Dishwasher and method for operating a dishwasher
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-03
AI Technical Summary
Conventional dishwasher load quantity detection methods are inefficient, relying on hydraulic systems or thermal mass changes, which do not accurately adapt dishwashing programs to varying load conditions, leading to suboptimal energy use, chemistry usage, and program duration.
A dishwasher with a control device that uses a sensor and computing unit to determine the current heating degree in the rinse container, dividing the work area into parts with assigned load quantities, allowing for adaptive selection of wash programs based on the detected load quantity, optimizing energy, chemistry, and time usage.
This solution enables precise adaptation of dishwashing programs to the current load, optimizing energy, chemistry, and time usage, ensuring efficient operation by learning system boundaries and adjusting limits over time.
Smart Images
Figure EP2024069851_30012025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Dishwasher and method for operating a dishwasher
[0002] The present invention relates to a dishwasher, such as a household dishwasher, and a method for operating a dishwasher.
[0003] A household dishwasher sometimes comprises a washing container which can be closed by a door and has a number of washware receptacles for receiving washware and a control device for carrying out a wash program from a plurality of wash programs for washing washware.
[0004] The control device can be configured to adapt the currently running wash program during program execution depending on the current load capacity of the wash tub. The load capacity of the wash tub's wash tub can vary greatly between different wash cycles. Due to this variation, it is advantageous to adapt the currently running wash program depending on the load capacity. In order to adapt the currently running wash program based on the current load capacity, the current load capacity must be detected. Conventional solutions for detecting the load capacity are based in particular on hydraulically operated systems, which determine the load capacity based on the water level required for the wash tub's load capacity (in particular the rotational speed of the circulation pump) or its variation.These conventional solutions are essentially based on determining the hydraulic resistance.
[0005] Other conventional solutions are based on heating the dishwasher (using thermal mass) within a specific period of time or a specific temperature difference during the wash cycle. Conventional solutions for this are described in documents DE10255380A1, EP3150100A1, and CN105286742B. Against this background, one object of the present invention is to improve the operation of a dishwasher.
[0006] According to a first aspect, a dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, is proposed, comprising a door pivotable about a pivot axis, a washing compartment closable by the door, a number of washware receptacles for accommodating washware, and a control device. The control device is configured to select a current wash program from a plurality of wash programs for washing a washware currently held in the washing compartment and to adapt it depending on a current load quantity determined by a determination device.The determination device comprises: a storage unit for storing a lower limit value and an upper limit value for a heating gradient in the rinsing container, which span a working area divided into N working area parts, wherein each of the N working area parts is assigned a specific load quantity, with N>2, a sensor device for determining a current heating gradient in the rinsing container, and a computing unit which is configured to determine in which specific one of the N working area parts the determined current heating gradient lies in order to determine the load quantity assigned to the specific working area part as the current load quantity.
[0007] This detection device reliably detects the load in the dishwasher's wash tub. Based on this detected load, the current wash program can be optimally adapted to the respective situation, i.e., the current load. This allows the energy used, the detergent used, and / or the time required for the wash program to be optimized.
[0008] The control device is sometimes configured to execute one washing program from a plurality of washing programs for washing the dishes. A washing program comprises, for example, various sub-program steps, such as pre-washing, cleaning, final rinsing, and / or drying. Different washing programs differ, for example, in the order and / or type of the sub-program steps, as well as in various operating parameters, such as the duration and / or wash liquor temperature of one or more sub-program steps. The control device can be implemented using hardware and / or software. The control device is, in particular, integrated into the dishwasher. Alternatively, the control device can also be arranged outside the dishwasher.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.
[0009] For washing in a household dishwasher, items to be washed are placed in the washing chamber, particularly on one or more dishware holders. The items to be washed include, in particular, various dishes, cutlery, and / or utensils used for preparing, storing, and / or consuming food. These include, for example, plates, pots, cups, knives, glasses, and the like.
[0010] The number of washware receptacles includes, in particular, a lower basket, an upper basket, and / or a cutlery drawer. The load capacity is the quantity of washware, particularly including dishes and other items, with which the washware receptacles of the washing tub are loaded. The work area sections can be of the same size or different sizes.
