DE102010052182A1 - Device for dispensing detergent - Google Patents

Abstract

It is a device for dispensing detergent in a at least one wall, in particular a door having cleaning space of a dishwasher with a lid member (2) for closing or releasing at least one opening of a memory (1) for storing the detergent, wherein the lid member ( 2) is adjustable between a closed position and a release position proposed, which improves the prior art. We according to the invention achieved in that at least one the cover element (2) adjusting actuating device (3) is provided, wherein the actuating device (3) along an adjustment path of the cover element (2) different actuating travel is adjustable.

Description

The invention relates to a device for dispensing detergent according to the preamble of claim 1.

In dishwashers metering devices are already known, in which an intermediate chamber or metering chamber of a storage chamber for rinse aid is connected downstream. A double valve plunger in this case actuates the valve function in the opening between the storage chamber and metering chamber and the outlet opening of the metering chamber in the washing compartment of the dishwasher in opposite directions. This means that when a single current is applied to the electromagnetic valve provided for actuation, the opening between the storage chamber and the dosing chamber is opened and the outlet opening of the dosing chamber is closed.

During the transition to the de-energized state, the metering chamber is then closed relative to the storage chamber and the outlet opening is opened, so that the rinse aid drains into the washing compartment. This arrangement of the two chambers serves to predetermine a fixed metering volume with the aid of the predetermined volume of the metering chamber, with rinse aid being fed into the washing compartment of the dishwasher for each current application to the electromagnetic coil.

Such metering devices are usually combined with a chamber for receiving cleaning agent. This chamber is opened to the addition of detergent in the flushing process by means of a flap which is locked in its closed position and is opened by spring pressure after unlocking. The unlocking takes place for reasons of cost savings with the same electromagnetic coil with which the rinse aid dosage is made.

In order to adhere to the program sequence of the rinsing process in the addition of the corresponding cleaning or rinse aid, it is hereby necessary that during the first current application of the coil, only the flap of the cleaning chamber and only at a subsequent energization of the coil, the rinse aid dosage is actuated. For this purpose, a lever assembly is used with a latching device in commercial machines, which cause a latching of the actuating lever for the rinse aid in the first current application and a valve actuation for the rinse aid only from the second current application. By opening the dishwasher door of the latch mechanism is returned by gravity back to the initial state, so that again a wash program can run from the beginning. This is u. a. also known as so-called "hydraulic reset".

In addition, dosing devices for dishwashers are already known, which have a sliding cover instead of a flap as a closure lid, which performs a linear movement to one of the boundary wall of the liquid detergent container parallel plane, but at the end of closing a lowering to seal the lid performs (see. EP 0780 087 B1 ). These metering devices avoid a narrowing of the storage space in the dishwasher due to the movement space of the flap to be kept free relative to a metering device with a flap.

A disadvantage of the latter devices, however, is that a comparatively complex and trouble-prone, especially tilting or hooking guide the sliding cover and a relatively large metering device can be realized.

Furthermore, a metering device is known which comprises a pivotable rotary cover (see. DE 102 44 678 ), which is pivoted about an axis of rotation approximately parallel to the housing or to the door, wherein a lowering at the end of the closing operation for sealing the memory is also provided here. It has been shown in practice, however, that in continuous use, inter alia, the rotating lid relatively easily affected or damaged in operation. Also, users perceive twisting to operate the rotary lid as ergonomically and aesthetically less pleasant compared to the above-mentioned sliding cover.

In contrast, it is an object of the invention to provide a device for dispensing detergent, which improves the state of the art.

This object is achieved on the basis of a prior art of the aforementioned type by the features of claim 1. The measures mentioned in the dependent claims advantageous embodiments and modifications of the invention are possible.

Accordingly, a device according to the invention is characterized in that at least one actuating device which displaces the cover element is provided, wherein the actuating device is adjustable along a different actuating travel relative to the adjustment path of the cover element.

With the help of the invention, a decoupling of the adjustment of the cover element and the Acting by the operator realized. Accordingly, the adjustment of the cover element or the closing of the memory can be optimized in technical terms or to technical requirements and the operation can be optimized, especially for ergonomic and / or aesthetic or humane requirements or shapes, etc. The invention thus realizes a separation of technical and ergonomic / aesthetic or human functionalities. This leads to a greater freedom or flexibility compared to the prior art both with respect to the adjustment of the cover element and with respect to the actuation.

