EP0780508B1 - Dosing container - Google Patents

Abstract

A container (D), to hold and deliver a detergent or other washing agent, has a ratchet lock (R) to hold the cover (2) to the pot (1). It has locking positions for an open cover (2) and a closed cover (2). The ratchet lock (R) is within the interior of the container. The container (D) has a ball shape, and is of a transparent or translucent material with markings to show the level of detergent.

Description

The invention relates to a metering memory for receiving and dispensing a liquid, pasty or tablet-shaped laundry treatment agent, for use in a washing machine Washing process, with a dosing storage pot and a dosing storage lid, the dosing reservoir lid is attached to the dosing reservoir pot and in the dosing reservoir lid or dosing reservoir pot inlet and outlet openings are trained.

The dispensing of the laundry treatment agent is, on the one hand, via such metering stores delayed to the wash liquor or the laundry and to others a direct contact between the latter and the concentrate, which is usually supplied as a concentrate Laundry treatment agents largely prevented. The corresponding The problem is particularly acute when using tablets; so is usually not done using the machine's own dosing chamber possible, because the immediate flushing is not possible due to the size of such tablets and the rinsing process takes too long. Such tablets can not, especially because of the risk of so-called "spotting" be put into the washing drum unreinforced. Regarding this form of Various proposals have become known for laundry treatment agents.

EP 0 576 234 A1 proposes placing the tablets in a reticulated tube to give.

EP 0 628 652 A1 discloses a metering reservoir in the form of a rigid plastic cylinder has been proposed, which has grid-shaped recesses, which enclose the tablet like a cage. The gets through a flap Tablet in a tube made of water-permeable jacket Non-woven material. The above-mentioned metering stores are not suitable for unbound or liquid dosage forms of the laundry treatment agent. A metering memory in this regard results, for example, from JP 50-83075 A (application number Sho-48-13 9044). This designed in the form of a ball Dosing tank is divided into a dosing tank cover at the equator and a dosing storage pot. The dosing reservoir lid has and outlets. Both parts are via a fixed joint tied up. There is a diametrically opposite one on the cover side Clip nose that snaps reversibly into a recess on the pot side.

From EP-0 248 341 A1 there is still the proposal of a metering memory the dosing reservoir cover of the dosing reservoir pot by means of a screw connection is assigned to the mouth area of the laundry treatment agent to assign containing bottle, also by way of a Screw connection. Between the mouth and one that receives the mouth There is a recess in the dosing reservoir cover at the mouth closing cap. After removing the cap, the laundry treatment agent, penetrating a perforation into the interior of this Dosing memory can be introduced.

Finally, it is known from DE 35 12 083 A1, the dosing reservoir cover to give a central opening that extends into the interior of the metering tube continues. Here is the shape of a funnel.

The object of the invention is to fill a generic storage favorably and functionally advantageous, not only all common laundry treatment agents are safe and operationally appropriate, but before especially in the case of bound use forms which develop a higher kinetic energy, such as tablets, the dosage storage in the washing process remains securely closed.

This object is achieved by the features in the labeling part of claim 1 solved.

As a result of such a configuration, a generic metering reservoir is increased Use value achieved. This is mainly due to the functional reliability achieved justified. Handling is also improved. The first step was to that the connection is designed as a locking device with a Open position of the dosing reservoir lid and one of the closed positions Dosing reservoir cover corresponding latching position. The one thus defined Opening position allows the filling or loading of the inside of the dosing reservoir to be carried out comfortably without interference to; the user does not need - as with known ones Solutions - the dosing reservoir halves under a creeping force or to keep housing parts in a gaped position in order to over the to bring the laundry treatment agent into the gap that is kept open. On the other hand may be caused by the beating of larger tablets Forces unable to reach the locking position causing the closed position to overcome. This is only possible by introducing an additional force.

The laundry and touching the washing drum are also unsuitable, to impair the functional reliability of this dosing reservoir, since this is advantageous Training the locking device is formed inside the container. she is itself by its spherical, egg-shaped or barrel-shaped wall protected.

In a structurally advantageous embodiment, the latching device is designed as a one-piece, due to articulation points in a dead center position stable latching position of movable bridge. The restoring force of the dosing storage consisting of hard PVC is usually used sensibly. The The dead center position is exceeded in one direction or the other by Users also perceived clearly, so that due to the corresponding Uniqueness of the respective end positions from the safety of use Dosing memory can also be convinced.

It also proves to be advantageous if the web is the dosing reservoir cover or the dosing reservoir pot is molded in one piece and is only bent out and on the dosing reservoir pot or the dosing reservoir lid via one Hinge point is formed. This leads to an inevitable sequence of practical toggle-like locking device.

