CN113795623A

CN113795623A - Dosing unit, water-containing domestic appliance and method

Info

Publication number: CN113795623A
Application number: CN202080033991.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: A·博戈; J·舒尔茨; A·席勒; H·柯林斯; H·M·L·弗莱彻; I·C·史密斯; J·沃德考特
Original assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH; Reckitt Benckiser Brands Ltd
Current assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH; Reckitt Benckiser Brands Ltd
Priority date: 2019-05-13
Filing date: 2020-05-06
Publication date: 2021-12-14
Also published as: JP2022532741A; EP3969654A1; US20220233049A1; AU2020276056A1; WO2020229269A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a dosing unit (18, 118, 218) for an automatic dosing system for a water-containing household appliance, in particular a dishwasher or washing machine, which is configured to dose at least one detergent tablet of a plurality of detergent tablets stored in a storage box (30, 130, 230), the dosing unit comprising a dosing device (20, 120, 220) configured to pick up the at least one detergent tablet from the plurality of detergent tablets and to release the at least one detergent tablet by temporarily switching from a closed state to a release state according to a predefined switching mechanism, wherein the dosing device (20, 120, 220) comprises a safety portion (24, 124, 224) for preventing undesired switching. Furthermore, an aqueous household appliance comprising the dosing unit and a dosing method are disclosed.

Description

Dosing unit, water-containing domestic appliance and method

The present invention relates to a dosing unit for an automated dosing system of a water-containing household appliance, a water-containing household appliance (in particular a dishwasher or washing machine), a method of dosing at least one detergent tablet using such a dosing unit and a method of operating a water-containing household appliance.

Known household appliances (e.g. dishwashers or washing machines) usually have a dosing system consisting of a chamber for storing a single dose of detergent. The user of the dishwasher has to fill the chamber with detergent each time before starting a washing cycle. This is inconvenient for the user. Furthermore, such systems carry the risk that the user does not fill the correct amount of detergent or forgets to fill it at all. This may lead to poor or undesirable cleaning results. It is desirable to have an automatic dosing system that automatically doses the correct amount of detergent at the correct timing during the wash cycle.

Detergents for aqueous household appliances can be irritating or harmful, especially when they contact the skin or eyes of a user. In particular, detergents for automatic dispensing devices may have specific chemicals that allow for greater efficiency, for example, by increasing the concentration of active agents. In order to protect the user of an automatic dispensing device, it is desirable to prevent easy access to the interior of the dispensing unit.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved dispensing unit.

According to a first aspect, a dosing unit for an automatic dosing system for a water-containing household appliance, in particular a dishwasher or washing machine, is proposed, which is configured to dose at least one detergent tablet of a plurality of detergent tablets stored in a storage box. The dosing unit comprises a dosing device configured to pick up the at least one detergent tablet from the plurality of detergent tablets and release the at least one detergent tablet by temporarily switching from a closed state to a release state by a predefined switching mechanism. The safety portion of the dispensing device is configured to prevent unwanted switching.

The advantages of the dispensing unit are: by using bare hands and/or simple tools, it is not possible to switch the dispensing device from a closed state, which is a normal state, to a release state in which the detergent tablet can be released and access to the interior of the dispensing unit is possible. Simple tools are for example tools that are available in ordinary hardware stores. Such tools include, for example, screwdrivers, knives, scissors, wrenches, and/or pliers. Thus, the dispensing unit is safe for manipulation by the user. In particular, even if a child finds such a dispensing unit and plays it, it is ensured that the child cannot accidentally open the dispensing unit, i.e. switch it from a closed state to a released state and cannot access the stored detergent tablet.

The dispensing unit may comprise further elements in addition to the dispensing device and the cartridge. Preferably, the elements of the dispensing unit are made of a plastic material that can be processed by injection moulding. However, some parts or elements of the dispensing device may be made of metal, ceramic and/or composite materials.

The dispensing device has the function of sealing the storage case from the environment, preferably so that moisture cannot enter the storage case, as this would cause degradation of the detergent tablet stored therein. In addition, the dispensing device has the function of selectively releasing a predetermined number of detergent tablets (preferably a single detergent tablet) each time the dispensing unit is actuated. To this end, the dispensing device may comprise a plurality of interacting mechanical elements allowing to pick up at least one detergent tablet from the storage magazine and to release the at least one detergent tablet from the dispensing unit. The dispensing device is preferably attached to the cartridge so that it cannot be removed without destroying the dispensing unit.

