EP2066219B1 - Cartridge for a water-conducting domestic appliance comprising a detergent dosing system - Google Patents

Cartridge for a water-conducting domestic appliance comprising a detergent dosing system Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2066219B1
EP2066219B1 EP07803004.6A EP07803004A EP2066219B1 EP 2066219 B1 EP2066219 B1 EP 2066219B1 EP 07803004 A EP07803004 A EP 07803004A EP 2066219 B1 EP2066219 B1 EP 2066219B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cartridge
detergent
cartridge according
chambers
detergents
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP07803004.6A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2066219A1 (en
Inventor
Egbert Classen
Helmut Jerg
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BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
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BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
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Application filed by BSH Hausgeraete GmbH filed Critical BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Publication of EP2066219A1 publication Critical patent/EP2066219A1/en
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Classifications

    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06FLAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/02Devices for adding soap or other washing agents
    • D06F39/022Devices for adding soap or other washing agents in a liquid state
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/0018Controlling processes, i.e. processes to control the operation of the machine characterised by the purpose or target of the control
    • A47L15/0055Metering or indication of used products, e.g. type or quantity of detergent, rinse aid or salt; for measuring or controlling the product concentration
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42Details
    • A47L15/44Devices for adding cleaning agents; Devices for dispensing cleaning agents, rinsing aids or deodorants
    • A47L15/4445Detachable devices
    • A47L15/4454Detachable devices with automatic identification means, e.g. barcodes, RFID tags or magnetic strips
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42Details
    • A47L15/44Devices for adding cleaning agents; Devices for dispensing cleaning agents, rinsing aids or deodorants
    • A47L15/4463Multi-dose dispensing arrangements
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42Details
    • A47L15/44Devices for adding cleaning agents; Devices for dispensing cleaning agents, rinsing aids or deodorants
    • A47L15/4472Blister packaging or refill cartridges
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42Details
    • A47L15/44Devices for adding cleaning agents; Devices for dispensing cleaning agents, rinsing aids or deodorants
    • A47L15/449Metering controlling devices