[0011] According to one embodiment, the control device is configured to select one of the number of wash programs based on a user input and to execute the selected wash program for washing the items arranged in the wash tub, in particular to execute it automatically. The wash program selected by the user is then preferably displayed on a display of the dishwasher, for example, on a display of the control panel. The user thus receives suitable feedback on their input.
[0012] According to a further embodiment, N loading quantities are assigned to the N working range parts of the working range spanned by the lower limit value and the upper limit value such that the loading quantity of the rinsing container is indirectly proportional to the value of the heating gradient, with N>2.
[0013] Consequently, a high value for the heating gradient indicates a lower load quantity of the rinsing tank, whereas a low value for the heating gradient indicates a high load quantity of the rinsing tank.
[0014] According to a further embodiment, the computing unit is configured to store the determined current heating gradient as a lower limit value in the memory unit if the determined current heating gradient is smaller than the lower limit value stored in the memory unit.
[0015] Because a determined current heating gradient substitutes the lower limit value in the storage unit if it is smaller than the currently stored lower limit value, the lower limit value for the heating gradient becomes smaller and smaller over time, ie with the continuous execution of a sequence of rinsing cycles.
[0016] According to a further embodiment, the computing unit is configured to store the determined current heating gradient as an upper limit value in the memory unit if the determined current heating gradient is greater than the upper limit value stored in the memory unit.
[0017] Because the current heating gradient then substitutes the upper limit value in the storage unit if it is greater than the currently stored value in the storage unit, the upper limit value in the storage unit becomes increasingly larger over time.
[0018] Because the lower limit decreases over time and the upper limit increases over time, but is precisely adjusted based on the history of previously completed wash cycles, these limit values, adjusted over time, create an optimal operating range for the heating gradient for the specific dishwasher. This allows the dishwasher to independently learn its system limits for the operating range and adapt them accordingly, depending on the specific wash cycles it performs. The operating range, with its N operating range sections, provides an optimized decision structure for adapting the currently running wash program.
[0019] According to a further embodiment, a starting value for the lower limit and a starting value for the upper limit are predetermined by the dishwasher manufacturer.
[0020] According to a further embodiment, the starting value for the lower limit and the starting value for the upper limit in the memory unit are identical. Preferably, the starting value for the lower limit and the starting value for the upper limit are selected as the mean value of an expected operating range. The expected operating range is predicted by the dishwasher manufacturer through a number of laboratory tests conducted using a single dishwasher.
[0021] Starting from the specified starting value, which is identical for the lower and upper limits, the heating gradient is determined during the first run of the dishwasher and compared with the limit values (lower and upper limits). If the determined current heating gradient is smaller than the lower limit, the lower limit is replaced by the value of the current heating gradient. If the current heating gradient is greater than the previous upper limit, the previous value is replaced by the current heating gradient. This gradually expands the working range and strengthens the detection device. The commissioning of the detection device can be enabled by a threshold, which, for example, specifies a required size of the working range.The detection device is preferably only activated when the operating range exceeds a predetermined limit, ensuring that it can differentiate effectively. If this condition is not yet met, a default value is preferably set, which corresponds, for example, to half the load of the washing container.
[0022] According to a further embodiment, the sensor device comprises a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the wash liquor and an evaluation unit for providing the current heating gradient based on a change in the temperature of the wash liquor measured by the temperature sensor. The evaluation unit is implemented, in particular, as part of the control device.
[0023] According to a further embodiment, the working area consists of two working area parts, with N=2. A first working area part is assigned to a "full load" load quantity, and a second working area part is assigned to a "half load" load quantity, wherein the load quantity of the washing container is indirectly proportional to the value of the heating gradient.
[0024] According to a further embodiment, the work area consists of four work area sections, with N=4. A first work area section is assigned to a "full load" load quantity, a second work area section following the first work area section is assigned to a "three-quarter load" load quantity, a third work area section following the second work area section is assigned to a "half load" load quantity, and a fourth work area section following the third work area section is assigned to a "one-quarter load" load quantity, wherein the load quantity of the rinsing container is indirectly proportional to the value of the heating gradient.