The corresponding latching or snap action of the latching device is increased nor in that the web is one of the articulation point on the metering storage lid or has a second articulation point remote from the dosing reservoir pot. In this way, the functional areas are clearly divided, whereby it it is also favorable that the web section between the two articulation points is shorter than the web section between the middle joint and the integral Molding.

Furthermore, an advantageous feature of the invention is that the metering storage lid connected to the dosing reservoir pot via a fixed joint is. It can be a film hinge, which is useful diametrically opposite, a gripping point is assigned, for example for easier deliberate opening of the dosing reservoir. To form the A further locking device could also be used for the fixed joint become.

However, it is proposed that a fixed joint and two bars are provided, with the same circumferential section between all articulation points remains bridge-free. In this way, material bridges are in a kind of three-point constellation realized with a larger maximum opening gap dimension than the length of the two measured in the effective direction Ridges forming webs. All this can be done with form-technical Accessibility from the lid or the pot of the dosing tank is good dominate.

However, there is an alternative, in some cases even more advantageous, solution in that the dosing reservoir lid is integrally formed with an adapter ring is and that the locking device between the adapter ring and the Dosing reservoir lid is effective. This variant also has the advantage that for example, different dosing storage pots in terms of volume can start and also with regard to a modification with a view to the Transparency, structure, e.g. perforated or closed, free Keeps hand.

In this regard, it is then proposed that the inflow and outflow openings only in the dosing reservoir cover and / or the adapter ring are. The adapter ring and dosing reservoir pot point to their reversible assignment for example, thread on, a bayonet lock or locking nipples.

An advantageous variant of the design of the inflow and outflow opening exists in that the metering storage cover is at least partially circumferential in its Connection to the adapter ring or the dosing reservoir pot to form Inflow and outflow openings are set back.

It is advantageous if the inlet and outlet openings are gaps.

The following statements serve the overall understanding of the invention. Then in this dosing store for receiving and dispensing a liquid, pasty or tablet-shaped laundry treatment agents, for Use in a washing process to be carried out with a washing machine, wherein the metering accumulator has inflow and outflow openings and the metering reservoir also has a central opening which is tubular continues into the interior of the metering reservoir, achieved an advantageous embodiment through a guide cylinder which, starting from an essentially flat shoulder, extends into the interior of the dosing reservoir. The user achieves an essentially tilt-free via the guide cylinder Docking. The corresponding effect is still optimized by that the shoulder of one is essentially perpendicular to the shoulder surface extending guide surface is surrounded. This compared to the guide cylinder axially spaced guide wall or surface brings an additional Support level for the desired tilt-free assignment / docking. Continuing education Measures then still consist in the fact that the metering memory by docking a bottle that can be reset to dispense (Squeeze bottle) can be filled, with the dosing reservoir being essentially one cylindrical docking guide extending into the interior of the metering reservoir leaving a central opening in the docking guide, and that the filling bottle has an adapted, essentially cylindrical filler neck has, which has an end discharge opening. So it's just about a plug-in coupling ensures a loss-free introduction of the laundry treatment liquid added to the dosing memory. By continuing the Guide cylinder essentially at the level of the edge of the dosing reservoir cover not only the liquid ends up safely in the dosing storage pot directed; rather, the corresponding guide cylinder practically has one Kind of hold-down function for the tablets placed in the pot. these can therefore not the inlet and outlet openings located in the metering reservoir cover block. There is a practically solids-free antechamber over the area of the pot. The opening may also be grated to prevent it from being rinsed out to avoid smaller tablet residues. To both when docking form-fitting as well as stabilizing the nestling Reaching parts forming the transfer bridge is further proposed, that the filler neck has a counter contour matched to the guide surface. It is also advantageous that the counter contour extends over one step into the jacket wall of a screw cap closing the bottle. The latter maintains due to the associated polydirectionality all of the ceiling-forming parts of the wall sections, a high inner Stability, despite possible thin walls. At last it is still favorable that the inner wall of the dosing reservoir pot and / or the dosing reservoir lid is roughened. On such an inner wall, they can get involved with play Tablets rub, which favors / accelerates the removal optionally leads to more firmly bound tablets.

