DE102016210397A1 - Household dishwasher with a metering system for solids-adding agent - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a household dishwasher (1) with a washing compartment (4) for washing items to be washed and with a metering system (100) which has a storage container (101) for storing a solid feed additive, a metering device (104) for delivering solids -Zugabemittel from the reservoir (101) in the washing compartment (4) and a closure device (110) for airtight sealing of the reservoir (101). For evacuating air from the reservoir (102), a pump (113) is provided.

Description

The present invention relates to a domestic dishwasher with a washing compartment for washing dishes and with a dosing system.

In commercial household dishwashers, it is necessary to manually add detergents in powder form or in the form of tabs before the beginning of a rinsing process. Only for rinse aid it is customary to hold this in liquid form in a storage container within the household dishwasher for several applications and automatically admit it via a metering device. The manual addition of detergent before each rinse is perceived by many users as annoying and uncomfortable. Accordingly, attempts have been made for some time to develop so-called automatic dosing systems for domestic dishwashers, which should make it possible to also store cleaning agents in storage containers for a plurality of applications and to automatically admit them via corresponding dosing devices.

From the EP 1 159 913 A1 For example, a device for repeated, self-dosing doses of a powdered detergent in water-bearing cleaning machines, esp. Domestic dishwashers and household washing machines, known. In this case, a detergent container with an outlet opening above a dosing and adding device is arranged, which is equipped with at least one recess for receiving individual doses of a powdered detergent, which is discharged into a treatment container of the water-bearing cleaning machine. The interior of the detergent container and a guide of the dosing and adding device are constantly acted upon by a compressed air flow generated in a compressed air generator, wherein the compressed air flow in the addition position also acts on the interior of the recess. By means of this admission, it is ensured that the internal pressure of the device is always higher than the external pressure, thus also as the pressure in the treatment container of the cleaning machine. Thus, the penetration of moisture into the interior of the device is effectively avoided.

The protection of additives which are to be stored in household dishwashers in solid form, against moisture is always a particular challenge in the development of automatic dosing.

The invention has for its object to provide a domestic dishwasher with a dosing system, which allows a reliable automatic addition of solids-adding agent from a reservoir into a washing compartment of a household dishwasher for several successive rinses.

This object is achieved by a household dishwasher with the features of claim 1.

Accordingly, the domestic dishwasher has a washing compartment for rinsing items to be washed and a dosing system. The metering system, in turn, comprises a storage container for storing a solids-adding agent, a metering device for dispensing the solids-adding agent from the storage container into the washing compartment, and a closure device for airtight sealing of the storage container. According to the invention, a pump for evacuating air from the reservoir is provided.

For the purposes of the invention, the term "solids-adding agent" is to be understood as meaning all solid, that is to say non-liquid or gaseous, additives which contain any ingredients which can be used in the context of dishwashing. These include, for example, adding agents in powder form or as granules, as tablets, as pellets, as capsules or in block form. The term is also not limited to the actual cleaning agent. Rather, it is also intended to encompass agents that include ingredients for use in rinse cycles, water softening or conditioning, and the like.

The reservoir contains a supply of solid addition agent. It may be refillable, but is preferred, e.g. in the form of a cartridge, interchangeable designed. The storage container can be designed to receive a bed, in particular loose bed, of additive tablets or powder, so that the additive is randomly oriented in the storage room. However, the storage container can also be configured such that the additive means are stored in a predetermined geometric arrangement.

The pump according to the invention makes it possible to evacuate air from the reservoir and to generate negative pressure in the reservoir in this way. With the air, the moisture is sucked out of the reservoir at the same time, so that in this way it is ensured that the solids-adding agent is not dissolved by moisture, glued, clumped or the like.

Can be used all types of pumps, which are able to promote gaseous media. The pump can, for example, a circulation, hose, or piston Be a vibration pump. If the pump is not active, it must be prevented that air will flow back into the reservoir. Advantageously, the pump itself is already designed so that this is guaranteed. Depending on the function principle of the pump, a check valve may be required.