[0025] According to a further embodiment, the computing unit is implemented as part of the control device. The respective unit, for example, the computing unit or the evaluation unit, can be implemented in hardware and / or software. In a hardware implementation, the unit can be designed as a device or as part of a device, for example, as a computer or as a microprocessor, or as part of the control device. In a software implementation, the unit can be designed as a computer program product, as a function, as a routine, as part of a program code, or as an executable object.
[0026] According to a second aspect, a method for operating a dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, is proposed, which has a door pivotable about a pivot axis, a washing container closable by the door, with a number of washware receptacles for receiving washware, and a control device for executing wash programs. The method comprises the following steps: selecting a current wash program from the wash programs for washing a washware currently held in the wash container, and
[0027] To adapt the selected washing program depending on a determined current load quantity, whereby determining the current load quantity includes:
[0028] Providing a lower limit and an upper limit for a heating gradient in the rinsing tank from a storage unit, wherein the lower limit and the upper limit span a working area divided into N working area parts, wherein each of the N working area parts is assigned a specific load quantity,
[0029] Determining a current heating gradient in the rinsing tank, and
[0030] Determine in which specific of the N work area parts the determined current heating gradient lies in order to define the load quantity assigned to the specific work area part as the current load quantity.
[0031] According to one embodiment, N loading quantities are assigned to the N working range parts of the working range spanned by the lower limit value and the upper limit value such that the loading quantity is indirectly proportional to the value of the heating gradient.
[0032] According to a further embodiment, the determined current heating gradient is stored as a lower limit value in the memory unit if the determined current heating gradient is smaller than the lower limit value stored in the memory unit.
[0033] According to a further embodiment, the determined current heating gradient is stored as an upper limit value in the memory unit if the determined current heating gradient is greater than the upper limit value stored in the memory unit.
[0034] The embodiments and features described for the proposed dishwasher apply accordingly to the proposed method.
[0035] According to a third aspect, a computer program product is proposed which initiates the execution of the method as explained above on a program-controlled device. 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.
[0036] Further possible implementations of the invention also include combinations of features or embodiments described above or below with respect to the exemplary embodiments that are not explicitly mentioned. In this case, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the invention.
[0037] 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 using preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures.
[0038] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a household dishwasher with a control device and a detection device;
[0039] Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a detection device for the household dishwasher according to Fig. 1;
[0040] Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of a first example of a working range for the heating gradient in the washing container of the household dishwasher, spanned by a lower threshold value and an upper limit value;
[0041] Fig. 4 shows the first example of the operating range for the heating gradient according to Fig. 3 and an example of a current heating gradient in the washing tub; Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of a second example of a operating range for the heating gradient in the washing tub of the household dishwasher, defined by a lower limit and an upper limit;
[0042] Fig. 6 shows the second example of the working range for the heating gradient according to Fig. 5 and an example of a current heating gradient in the rinsing tank; and
[0043] Fig. 7 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a method for operating a household dishwasher.
[0044] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements have been given the same reference numerals unless otherwise stated.
[0045] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a household dishwasher 1. The household dishwasher 1 comprises a washing container 2, which can be closed, in particular watertight, by a door 3. 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.
[0046] The door 3 is shown in its open position in Fig. 1. The door 3 can be closed or opened by pivoting about a pivot axis 5 provided at a lower end of the door 3. For this purpose, a pivoting device for automatically pivoting the door 3 is preferably used. A pivoting device is shown, for example, in DE 10 2017 218 493 A1.
[0047] With the help of the door 3, a loading opening 6 of the washing compartment 2 can be closed or opened. The washing compartment 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 be made, for example, from a plastic material. The household dishwasher 1 further has 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. As shown in Fig.As further shown in Figure 1, the dishware receptacles 12, 13, 14 are arranged one above the other in the washing container 2. Each dishware receptacle 12, 13, 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 R1, opposite to the insertion direction R2.
[0048] The household dishwasher 1 also has a control device 100, which is arranged, for example, on the door 3. The control device 100 is configured to execute one of a plurality of wash programs for washing items in the wash tub 2.
[0049] Here, the control device 100 is configured to adapt the current washing program - also referred to as the currently executed washing program - depending on a current load quantity of wash ware in the washing container 2 determined by a determination device 110.