For releasing the at least one detergent tablet, the dispensing device has at least two different states, which may be defined by a certain arrangement of mechanical elements of the dispensing device relative to each other. The at least two different states are referred to as an off state and a released state. In the closed state, the dosing unit is closed to the environment, preferably it is sealed in the closed state so as to be impermeable for all kinds of fluids. The dispensing unit may comprise a sealing portion, e.g. a rubber seal. In the release state, at least one detergent tablet is released from the dosing unit. When the dispensing device is in the released state, there may be a path from the environment to the interior of the dispensing unit. In the following, when the dispensing device is in the closed state, the dispensing unit is said to be in the closed state, and when the dispensing device is in the released state, the dispensing unit is said to be in the released state.

Preferably, the dispensing device is switched from the off state to the release state by using a predefined switching mechanism. For example, the predefined switching mechanism involves a plurality of manipulations performed on the dispensing device. In its intended use, the dosing unit is placed in an automatic dosing system of a water-containing household appliance, wherein the automatic dosing system is configured to perform a manipulation, that is to say to switch the dosing device by using a predefined switching mechanism.

Preferably, the predefined handover mechanism involves the use of a dedicated tool. The special tool is specially adapted for switching dispensing devices. In particular, the special tool has features not found in the conventional tools as described above.

The dosing unit is only switched temporarily into the release state, i.e. it remains in the release state only for a predetermined, preferably short, period of time (e.g. less than 15 seconds). After a predetermined period of time, for example by switching back, the dosing unit returns to the off state. "switch back" does not necessarily mean that a predefined switching mechanism is employed, other approaches are possible. Hereby, it is ensured that the interior of the dispensing unit is not excessively exposed to the environment. The dispensing unit may comprise a cover means, such as a closure, which temporarily blocks the passage into the dispensing unit when the dispensing unit is in a release state, in order to reduce the input of moisture during release.

The safety part of the dispensing unit prohibits easy switching of the dispensing device from the off-state to the release-state by using a predefined switching mechanism. In this sense, the secure portion acts as a barrier against handover. The safety portion is designed such that the dispensing device cannot be switched from the closed state to the release state by hand and/or with a simple tool, as described above. That is, the safety part prevents the user from reaching the inside of the dosing unit without a dedicated tool by using a predefined switching mechanism.

The special tool is particularly ready for switching the dispensing device from the closed state to the release state. For this purpose, the special tool has, for example, a corresponding form. Thus, the special tool may be considered as a key for unlocking the security portion in order to switch the dispensing device into the release state.

In its intended use, the dosing unit is placed in an automatic dosing system of a water-containing household appliance. The automatic dispensing system comprises a drive unit configured to actuate the dispensing unit to release the at least one detergent tablet. To this end, the automatic dispensing system comprises in particular a special tool.

According to a first embodiment, the safety portion of the dispensing unit is configured such that a force for switching the dispensing device from the closed state to the release state by using the predefined switching mechanism can be applied by a dedicated tool.

In particular, the force for switching by using the predefined switching mechanism is a lower force than when switching the dispensing device by using a switching mechanism different from the predefined switching mechanism.

For example, shallow grooves without sharp edges do not provide the possibility of positioning a common tool in such a way that sufficient force or torque can be applied to the dispensing device. However, the special tool is formed, for example, corresponding to a shallow groove, and therefore can be bonded over a large area, so that the total force that can be applied by using the special tool is accumulated over the entire area and becomes sufficient for switching by using a predefined switching mechanism.

According to other embodiments, the dispensing device comprises a plug configured to be moved by rotating the plug about a rotation axis from a first position, in which the dispensing device is in the closed state, to a second position, in which the dispensing device is in the released state, wherein the safety portion comprises an engagement portion on a surface of the plug for engaging with the special tool for applying a torque for rotating the plug.

In this embodiment, the predefined switching mechanism particularly involves the use of a special tool for rotating the plug.

According to other embodiments, the engagement portion formed in the plug is realized as a helical groove and the special tool comprises a corresponding helical protrusion.

The helix preferably starts from the centre of rotation of the turning plug. By using a common tool, such as a screwdriver, it is only possible to apply a force radially with respect to the centre of rotation, which force does not provide any torque in the direction of rotation, since the edges of the helical groove are substantially perpendicular to the radial direction at any position of the helix. Additionally, if the screw has an end point, there may be a small portion at the end point that allows torque to be transmitted on the plug. Preferably, in this case, the plug is designed such that turning the plug by applying a torque (which may only be in a predefined direction) via the end point of the screw will cause the plug to be driven towards the first position, which is the closed state of the dispensing device.