For example, a slightly curved or almost linear actuation path can be combined relatively freely with a strongly curved adjustment path of the cover element, which is rotationally curved about at least one axis of rotation. Alternatively, this can also be done vice versa, d. H. Actuating arc or wavy and adjustment almost linear. Here, the lid member and the actuator in an advantageous manner in operative connection, for. Example by means of a tongue and groove unit, slots, gears, crank gear and / or lever mechanisms or the like to transmit the operating force of the operator in an advantageous manner to the cover member.

Also, at least a first guide device / rail or the like of the cover element and / or a second guide device / rail or the like of the actuating device can be realized, along which / which the adjustment and / or the operation are performed. In this case, a straight-line and / or a curved trajectory can be provided, in particular at least in sections. Hereby stabilization of the adjustment / actuation can be ensured, especially with a single pivot point or with two pivot points and / or an advantageous movement.

Preferably, the guide device has at least one guide rail and / or guide groove. This is / are structurally particularly easy to implement. According to the invention, the guide rail / groove is formed as a curved guide rail to form the curved trajectory.

Advantageously, at least two guide devices or guide rails / grooves are provided, which are arranged in particular on opposite sides of the cover element / parts. This leads to a particularly simple and stable adjustment according to the invention.

Advantageously, a pressing unit and / or a fixing unit and / or latching unit or the like is provided and / or the guide device is designed such that the cover element and / or the actuating device is pressed against the cover element and thus to the memory or pressed and / or fixed. As a result, sealing of the accumulator takes place in an advantageous manner by means of the cover element designed as a sealing unit and having at least one advantageous sealing surface.

In a preferred variant of the invention, at least in the closed position, the actuating device is designed as a cover unit for at least partially covering and / or protecting the cover element. As a result, the cover element can be effectively protected, for example, against mechanical impacts of dishes or the like, both when the dishwasher is open and when the dishwasher is closed.

Preferably, the sealing unit has at least one sealing surface aligned substantially perpendicular to the cross-sectional area of the opening. In this way, advantageously, a seal can be realized transversely or perpendicular to the cross section of the opening and / or transversely or perpendicular to the inner surface of the door of the dishwasher, in which the device according to the invention is preferably arranged. Especially in combination with an adjustment of the cover element substantially parallel to the cross-sectional area of the opening or the inner surface of the door a seal is thereby realized, in which the force is advantageously in the adjustment, so that lateral forces are effectively avoided.

Advantageously, the memory has at least one edge having the sealing surface, wherein the edge is formed as a projection of a base element of the device or the sealing surface is arranged on the outside of the memory or edge. This constructively advantageous an inventively aligned sealing surface can be realized.

The adjustment path of the cover element is preferably arranged on an adjustment plane aligned substantially parallel to the cross-sectional area of the opening and / or to an inner side of a door of the dishwasher. This can be advantageously exploited in the operating position or with the door closed, the interior.

For example, the lid member is rotatable about a transverse to the opening of the memory aligned lid rotation axis. With this measure, a mechanically advantageous adjustment is implemented in an aforementioned level.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the adjustment of the cover element at least partially formed as a curved trajectory. Hereby, for example, with respect to the plane oriented essentially parallel to the opening and / or the door inner surface, an adaptation of the adjustment path to the (outer) geometry of the device according to the invention can take place and / or can be aligned with respect to the transverse / perpendicular to the opening and / or the door inner surface Vertical plane an advantageous sealing of the cover element can be realized.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, in the closed position of the cover element and in the operating position of the device, at least a first and / or upper portion of the opening of the memory open and a second and / or lower portion of the opening of the memory closed by the lid member. It has been found that, on the one hand, a complete sealing or closing of the reservoir by the cover element is of great advantage.

Alternatively, however, only a partial sealing or partial closing may be sufficient. The latter is for example in tight space and / or geometric conditions of advantage.

In general, according to the invention, the adjustment of the cover element and / or a cover or sliding device of the cover element can be designed such that, on the one hand, the adjustment path is adapted to the respective space conditions of different dishwashers. This means that z. B. the lid member escapes a particular dish rack when adjusting or can move around a shape of the basket around. Consequently, the device according to the invention provides new or expanded possibilities for the design of crockery baskets, for. B. unterzubekommen more dishes in the cleaning room of the machine.

