DE102016210399A1 - Dosing device for detergent tablets in household dishwashers - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a metering device (100) for dispensing detergent tablets (102) into a washing compartment (4) of a domestic dishwasher (1), having a reservoir (101) which is used to receive a filling of the detergent tablets (102). is formed and in a region of its bottom (103) has a transfer opening (107), and a transport device (109 ') for active transport of the detergent moldings from the transfer opening (107) of the reservoir (101) in the washing compartment (4). In addition, the metering device (100) comprises a lifting device (114) for raising the bottom (103) of the storage container (101) at least in sections, wherein a drainage slope towards the transfer opening (107) is formed at least in sections by raising the bottom (103) or Slope an existing drain slope is at least partially increased.

Description

The present invention relates to a metering device for dispensing detergent moldings in a washing compartment of a household dishwasher.

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 is it customary to store it in liquid form in a storage container within the household dishwasher for a plurality of applications and to automatically add it via a metering device. The manual addition of detergent before each rinse is perceived by many users as annoying and uncomfortable. Consequently, attempts have long been made to develop so-called automatic dosing systems for household 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 metering devices.

From the EP 1 159 913 A1 For example, a metering device for dispensing detergent tablets from a storage container into the useful space of a dishwashing machine is known, in which a substantially impermeable seal is arranged between the storage container and the utility space. The storage container is designed to receive a loose bed of tablets and the lock has a transport device, for example in the form of a cellular wheel, for actively transporting the tablets through. The supply of the tablets from the reservoir to the transport device can only be done by gravity. However, preferred is a conveyor which actively (under the influence of external force) promotes the tablets from the reservoir to the transport device.

The very limited available space in household dishwashers always presents a particular challenge in the development of automatic dosing systems.

The invention has for its object to provide a compact metering device for dispensing detergent moldings from a reservoir into a washing compartment of a domestic dishwasher, which allows reliable automatic addition of detergent moldings for several successive rinses.

This object is achieved by a metering device with the features of claim 1.

Accordingly, the metering device to a reservoir, which is designed to receive a bed of detergent moldings and identifies a transfer opening in a region of its bottom. The metering device further comprises a transport device for the active transport of the detergent tablets from the transfer opening of the storage container into the washing compartment of the household dishwasher. According to the invention, a lifting device is provided, which is designed and arranged to raise the bottom of the reservoir at least in sections, wherein at least in sections, a drainage slope in the direction of the transfer opening is created by lifting the soil or the slope of an existing drainage slope is at least partially increased.

In the context of the invention, the term "detergent form body" is to be understood as meaning all shaped bodies having a defined outer shape which contain any ingredients which can be used in the course of dishwashing. These include, for example, tablets, pellets, granules or capsules. The term is also not limited to moldings containing the actual detergent. Rather, molded articles should also be included which comprise additives for use in rinse cycles, water softening or conditioning and the like.

The reservoir is that portion of the metering device which contains the supply of detergent tablets. It can be refillable or also, e.g. in the form of a cartridge, be designed exchangeable. The reservoir is designed to receive a bed, in particular loose bed of detergent moldings. This means that the detergent tablets are randomly oriented in the storage space and are not stored in a predetermined geometric arrangement.

The inventive design of the reservoir for receiving a bed of detergent moldings allows a simple and compact storage of even larger amounts of detergent moldings. A complicated magazine the tablets is not required.

As the bottom of the reservoir that wall section should be considered, on which rest the detergent form body in the operating position of the reservoir due to gravity. The arranged in the region of the bottom of the reservoir transfer opening allows the supply the detergent molding to cause the transfer opening exclusively by gravity or at least to support by gravity. Under operating position of the reservoir and thus also the metering device that position is meant in which a metered addition of detergent with proper use of the household dishwasher.

The transport device is preferably designed to carry out discrete transport operations, with a predetermined amount of cleaning agent in the form of the cleaning agent shaped bodies being transported during each transport operation. The transport device may for example comprise a rotatably mounted cellular wheel, on whose circumference at least one transport chamber is arranged.

The active transport of the detergent tablets from the transfer opening of the storage container into the washing compartment causes a desired amount of cleaning agent to be metered in reliably. Active transport means that the detergent moldings are transported under the influence of an external force. For example, a cellular wheel may be driven by means of a drive unit, e.g. an electric motor to be actively rotated.