In order to safely vaporize even moisture already penetrated into the solids-adding agent and to dry the solids-adding agent thereby, it is advantageous to operate the pump such that the air pressure in the reservoir after evacuation of the air is less than 500 mbar, preferably even less than 200 mbar, is. At a pressure of 200 mbar, the boiling point of water is about 60 ° C, a temperature that is usually reached in the rinse cycle. This ensures that water in the reservoir is exclusively gaseous and can thus be pumped out by the pump. A low air pressure in the reservoir also helps to reduce unwanted heat transfer from the purge bin to the feed means.

Before evacuating solid feed additive, the evacuated reservoir must be re-aerated. For this purpose, air from the interior of the washing can be used. However, this is usually damp, so that unwanted moisture can penetrate into the reservoir. Accordingly, according to one embodiment of the invention, a vent valve for venting the reservoir is provided, so that the reservoir can be specifically ventilated via the vent valve with outside air (ambient air). Compared to the air in the interior of the washing compartment outside air is much drier. To prevent the ingress of dirt particles in the context of ventilation, a filter may be arranged in the connection between the reservoir and the ambient air of the dishwasher.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the storage container comprises the closure device, which has the advantage in the case of replacement reservoirs that the closure device must be designed only for the maximum possible number of metering operations with a filled reservoir, and not on the life of the household Dishwasher. The closure device can therefore be designed significantly cheaper.

An embodiment of the invention provides that the closure device comprises a closure means and a sealing seat, which are arranged and configured such that negative pressure in the reservoir presses or pulls the closure means into the sealing seat. In this way, a particularly good sealing effect of the closure device is achieved. The closure means must be movable in the direction of the sealing seat, so that the force acting on the closure means by the air pressure can force the closure means into the sealing seat.

The storage container may also comprise the metering device, so that when dispensers provided for replacement and the metering device must be designed only on the maximum possible number of metering operations with a filled reservoir and not on the life of the household dishwasher. The metering device can therefore be designed significantly cheaper.

The reservoir can also be releasably connected to the metering device. In this case, at least one empty storage container can be replaced by a full storage container. The metering device is integrated in such an embodiment in the household dishwasher and only the reservoir is provided for change by the consumer. At the interface between the reservoir and metering device sealing means are preferably provided which ensure an airtight connection between the reservoir and metering device.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the storage container has a dispensing opening for dispensing the solids-adding agent from the storage container and a separate air opening for evacuating and / or aerating the storage container. This separation of discharge port and air port facilitates the prevention of the ingress of additive into the connection between the air port and the pump. If, in addition to the connection, a connection of the air opening with a ventilation valve is also provided, the separation of the dispensing opening and the air opening can also more easily prevent the penetration of adding agent into this connection.

Since the solids-adding agent can be stored in a brand new, not yet used reservoir longer, it has advantages for the consumer to easily recognize such unused reservoir. Therefore, a further embodiment of the invention provides that at least one of the openings of the reservoir is closed by a disposable closure prior to initial connection to the metering device. An unbroken single-use closure quickly and safely signals the bunker of a brand-new condition of the storage container. Such a disposable closure can be realized, for example, with the aid of a film, a thin spot in the material of the storage container or a plug. The reservoir can already in delivery state be subjected to negative pressure, which is then held securely by the disposable closure.

In order not to impair the comfort for the consumer, the disposable closure can be opened automatically by the metering device when first connecting the storage container with the metering device. There is thus no manual opening by the consumer necessary and also the risk of incorrect operation is minimized. Such an automatic opening can be realized, for example, with the aid of a spike, a cutting edge or the like.

Finally, the metering device can also comprise an output lock, by means of which the metering device can be closed relative to the washing compartment and through which the solids-adding agent can be dispensed into the washing compartment. Such an embodiment has the advantage that the penetration of spray into the reservoir during dosing can be safely avoided. For this purpose, it makes sense to design the metering system such that the closure device and the output lock can be actuated independently of each other.

