DISHWASHER, METHOD FOR OPERATING A DISHWASHER AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT

Description

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

[0002] Many conventional household appliances have components or assemblies that require regular cleaning to ensure the appliance can perform its intended function without disruption. For example, the filter inserts of an extractor hood should be checked regularly and cleaned when they become dirty.

[0003] The components in question are made of different materials, which is why proper care, especially proper washing, is essential to avoid damaging or even destroying the component. Users find it particularly advantageous and desirable to not have to clean the components by hand, but rather to have them cleaned like normal dishes in an existing dishwasher. However, conventional washing programs are not adapted to the specific needs of such different components, which is why the components can often be damaged in the process.

[0004] DE 10 2016 203 095 A1 discloses a dishwasher with a washing container for holding washware, a control device for executing a number of washing programs for washing the washware, and a radio module that can be coupled to the control device for exchanging first radio signals with an external device. The radio module is further configured to exchange second radio signals with a detergent dosing system for dosing active substances into the washing container. A washing program specific to the detergent dosing system can be loaded from a server onto the dishwasher and / or the detergent dosing system via the radio module.

[0005] WO 2012 / 031904 A1 discloses a method for operating a domestic appliance by controlling the domestic appliance with a current control program and selecting one of a plurality of control programs on a selection device different from the domestic appliance, as well as sending a corresponding selection identifier from the selection device to a storage device different from the domestic appliance and the selection device, on which storage device the plurality of control programs are stored, transmitting the control program corresponding to the selection identifier from the storage device to the domestic appliance or the selection device and storing the transmitted control program in the domestic appliance or the selection device as the current control program.

[0006] WO 2013 / 107604 A1 discloses a method for data communication between a household appliance, on the one hand, and a user terminal of a user of the household appliance, on the other. During the data communication, control data containing control commands are transmitted from the user terminal to the household appliance, and / or status data containing information about the current state of the household appliance is transmitted from the household appliance to the user terminal. The data communication is carried out, at least in part, via the internet. It is provided that the data communication between the household appliance and the user terminal takes place via an internet server.

[0007] DE 10 2014 208 861 A1 discloses a dishwasher which has a receiving unit for receiving at least one signal from a device coupled to the household appliance, a number of actuators for carrying out a plurality of programs, a selection unit for selecting a program from the plurality of programs depending on the received at least one signal and a control unit which is configured to control the actuators to execute the selected program.

[0008] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved dishwasher.

[0009] The invention is a dishwasher according to claim 1 and a method for operating a dishwasher according to claim 9.

[0010] According to the invention, a dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, is proposed, comprising a memory unit for storing a number of washing programs, a control device for executing a washing program of the number, and a communication unit. The communication unit is configured to retrieve a specific washing program from an external device depending on status information relating to a household appliance external to the dishwasher and to store the retrieved specific washing program in the memory unit. The control device is configured to execute the stored specific washing program.The specific rinsing program comprises a specific sequence of sub-program steps, a specific rinsing water temperature, a control of a specific hydraulic circuit and / or a predetermined intended arrangement of a component of the external household appliance to be cleaned.

[0011] This dishwasher has the advantage that a specific washing program can be provided for each component of a household appliance that is to be cleaned, for example, one that is present in the household of a dishwasher user. This makes it possible to achieve optimal washing results while taking into account the specific requirements of the components. In particular, this can prevent the risk of such a component being damaged or destroyed by an unsuitable washing program. A component of an external household appliance is understood to mean, in particular, any component that can be used with such an external household appliance. For example, this could be a baking tray or a grill rack for an oven, a glass turntable for a microwave, a filter insert for an extractor hood, a water tank and / or a coffee grounds container for a coffee machine, or even a sieve insert for a deep fryer.

[0012] By having the communication unit retrieve the specific rinsing program from an external device, such as a server accessible via the Internet, it is also possible to ensure that the specific rinsing program is always up to date.

[0013] The storage unit can, for example, comprise volatile and / or non-volatile memory. A volatile memory, for example, is a RAM (random access memory), which stores stored information only as long as a power supply is applied. A non-volatile memory, for example, is an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), in which data can be stored permanently.