The lifting device according to the invention makes it possible to raise the bottom of the reservoir at least partially and in such a way that by raising at least partially a drainage slope towards the transfer opening or the slope (the negative slope) of an existing drain slope is at least partially increased. In this way, it is possible to initially align the soil at maximum filling of the reservoir (when first using a new, filled reservoir or immediately after a refilling process) such that an available space within the household dishwasher is optimally utilized. This ensures that as many detergent moldings can be absorbed and consequently as many flushing operations without refilling or replacing the reservoir are feasible. If, however, the detergent moldings are to be fed to the transfer opening by gravity or at least by gravity, then the filling agent may lose its filling capacity due to the fact that the force of gravity is no longer sufficient and / or is directed incorrectly. This problem is now taken to the effect that by raising at least partially a drainage slope in the direction of the transfer opening is created or the slope of an existing drainage slope is at least partially increased. In this way, the gravity-induced or gravity-assisted supply of the detergent tablets is supported such that a reliable supply is ensured even with decreasing degree of filling.

In order to achieve a high level of user-friendliness, it is advantageous to configure and design the lifting device such that the bottom of the storage container is at least partially automatically lifted, ie without manual intervention, with decreasing quantity of detergent moldings in the storage container. If the lifting device equipped with at least one spring means, for example in the form of a coil spring and / or coil spring, so the effect of automatic lifting can be achieved inexpensively and with simple structural means.

Alternatively and / or in addition to the use of spiral or coil springs, the spring means may also be formed by an elastic band. It is particularly advantageous if the bottom of the reservoir is formed at least in a partial area by the elastic band itself.

In order to reduce the design and financial expenses as much as possible, it makes sense to effect the raising of the soil at least partially, preferably exclusively, by the decreasing weight of the detergent moldings. This can be achieved, for example, in that the weight force generated by the detergent moldings counteracts the spring force of the at least one spring means. The at least one spring means is designed such that the spring force is so great that the bottom is at the intended full-filling in its non-raised starting position and is gradually increased with decreasing filling and thus also decreasing weight.

A further embodiment of the invention provides that the bottom of the reservoir is formed by at least a portion of an articulated wall. It is advantageous to provide on a wall adjacent to the bottom wall of the reservoir a guide which can serve as a seal to the adjacent wall at the same time. Depending on the type of detergent moldings used, such a seal may be advantageous or even necessary.

If a household dishwasher is equipped with a metering device according to the invention, then this can be arranged, for example, on a door of the household dishwasher. According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided in this case, the spring means to design and interpret such that a lifting of the bottom of the reservoir occurs only when the door is open and therefore without weight load by the detergent molding. The advantage of this design is that the detergent moldings are exposed within the reservoir of a significantly lower pressing force, so that a bonding or pressing with even higher probability can be excluded. After closing the door and the associated return of the reservoir in the operating position but a gravity-related return movement (renewed lowering) of the soil must be avoided, which can be accomplished, for example, with the help of a slide-back protection. The slip-back protection can be realized for example in the form of a detent. If necessary, by opening and / or closing the door, a mechanical support of the lifting operation of the bottom of the reservoir can be effected.

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;

2 a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a metering device according to the invention with a full reservoir;

3 a schematic representation of the first embodiment of the metering device according to the invention with partially emptied reservoir;

4 a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a metering device according to the invention with a full reservoir;

5 a schematic representation of the second embodiment of the metering device according to the invention with partially emptied reservoir;

6 a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a metering device according to the invention with a full reservoir; and

7 a schematic representation of the third embodiment of the metering device according to the invention with partially emptied reservoir;

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 metering device 100 on. The dosing device 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 device detergent molding in the washing compartment 4 can dose. The detergent tablets are then passed through the dishwashing compartment 4 dissolved flushing solution.

Deviating from the representation in the 1 are other arrangements of the metering device 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 device according to the invention 100 , In a storage container 101 are detergent moldings 102 , The storage tank 101 has a floor 103 , Side walls 104 . 105 as well as a lid 106 on. The storage tank 101 may be formed as shown as part of a cartridge, which after consumption of the supply of detergent moldings 102 is completely replaced. Alternatively, the lid 106 but also designed to be removable or pivotable, so that refilling the reservoir 101 becomes possible. The storage tank 101 is in 2 represented in a state in which so many detergent moldings 102 in the reservoir 101 are stored, that the ground 103 the starting position, which he occupies even when fully filled. In the illustrated embodiment, in which the reservoir 101 designed as a rectangular container and the metering device 100 is shown in the operating position, lies the ground 103 therefore initially horizontal. The direction of gravity in the operating position of the metering device 100 is in 2 marked with an arrow G.