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a cartridge according to the preamble of patent claim 1.
  • the majority of household dishwashers currently in use has an adding device for receiving one or more cleaning agents, which are added during the course of a rinsing cycle of the rinsing liquor for cleaning the sorted in the dishwasher items to be washed.
  • the detergent stored in the adding device is completely discharged into the washing compartment during the rinsing cycle and mixed with the rinsing water circulated therein.
  • the addition device is sized in size so that just the required amount of detergent for a rinse cycle can be filled. The user of the dishwasher is therefore forced to fill in the adding device the amount of detergent required for the rinse cycle at the beginning of each rinse cycle. This handling is inconvenient for the user of the dishwasher.
  • such dishwashers have the problem that the amount of cleaning agent introduced into the adding device may vary from user to user, but also from one rinse to another.
  • an incorrectly metered amount of cleaning agent can lead to unsatisfactory scavenging results if the cleaning agents have been dispensed too low and, on the other hand, a waste of cleaning agents and thus environmental pollution if too large an amount of cleaning agent has been dispensed.
  • Addition devices which add the amount of cleaning agents stored therein at once to the rinsing liquor still do not permit the implementation of more complex rinsing programs. Thus, it may be useful, for example, in certain situations, to meter in the detergent at different times of the wash liquor. Addition devices configured to receive a single detergent dose can not support such complex rinse cycles.
  • a cartridge according to the invention for a water-conducting domestic appliance, in particular a domestic dishwasher, has a detergent dosing system which has at least one detergent dispenser for receiving at least one cartridge, wherein the cartridge has separate chambers for storing at least two cleaning agents.
  • the invention is characterized in that each chamber has a receiving volume for the storage of detergent, which is greater than the amount required for a rinsing cycle.
  • the detergent dosing system for receiving the cartridge provides in a rinse cycle substantially exactly the amount of detergent necessary for a rinse cycle.
  • Detergents may be compositions of detergent components or individual detergent substances, such as an enzyme.
  • the cleaning agents may be liquid or gel.
  • the cleaning agents may be arranged in a plurality in chambers of the cartridge.
  • the detergent dosing system is designed to accommodate a corresponding number of cartridges with only one chamber.
  • the storage of different cleaning agents in different chambers has the advantage that in a certain section of a rinsing cycle only that cleaning agent needs to be added, which is actually necessary for this rinsing section.
  • the cartridge chambers are provided for storing more than 2 and less than 10, preferably 7 cleaning agent.
  • the targeted addition of, for example, complexing agents allows an adjustment of the water hardness, so that a dishwasher without water softening device can be formed.
  • the adjustment of the water hardness can be sensor-controlled or manually by an operator.
  • an adaptation of the added substances to the length of a selected cleaning program can take place.
  • the volume of the chambers is dimensioned such that, as a total number z of rinsing cycles between 20 and 40, preferably 30, rinsing cycles can be carried out.
  • the respective chambers are arranged in a common housing of the cartridge, resulting in a particularly simple handling for the user.
  • a ventilation chamber is provided which is in operative connection with the chambers containing the cleaning agents.
  • the ventilation chamber is in this case via ventilation channels in a common, the individual chambers final, lid with the detergent containing chambers in combination.
  • the ventilation chamber is preferably part of the cartridge.
  • a further embodiment provides that the cartridge is provided with at least one openable closure which, when inserted into the detergent dosing system, in particular automatically, can be opened and, in particular, automatically closes when the cartridge is removed from the detergent dosing system.
  • the openable closure may be formed, for example, by a membrane. The shutter serves while storage and transport so that the detergent stored in the cartridge can not leak unintentionally.
  • the closure is opened at the moment in which the cartridge is inserted into the detergent dispenser of the detergent dosing system, so that a metered addition of the detergent to the rinsing liquor is possible during the further operation of the dishwasher.
  • the number of closures may vary.
  • a number of closures is provided corresponding to the number of chambers of the cartridge.
  • the number of closures may also correspond to the number of cleaning agents in the cartridge.
  • the openable closure can eg be arranged in the direction of gravity at the bottom, ie at the bottom of the cartridge, when the cartridge is in the installed position in the detergent dosing system. As a result, the complete emptying of the cartridge is facilitated by the conveyor, whereby no detergent remains unused in the cartridge.
  • a further embodiment provides that the cartridge has at least one conveying device with which the at least two cleaning agents can be conveyed into the washing compartment of the dishwasher.
  • This procedure has the advantage that the detergent dispenser of the detergent dosing system according to the invention can be made structurally particularly simple.
  • the necessary devices for metering the detergent held in the cartridge into the washing compartment are held exclusively in the cartridge according to this embodiment. It can be provided that a number of the detergent or chambers corresponding number of conveyors is provided.
  • the dispensing of the at least two cleaning agents takes place by way of gravity and in a further variant by establishing an outflow time in which the at least two cleaning agents can be diverted from the cartridge for further processing via the openable closure.
  • the openable closure of the cartridge in the direction of gravity is compulsorily arranged at the bottom when the cartridge is in the installed position in the detergent dosing system.
  • the housing of the cartridge has over a mechanical coding, for example a projection corresponding to a corresponding recess of the detergent dosing system.
  • the coding is designed such that the cartridge can be inserted into the detergent dispenser in only one way - the predetermined manner.
  • the cartridge may have any suitable shape.
  • the housing of the cartridge has a longitudinal extent along a main axis.
  • This may be e.g. a quarter-shaped body with a longitudinal axis, for example, along the width, act, which is much longer than all other axes (along the depth and the height).
  • it may also be a cone, truncated cone, cylinder, pyramid or truncated pyramidal basic body with a major axis.
  • the major axis be longer than minor axes of the housing with one of the above basic shape of the cartridge, e.g. by a factor of at least 1.5.
  • the base body may preferably have an extension along a first minor axis, e.g. along the height, and an extension along a second minor axis, e.g. along the depth, the extent along the first minor axis being substantially longer than the extent along the second minor axis, e.g. by a factor of 5 to 10, preferably 5.
  • a particularly good handling of the cartridge and a suitable volume of respective cleaning agents arise when the housing of the cartridge has a quarry-shaped basic shape with a depth of about 25 mm, a width of about 200 mm and a Height of about 125 mm.
  • the preferred total number z of rinsing cycles between 20 and 40, preferably 30, rinsing cycles can be realized with such dimensions.
  • the chambers of the cartridge along the main axis are arranged side by side. That is, in a cartridge having a square basic shape and extending in the direction of the main axis, the division into chambers leads to chamber dimensions in which the dimension of a chamber is the number of chambers corresponding proportion of the width, while for all chamber an equal depth and Height is given.
  • At least one portion of the cartridge facing the washing compartment of the dishwasher when it is arranged in the detergent dosing system, has a thermal insulation which limits a heat flow from the washing compartment in the direction of the detergent dosing system.
  • this procedure ensures the long-term stability of the detergent stored in the cartridge.
  • cleaning agents can be used, which have temperature-sensitive substances.
  • the thermal insulation prevents or limits excessively high temperature fluctuations of the detergent stored in the cartridge. This procedure is particularly advantageous if the stored amount of cleaning agent is designed for a very large total number of flushing cycles.
  • the heat insulation in the section of the cartridge directed towards the dishwasher washing compartment can be formed by a gas volume arranged in the section.
  • Manufacturing of the housing body from a plastic material is possible by the gas internal pressure (GID) method known in the art, in which a gas cavity is injected into the cavity made of a sprayable material, e.g. Plastic, manufactured section is included.
  • the insulation may also be formed by a solid or liquid insulator material disposed in the section. This insulator material may be present in addition to the material of the housing portion of the cartridge.
  • the housing portion may also be formed by the insulator material. There are also combinations of said materials conceivable.
  • the cartridge according to the invention may further comprise a means for level measurement of the volume of detergent contained in the cartridge.
  • the means for level measurement may be configured in a variant for emitting a signal when the detergent contained in the cartridge is completely used up. As a result, the user of the dishwasher is signaled that an exchange of the cartridge for proper operation of the dishwasher is already necessary for the next rinse cycle.
  • the means for level measurement for the delivery of a signal is formed when the cleaning agent contained in the cartridge is sufficient to carry out a predetermined number m of rinsing cycles.
  • the number m of rinsing cycles can in principle be chosen arbitrarily, m being preferably chosen between 2 and 5. This will be the Users of the dishwasher displayed in the future necessary replacement of the cartridge. However, the user is still able to operate the dishwasher for a certain number of rinse cycles, so there is still time to procure a new cartridge.
  • the means for level measurement in only one of the chambers of the cartridge is arranged to determine the level of the detergent of this chamber.
  • the statement about the level of a single of the chambers is sufficient to close the level of the entire cartridge, since the volume of detergent in the respective chambers is such that each of the detergents in the chambers is used up with the zth rinse cycle and in each rinse a percentage equal to the proportion of at least two detergents is metered by the dosing. This procedure allows for a low cost of the monitoring means an accurate prediction of the level of respective detergent in the cartridge.
  • the means for level measurement can be based on an optical, acoustic or capacitive measuring principle.
  • At least one of the chambers comprises at least one of the following ingredients: alkali carriers, e.g. Caustic, complexing and dispersing agents; e.g. polymers; Enzymes such as amylase, protease or lipase; Bleaching agent, e.g. hydrogen peroxide; Bleach activator, and surfactants, such as e.g. nonionic surfactants.
  • alkali carriers e.g. Caustic, complexing and dispersing agents
  • Enzymes such as amylase, protease or lipase
  • Bleaching agent e.g. hydrogen peroxide
  • Bleach activator e.g. nonionic surfactants
  • surfactants such as e.g. nonionic surfactants.
  • a biocidal fluid can be additionally stored.
  • biocides can be stored against bacteria (bactericides), against fungi (fungicides), against germs (microbicides), against viruses (virucides) and also against algae (al
  • Fig. 1 shows a dishwasher 1, which has a pivotally mounted on a housing 2 door 3.
  • the door 3 is shown in the figure in its open position.
  • Spülraum 4 dish racks 5, 6 are arranged in a known manner.
  • a detergent dosing system 10, comprising a detergent dispenser 11 and a cartridge 50 according to the invention, which contains at least two separately stored detergent, is arranged in a container wall 7 of the housing 2.
  • Fig. 1 shows the case preferred arrangement of the starsffendosiersystems 10 between the upper basket 5 and the lower basket 6.
  • the cartridge 50 receiving detergent dispenser 11 is arranged in a door opening of the nearby portion of the container wall 7 to the insertion and removal of the cartridge 50 in and out to facilitate the detergent dispenser 11 for the user.
  • the detergent dispenser 11 comprises a housing 12 and a lid pivotably mounted relative to the housing 12. If the lid is in its open position (see illustration in FIG Fig. 1 ), the cartridge 50 can be inserted from the washing chamber 4 ago in the lid.
  • the lid has for holding and fixing, for example via two symmetrically arranged retaining tabs, which have an L-shaped configuration and are adapted to the size of the cartridge 50, so that the retaining tabs grip the cartridge 50 after insertion.
  • On the lid a support surface is further formed, so that the cartridge 50 in a defined position to Lying comes (not shown).
  • the cartridge By closing the lid, the cartridge is introduced into a receiving space of the detergent dispenser 11 and pressed by possibly existing lugs and / or projections on the housing of the detergent dispenser in its final position.
  • FIG Fig. 3 An exemplary embodiment of the cartridge 50 according to the invention is shown in FIG Fig. 3 shown.
  • the cartridge 50 has five chambers 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d and 51e for receiving a respective cleaning agent or a detergent mixture.
  • the size of the individual chambers 51a to 51e is dimensioned in accordance with the volume required during a predetermined number of rinsing cycles.
  • the volume of the various cleaning agents in the chambers 51a to 51e is dimensioned such that after a certain number of rinsing cycles, preferably between 20 and 40, more preferably about 30, all of the chambers 51a to 51e are completely emptied.
  • the total number of rinsing cycles when the cartridge is consumed depends on the type of rinsing cycles performed in each case. In order to meet the different requirements, for each selectable in the dishwasher program a certain dosage is specified or determined by sensors. For weakly soiled dishes, a lower dosage is selected, while for heavily soiled items a higher dosage of cleaning agents is provided. To ensure that each of the detergents is used up with the same rinse cycle, the percentage of each detergent component added to the rinse liquor during a rinse cycle is the same. This allows an economical use of the available resources, since an exchange of the cartridge takes place only when it is completely emptied. In addition, this procedure also makes the detection of the level easier, since it is sufficient to sense the level in only one of the chambers of the cartridge in order to obtain information about the filling state of the entire cartridge.
  • Each of the chambers 51a to 51e is provided with an openable closure 25a to 25e, eg in the form of a membrane.
  • the existing example of a rubber membranes seal the individual chambers 51 a to 51 e, so that during storage and transport of the cartridge 50 no detergent from these can escape.
  • the membranes of correspondingly arranged in the detergent dispenser 11 needles 21 (see. Fig. 4 ), so that in accordance with a corresponding metering detergent may be added to the washing compartment.
  • the cartridge is preferably made of a plastic and has a width B of about 200 mm, a height H of about 125 mm and a depth of about 25 mm. With these dimensions, the volume of the various chambers can be dimensioned such that the desired 20 to 40 rinsing cycles can be carried out by means of a cartridge.
  • the cartridge 50 has a further chamber 52 which communicates with one or more ventilation channels 53.
  • the ventilation channel or channels 53 in turn have a connection to the various chambers 51a to 51e. In this way it is ensured that with increasing emptying of the chambers 51a to 51e, no negative pressure can build up in them, whereby the addition of cleaning agents would be difficult or falsified.
  • the ventilation channels 53 are preferably located in a cover 54, which is applied after filling the individual chambers 51a to 51e with the respective cleaning agents on the housing of the cartridge.
  • the cover 54 may have a pressure relief valve 55, which may be necessary for certain detergent components.
  • the detergent contained in the cartridge 50 are added only gradually to the washing compartment, more specifically the washing liquor circulated in the washing compartment, during a plurality of washing cycles, they are exposed to considerable absolute temperatures and temperature fluctuations with each washing cycle.
  • at least one housing wall of the cartridge 50 directed towards the washing compartment and / or the lid of the detergent dosing system 10 directed towards the washing compartment is made of an insulating material or else with an insulation surround.
  • the insulation may be by a in the lid or the respective housing portion of the cartridge arranged gas volume may be formed. This gas volume producing the insulation can be introduced during the production of the lid or the cartridge.
  • the process used here is known as the gas internal pressure process (GID).
  • the detergent dispenser 11 may have a further chamber for receiving a solid detergent.
  • the solid cleaning agent may be, for example, a 3-in-1 tab, which is inserted into the further chamber if no or an empty cartridge 50 is contained in the receiving space.
  • the provision of the further chamber for receiving a solid detergent makes it possible to use the dishwasher even when the cartridge 50 is empty and no filled cartridge is available.
  • the further chamber may have an opening which communicates with the environment of the dishwasher.
  • the opening can be connected for this purpose via channels which run on the back of the container wall, with the environment.
  • the detergent dosing integrated so that the functionality of a so-called “expansion opening", which serves for the derivation of the resulting pressure in the washing compartment when the dishwasher z. B. is opened during a rinse cycle with already heated rinse liquor by the user and closed again. The overpressure arising in this moment can then be diverted via the further chamber and the opening to the environment.
  • the detergent dosing system may include means for sensing the level of detergent in the cartridge to detect an empty or near empty cartridge. If the cleaning agent reaches a predetermined level in one or more of the chambers of the cartridge, e.g. If a predetermined number of rinsing cycles is still possible, this can be displayed to the user via an optical signal.
  • the display device may be in known manner e.g. on the outside of the door, e.g. the aperture, are located.
  • the query of the level can be done in an optical, capacitive or acoustic manner.
  • an optical waveguide can be introduced into the cartridge into which an optical waveguide can be introduced, via e.g. in the detergent dispenser existing light source is coupled into the light guide light.
  • a light receiver coupled to the light guide e.g. is also disposed in the detergent dispenser, takes the decoupled from the light guide light.
  • An evaluation device coupled to the light source and the light receiver can determine the fill level or the reaching of a predetermined fill level in the cartridge on the basis of the quantity of light coupled in and out.
  • the existing in the cartridge detergent can be used as an electrode.
  • Another electrode made of an electrically conductive material may be disposed on the detergent dispenser or on the outer wall of the cartridge.
  • the housing material of the cartridge and optionally further housing material of the detergent dispenser and / or an air gap formed therebetween form a dielectric between the two electrodes.
  • the determination of the level is also possible using an acoustic principle.
  • generator provided on the detergent dispenser vibrates the detergent in the cartridge.
  • the resulting sounds may be, e.g. be recorded and evaluated by a microphone. Based on the noise spectrum, the conclusion can be drawn on the level of detergent in the cartridge.
  • a counter can be used to count the rinsing cycles of a full cartridge already in progress.
  • a transponder which can be read by the dishwasher or the detergent dispenser.
  • another code e.g. a bar code attached to the cartridge. The reading of the code may e.g. when inserting the cartridge into the detergent dispenser.
  • each of the chambers be equipped with a separate means for level measurement.
  • outlets 19a to 19e are provided (see. Fig. 4 ).
  • the outlets 19a to 19e each open into a metering chamber 20a to 20e, wherein in the cross-sectional view of Fig. 4 only the metering chamber 20a can be seen.
  • the metering chamber 20a communicates with the chamber 51a of the cartridge via the channels 21a.
  • a conveyor is arranged, which consists in the present embodiment of a movable in the metering chamber 20a seal 26a and a drive mechanism for the seal 26a.
  • the seal 26a is shaped such that it is movable between a position closing the associated outlet (in FIG. 19a) and releasing the outlet.
  • the seal 26a is connected to a valve lifter 22a.
  • a movement of the valve lifter 22a is effected by a valve operating lever 23a on which a wedge-shaped projection 36a is formed. By a rotational movement of the valve operating lever 23a, the projection engages the plate of the valve stem 22a and causes a stroke.
  • valve actuating lever 23a Upon actuation of the valve actuating lever 23a, the gasket 26a is removed away from the outlet 19a.
  • the valve actuating lever 23a When the valve actuating lever 23a is moved back to its original position (by a rotational movement in the opposite direction), a restoring force is built up by a spring 24a clamped between a housing cover 37 and an abutment 35a provided on the valve stem 22a Outlet 19a applies.
  • the cleaning agent in the chamber 51a may be due to gravity or an active conveyor, such.
  • the conveying of the detergent can be done exclusively by utilizing gravity.
  • the conveying device, in particular the design of the seal can also be constructed according to the principle of a pump, so that cleaning agents are conveyed from the cleaning chamber 21a into the dosing chamber 20a and out of the dosing chamber 20a into the washing compartment.
  • Fig. 2 shows a further dishwasher 1 with a detergent dosing system 10.
  • the detergent dosing system 10 more precisely the detergent dispenser 11 is disposed in the door 3 of the dishwasher.
  • the loading of the detergent dispenser 11 with the cartridge 50 which otherwise the same as in connection with Fig. 3 may be formed described, takes place from the front side 8 of the door.
  • the opening for equipping the detergent dispenser 11 can be arranged in the region of an aperture of the dishwasher or the inner door of the door.
  • the advantage of the arrangement according to Fig. 2 consists in a more convenient insertion and removal of the cartridge for the user.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Washing And Drying Of Tableware (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Kartusche nach dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruchs 1.The invention relates to a cartridge according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