[0014] The memory unit is configured to store a number of washing programs, with specific washing programs being stored in the memory unit, for example. A washing program comprises, for example, different sub-program steps, such as a pre-wash, a cleaning, and a final rinse. Preferably, in particular, a number of standard washing programs, such as an eco program, an automatic program, a high-temperature program, and the like, are permanently stored in the memory unit. Additional washing programs, in particular the specific washing program, can be temporarily stored in a volatile memory, for example, after they have been retrieved, for example, from the external device.

[0015] It can be provided that the specific washing program or programs are also stored, at least until they are overwritten or deleted again. In particular, a certain number of specific washing programs, for example the last five specific washing programs that were called up and used, can be stored in a non-volatile memory. This has the advantage that if one or more specific washing programs are used frequently, they do not have to be called up again each time. In this case, by comparing an identification number, such as a version number, the currentness of the respective specific washing program can still be easily checked.

[0016] The storage unit can also be used to store additional information, such as instructions for using the dishwasher.

[0017] The control device can be implemented in hardware and / or software. In a hardware implementation, the control device can be embodied, for example, as a computer or a microprocessor. In a software implementation, the control device can be embodied as a computer program product, as a function, as a routine, as part of a program code, or as an executable object.

[0018] Furthermore, in a hardware implementation of the control device, the memory unit can be part of the control device.

[0019] The control device is configured to execute one wash program from the number of wash programs. Each of the sub-program steps has, for example, a different sequence of control commands, such as heating, circulating, and draining, which the control device executes. The control device is preferably configured to control various other assemblies and / or components of the dishwasher according to the wash program to be executed. Other assemblies and / or components of the dishwasher include, for example, a circulation pump, a heating coil, a valve, or the like.

[0020] The communication unit can also be part of the control device. The communication unit is configured to establish a communication connection with other communication units. This refers to communication units that are arranged in other external household appliances. The communication unit is designed, for example, as a modem or a network adapter and is configured for analog and / or digital data transmission. The communication unit is particularly configured for bidirectional communication, so that it can both send and receive data. Furthermore, the communication unit can have a wired and / or wireless interface for communication. Furthermore, the communication unit can be configured for encrypted communication, so that the transmitted data cannot be spied on and / or modified.

[0021] The communication unit receives the status information of the external household appliance, for example, directly from the external household appliance or via a network, such as a local network, the Internet, or even a company network. The status information includes, in particular, information about the type of household appliance, the manufacturer of the household appliance, the components of the household appliance that need to be cleaned and their condition, and the maintenance status of the household appliance. The maintenance status includes, for example, information about when and / or which component of the household appliance should be cleaned.

[0022] Depending on the status information, the communication unit retrieves the specific rinsing program from the external device. The specific rinsing program is, in particular, a rinsing program whose sub-program steps and / or parameters, such as a rinsing temperature, a cleaning agent to be used, a cleaning agent quantity, and the like, are adapted to the household appliance, the component to be cleaned, and / or its properties. For example, the rinsing temperature is limited accordingly for temperature-sensitive components so that the component is not damaged. On the other hand, especially for components containing aluminum, the use of a cleaning agent with an alkaline reaction (pH value above 7) can be avoided in order to avoid damage to these components.

[0023] Retrieval means that the communication unit establishes a communication connection to the external device and requests the corresponding specific washing program based on the status information. To do this, the communication unit transmits, for example, the status information, a portion of the status information, or a parameter created or generated based on the status information. Alternatively, the communication unit can be configured to select and read the specific washing program from a list of specific washing programs.

[0024] The retrieved specific rinsing program is stored in the storage unit, wherein the control device is configured to read out the stored specific rinsing program and execute it.

[0025] The proposed dishwasher therefore has the advantage over conventional dishwashers that a specific washing program can be provided for each component of an external household appliance that can be washed with the dishwasher, ensuring that the respective component is optimally cleaned and is not damaged or destroyed.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the dishwasher, the communication unit is configured to receive the status information via a direct communication connection with the external household appliance.