In an embodiment, the helical groove is formed in a special tool and the helical protrusion is formed in the plug.

According to a further embodiment, the dispensing device comprises a retaining ring configured to be moved from a first position, in which the dispensing device is in the closed state, to a second position, in which the dispensing device is in the released state, by laterally displacing the retaining ring in a pulling direction, wherein the safety portion is embodied as a surface of the retaining ring facing away from the cartridge, the surface having a surface normal at an angle of at most 60 ° to the pulling direction.

In this embodiment, the predefined switching mechanism involves pulling the buckle in a pulling direction. In this case, the particular geometry of the surface of the buckle forms the safety portion. The effect is that it is not possible for the user to grip the buckle with his hand or even with pliers and apply sufficient pulling force to move the buckle and switch the dispensing device when applying the force that can often be expected.

In order to move the clip in the pulling direction, a force needs to be applied in the pulling direction. When the buckle is clamped on opposite sides, the clamping force applied will be divided by the inclined surface of the buckle into a force component perpendicular to the surface and a force component parallel to the surface and perpendicular to the normal component. When the force component parallel to the surface is greater than the adhesion force between the gripping tool and the surface, this component causes the gripping tool to slip. Therefore, a force in the pulling direction cannot be applied.

Preferably, the angle between the surface normal and the pulling direction is less than 60 °, for example 45 ° or only 30 °. The smaller the angle, the stronger the protection against unwanted switching. Preferably, the angle between the surface normal and the pull is less than a specified value at any position on the surface of the buckle facing away from the storage case.

For example, the buckle has a pyramidal shape with a polygonal (such as triangular) base. Preferably, the base is a regular polygon.

According to other embodiments, the retaining ring has a tapered forming surface.

Tapered surfaces are preferred because the opposite sides of the retaining ring are symmetrically shaped according to the axis of symmetry of the taper, so the force applied for clamping is uniform on both sides.

According to other embodiments, the safety portion comprises a surface having a low coefficient of friction with respect to metals, wood, organic substances and plastics, in particular less than 0.2.

The coefficient of friction may be defined as a dimensionless number defining the relationship between the normal force applied between a first body (e.g. an element of a dosing unit) and a second body (e.g. a tool) and the maximum adhesion force counteracting the sliding relative movement between the bodies. The friction coefficient can be defined according to the following formula (1).

F_f＝μx F_NFormula (1)

In formula (1), F_fDenotes adhesion, μ denotes coefficient of friction and F_NIndicating the normal force.

According to other embodiments, the safety portion is configured to lock the dispensing device in the closed state.

In this embodiment, the predefined switching mechanism involves unlocking the security part so that the switching can be easily performed. In particular, a special tool may be implemented to unlock the security portion.

According to other embodiments, the safety portion is implemented as a mechanical restraint.

In particular, the safety portion is arranged to form a form closure with the dispensing device. In this embodiment, the safety portion cannot be easily removed from the dispensing unit, since there is no space for a common tool to be positioned to act on the safety portion. In particular, the safety portion is realized as a lock for locking the dispensing unit in the closed state.

For example, the safety portion prevents the dispensing device or an element of the dispensing device from moving according to a predefined switching mechanism. Then, in order to perform the switching, the safety part has to be unlocked, for example by displacing the safety part and/or by releasing the form fit. In particular, a special tool is implemented to unlock the secure portion. Preferably, the special tool unlocks the secure portion when the dispensing unit is placed in the automatic dispensing system.

According to a second aspect, a method of dispensing at least one detergent tablet of a plurality of detergent tablets provided by a dispensing unit using the dispensing unit is presented. In a first step, a drive device of a drive unit is engaged with a dispensing device of the dispensing unit. In a second step, the dosing device is switched from the off-state to the release-state by the drive unit by using a predefined switching mechanism. For example, as a result, at least one detergent tablet of the plurality of detergent tablets is released from the dosing unit.

The method is advantageously used in combination with the dosing unit according to the first aspect. The method may also include other steps and/or the steps may be performed in an order different than presented herein.

In an embodiment, a dedicated tool is employed in the switching step.

In other embodiments, the method comprises: the safety part of the dispensing device for preventing unwanted switching is unlocked.