Die Mehrzahl der derzeit im Einsatz befindlichen Haushalts-Geschirrspülmaschinen besitzt eine Zugabevorrichtung zur Aufnahme eines oder mehrerer Reinigungsmittel, welche im Verlauf eines Spülzyklus der Spülflotte zum Reinigen des in der Geschirrspülmaschine einsortierten Spülguts zugegeben werden. Üblicherweise wird das in der Zugabevorrichtung bevorratete Reinigungsmittel während des Spülzyklus vollständig in den Spülraum abgegeben und der darin umgewälzten Spülflotte beigemischt. Die Zugabevorrichtung ist von ihrer Größe her derart bemessen, dass gerade die für einen Spülzyklus benötigte Menge an Reinigungsmitteln eingefüllt werden kann. Der Benutzer der Geschirrspülmaschine ist deshalb gezwungen, zum Beginn jedes Spülzyklus die für den Spülzyklus benötigte Menge an Reinigungsmittel in die Zugabevorrichtung einzufüllen. Diese Handhabung ist für den Benutzer der Geschirrspülmaschine unbequem. Darüber hinaus besteht bei derartigen Geschirrspülmaschinen das Problem, dass die Menge an in die Zugabevorrichtung eingefüllten Reinigungsmitteln von Benutzer zu Benutzer, aber auch von Spülgang zu Spülgang variieren kann. Eine nicht korrekt dosierte Menge an Reinigungsmittel kann einerseits zu unbefriedigenden Spülergebnissen führen, wenn die Reinigungsmittel zu gering dosiert wurden, und andererseits eine Verschwendung an Reinigungsmitteln und damit eine Belastung der Umwelt zur Folge haben, wenn eine zu große Menge an Reinigungsmitteln dosiert wurde.The majority of household dishwashers currently in use has an adding device for receiving one or more cleaning agents, which are added during the course of a rinsing cycle of the rinsing liquor for cleaning the sorted in the dishwasher items to be washed. Usually, the detergent stored in the adding device is completely discharged into the washing compartment during the rinsing cycle and mixed with the rinsing water circulated therein. The addition device is sized in size so that just the required amount of detergent for a rinse cycle can be filled. The user of the dishwasher is therefore forced to fill in the adding device the amount of detergent required for the rinse cycle at the beginning of each rinse cycle. This handling is inconvenient for the user of the dishwasher. Moreover, such dishwashers have the problem that the amount of cleaning agent introduced into the adding device may vary from user to user, but also from one rinse to another. On the one hand, an incorrectly metered amount of cleaning agent can lead to unsatisfactory scavenging results if the cleaning agents have been dispensed too low and, on the other hand, a waste of cleaning agents and thus environmental pollution if too large an amount of cleaning agent has been dispensed.

Zugabevorrichtungen, welche die darin gespeicherte Menge an Reinigungsmitteln auf einmal der Spülflotte zusetzen, lassen weiterhin die Durchführung komplexerer Spülprogramme nicht zu. So kann es beispielsweise in bestimmten Situationen sinnvoll sein, das Reinigungsmittel zu verschiedenen Zeitpunkten der Spülflotte zuzudosieren. Zugabevorrichtungen, welche zur Aufnahme einer einzigen Reinigungsmittel-Dosis ausgebildet sind, können derartige komplexe Spülzyklen nicht unterstützen.Addition devices which add the amount of cleaning agents stored therein at once to the rinsing liquor still do not permit the implementation of more complex rinsing programs. Thus, it may be useful, for example, in certain situations, to meter in the detergent at different times of the wash liquor. Addition devices configured to receive a single detergent dose can not support such complex rinse cycles.

Aus WO 2005/058126 A , US 2005/126608 A1 , WO 02/20893 A , GB-A-2 417 492 und US 2006/059958 A1 sind Haushaltsgeräte mit einer Zugabevorrichtung bekannt, welche eine größere Menge an Reinigungsmittel aufnehmen kann als für einen Spülzyklus erforderlich ist.Out WO 2005/058126 A . US 2005/126608 A1 . WO 02/20893 A . GB-A-2 417 492 and US 2006/059958 A1 Domestic appliances are known with an adding device which can accommodate a larger amount of detergent than is required for a rinsing cycle.

Es ist Aufgabe der Erfindung, eine Kartusche für ein wasserführendes Haushaltsgerät mit einem Reinigungsmitteldosiersystem bereitzustellen, die hinsichtlich ihrer Entleerung verbessert ist.It is an object of the invention to provide a cartridge for a water-conducting household appliance with a Reinigungsmitteldosiersystem, which is improved in terms of their emptying.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß durch eine Kartusche mit den Merkmalen des Patentanspruchs 1 gelöst. Vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen ergeben sich aus den abhängigen Patentansprüchen.This object is achieved by a cartridge with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments will be apparent from the dependent claims.

Eine erfindungsgemäße Kartusche für ein wasserführendes Haushaltsgerät, insbesondere eine Haushalts-Geschirrspülmaschine, weist ein Reinigungsmitteldosiersystem auf, das wenigstens einen Reinigungsmittelspender zur Aufnahme wenigstens einer Kartusche aufweist, wobei die Kartusche getrennte Kammern zur Bevorratung von wenigstens zwei Reinigungsmitteln aufweist. Die Erfindung ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass jede Kammer ein Aufnahmevolumen für die Bevorratung von Reinigungsmittel aufweist, das größer als die für einen Spülzyklus benötigte Menge ist. Das Reinigungsmitteldosiersystem zur Aufnahme der Kartusche stellt bei einem Spülzyklus im Wesentlichen genau die Menge an Reinigungsmittel bereit, die für einen Spülzyklus notwendig ist. Reinigungsmittel können Zusammensetzungen von Reinigerkomponenten sein oder einzelne Reinigersubstanzen, wie bspw. ein Enzym. Die Reinigungsmittel können flüssig oder auch gelförmig sein. Die Reinigungsmittel können in einer Mehrzahl in Kammern der Kartusche angeordnet sein. Es kann aber auch vorgesehen sein, dass das Reinigungsmitteldosiersystem zur Aufnahme einer entsprechenden Anzahl von Kartuschen mit nur einer Kammer ausgebildet ist. Das Bevorraten unterschiedlicher Reinigungsmittel in unterschiedlichen Kammern weist den Vorteil auf, dass in einem bestimmten Abschnitt eines Spülzyklus lediglich dasjenige Reinigungsmittel zudosiert werden zu braucht, welches für diesen Spülabschnitt tatsächlich notwendig ist. Selbstverständlich ist es möglich, dass während eines bestimmten Abschnitts eines Spülzyklus auch mehrere der Reinigungsmittel gleichzeitig zudosiert werden können.A cartridge according to the invention for a water-conducting domestic appliance, in particular a domestic dishwasher, has a detergent dosing system which has at least one detergent dispenser for receiving at least one cartridge, wherein the cartridge has separate chambers for storing at least two cleaning agents. The invention is characterized in that each chamber has a receiving volume for the storage of detergent, which is greater than the amount required for a rinsing cycle. The detergent dosing system for receiving the cartridge provides in a rinse cycle substantially exactly the amount of detergent necessary for a rinse cycle. Detergents may be compositions of detergent components or individual detergent substances, such as an enzyme. The cleaning agents may be liquid or gel. The cleaning agents may be arranged in a plurality in chambers of the cartridge. However, it can also be provided that the detergent dosing system is designed to accommodate a corresponding number of cartridges with only one chamber. The storage of different cleaning agents in different chambers has the advantage that in a certain section of a rinsing cycle only that cleaning agent needs to be added, which is actually necessary for this rinsing section. Of course, it is possible that during a certain portion of a rinsing cycle, several of the cleaning agents can be added simultaneously.

Sofern zwei voneinander unterschiedliche Reinigungsmittel grundsätzlich gleichzeitig zur Spülflotte während eines Spülzyklus zugegeben werden, ist es auch möglich, diese Reinigungsmittel in einer gemeinsamen Kammer der Kartusche anzuordnen.If two different cleaning agents are generally added simultaneously to the rinsing liquor during a rinsing cycle, it is also possible to arrange these cleaning agents in a common chamber of the cartridge.

Vorzugsweise ist vorgesehen, dass die Kartusche Kammern zur Bevorratung von mehr als 2 und weniger als 10, vorzugsweise 7 Reinigungsmittel vorgesehen sind. Dies erlaubt es, auf die Bevorratung von Zusammensetzungen von Reinigerkomponenten zu verzichten und stattdessen einzelne Reinigersubtanzen, wie Laugen, Bleichmittel, Komplexbildner sowie Enzyme zu bevorraten und bei Bedarf zu zudosieren. Dabei erlaubt die gezielte Zudosierung von bspw. Komplexbildnern eine Einstellung der Wasserhärte, sodass eine Geschirrspülmaschine ohne Wasserenthärtungseinrichtung ausgebildet sein kann. Die Einstellung der Wasserhärte kann sensorgesteuert erfolgen oder manuell durch eine Bedienperson. Ferner kann so eine Anpassung der zudosierten Substanzen an die Länge eines ausgewählten Reinigungsprogramms erfolgen.It is preferably provided that the cartridge chambers are provided for storing more than 2 and less than 10, preferably 7 cleaning agent. This makes it possible to dispense with the storage of compositions of cleaner components and instead to stockpile and, if necessary, to meter in individual cleaner substances such as alkalis, bleaches, complexing agents and enzymes. In this case, the targeted addition of, for example, complexing agents allows an adjustment of the water hardness, so that a dishwasher without water softening device can be formed. The adjustment of the water hardness can be sensor-controlled or manually by an operator. Furthermore, an adaptation of the added substances to the length of a selected cleaning program can take place.

Gemäß einer Ausführungsform ist das Volumen der Kammern derart bemessen, dass als Gesamtzahl z an Spülzyklen zwischen 20 und 40, bevorzugt 30, Spülzyklen durchführbar sind.According to one embodiment, the volume of the chambers is dimensioned such that, as a total number z of rinsing cycles between 20 and 40, preferably 30, rinsing cycles can be carried out.

Gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform sind die jeweiligen Kammern in einem gemeinsamen Gehäuse der Kartusche angeordnet, wodurch sich für den Nutzer eine besonders einfache Handhabung ergibt.According to a further embodiment, the respective chambers are arranged in a common housing of the cartridge, resulting in a particularly simple handling for the user.

In der erfindungsgemäßen Kartusche ist gemäß einer weiteren Ausbildung eine Belüftungskammer vorgesehen, welche in operativer Verbindung mit den die Reinigungsmittel beinhaltenden Kammern steht. Die Belüftungskammer steht hierbei über Belüftungskanäle in einem gemeinsamen, die einzelnen Kammern abschließenden, Deckel mit den die Reinigungsmittel beinhaltenden Kammern in Verbindung. Auf diese Weise ist sichergestellt, dass mit zunehmender Entleerung der Kammern sich kein Unterdruck in diesen aufbauen kann, wodurch das Zugeben von Reinigungsmitteln zur Spülflotte erschwert oder ggf. in nicht korrekter Menge erfolgen würde. Dabei ist vorzugsweise die Belüftungskammer Bestandteil der Kartusche.In the cartridge according to the invention, according to a further embodiment, a ventilation chamber is provided which is in operative connection with the chambers containing the cleaning agents. The ventilation chamber is in this case via ventilation channels in a common, the individual chambers final, lid with the detergent containing chambers in combination. In this way, it is ensured that with increasing emptying of the chambers, no negative pressure can build up in these, whereby the addition of detergents to the rinsing liquor would be difficult or possibly would take place in an incorrect amount. In this case, the ventilation chamber is preferably part of the cartridge.