[0027] In this case, a direct communication connection is understood to mean, in particular, a connection that lies within a local network and does not leave it.

[0028] A local area network, for example, is a private network among devices that access the same access point using the same subnet mask. A direct connection can also be a direct point-to-point connection, such as Bluetooth®.

[0029] According to a further embodiment of the dishwasher, the communication unit is configured to receive the status information from the external device.

[0030] In this embodiment, the external device fulfills a dual function: First, it transmits the status information, and second, the specific washing program. It is advantageous that the dishwasher's communication unit only needs to establish one communication connection to the external device. Since this communication connection is already provided for retrieving the specific washing program, configuration effort can be reduced. In particular, a connection setting for establishing the communication connection to the external device can already be configured at the factory, making it easier for the dishwasher user to start up the dishwasher.

[0031] According to a further embodiment of the dishwasher, an input means is provided which is configured to detect a user input for providing the status information.

[0032] For example, the dishwasher user can enter the status information themselves using the input device. This can be done, for example, by selecting predefined input options, by free input, and / or by transferring a file or the like. Free input, for example, means that the user enters a name for the external household appliance using a keyboard, for example, a generic name such as oven, extractor hood, or microwave, or an exact type designation, which includes, for example, the product name assigned by the manufacturer.

[0033] The input device comprises, for example, a keyboard, a touchscreen, and / or a camera. Furthermore, the input device can also be integrated via the communication unit. For example, the communication unit establishes a communication connection with the user's mobile device, which the user uses to enter the status information. Advantageously, a corresponding program or application is executed on the mobile device to facilitate the user's entry of the status information.

[0034] This embodiment has the particular advantage that external household appliances that do not themselves have a communication unit for the direct or indirect transmission of status information can be detected by the user themselves, and corresponding status information can be provided. This allows older household appliances, in particular, to be taken into account and corresponding specific dishwashing programs to be provided.

[0035] According to a further embodiment of the dishwasher, the status information comprises information regarding the presence of the external household appliance.

[0036] The status information simply indicates, for example, whether a fully automatic coffee machine or an extractor hood is present in the user's household. Based on this information, specific dishwashing programs can be provided that are generically tailored to the components of the external household appliances.

[0037] According to a further embodiment of the dishwasher, the status information comprises information concerning a type of the external household appliance.

[0038] A type of external household appliance is understood to mean, in particular, the type of household appliance, the manufacturer of the household appliance and / or a variant or product number suitable for the unambiguous identification of the household appliance.

[0039] According to the invention, the status information comprises information concerning a maintenance status of the external household appliance.

[0040] The information regarding the maintenance status, also referred to as maintenance information, includes, for example, an estimated time until maintenance is due, so that at the corresponding time, for example, a concrete suggestion for using the appropriate specific rinsing program can be made. The suggestion can be provided, for example, via a display device or via the user's smartphone. The maintenance information can also include information about the current maintenance status of the external household appliance, for example, whether a coffee grounds container is inserted or not. From this, it can be concluded, for example, that the user now wants to have the coffee grounds container cleaned or rinsed.

[0041] According to a further embodiment of the dishwasher, the communication unit is configured to retrieve further information from the external device depending on the status information, wherein an output means is provided which is configured to output the status information, a parameter dependent on the status information and / or the further information.

[0042] The output means is, in particular, a display device, such as a screen. The display can be located on the dishwasher itself or remotely, for example, on a wall near the dishwasher. In particular, a user's mobile device, such as a smartphone, can also serve as the output means.

[0043] Additional information that can optionally be retrieved from the external device includes, for example, information on useful accessories, special cleaning agents, instructions for setting the specific washing program, and / or for maintaining the external household appliance. The parameter dependent on the status information is, for example, the duration of the specific washing program.

[0044] According to a further embodiment of the dishwasher, the specific washing program comprises a specific sequence of sub-program steps, a specific washing solution temperature, a control of a specific hydraulic circuit, a dosage of a specific cleaning agent and / or a predetermined intended arrangement of a component of the external household appliance to be cleaned.