In the area of the soil 103 of the storage container 101 is a transfer opening 107 provided, and to the transfer opening 107 closes in the direction of gravity G a cavity 108 in which a transport device 109 ' in the form of a rotatably mounted cellular wheel 109 is arranged. The cell wheel 109 has a drive cylinder 110 on, which is actively driven by a drive unit, not shown, for example in the form of an electric motor. The cell wheel 109 also includes several transport chambers 111 , which in each case for receiving a predetermined amount of detergent moldings 102 are formed. The transport chambers 111 are each by radially from the drive cylinder 110 protruding partitions 112 separated from each other. The partitions 112 are on the drive cylinder 110 attached, preferably integrally formed therewith.

At the circumference of the cell wheel 109 on the one hand open the reservoir 101 with his handover opening 107 and on the other hand, a discharge chute 113 ,

During operation of the dosing device 100 be in the reservoir 101 detergent moldings 102 initially due to gravity in the direction of the transfer opening 107 moved and in this way the cellular wheel 109 fed. During the rotary motion of the cell wheel 109 one falls through the receiving volume of the transport chambers 111 limited amount of detergent moldings 102 from the reservoir 101 through the transfer opening 107 in an empty transport chamber 111 ,

The detergent moldings 102 be through the diametrically on the opposite side of the perimeter of the cavity 108 located discharge chute 113 ejected and fall from there into the dishwasher 4 the household dishwasher 1 ,

3 now shows the metering device 100 in a state in which the reservoir 101 only partially with detergent moldings 102 is filled. By the repeated addition of detergent moldings 102 in the dishwasher 4 , takes the amount of detergent moldings 102 in the storage container 101 and thus their weight. This weight loss has the consequence of being a lifting device 114 , which in the illustrated embodiment as a spring means 115 in the form of a coil spring 116 is designed, the ground 103 of the storage container 101 in a sub-area automatically raises, whereby by this lifting of the soil 103 a drainage slope in the direction of the transfer opening 107 arises. This drainage slope ensures that the gravitational supply of detergent moldings 102 to the transfer opening 107 even with decreasing filling level of the reservoir 101 works reliably. Specifically, in this embodiment, the drainage slope is generated by the soil 103 adjacent to the transfer opening 107 is rotatably mounted and the coil spring 116 spaced therefrom at the bottom 103 attacks. Alternatively or in addition to the coil spring 116 For example, could also be a coil spring in the region of the pivot bearing of the soil 103 adjacent to the transfer opening 107 be provided.

In the illustrated embodiment, the floor was 103 of the storage container 101 in its initial position (when fully filled) aligned horizontally, so that the drain slope only by lifting the soil 103 with the help of the lifting device 114 was generated. Of course, the floor can 103 from the beginning, so even with full load of the reservoir 101 form a drainage slope. In this case, by raising only the slope (negative slope) of the drainage slope in the direction of the transfer opening 107 increased. On a graphic representation of such an embodiment is omitted at this point, as they differ from the in the 2 and 3 illustrated embodiment only differ in that the soil in the starting position (see. 2 ) would already be slightly raised, resulting in a corresponding interpretation of the coil spring 116 could also be realized easily.

The 4 and 5 show a further embodiment of a metering device according to the invention 100 which differ from the one in the 2 and 3 illustrated embodiment essentially differs in that the ground 103 in this case as a sectionally hinged wall 117 is designed. This is to be understood according to the invention as any type of wall which has at least two mutually movable subsections. In the example shown, the floor 103 a first section 118 which is like the ground 103 according to the in 2 and 3 illustrated embodiment is aligned horizontally in the initial state ( 4 ). One over a joint 119 with the first section 118 connected second section 120 lies flat in this initial state on the side wall 104 of the storage container 101 at. This second section 120 is about a guide 121 , eg in the form of a carriage, on the side wall 104 led and can therefore also to the side wall 104 of the storage container 101 caulk. Depending on the shape, size and consistency of the detergent moldings used 102 This may be helpful or even necessary. At the guide 121 may be provided a detent which, in cooperation with one on the side wall 104 located counter-locking a slipping back of the guide means 121 prevented. In the illustrated embodiment, the second section 120 the hinged wall 117 about another joint 122 also articulated with the guide means 121 connected, but there are also other embodiments of the articulated wall 117 conceivable.

