Method for metering a dishwashing agent into a dishwasher, metering device for a dishwasher, and dishwashing agent comprising a plurality of components

Abstract

Method for metering a dishwashing agent into a dishwasher (1) comprising a metering device (100) that has at least three metering units (110, 120, 130).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for dosing a dishwashing detergent into a dishwasher.

[0002] To achieve optimal dishwashing results with a dishwasher, several conditions must be met. These include, in particular, the water hardness of the incoming water, as well as the amount and composition of the detergent used. The water temperature and the wash cycle duration also influence the washing result.

[0003] Conventional dishwashers use an ion exchanger in the water inlet for water softening. This ion exchanger needs to be regenerated regularly to maintain its softening effect. This is done by rinsing the ion exchanger with a regeneration salt solution. Regeneration salt is used to produce this solution and is consumed in the process. Therefore, it must be replenished regularly, which requires effort from the user. If the regeneration salt is not replenished, the washing results may be unsatisfactory, and the dishwasher may become scaled up or even break down.

[0004] Therefore, dishwashing detergents have been developed that contain a water softener to control water hardness. Using such a detergent is intended to replace an ion exchanger or at least eliminate the need for regularly refilling the regeneration salt. This increases user convenience.

[0005] Dishwashers are typically operated using wash programs, each consisting of a sequence of different wash cycles. A rinse cycle often takes place at the end of a wash program. This involves adding a separate rinse aid, which the user must refill regularly. To make this easier for the user, detergents containing rinse aid have been developed. These are often referred to as "all-in-one" detergents. These detergents are typically dispensed in the form of detergent tablets. These tablets are pre-measured and are designed to contain precisely the right amount of each ingredient. However, since practical conditions vary considerably depending on the level of soiling, water hardness, and the selected wash program, and a detergent tablet must cover all possible scenarios, correspondingly high amounts of each ingredient are used.This often leads to overdosing and thus waste of the product. Furthermore, excessive use of detergent can unnecessarily pollute the environment. Additionally, these detergent tablets are designed to dissolve slowly during a wash cycle to ensure a sufficient amount of each ingredient is dispensed at all times. This can result in rinse aid being released from the beginning, even though it is only needed at the end of the cycle.

[0006] DE 10 2005 062 479 A1 and DE 10 2010 003770 A1 describe conventional devices for dosing cleaning agents in a dishwasher.

[0007] Against this background, one object of the present invention is to achieve a simplified and optimized supply of different components of a dishwashing detergent.

[0008] According to the invention, a method for dosing a dishwashing detergent into a dishwasher with the features of claim 1 is proposed.

[0009] The phosphate content contained in the amount of detergent component, softener component and rinse aid component added during a rinsing program is at most 0.3 g.

[0010] This method advantageously allows the components of a dishwashing detergent to be dosed individually into the wash water, separated according to their function. At least three components are provided: a detergent component, a water softener component, and a rinse aid component. The detergent component functions as a cleaning agent. The water softener component functions as a water softener. The rinse aid component functions as a rinse aid. It is also possible to dose additional functional components with further dosing units at at least one corresponding component dosing time. This method makes it particularly possible to dose the components independently of each other and at optimal times. This enables optimal dishwashing results to be achieved.

[0011] According to the invention, exactly three components are provided: a cleaning component, a water softener component, and a rinse aid component. Surprisingly, it has been found that the resulting variations in dosing are sufficient to achieve optimal cleaning results without waste or overdosing of the components under virtually all user-imposed operating parameter variations. Because only three components are used, only three dosing units are required, which minimizes the technical complexity of the dosing device.

[0012] In this context, dosing refers to the process of adding a quantity of the relevant component from the corresponding dosing unit to the rinsing solution. Dosing can also be referred to as dosing or dispensing.

[0013] Advantageously, all components are water-soluble and dissolve in the cleaning solution, so that after a short time and with thorough mixing, a uniform concentration of the component can be achieved in the cleaning solution. The dosing units are each designed for dosing the component. Dosing, in particular, involves measuring a quantity of the respective component. A liquid component can be dosed, for example, using a pump, a valve, or a syringe. A solid component can be dosed, for example, using a screw conveyor.