In particular, a special tool is used to unlock the security portion.

According to a third aspect, a water-containing household appliance, in particular a dishwasher or washing machine, is proposed, which has an automatic dosing system for automatically dosing at least one detergent tablet provided by a dosing unit into a washing liquid for washing items. The dosing unit is implemented according to the first aspect. The automatic dispensing system includes a receiving portion and a drive unit. The receiving portion is configured to removably receive the dispensing unit. The drive unit is configured to switch the dispensing device from the closed state to the release state by using a predefined switching mechanism to dispense the at least one detergent tablet.

The water-containing household appliance has the advantages that: multiple wash cycles can be performed without the need for the user to (re) fill the detergent for each cycle. In addition, the appropriate amount of detergent may be provided automatically, i.e. when the items to be washed, such as dishes or clothes, are relatively clean, a small amount (e.g. a single detergent tablet) may be sufficient, whereas when the items are relatively dirty, a larger amount may be necessary in order to obtain good cleaning results, e.g. three detergent tablets. This may be convenient for the user. When the cartridge runs out of detergent tablets, the user can simply replace the cartridge or the entire dosing unit.

The features and advantages of the dosing unit according to the first aspect are correspondingly also applicable to the proposed water-containing domestic appliance. In particular, the automatic dispensing system is configured to operate in conjunction with any one of the embodiments of the dispensing unit according to the first aspect. It is to be understood that the explanations and definitions provided with respect to the first aspect or the second aspect correspondingly apply to the third aspect.

The receiving portion of the automatic dispensing system is arranged in the water-containing domestic appliance such that the dispensing unit will be oriented according to a preferred orientation when the water-containing domestic appliance is set up as intended for use. In particular, the relative orientation with respect to the gravity vector is predetermined when the dosing unit is arranged in the receiving portion.

In particular, in embodiments where the predefined switching mechanism involves the use of a dedicated tool, the dedicated tool is part of the drive unit such that the drive unit can perform the switching by using the predefined switching mechanism.

In an embodiment, the dispensing unit is arranged in a receiving portion of an automatic dispensing system. For example, the water-containing domestic appliance and the dosing unit are provided as one entity.

In particular, in embodiments where the secure part of the dispensing unit is configured to lock the dispensing device in the closed state, the predefined switching mechanism involves unlocking the secure part so that the switching can be easily performed. Here, in particular, the special tool is part of an automatic dispensing system and can be implemented to unlock the security part. For example, when the dispensing unit is disposed in the receiving portion of the automated dispensing system, the special tool engages the dispensing unit and unlocks the security portion.

According to a fourth aspect, a method of operating a water-containing domestic appliance, in particular a dishwasher or washing machine, is proposed. The aqueous domestic appliance comprises an automatic dosing system for automatically dosing a detergent tablet provided by a dosing unit into a washing liquid for washing the goods. In a first step, a dispensing unit is installed in an automatic dispensing system. This may involve both user interaction and automatically driven arrangement interaction between the automatic dispensing system and the dispensing unit. In a second step, the drive means of the drive unit is engaged with the dispensing means of the dispensing unit. In a third step, the dosing device is switched from the off state to the release state by the drive unit by using a predefined switching mechanism. For example, as a result, at least one detergent tablet of the plurality of detergent tablets is released from the dosing unit and thus dosed into e.g. the washing liquid.

The method is preferably performed with a water-containing domestic appliance according to the third aspect. The method may also include other steps and/or the steps may be performed in an order different than presented herein.

In an embodiment, a dedicated tool is employed in the switching step.

In other embodiments, the method includes unlocking a secure portion of the dispensing device for preventing unwanted switching.

In particular, a special tool is used to unlock the security portion.

The features and embodiments described in connection with the proposed dosing unit or the proposed water-containing domestic appliance apply correspondingly to the proposed method.

The invention has been described in terms of various embodiments. It is to be understood that one or more features of any one embodiment may be combined with one or more features of other embodiments. Furthermore, any single feature or combination of features in any of the embodiments may constitute additional embodiments. Further embodiments or aspects of the invention are subject to the dependent claims and the examples described below with reference to the figures.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a first example of a dosing unit;

fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a second example of a dosing unit;

fig. 3 shows a schematic view of a third example of a dosing unit;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic block diagram of an example of a method of using a provisioning unit;

fig. 5 shows a schematic view of an example of a water-containing domestic appliance; and

fig. 6 shows a schematic block diagram of an example of a method of operating a water-containing domestic appliance.

