Water-conducting domestic appliance, method and computer program product

Abstract

The invention relates to a water-conducting domestic appliance (1), in particular a dishwasher, comprising a circulating pump (23) for a washing liquor (F), said circulating pump being operated at a current pump rotational speed (n1); a temperature sensor (36) for detecting a temperature value (T) of the washing liquor (F); and a determining unit (37) for determining an additional pump rotational speed (n2) of the circulating pump (23) on the basis of the detected temperature value (T) and the current pump rotational speed (n1), said determining unit (37) being designed to determine the additional pump rotational speed (n2) such that an additional sound power level of the water-conducting domestic appliance (1), said additional sound power level resulting at the determined additional pump rotational speed (n2), lies below the target sound power level (SLP).

Description

[0001] Water-bearing household appliance, process and computer program product

[0002] The present invention relates to a water-bearing household appliance, in particular a dishwasher, a method for controlling the same, and a computer program product.

[0003] In a water-bearing household appliance, particularly a dishwasher, a circulation pump sets a flow of water inside the appliance in motion. Both the operation of the circulation pump and the movement of the water it drives generate noise emissions. A distinction can be made between airborne noise and structure-borne noise. Airborne noise refers specifically to the noise generated, for example, when a jet of water strikes a solid object inside the appliance, such as items being washed and / or an interior wall, and is then transmitted through the air within the appliance.In contrast, "structure-borne sound" refers to sound transmitted through the structure of the water-bearing household appliance via vibrations. Ultimately, both types of sound, but especially structure-borne sound, are radiated into the environment via the housing of the water-bearing household appliance. A user of the water-bearing household appliance can perceive this as sound emission. For the sake of user comfort, this perceptible sound emission should be kept to a minimum.

[0004] According to internal findings, passive measures are used to prevent and / or reduce noise emissions, such as the application of a silencer to the housing. The silencer can be positioned, for example, on a door, floor, ceiling, rear wall, and / or side walls of the water-bearing appliance. The silencer can also be referred to as a sound-dampening coating. It may consist of a material mixture containing bitumen and iron oxide and / or bitumen and rock flour. The silencer can be in the form of a mat, panel, and / or foam, and can be glued or otherwise fixed to the housing.

[0005] According to internal findings, the properties of the water-bearing household appliance, particularly the silencer, are temperature-dependent. Specifically, the housing's ability to transmit sound and radiate it into the environment is temperature-dependent. One reason for this could be that the silencer's material composition exhibits temperature-dependent sound attenuation properties. This sound attenuation property can also be described as a loss factor.

[0006] According to internal findings, the operation of the water-using household appliance utilizes at least one program sequence with several distinct phases. These phases may include pre-rinsing, intermediate rinsing, and / or final rinsing. The temperature of the water-using appliance, particularly the water circulated by the pump, varies considerably between these phases. This significantly alters the sound transmission and emission characteristics of the appliance throughout the program. The circulated water may, for example, be a wash solution.

[0007] Traditionally, when determining the pump speed of a circulation pump, temperature is not taken into account. Instead, the pump speed is fixed and assigned to a specific program sequence or phase. For example, the pump speed might be low in an ECO program or a night program, while it might be high in a high-intensity program.

[0008] According to internal findings, increasing the speed of the circulation pump significantly increases the adverse noise emissions of the water-using household appliance. At the same time, the washing performance of the water-using household appliance can be improved with a higher pump speed. Therefore, when determining the pump speed of the circulation pump, a balance must be struck between the desired washing performance and the resulting noise emissions. This balance has so far been conservative due to the lack of consideration for temperature. Consequently, the washing performance of the water-using household appliance is not optimized.

[0009] Against this background, one object of the present invention is to improve the operation of a water-bearing household appliance.

[0010] Accordingly, a water-bearing household appliance, in particular a dishwasher, is proposed, comprising a circulation pump for the wash water operated at a current pump speed, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the wash water, and a determination unit for determining a further pump speed of the circulation pump depending on the detected temperature value and the current pump speed. The determination unit is configured to determine the further pump speed in such a way that the resulting sound power level of the water-bearing household appliance at the determined further pump speed is below a target sound power level.

[0011] Investigations by the applicant have shown that the noise emission of the water-bearing household appliance decreases when it heats up. This advantageous change in noise emission allows for an increase in the pump speed, thereby improving the washing performance. By precisely determining the pump speed of the circulation pump, the change in temperature can be compensated for in such a way that the resulting noise power level of the water-bearing household appliance at the specified pump speed remains below the target noise power level. In other words, the pump speed is determined such that the target noise power level is not exceeded. The target noise power level can therefore be understood as a maximum value or an upper limit. Preferably, the pump speed can be determined such that the target noise power level is just barely not exceeded.Therefore, the washing performance of the water-bearing household appliance can be improved while simultaneously adhering to the target sound power level.