According to a method for operating a domestic dishwasher according to the invention, the evacuated reservoir is first vented, then the solid-adding agent is discharged from the reservoir, the reservoir again hermetically sealed and finally evacuated the reservoir again. In this way it is achieved that an ingress of moisture into the reservoir at all only during the short period of delivery of the solid-adding agent from the reservoir is possible and even this possible way moisture is penetrated by the re-evacuation after the dispensing process immediately sucked back , A negative effect of the moisture on the solid-addition agent can be safely prevented in this way.

Depending on the embodiment of the metering device, the delivery of the adding agent can be carried out either directly into the washing compartment of the domestic dishwasher or, alternatively, into a dispensing lock. In the latter case, the reservoir can already be evacuated again before the solids-adding agent is finally discharged from the output lock in the washing compartment.

To ensure safe operation of the dosing system, it is advantageous to monitor the negative pressure in the reservoir. He desired negative pressure can then be exactly reached and maintained, in particular, if necessary, an undesirable increase in pressure, for example by re-activating the pump can be counteracted.

Further advantageous embodiments and aspects of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and the embodiments of the invention described below. Furthermore, the invention will be explained in more detail by means of preferred embodiments with reference to the attached figures.

Show it:

1 a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a household dishwasher according to the invention;

2 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a metering system according to the invention; and

3 an example of a sequence of process steps for dosing a solid-addition agent in a domestic dishwasher according to the invention.

In the figures, the same or functionally identical elements have been given the same reference numerals, unless stated otherwise.

The 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a household dishwasher 1 , The dishwasher 1 has a receiving area in the form of a washing container 2 up, through a door 3 , in particular waterproof, closable. This can be done between the door 3 and the washing container 2 a sealing device may be provided. The washing container 2 is preferably cuboid. In particular, the washing can 2 be made of a steel sheet. Alternatively, the rinse tank 2 be at least partially made of a plastic material. The washing container 2 and the door 3 can have a dishwasher 4 form for rinsing dishes. The washing container 2 can inside a housing of the dishwasher 1 be arranged.

The door 3 is in the 1 shown in their open position. By pivoting around one at a lower end of the door 3 provided pivot axis 5 can the door 3 closed or opened. The washing container 2 has a wall 6 with a floor 7 , one to the ground 7 Opposite arranged ceiling 8th one of the door 3 opposite arranged rear wall 9 and two side walls arranged opposite each other 10 . 11 on. The floor 7 , the ceiling 8th , the back wall 9 and the side walls 10 . 11 can be made for example of a stainless steel sheet. Alternatively, for example, the floor 7 be made of a plastic material.

The dishwasher 1 also has at least one Spülgutaufnahme 12 to 14 on. In particular, several Spülgutaufnahmen 12 to 14 be provided, this one a lower basket 12 , a top basket 13 and / or a cutlery drawer 14 may include. The several Spülgutaufnahmen 12 to 14 are preferably one above the other in the washing compartment 2 arranged. Every washware intake 12 to 14 is optional in the washing container 2 into or out of this displaceable. In particular, each Spülgutaufnahme 12 to 14 in an insertion direction E in the receiving area 2 hineinschiebbar and counter to the insertion direction E in an extension direction A from the washing 2 pulled out.

The dishwasher 1 also has a dosing system 100 on. The dosing system 100 is in the example of 1 at the door 3 arranged so they when the door 3 is closed, to the sink 4 is aligned. This advantageously allows the dosing system 100 Solid addition agent in the washing compartment 4 can dose. The solids adding agent is then passed through the in the washing compartment 4 dissolved flushing solution.

Deviating from the representation in the 1 are other arrangements of the dosing system 100 , such as B. on the wall 6 of the washing container 2 or at one of the Spülgutaufnahmen 12 to 14 , possible.