[0045] The use of a specific hydraulic circuit, which can also be referred to as an intensive rinse zone, is particularly advantageous. In combination with this, the user is advantageously guided to position the component of the external household appliance currently to be cleaned in a dishwasher's dishware holder according to the predetermined arrangement, for example, by providing appropriate instructions via the dispensing device. This allows the dishwasher to operate particularly efficiently when cleaning such a component, since a relatively small volume of rinse water is sufficient. This reduces both energy consumption and the time required to complete the specific wash program.

[0046] Furthermore, using a specific cleaning agent can be particularly beneficial. As already explained above, the wash water can chemically attack certain components due to their composition. This can be avoided by using this method.

[0047] According to a further embodiment of the dishwasher, the communication unit is configured to establish a communication connection to the household appliance and / or to the external device via a wired network and / or via a wireless network.

[0048] According to the invention, a method for operating a dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, comprising a control device for executing a washing program from a number of washing programs and a communication unit is proposed. In a first step, status information relating to a household appliance external to the dishwasher is received by means of the communication unit, wherein the status information comprises information relating to a type of the external household appliance. In a second step, a specific washing program is retrieved from an external device depending on the received status information. The specific washing program comprises a specific sequence of sub-program steps, a specific wash solution temperature, control of a specific hydraulic circuit and / or a predetermined intended arrangement of a component of the external household appliance to be cleaned.In a third step, the retrieved specific washing program is added to the number of washing programs. In a fourth step, the specific washing program is executed by the control device.

[0049] The embodiments and features described for the proposed dishwasher apply accordingly to the proposed method.

[0050] Furthermore, a computer program product is proposed which causes the method as explained above to be carried out on a program-controlled device.

[0051] A computer program product, such as a computer program means, can be provided or delivered, for example, as a storage medium, such as a memory card, USB stick, CD-ROM, DVD, or in the form of a downloadable file from a server in a network. This can be done, for example, in a wireless communications network by transmitting a corresponding file with the computer program product or the computer program means.

[0052] Further advantageous embodiments and aspects of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and the exemplary embodiments of the invention described below. The invention is explained in more detail below using preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a dishwasher; Fig. 2 shows schematically another embodiment of a dishwasher and various external devices; Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of another embodiment of a dishwasher; and Fig. 4 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a method for operating a dishwasher.

[0053] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements have been given the same reference numerals unless otherwise stated.

[0054] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a dishwasher 1. The dishwasher 1 is designed here as a household dishwasher 1. The household dishwasher 1 comprises a washing container 2, which can be closed by a door 3, in particular in a watertight manner. For this purpose, a sealing device (not shown) can be provided between the door 3 and the washing container 2. The washing container 2 is preferably cuboid-shaped. The washing container 2 can be arranged in a housing of the household dishwasher 1. The washing container 2 and the door 3 can form a washing chamber 4 for washing dishes.

[0055] Door 3 is in the Fig. 1 shown in its open position. The door 3 can be closed or opened by pivoting about a pivot axis 5 provided at a lower end of the door 3. With the help of the door 3, a loading opening 6 of the washing container 2 can be closed or opened. The washing container 2 has a base 7, a ceiling 8 arranged opposite the base 7, a rear wall 9 arranged opposite the closed door 3 and two side walls 10, 11 arranged opposite one another. The base 7, the ceiling 8, the rear wall 9 and the side walls 10, 11 can be made, for example, from a stainless steel sheet. Alternatively, the base 7 can, for example, be made from a plastic material.

[0056] The household dishwasher 1 further comprises at least one dishware receptacle 12, 13, 14. Preferably, several, for example three, dishware receptacles 12, 13, 14 can be provided, wherein the dishware receptacle 12 can be a lower dishware receptacle or a lower basket, the dishware receptacle 13 can be an upper dishware receptacle or an upper basket, and the dishware receptacle 14 can be a cutlery drawer. Fig. 1 As further shown, the dishware receptacles 12, 13, 14 are arranged one above the other in the washing container 2. Each dishware receptacle 12 to 14 can be selectively moved into or out of the washing container 2. In particular, each dishware receptacle 12, 13, 14 can be pushed into the washing container 2 in an insertion direction E and pulled out of the washing container 2 in an extension direction A, opposite to the insertion direction E.

