the dishwasher, - the type of cleaning agent added, - the amount of cleaning agent added, - the type of rinse aid added, - the amount of rinse aid added, and / or - the previous running time of the cleaning program.

[0040] The object is also achieved by a dishwasher, comprising a control device with a memory in which at least one cleaning program is stored, at least one input means connected to the control device and at least one sensor connected to the control device, which is designed to automatically detect the current actual value of at least one state variable in the dishwasher, wherein the control device is designed and configured to carry out a method according to one of the described embodiments.

[0041] The embodiments of the method described so far can accordingly be implemented in the dishwasher, in particular in the control device of the dishwasher. One or more steps in the described method can, where appropriate, also be implemented externally of the dishwasher, for example in an app of an external device communicating with the dishwasher, such as a tablet computer or a smartphone. The dishwasher can also be connected via the Internet to a network service, for example within the framework of cloud computing, in order to have one or more steps of the method carried out on an external platform.

[0042] The dishwasher may have at least one sensor which is designed and configured to detect at least one state variable from the group of the following state variables: - the turbidity of the rinsing liquor, - the cleaning condition of dishes and / or cutlery in the dishwasher, - the temperature of the rinsing water, - the temperature of the tap water entering the dishwasher, - the type of cleaning agent added, - the amount of cleaning agent added, - the type of rinse aid added, - the amount of rinse aid added, and / or - the previous running time of the cleaning program, wherein the sensor is connected to the control device and configured such that an actual value detected by the sensor can be fed to a comparator implemented in the control device, which is set up to compare the actual value received from the sensor with a reference value stored in the memory of the control device and, in the event of a deviation of the actual value from the reference value exceeding a predetermined tolerance range, to automatically output an output signal assigned to the at least one specific parameter and / or specific parameter value on an output means assigned to the dishwasher.

[0043] The dishwasher may comprise a control device having a data memory configured such that an adjustment signal generated by manual input via an input means of the dishwasher or via a further input means associated with the dishwasher on an external device, which adjustment signal is associated with the parameter and / or the parameter value, is stored as a data record in the data memory for automatic reading at a later time when a subsequent cleaning program is restarted.

[0044] The object is also achieved by a computer program product comprising a machine-readable carrier on which program code of a program is stored, which program code can be electronically read by a control device of a dishwasher according to one of the described embodiments and which designs and / or sets up the control device to carry out a method according to one of the described embodiments when the program code is executed by the control device.

[0045] Specific embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying figures. Regardless of the specific context in which they are mentioned, specific features of these exemplary embodiments may represent general features of the invention, even when considered individually or in further combinations.

[0046] They show: Fig. 1 is a flowchart of the steps in the basic method according to the invention, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of an exemplary flow chart of a cleaning program, Fig. 3 a perspective view of an exemplary dishwasher, and Fig. 4 a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a control device of the dishwasher with exemplary connected peripheral components.

[0047] In the Fig. 1 schematically shows the basic method according to the invention for automatically controlling a dishwasher 1 using a flow chart.

[0048] In a first step S1 of the method, a cleaning program stored in a memory 2 of a control device 3 of the dishwasher 1 is automatically started based on a start signal triggered at an input means 4 of the dishwasher 1, which start signal is assigned to the cleaning program.

[0049] In a second step S2 of the method, the current actual value of at least one state variable in the dishwasher 1 is automatically recorded by means of at least one sensor 11 of the dishwasher 1.

[0050] In a third step S3 of the method, the detected actual value of the at least one state variable is automatically compared with a reference value of the relevant state variable stored in the control device 3.

[0051] In a fourth step S4 of the method, a parameter and / or a parameter value assigned to the parameter is automatically determined for the further operation of the dishwasher 1 according to the cleaning program and on the basis of the comparison of the detected actual value of the at least one state variable with the stored reference value of the relevant state variable.

[0052] In a fifth step S5 of the method, at least one output signal associated with the specific parameter and / or the specific parameter value is automatically output to an output means 6 associated with the dishwasher 1.

[0053] In a sixth step S6 of the method, an adjustment signal associated with the output signal, generated by an input on the input means 4 of the dishwasher 1 or on a further input means 4a associated with the dishwasher 1, and associated with the parameter and / or the parameter value, is automatically detected by the control device 3.

[0054] In a seventh step S7 of the method, the started cleaning program is automatically continued either in the original program configuration, in a modified program configuration or in an abort strategy in order to terminate the cleaning program, depending on the detected adaptation signal.

[0055] The output signal may indicate the type of parameter, the magnitude of the parameter value, at least one adjustment method for the cleaning program and / or the process-related consequences of the automatically suggested adjustment method.

[0056] As in Fig. 4, the output signal can be an acoustic output signal which is output via a loudspeaker 7.1 of the dishwasher 1 and / or via a loudspeaker 7.2 of an external device 9 connected to the dishwasher 1 via a communication interface 8 of the dishwasher 1.

[0057] Alternatively, the output signal can be an optical output signal which is output via a display 10.1 of the dishwasher 1 and / or via a display 10.2 of the external device 9 connected to the dishwasher 1 via the communication interface 8 of the dishwasher 1.