Fig. 1

den erfindungsgemäß ausgebildeten Dosierspeicher in Vorderansicht, geschlossen,

Fig. 2

denselben in gleicher Darstellung, jedoch geöffnet,

Fig. 3

den geöffneten Dosierspeicher in Seitenansicht,

Fig. 4

den Dosierspeicher in geschlossenem Zustand unter Verdeutlichung einer Andocksituation zwecks Einbringung eines Wäschebehandlungsmittels in denselben,

Fig. 5

die Draufsicht auf eine Variante des Dosierspeichers in Schließstellung, unter Verdeutlichung hier die Ein- und Ausströmöffnungen bildender Spalte,

Fig. 6

diesem Dosierspeicher in gleicher Darstellung, jedoch bestückbar geöffnet,

Fig. 7

den Schnitt gemäß der Linie VII-VII in Fig. 6 und

Fig. 8

eine weitestgehend schematisierte Bewegungsstudie im Bereich des die Rasteinrichtung bringenden Steges, und zwar in über eine Totpunktebene getretener Zwischenstellung.

The subject matter of the invention is explained below on the basis of a graphically illustrated exemplary embodiment. It shows:

Fig. 1

the dosing reservoir designed according to the invention in a front view, closed,

Fig. 2

same in the same representation, but open,

Fig. 3

the opened dosing tank in side view,

Fig. 4

the dosing reservoir in the closed state, clarifying a docking situation for the purpose of introducing a laundry treatment agent therein,

Fig. 5

the top view of a variant of the metering reservoir in the closed position, with clarification here the column forming the inflow and outflow openings,

Fig. 6

this dosing tank in the same representation, but openable to be populated,

Fig. 7

the section along the line VII-VII in Fig. 6 and

Fig. 8

a largely schematic movement study in the area of the web bringing the latching device, namely in an intermediate position entered over a dead center plane.

The dosing reservoir D shown comprises a dosing reservoir pot 1 and one Dosing reservoir cover 2. The two parts complement each other accordingly convex curvature and while maintaining a comparable same Wall thickness to a roughly spherical or egg-shaped hollow body. The upper and the lower part of the dosing reservoir D merges into a slight flattening, below, i.e. on the bottom of the pot to achieve the adjustability of the dosing reservoir, For example, for the convenient filling of a laundry treatment liquid from above, So from the edge of the pot or the like.

In addition to a liquid / gel-like laundry treatment agent, for example the dosing reservoir D shown also with pasty to even tablet-shaped Means to be filled. Also on a pellet or granular structure is to be thought here. In Fig. 3 the dosing memory D takes several, relatively large Tablets 3 on. The latter are stacked on top of each other in a disc shape and leave insert into the dosing reservoir D through a side opening 4. The radius the tablets 3 correspond approximately to their height. There are three tablets on top of each other.

Said opening 4 is achieved by opening the dosing reservoir cover 2. The folds around a fixed joint 5 between the metering pot 1 and Dosing reservoir lid 2. It is a kind of film hinge from corresponding plastic injection dosing reservoir D.

The dosing reservoir cover 2 connected to the pot rim in this way has a face 6 for diametrically opposite the fixed joint 5 the convenient opening of the dosage storage lid 2.

To remove the bound laundry treatment agent, for example the Tablets 3, to achieve the desired fluid contact with the wash liquor or the like, the dosing reservoir D is at least partially perforated. Specifically, it has inlet and outlet openings 7. They are itself in the illustrated embodiment in the dosing reservoir cover 2. It is a relatively uniform perforation is used there. The hole axes run perpendicular to the level pot bottom of the dosing reservoir.

The wedge-shaped opening position defining the opening 4 is by webs St limited. The latter are foldable and stretchable again and cross the said Gap. They are attached to the dosing reservoir pot 1 as the dosing reservoir cover 2 realized in addition to 5 connecting material bridges. The fixed joint 5 could also be realized in the form of such a web.

The connection formed by the webs St is designed as a locking device R, with a both in the open position of the metering reservoir lid shown 2 as well as powerfully effective in a closed position Rest position. Overcoming the two rest positions is only a matter of will possible in the closing direction by pressing down the metering reservoir cover 2 and in the opening direction by reaching under the socket 6 by folding up of the dosing reservoir cover 2, for example (if so designed) around the fixed joint 5 going.

The locking device R is housed in the interior of the dosing reservoir D. It is thus mechanically influenced by the container wall itself protected. They are arranged in pairs. Including the Fixed joint point 5, the two webs St are distributed on the pot edge of the metering device D, that between the three material bridges the same free peripheral section remains. Because the fixed joint 5 on the bisector between the two webs St and relatively far from the free end of the cover, the opening 4 is larger than the length of the webs St.

The locking effect is due to articulation points a, b and c on the web St. The first-mentioned articulation point a is the articulation of the web St to the rim of the pot of the dosing reservoir D. The second joint point, designated b, is located spaced apart from it. The one between the two mentioned articulation points a, b Web section 8 pivots around the hinge point a on a pot rim circular arc path x passing through joint b. Reference is made to FIG. 8.