[0014] The rinse solution can also be referred to as the rinsing liquid. Components of the rinse solution include, for example, water, a quantity of detergent, a quantity of water softener, a quantity of rinse aid, and the dirt particles dissolved from the items being washed.

[0015] The various components can be added directly into the wash chamber by the different dosing units. Alternatively, they can be added to a water supply line or other water-carrying areas of the dishwasher that come into contact with the wash water, such as the supply line to the spray arms. The different dosing units can be located in different areas of the dishwasher and add the components to different areas.

[0016] According to the invention, the detergent component, the water softener component and / or the rinse aid component is added depending on at least one operating parameter of the dishwasher.

[0017] This advantageously allows the dosing to be carried out in an optimized manner, taking into account the existing operating parameters.

[0018] According to the invention, at least one operating parameter of the dishwasher is the amount of phosphate contained in the detergent component, the water softener component, and / or the rinse aid component. According to a further embodiment of the method, the at least one operating parameter of the dishwasher can be a wash program, a user input, a wash duration, a water hardness of the water supplied to the dishwasher, a volume of the water supplied to the dishwasher, a degree of soiling of the wash liquor, a pH value of the wash liquor, a temperature of the wash liquor, a degree of soiling and / or quantity of the items arranged in the wash chamber of the dishwasher, a material of the items arranged in the wash chamber, and / or a combination thereof.

[0019] This makes it advantageous to consider the respective operating conditions in order to achieve optimal washing results. In particular, the operating conditions can vary from one wash program to another or from one wash cycle to another. The operating conditions can also change during a wash cycle. Specifically, any parameter that influences the washing result is considered an operating parameter of the dishwasher.

[0020] A dishwashing program is, for example, a sequence of wash cycles, such as a pre-rinse, a main wash, a final rinse, and / or a drying cycle. A dishwashing program can also consist of only one wash cycle. In addition to the wash cycles mentioned, further wash cycles may be included.

[0021] User input can include, for example, the degree of soiling of the items to be washed. Furthermore, the user can specify the type of items to be washed, their material, the quantity of items, a minimum or maximum temperature to be reached by the wash water during a wash cycle, water hardness, water volume, and / or the noise level of the dishwasher during operation. Additional parameters beyond this example are possible.

[0022] The wash duration can be, for example, the duration of a wash program or the duration of a wash cycle. A duration can be the total duration, the remaining duration, and / or the duration that has already elapsed.

[0023] The water hardness of the water supplied to the dishwasher is determined, for example, by its content of alkaline earth ions, particularly calcium and magnesium ions. Water hardness can vary regionally and can also fluctuate over time. Knowing the water hardness and the volume of water supplied allows you to determine the amount of water softener required to achieve a desired water hardness level in the wash water.

[0024] The pH value of the rinse solution is primarily determined by the hydrogen ion concentration within it. By considering the volume of water added and the buffering capacity of a buffer substance contained in the cleaning agent, it is possible to determine how much of the cleaning agent needs to be added to achieve a desired pH value in the rinse solution.

[0025] According to a further embodiment of the method, this additionally includes the step of: detecting at least one operating parameter by means of a detection device, in particular detecting the water hardness of the water supplied to the dishwasher by means of a water hardness sensor, detecting the contamination of the wash liquor by means of a turbidity sensor, detecting the pH value of the wash liquor by means of a pH sensor and / or detecting the temperature of the wash liquor by means of a thermometer.

[0026] This advantageously allows for the measurement of at least one operating parameter. Particularly with measured variables such as water hardness or the pH value of the wash liquor, this ensures that the current value of the operating parameter is known. This allows for the optimization of the washing result, for example, by adding the detergent component, which may contain a buffer substance, to control the pH value. It can also be determined, for instance, based on a turbidity measurement, that the soiling of the items being washed is greater than initially assumed, which may necessitate a further addition of the detergent component for optimal washing results.

[0027] According to the invention, the method further comprises the step of determining an amount of the cleaner component, the softener component and / or the rinse aid component to be added to the washing liquor, depending on at least one operating parameter.