[0012] Temperature changes in water-using household appliances are particularly evident in temperature changes in the wash water. Therefore, it is advantageous to determine the temperature of the water-using household appliance based on the temperature of the wash water. This allows the measuring unit to react particularly quickly and promptly to temperature changes.

[0013] The current pump speed represents the pump speed at the moment a temperature value of the cleaning solution is recorded. In contrast, the subsequent pump speed is the speed determined by the measuring unit and subsequently assumed by the circulation pump, for example, during a subsequent time step of the program sequence. For instance, in a later stage of the program sequence, the subsequent pump speed determined in a previous stage can correspond to the current pump speed of the following time step.

[0014] In this context, the sound power level can be understood as a quantitative measure of sound emission. The resulting additional sound power level can be understood as the sound power level expected when the pump reaches a specific additional speed. The additional sound power level thus represents an estimated value used to assess the effect of changing the pump speed from the current speed to the additional speed.

[0015] The water-bearing household appliance is designed, as an alternative to a dishwasher, specifically as a coffee machine and / or a washing machine. Furthermore, the water-bearing household appliance can be designed as a refrigeration appliance, such as a refrigerator and / or freezer.

[0016] In this context, "rinsing liquor" refers to fresh water and / or water containing a cleaner and / or dirt particles removed from the items being washed.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the determining unit is designed to periodically determine the further pump speed, in particular continuously during operation of the water-bearing household appliance.

[0018] Preferably, the control unit is configured to determine the pump speed at specific, fixed and / or selectable time intervals. These intervals can be, for example, a few seconds or a few minutes. This allows the control unit to compensate for rapid temperature changes, such as those occurring during the program cycle. For instance, during a program phase associated with rinsing, the temperature of the water-using appliance may be higher compared to other program phases, such as pre-rinsing.

[0019] According to another embodiment, the determining unit is designed to determine the further pump speed by means of a control loop, whereby the control loop takes into account in particular the detected temperature value.

[0020] The control loop enables a rapid determination of the further pump speed and thus also a rapid adjustment of the current pump speed to a changing temperature.

[0021] According to a further embodiment, the determining unit is configured to determine the subsequent pump speed depending on the detected temperature value, the current pump speed, and an operating mode, wherein the operating mode determines which of a plurality of spray devices is or are in operation. Here, the plurality of spray devices preferably comprises at least one spray arm and / or a ceiling shower.

[0022] The program sequence can have different operating modes. In this case, the operating mode determines which of the majority of spray nozzles are active during that mode. It therefore specifies which spray nozzle(s) deliver the wash water to the dishes. For example, in one operating mode, only the spray nozzle assigned to an upper rack of the appliance is active, while in a second mode, only the spray nozzle assigned to a lower rack is active. Furthermore, in a third operating mode, the spray nozzles assigned to both the overhead spray head and the lower rack can be active. Depending on the operating mode, different spray nozzles can be in operation, which can change the noise level of the appliance.Taking the operating mode into account when determining the subsequent pump speed therefore leads to a more precise estimate of the subsequent sound power level and thus in turn to a more precise determination of the subsequent pump speed.

[0023] This can improve the rinsing performance of the water-bearing household appliance.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, the determination unit comprises a memory in which a sound power characteristic map is stored, which represents a relationship between the temperature value, the current pump speed and a standardized sound power level. The determination unit is configured to determine a current sound power level using this sound power characteristic map.

[0025] The sound power characteristic map assigns a specific sound power level to each combination of current pump speed and measured temperature relevant to the program sequence. This makes it possible to estimate the current sound power level of the water-bearing household appliance at any point during the program sequence. The unit of measurement can then determine the difference between the current sound power level and the target sound power level. The subsequent pump speed can then be determined accordingly. For example, the subsequent pump speed can be adjusted so that the current sound power level matches the target sound power level. However, it should be noted that the sound emission of the water-bearing household appliance depends on the load of items being washed.For example, the sound emission may differ when loaded with glass or ceramics compared to when loaded with plastic parts. The sound power characteristic curve is designed for a standard load of the water-bearing household appliance. This curve indicates the sound emission that would prevail if the appliance were loaded with the standard load. With a load that deviates from the standard load, the resulting sound emission may deviate from the sound power characteristic curve. Consequently, the actual sound power level may exhibit a certain offset from the target sound power level, possibly throughout the entire program cycle. However, according to internal findings, these deviations are minor and insignificant for the execution of the proposed method or the use of the proposed device.Estimating the current sound power level using the temperature sensor and the current pump speed is advantageous for two reasons. Firstly, the temperature and the current pump speed are already the driving parameters for the sound power level, allowing for a particularly precise estimate. Secondly, the temperature sensor and the circulation pump are already integrated into the water-bearing household appliance, meaning the current sound power level can be measured without any additional design effort, and therefore at a very low cost.