[0058] The adjustment signal is generated by a manual input on an input means 4 on the dishwasher 1 and / or by a manual input on a further input means 4a on the external device 9, which is connected to the dishwasher 1 via the communication interface 8, and is transmitted to the control device 3 for immediate adjustment of the current cleaning program.

[0059] Alternatively or additionally, the adaptation signal can be generated by a manual input on the input means 4 on the dishwasher 1 and / or by a manual input on the input means 4a on an external device 9 which is connected to the dishwasher 1 via the communication interface 8 and stored in the memory 2 of the control device 3 for reading out at a later time when restarting a subsequent cleaning program.

[0060] At least one of the following state variables can be used as the state variable to be recorded: - the turbidity of the rinsing liquor, - the cleaning condition of dishes and / or cutlery in the dishwasher, - the temperature of the rinsing water, - the temperature of the tap water entering the dishwasher, - the type of cleaning agent added, - the amount of cleaning agent added, - the type of rinse aid added, - the amount of rinse aid added, and / or - the previous running time of the cleaning program.

[0061] The Fig. Figure 2 shows an exemplary flow chart of a cleaning program. In a first program section P1, the program waits for an input from the user, who selects a cleaning program. This can preferably be a cleaning program other than a fully automatic cleaning program. In a second program section P2, the cleaning program starts after the input. In a third program section P3, at least one state variable is recorded and evaluated.

[0062] In a fourth program section P4, the control device 3 automatically determines whether an improvement to the cleaning program is possible. If no improvement is possible (path N), the program continues with the fifth program section P5, and accordingly, no changes are made to the cleaning program.

[0063] In a sixth program section P6, the control device or the program determines whether further acquisition of state variables is to be performed and returns to the third program section P3 if additional acquisition is to be performed (path Y). If no additional acquisition is to be performed (path N), the previous cleaning program is continued unchanged and completed in a seventh program section P7 without further acquisition of state variables.

[0064] However, if an improvement is possible according to the fourth program section P4 (path Y), the program continues with the eighth program section P8 and automatically determines whether a data set is stored in the data memory 2.1 for automatic reading at a later time when starting a cleaning program. If this is the case, the contents of the data set are automatically used without prompting the user, and the cleaning program is adjusted accordingly by the following tenth program section P10.

[0065] If the data set specifies that no adjustments should be made to the cleaning program, the program jumps back to the fifth program section P5.

[0066] If neither a data record for automatic adjustment is set nor it is specified that no adjustments should be made to the cleaning program, a new program section P9 will ask the user whether a specific, suggested change should be made to the cleaning program.

[0067] The user can then decide whether to reject the proposed change to the cleaning program according to decision P9.1, whether to accept the proposed change according to decision P9.3, or whether to ignore the query, in which case the process automatically proceeds to decision P9.2.

[0068] If the user accepts the proposed change according to decision P9.3, the program continues with the tenth program section P10 and the cleaning program is adjusted accordingly.

[0069] The Fig. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of an exemplary dishwasher 1.

[0070] The dishwasher 1 comprises a washing chamber 13, in which, for example, an upper dish basket 14 and a lower dish basket 15 are arranged. At least one spray arm 16 rotates within the washing chamber 13. A cutlery basket 17 can be placed in the lower dish basket 15, as shown. A screw cap 18 leading to an access opening into a salt reservoir can be arranged below the lower dish basket 15. Furthermore, a sieve 19 is placed below the lower dish basket 15.

[0071] The dishwasher 1 has a control device 3 with a memory 2 ( Fig. 4) in which at least one cleaning program is stored. The dishwasher 1 also comprises at least one input means 4 connected to the control device 3 and at least one sensor 11 connected to the control device 3, which is designed to automatically detect the current actual value of at least one state variable in the dishwasher 1, wherein the control device 3 is designed and configured to carry out the method according to Fig. 1.

[0072] The at least one sensor 11 can be designed and configured to detect at least one state variable from the group of the following state variables: - the turbidity of the rinsing liquor, - the cleaning condition of dishes and / or cutlery in the dishwasher, - the temperature of the rinsing water, - the temperature of the tap water entering the dishwasher, - the type of cleaning agent added, - the amount of cleaning agent added, - the type of rinse aid added, - the amount of rinse aid added, and / or - the previous running time of the cleaning program, wherein the sensor 11 is connected to the control device 3 and configured such that an actual value detected by the sensor 11 is sent to a comparator 12 implemented in the control device 3 ( Fig. 4) which is configured to compare the actual value received from the sensor 11 with a reference value stored in the memory 2 of the control device 3 and, in the event of a deviation of the actual value from the reference value exceeding a predetermined tolerance range, to automatically output an output signal associated with the at least one specific parameter and / or specific parameter value to an output means 6 associated with the dishwasher 1.