The one beyond the second joint point b and to a cover-side Bending joint point c leading web section 9 is shorter than the former Web section 8. Both web sections are basically stretched and in the angled position slightly angled.

The articulation point c is realized as a pivot point towards the metering reservoir cover 2. It is practically a continuation of the wall of the dosing reservoir cover 2 in the web St. The corresponding integral connection is in Fig. 8 indicated. The longer web section 9 is directed inward from the substantially vertically aligned inclined leaf spring into the interior of the Dosing reservoir can be bent outwards. This hinge point c is set so that it is much less easy to bend than practically due to material reduction hinges a and b designed to form film hinges at both ends of the shorter web section 8. The material reduction is based on training of notch valleys.

The desired locking or snap action is based on this overall constellation the locking device R by the second articulation point b via a dead center position T-T occurs. Due to the changing direction of force, the web St goes into the respective stable rest position above. The restoring force in the direction of arrow y pulls the dosing reservoir lid under the steering action of the web section 8 2 against the edge of the pot, i.e. in the closed position when the hinge point b the zenith of the circular arc x in the horizontal, defined by the Dead center level T-T, has exceeded. The same restoring force causes on the other hand, under the steering effect of the shorter web section 8, the strong one Pry up the dosing reservoir lid 2 when said joint b has exceeded the zenith mentioned in the direction of the metering reservoir cover 2. The longer web section 9 is in fact endeavored to move the joint point c back in spring back the essentially vertical starting position.

Of course, the situation can also be reversed, i.e. that of Web section 9 formed spring element goes from the pot edge of the dosing reservoir pot 1 directed upwards, also in compliance with the web section length difference.

There is enough to pass through the inward circular arc path x Free space available; the diameter of the tablets 3 is taken into account the corresponding space requirement or vice versa. About one of the tablet bodies outgoing load on the exposed to the tablets 3 Hinge point b does not adversely affect the locking position in the closed position. Rather, forces exerted against the joint point b favor the closed position.

Instead of a direct connection via the webs St and the fixed joint point 5 to the dosing reservoir pot 1 can be a modified in the drawings shown Grab solution or be inexpensive, which consists in that the dosing reservoir cover 2 is integrally formed with an adapter ring 10, so that consequently, the latching device R between the adapter ring 10 and the metering reservoir cover 2 takes effect. Because the strip-like webs St here too spatially opposed to each other, their workload is balanced Lift mechanism instead of each other, the grueling loads of those in the bisector lying fixed joint 5 free. As for the assignment of a relates to such adapter ring 10, a screw connection can be selected here become. Likewise, a bayonet-type assignment or locking connection conceivable. In the case of an irreversible assignment, gluing etc. to grab.

As can further be seen from the drawings, the adapter ring 10 also has inputs and Outflow openings 11, realized, here in the form of Romanesque window arches. The front edge of the pot rim is visible on or slightly below the Windowsill of such inflow and outflow openings 11. This adapter side Inflow and outflow openings 11 are in addition to the cover-side already mentioned realized.

The variant of the metering reservoir D shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 is in principle same structure, also with regard to the design of the adapter ring 10.

The reference numbers are used analogously, sometimes without repeated text. However, in this embodiment there is a modified one Execution with regard to the formation of inflow and outflow openings 12. They are achieved in that the metering storage cover 2 circumferentially at least partially in its connection to the adapter ring 10 there or directly to the dosing reservoir pot 1 to form inlets on the opening and overflow openings 12 is set back. The setback goes after inside, i.e. the dome-shaped lid 2 there is transverse to Folding plane, which is identical to the section VII, VII in Fig. 6, partially slightly dented against each other. So arise between the fixed joint 5 and the socket 6 realized in this embodiment narrow crescent-like column (cf. closed position according to FIG. 5). The juxtaposition of the rim of the pot and lid as the defined closed position is there interrupted.

As for the introduction of, for example, gel-like or pasty laundry treatment agents relates, reference is made to the illustration in FIG. 4. There is based on the metering memory shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. They are here too Transfer reference numbers accordingly. Training continues from the center of the there a metering lid 1, which is basically coupled in a dome shape Opening 13 out. It provides free access to the inside of the Dosing memory D. It is a relatively narrow opening 13. The latter continues like a tube into the interior of said dosing reservoir D. The Corresponding tube with a circular cross section is used as a guide cylinder 14 designed. This is based on an essentially flat, ring-shaped Shoulder 15 off. In terms of level, the guide cylinder 14 extends in the closed position of the dosing reservoir D essentially up to the height of the rim of the Dosing storage pot 1.