[0026] According to another embodiment, a number Z of sound power characteristic maps are stored in the memory, with Z > 1, wherein each sound power characteristic map is preferably assigned to a specific operating mode.

[0027] Each sound power curve assigns a specific sound power level for each combination of current pump speed and temperature relevant to the program sequence, for a particular operating mode. For example, a first sound power curve might be assigned to the first operating mode, in which, for instance, only the spray nozzle assigned to the upper basket is in operation, while a second sound power curve might be assigned to the second operating mode, in which, for instance, only the spray nozzle assigned to the lower basket is in operation. Storing the number Z of sound power curves in the memory allows the control unit to determine the current sound power level even more precisely, taking the current operating mode into account. This allows the pump speed to be determined even more precisely, resulting in improved washing performance.

[0028] According to another embodiment, the target sound power level is predetermined, in particular depending on a selected program sequence.

[0029] For example, a higher target sound power level may be specified for a high-intensity program than for an ECO and / or night program. The target sound power level can also change within a program sequence, for example, depending on the current program phase. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the target sound power level depends on the current time. The target sound power level may be specified by the manufacturer depending on the type and / or model of the water-bearing household appliance. However, it is also conceivable that the user can set and / or vary the target sound power level themselves. According to another embodiment, the determining unit is configured to take a time delay after the temperature value has been acquired into account when determining the subsequent pump speed.

[0030] Since the temperature of the water-bearing household appliance, particularly its silencer, is a key factor influencing noise emissions, it is especially advantageous to determine the subsequent pump speed based on the silencer temperature. According to internal operational knowledge, the temperature of the water-bearing household appliance, particularly its silencer, follows the temperature of the wash water with a time delay. Therefore, the measuring unit can account for a corresponding time delay between the measurement of the wash water temperature and the determination of the subsequent pump speed. This time delay can be a few seconds or a few minutes. This allows for even more precise adherence to the target sound power level.

[0031] According to another embodiment, determining the further pump speed includes selecting one of a plurality of specific, discrete values.

[0032] The determination unit can be configured to select one of several specific, discrete values ​​for the pump speed when determining the pump's speed. It is therefore conceivable not to determine the exact value calculated using the sound power characteristic curve, but instead to select the value from the set of specific, discrete values ​​that is closest to the calculated value. Alternatively, starting from the calculated value, the next smallest value from the set of specific, discrete values ​​can be selected. This set of specific, discrete values ​​could, for example, be specified by the manufacturer of the water-bearing household appliance.Advantageously, this can prevent pump speeds from being exceeded too quickly, which could lead to resonance vibrations and increased noise emissions. This can advantageously reduce noise emissions. According to a further embodiment, the water-bearing household appliance has a hydraulic circuit, in which the temperature sensor is arranged.

[0033] By positioning the temperature sensor within the hydraulic circuit, contact between the temperature sensor and the wash water is ensured at all times during the program sequence. This allows the temperature sensor to detect the wash water temperature particularly quickly and accurately. The temperature sensor can be located, for example, between the circulation pump and a water diverter valve. Alternatively and / or additionally, the temperature sensor can also be located in a pump sump, which may be attached to the wash tank of the water-using household appliance. The phrase "attached to the wash tank" in this context means, in particular, that the pump sump is attached to or mounted on the wash tank. Specifically, the pump sump may be attached to the bottom of the wash tank. The pump sump may be part of the bottom. The pump sump can also be referred to as a pump housing.

[0034] According to another embodiment, the water-bearing household appliance has a sound sensor for detecting the current sound power level.

[0035] The sound sensor allows for particularly precise and rapid measurement of the current sound power level. In particular, the sound sensor enables the pump speed to be adjusted based on how much the sound power level is affected by the current load of the water-bearing appliance, which may deviate from the standard load. For this purpose, the sound sensor can be installed inside the water-bearing appliance using appropriate design features.