[0028] This allows for the advantageous dosing of the required amount of each component of the dishwashing detergent into the wash water, depending on the operating parameters. This prevents overdosing or underdosing, contributing significantly to optimal washing results. The quantity can be defined, for example, as a weight, volume, and / or amount of substance.

[0029] The amount of phosphate contained in the quantity of detergent component, softener component and rinse aid component added during a washing program is at most 0.3 g.

[0030] Phosphates can have a detrimental effect on the environment, as they can contribute to the eutrophication of water bodies, for example. Knowing the phosphate content of the various components allows for the advantageous assurance that the total amount of phosphate entering the wash liquor during a wash cycle, and thus potentially reaching water bodies via wastewater, is limited to a maximum of 0.3 g. This limit for the total phosphate content can be adjusted as needed, for example to 0.2 g or 0.1 g.

[0031] According to another embodiment of the method, the water hardness of the water supplied to the dishwasher is controlled by adding the softener component independently of the addition of the detergent component.

[0032] This is particularly advantageous compared to combination dishwashing detergents, which contain both a detergent and a water softener. It also allows for the control of water hardness up to very high levels of 50° dH. The unit °dH stands for "degrees of German hardness." 1° dH corresponds to approximately 0.1783 mmol / L of alkaline earth ions.

[0033] According to an unclaimed example, a dosing device for a dishwasher for washing items arranged in a wash chamber is proposed, comprising at least three dosing units. Each of the three dosing units is configured to hold a supply quantity of one component of a multi-component dishwashing detergent, the components being separate from one another. The proposed dosing device is configured to dose the dishwashing detergent into the dishwasher according to the method of the first aspect.

[0034] The dosing units are independent of each other. They can therefore be located in different areas of the dishwasher. Since the components are separate, each dosing unit is preferably designed to hold exactly one component. Advantageously, it is known which component is held and dispensed by a dosing unit. Therefore, the dosing unit can be adjusted for this component. For example, the individual components may differ in their state (liquid or solid). Furthermore, the components may have different densities. If the density is known, each dosing unit can be calibrated accordingly.

[0035] The supply quantity is advantageously large enough to allow for multiple wash cycles before the supply of a component is depleted. Preferably, the supply quantity of each component comprises at least 25 times the quantity used in a wash cycle under average operating parameter values. Average operating parameter values ​​are defined here as the operating parameter(s) used to determine the quantity of each component assuming a moderate value. For example, a water hardness of 7°dH to 14°dH can be considered average. Alternatively, a "worst-case" scenario can be assumed, in which case very high values ​​for the operating parameters are used. Accordingly, the supply quantity must then be larger to be sufficient for 25 wash cycles.Depending on the operating parameters and the supply quantity, the supply of a component may be depleted after only 20 wash cycles. However, it is also possible that the supply of a component may only be depleted after 100 wash cycles. Once the supply of a component is depleted, it is refilled. This can be done by the user or by a service technician.

[0036] For example, a detergent dosing unit, a water softener dosing unit and a rinse aid dosing unit are provided.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the dosing device, each of the at least three dosing units can be controlled individually and independently of the other dosing units.

[0038] Controlling the dosing unit means that it is instructed to dispense a predefined quantity of the respective component. This advantageously allows each dosing unit to be controlled at at least one suitable time and to dispense a suitable quantity of the respective component. A suitable time depends on the component and at least one operating parameter.

[0039] For example, in areas with high water hardness, the water softener dosing unit can be activated at the beginning of a wash cycle to dispense an increased amount of the softener component. Furthermore, the water softener dosing unit can dispense a smaller amount of the softener component whenever a portion of the wash water is pumped out and fresh water is added during the selected wash cycle. This ensures that the hardness of the wash water is controlled throughout the entire wash cycle, contributing to optimal washing results.

[0040] According to another embodiment of the dosing device, the at least three dosing units are designed to add a predetermined quantity of the cleaner component, the softener component and / or the rinse aid component.

[0041] According to an unclaimed example, a dishwashing detergent with several components, comprising at least a detergent component, a water softener component, and a rinse aid component, is proposed. The dishwashing detergent is suitable for use in a method for dosing the detergent into a dishwasher according to the first aspect, as well as in a dosing device according to the second aspect. The several components are separate and can be dosed separately.