In the drawings, like elements are designated by the same reference numerals unless otherwise specified.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a first example of a dosing unit 18, the dosing unit 18 comprising a dosing device 20 and a cartridge 30. In this example, the dosing unit 18 has an elongated cylindrical shape. The dosing unit 18 is configured to release a detergent tablet (not shown) provided by the cartridge 30 by rotating about a rotational axis X, which in this example is a cylindrical symmetry axis.

In particular, the dispensing device 20 has an internal design (not shown) which allows a detergent tablet to be picked up from the storage bin 30 and placed in a release chamber (not shown) inside the dispensing device 20, which is arranged above the outlet 26, which outlet 26 is arranged on a side wall of the dispensing device 20 and faces downwards in fig. 1. The dispensing unit 18 is shown in a closed state, in which the outlet 26 is blocked by the plug 22.

The plug 22 is arranged in the dispensing device 20 such that it can rotate about the axis X relative to the periphery of the dispensing device 20. For example, the plug 20 includes a threaded portion on at least a segment of the outer surface of the plug 20 that engages a corresponding threaded portion formed in the dispensing device 20. By rotating the plug 20, the plug 20 will be driven along the axis X. Thus, by rotating the plug 20, a detergent tablet placed in the inner release chamber will be released when the outlet 26 is not blocked by the plug 22.

On the front face of the plug 22, a safety portion 24 is formed as a spiral groove. The helical groove 24 begins at the center where the axis of rotation X crosses the front of the plug 20. The spiral groove 24 ends at an end point 25. The helical configuration does not allow torque to be transmitted to the plug 22 in a direction that can drive the plug 22 out of the dispensing device 20 by a simple tool. In particular, when a tangential force is applied to the end point 25, a torque is generated on the plug 22, which drives the plug 22 further into the dispensing device 20. This therefore does not cause the dispensing device 20 to switch from the closed state to a released state in which the detergent tablet is released via the outlet 26.

A special tool 40 (see fig. 5) engaging with the helical groove 24, in particular a tool having a corresponding helical shape, allows applying a torque in the correct rotational direction to switch the dispensing device 20 from the closed state to the released state. When the dosing unit 18 is intended to be used in connection with an automatic dosing system 15 (see fig. 5) in, for example, a dishwasher or washing machine, the dedicated tool 40 is preferably part of the drive unit 17 (see fig. 5) of the automatic dosing system 15.

In this example, the predefined switching mechanism involves rotating the plug 22 by using a special tool 40, the special tool 40 having a corresponding shape for engaging with a safety portion 24 formed on a surface of the plug 22.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a second example of a dosing unit 118, the dosing unit 118 comprising a dosing device 120 and a cartridge 130. The dispensing device 120 comprises a pre-dispense element 121 and a retaining ring 122. In particular, the pre-dosing element 121 is configured to pick up a detergent tablet provided by the storage box 130. By pulling the dispensing device 120 in the direction indicated by arrow P, the dispensing device 120 switches from the closed state to the released state, i.e. the detergent tablet picked up by the pre-dispense element 121 is released.

In this example, the safety portion 124 is provided by a retaining ring 122, the retaining ring 122 having a surface that does not allow the retaining ring 122 to be clamped. In particular, the surface 124 is realized such that it does not allow, due to its orientation, to exert a force in the direction of the arrow P by clamping. Specifically, a surface normal N of the surface 124 of the grommet 122 facing away from the storage box 130 is at an angle a of less than 60 ° (preferably less than 45 °) to the pulling direction P. The smaller the angle a, the more difficult it is to clamp the retaining ring 122. Preferably, the surface 124 has a smooth finish, so that the surface roughness is low and a firm grip of the surface 124 is difficult to achieve.

The dispensing device 120 may be pulled in direction P using a special tool 40 (see fig. 5) in order to release the detergent tablet. For example, a special tool may use a suction portion that adheres to the surface 124 of the retaining ring 122 and thus allows the dispensing device 120 to be pulled. When the dosing unit 18 is intended to be used in connection with an automatic dosing system 15 (see fig. 5) in, for example, a dishwasher or washing machine, the dedicated tool 40 is preferably part of the drive unit 17 (see fig. 5) of the automatic dosing system 15.