From the periphery of the shoulder 15 goes in the opposite direction to the pot side Course of the guide cylinder 14, that is directed upwards, a guide surface 16 out. The latter circumscribes a depression 17 located in front of the opening 13.

Recess 17 and subsequent opening 13 serve to dock a bottle 18, containing the refillable laundry treatment agent. The bottle 18 is designed as a squeeze bottle. About the resettable accordingly Bottle 18 offering wall sections with corresponding dispensing confirmation can the content of a cylindrical output opening 19 of a cylindrical Apply filler neck 20.

The filler neck 20 has a so-called push-pull closure. It deals around a stop-limited axially displaceable slide 21 with a corresponding Locking or releasing effect to the leading filler neck 20 that him leads smoothly.

In the back of the dispensing opening 19 formed by a spout-like mouth there is a gripping bead 22. The latter is supported radially on the inner wall of the described guide cylinder 14 in the docking position (see FIG. 4).

Above behind the relevant docking guide, the filler neck 20 has the Filling bottle 18 a matched to the cylindrical contour of the guide surface 16 Counter contour 23 on. The likewise cylindrical counter contour 23 sets over a step 24 into a roughened jacket wall 25 of a bottle-closing Screw cap 26 of the bottle 18 on. By loosening the screw cap 26 can fill the bottle 18 itself.

As can be seen from the drawing, this supports the dispensing opening facing downwards 19 delivered bottle 18 axially spaced radially, and once in the area of the gripping bead 22 in the end zone on the inside of the accumulator of the guide cylinder 14 and again at the beginning, namely on or between the cross-sectional guide surface 16 and the screw cap side Counter contour 23.

Due to the flattening of the underside of the dosing reservoir D is adjustability given, the load of the bottle 18 substantially in the common Longitudinal central axis z-z of bottle 18 and dosing reservoir D acts. The whole does not tip over.

It remains to be noted that the inner wall of the dosing reservoir pot 1 and / or the dosing reservoir cover 2 is roughened. About the correspondingly abrasive Effect the dissolution of the detergent tablets 3 is accelerated.

The dosing reservoir D according to the variant in FIG. 5 is not with regard to an adjustability designed; it has more of a structure approximating the spherical shape.

The dosing reservoir D can be made of transparent or translucent material be formed and have metering marks.

The detachability of the dosing storage pot allows its use as a washing powder etc. scoop dosing.

Claims (12)

1. A dispenser (D) for holding and dispensing a liquid, paste-form or even tablet-form laundry treatment composition for use in a washing process carried out in a washing machine, comprising a bowl (1) and a cover (2), the dispenser cover (2) being attached to the dispenser bowl (1) and inflow and outflow openings (7) being formed in the cover (2) or the bowl (1), characterized in that the attachment is in the form of a locking mechanism (R) with one locking position corresponding to an open position of the dispenser cover (2) and another locking position corresponding to a closed position of the dispenser bowl (2).
2. A dispenser as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the locking mechanism (R) is formed inside the container.
3. A dispenser as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking mechanism (R) is in the form of a one-piece arm (St) designed to move past a dead-centre position (T-T) into a stable locking position with the aid of joints (a,b,c).
4. A dispenser as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arm (St) is integrally formed with the dispenser cover (2) or the dispenser bowl (1), being designed solely to bend outwards, and is formed on the dispenser bowl (1) or the dispenser cover (2) via a joint (c).
5. A dispenser as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arm (St) has a second joint (b) located at a distance from the joint (a) on the dispenser cover (2) or the dispenser bowl (1).
6. A dispenser as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the section (8) of the arm between the two joints (a,b) is shorter than the section (9) between the middle joint (b) and the integral attachment.
7. A dispenser as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispenser cover (2) is attached to the dispenser bowl (1) by a fixed joint (5).
8. A dispenser as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that one fixed joint (5) and two arms (St) are provided, an equal peripheral section being left between all points of attachment.
9. A dispenser as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispenser cover (2) is integral with an adapter ring (10) and in that the locking mechanism (R) is active between the adapter ring (10) and the dispenser cover (2).
10. A dispenser as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inflow and outflow openings (7 and 11) are only formed in the dispenser cover (2) and/or the adapter ring (10).
11. A dispenser as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispenser cover (2) is peripherally set back at least partly in a connection to the adapter ring (10) or the dispenser bowl (1) to form the inflow and outflow openings (11).
12. A dispenser as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inflow and outflow openings (11) are slots.

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