[0073] The control device 3 can have a data memory 2.1 which is configured such that an adaptation signal generated by a manual input on the external device 9 via the input means 4 of the dishwasher 1 or via a further input means 4a assigned to the dishwasher 1, which is assigned to the parameter and / or the parameter value, is stored as a data record in the data memory 2.1 for automatic reading at a later time when a subsequent cleaning program is restarted. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2020 160 745 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Method for automatically controlling a dishwasher (1), comprising the steps: - automatic starting of a cleaning program stored in a memory (2) of a control device (3) of the dishwasher (1) on the basis of a start signal triggered at an input means (4) of the dishwasher (1) which is associated with the cleaning program, - automatic detection of the current actual value of at least one state variable in the dishwasher (1) by means of at least one sensor (11) of the dishwasher (1), - automatically comparing the detected actual value of the at least one state variable with a reference value of the relevant state variable stored in the control device (3), - for the further operation of the dishwasher (1) according to the cleaning program and based on the comparison of the detected actual value of the at least one state variable with the stored reference value of the relevant state variable, automatic determination of a parameter and / or a parameter value assigned to the parameter, - automatically outputting at least one output signal associated with the specific parameter and / or the specific parameter value to an output means (6) associated with the dishwasher (1), - automatic detection by the control device (3) of an adjustment signal associated with the output signal, generated by an input on the input means (4) of the dishwasher (1) or on a further input means (4a) associated with the dishwasher (1), which adjustment signal is associated with the parameter and / or the parameter value, - automatic continuation of the started cleaning program either in the original program configuration, in a modified program configuration or in an abort strategy to terminate the cleaning program, depending on the detected adaptation signal. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that the output signal indicates the type of parameter, the amount of the parameter value, at least one method of adaptation for the cleaning program and / or the process-related consequences of the automatically suggested method of adaptation. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the output signal is an acoustic output signal which is output via a loudspeaker (7.1) of the dishwasher (1) and / or via a loudspeaker (7.2) of an external device (9) connected to the dishwasher (1) via a communication interface (8) of the dishwasher (1), or the output signal is an optical output signal which is output via a display (10.1) of the dishwasher (1) and / or via a display (10.2) of an external device (9) connected to the dishwasher (1) via a communication interface (8) of the dishwasher (1). [4] Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized bythat the adaptation signal is generated by a manual input on an input means (4) on the dishwasher (1) and / or by a manual input on a further input means (4a) on an external device (9) which is connected to the dishwasher (1) via a communication interface (8) and is transmitted to the control device (3) for immediate adaptation of the current cleaning program. [5] Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized bythat the adaptation signal is generated by a manual input on an input means (4) on the dishwasher (1) and / or by a manual input on a further input means (4a) on an external device (9) which is connected to the dishwasher (1) via a communication interface (8) and is stored in a memory (2) of the control device (3) for reading out at a later time when a subsequent cleaning program is started again. [6] Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that at least one of the following state variables is used as the state variable to be recorded: - the turbidity of the rinsing liquor, - the cleaning status of dishes and / or cutlery in the dishwasher (1), - the temperature of the rinsing water, - the temperature of the tap water flowing into the dishwasher (1), - the type of cleaning agent added, - the amount of cleaning agent added, - the type of rinse aid added, - the amount of rinse aid added, and / or - the previous running time of the cleaning program. [7] Dishwasher, comprising a control device with a memory (2) in which at least one cleaning program is stored, at least one input means (4) connected to the control device (3) and at least one sensor (11) connected to the control device (3) which is designed to automatically detect the current actual value of at least one state variable in the dishwasher (1), characterized by that the control device (3) is designed and configured to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 6. [8] Dishwasher according to claim 7, characterized byat least one sensor (11) which is designed and arranged to detect at least one state variable from the group of the following state variables: - the turbidity of the rinsing liquor, - the cleaning status of dishes and / or cutlery in the dishwasher (1), - the temperature of the rinsing water, - the temperature of the tap water flowing into the dishwasher (1), - the type of cleaning agent added, - the amount of cleaning agent added, - the type of rinse aid added, - the amount of rinse aid added, and / or - the previous running time of the cleaning program, wherein the sensor (11) is connected to the control device (3) and is configured such that an actual value detected by the sensor (11) can be fed to a comparator (12) implemented in the control device (3), which is set up to compare the actual value received from the sensor (11) with a reference value stored in the memory (2) of the control device (3) and, in the event of a deviation of the actual value from the reference value exceeding a predetermined tolerance range, to automatically output an output signal assigned to the at least one specific parameter and / or specific parameter value on an output means (4, 4a) assigned to the dishwasher (1). [9] Dishwasher according to claim 7 or 8, characterized byin that the control device (3) has a data memory (2.1) which is configured in such a way that an adaptation signal which is generated by a manual input via an input means (4) of the dishwasher (1) or via a further input means (4a) assigned to the dishwasher (1) on an external device (9), which is assigned to the parameter and / or the parameter value, is stored as a data record in the data memory (2.1) for automatic reading at a later time when a subsequent cleaning program is started again. [10] Computer program product comprising a machine-readable carrier on which program code of a program is stored, which program code can be electronically read by a control device (3) of a dishwasher (1) according to one of claims 7 to 9 and which designs and / or sets up the control device (3) to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 6 when the program code is executed by the control device (3).

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