The predefined switching mechanism comprises in particular pulling the dispensing device 120 in a direction P, wherein the total force applied to the dispensing device 120 via the snap ring 122 is substantially equal to the total force in the pulling direction P. For example, the total force is twice as great as the total pulling force. That is, if one applies a strong force to the dispensing unit 118 or the dispensing device 120 that is strong enough to actually switch the dispensing device 120 from the closed state to the released state (the strong force comprising a force component in the pulling direction P acting on the dispensing device 120), this is not considered to be switched by using the predefined switching mechanism.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of a third example of a dosing unit 218, the dosing unit 218 comprising a dosing device 220 and a cartridge 230. The dispensing device 220 is implemented such that a predefined switching mechanism can combine both lateral and angular misalignments of the elements.

In particular, the dispensing device 220 comprises a pre-dosing element 222, the pre-dosing element 222 being realized to pick up a single detergent tablet from a storage magazine 230 and transport it to a receiving chamber 227 formed in a release element 226. The release element 227 is, for example, arranged in the dispensing device 220 such that it can be moved in the direction indicated by the arrow P, which is also referred to as pulling direction. In fig. 3, the dosing unit 218 is shown in a closed state. In order to switch the dispensing device 220 to the release state, the release element 226 has to be moved or pulled in the pulling direction P. The detergent tablet stored in the receiving compartment 227 will then slide out of the slope of the receiving compartment 227 due to gravity, whereupon the detergent tablet is released.

The safety portion 224 is disposed between a fixed portion 228 and a release element 226 of the dispensing device 220. Specifically, the safety portion 224 engages both the fixed portion 228 and the release member 226, thus locking the release member 226 in the closed position, as shown in fig. 3. To move the release portion 226, the safety portion 224 must be unlocked, that is, engagement with either the fixed portion 228 or the release member 226 must be released.

For example, the safety portion 224 includes a clip portion made of plastic that allows for flexible bending (not shown). The gripping portions engage corresponding portions on the release element 226 and/or the securing portion 228. For example, the holding portion is covered from the outside by the fixing portion 228 and is accessible only with the special tool 40 (see fig. 5). The clamping portion can then be pushed aside in order to release the engagement by the special tool 40. In particular, the special tool may be formed in the automatic dispensing system 15 (see fig. 5), with the dispensing unit 218 being placed in the automatic dispensing system 15 in its intended use, such that the dispensing unit 218 is in an unlocked state when placed in the automatic dispensing system 15, and is locked when removed from the automatic dispensing system 15,

fig. 4 shows a schematic block diagram of an example of a method of dispensing at least one of a plurality of detergent tablets provided by a dispensing

unit

18, 118, 218 (see fig. 1 to 3), for example one of the dispensing

units

18, 118, 218 described in connection with one of fig. 1 to 3, using the dispensing

unit

18, 118, 218. In a first step S1, the drive device of the drive unit 17 (see fig. 5) engages with the dispensing

device

20, 120, 220 (see fig. 1 to 3) of the dispensing

unit

18, 118, 218. For example, the drive unit 17 may be implemented in an automatic dosing system 15 (see fig. 5) of the water-containing domestic appliance 1 (see fig. 5). In a second step S2, the

dosing device

20, 120, 220 is switched from the off state to the release state by the drive unit 17 by using a predefined switching mechanism. For example, as a result of the second step S2, at least one detergent tablet is released from the

dosing unit

18, 118, 218.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of an example of a water-containing household appliance 1 realized as a household dishwasher. The household dishwasher 1 comprises a cabinet 2, which cabinet 2 can be closed by a door 3. Preferably, the door 3 seals the tank 2 such that it is watertight, for example by using a door seal between the door 3 and the tank 2. Preferably, the case 2 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The cabinet 2 and the door 3 may form a washing compartment 4 for washing dishes.

In fig. 5, the door 3 is shown in an open position. The door 3 can be opened or closed by rotating about an axis 5 at the lower edge of the door 3. By means of the door 3, the opening 6 of the cabinet 2 for insertion of dishes into the washing compartment 4 can be opened or closed. The case 2 includes a lower cover 7, an upper cover 8 facing the lower cover 7, a rear cover 9 facing the closed door 3, and two side covers 10, 11 facing each other. For example, the lower cover 7, the upper cover 8, the rear cover 9 and the two side covers 10, 11 may be made of a stainless steel sheet. Alternatively, at least one of the covers (e.g., the lower cover 7) may be made of a polymer material such as plastic.