[0042] The components are advantageously separated according to their respective functions within the dishwashing detergent. Therefore, the dishwashing detergent should be viewed as a system of various components that, only in their entirety, cover all the functions of a dishwashing detergent.

[0043] According to another embodiment of the dishwashing detergent, the cleaner component and the softener component are each in the form of a pressed solid, and the rinse aid component is in the form of a liquid.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the dishwashing detergent, the cleaning component comprises a buffer substance, a builder substance, a bleaching agent substance, a bleaching agent activator substance, an enzyme substance, a surfactant substance, a glass protectant substance, a thickening agent substance, a binder substance, a solvent substance and / or combinations thereof.

[0045] An example of a buffer substance is anhydrous sodium carbonate. Sodium silicates or acrylic polymers can be used as a framework substance. An example of a bleaching agent is sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate. Tetraacetylethylenediamine can be used as a bleaching activator. Examples of enzyme substances are protease and amylase. Modified polyalkylene glycol ethers can be used as surfactants. An example of a glass-protecting substance is zinc acetate. Sodium sulfate can be used as a thickening agent. An example of a binder is polyethylene glycol. Cellulose derivatives can be used as solvents. Beyond this list, other chemicals can fulfill specific functions.

[0046] According to another embodiment of the dishwashing detergent, the softener component comprises a buffer substance, a builder substance, a complexing agent substance, a thickening agent substance, a binder substance, a solvent substance and / or combinations thereof.

[0047] An example of a buffering agent and a structural agent is anhydrous sodium citrate. Methylglycine diacetic acid trisodium salt can be used as a complexing agent. Sodium sulfate is an example of a thickening agent. Polyethylene glycol can be used as a binder. Cellulose derivatives are an example of a solubilizing agent. Beyond this list, other chemicals can also fulfill specific functions.

[0048] According to another embodiment of the dishwashing detergent, the rinse aid component comprises a non-ionic surfactant substance, a buffer substance, a solubilizing substance, an antimicrobial substance, a fragrance substance and / or combinations thereof.

[0049] Fatty alcohols are an example of a nonionic surfactant. Citric acid can be used as a buffer. Sodium cumenesulfonate is an example of a solubilizer. Methylchloroisothiazolinone can be used as an antimicrobial agent. Limonene (1-methyl-4-(1-methylethenyl)-cyclohexene) is an example of a fragrance. Beyond this list, other chemicals can also fulfill specific functions.

[0050] Other possible implementations of the invention 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 invention.

[0051] 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 will be explained in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying figures. Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a dishwasher; Fig. 2 shows an example of a sequence of process steps for dosing a dishwashing detergent into a dishwasher; Fig. 3 shows another example of a sequence of process steps for dosing a dishwashing detergent into a dishwasher, wherein the process steps include sub-steps; Fig. 4 shows a detailed view of an embodiment of a dosing device with three dosing units; and Fig. 5 shows in three diagrams an example of the temporal sequence of a washing program of a dishwasher with a dosing device.

[0052] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements have been given the same reference symbols, unless otherwise indicated.

[0053] The Fig. 1Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a dishwasher 1. The dishwasher 1 has a receiving area 2, which can be closed, in particular watertight, by a door 3. For this purpose, a sealing device can be provided between the door 3 and the receiving area 2. The receiving area 2 can contain a wash container which is located in the Fig. 1 The dishwasher 1 shown is shown. The receiving area 2 is preferably cuboid. In particular, the receiving area 2 can be made of sheet steel. Alternatively, the receiving area 2 can be made, at least partially, of a plastic material. The receiving area 2 and the door 3 can form a washing chamber 4 for washing items. The receiving area 2 can be arranged inside a housing of the dishwasher 1.

[0054] Door 3 is in the Fig. 1The door 3 is shown in its open position. It can be opened or closed by pivoting it about a pivot axis 5 located at its lower end. The receiving area 2 has a wall 6 with a base 7, a ceiling 8 opposite the base 7, a rear wall 9 opposite the 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 stainless steel. Alternatively, the base 7 can, for example, be made of a plastic material.