[0057] The household dishwasher 1 has a control device 100 arranged on the door 3. Furthermore, a communication unit 102 and a storage unit 104 are arranged on the door 3. These two units 102, 104 are shown here separately from the control device 100, but can also be integrated therein. The storage unit 104 is configured to store data, wherein, in particular, a number of washing programs are stored in the storage unit 104. To execute a washing program, the control device 100 accesses, for example, the storage unit 104, reads the currently running washing program, and executes it accordingly. The storage unit 104 has at least one memory section (not shown) that is rewritable, meaning that data written there can be deleted and / or overwritten and replaced with new data.The communication unit 102 is configured for bidirectional communication with further communication units, which are arranged in particular in external devices (see . Fig. 2 ).

[0058] The communication unit 102 is in particular configured to, depending on status information S (see Fig. 2 ) of an external household appliance 200, a specific washing program SP from an external device 210 and to store this in the memory unit 104. Thus, the household dishwasher 1 is configured to, for each external household appliance 201, 202, 203 or each component 205 (see Fig. 3 ) of an external household appliance 201, 202, 203, which can be washed for maintenance or cleaning using the household dishwasher 1, to provide a specific washing program SP. This ensures that the component 205 is not damaged or destroyed.

[0059] The detailed operation of the household dishwasher 1 will now be explained using the Fig. 2 explained. In the Fig. 2 In addition to the household dishwasher 1, which in particular has all the features of the embodiment of the Fig. 1 and an input means 106 and an output means 108, three external household appliances 201, 202, 203 and an external device 210 are shown.

[0060] The household dishwasher 1 provides, in particular by means of the communication unit 102 (see Fig. 1 ) establishes a direct communication connection K to one of the external household appliances 201, for example a fully automatic coffee machine. This is particularly possible if the fully automatic coffee machine 201 also has a communication unit. Via this communication connection K, the household dishwasher 1 receives status information S from the fully automatic coffee machine 201. The status information S in this example comprises a unique designation of the type of the fully automatic coffee machine 201, so that the manufacturer and in particular the components 205 (see Fig. 3 ), which are intended for removal for regular maintenance and cleaning, can be determined based on the status information S. Furthermore, the status information S includes, for example, the information that the fully automatic coffee machine 201 is currently in a maintenance mode, whereby the coffee grounds container has currently been removed for cleaning.

[0061] The household dishwasher 1 also establishes a communication connection K to an external device 210, which is configured, in particular, as a server for providing specific washing programs SP. Via this communication connection K, the household dishwasher 1 can retrieve a specific washing program SP that is particularly suitable for cleaning a component 205, in this case, for example, the coffee grounds container of the fully automatic coffee machine 201, in particular depending on the status information S that it has received directly from the fully automatic coffee machine 201. Furthermore, the household dishwasher 1 can retrieve further, detailed information about the fully automatic coffee machine 201 via this communication connection K and provide it to the user, for example, via the output means 108.

[0062] Another household appliance 202 is designed, for example, as an oven, which does not have a communication unit. Therefore, direct communication, in particular a transmission of status information S relating to the oven 202, is not possible. In this case, the user of the household dishwasher 1 can provide the status information S themselves, for example, via the input means 106. The input means 106 is designed here, for example, as a keypad. The user of the household dishwasher 1 can enter the status information S, for example, by appropriately operating the keypad 106 in conjunction with information reproduced by the output means 108, which is designed, for example, as an LCD screen. For example, a selection list is displayed on the LCD screen 108, through which the user scrolls using the input means 106 and selects or enters the desired entry from the list.Thereupon, for example, various specific rinsing programs SP, which can be retrieved from the server 210 and are specifically suitable for the oven 202 or for various components 205 of the oven 202, can be suggested.