Eine weitere Ausbildung sieht vor, dass die Kartusche mit wenigstens einem öffenbaren Verschluss versehen ist, der beim Einsetzen in das Reinigungsmitteldosiersystem, insbesondere selbsttätig, öffenbar und beim Entnehmen der Kartusche aus dem Reinigungsmitteldosiersystem, insbesondere selbsttätig, schließbar ist. Der öffenbare Verschluss kann z.B. durch eine Membran gebildet sein. Der Verschluss dient während der Lagerung und des Transports dazu, dass das in der Kartusche bevorratete Reinigungsmittel nicht unbeabsichtigt auslaufen kann. Das Öffnen des Verschlusses erfolgt in dem Moment, in dem die Kartusche in den Reinigungsmittelspender des Reinigungsmitteldosiersystems eingesetzt wird, so dass während des weiteren Betriebs der Geschirrspülmaschine eine Zudosierung des Reinigungsmittels zur Spülflotte möglich ist. Je nach konstruktivem Aufbau der Kartusche kann die Anzahl der Verschlüsse variieren. Zweckmäßigerweise ist eine der Anzahl der Kammern der Kartusche entsprechende Anzahl an Verschlüssen vorgesehen. Die Anzahl der Verschlüsse kann auch der Anzahl der Reinigungsmittel in der Kartusche entsprechen. Der öffenbare Verschluss kann z.B. in Schwerkraftrichtung unten, d.h. am Boden der Kartusche, angeordnet sein, wenn die Kartusche sich in Einbaulage in dem Reinigungsmitteldosiersystem befindet. Hierdurch wird das vollständige Entleeren der Kartusche durch die Fördereinrichtung erleichtert, wodurch kein Reinigungsmittel in der Kartusche ungenutzt verbleibt.A further embodiment provides that the cartridge is provided with at least one openable closure which, when inserted into the detergent dosing system, in particular automatically, can be opened and, in particular, automatically closes when the cartridge is removed from the detergent dosing system. The openable closure may be formed, for example, by a membrane. The shutter serves while storage and transport so that the detergent stored in the cartridge can not leak unintentionally. The closure is opened at the moment in which the cartridge is inserted into the detergent dispenser of the detergent dosing system, so that a metered addition of the detergent to the rinsing liquor is possible during the further operation of the dishwasher. Depending on the constructive structure of the cartridge, the number of closures may vary. Conveniently, a number of closures is provided corresponding to the number of chambers of the cartridge. The number of closures may also correspond to the number of cleaning agents in the cartridge. The openable closure can eg be arranged in the direction of gravity at the bottom, ie at the bottom of the cartridge, when the cartridge is in the installed position in the detergent dosing system. As a result, the complete emptying of the cartridge is facilitated by the conveyor, whereby no detergent remains unused in the cartridge.

Eine weitere Ausführungsform sieht vor, dass die Kartusche zumindest eine Fördereinrichtung aufweist, mit der die zumindest zwei Reinigungsmittel in den Spülraum der Geschirrspülmaschine förderbar sind. Diese Vorgehensweise weist den Vorteil auf, dass der Reinigungsmittelspender des erfindungsgemäßen Reinigungsmitteldosiersystems konstruktiv besonders einfach ausgestaltet werden kann. Die notwendigen Vorrichtungen, um die in der Kartusche vorgehaltenen Reinigungsmittel in den Spülraum zu dosieren, sind gemäß dieser Ausführungsform ausschließlich in der Kartusche vorgehalten. Dabei kann vorgesehen sein, dass eine der Anzahl der Reinigungsmittel oder Kammern entsprechende Anzahl an Fördereinrichtungen vorgesehen ist.A further embodiment provides that the cartridge has at least one conveying device with which the at least two cleaning agents can be conveyed into the washing compartment of the dishwasher. This procedure has the advantage that the detergent dispenser of the detergent dosing system according to the invention can be made structurally particularly simple. The necessary devices for metering the detergent held in the cartridge into the washing compartment are held exclusively in the cartridge according to this embodiment. It can be provided that a number of the detergent or chambers corresponding number of conveyors is provided.

In einer Variante erfolgt die Abgabe der zumindest zwei Reinigungsmittel über die Schwerkraft und in einer weiteren Variante über die Festlegung einer Auslaufzeit, in der die zumindest zwei Reinigungsmittel über den öffenbaren Verschluss zur weiteren Verarbeitung aus der Kartusche ausleitbar sind. In dieser Variante ist der öffenbare Verschluss der Kartusche in Schwerkraftrichtung zwingend unten angeordnet, wenn die Kartusche sich in Einbaulage in dem Reinigungsmitteldosiersystem befindet.In a variant, the dispensing of the at least two cleaning agents takes place by way of gravity and in a further variant by establishing an outflow time in which the at least two cleaning agents can be diverted from the cartridge for further processing via the openable closure. In this variant, the openable closure of the cartridge in the direction of gravity is compulsorily arranged at the bottom when the cartridge is in the installed position in the detergent dosing system.

Um ein falsches Einlegen der Kartusche in einen Reinigungsmittelspender des Reinigungsmitteldosiersystems zu unterbinden, verfügt das Gehäuse der Kartusche über eine mechanische Kodierung, z.B. einen Vorsprung, der mit einer entsprechenden Vertiefung des Reinigungsmitteldosiersystems korrespondiert. Die Kodierung ist derart ausgestaltet, dass sich die Kartusche lediglich auf eine einzige Weise - die vorbestimmte Weise - in den Reinigungsmittelspender einsetzen lässt.To prevent incorrect insertion of the cartridge into a detergent dispenser of the detergent dosing system, the housing of the cartridge has over a mechanical coding, for example a projection corresponding to a corresponding recess of the detergent dosing system. The coding is designed such that the cartridge can be inserted into the detergent dispenser in only one way - the predetermined manner.

Die Kartusche kann jede geeignete Form aufweisen. Vorzugsweise ist jedoch vorgesehen, dass das Gehäuse der Kartusche eine Längserstreckung entlang einer Hauptachse aufweist. Hierbei kann es sich z.B. um einen quarderförmigen Grundkörper mit einer Längsachse, bspw. entlang der Breite, handeln, die wesentlich länger als alle anderen Achsen (entlang der Tiefe und der Höhe) ist. Es kann sich aber auch um einen kegel-, kegelstumpf-, zylinder-, pyramiden- oder pyramidenstumpfförmigen Grundkörper mit einer Hauptachse handeln.The cartridge may have any suitable shape. Preferably, however, it is provided that the housing of the cartridge has a longitudinal extent along a main axis. This may be e.g. a quarter-shaped body with a longitudinal axis, for example, along the width, act, which is much longer than all other axes (along the depth and the height). But it may also be a cone, truncated cone, cylinder, pyramid or truncated pyramidal basic body with a major axis.

Dabei ist vorzugsweise, dass die Hauptachse länger als Nebenachsen des Gehäuses mit einer der oben genannten Grundform der Kartusche ist, z.B. um den Faktor mindestens 1,5. Ferner kann der Grundkörper vorzugsweise eine Erstreckung entlang einer ersten Nebenachsen aufweisen, z.B. entlang der Höhe, und eine Erstreckung entlang einer zweiten Nebenachse, z.B. entlang der Tiefe, aufweisen, wobei die Erstreckung entlang der erste Nebenachse wesentlich länger als die Erstreckung entlang der zweiten Nebenachse ist, z.B. um den Faktor 5 bis 10, vorzugsweise 5. Eine besonders gute Handhabung der Kartusche und ein zweckmäßiges Volumen jeweiliger Reinigungsmittel ergeben sich dann, wenn das Gehäuse der Kartusche eine quarderförmige Grundform mit eine Tiefe von etwa 25 mm, eine Breite von etwa 200 mm und eine Höhe von etwa 125 mm aufweist. Insbesondere lassen sich bei derartigen Abmaßen die bevorzugte Gesamtzahl z von Spülzyklen zwischen 20 und 40, bevorzugt 30, Spülzyklen realisieren.It is preferred that the major axis be longer than minor axes of the housing with one of the above basic shape of the cartridge, e.g. by a factor of at least 1.5. Furthermore, the base body may preferably have an extension along a first minor axis, e.g. along the height, and an extension along a second minor axis, e.g. along the depth, the extent along the first minor axis being substantially longer than the extent along the second minor axis, e.g. by a factor of 5 to 10, preferably 5. A particularly good handling of the cartridge and a suitable volume of respective cleaning agents arise when the housing of the cartridge has a quarry-shaped basic shape with a depth of about 25 mm, a width of about 200 mm and a Height of about 125 mm. In particular, the preferred total number z of rinsing cycles between 20 and 40, preferably 30, rinsing cycles can be realized with such dimensions.

In einer bevorzugten Weiterbildung ist vorgesehen, dass die Kammern der Kartusche entlang der Hauptachse nebeneinander angeordnet sind. D.h., dass bei einer Kartusche mit quarderförmiger Grundform und sich in Richtung der Breite erstreckender Hauptachse die Einteilung in Kammern zu Kammerabmessungen führt, bei der die Abmessung einer Kammer ein der Anzahl der Kammern entsprechender Anteil der Breite ist, während für aller Kammer eine gleich Tiefe und Höhe gegeben ist.In a preferred embodiment it is provided that the chambers of the cartridge along the main axis are arranged side by side. That is, in a cartridge having a square basic shape and extending in the direction of the main axis, the division into chambers leads to chamber dimensions in which the dimension of a chamber is the number of chambers corresponding proportion of the width, while for all chamber an equal depth and Height is given.

Gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform weist zumindest ein zum Spülraum der Geschirrspülmaschine gerichteter Abschnitt der Kartusche, wenn diese in dem Reinigungsmitteldosiersystem angeordnet ist, eine Wärmeisolierung auf, welche einen Wärmestrom vom Spülraum in Richtung des Reinigungsmitteldosiersystems begrenzt. Vorteilhafterweise wird durch dieses Vorgehen die Langzeitstabilität der in der Kartusche bevorrateten Reinigungsmittel sichergestellt. Damit können solche Reinigungsmittel zum Einsatz kommen, welche temperaturempfindliche Substanzen aufweisen. Die Wärmeisolierung unterbindet bzw. begrenzt übermäßig starke Temperaturschwankungen des in der Kartusche bevorrateten Reinigungsmittels. Diese Vorgehensweise ist insbesondere dann von Vorteil, wenn die bevorratete Menge an Reinigungsmittel für eine sehr große Gesamtanzahl an Spülzyklen ausgelegt ist.According to a further embodiment, at least one portion of the cartridge facing the washing compartment of the dishwasher, when it is arranged in the detergent dosing system, has a thermal insulation which limits a heat flow from the washing compartment in the direction of the detergent dosing system. Advantageously, this procedure ensures the long-term stability of the detergent stored in the cartridge. Thus, such cleaning agents can be used, which have temperature-sensitive substances. The thermal insulation prevents or limits excessively high temperature fluctuations of the detergent stored in the cartridge. This procedure is particularly advantageous if the stored amount of cleaning agent is designed for a very large total number of flushing cycles.