[0055] The dishwasher 1 further comprises at least one load-carrying area 12 to 14. In particular, several load-carrying areas 12 to 14 may be provided, which may include a lower basket 12, an upper basket 13 and / or a cutlery drawer 14. The several load-carrying areas 12 to 14 are preferably arranged one above the other in the receiving area 2. Each load-carrying area 12 to 14 can be selectively moved into or out of the receiving area 2. In particular, each load-carrying area 12 to 14 can be pushed into the receiving area 2 in an insertion direction E and pulled out of the receiving area 2 in an extension direction A opposite to the insertion direction E.

[0056] Dishwasher 1 also has a dosing device 100 with three dosing units 110, 120, 130. Alternatively, the dosing device 100 may have more than three dosing units. The dosing device 100 with the three dosing units 110, 120, 130 is shown in the example of... Fig. 1 The dosing units 110, 120, and 130 are arranged at door 3 so that, when door 3 is closed, they are oriented towards the wash chamber 4. This advantageously allows the dosing units 110, 120, and 130 to add the respective component to the wash liquor in the wash chamber 4. This differs from the illustration in the Fig. 1 Further arrangements of the dosing device 100 or of individual dosing units 110, 120, 130 are possible.

[0057] Fig. 2Figure 1 shows an example of a sequence of process steps for dosing a dishwashing detergent into a dishwasher 1 with a dosing device 100. The illustrated process comprises the following steps: Dosing 210 of a cleaning component RK into a wash liquor by a first dosing unit 110 of at least three dosing units at at least one cleaning component dosing time tRK; dosing 220 of a water softener component EK into the wash liquor by a second dosing unit 120 of at least three dosing units at at least one water softener dosing time tEK; and dosing 230 of a rinse aid component KK into the wash liquor by a third dosing unit 130 of at least three dosing units at at least one rinse aid dosing time tKK.

[0058] This process can be carried out, for example, with a dishwasher 1, such as the one in the Fig. 1 It is shown that it will be carried out.

[0059] Even though the process steps 210, 220, and 230 are shown sequentially in the example, the order of the steps may differ from the sequence shown. For example, the addition of the softener component EK (220) may occur before the addition of the cleaner component RK (210). In this case, the softener dosing time tEK precedes the cleaner dosing time tRK. Furthermore, the additions of the cleaner component RK (210, 220) and the softener component EK (210, 220) may occur simultaneously. In this case, the cleaner dosing time tRK corresponds to the softener dosing time tEK.

[0060] Besides a change in the sequence of process steps, it is also possible for process steps to be repeated. For example, a dishwashing program might have the following sequence of process steps: Add 220 of the water softener component EK at a first water softener dosing time tEK, add 220 of the water softener component EK at a second water softener dosing time tEK, add 210 of the cleaning component RK at a first cleaning component dosing time tRK, which is the same as the second water softener dosing time tEK, add 210 of the cleaning component RK at a second cleaning component dosing time tRK, add 220 of the water softener component EK at a third water softener dosing time tEK, and add 230 of the rinse aid component KK at a rinse aid dosing time tKK, which is the same as the third water softener dosing time.

[0061] An example of the timeline for such a procedure is provided in the Fig. 5 This will be presented and explained in more detail in this context.

[0062] Such a method is advantageously suited to operating the dishwasher 1 in such a way that an optimal washing result can be achieved.

[0063] Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows another example of a sequence of process steps for dosing a dishwashing detergent into a dishwasher 1 with a dosing device 100, wherein process steps 210, 220, and 230 comprise sub-steps. The illustrated process comprises process steps 210, 220, and 230, as shown in the example of Figure 2. Fig. 2, where each of the process steps 210, 220, 230 corresponds to the addition 210, 220, 230 of a corresponding dishwashing detergent component of a dishwashing detergent comprising at least three components. Each addition 210, 220, 230 is subdivided into three sub-steps in the example. The sub-steps of one process step correspond to the respective sub-steps of the other process steps. Therefore, an addition 210, 220, 230 is subdivided into a Acquire 211, 221, 231 an operating parameter of the dishwasher 1, determine 212, 222, 232 a quantity of the corresponding dishwashing detergent component as a function of the acquired operating parameter, and output 213, 223, 233 the determined quantity of the corresponding dishwashing detergent component.