[0036] Furthermore, a method for controlling a water-bearing household appliance, in particular a dishwasher, is proposed. The water-bearing household appliance comprises a circulation pump for the wash liquor, a temperature sensor, and a control unit. In a first step, the circulation pump is operated at a current pump speed; in a second step, the temperature of the wash liquor is measured by the temperature sensor; and in a third step, a further pump speed of the circulation pump is determined by the control unit such that the resulting sound power level of the water-bearing household appliance at this further determined pump speed is below a target sound power level.

[0037] Furthermore, a computer program product is proposed which includes instructions that, when the program is executed by a computer, cause it to perform the procedure described above.

[0038] A computer program product, such as a computer program tool, can be provided or delivered from a server on a network, for example, as a storage medium such as a memory card, USB stick, CD-ROM, DVD, or as a downloadable file. This can be done, for example, in a wireless communication network by transmitting the corresponding file containing the computer program product or tool.

[0039] The embodiments and features described for the proposed water-bearing household appliance apply accordingly to the proposed method and vice versa.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a water-bearing household appliance; Fig. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of the water-bearing household appliance according to Fig. 1;

[0043] Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of four exemplary sound power characteristic curves of the water-bearing household appliance according to Fig. 1;

[0044] Fig. 4 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a program sequence of the water-bearing household appliance according to Fig. 1;

[0045] Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a further program sequence of the water-bearing household appliance according to Fig. 1;

[0046] Fig. 6 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a further program sequence of the water-bearing household appliance according to Fig. 1; and

[0047] Fig. 7 shows a schematic block diagram of a method for operating the water-bearing household appliance according to Fig. 1.

[0048] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements have been given the same reference symbols, unless otherwise indicated.

[0049] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a water-bearing household appliance 1. The water-bearing household appliance 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 can be provided between the door 3 and the washing container 2. The washing container 2 is preferably cuboid in shape. The washing container 2 can be arranged in a housing of the water-bearing household appliance 1. The washing container 2 and the door 3 can form a washing chamber 4 for washing items.

[0050] The door 3 is shown in its open position in Fig. 1. The door 3 can be opened or closed by pivoting it about a pivot axis 5 located at one of its lower ends. The door 3 can be used to open or close a loading opening 6 of the wash tank 2. The housing of the wash tank 2 has a base 7, a top 8 opposite the base 7, a rear wall 9 opposite the closed door 3, and two opposing side walls 10 and 11. The base 7, the top 8, the rear wall 9, and the side walls 10 and 11 can, for example, be made of stainless steel. Alternatively, the base 7 can, for example, be made of a plastic material.

[0051] The water-bearing household appliance 1 further comprises at least one dishware receptacle 12 to 14. Preferably, several, for example three, dishware receptacles 12 to 14 can be provided, wherein dishware receptacle 12 can be a lower dishware receptacle or a lower basket, dishware receptacle 13 an upper dishware receptacle or an upper basket, and dishware receptacle 14 a cutlery drawer. As further shown in Fig. 1, the dishware receptacles 12 to 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 to 14 can be pushed or moved into the washing container 2 in an insertion direction E and can be pulled or moved out of the washing container 2 in an extension direction A opposite to the insertion direction E.

[0052] Fig. 2 shows a highly schematic sectional view of the water-bearing household appliance 1.

[0053] During operation of the water-bearing household appliance 1, airborne and / or structure-borne noise can be generated inside the appliance. This airborne and / or structure-borne noise can be radiated through the housing to a user (not shown) of the water-bearing household appliance 1 as sound emission. To reduce this sound emission, the water-bearing household appliance 1 includes, in addition to the washing tank 2, a silencer 15, which is arranged on the housing, in particular on the door 3, on the top 8, on the rear wall 9, and on the side walls 10, 11. The silencer 15 dampens airborne and / or structure-borne noise, thus reducing its transmission. The silencer 15 can also be referred to as a sound-dampening lining. The silencer 15 can, in particular, comprise a material mixture with bitumen and iron oxide and / or with bitumen and rock flour.The silencer 15 can, for example, be designed as a mat, plate and / or foam, and can be glued or otherwise fixed to the housing.

[0054] Furthermore, the water-bearing household appliance 1 comprises a base support 16, which supports the washing tank 2. The base support 16 is, for example, a plastic component, in particular an injection-molded plastic component. The base support 16 is box-shaped or cuboid. A gravity direction g is oriented from top to bottom in the orientation of Fig. 2. The water-bearing household appliance 1 is assigned a coordinate system with a horizontal direction or x-direction x, a vertical direction or y-direction y, and a vertical direction or z-direction z. The directions x, y, z are oriented perpendicular to each other.