Die Wärmeisolierung in dem zum Spülraum der Geschirrspülmaschine gerichteten Abschnitt der Kartusche kann durch ein in dem Abschnitt angeordnetes Gasvolumen gebildet sein. Eine Herstellung des Gehäusekörpers aus einem Kunststoff ist durch das aus dem Stand der Technik bekannte Gasinnendruckverfahren (GID) möglich, bei dem ein Gashohlraum in den aus einem spritzfähigen Material, z.B. Kunststoff, hergestellten Abschnitt eingeschlossen wird. Die Isolation kann auch durch ein in dem Abschnitt angeordnetes Isolatormaterial aus Feststoff oder Flüssigkeit gebildet sein. Dieses Isolatormaterial kann zusätzlich zum Material des Gehäuseabschnitts der Kartusche vorhanden sein. Der Gehäuseabschnitt kann auch durch das Isolatormaterial gebildet sein. Es sind auch Kombinationen der genannten Materialien denkbar.The heat insulation in the section of the cartridge directed towards the dishwasher washing compartment can be formed by a gas volume arranged in the section. Manufacturing of the housing body from a plastic material is possible by the gas internal pressure (GID) method known in the art, in which a gas cavity is injected into the cavity made of a sprayable material, e.g. Plastic, manufactured section is included. The insulation may also be formed by a solid or liquid insulator material disposed in the section. This insulator material may be present in addition to the material of the housing portion of the cartridge. The housing portion may also be formed by the insulator material. There are also combinations of said materials conceivable.

Die erfindungsgemäße Kartusche kann weiterhin ein Mittel zur Füllstandsmessung des in der Kartusche enthaltenen Reinigungsmittelvolumens aufweisen. Das Mittel zur Füllstandsmessung kann in einer Variante zur Abgabe eines Signals ausgebildet sein, wenn das in der Kartusche enthaltene Reinigungsmittel vollständig aufgebraucht ist. Hierdurch wird dem Nutzer der Geschirrspülmaschine signalisiert, dass ein Austausch der Kartusche für einen einwandfreien Betrieb der Geschirrspülmaschine bereits zum nächsten Spülzyklus notwendig ist. In einer anderen Variante ist das Mittel zur Füllstandsmessung zur Abgabe eines Signals ausgebildet, wenn das in der Kartusche enthaltene Reinigungsmittel zur Durchführung einer vorgegebenen Anzahl m an Spülzyklen ausreichend ist. Die Anzahl m an Spülzyklen kann hierbei prinzipiell beliebig gewählt werden, wobei m bevorzugt zwischen 2 und 5 gewählt ist. Hierdurch wird dem Nutzer der Geschirrspülmaschine ein zukünftig notwendiger Austausch der Kartusche angezeigt. Der Nutzer ist jedoch noch in der Lage, die Geschirrspülmaschine für eine bestimmte Anzahl an Spülzyklen zu betreiben, so dass noch Zeit für die Beschaffung einer neuen Kartusche vorhanden ist.The cartridge according to the invention may further comprise a means for level measurement of the volume of detergent contained in the cartridge. The means for level measurement may be configured in a variant for emitting a signal when the detergent contained in the cartridge is completely used up. As a result, the user of the dishwasher is signaled that an exchange of the cartridge for proper operation of the dishwasher is already necessary for the next rinse cycle. In another variant, the means for level measurement for the delivery of a signal is formed when the cleaning agent contained in the cartridge is sufficient to carry out a predetermined number m of rinsing cycles. The number m of rinsing cycles can in principle be chosen arbitrarily, m being preferably chosen between 2 and 5. This will be the Users of the dishwasher displayed in the future necessary replacement of the cartridge. However, the user is still able to operate the dishwasher for a certain number of rinse cycles, so there is still time to procure a new cartridge.

In einer Ausgestaltung ist vorgesehen, dass das Mittel zur Füllstandsmessung in lediglich einer der Kammern der Kartusche angeordnet ist zur Feststellung des Füllstandes des Reinigungsmittels dieser Kammer. Die Aussage über den Füllstand einer einzigen der Kammern ist ausreichend, um auf den Füllstand der gesamten Kartusche zu schließen, da das Volumen der Reinigungsmittel in den jeweiligen Kammern derart bemessen ist, dass jedes der Reinigungsmittel in den Kammern mit dem z-ten Spülzyklus aufgebraucht ist und in jedem Spülgang ein prozentual gleicher Anteil der zumindest zwei Reinigungsmittel durch das Dosiersystem dosiert wird. Diese Vorgehensweise erlaubt bei geringem Aufwand der Überwachungsmittel eine genaue Vorhersage über den Füllstand jeweiliger Reinigungsmittel in der Kartusche.In one embodiment, it is provided that the means for level measurement in only one of the chambers of the cartridge is arranged to determine the level of the detergent of this chamber. The statement about the level of a single of the chambers is sufficient to close the level of the entire cartridge, since the volume of detergent in the respective chambers is such that each of the detergents in the chambers is used up with the zth rinse cycle and in each rinse a percentage equal to the proportion of at least two detergents is metered by the dosing. This procedure allows for a low cost of the monitoring means an accurate prediction of the level of respective detergent in the cartridge.

Das Mittel zur Füllstandsmessung kann auf einem optischen, akustischen oder kapazitiven Messprinzip basieren.The means for level measurement can be based on an optical, acoustic or capacitive measuring principle.

Ferner ist vorzugsweise vorgesehen, dass wenigstens eine der Kammern wenigstens eine der folgenden Inhaltstoffe aufweist: Alkaliträger, z.B. Lauge, Komplexier- und Dispergierstoffe; z.B. Polymere; Enzyme wie Amylase, Protease oder Lipase; Bleichmittel, z.B. Wasserstoffperoxid; Bleichaktivator, und Tenside, wie z.B. nichtionische Tenside. Ferner kann zusätzlich eine biozidwirkende Flüssigkeit bevorratet werden. Insbesondere können Biozide gegen Bakterien (Bakterizide), gegen Pilze (Fungizide), gegen Keime (Mikrobizide), gegen Viren (Viruzide) und auch gegen Algen (Algizide) bevorratet werden, deren Zugabe unangenehme Geruchsentwicklungen durch z.B. Biofilmbildung während längerer Standzeiten zu unterbindet.Furthermore, it is preferably provided that at least one of the chambers comprises at least one of the following ingredients: alkali carriers, e.g. Caustic, complexing and dispersing agents; e.g. polymers; Enzymes such as amylase, protease or lipase; Bleaching agent, e.g. hydrogen peroxide; Bleach activator, and surfactants, such as e.g. nonionic surfactants. Furthermore, a biocidal fluid can be additionally stored. In particular, biocides can be stored against bacteria (bactericides), against fungi (fungicides), against germs (microbicides), against viruses (virucides) and also against algae (algicides), the addition of which can lead to unpleasant odor developments by e.g. Biofilm formation during longer periods to stop.

Die Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand der Figuren näher erläutert. Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine Geschirrspülmaschine mit einem Reinigungsmitteldosiersystem zur Aufnahme einer erfindungsgemäßen Kartusche, welches in einer Behälterwand angeordnet ist,
Fig. 2
eine weitere Geschirrspülmaschine mit einem Reinigungsmitteldosiersystem zur Aufnahme einer erfindungsgemäßen Kartusche, welches in der Tür der Geschirrspülmaschine angeordnet ist,
Fig. 3
ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Kartusche zur Verwendung in dem Reinigungsmitteldosiersystem, und
Fig. 4
einen Schnitt durch ein Reinigungsmitteldosiersystem, wobei eine in einer Dosierkammer angeordnete Fördereinrichtung dargestellt ist, mit welcher Reinigungsmittel aus der erfindungsgemäßen Kartusche dem Spülraum der Geschirrspülmaschine zuführbar ist.
The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. Show it:
Fig. 1
a dishwasher with a detergent dosing system for receiving a cartridge according to the invention, which is arranged in a container wall,
Fig. 2
a further dishwasher with a detergent dosing system for receiving a cartridge according to the invention, which is arranged in the door of the dishwasher,
Fig. 3
an embodiment of a cartridge according to the invention for use in the detergent dosing system, and
Fig. 4
a section through a Reinigungsmitteldosiersystem, wherein a arranged in a metering conveyor is shown, with which cleaning agent from the cartridge according to the invention the washing compartment of the dishwasher can be fed.

Fig. 1 zeigt eine Geschirrspülmaschine 1, die eine verschwenkbar an einem Gehäuse 2 gelagerte Tür 3 aufweist. Die Tür 3 ist in der Figur in ihrer geöffneten Stellung dargestellt. In einem durch die Tür 3 verschließbaren Spülraum 4 sind in bekannter Weise Geschirrkörbe 5, 6 angeordnet. Ein Reinigungsmitteldosiersystem 10, umfassend einen Reinigungsmittelspender 11 und eine erfindungsgemäße Kartusche 50, welche zumindest zwei getrennt voneinander bevorratete Reinigungsmittel enthält, ist in einer Behälterwand 7 des Gehäuses 2 angeordnet. Fig. 1 zeigt die dabei bevorzugte Anordnung des Reinigungsmitteldosiersystems 10 zwischen dem Oberkorb 5 und dem Unterkorb 6. Der die Kartusche 50 aufnehmende Reinigungsmittelspender 11 ist dabei in einem der Türöffnung nahe gelegenen Abschnitt der Behälterwand 7 angeordnet, um das Einführen und Entnehmen der Kartusche 50 in bzw. aus dem Reinigungsmittelspender 11 für den Benutzer zu erleichtern. Fig. 1 shows a dishwasher 1, which has a pivotally mounted on a housing 2 door 3. The door 3 is shown in the figure in its open position. In a closable by the door 3 Spülraum 4 dish racks 5, 6 are arranged in a known manner. A detergent dosing system 10, comprising a detergent dispenser 11 and a cartridge 50 according to the invention, which contains at least two separately stored detergent, is arranged in a container wall 7 of the housing 2. Fig. 1 shows the case preferred arrangement of the Reinigungsmitteldosiersystems 10 between the upper basket 5 and the lower basket 6. The cartridge 50 receiving detergent dispenser 11 is arranged in a door opening of the nearby portion of the container wall 7 to the insertion and removal of the cartridge 50 in and out to facilitate the detergent dispenser 11 for the user.

Der Reinigungsmittelspender 11 umfasst ein Gehäuse 12 und einen gegenüber dem Gehäuse 12 verschwenkbar gelagerten Deckel. Befindet sich der Deckel in seiner Öffnungsposition (vgl. Darstellung in Fig. 1), so kann die Kartusche 50 vom Spülraum 4 her in den Deckel eingelegt werden. Der Deckel verfügt zur Halterung und Fixierung z.B. über zwei symmetrisch angeordnete Haltelaschen, welche eine L-förmige Gestalt aufweisen und an die Größe der Kartusche 50 angepasst sind, so dass die Haltelaschen die Kartusche 50 nach dem Einlegen haltend umgreifen. An dem Deckel ist ferner eine Auflagefläche angeformt, so dass die Kartusche 50 in einer definierten Position zum Liegen kommt (nicht dargestellt). Durch das Schließen des Deckels wird die Kartusche in einen Aufnahmeraum des Reinigungsmittelspenders 11 eingebracht und durch gegebenenfalls vorhandene Nasen und/oder Vorsprünge am Gehäuse des Reinigungsmittelspenders in ihre endgültige Position gedrückt.The detergent dispenser 11 comprises a housing 12 and a lid pivotably mounted relative to the housing 12. If the lid is in its open position (see illustration in FIG Fig. 1 ), the cartridge 50 can be inserted from the washing chamber 4 ago in the lid. The lid has for holding and fixing, for example via two symmetrically arranged retaining tabs, which have an L-shaped configuration and are adapted to the size of the cartridge 50, so that the retaining tabs grip the cartridge 50 after insertion. On the lid, a support surface is further formed, so that the cartridge 50 in a defined position to Lying comes (not shown). By closing the lid, the cartridge is introduced into a receiving space of the detergent dispenser 11 and pressed by possibly existing lugs and / or projections on the housing of the detergent dispenser in its final position.