[0063] A third household appliance 203, for example, an extractor hood, establishes a direct communication connection K with the server 210. The extractor hood 203 transmits status information S to the server 210 via this communication connection K. The household dishwasher 1 receives the status information S, for example, from the server 210 and / or retrieves it there. Again, depending on the status information S, a specific washing program SP for components 205 of the extractor hood 203 can be retrieved from the server 210.

[0064] Furthermore, further information about the external household appliances 201, 202, 203 and the household dishwasher 1 can be retrieved via the communication connection K between the household dishwasher 1 and the server 210. For example, it can be provided that specific spare parts, accessories, and / or cleaning agents can be ordered directly via the communication connection K.

[0065] Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of a dishwasher 1. The dishwasher 1 is again designed as a household dishwasher 1 and optionally has all the features of the Fig. 1 and / or Fig. 2 household dishwashers 1 shown.

[0066] In particular, the Fig. 3 The illustrated household dishwasher 1 has a specific hydraulic system 110. The specific hydraulic system 110 can be permanently pre-installed or alternatively can be purchased as a special accessory. In this example, the specific hydraulic system 110 is designed in particular to clean a component 205, shown here as an example as a coffee grounds container, of an external household appliance 201, 202, 203. The specific hydraulic system 110 is shaped such that the coffee grounds container 205 is optimally supported and that it can be rinsed, particularly from the inside, particularly thoroughly but at the same time gently. The specific hydraulic system 110 has the particular advantage that energy and water consumption for the specific rinsing program SP for cleaning the coffee grounds container 205 can be significantly reduced compared to a conventional rinsing program.Furthermore, for example, the temperature of the rinsing solution can be kept low so that the coffee grounds container 205 is not damaged by rinsing in the household dishwasher 1.

[0067] Fig. 4 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a method for operating a dishwasher 1, for example a household dishwasher according to one of the Fig. 1 - 3 . The household dishwasher 1 is used, for example, by a user in a household with various external household appliances 201, 202, 203 (see Fig. 2 ), such as a fully automatic coffee machine 201, an oven 202, and an extractor hood 203. For example, the filter inserts of the extractor hood 203 are dirty, which the extractor hood 203 can detect using sensors. The extractor hood 203 has, for example, a communication unit and is in direct communication connection K with the communication unit 102 of the household dishwasher 1.

[0068] In a first step S1 of the method, the communication unit 102 receives status information S from the extractor hood 203. The status information S comprises, for example, information about the type, manufacturer and model of the extractor hood 203, and information about the maintenance status, in this case in particular that the filter inserts are dirty and should be cleaned.

[0069] In a second step S2, the communication unit 102 calls, depending on the received status information S from an external device 210 (see Fig. 2 ) executes a specific rinsing program SP. The specific rinsing program SP can be provided in particular by the manufacturer of the household dishwasher 1, taking into account the properties of the extractor hood 203. Alternatively, the rinsing program can also be provided by the manufacturer of the extractor hood 203.

[0070] In a third step S3, the retrieved specific rinsing program SP is stored in the storage unit 104.

[0071] In a fourth step S4, the stored specific dishwashing program SP is executed by means of the control device 100. The specific dishwashing program SP is executed, in particular, only after a corresponding activation by the user, for example, when the user has filled a specific cleaning agent, possibly requested for the specific dishwashing program SP, and has placed the filter inserts of the extractor hood 203 in a dishware holder 12, 13, 14.

[0072] The described method is applicable accordingly for other external household appliances 201, 202, 203 and various components 205 thereof.