The domestic dishwasher 1 also has at least one

rack

12, 13, 14 on which the dishes to be washed can be placed. Preferably, more than one

holder

12, 13, 14 is used, wherein the holder 12 may be a lower holder, the holder 13 may be an upper holder and the holder 14 may be a holder specific for cutlery. As shown in fig. 5, the racks 12 to 14 are arranged one above the other in the case 2. Each

holder

12, 13, 14 can be pulled out of the housing 2 in the first direction O or pushed into the housing 2 in the second direction I.

Fig. 5 also shows an automatic dosing system 15 arranged in the door 3 of the domestic dishwasher 1. The automatic dispensing system 15 comprises a receiving portion 16, the receiving portion 16 being arranged to receive a dispensing

unit

18, 118, 218 (see fig. 1 to 3), for example one of the dispensing

units

18, 118, 218 described in connection with one of fig. 1 to 3. Further, the automatic dispensing system 15 has a drive unit 17, the drive unit 17 being configured to drive the dispensing

unit

18, 118, 218 to automatically dispense detergent tablets stored in the

storage cassette

30, 130, 230 (see fig. 1 to 3) of the dispensing

unit

18, 118, 218.

The receiving portion 16 is arranged such that, when the door 3 is in the closed position and the household dishwasher 1 is arranged as intended for use, the

dosing unit

18, 118, 218 is oriented according to a predetermined alignment with respect to the gravity vector. In particular, this orientation makes it possible to exploit the gravitational force acting on each detergent tablet during dosing. For example, when the

dosing unit

18, 118, 218 switches from the closed state to the released state, the detergent tablet will fall from the

dosing unit

18, 118, 218 due to gravity. Receiving portion 16 may comprise a receiving chamber (not shown) for mounting

dosing unit

18, 118, 218, which may be accessed through a door (not shown) to separate it from washing chamber 4.

The drive unit 17 preferably comprises a drive means (not shown) for engaging with the

dosing unit

18, 118, 218, which drive means allows switching the

dosing unit

18, 118, 218 by using a predefined switching mechanism. Examples of such switching are described above with reference to fig. 1 to 3.

It is to be noted that the automatic dosing system 15 may advantageously be used in combination with a washing machine as another example of a water-containing household appliance.

Fig. 6 shows a schematic block diagram of an example of a method of operating a water-containing domestic appliance 1, for example a domestic dishwasher or washing machine (not shown) as shown in fig. 5. In a first step S1, the

dosing unit

18, 118, 218 (see fig. 1 to 3) is installed in the automatic dosing system 15 (see fig. 5) of the water-containing household appliance 1. This may involve both user interaction and automatically driven arrangement interaction between the automatic dosing system 15 and the

dosing unit

18, 118, 218. In particular, the water-containing household appliance 1 is realized according to the water-containing household appliance described in connection with fig. 5, and the

dosing unit

18, 118, 218 is realized according to one of the dosing units described in connection with fig. 1 to 3. In a second step S2, the drive device of the drive unit 17 (see fig. 5) engages with the dispensing

device

20, 120, 220 (see fig. 1 to 3) of the dispensing

unit

18, 118, 218. In a third step S3, the

dosing device

20, 120, 220 is switched from the off state to the release state by the drive unit 17 by using a predefined switching mechanism. For example, as a result of the third step S3, at least one detergent tablet is released from the

dosing unit

18, 118, 218 and thus dosed into e.g. a washing liquid.

While the technology has been described in connection with several practical examples, it is to be understood that the technology is not limited to the disclosed examples, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the technology.

Reference numerals

1 Water-bearing domestic appliance

2 case body

3 door

4 washing chamber

5 axes of rotation

6 opening

7 lower cover

8 upper cover

9 rear cover

10 side cover

11 side cover

12 support

13 support

14 support

15 automatic dispensing system

16 receiving part

17 drive unit

18 dispensing unit

20 dispensing device

22 plug

24 safety part

25 end point

26 outlet

30 storage box

40 special tool

118 dispensing unit

120 dispensing device

121 pre-dispense element

122 buckle ring

124 safety section

130 storage box

218 dosing unit

220 dispensing device

222 pre-dispense element

224 safety section

226 Release element

227 receiving chamber

228 fixed part

230 storage box

Angle A

I in the inward direction

Normal to the N surface

O in the outward direction

P direction of pull

S11 method step

S12 method step

S21 method step

S22 method step

S23 method step

Axis of rotation of X

Claims

1. A dosing unit (18, 118, 218) for an automatic dosing system for a water containing domestic appliance, the dosing unit being configured to dose at least one of a plurality of detergent tablets stored in a storage box (30, 130, 230), the dosing unit comprising a dosing device (20, 120, 220) configured to pick up the at least one detergent tablet from the plurality of detergent tablets and release the at least one detergent tablet by temporarily switching from an off state to a release state by a predefined switching mechanism, wherein the dosing device (20, 120, 220) comprises a safety portion (24, 124, 224) for preventing undesired switching.