On the other hand, for example, by a rotation of the lid member about a transverse axis or through the curved trajectory an adjustment can be realized, the z. B. on a last, possibly short section during the closing process is comparatively strongly curved, whereby the sealing process or the sealing of the memory by the lid over the prior art can be significantly improved.

According to one embodiment, the cover or a cover element and / or a cover unit are designed to protect the cover element and / or the memory. On the one hand, the cover can protect the lid or its mechanism during operation or during loading / unloading of the table space. Here, dishes may come against the device under circumstances, according to the invention, the lid is now protected in an advantageous manner.

On the other hand, the memory or the cleaning agent in the memory is protected against the unwanted ingress of water. For example, could occur in an only partially covered by the cover element memory already water a Vorspülprogramm-section or the like through the open portion and lead to overflow. Detergent should, however, be added as possible to a certain, predetermined time and not accidentally if too much water penetrates into the memory and causes it to overflow.

The only partial covering of the memory in the operating position or in the "closed state" has above all the advantage that the ventilation of the memory is ensured safe. The ventilation of the storage is already helpful because of temperature fluctuations. If the storage tank is not ventilated, cooling down may cause the lid to be sucked in when closed and unable to open automatically or easily. In the prior art, the ventilation was through a recess in the seal, which, however, sometimes resulted in insufficient ventilation.

It has surprisingly been found that aeration by "not completely covering" the memory according to the invention does not adversely affect the storage of the cleaning agent, whether powder, tab or liquid cleaner etc. In an arrangement of the device according to the invention in the door of a Dishwasher stops the detergent at the bottom of the lid and runs, does not trickle over this. In addition, a more than adequate ventilation is guaranteed, which significantly increases the reliability.

In general, a cover as a water protection for the ventilation or the opening of advantage. According to the invention, the cover can be formed as a slide or actuator for the cover element. Hereby a multiple function is realized, which has a constructive and economically favorable effect.

In principle, according to the invention, it is advantageous that all components are located within the contour or the base element of the device, in particular both in the respective end positions and in the intermediate positions of the corresponding adjustment or rotation or displacement.

An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawing and will be explained in more detail with reference to the schematic figures below.

In detail shows:

1 a first, schematic device according to the invention with a rotary lid and slider,

2 a second, schematic device according to the invention with a cover protected by a cover in a closed and open position,

3 schematically and in a partially transparent representation (the cover) of the device according to 2 in open, closed position and in an intermediate position,

4 a third, schematic device according to the invention with a protected by a cover slide rotary cover in the half-open position,

5 schematic of the device according to 4 in closed position,

6 schematic of the device according to 4 in closed position in cross-section,

7 schematic of the device according to 4 with disassembled lid and cover slide,

8th schematically and in a partially transparent representation (the cover of the lid) a fourth device according to the invention in the open, closed position and in intermediate positions and in cross-section,

9 schematically and in a partially transparent representation (the cover of the lid), a fifth device according to the invention in the open, closed position and in intermediate positions and in cross section and

10 schematically and in a partially transparent representation (the cover of the lid) a sixth device according to the invention in the open, closed position and in intermediate positions and in cross-section,

In the figures, a device according to the invention is shown, wherein a memory 1 is provided for receiving cleaning agent. This detergent is metered controlled during the cleaning phase of the dishwasher in the cleaning room for the dishes. This is a lid 2 open, leaving the detergent from the store 1 leak or can be rinsed out. For example, for this purpose, a latching device or a rotary latch is actuated, so that a tension spring or the like, the opening movement of the lid 2 causes.

In the 7 to 10 Cover slide or actuators according to the invention are not shown for reasons of clarity. In the 1 to 6 are embodiments with a rotating lid 2 with linear actuator or with actuator or slider 3 shown schematically. Ordinary rotary lids 2 are state of the art. The operation of conventional rotary lid is very unergonomic depending on the angle of rotation.

Aim of the rotary lid according to the invention 2 is, inter alia, the rotating lid 2 indirectly by means of the actuating element 3 to operate by z. B. by a suitable device, the short movement of the operator in the required adjustment or rotational actuation of the lid 2 is implemented. The operator performs in an advantageous manner a z. B. linear or slightly curved movement by hand, with a suitable gear, advantageous lever mechanism or the like on the lid to be closed 2 is translated.