[0064] Acquisition 211, 221, 231 can involve measuring an operating parameter using a measuring device. However, acquisition 211, 221, 231 can also correspond to user input, which is acquired, for example, via an input device (not shown). Preferably, after acquisition 211, 221, 231 of the operating parameter, a value of the operating parameter is available, or a corresponding measurement signal that can be evaluated by a device designed for this purpose, for example, a determination unit (not shown). In particular, several independent operating parameters can also be acquired, which are then considered together as the operating parameter. For example, water hardness can be measured and a user can enter a washing program.

[0065] Determining the quantity of the corresponding dishwashing detergent component (212, 222, 232) based on the recorded operating parameter can involve calculating the quantity using mathematical relationships and a specially designed unit of measurement (not shown). Alternatively, it can involve assigning the recorded operating parameter to a quantity, for example, using a table of values. In particular, a combination of several operating parameters can also be considered.

[0066] Dispensing 213, 223, 233 of the specified quantity of the corresponding dishwashing detergent component includes in particular measuring the specified quantity using the corresponding dosing unit 110, 120, 130 and dispensing the measured quantity, for example into a washing liquor of the dishwasher 1.

[0067] For example, dishwasher 1 can be equipped with a water hardness sensor (not shown). The water hardness sensor can be configured to detect the water hardness of the water supplied to dishwasher 1. Water hardness corresponds, for example, to the concentration of alkaline earth ions in the water. Furthermore, dishwasher 1 can have a flow sensor (not shown). The flow sensor can be configured to detect the volume of water supplied to dishwasher 1. In this case, a measuring unit can be configured to determine, depending on the volume and water hardness of the supplied water, the amount of softener component EK required to reduce the water hardness of the volume to a predefined value. This also includes, in particular, the case where the water hardness of the supplied water is so low that no softener component EK is required.This would mean that the specified amount of the water softener component EK would be zero and no water softener component EK would be added.

[0068] Fig. 4 Figure 1 shows a detailed view of an embodiment of a dosing device 100 with three dosing units 110, 120, 130. In the example of the Fig. 4 Three dosing units 110, 120, 130 are shown, wherein a first dosing unit 110 is configured to hold a supply quantity of a cleaning component RK, a second dosing unit 120 is configured to hold a supply quantity of a water softener component EK, and a third dosing unit 130 is configured to hold a supply quantity of a rinse aid component KK. In the example of the Fig. 4The dosing units 110, 120, and 130 are each completely filled with their respective dishwashing detergent component. This filling with the required quantity allows, in particular, a dishwasher 1 equipped with the dosing device 100 to be used for a multiple wash cycles without having to refill any of the dishwashing detergent components. A wash cycle is, for example, the completion of a wash program. The multiple wash cycles comprise at least 15 wash cycles, preferably at least 25 wash cycles.

[0069] Depending on the operating parameters, it may happen that the supply of one dishwashing detergent component is depleted, while the supplies of the other dishwashing detergent components still have sufficient remaining stock for further washing cycles. In this case, it may be possible to replenish only the supply of that one dishwashing detergent component. Alternatively, it may be possible to replenish at least one other component, or even all of the different dishwashing detergent components.