[0073] Although the present invention has been described using exemplary embodiments, it is versatile and can be modified. In particular, existing devices of the user, such as a smartphone and / or tablet, can be used to interact with the user by means of a suitable application. The application can therefore be viewed as a user interface external to the dishwasher, by means of which the dishwasher can be controlled. It is conceivable that, depending on the status information, the application could provide information about upcoming maintenance measures, provide instructions for performing such maintenance measures, suggest useful accessories, in particular specific cleaning agents, and so on. Furthermore, an augmented reality display is possible using such a mobile device if it has a camera.The camera then captures, for example, an image of the dishwasher, which can be displayed as a video image on the screen. An overlay on the video image also shows how the user optimally positions a specific component to be cleaned in the dishwasher. This provides the user with highly intuitive and easy-to-understand support when using the dishwasher. Reference symbols used:

[0074] 1 Dishwasher 2 Washing container 3 Door 4 Washing chamber 5 Pivot axis 6 Loading opening 7 Floor 8 Ceiling 9 Rear wall 10 Side wall 11 Side wall 12 Dishwasher receptacle 13 Dishwasher receptacle 14 Dishwasher receptacle 100 Control device 102 Communication unit 104 Storage unit 106 Input device 108 Output device 110 Hydraulic circuit 201 External household appliance 202 External household appliance 203 External household appliance 205 Component 210 External device AExtraction direction EInsertion direction SStatus information S1Process step S2Process step S3Process step S4Process step SPspecific rinsing program

Claims

1. Dishwasher (1), in particular household dishwasher, having a storage unit (104) for storing a number of wash programs, a control apparatus (100) for implementing a wash program of the number of wash programs and a communication unit (102), which is designed to retrieve a specific wash program (SP) from an external facility (210) as a function of an item of status information (S) relating to a household appliance (201-203) which is external with respect to the dishwasher (1), to store the retrieved specific wash program (SP) in the storage unit (104), and wherein the control apparatus (100) is designed to implement the stored specific wash program (SP), wherein the specific wash program (SP) comprises a specific sequence of sub program steps, a specific wash liquor temperature, actuation of a specific hydraulics circuit (110), and / or a predetermined provided arrangement of a component (205) of the external household appliance (201-203) to be cleaned, characterised in that the item of status information (S) comprises an item of information relating to a type of the external household appliance (201-203).

2. Dishwasher according to claim 1, characterised in that the communication unit (102) is designed to receive the status information (S) by way of a direct communication link (K) with the external household appliance (201-203).

3. Dishwasher according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the communication unit (102) is designed to receive the status information (S) from the external facility (210).

4. Dishwasher according to one of claims 1 - 3, characterised in that an input means (106) is provided which is designed to detect a user input for providing the status information (S).

5. Dishwasher according to one of claims 1 - 4, characterised in that the status information (S) comprises an item of information relating to a presence of the external household appliance (201-203).

6. Dishwasher according to one of claims 1 - 5, characterised in that the status information (S) comprises an item of information relating to a maintenance state of the external household appliance (201-203).

7. Dishwasher according to one of claims 1 - 6, characterised in that the communication unit (102) is further designed to retrieve a further item of information from the external facility (210) as a function of the status information (S), wherein an output means (108) is provided, which is designed to output the status information (S), a parameter dependent on the status information (S) and / or the further item of information.

8. Dishwasher according to one of claims 1 - 7, characterised in that the communication unit (102) is designed to establish a communication link (K) with the external household appliance (201-203) and / or with the external facility (210) by way of a cabled network and / or by way of a wireless network.

9. Method for operating a dishwasher (1), in particular a household dishwasher, having a storage unit (104) for storing a number of wash programs, a control apparatus (100) for implementing a wash program of the number of wash programs and a communication unit (102), having the steps: Receiving (S1) an item of status information (S) relating to a household appliance (201-203) which is external to the dishwasher (1) by means of the communication unit (102), wherein the status information (S) comprises an item of information relating to a type of external household appliance (201-203); Retrieving (S2) a specific wash program (SP) from an external facility (210) as a function of the received status information (S), wherein the specific wash program (SP) comprises a specific sequence of sub program steps, a specific wash liquor temperature, an actuation of a specific hydraulic circuit (110), and / or a predetermined provided arrangement of a component (205) of the external household appliance (201-203) to be cleaned, Storing (S3) the retrieved specific wash program (SP) in the storage unit (104), and Implementing (S4) the specific wash program (SP) by means of the control apparatus (100).

10. Computer program product which initiates the implementation of the method according to claim 9 on a program-controlled facility.