In the variant according to 1 is the mechanics 5 essentially a rotation axis with blind hole and in the variant according to 2 or is the mechanism a stop edge or highlighting a cover slide 3 with which the rotary lid 2 pushed or adjusted in the closed position. Upon opening, a return spring or the like pushes the lid 2 against the cover 3 in the open position.

Advantages are the easy comfortable handling and the ergonomic design. As a transmission can z. As gear pairs or pairs of toothed segments with appropriate translation, but are also suitable for. B. a linear actuated rack which drives a toothing on the cover or corresponding crank gear. Also, friction pairings are conceivable, seem not to be ideal because of the Reibwertverhältnisse and the high normal force requirement, but are to be seen in the geometric structure as gear transmission.

In an advantageous variant of the invention, the slider 3 as cover or protection for the rotating lid 2 educated. This is then preferably adjusted substantially linearly or rectilinearly and the rotary lid 2 rotates or rotates under this about a transverse axis.

The cover 3 also has a nose 7 on top of that, with a survey 8th of the lid 2 is in active connection. When adjusting, especially the closing presses this nose 7 in one last subsection of adjusting the survey 8th or the lid 2 against the opening or the memory 1 so that it is sealed securely. Preferably, the lid has 2 and / or the memory 1 at least one seal 11 or sealing surface / edge on, for example, an elastomer or rubber seal.

When opening, the cover moves 3 and relieves the sealing cover 2 , The closing process is reversed, the lid 2 sit up first and get through the cover 3 biased and locked in particular by means of the grid 4 in the closed position.

In 3 is made clear by the partially transparent representation that in the closed position (ie 2 B and 3c) the lid 2 the memory 1 only partially, that is not completely closes or covers. Rather, remains in the operating position, an upper section of a ventilation 9 open.

With the help of the cover 3 but, inter alia, no splashing z. B. in a pre-rinse phase in the memory 1 penetrate and rinse out cleaner. For advantageous backwashing of the cover, whereby a possible contamination is prevented, has the cover 3 slots 12 or the like. However, these are designed such that the memory 1 no splash water in the closed position gets. Optionally, these slots / recesses or the like can be closed in the closed position and in the open position of the lid 2 or the cover 3 according to 2a and 3a be open so that water can get behind or under the cover. This water can be advantageously for example by means of lower slots 10 flow away.

In 3c) it becomes clear that the lid 2 the memory 1 only partially closing or covering and ventilation 9 consists. In contrast, in the 5 clarifies that even a geometry or a lid 2 can be provided that the memory 1 completely closes. The sealing mechanism is used mainly in the 6 and 7 clearly, being recognizable that the memory 1 an oblique boundary edge, ie the rotational movement of the lid 2 has acute-angled alignment of the upper edge. This is thus as a seal 11 or sealing edge formed and acts with a seal 11 or elastomeric seal of the lid 2 together.

When twisting the lid 2 around a rotation axis 13 an adjustment is generated, which is almost exactly parallel to the inside of a dishwasher door or to a base surface, not shown 14 a base element 15 the device is aligned according to the invention. In this variant with oblique upper edge or seal 11 of the memory 2 is the pressing or pressing of the lid by the movement / adjustment in the adjustment, ie generated on the rotation plane and by means of a Verrasterung 16 or fixation or the like in the closed position supported in an advantageous manner.

The operation of the lid 2 through the actuator 3 or cover slide 3 is here mainly by means of an obliquely oriented to the direction of actuation guide 26 for a nose 25 of the lid 2 realized.

In addition, especially show 4 to 7 two guide rails 17 or surveys leading to the guidance and stabilization of the cover 2 are provided during the adjustment. For this purpose, the lid 2 z. B. also advantageous grooves, recesses or the like, on the guide rails 17 to run or run. Alternatively, also guide grooves in the base element 15 be provided, in which surveys or noses of the lid 2 be guided.

In 8th another variant of the invention is shown in relation to the adjustment of the lid 2 and the cover element, not shown here, essentially the variant according to FIG 4 equivalent. However, here is not an obliquely oriented upper edge of the memory 1 provided, but the lid 2 is formed and is so to the memory 2 from below (and laterally) led or adjusted accordingly.