The 2 shows an embodiment of a metering system according to the invention 100 , In a storage container 101 is solid additive 102 , which in the illustrated embodiment in the form of tablet-shaped addition means shaped bodies 103 is present. The solid addition agent 102 However, it can also be present in other solid form, such as in powder form or as granules, as pellets, as capsules or in block form. The additive moldings 103 are magazined in a given geometric arrangement. However, it is of course also possible embodiments in which the solid detergent in the form of a bed in the reservoir 101 is included. For dispensing the solids addition agent 102 or more specifically, a predetermined amount or portion of solid addition agent 102 from the reservoir 101 in the dishwasher 4 is a dosing device 104 intended. This metering device 104 comprises in the illustrated embodiment, on the one hand a portioning unit 105 , in the illustrated case in the form of a wedge, which above the lowermost in the direction of gravity additive molding 103 can be inserted or pivoted and in the position shown a gravity-induced slipping further additive molding 103 prevented. The direction of gravity is in 2 marked with an arrow G. In addition to the portioning unit 105 includes the metering device 104 also another output unit 106 in the form of a controllable flap 107 , With the help of this flap 107 can a dispensing opening 108 in the ground 109 of the storage container 101 optionally closed or opened. A closure device 110 serves for airtight sealing of the reservoir 101 and has a closure means for this purpose 111 and a sealing seat 112 on. In the illustrated embodiment, the closure means 111 through the flap 107 educated. The flap 107 Accordingly, in the embodiment shown assumes a double function as part of the metering device 104 on the one hand and as part of the closure device 110 on the other hand.

The storage tank 101 is configured in the illustrated embodiment, not refillable, but in the form of a cartridge, which after the complete consumption of the solid-adding agent 102 is exchanged as a whole. The closure device 110 in the form of the flap 107 is in the embodiment shown part of the reservoir 101 , which has the advantage that the closure device 110 each together with the reservoir 101 is exchanged and therefore only on the filled with a reservoir 101 maximum possible number of dosing must be designed and not on the life of the dishwasher.

In the illustrated embodiment, the metering device is also 104 integral part of the reservoir 101 , Thus, when replacing the reservoir 101 automatically the dosing device 104 Consequently, it does not have to be exchanged for the entire lifetime of the household dishwasher 1 be interpreted.

Of course, however, embodiments are conceivable in which the metering device 104 is firmly integrated into the household dishwasher, but it is still possible, an empty storage container 101 through a full reservoir 101 to replace. For this purpose, the reservoir 101 detachable with the dosing device 104 be connected. Advantageously, sealing means are then provided, which provide an airtight connection between the reservoir 101 and metering device 104 to ensure. Basically, it should be noted that the concrete embodiments of the reservoir 101 , the dosing device 104 and the closure device 110 can be varied in many ways.

With the help of a pump 113 which via a pumping line 114 with the reservoir 101 Air is connected to the reservoir 101 be evacuated so that in the reservoir 101 a negative pressure is created. But together with the air and the moisture from the reservoir 101 evacuating contributes to the solid addition agent 102 is not dissolved due to moisture, clogged or clumped and therefore remains permanently usable.

As a pump 113 In principle, all pump types which are suitable for conveying gaseous media are suitable. To a back flow of air into the reservoir 101 to prevent is a valve 115 intended. But it could also be a pump 113 be used, in which a backflow of air into the reservoir 101 is already excluded due to the design or in which for this purpose a check valve in the pump 113 is integrated.

A particularly effective protection against moisture in the reservoir 101 is reached when the pump 113 the reservoir 101 evacuated so far that the air pressure in the reservoir 101 a value of less than 500 mbar, preferably even less than 200 mbar. At such low air pressures, it is then possible even in the solid-adding agent 102 Injected moisture to evaporate and also reduces a low air pressure in the reservoir 101 also the unwanted heat transfer from the washing container 2 in the solid addition agent 102 ,

To before the release of solids-adding agent 102 , In the illustrated embodiment, therefore, an additive molding 103 the reservoir 101 To re-ventilate is a vent valve 116 provided, which on the one hand with the reservoir 101 and on the other hand via a filter 117 is connected to the outside air or ambient air. Opposite ventilation with air from the interior of the washing container 2 the ventilation with outside air (ambient air) has the advantage that this air is much drier and therefore not via the ventilation process moisture in the reservoir 101 is introduced.