[0055] A pump sump 17 is provided at the base 7. The pump sump 17 is pot-shaped and extends downwards out of the base 7 in the orientation shown in Fig. 2. The pump sump 17 can be a plastic component, in particular an injection-molded plastic component. The pump sump 17 is covered by a sieve system 18.

[0056] A drain 19 opens from the pump sump 17. A dehumidification pump 20 is connected to the drain 19. The dehumidification pump 20 can pump away contaminated cleaning solution F via a wastewater line 21. "Cleaning solution" F refers to fresh water and / or water containing a cleaning agent and / or dirt particles. The wastewater line 21 can be connected to a building's main drain.

[0057] Furthermore, a drain 22 opens from the pump sump 17. A circulation pump 23 is connected to the drain 22. The circulation pump 23 circulates the wash liquor F in the wash chamber 4. The circulation pump 23 is primarily a heating pump and can therefore also be described as such. The circulation pump 23 is designed to circulate the wash liquor F. Furthermore, the circulation pump 23 is also designed to introduce heat into the wash liquor F. The circulation pump 23 can be attached to the pump sump 17.

[0058] The circulation pump 23 is connected to a water diverter 24. The water diverter 24 can be integrated into the circulation pump 23. With the aid of the water diverter 24, it is possible to selectively distribute the cleaning solution F pumped by the circulation pump 23 to different spray devices 25, 26, 27 provided in the cleaning tank 2. The water diverter 24 allows the spray devices 25, 26, 27 to be selectively supplied with cleaning solution F or not. Different settings of the water diverter 24 can also be referred to as operating modes SE1 to SE4. An operating mode thus determines which of the spray devices 25, 26, 27 is supplied with cleaning solution F. The number of operating modes SE1 to SE4 is arbitrary. Four operating modes SE1 to SE4 are shown here as examples.For example, in the first operating mode SE1, only spray device 27 is in operation, while in the second operating mode SE2, for example, only the second spray device 26 is in operation. During the third operating mode SE3, spray devices 25 to 27 are in operation. Finally, in the fourth operating mode SE4, only spray device 25 is in operation.

[0059] The spray devices 25, 26, 27 can be spray arms, whereas spray device 27 can alternatively or additionally be a ceiling shower or a roof-mounted sprayer. Additionally, switchable intensive spray zones or one or more screen cleaning nozzles (not shown) can be provided. For example, the spray device 25 is rotatably mounted below the dish intake 12 about a pivot axis 28 on the base 7, the pump sump 17, the screen system 18, or the circulation pump 23. The spray device 25 has spray nozzles that spray the wash water F upwards into the dish intake 12 and downwards towards the screen system 18, as shown in Fig. 2.

[0060] The spray device 26 can be rotatably mounted on the dishwashing container 13 about a pivot axis 29. The spray device 26 also has spray nozzles which are configured to spray the cleaning solution F downwards and / or upwards in the orientation shown in Fig. 2. The spray device 27 can be rotatably mounted on the ceiling 8 about a pivot axis 30. The spray device 27 applies cleaning solution F to the dishwashing container 14 from above in the orientation shown in Fig. 2. The spray device 27 can also be referred to as a ceiling shower and / or roof sprayer. The spray device 25 is connected to the circulation pump 23, and in particular to the water diverter 24, by means of a supply line 31. The circulation pump 23 can supply the spray device 25 with cleaning solution F via the supply line 31.

[0061] The spray device 26 is connected to a supply line 32, which fluidically connects the spray device 26 to the circulation pump 23. The circulation pump 23 can supply the spray device 26 with rinsing solution F via the supply line 32.

[0062] The spray device 27 is connected to a supply line 33, which fluidically connects the spray device 27 to the circulation pump 23. The circulation pump 23 can supply the spray device 27 with rinsing solution F via the supply line 33.

[0063] Each spray device 25, 26, 27 can have its own supply line 31, 32, 33. Alternatively, all spray devices 25, 26, 27 can have a common supply line that branches out. In particular, the supply lines 31, 32, 33 are formed by a common component, especially a common injection-molded plastic component. The supply lines 31, 32, 33 are routed along the rear wall 9 from the base 7 towards the ceiling 8. The supply lines 31, 32, 33, or at least a portion of them, can pass through the sieve system 18.

[0064] The water diverter 24 preferably has a separate connection or fluid outlet for each supply line 31, 32, 33. The circulation pump 23, the spray devices 25, 26, 27, and the supply lines 31, 32, 33 together form a hydraulic circuit 34 of the water-bearing household appliance 1. The circulation pump 23 circulates the washing solution F in this hydraulic circuit 34. The circulation pump 23 can be part of the hydraulic circuit 34, but this is not mandatory.