The sealing of the store 1 by means of the seal 11 of the lid 2 is mainly in cross section in 8e) clear. The seal 11 is formed as a sealing surface, which is substantially perpendicular to the base surface 14 is aligned. By adjusting the lid 2 parallel to the base surface 14 a force is generated for the sealing, which lies almost exactly in the adjustment plane or in the adjustment direction. Accordingly advantageous is the adjustment mechanism or the axis of rotation 13 the lid is not loaded transversely. This in turn has advantages for the dimensioning and structural design of the lid 2 or its storage.

Especially in the 8a) to d) it becomes clear that the sealing edge 11 of the memory 1 or basic element 15 is not completely around the store, but is essentially only present on the pages in the operating position ( 8e) ) are directed downwards. Ie. the store is not sealed up in operating position.

The alternative variants of the invention according to the 9 and 10 are regarding the sealing with a folded lid 2 comparable to vorgenanten variant. However, these have different adjustment mechanisms of the lid 2 on.

In the variant according to 9 is an operating lever 19 provided in a manner not shown on a survey or nose 21 with the cover slider 3 or actuating element, in particular a groove or a slot or the like is in operative connection. The actuator may, for. B. as in the variants according to the 2 or 4 be trained or moved. Incidentally, the variant or the lid 2 according to 8th such a nose 21 or the like, according to by means of an actuating element 3 to be displaced.

The L-shaped operating lever 19 is rotatable about a second axis of rotation 22 stored. At its long leg is a stop element 23 arranged with two advantageous stops. This will be a second guide of the lid 22 realized, with the lid 2 on a stop when opening and the second stop when closing strikes or is taken. 9a) to d) shows the opening process (see movement / rotation arrow). Also, a further variant of the invention according to, but without stop element 23

In 10 a further variant is shown, which corresponds to the variants according to the 8th and 9 seal, but the lid 2 performs a linear adjustment in the vertical direction. This closes the lid 2 in operating position coming from below (cf. 10c) ). The cover slide, not shown here 3 or the cover has in this variant z. B. an oblique to Linerarverstellung the lid 2 aligned guide groove 26 for a nose 25 of the lid 2 on, as with the variant according to 4 and 5 is comparable.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 0780087 B1 [0006]
• DE 10244678 [0008]

Claims (12)

Device for dispensing detergent into a dishwasher with a cover element ( 2 ) for closing or releasing at least one opening of a memory ( 1 ) for storing the cleaning agent, wherein the cover element ( 2 ) is adjustable along a Verstellweges between a closed position and a release position, characterized in that at least one of the cover element ( 2 ) adjusting actuator ( 3 ) is provided, wherein the actuating device ( 3 ) along a to the adjustment of the cover element ( 2 ) Different actuating travel is adjustable. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that at least in the closed position, the actuating device ( 3 ) as a cover unit ( 3 ) for at least partially covering and / or protecting the cover element ( 2 ) is trained. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover element ( 2 ) as a sealing unit ( 11 ) for sealing the memory ( 1 ) is trained. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing unit ( 11 ) at least one substantially perpendicular to the cross-sectional area of the opening aligned sealing surface ( 11 ) having. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the displacement of the cover element ( 2 ) on a substantially parallel to the cross-sectional area of the opening and / or to an inside of a door of the dishwasher aligned Verstellbene ( 14 ) is arranged. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover element ( 2 ) around a transverse to the opening of the memory ( 1 ) aligned lid rotation axis ( 13 ) is rotatable. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment path of the cover element ( 2 ) is formed at least in sections as a curved trajectory. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one guiding device ( 25 . 26 . 17 ) for guiding the cover element ( 2 ) and / or the actuating device ( 3 ) and / or the cover unit ( 3 ) is provided at least during a partial section of the adjustment or actuation. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide device as Anpresseinheit ( 7 . 8th ) for pressing the cover element ( 2 ) on the opening of the memory ( 1 ) and / or for pressing the actuating device ( 3 ) on the cover element ( 2 ) is trained. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one fixing unit ( 4 . 16 ) for fixing and / or latching the operating unit ( 3 ) is provided. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the closed position of the cover element ( 2 ) and in the operating position of the device at least a first and / or upper section ( 9 ) the opening of the memory ( 1 ) open and a second and / or lower portion of the opening of the memory ( 1 ) from the cover element ( 2 ) is closed. Dishwasher having a cleaning space having at least one wall, in particular a door, wherein the wall has at least one device according to one of the preceding claims.

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