[0050] In this regard, Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a determination device 110 for the household dishwasher 1 according to Fig. 1. As Fig. 2 shows, the determination device 110 for determining the current load quantity of the wash ware in the washing compartment 2 comprises a memory unit 111, a sensor device 112 and a computing unit 113. The memory unit 111 is configured to store a lower limit value MIN and an upper limit value MAX for the heating gradient in the washing compartment 2, wherein the lower limit value MIN and the upper limit value MAX span a working area A divided into N working area parts B1-B4. Each of the N working area parts B1-B4 is assigned a specific load quantity M1-M4 (see Figs. 3 and 5). In this case, N load quantities M1-M4 (see Fig.3-6) are assigned to the N working range parts B1-B4 of the working range A defined by the lower limit value MIN and the upper limit value MAX in such a way that the load quantity of the rinsing tank 2 is indirectly proportional to the value of the heating gradient. In general, N > 2. A first example with N = 2 is shown in Figs. 3 and 4, and Figs. 5 and 6 show a second example with N = 4.
[0051] The exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 2 is explained below with reference to Figs. 3 and 4. With reference to Figs. 3 and 4, Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of the first example of a working range A for the heating gradient in the washing compartment 2 of the household dishwasher 1, spanned by a lower limit value MIN and an upper limit value MAX. The decision threshold E divides the working range A into a first working range part B1 (or lower working range part B1) and a second working range part B2 (or upper working range part B2). The decision threshold E is in particular the mean value between the lower limit value MIN and the upper limit value MAX. The working range parts B1 and B2 can be the same size or different sizes.
[0052] As already explained above, the load capacity of the wash tub 2 is indirectly proportional to the value of the heating gradient. Accordingly, the first work area section B1 is assigned to the load capacity M1 "full load," whereas the second work area section B2 is assigned to the load capacity M2 "half load." In Fig. 3, the dashed double arrow indicates the unique assignment between work area section and load capacity. In detail, in Fig. 3, the first work area section B1 is assigned to the load capacity M1 "full load," and the second work area section B2 is assigned to the load capacity M2 "half load."
[0053] Continuing with reference to Fig. 2, the sensor device 112 is configured to determine a current heating gradient H in the washing container 2. The sensor device 112 preferably comprises a temperature sensor for measuring a current temperature of the washing liquor in the washing container 2 and an evaluation unit for providing the current heating gradient H based on a profile of a change in the temperature of the washing liquor in the washing container 2 measured by the temperature sensor. The computing unit 113 is configured to determine in which specific one of the N working area parts B1, B2 of Fig. 3 the determined current heating gradient H lies in order to determine the load quantity M1, M2 assigned to the specific working area part B1, B2 as the current load quantity. For this purpose, Fig. 4 shows the first example of the working area A for the heating gradient according to Fig. 3 and an example of a determined current heating gradient H in the washing container 2. As Fig.As shown in Fig. 4, the current heating gradient H lies in the first working area part B1. The computing unit 113 thus determines the first working area part B1 and determines the load quantity M1 assigned to the first working area part B1 as the current load quantity. This determination of the load quantity M1 as the current load quantity is indicated in Fig. 4 by an arrow pointing from B1 to M1. Based on the determined current load quantity M1, the control device 100 can then adapt the current washing program.
[0054] With regard to the determined current heating gradient H in relation to the working area A according to Fig. 3, there are three cases:
[0055] 1 . The determined current heating gradient H lies within the working area A, i.e., in the example of Fig. 3, either in the working area part B1 or in the working area part B2. As Fig. 4 shows, for example, in the working area part B1.
[0056] 2. The determined current heating gradient H is greater than the upper limit value MAX stored in the storage unit 111. Then, the computing unit 113 is configured to store the determined current heating gradient H, which is greater than the stored upper limit value MAX, as the new upper limit value MAX in the storage unit 111. In other words, the determined current heating gradient H replaces the upper limit value MAX stored in the storage unit 111.
[0057] 3. The determined current heating gradient H is smaller than the lower limit value MIN stored in the memory unit 111. The computing unit 113 is then configured to store the determined current heating gradient H as the lower limit value MIN in the memory unit 111. In other words, the determined current heating gradient H substitutes for the lower limit value MIN in the memory unit 111. With the execution of a large number of program cycles and thus with the execution of a plurality of wash programs, the working range A is increasingly expanded. This means that the lower limit value MIN of the memory unit 111 remains the same or becomes smaller during one wash program run. Analogously, the upper limit value MAX becomes larger or remains the same after one wash program run.