Eine beispielhafte Ausgestaltung der erfindungsgemäßen Kartusche 50 ist in Fig. 3 dargestellt. Die Kartusche 50 weist lediglich beispielhaft fünf Kammern 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d und 51e auf, zur Aufnahme jeweils eines Reinigungsmittels oder eines Reinigungsmittelgemisches. Die Größe der einzelnen Kammern 51a bis 51e ist dabei entsprechend dem während einer vorgegebenen Anzahl an Spülzyklen notwendigen Volumen dimensioniert. Das Volumen der verschiedenen Reinigungsmittel ist in den Kammern 51a bis 51e derart bemessen, dass nach einer bestimmten Anzahl an Spülzyklen, bevorzugt zwischen 20 und 40, weiter bevorzugt ca. 30, sämtliche der Kammern 51a bis 51e vollständig entleert sind.An exemplary embodiment of the cartridge 50 according to the invention is shown in FIG Fig. 3 shown. By way of example only, the cartridge 50 has five chambers 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d and 51e for receiving a respective cleaning agent or a detergent mixture. The size of the individual chambers 51a to 51e is dimensioned in accordance with the volume required during a predetermined number of rinsing cycles. The volume of the various cleaning agents in the chambers 51a to 51e is dimensioned such that after a certain number of rinsing cycles, preferably between 20 and 40, more preferably about 30, all of the chambers 51a to 51e are completely emptied.

Die Gesamtzahl der Spülzyklen beim Aufbrauch der Kartusche hängt von der Art der jeweils durchgeführten Spülzyklen ab. Um den unterschiedlichen Anforderungen gerecht zu werden, wird für jedes in der Geschirrspülmaschine auswählbare Programm eine bestimmte Dosiermenge vorgegeben oder aber sensorisch ermittelt. Bei schwach verschmutztem Spülgut wird eine geringere Dosiermenge gewählt, während bei stark verschmutztem Spülgut eine höhere Dosiermenge an Reinigungsmitteln vorgesehen ist. Um sicherzustellen, dass jedes der Reinigungsmittel mit dem gleichen Spülzyklus aufgebraucht ist, ist der prozentuale Anteil jeder Reinigungsmittelkomponente, der während eines Spülzyklus der Spülflotte zugegeben wird, gleich. Dies ermöglicht einen sparsamen Umgang mit den zur Verfügung stehenden Ressourcen, da ein Austausch der Kartusche lediglich dann erfolgt, wenn diese vollständig entleert ist. Darüber hinaus macht dieses Vorgehen auch die Sensierung des Füllstandes einfacher, da es ausreichend ist, den Füllstand in lediglich einer der Kammern der Kartusche zu sensieren, um eine Aussage über den Füllzustand der gesamten Kartusche zu erhalten.The total number of rinsing cycles when the cartridge is consumed depends on the type of rinsing cycles performed in each case. In order to meet the different requirements, for each selectable in the dishwasher program a certain dosage is specified or determined by sensors. For weakly soiled dishes, a lower dosage is selected, while for heavily soiled items a higher dosage of cleaning agents is provided. To ensure that each of the detergents is used up with the same rinse cycle, the percentage of each detergent component added to the rinse liquor during a rinse cycle is the same. This allows an economical use of the available resources, since an exchange of the cartridge takes place only when it is completely emptied. In addition, this procedure also makes the detection of the level easier, since it is sufficient to sense the level in only one of the chambers of the cartridge in order to obtain information about the filling state of the entire cartridge.

Jede der Kammern 51a bis 51e ist mit einem öffenbaren Verschluss 25a bis 25e, z.B. in Form einer Membran versehen. Die z.B. aus einem Gummi bestehenden Membranen schließen die einzelnen Kammern 51a bis 51e dichtend ab, so dass während der Lagerung und des Transports der Kartusche 50 kein Reinigungsmittel aus diesen entweichen kann. Beim Einsetzen der Kartusche 50 in den Reinigungsmittelspender 11 werden die Membranen von korrespondierend in dem Reinigungsmittelspender 11 angeordneten Kanülen 21 (vgl. Fig. 4) durchstochen, so dass nach Maßgabe einer entsprechenden Dosiervorrichtung Reinigungsmittel in den Spülraum zugegeben werden kann.Each of the chambers 51a to 51e is provided with an openable closure 25a to 25e, eg in the form of a membrane. The existing example of a rubber membranes seal the individual chambers 51 a to 51 e, so that during storage and transport of the cartridge 50 no detergent from these can escape. When inserting the cartridge 50 in the detergent dispenser 11, the membranes of correspondingly arranged in the detergent dispenser 11 needles 21 (see. Fig. 4 ), so that in accordance with a corresponding metering detergent may be added to the washing compartment.

Die Kartusche ist bevorzugt aus einem Kunststoff gefertigt und weist eine Breite B von ca. 200 mm, eine Höhe H von ca. 125 mm und eine Tiefe von ca. 25 mm auf. Bei diesen Abmaßen lässt sich das Volumen der verschiedenen Kammern derart bemessen, dass die gewünschten 20 bis 40 Spülzyklen mittels einer Kartusche durchführbar sind.The cartridge is preferably made of a plastic and has a width B of about 200 mm, a height H of about 125 mm and a depth of about 25 mm. With these dimensions, the volume of the various chambers can be dimensioned such that the desired 20 to 40 rinsing cycles can be carried out by means of a cartridge.

Neben den Kammern 51a bis 51e verfügt die Kartusche 50 über eine weitere Kammer 52, welche mit einem oder mehreren Belüftungskanälen 53 in Verbindung steht. Der oder die Belüftungskanäle 53 ihrerseits weisen eine Verbindung zu den verschiedenen Kammern 51a bis 51e auf. Auf diese Weise ist sichergestellt, dass mit zunehmender Entleerung der Kammern 51a bis 51e sich kein Unterdruck in diesen aufbauen kann, wodurch das Zugeben von Reinigungsmitteln erschwert oder verfälscht würde. Die Belüftungskanäle 53 befinden sich bevorzugt in einem Deckel 54, welcher nach dem Befüllen der einzelnen Kammern 51a bis 51e mit den jeweiligen Reinigungsmitteln auf das Gehäuse der Kartusche aufgebracht ist. Der Deckel 54 kann ein Überdruckventil 55 aufweisen, welches gegebenenfalls bei bestimmten Reinigungsmittelkomponenten notwendig ist.In addition to the chambers 51a to 51e, the cartridge 50 has a further chamber 52 which communicates with one or more ventilation channels 53. The ventilation channel or channels 53 in turn have a connection to the various chambers 51a to 51e. In this way it is ensured that with increasing emptying of the chambers 51a to 51e, no negative pressure can build up in them, whereby the addition of cleaning agents would be difficult or falsified. The ventilation channels 53 are preferably located in a cover 54, which is applied after filling the individual chambers 51a to 51e with the respective cleaning agents on the housing of the cartridge. The cover 54 may have a pressure relief valve 55, which may be necessary for certain detergent components.

Da die in der Kartusche 50 enthaltenen Reinigungsmittel erst nach und nach im Rahmen einer Mehrzahl von Spülzyklen dem Spülraum, genauer der in dem Spülraum umgewälzten Spülflotte, zudosiert werden, sind diese mit jedem Spülzyklus beträchtlichen absoluten Temperaturen und Temperaturschwankungen ausgesetzt. Um zu verhindern, dass die Eigenschaften der Reinigungsmittel sich aufgrund dessen mit der Zeit verändern, ist zumindest eine zum Spülraum hin gerichtete Gehäusewand der Kartusche 50 und/oder der zum Spülraum hin gerichtete Deckel des Reinigungsmitteldosiersystems 10 aus einem isolierenden Material gefertigt oder aber mit einer Isolation umgeben. Hierdurch wird ein Wärmestrom vom Spülraum in Richtung des Reinigungsmitteldosiersystems bzw. der in der Kartusche bevorrateten Reinigungsmittel begrenzt, so dass die Langzeitstabilität der verwendeten Reinigungsmittel gewährleistet ist. Die Isolation kann durch ein in dem Deckel oder dem betreffenden Gehäuseabschnitt der Kartusche angeordnetes Gasvolumen gebildet sein. Dieses die Isolation erzeugende Gasvolumen kann im Rahmen der Fertigung des Deckels bzw. der Kartusche eingebracht werden. Das hierbei verwendete Verfahren ist als Gasinnendruckverfahren (GID) bekannt.Since the detergent contained in the cartridge 50 are added only gradually to the washing compartment, more specifically the washing liquor circulated in the washing compartment, during a plurality of washing cycles, they are exposed to considerable absolute temperatures and temperature fluctuations with each washing cycle. In order to prevent the properties of the cleaning agents from changing over time, at least one housing wall of the cartridge 50 directed towards the washing compartment and / or the lid of the detergent dosing system 10 directed towards the washing compartment is made of an insulating material or else with an insulation surround. As a result, a heat flow from the washing compartment in the direction of the detergent dosing system or the detergent stored in the cartridge is limited so that the long-term stability of the cleaning agent used is ensured. The insulation may be by a in the lid or the respective housing portion of the cartridge arranged gas volume may be formed. This gas volume producing the insulation can be introduced during the production of the lid or the cartridge. The process used here is known as the gas internal pressure process (GID).

Neben der Aufnahme für die Kartusche kann der Reinigungsmittelspender 11 eine weitere Kammer zur Aufnahme eines festen Reinigungsmittels aufweisen. Bei dem festen Reinigungsmittel kann es sich beispielsweise um einen 3-in-1-Tab handeln, welcher in die weitere Kammer eingelegt wird, wenn in dem Aufnahmeraum keine oder eine leere Kartusche 50 enthalten ist. Das Vorsehen der weiteren Kammer zur Aufnahme eines festen Reinigungsmittels ermöglicht es, die Geschirrspülmaschine auch dann zu nutzen, wenn die Kartusche 50 leer ist und keine gefüllte Kartusche verfügbar ist.In addition to the receptacle for the cartridge, the detergent dispenser 11 may have a further chamber for receiving a solid detergent. The solid cleaning agent may be, for example, a 3-in-1 tab, which is inserted into the further chamber if no or an empty cartridge 50 is contained in the receiving space. The provision of the further chamber for receiving a solid detergent makes it possible to use the dishwasher even when the cartridge 50 is empty and no filled cartridge is available.