The closure means 111 in the form of the flap 107 and in the area around the dispensing opening 108 arranged sealing seat 112 are configured in the illustrated embodiment such that the negative pressure in the reservoir 101 the closure means 111 in the seal seat 112 expresses what ensures a high sealing effect.

In the 2 illustrated embodiment of the reservoir 101 has one of the discharge opening 108 separate air opening 118 on, which in the embodiment shown both for evacuation and for venting the reservoir 101 is being used. In this way, an ingress of additive into the pumping line between the air opening 118 and pump 113 as well as in the connecting line between the air opening 118 and ventilation valve 116 safely avoided.

The dosing device shown 104 indicates in addition to the portioning unit 105 and to the output unit 106 in the form of the flap 107 also an output lock 119 on. This output lock 119 includes a metering chamber 120 , which in the direction of gravity G to the flap 107 connects, as well as a controllable output flap 121 , With the help of this output flap 121 can connect the dosing chamber 120 with the dishwasher 4 closed or opened. The output flap 121 thus offers the possibility of the metering device 104 opposite the dishwasher 4 to close or one in the dosing chamber 120 Portion of solids-adding agent 102 in the dishwasher 4 issue. Because the output flap 121 regardless of the flap 107 can be actuated, by a suitable flow control of the dosing an intrusion of spray water in the reservoir 101 be safely avoided during dosing. But it is of course also embodiments without output lock 119 conceivable.

A possible sequence of process steps, such as in the context of a dosing operation in the operation of a domestic dishwasher according to the invention ( 1 ) is in 3 shown. The process described starts with the onset of a new reservoir 101 , which of course is only necessary if a previously used reservoir 101 no solid additive 102 contains more. The illustrated method comprises the following steps:
Step S1: Inserting the brand new, not yet used and thus fully filled storage container 101 in a designated receiving area 122 , eg in the door area 3 , the household dishwasher 1 , Advantageously, a single-use closure, for example a foil, which seals the air opening 118 closes when inserting the reservoir 101 in the household dishwasher 1 automatically, eg with the help of a spike, at the end of the pump line 114 is provided, opened in the way that the one-time closure the pumping line 114 then surrounds fluid-tight.

Step S2: Evacuation of the reservoir 101 with the help of the pump 113 , This must be at the in 2 embodiment shown, the valve 115 be opened before.

Step S3: Switch off the pump 113 after reaching the desired negative pressure in the reservoir 101 , At the in 2 shown Embodiment then becomes the valve 115 closed again. In this state the dosing system remains 100 until the beginning of the first dosing process as part of a rinse program.

Step S4: A flow control of the domestic dishwasher 1 , gives a dosing time for the selected in the reservoir for a selected wash program 101 stored solid additive 102 in front. A few seconds before reaching this point, the vent valve will be activated 116 opened and thereby the reservoir 101 ventilated. The filter 117 prevents the penetration of dirt particles from the ambient air into the reservoir 101 ,

Step S5: Open the shutter 107 leads to the delivery of a portion of the solids addition agent 102 , In the example shown, an additive molding 103 , from the reservoir 101 in the dosing chamber 120 the output lock 119 , Specifically, the one can be added molding agent 103 which extends in the direction of gravity below the portioning unit 105 located after opening the shutter 107 due to gravity in the metering chamber 120 fall. The output flap 121 the dosing chamber 121 is still closed at this time advantageous.

Step S6: evacuate the reservoir 101 with the help of the pump 113 , This must be at the in 2 embodiment shown, the valve 115 be opened again beforehand.

Step S7: Switch off the pump 113 after reaching the desired negative pressure in the reservoir 101 , At the in 2 The embodiment shown then becomes the valve 115 closed.

Step S8: Open the output door 121 the dosing chamber 120 leads to the delivery of the metering chamber 120 located portion of the solids addition agent 102 , In the example shown, an additive molding 103 , in the dishwasher 4 , Specifically, in the dosing chamber 120 present addition agent shaped body 103 after opening the output flap 121 fall into the sink due to gravity.