[0058] It should be noted that a starting value for the lower limit (MIN) and a starting value for the upper limit (MAX) are predetermined by the dishwasher manufacturer, preferably before delivery of the dishwasher. In particular, the starting value for the lower limit (MIN) and the starting value for the upper limit (MAX) are identical and are preferably selected as the mean value of an expected operating range. The expected operating range is predicted by the dishwasher manufacturer through a number of laboratory tests.
[0059] Furthermore, as already mentioned above, Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of a second example of a working range A for the heating gradient in the washing container 2 of the household dishwasher 1, spanned by a lower limit value MIN and an upper limit value MAX, and Fig. 6 shows the second example of the working range A for the heating gradient according to Fig. 5 with an example of a current heating gradient H in the washing container 2.
[0060] In the second example according to Fig. 5, N = 4, so that the working area A of Fig. 5 consists of four working area parts B1-B4. The four working area parts B1-B4 divide the working area A between the lower threshold MIN and the upper threshold MAX into four equal parts. Two of the working area parts B1-B4 are separated by a respective decision threshold E1-E3. A first working area part B1 is assigned to a load quantity M1 "full load," and a second working area part B2 following the first working area part B1 is assigned to a load quantity M2 "three-quarters load." The first working area part B1 and the second working area part B2 are separated from each other by the decision threshold E1. The third working area part B3 following the second working area part B2 is assigned to a load quantity M3 "half load."The second working range part B2 and the third working range part B3 are separated from each other by the decision threshold E2. The decision threshold E2 corresponds to the mean value between the lower limit value MIN and the upper limit value MAX.
[0061] The fourth work area section B4, following the third work area section B3, is assigned a load quantity M4 "one-quarter load." The third work area section B3 and the fourth work area section B4 are separated from each other by the decision threshold E3.
[0062] In the example of Fig. 6, a wash program is being executed, and the current heating gradient H is determined by the sensor device 112. As Fig. 6 shows, the current heating gradient H according to Fig. 6 lies in the third working area part B3. The computing unit 113 thus determines the third working area part B3 and determines the load quantity M3 "half load" assigned to the third working area part B3 as the current load quantity. This determination of the load quantity M3 as the current load quantity is indicated in Fig. 6 by an arrow pointing from B3 to M3. Based on the determined current load quantity B3, the control device 100 can then adapt the current wash program. The working area parts B1, B2, B3, and B4 can be the same size or different sizes.
[0063] Fig. 7 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a method for operating a household dishwasher 1. The household dishwasher 1 comprises a door 3 pivotable about a pivot axis 5, a washing container 2 closable by the door 3, having a number of washware receptacles 12, 13, 14 for receiving washware, and a control device 100 for executing wash programs. An example of such a household dishwasher 1 is described with reference to Figs. 1 to 6.
[0064] The method according to Fig. 7 comprises the steps S1-S5:
[0065] In step S1, a lower limit value MIN and an upper limit value MAX for a heating gradient in the washing tub 2 are provided from a storage unit 111 of the dishwasher 1. Before the dishwasher 1 is delivered, the starting value for the lower limit value MIN and the starting value for the upper limit value MAX are predetermined by the dishwasher manufacturer and stored accordingly in the storage unit 111. For example, the starting value for the lower limit value MIN and the starting value for the upper limit value MAX are identical. These are preferably selected as the mean value of an expected operating range. This means that upon delivery of the dishwasher 1, the storage unit 111 has a respective value (the starting value) for the lower limit value MIN and the upper limit value MAX.
[0066] In step S2, the user then selects a washing program from the set of available washing programs, and the control device 100 accordingly selects the current washing program and executes it to wash a current item of washing items held in the washing container 2.
[0067] In step S3, the current heating gradient H in the washing container 2 is then determined during the execution of the current washing program.
[0068] In the following step S4, it is then determined in which specific work area part B1-B4 (see Fig. 3-6) of the N work area parts B1-B4 the determined current heating gradient H lies in order to define the loading quantity M1-M4 assigned to the specific work area part B1-B4 as the current loading quantity.