Die weitere Kammer kann eine Öffnung aufweisen, welche mit der Umgebung der Geschirrspülmaschine in Verbindung steht. Die Öffnung kann zu diesem Zweck über Kanäle, welche auf der Rückseite der Behälterwand verlaufen, mit der Umgebung verbunden sein. Das Reinigungsmitteldosiersystem integriert damit die Funktionalität einer so genannten "Expansionsöffnung", welche zur Ableitung des im Spülraum entstehenden Überdrucks dient, wenn die Geschirrspülmaschine z. B. während eines Spülzyklus mit bereits erwärmter Spülflotte durch den Benutzer geöffnet und wieder geschlossen wird. Der in diesem Moment entstehende Überdruck kann dann über die weitere Kammer und die Öffnung zur Umgebung hin abgeleitet werden.The further chamber may have an opening which communicates with the environment of the dishwasher. The opening can be connected for this purpose via channels which run on the back of the container wall, with the environment. The detergent dosing integrated so that the functionality of a so-called "expansion opening", which serves for the derivation of the resulting pressure in the washing compartment when the dishwasher z. B. is opened during a rinse cycle with already heated rinse liquor by the user and closed again. The overpressure arising in this moment can then be diverted via the further chamber and the opening to the environment.

Das Reinigungsmitteldosiersystem kann zur Detektion einer leeren oder nahezu leeren Kartusche über Mittel zur Abfrage des Füllstandes der Reinigungsmittel in der Kartusche verfügen. Erreicht das Reinigungsmittel in einer oder mehreren der Kammern der Kartusche einen vorgegebenen Füllstand, z.B. wenn eine vorgegebene Anzahl an Spülzyklen noch möglich ist, so kann dies dem Nutzer über ein optisches Signal dargestellt werden. Die Anzeigevorrichtung kann sich in bekannter Weise z.B. an der Außenseite der Tür, z.B. der Blende, befinden.The detergent dosing system may include means for sensing the level of detergent in the cartridge to detect an empty or near empty cartridge. If the cleaning agent reaches a predetermined level in one or more of the chambers of the cartridge, e.g. If a predetermined number of rinsing cycles is still possible, this can be displayed to the user via an optical signal. The display device may be in known manner e.g. on the outside of the door, e.g. the aperture, are located.

Die Abfrage des Füllstandes kann auf optische, kapazitive oder akustische Weise erfolgen.The query of the level can be done in an optical, capacitive or acoustic manner.

Bei einer optischen Abfrage kann in die Kartusche ein Lichtleiter eingebracht sein, in den über eine z.B. in dem Reinigungsmittelspender vorhandene Lichtquelle Licht in den Lichtleiter eingekoppelt wird. Ein mit dem Lichtleiter gekoppelter Lichtempfänger, der z.B. ebenfalls in dem Reinigungsmittelspender angeordnet ist, nimmt das aus dem Lichtleiter ausgekoppelte Licht auf. Eine mit der Lichtquelle und dem Lichtempfänger gekoppelte Auswerteeinrichtung kann anhand der ein- und ausgekoppelten Lichtmenge den Füllstand oder das Erreichen eines vorbestimmten Füllstands in der Kartusche ermitteln.In the case of an optical interrogation, an optical waveguide can be introduced into the cartridge into which an optical waveguide can be introduced, via e.g. in the detergent dispenser existing light source is coupled into the light guide light. A light receiver coupled to the light guide, e.g. is also disposed in the detergent dispenser, takes the decoupled from the light guide light. An evaluation device coupled to the light source and the light receiver can determine the fill level or the reaching of a predetermined fill level in the cartridge on the basis of the quantity of light coupled in and out.

Bei einer kapazitiven Abfrage kann das in der Kartusche vorhandene Reinigungsmittel als Elektrode herangezogen werden. Eine weitere, aus einem elektrisch leitenden Material gefertigte Elektrode kann an dem Reinigungsmittelspender oder der Außenwand der Kartusche angeordnet sein. Das Gehäusematerial der Kartusche und ggf. weiteres Gehäusematerial des Reinigungsmittelspenders und/oder ein dazwischen gebildeter Luftspalt bilden ein Dielektrikum zwischen den beiden Elektroden. Durch Auswerten der zwischen diesen beiden Elektroden anliegenden Spannung kann ein Rückschluss auf den Füllstand der Reinigungsmittel in der Kartusche gezogen werden.In a capacitive query, the existing in the cartridge detergent can be used as an electrode. Another electrode made of an electrically conductive material may be disposed on the detergent dispenser or on the outer wall of the cartridge. The housing material of the cartridge and optionally further housing material of the detergent dispenser and / or an air gap formed therebetween form a dielectric between the two electrodes. By evaluating the voltage applied between these two electrodes, it is possible to draw a conclusion as to the level of detergent in the cartridge.

Die Bestimmung des Füllstandes ist ebenfalls unter Verwendung eines akustischen Prinzips möglich. Bei diesem bringt ein, z.B. an dem Reinigungsmittelspender vorgesehener Generator, das Reinigungsmittel in der Kartusche in Schwingungen. Die dabei entstehenden Geräusche können, z.B. durch ein Mikrofon aufgenommen und ausgewertet werden. Anhand des Geräuschspektrums kann der Rückschluss auf den Füllstand der Reinigungsmittel in der Kartusche gezogen werden.The determination of the level is also possible using an acoustic principle. In this case, e.g. generator provided on the detergent dispenser vibrates the detergent in the cartridge. The resulting sounds may be, e.g. be recorded and evaluated by a microphone. Based on the noise spectrum, the conclusion can be drawn on the level of detergent in the cartridge.

Alternativ kann ein Zählwerk zum Zählen der bereits durchlaufenen Spülzyklen einer vollen Kartusche eingesetzt werden. Zur Erkennung einer neuen Kartusche können diese mit einem durch die Geschirrspülmaschine oder den Reinigungsmittelspender auslesbaren Transponder versehen sein. Alternativ kann ein anderer Code, z.B. ein Bar-Code, an der Kartusche angebracht sein. Das Einlesen des Codes kann z.B. beim Einsetzen der Kartusche in den Reinigungsmittelspender erfolgen.Alternatively, a counter can be used to count the rinsing cycles of a full cartridge already in progress. To recognize a new cartridge, they can be provided with a transponder which can be read by the dishwasher or the detergent dispenser. Alternatively, another code, e.g. a bar code attached to the cartridge. The reading of the code may e.g. when inserting the cartridge into the detergent dispenser.

Es ist ausreichend, wenn das Mittel zur Füllstandsmessung in lediglich einer der Kammern der Kartusche vorgesehen ist. Unabhängig von dieser Möglichkeit kann natürlich jede der Kammern mit einem separaten Mittel zur Füllstandsmessung ausgestattet sein.It is sufficient if the means for level measurement is provided in only one of the chambers of the cartridge. Regardless of this possibility can Of course, each of the chambers be equipped with a separate means for level measurement.

Im Gehäuse 12 des Reinigungsmittelspenders 11 sind Auslässe 19a bis 19e vorgesehen (vgl. Fig. 4). Die Auslässe 19a bis 19e münden jeweils in eine Dosierkammer 20a bis 20e, wobei in der Querschnittsdarstellung der Fig. 4 nur die Dosierkammer 20a zu erkennen ist. Die Dosierkammer 20a steht über die Kanäle 21a mit der Kammer 51a der Kartusche in Verbindung.In the housing 12 of the detergent dispenser 11 outlets 19a to 19e are provided (see. Fig. 4 ). The outlets 19a to 19e each open into a metering chamber 20a to 20e, wherein in the cross-sectional view of Fig. 4 only the metering chamber 20a can be seen. The metering chamber 20a communicates with the chamber 51a of the cartridge via the channels 21a.

In jeder der Dosierkammern 20a bis 20e ist eine Fördereinrichtung angeordnet, welche im vorliegenden Ausführungsbeispiel aus einer in der Dosierkammer 20a beweglich gelagerten Dichtung 26a und einem Antriebsmechanismus für die Dichtung 26a besteht. Die Dichtung 26a ist derart geformt, dass diese zwischen einer den zugehörigen Auslass (in der Figur 19a) verschließenden und den Auslass freigebenden Stellung bewegbar ist. Zu diesem Zweck ist die Dichtung 26a mit einem Ventilstößel 22a verbunden. Eine Bewegung des Ventilstößels 22a wird durch einen Ventilbetätigungshebel 23a bewirkt, an dem ein keilförmiger Vorsprung 36a angeformt ist. Durch eine Drehbewegung des Ventilbetätigungshebels 23a greift der Vorsprung an der Platte des Ventilstößels 22a an und bewirkt einen Hub. Bei Betätigung des Ventilbetätigungshebels 23a wird die Dichtung 26a von dem Auslass 19a weg entfernt. Wird der Ventilbetätigungshebel 23a in seine Ausgangsstellung zurück bewegt (durch eine Drehbewegung in entgegen gesetzter Richtung), so wird durch eine zwischen einer Gehäuseabdeckung 37 und einem an dem Ventilstößel 22a vorgesehenen Widerlager 35a eingespannten Feder 24a eine Rückstellkraft aufgebaut, welche die Dichtung 26a innig an den Auslass 19a anlegt.In each of the metering chambers 20a to 20e, a conveyor is arranged, which consists in the present embodiment of a movable in the metering chamber 20a seal 26a and a drive mechanism for the seal 26a. The seal 26a is shaped such that it is movable between a position closing the associated outlet (in FIG. 19a) and releasing the outlet. For this purpose, the seal 26a is connected to a valve lifter 22a. A movement of the valve lifter 22a is effected by a valve operating lever 23a on which a wedge-shaped projection 36a is formed. By a rotational movement of the valve operating lever 23a, the projection engages the plate of the valve stem 22a and causes a stroke. Upon actuation of the valve actuating lever 23a, the gasket 26a is removed away from the outlet 19a. When the valve actuating lever 23a is moved back to its original position (by a rotational movement in the opposite direction), a restoring force is built up by a spring 24a clamped between a housing cover 37 and an abutment 35a provided on the valve stem 22a Outlet 19a applies.

Befindet sich die Dichtung 26a in ihrer Öffnungsstellung, so kann das in der Kammer 51a befindliche Reinigungsmittel aufgrund der Schwerkraft oder einer aktiven Fördereinrichtung, wie z. B. einer Pumpe, durch die Kanüle 21a in die Dosierkammer 20 und über den Auslass 19a in den Spülraum gelangen.If the seal 26a is in its open position, then the cleaning agent in the chamber 51a may be due to gravity or an active conveyor, such. As a pump, pass through the cannula 21a in the metering chamber 20 and the outlet 19a in the washroom.

Um sicherzustellen, dass unabhängig von dem Füllstand der jeweiligen Reinigungsmittel in der Kartusche das gleiche Volumen zur Spülflotte zudosiert wird, wird die Auslaufzeit, in der die Reinigungsmittel durch Öffnen des öffenbaren Verschlusses zur weiteren Verarbeitung aus der Kartusche ausleitbar sind, abhängig von der Nummer des gerade durchgeführten Spülzyklus seit dem Einlegen einer neuen, vollen Kartusche variiert. Die Auslaufzeit der Reinigungsmittel bestimmt sich nach der Formel t n = x + n 1 y ,

Figure imgb0001
wobei

t
die Auslaufzeit des bzw. der Reinigungsmittel,
n
die Nummer des Spülzyklus,
x
die Auslaufzeit des bzw. der Reinigungsmittel des ersten Spülgangs, und
y
eine Konstante
darstellen.To ensure that regardless of the level of each detergent in the cartridge, the same volume is added to the wash liquor, the flow time in which the detergent by opening the openable closure for further processing from the cartridge are diverting, depending on the number of straight rinsing cycle since inserting a new, full cartridge varies. The flow time of the cleaning agents is determined by the formula t n = x + n - 1 y .
Figure imgb0001
in which
t
the flow time of the detergent (s),
n
the number of the rinse cycle,
x
the flow time of the detergent (s) of the first rinse, and
y
a constant
represent.