[0065] The washing container 2 contains items 35 to be cleaned. These items 35 can include, for example, glasses, plates, pots, bowls, cutlery, or the like. Specifically, the items 35 are held in the dishwashing compartments 12, 13, 14 (not shown in Fig. 2). The items 35 can be sprayed with washing solution F by means of the spray devices 25, 26, 27. The water-carrying household appliance 1 also includes a temperature sensor 36. The temperature sensor 36 can be located in the hydraulic circuit 34. However, this is not mandatory. For example, the temperature sensor 36 can be located between the circulation pump 23 and the water diverter 24. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 36 can also be located in the pump sump 17. The temperature sensor 36 can detect the temperature T of the washing solution F.

[0066] The water-bearing household appliance 1 further comprises a control unit 37. Different program sequences of the water-bearing household appliance 1 can be carried out using the control unit 37. Program sequences can be stored or saved in the control unit 37 for this purpose. In this context, the program sequences can also be referred to as wash programs. The control unit 37 is preferably arranged outside the wash tank 2.

[0067] The destination unit 37 can be housed in the base carrier 16. However, the destination unit 37 can also be located in or on the door 3. The destination unit 37 can be operated or actuated using control elements not shown. These control elements can include, for example, buttons, knobs, and / or touchscreens. These can be located on the door 3.

[0068] The control unit 37 can be used to control the circulation pump 23. For example, the control unit 37 can be used to switch the circulation pump 23 on and off and / or change its current pump speed n1. The control unit 37 can receive and evaluate information from the circulation pump 23, such as the current pump speed n1 and / or the motor current of the circulation pump 23. Furthermore, the control unit 37 can also control the water diverter 24 to selectively switch the spray devices 25, 26, 27 on or off. The control unit 37 has a memory 38, which will be discussed in more detail in relation to Fig. 3.

[0069] The water-bearing household appliance 1 further includes a sound sensor 39, which can be located, for example, in the base support 16 or in the door 3. The sound sensor 39 is designed to detect the current sound power level of the water-bearing household appliance 1. The sound sensor 39 can, for example, be a microphone.

[0070] Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of four exemplary sound power characteristic curves 40 to 43, which are assigned to four exemplary operating modes SE1 to SE4 of the water-bearing household appliance 1.

[0071] Memory 38 (Fig. 2) stores a number Z of sound power curves 40 to 43, with Z > 1. Each of the Z sound power curves 40 to 43 is assigned to one of the operating modes SE1 to SE4 of the water-carrying household appliance 1 and specifies, for the respective assigned operating mode SE1 to SE4, a relationship between the current pump speed n1 of the circulation pump 23, the measured temperature value T of the wash water F, and a current sound power level of the water-carrying household appliance 1. The sound power curves 40 to 43 show that, while maintaining the same operating mode SE1 to SE4 and the current pump speed n1, the current sound power level decreases with increasing temperature value T of the wash water F.

[0072] The measuring unit 37 is configured to determine the temperature T of the wash liquor F and the current pump speed n1 of the circulation pump 23 at periodic intervals during a program sequence of the water-bearing household appliance 1. The measuring unit 37 is further configured to estimate the current sound power level using the sound power characteristic curve 40 to 43 associated with the currently executed operating mode SE1 to SE4. A possible difference between the current sound power level and a target sound power level SLP can be derived from this. The measuring unit 37 then determines a further pump speed n2 such that the current sound power level does not exceed the target sound power level SLP. In Fig. 3, a target sound power level SLP with the value 42 is shown in the sound power characteristic curve 40, which is shown here only as an example and for illustration purposes.The actual value of the target sound power level (SLP) is predefined and can, for example, be determined based on the device. However, the target sound power level (SLP) can also depend on the program sequence and / or be set by a user. The current pump speed n1 represents the speed at the time the current temperature value T of the cleaning solution F is measured. In contrast, the subsequent pump speed n2 is the speed determined by the measuring unit 37 and subsequently assumed by the circulation pump 23, for example, during a subsequent time step of the program sequence.

[0073] Figure 3 illustrates the operating principle of determining the additional pump speed n2 using the determination unit 37. For example, if the temperature T of the wash liquor F increases from a first temperature value T1 to a second temperature value T2 (vertical arrow in Figure 3), the current sound power level would decrease while maintaining the current pump speed n1. To maintain the target sound power level SLP, this can be compensated for by increasing the pump speed from the current pump speed n1 to an additional pump speed n2 (horizontal arrow in Figure 3). This improves the washing performance of the water-bearing household appliance 1 due to the increased additional pump speed n2, while simultaneously maintaining or not exceeding the target sound power level SLP.Similarly, if the temperature drops, the subsequent pump speed n2 may be lower than the current pump speed n1. The adjustment of the pump speed from the current pump speed n1 to the subsequent pump speed n2 can be achieved using a control loop.