[0069] Step S5, following step S4, has three alternatives S5a, S5b, and S5c. These three alternatives S5a, S5b, and S5c differentiate with regard to the relationship between the determined current heating gradient H and the working range A (see, for example, the example in Figs. 3 and 4).
[0070] If the determined current heating gradient H lies within the working area A, as in the example of Figs. 3 and 4 in the working area section B1, step S5a follows step S4. Then, in step S5a, the working area section B1-B4 in which the determined current heating gradient H lies is determined, for example, the working area section B1 in Fig. 4, and the load quantity assigned to it, for example, the load quantity M1, is set as the current load quantity. Consequently, the current washing program is adjusted based on the current load quantity M1.
[0071] However, if the determined current heating gradient H is greater than the stored upper limit value MAX and thus lies above and consequently outside the working range A, step S5b follows step S4. In step S5b, the determined current heating gradient H, which is greater than the stored upper limit value MAX, is determined as the new upper limit value MAX. The working range part that is closest to the upper limit value MAX is then selected as the working range part, for example the upper working range part B2 according to Fig. 3. Furthermore, this current heating gradient H, which is greater than the maximum limit value stored in the storage unit 111, is stored in the storage unit 111 in the subsequent step S1 and thus replaces the previously stored smaller maximum limit value MAX.
[0072] However, if the determined current heating gradient H is smaller than the stored lower limit value MIN and thus lies below the working range A, step S5c follows step S4. In step S5c, the determined current heating gradient H, which is smaller than the stored lower limit value MIN, is determined as the new lower limit value MIN. The working range part that is closest to the lower limit value MIN is then selected as the working range part, for example the lower working range part B1 according to Fig. 4. This current heating gradient H, which is smaller than the minimum limit value stored in the storage unit 111, is then stored in the storage unit 111 in the subsequent step S1 and thus substitutes for the previously stored, larger minimum limit value MIN.
[0073] Although the present invention has been described using exemplary embodiments, it can be modified in many ways.
[0074] Reference symbols used:
[0075] 1 household dishwasher
[0076] 2 rinsing containers
[0077] 3 Door
[0078] 4 rinsing chamber
[0079] 5 swivel axis
[0080] 6 Loading opening
[0081] 7 Floor
[0082] 8 Ceiling
[0083] 9 Rear wall
[0084] 10 Side wall
[0085] 11 Side wall
[0086] 12 Dishwasher waste holder
[0087] 13 Dishwasher drawer
[0088] 14 Dishwasher waste holder
[0089] 100 control device
[0090] 110 Investigation facility
[0091] 111 Storage unit
[0092] 112 Sensor device
[0093] 113 computing unit
[0094] A work area
[0095] B1 work area part
[0096] B2 work area part
[0097] B3 work area part
[0098] B4 work area part
[0099] E Decision threshold
[0100] E1 Decision threshold
[0101] E2 decision threshold
[0102] E3 Decision threshold
[0103] H heating gradient
[0104] R1 extension direction
[0105] R2 Insertion direction S1 Process step
[0106] S2 process step
[0107] 53 Process step
[0108] 54 Process step
[0109] 55 Process step S5a Process step
[0110] S5b Process step
[0111] S5c Process step
Claims
PATENT CLAIMS 1. Dishwasher (1), in particular a household dishwasher, with a door (3) which can be pivoted about a pivot axis (5), a washing container (2) which can be closed by the door (3) and has a number of washware receptacles (12, 13, 14) for receiving washware, and a control device (100) which is designed to select a current washing program from a plurality of washing programs for washing a washware currently held in the washing container (2) and to adapt it depending on a current load quantity determined by a determination device (110), wherein the determination device (110) has: a storage unit (111) for storing a lower limit value (MIN) and an upper limit value (MAX) for a heating gradient in the washing container (2), which span a working area (A) divided into N working area parts (B1-B4), wherein each of the N working area parts (B1-B4) is assigned a specific load quantity (M1-M4) is assigned,a sensor device (112) for determining a current heating gradient (H) in the washing container (2), and a computing unit (113) which is configured to determine in which specific one of the N working area parts (B1-B4) the determined current heating gradient (H) lies, in order to determine the load quantity (M1-M4) assigned to the specific working area part (B1-B4) as the current load quantity.
2. Dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized in that N load quantities (M1-M4) are assigned to the N working range parts (B1-B4) of the working range (A) spanned by the lower limit value (MIN) and the upper limit value (MAX) in such a way that the load quantity of the washing container (2) is indirectly proportional to the value of the heating gradient.
3. Dishwasher according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the computing unit (113) is designed to store the determined current heating gradient (H) as a lower limit value (MIN) in the memory unit (111) if the determined current heating gradient (H) is smaller than the lower limit value (MIN) stored in the memory unit (111).
4. Dishwasher according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the computing unit (113) is configured to store the determined current heating gradient (H) as an upper limit value (MAX) in the memory unit (111) if the determined current heating gradient (H) is greater than the upper limit value (MAX) stored in the memory unit (111).
5. Dishwasher according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a starting value for the lower limit value (MIN) and a starting value for the upper limit value (MAX) are predetermined by the dishwasher manufacturer.
6. Dishwasher according to claim 5, characterized in that the starting value for the lower limit value (MIN) and the starting value for the upper limit value (MAX) are identical, preferably selected as an average value of an expected working range.
7. Dishwasher according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the sensor device (112) comprises a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the washing liquor and an evaluation unit for providing the current heating gradient (H) based on a course of a change in the temperature of the washing liquor measured by the temperature sensor.
8. Dishwasher according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the working area (A) consists of two working area parts (B1, B2), with N=2, wherein a first working area part (B1) is assigned to a “full load” load quantity (M1) and a second working area part (B2) is assigned to a “half load” load quantity (M2), wherein the load quantity of the washing container (2) is indirectly proportional to the value of the heating gradient.
9. Dishwasher according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the working area (A) consists of four working area parts (B1-B4), with N=4, wherein a first working area part (B1) is assigned to a load quantity “full load” (M1). is arranged, a second work area part (B1) following the first work area part (B1) is assigned a load quantity "three-quarters load" (M2), a third work area part (B3) following the second work area part (B2) is assigned a load quantity "half load" (M3), and a fourth work area part (B4) following the third work area part (B3) is assigned a load quantity "one-quarter load" (M4), wherein the load quantity of the rinsing container (2) is indirectly proportional to the value of the heating gradient.
10. Dishwasher according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the computing unit (113) is implemented as part of the control device (100).
11. Method for operating a dishwasher (1), in particular a household dishwasher, comprising a door (3) pivotable about a pivot axis (5), a washing container (2) closable by the door (3) with a number of washware receptacles (12, 13, 14) for receiving washware, and a control device (100) for carrying out washing programs, comprising: Selecting (S2) a current washing program from the washing programs for washing a wash item currently held in the washing container (2), and To adapt (S5) the selected washing program depending on a determined current load quantity, whereby the determination of the current load quantity includes: Providing (S1) a lower limit value (MIN) and an upper limit value (MAX) for a heating gradient in the rinsing container (2) from a storage unit (111), wherein the lower limit value (MIN) and the upper limit value (MAX) span a working area (A) divided into N working area parts (B1-B4), wherein each of the N working area parts (B1-B4) is assigned a specific load quantity (M1-M4), Determining (S3) a current heating gradient (H) in the rinsing container (2), and determining (S4) in which specific one of the N working area parts (B1-B4) the determined current heating gradient (H) lies in order to define the load quantity (M1-M4) assigned to the specific working area part (B1-B4) as the current load quantity.
12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that N loading quantities (M1-M4) are distributed in such a way on the N working area parts (B1-B4) of the area defined by the lower limit (MIN) and the upper limit value (MAX) spanned working range (A) so that the load quantity is indirectly proportional to the value of the heating gradient.
13. Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the determined current heating gradient (H) is stored as a lower limit value (MIN) in the memory unit (111) if the determined current heating gradient (H) is smaller than the lower limit value (MIN) stored in the memory unit (111), or that the determined current heating gradient (H) is stored as an upper limit value (MAX) in the memory unit (111) if the determined current heating gradient (H) is greater than the upper limit value (MAX) stored in the memory unit (111).
14. A computer program product which causes the method according to one of claims 11 to 13 to be carried out on a program-controlled device.