2. Dosing unit according to claim 1, wherein the safety portion (24, 124, 224) is configured such that a force for switching the dosing device (20, 120, 220) from the closed state to the release state by using the predefined switching mechanism can be applied by a dedicated tool.

3. Dosing unit according to claim 2, wherein the dosing device (20, 120, 220) comprises a plug (22) configured to be moved by rotating the plug (22) about a rotation axis (X) from a first position, in which the dosing device (20, 120, 220) is in the closed state, to a second position, in which the dosing device (20, 120, 220) is in the released state, wherein the safety portion (24, 124, 224) comprises an engagement on a surface of the plug (22) for engaging with the dedicated tool for applying a torque for rotating the plug (22).

4. The dosing unit according to claim 3, wherein the engagement portion is realized as a helical groove and the special tool comprises a corresponding helical protrusion.

5. Dispensing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the dispensing device (20, 120, 220) comprises a snap ring (122) which is configured to be moved by laterally displacing the snap ring (122) in a pulling direction (P) from a first position, in which the dispensing device (20, 120, 220) is in the closed state, to a second position, in which the dispensing device (20, 120, 220) is in the released state, wherein the safety portion (24, 124, 224) is embodied as a surface of the snap ring (122) facing away from the cartridge (30, 130, 230), said surface having a surface normal (N) which is at an angle (A) of at most 60 ° to the pulling direction (P).

6. The dosing unit according to claim 5, wherein the retaining ring (122) has a conically shaped surface.

7. Dosing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the safety portion (24, 124, 224) comprises a surface having a low coefficient of friction with respect to metal, wood, organic substances and plastics, in particular less than 0.2.

8. The dosing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the safety portion (24, 124, 224) is configured to lock the dosing device (20, 120, 220) in the closed state.

9. Dosing unit according to claim 8, wherein the safety portion (24, 124, 224) is realized as a mechanical restraining means.

10. A process for dosing at least one detergent tablet of a plurality of detergent tablets provided by a dosing unit (18, 118, 218), using the dosing unit (18, 118, 218), the process comprising the steps of:

engaging (S1) a drive of a drive unit with a dispensing device (20, 120, 220) of the dispensing unit (18, 118, 218); and is

Switching (S2), by the drive unit, the dosing device (20, 120, 220) from the off-state to the release-state by using a predefined switching mechanism.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein a dedicated tool (40) is used in the switching step (S2).

12. The method of claim 11 or 12, further comprising: unlocking a safety portion (24, 124, 224) of the dispensing device (20, 120, 220) for preventing unwanted switching.

13. An aqueous household appliance (1), in particular a dishwasher or washing machine, having an automatic dosing system (15) for automatically dosing at least one detergent tablet provided by a dosing unit (18, 118, 218) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the automatic dosing system comprising a receiving portion (16) configured to removably receive the dosing unit (18, 118, 218) and a drive unit (17) configured to switch the dosing device (20, 120, 220) from the closed state to the release state for dosing the detergent tablet by using the predefined switching mechanism.

14. Method of operating an aqueous household appliance (1), in particular a dishwasher or washing machine, having an automatic dosing system (15) for automatically dosing at least one detergent tablet provided by a dosing unit (18, 118, 218) into a washing liquid for washing items, having the steps of:

installing (S1) the dosing unit (18, 118, 218) in the automatic dosing system (15);

engaging (S2) a drive of a drive unit (17) with a dispensing device (20, 120, 220) of the dispensing unit (18, 118, 218); and is

Switching (S3), by the drive unit (17), the dosing device (20, 120, 220) from an off state to a release state by using a predefined switching mechanism.

15. Method according to claim 14, wherein in the switching step (S3) a special tool (40) is employed, in particular for unlocking a safety part (24, 124, 224) of the dispensing device (20, 120, 220) for preventing an undesired switching.