Mit zunehmender Nummer des Spülganges wird somit die Auslaufzeit des bzw. der Reinigungsmittel verlängert, so dass dem mit abnehmendem Reinigungsmittelvolumen in der Kartusche verringerten Druck Rechnung getragen wird.As the number of the wash cycle increases, therefore, the flow time of the cleaning agent (s) is prolonged, so that the reduced pressure with decreasing volume of cleaning agent in the cartridge is taken into account.

Das Fördern des Reinigungsmittels kann dabei ausschließlich unter Ausnutzung der Schwerkraft erfolgen. Die Fördereinrichtung, insbesondere die Ausgestaltung der Dichtung kann jedoch auch nach dem Prinzip einer Pumpe aufgebaut sein, so dass Reinigungsmittel aus der Reinigungskammer 21a in die Dosierkammer 20a und aus der Dosierkammer 20a in den Spülraum gefördert werden.The conveying of the detergent can be done exclusively by utilizing gravity. However, the conveying device, in particular the design of the seal can also be constructed according to the principle of a pump, so that cleaning agents are conveyed from the cleaning chamber 21a into the dosing chamber 20a and out of the dosing chamber 20a into the washing compartment.

Fig. 2 zeigt eine weitere Geschirrspülmaschine 1 mit einem Reinigungsmitteldosiersystem 10. Im Gegensatz zu dem vorher beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispiel ist das Reinigungsmitteldosiersystem 10, genauer der Reinigungsmittelspender 11 in der Tür 3 der Geschirrspülmaschine angeordnet. Das Bestücken des Reinigungsmittelspenders 11 mit der Kartusche 50, die im Übrigen identisch wie in Verbindung mit Fig. 3 beschrieben ausgebildet sein kann, erfolgt von der Stirnseite 8 der Tür her. Die Öffnung zum Bestücken des Reinigungsmittelspenders 11 kann dabei im Bereich einer Blende der Geschirrspülmaschine oder der Innentür der Tür angeordnet sein. Der Vorteil der Anordnung gemäß Fig. 2 besteht in einem bequemeren Einsetzen und Entnehmen der Kartusche für den Benutzer. Fig. 2 shows a further dishwasher 1 with a detergent dosing system 10. In contrast to the previously described embodiment, the detergent dosing system 10, more precisely the detergent dispenser 11 is disposed in the door 3 of the dishwasher. The loading of the detergent dispenser 11 with the cartridge 50, which otherwise the same as in connection with Fig. 3 may be formed described, takes place from the front side 8 of the door. The opening for equipping the detergent dispenser 11 can be arranged in the region of an aperture of the dishwasher or the inner door of the door. The advantage of the arrangement according to Fig. 2 consists in a more convenient insertion and removal of the cartridge for the user.

BezugszeichenlisteLIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

11
Geschirrspülmaschinedishwasher
22
Gehäusecasing
33
Türdoor
44
SpülraumWash cabinet
55
Geschirrkorbdish rack
66
Geschirrkorbdish rack
77
Behälterwandcontainer wall
88th
Stirnseite der TürFront side of the door
1010
Reinigungsmitteldosiersystemdetergent dosing
1111
ReinigungsmittelspenderDetergent dispenser
1212
Gehäusecasing
1313
Gehäusewand (= Deckel)Housing wall (= cover)
1616
Haltevorrichtungholder
1818
Schwenkmechanismusswivel mechanism
19a-19e19a-19e
Auslassoutlet
20a-20e20a-20e
Dosierkammermetering
21a-21e21a-21e
Kanülecannula
22a-22e22a-22e
Ventilstößeltappet
23a-23e23a-23e
Ventilbetätigungshebel (Drehscheibe)Valve operating lever (turntable)
24a-24e24a-24e
Federfeather
25a-25e25a-25e
Membranmembrane
26a-26e26a-26e
Dichtungpoetry
3434
Blendecover
35a-35e35a-35e
Widerlagerabutment
36a-36e36a-36e
Vorsprunghead Start
3737
Abdeckungcover
5050
Kartuschecartridge
51a-51e51a-51e
Kammer für ReinigungsmittelChamber for cleaning agents
5252
Kammer für EntlüftungChamber for ventilation
5353
Belüftungskanalventilation duct
5454
Deckelcover
5555
ÜberdruckventilPressure relief valve
HH
Höheheight
BB
Breitewidth

Claims (23)

  1. Cartridge for a water-conducting domestic appliance, in particular a domestic dishwasher which has a detergent dosing system (10) which has at least one detergent dispenser (11) for receiving at least one cartridge (50), wherein the cartridge (50) has separate chambers (51a, ..., 51e) for storage of at least two detergents, and each chamber (51a, ..., 51e) has a receiving volume for storage of detergent which is greater than the quantity required for a rinsing cycle, characterised in that in addition to the chambers (51a, ..., 51e) for receiving the detergents a ventilation chamber (52) is provided, which is connected to the chambers (51a , ..., 51e) containing the detergents.
  2. Cartridge according to claim 1,
    characterised in that
    the receiving volume of the chambers (51a, ..., 51e) is dimensioned for receiving at least two detergents, such that between 20 and 40, preferably 30, rinse cycles can be performed.
  3. Cartridge according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    the cartridge (50) has separate chambers (51a, ..., 51e) for storage of more than 2 and less than 10, preferably 7, detergents.
  4. Cartridge according to claim 1 to 3,
    characterised in that
    the respective chambers (51a, ..., 51e) are arranged in a common cartridge housing.
  5. Cartridge according to one of claims 1 to 4,
    characterised in that
    the ventilation chamber (52) is connected to the chambers (51a, ..., 51e) containing the detergents by way of ventilation ducts (53) in a cover (54) closing the individual chambers.
  6. Cartridge according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    at least one openable gate (25a, ..., 25e) is provided for dispensing detergent, which on insertion into the detergent dosing system (10), in particular automatically, can be opened and on removal of the cartridge (50) from the detergent dosing system (10), in particular automatically, can be closed.
  7. Cartridge according to claim 6,
    characterised in that
    the cartridge (50) has an openable gate (25a, ..., 25e) for each of its chambers (51a, ..., 51e).
  8. Cartridge according to claim 6 or 7,
    characterised in that
    the openable gate (25a, ..., 25e) is arranged at the bottom, in the mounting position, in the detergent dosing system (10) in the direction of gravity.
  9. Cartridge according to one of claims 6 to 8,
    characterised in that
    the openable gate (25a, ..., 25e) is formed by a membrane.
  10. Cartridge according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    the at least one cartridge (50) has at least one conveyor device, with which the at least two detergents can be conveyed into the interior (4) of the dishwasher (1).
  11. Cartridge according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    the dispensing of the at least two detergents takes place by gravity.
  12. Cartridge according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    the cartridge housing has a mechanical coding, which can cooperate with a receiving-side counter-coding, in order to define the mounting position in a water-conducting household appliance.
  13. Cartridge according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    the cartridge housing has a longitudinal extension along a major axis.
  14. Cartridge according to claim 13,
    characterised in that
    the major axes are longer than minor axes of the cartridge housing.
  15. Cartridge according to claim 13 or 14,
    characterised in that
    the chambers (51a, ..., 51e) of the cartridge (50) are arranged next to one another along the major axis.
  16. Cartridge according to one of claims 13 to 15,
    characterised in that
    the extension along the major axis is greater by at least a factor of 1.5 than an extension along a minor axis.
  17. Cartridge according to claim 16,
    characterised in that
    an extension along a first minor axis is greater by at least a factor of 3 than the extension along a second minor axis.
  18. Cartridge according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    at least one means for measuring the level of at least one detergent volume contained in the chambers (51a, ..., 51e) is provided.
  19. Cartridge according to claim 18,
    characterised in that
    the means for measuring the level are designed to emit a signal when the detergent contained in the cartridge (50) falls below a predetermined residual amount.
  20. Cartridge according to claim 19,
    characterised in that
    the means for measuring the level are designed to emit a signal when the detergent contained in the cartridge (50) is sufficient for the performance of a predetermined number m of rinse cycles.
  21. Cartridge according to claim 20,
    characterised in that
    the number m of rinse cycles is between 2 and 5.
  22. Cartridge according to one of claims 18 to 21,
    characterised in that
    the means for measuring the level are based on an optical, acoustic or capacitive measurement principle.
  23. Cartridge according to one of claims 18 to 22,
    characterised in that
    at least one of the chambers (25a, ..., 25e) has at least one of the following substances: enzymes, bleaching agents, bleaching activators, dispersing and complexing agents, tensides, alkaline compounds and/or biocides.
EP07803004.6A 2006-09-19 2007-08-29 Cartridge for a water-conducting domestic appliance comprising a detergent dosing system Active EP2066219B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102006043913A DE102006043913A1 (en) 2006-09-19 2006-09-19 Cartridge for a water-conducting household appliance with a detergent dosing system
PCT/EP2007/058987 WO2008034695A1 (en) 2006-09-19 2007-08-29 Cartridge for a water-conducting domestic appliance comprising a detergent dosing system

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2066219A1 EP2066219A1 (en) 2009-06-10
EP2066219B1 true EP2066219B1 (en) 2018-03-07

Family

ID=38738921

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP07803004.6A Active EP2066219B1 (en) 2006-09-19 2007-08-29 Cartridge for a water-conducting domestic appliance comprising a detergent dosing system

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (3) US8382913B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2066219B1 (en)
DE (1) DE102006043913A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2663682T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2008034695A1 (en)

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CN112236654A (en) 2018-05-03 2021-01-15 耐普罗公司 Apparatus, system and method for providing content volume monitor
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EP0392196A1 (en) 1989-04-11 1990-10-17 Bosch-Siemens HausgerÀ¤te GmbH Filling level monitoring device
EP0461870A2 (en) 1990-06-14 1991-12-18 Diversey Corporation Dishwasher detergent dispenser
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WO2002020893A1 (en) 2000-09-04 2002-03-14 Arçelik A.S. A washing machine with a removable detergent cartridge
WO2002029150A1 (en) 2000-10-04 2002-04-11 The Procter & Gamble Company A smart dosing device
DE10254089A1 (en) 2002-11-20 2004-06-03 Aweco Appliance Systems Gmbh & Co. Kg A method for preventing the premature admission of rinse agent in a domestic dish washing machine has an optical sensing system to indicate closure of the dispenser lid
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US9610002B2 (en) 2017-04-04
US20100083989A1 (en) 2010-04-08
US20130133700A1 (en) 2013-05-30
EP2066219A1 (en) 2009-06-10
US20170119230A1 (en) 2017-05-04
US8382913B2 (en) 2013-02-26
WO2008034695A1 (en) 2008-03-27
ES2663682T3 (en) 2018-04-16
US9723965B2 (en) 2017-08-08
DE102006043913A1 (en) 2008-03-27

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