[0070] An example composition of the cleaner component is listed in Table 1, an example composition of a water softener component is listed in Table 2, and an example composition of a liquid rinse aid component is listed in Table 3. The percentages given in the tables are to be understood as examples. In particular, other substances may be provided that can be used in addition to or as an alternative to the substances listed. Table 1: Example composition of a cleaning component. The percentages given are approximate. substance function Portion anhydrous sodium carbonate buffer 27% ± 5,4% Sodium silicate scaffolding material 7% ± 1,4% Acrylic polymer scaffolding material 7% ± 1,4% Sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate Bleach 32% ± 6,4% Tetraacetylethylenediamine Bleach activator 7% ± 1,4% Protease enzyme 0,5% ± 0,1% Amylase enzyme 0,5% ± 0,1% modified polyalkylene glycol ether surfactant 3% ± 0,6% Zinc acetate Glass protection 1% ± 0,2% Sodium sulfate Positioning device 7% ± 1,4% Polyethylene glycol binder 4% ± 0,8% Cellulose derivative solvent 4% ± 0,8% Table 2: Example composition of a water softener component. The percentages given are approximate. substance function Portion anhydrous sodium citrate scaffolding material and buffer 35% ± 5% Methylglycine diacetic acid trisodium salt Complexing agents 50% ± 7% Sodium sulfate Positioning device 7% ± 1,4% Polyethylene glycol binder 4% ± 0,8% Cellulose derivative solvent 4% ± 0,8% Table 3: Example composition of a liquid rinse aid component. The percentages given are approximate. substance function Portion Fatty alcohol non-ionic surfactant 12% ± 2,4% Citric acid buffer 3% ± 0,6% Sodium cumenesulfonate Solution mediator 10% ± 2% Methylchloroisothiazolinone antimicrobial effect 10% ± 2% Limonene Fragrance 3% ± 0,6% Water solvent 62% ± 7%

[0071] Fig. 5Figure 1 shows an example of the time sequence of a washing program of a dishwasher 1 with a dosing device 100 in three diagrams. The three diagrams are shown one above the other and have a common time axis, which is labeled t.

[0072] The upper diagram shows the temperature profile T of the rinsing solution. The vertical axis represents the temperature, although no absolute values ​​are given. A temperature range covered by the axis could, for example, be 10°C to 80°C.

[0073] The middle diagram shows the volume of water supplied to dishwasher 1 (AQI) and the volume of wash water pumped out (AQO). The vertical axis represents the volume.

[0074] The diagram below shows the progression of the amount of dishwasher detergent component added, where the dishwasher detergent in the example has a cleaner component RK, a softener component EK and a rinse aid component KK.

[0075] The dishwashing program, which is in the Fig. 5 The diagram illustrates an example of a pre-rinse cycle, a main rinse cycle, and a final rinse cycle. The pre-rinse cycle begins at time t0 and ends at time t1. The main rinse cycle begins at time t1 and ends at time t3. The final rinse cycle begins at time t3 and ends at time t5. The entire dishwashing program therefore begins at time t0 and ends at time t5.

[0076] At time t0, water is supplied to dishwasher 1. A dedicated water hardness sensor measures the water hardness. The supplied volume is also measured. Depending on these operating parameters, at time t0, a quantity of water softener component EK is dispensed from a designated dosing unit, for example, the second dosing unit 120 from the example of... Fig. 1 , a dosing device with at least three dosing units 100 is added. Therefore, time t0 corresponds to a water softener dosing time tEK. The temperature T of the rinse solution corresponds to the temperature of the supplied water during this pre-rinse cycle.

[0077] At time t1, the pre-rinse cycle ends and the main rinse cycle begins. A portion of the rinse solution is pumped out. Immediately afterward (shown overlapping in the example), more water is added, and a dedicated heating device begins to heat the rinse solution. Additionally, another quantity of the water softener component EK and a quantity of the cleaning agent component RK are added. Therefore, time t1 also corresponds to another water softener dosing time tEK and another cleaning agent dosing time tRK. Heating the rinse solution takes a certain amount of time, which is represented by a curved line. As soon as a temperature specified, for example, by the rinse program, is reached, the heating device stops heating the rinse solution. Then the temperature T begins to slowly decrease again.

[0078] At time t2, for example, it is detected that the cleaning component RK in the wash liquor is depleted. To achieve optimal washing results, a further quantity of the cleaning component RK is therefore added at this time t2. Thus, time t2 also corresponds to another cleaning agent dosing time tRK.

[0079] At time t3, the main wash cycle ends and the rinse cycle begins. A portion of the wash water is pumped out, and more water is added. As a result, the temperature of the wash water initially drops rapidly. The heating element then reheats the wash water to a predetermined temperature. Additionally, a third quantity of the water softener component EK and a quantity of the rinse aid component KK are added. Therefore, time t3 also corresponds to another water softener dosing time tEK and another rinse aid dosing time tKK.

[0080] At time t4, part of the rinsing solution is pumped out and more water is added. This again results in a rapid decrease in the temperature of the rinsing solution.