Another embodiment of a metering device according to the invention show the 6 and 7 , in which 6 again the starting position with a full reservoir 101 shows, whereas in 7 a state is shown with partially empty reservoir. In contrast to the previously described embodiments, the floor 103 of the storage container 101 in this case by an elastic band 130 educated. The elastic band 130 but not only serves as ground 103 , but at the same time takes over the function of the lifting device 114 , In the illustrated embodiment, the entire floor is 103 of the storage container 101 replaced by the elastic band. But it is also conceivable, only a portion, especially in the field of attachment points of the soil 103 to design as an elastic band. Furthermore, it is of course possible, an elastic band only as an alternative spring means 115 and thus as an alternative lifting device 114 to use, without the elastic band as a floor 103 to use.

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

 metering

101

 reservoir

102

 Detergent shaped bodies

103

 Bottom (of the storage tank)

104, 105

 Side walls (of the storage container)

106

 Cover (of the storage container)

107

 Transfer opening

108

 cavity

109

 feeder

109 '

 transport means

110

 drive cylinder

111

 transport chamber

112

 partition wall

113

 chute

114

 lifting device

115

 spring means

116

 coil spring

117

 articulated wall

118

 first section (the articulated wall)

119

 joint

120

 second section (the articulated wall)

121

 guide means

122

 joint

130

 elastic band

A

 extraction direction

e

 insertion direction

G

 Direction of weight

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 (12)

Dosing device ( 100 ) for dispensing detergent moldings ( 102 ) in a washing room ( 4 ) of a household dishwasher ( 1 ), with • a storage container ( 101 ), which for receiving a bed of detergent tablets ( 102 ) and in a region of its bottom ( 103 ) a transfer opening ( 107 ), and • a transport device ( 109 ' ) for active transport of the detergent tablets ( 102 ) from the transfer opening ( 107 ) of the storage container ( 101 ) in the washing room ( 4 ), characterized by a lifting device ( 114 ) for at least partially raising the soil ( 103 ) of the storage container ( 101 ), whereby by raising the soil ( 103 ) at least in sections, a drainage slope in the direction of the transfer opening ( 107 ) or the slope of an existing drain slope is increased at least in sections. Dosing device ( 100 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the lifting device ( 114 ) the ground ( 103 ) of the storage container ( 101 ) with decreasing amount of the detergent tablets ( 102 ) in the reservoir ( 101 ) automatically lifts at least in sections. Dosing device ( 100 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the lifting device ( 114 ) at least one spring means ( 115 ) for automatic lifting of the soil ( 103 ) having. Dosing device ( 100 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that the at least one spring means ( 115 ) as a spiral spring or coil spring ( 116 ) is trained. Dosing device ( 100 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that the at least one spring means ( 115 ) by an elastic band ( 130 ) is formed. Dosing device ( 100 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that the floor ( 103 ) of the storage container ( 101 ) at least in a partial area by the elastic band ( 130 ) is formed. Dosing device ( 100 ) according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the lifting device ( 114 ) is designed such that the raising of the soil ( 103 ) at least partially, preferably exclusively, by the decreasing weight of the detergent tablets ( 102 ) is effected. Dosing device ( 100 ) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the floor ( 103 ) of the storage container ( 101 ) as a sectionally hinged wall ( 117 ) is configured. Dosing device ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on one to the ground ( 103 ) adjacent wall ( 104 ) a guiding means ( 121 ) for the ground ( 103 ) is provided. Household dishwasher ( 1 ) with a metering device ( 100 ) according to one of claims 1 to 9. Household dishwasher ( 1 ) according to claim 10, characterized in that the metering device ( 100 ) on a door ( 3 ) of the household dishwasher ( 1 ) is arranged and the spring means ( 115 ) are designed and designed such that a lifting of the floor ( 103 ) only with open door ( 3 ) he follows. Household dishwasher ( 1 ) according to claim 11, characterized in that a slip-back protection is provided, which is a gravitational return movement of the soil ( 103 ) of the storage container ( 101 ) after closing the door ( 3 ) prevented.

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