Step S9: Close the output door 121 leads to a state as at the end of step S3. In this state, the dosing system remains 100 until the beginning of the next dosing process as part of a rinse program.

The steps S4 to S9 can then be repeated until the supply of solids-adding agent 102 in the storage container 101 used up (query step S10). After that, again a new reservoir 101 be used.

Indicates a dosing system 100 no output lock 119 and therefore no dosing chamber 120 on, so in step S5 a portion of the solids-adding agent 102 , In the example shown, an additive molding 103 , from the reservoir 101 also directly in the dishwasher 4 be delivered. The steps S8 and S9 then omitted.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to embodiments, it is variously modifiable.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 Domestic dishwasher

2

 rinse tank

3

 door

4

 Wash cabinet

5

 swivel axis

6

 wall

7

 ground

8th

 blanket

9

 rear wall

10, 11

 side walls

12, 13, 14

 Spülgutaufnahmen

100

 dosing

101

 reservoir

102

 Solid addition means

103

 Adding means moldings

104

 metering

105

 portioning

106

 output unit

107

 flap

108

 discharge opening

109

 ground

110

 closure device

111

 closure means

112

 sealing seat

113

 pump

114

 pumping line

115

 Valve

116

 vent valve

117

 filter

118

 air opening

119

 dump gate

120

 metering

121

 exit door

122

 Receiving area (for the storage container)

G

 The direction of gravity

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 1159913 A1 [0003]

Claims (14)

Household dishwasher ( 1 ) with a washing compartment ( 4 ) for rinsing dishes and with a dosing system ( 100 ), which • a reservoir ( 101 ) for storing a solid additive ( 102 ), • a dosing device ( 104 ) for the delivery of the solid additive ( 102 ) from the reservoir ( 101 ) in the washing room ( 4 ) and • a closure device ( 110 ) for airtight sealing of the reservoir ( 101 ), characterized by a pump ( 113 ) for evacuating air from the reservoir ( 101 ). Dishwasher ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the air pressure in the reservoir ( 101 ) after the evacuation of the air has a value of less than 500 mbar, preferably less than 200 mbar. Dishwasher ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that a ventilation valve ( 116 ) for aerating the storage container ( 101 ) is provided. Dishwasher ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage container ( 101 ) the closure device ( 110 ). Dishwasher ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure device ( 110 ) a closure means ( 111 ) and a sealing seat ( 112 ), which are arranged and configured such that negative pressure in the reservoir ( 101 ) the closure means ( 111 ) in the sealing seat ( 112 ) presses. Dishwasher ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage container ( 101 ) the metering device ( 104 ). Dishwasher ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage container ( 101 ) detachable with the metering device ( 104 ) connected is. Dishwasher ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage container ( 101 ) a dispensing opening ( 108 ) for dispensing the solid additive ( 102 ) and an air opening ( 118 ) for evacuation and / or venting. Dishwasher ( 1 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one of the openings ( 108 . 118 ) of the storage container ( 101 ) before first connection to the metering device ( 104 ) is closed by a disposable closure. Dishwasher ( 1 ) according to claim 9, characterized in that the disposable closure upon first connection of the reservoir ( 101 ) with the dosing device ( 104 ) automatically through the metering device ( 104 ) is opened. Dishwasher ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the metering device ( 104 ) an output lock ( 119 ), by means of which the metering device ( 104 ) opposite the washing compartment ( 4 ) and through which the solid addition agent ( 102 ) in the washing room ( 1 ) is dispensable. Method for operating a domestic dishwasher ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 11, in which a) the evacuated storage container ( 101 ) is aerated, b) solids-adding agent ( 102 ) from the reservoir ( 101 ) and the delivery opening ( 108 ), c) the reservoir ( 101 ) is closed airtight again and d) the reservoir ( 101 ) is evacuated again. The method of claim 12, wherein the solid addition agent ( 102 ) either directly into the washing room ( 4 ) of the household dishwasher ( 1 ) or in an output lock ( 119 ) is output. Method according to one of claims 12 or 13, characterized in that the negative pressure in the reservoir ( 101 ) is monitored.

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