[0081] At time t5, the rinse cycle ends and all remaining rinse water is pumped out. In this example, the wash program ends at this point. It is also possible for a drying cycle to follow the rinse cycle (not shown).

[0082] Although the present invention has been described using exemplary embodiments, it can be modified in many ways. Reference symbols used:

[0083] 1 Dishwasher 2 Loading area 3 Door 4 Wash chamber 5 Swivel axis 6 Wall 7 Floor 8 Ceiling 9 Back wall 10 Side wall 11 Side wall 12 Lower basket 13 Upper basket 14 Cutlery drawer 100 Dosing device 110 Dosing unit 120 Dosing unit 130 Dosing unit 210 Process step (Add) 211 Process step (Detect) 212 Process step (Determine) 213 Process step (Dispense) 220 Process step (Add) 221 Process step (Detect) 222 Process step (Determine) 223 Process step (Dispense) 230 Process step (Add) 231 Process step (Detect) 232 Process step (Determine) 233 Process step (Dispense) A Pull-out direction EInlet direction AQITotal quantity of water supplied AQOTotal quantity of rinse fluid pumped out ESoftener component KKRinse aid component RKRinstructor component TTemperature t0Time t1Time t2Time t3Time t4Time t5Time tEKSoftener dosing time tKKRinse aid dosing time tRKinstructor dosing time

Claims

1. Method for metering a dishwashing agent into a dishwasher (1), in particular a household dishwasher, which is designed to wash items to be washed arranged in a washing chamber (4) by means of a wash liquor, wherein the dishwasher (1) has a metering device (100) with at least three metering units (110, 120, 130), wherein each of the at least three metering units (110, 120, 130) is designed to receive in each case one component of a dishwashing agent having a number of components, wherein the components are present separately from one another, having the steps: adding (210) a cleaning agent component (RK) into the wash liquor by means of a first metering unit (110) of the at least three metering units at at least one cleaning agent metering time instant (tRK); adding (220) a softening agent component (EK) into the wash liquor by means of a second metering unit (120) of the at least three metering units at at least one softening agent metering time instant (tEK); and adding (230) a rinsing agent component (KK) into the wash liquor by means of a third metering unit (130) of the at least three metering units at at least one rinsing agent metering time instant (tKK), wherein a quantity of phosphate, which is contained in the quantity of cleaning agent component (RK), of softening agent component (EK) and of rinsing agent component (KK) metered during a wash program, amounts at most to 0.3 g; wherein the adding (210, 220, 230) of the cleaning agent component (RK), the softening agent component (EK) and / or the rinsing agent component (KK) is carried out as a function of at least one operating parameter of the dishwasher (1); wherein in a step determining (212, 222, 232) the quantity of cleaning agent component (RK), the softening agent component (EK) and / or the rinsing agent component (KK), which is added into the wash liquor, is determined as a function of the at least one operating parameter; and wherein the at least one operating parameter of the dishwasher (1) has a quantity of phosphates contained in the cleaning agent component (RK), the softening agent component (EK) and / or the rinsing agent component (KK).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the at least one operating parameter of the dishwasher (1) further has a wash program, a user input, a wash duration, a water hardness of a water supplied to the dishwasher (1), a volume of the water supplied to the dishwasher (1), a contamination of the wash liquor, a pH value of the wash liquor, a temperature of the wash liquor, a soiling of items to be washed arranged in the washing chamber (4) of the dishwasher (1), a material of the items to be washed arranged in the washing chamber (4), a quantity of items to be washed arranged in the washing chamber (4), and / or a combination hereof.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterised by the step: detecting (211, 221, 231) the at least one operating parameter by means of a detection means, in particular detecting the water hardness of the water supplied to the dishwasher by means of a water hardness sensor, detecting the contamination of the wash liquor by means of a turbidity sensor, detecting the pH value of the wash liquor by means of a pH sensor and / or detecting the temperature of the wash liquor by means of a thermometer.

4. Method according to one of claims 1 - 3, characterised in that the water hardness of the water supplied to the dishwasher (1) is inspected by adding the softening agent component (EK) independently of the adding of the cleaning agent component (RK).

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