[0074] Fig. 4 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a program sequence of the water-bearing household appliance 1.

[0075] This graph shows an example of the temperature T of the rinse water F (left y-axis) over a time t of an example program sequence (x-axis). It is evident that the temperature T changes significantly over time. For example, the temperature T during a final rinse cycle can be considerably higher than during a pre-rinse cycle. However, the temperature curve shown here is only an example and depends on the specific configuration of the program sequence.

[0076] Figure 4 further shows the determined pump speed n2 (right y-axis). As the temperature value T increases, the pump speed n2 is increased by means of the determining unit 37, and vice versa. In other words, the trend of the pump speed n2 follows the trend of the current temperature value T. The abrupt drop in the pump speed n2 at the right end of the diagram is explained by the end of the program sequence, at which all spray devices 25 to 27 are stopped.

[0077] Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a further program sequence of the water-bearing household appliance 1 .

[0078] The explanations for Fig. 4 apply analogously to Fig. 5. In contrast to the program sequence shown in Fig. 4, the program sequence shown in Fig. 5 incorporates a time delay dt. The current sound power level is determined by the temperature-dependent damping behavior of the water-carrying household appliance 1, in particular the silencer 15. The temperature of the water-carrying household appliance 1, in particular the silencer 15, is in turn significantly dependent on the temperature T of the wash liquor F. However, the temperature of the water-carrying household appliance 1, in particular the silencer 15, follows the temperature T of the wash liquor F with a time delay dt. This time delay dt, which can also be referred to as a time offset, can be taken into account when determining the subsequent pump speed n2.The determination of the further pump speed n2 therefore follows the detection of the temperature value T with a time delay.

[0079] Fig. 6 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a further program sequence of the water-bearing household appliance 1.

[0080] The descriptions in Figures 4 and 5 apply analogously to Figure 6. However, unlike the program sequence shown in Figure 4, the determination of the additional pump speed n2 in Figure 6 involves selecting one of a plurality of specific, discrete values. Therefore, the value determined for the additional pump speed n2 is not precisely the one calculated using the Z sound power characteristic curves, but instead the value from the plurality of specific, discrete values ​​that is closest to the calculated value. Alternatively, starting from the calculated value, the next smallest value from the plurality of specific, discrete values ​​can be selected. This plurality of specific, discrete values ​​can, for example, be specified by a manufacturer of the water-bearing household appliance 1.Consequently, changes in the pump speed n2 over time are implemented stepwise using a "stair-step" curve. This allows, for example, unfavorable values ​​for the pump speed n2, which could lead to resonance phenomena, to be avoided.

[0081] Fig. 7 shows a schematic block diagram of a method for operating the water-bearing household appliance 1 .

[0082] In a first step S1, the circulation pump 23 is operated at the current pump speed n1. In a second step S2, the temperature T of the wash water F is recorded with the temperature sensor 36. In a third step S3, the current sound power level of the water-bearing household appliance 1 is determined using one of the number Z of sound power characteristic curves 40 to 43, and from this the further pump speed n2 of the circulation pump 23 is determined, such that the further sound power level resulting at the determined further pump speed n2 is below the target sound power level SLP.

[0083] Although the present invention has been described using exemplary embodiments, it can be modified in many ways.

[0084] Reference symbols used:

[0085] 1 Water-bearing household appliance

[0086] 2 washing containers

[0087] 3 Door

[0088] 4. Dishwashing area

[0089] 5 swivel axes

[0090] 6 Feed opening

[0091] 7 Floor

[0092] 8 ceiling

[0093] 9 Back panel

[0094] 10 side wall

[0095] 11 Side wall

[0096] 12 Dishwashing tray

[0097] 13 Dishwashing tray

[0098] 14 Dishwashing tray

[0099] 15 silencers

[0100] 16 base carriers

[0101] 17 Pump sump

[0102] 18 sieve system

[0103] 19 Procedure

[0104] 20 Drain pump

[0105] 21 Wastewater pipe

[0106] 22 Procedure

[0107] 23 Circulation pump

[0108] 24 water diverter

[0109] 25 Spray device

[0110] 26 Spray device

[0111] 27 Spray device

[0112] 28 Rotary axis

[0113] 29 axis of rotation

[0114] 30 Rotary axis

[0115] 31 Supply line

[0116] 32 Supply line 33 Supply line

[0117] 34 Hydraulic circuit

[0118] 35 items to be washed

[0119] 36 Temperature sensor

[0120] 37 Unit of determination

[0121] 38 memory

[0122] 39 Sound sensor

[0123] 40 Sound power characteristic curve

[0124] 41 Sound power characteristic curve

[0125] 42 Sound power characteristic curve

[0126] 43 Sound power characteristic curve

[0127] A Extraction direction dt Time delay

[0128] E Insertion direction

[0129] F Flushing fluid g Gravity direction n1 Pump speed n2 Pump speed

[0130] Step 51

[0131] Step 52

[0132] Step 53

[0133] SE1 Operating mode

[0134] SE2 operating mode

[0135] SE3 operating mode

[0136] SE4 operating mode

[0137] SLP target sound power level t time

[0138] T temperature value

[0139] T1 temperature value

[0140] T2 temperature value x x-direction y y-direction z z-direction

[0141] Z number

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Water-bearing household appliance (1), in particular a dishwasher, with a circulation pump (23) for washing liquid (F) operated at a current pump speed (n1), a temperature sensor (36) for detecting a temperature value (T) of the washing liquid (F), and a determination unit (37) for determining a further pump speed (n2) of the circulation pump (23) as a function of the detected temperature value (T) and the current pump speed (n1), wherein the determination unit (37) is configured to determine the further pump speed (n2) such that a further sound power level of the water-bearing household appliance (1) resulting at the determined further pump speed (n2) is below a target sound power level (SLP).

2. Water-bearing household appliance according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit (37) is configured to determine the further pump speed (n2) periodically, in particular continuously during operation of the water-bearing household appliance (1).

3. Water-bearing household appliance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the determining unit (37) is configured to determine the further pump speed (n2) by means of a control loop, wherein the control loop in particular takes into account the detected temperature value (T).

4. Water-bearing household appliance according to one of claims 1 - 3, wherein the determining unit (37) is configured to determine the further pump speed (n2) depending on the detected temperature value (T), the current pump speed (n1) and an operating mode (SE1 - SE4), wherein the operating mode (SE1 - SE4) determines which of a plurality of spray devices (25 - 27) is or are in operation, and wherein the plurality of spray devices (25 - 27) preferably comprises at least one spray arm (25, 26, 27) and / or a ceiling shower (27).

5. Water-bearing household appliance according to claim 4, wherein the unit of determination (37) comprises a storage unit (38) in which a sound power characteristic map (40 - 43) is recorded- is laid which represents a relationship between the temperature value (T), the current pump speed (n1) and a standard sound power, and wherein the determination unit (37) is set up to determine a current sound power level using the sound power characteristic map (40 - 43).

6. Water-bearing household appliance according to claim 5, wherein a number Z of sound power characteristic maps (40 - 43) are stored in the storage unit (38), with Z > 1, wherein each sound power characteristic map (40 - 43) is preferably assigned to a specific operating mode (SE1 - SE4).

7. Water-bearing household appliance according to one of claims 1 - 6, wherein the target sound power level (SLP) is predetermined, in particular depending on a selected program sequence.

8. Water-bearing household appliance according to one of claims 1 - 7, wherein the determining unit (37) is configured to take into account a time delay (dt) after the detection of the temperature value (T) when determining the further pump speed (n2).

9. Water-bearing household appliance according to one of claims 1 - 8, wherein the determination of the further pump speed (n2) comprises the selection of one of a plurality of specific, discrete values.

10. Water-bearing household appliance according to one of claims 1 - 9, further comprising a hydraulic circuit (34), wherein the temperature sensor (36) is arranged in the hydraulic circuit (34).

11. Water-bearing household appliance according to one of claims 1 - 10, further comprising a sound sensor (39) for detecting the current sound power level.

12. Method for controlling a water-bearing household appliance (1), in particular a dishwasher, with a circulation pump (23) for washing liquor (F), a temperature sensor (36), and a determination unit (37), wherein in a first step (S1) the circulation pump (23) is operated at a current pump speed (n1), in a In the second step (S2) a temperature value (T) of the rinsing liquid (F) is recorded with the temperature sensor (36), and in a third step (S3) a further pump speed (n2) of the circulation pump (23) is determined by means of the determination unit (37) such that a further sound power level of the water-bearing household appliance (1) resulting at the determined further pump speed (n2) is below a target sound power level (SLP).

13. Computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause it to execute the method according to claim 12.

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