EP2296521A1 - Dosing system with controlled product release in the inclined position - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a dosing system (1, 2) for positioning within a dishwasher by a user, wherein the dosing system (1, 2) is designed such as to be positionable in a plate recess of a dishwasher basket and comprise a number of chambers (3a, 3b, 3c), for the physically separate housing in each of a different preparation of a washing or cleaning agent, wherein the outlet openings (5a, 5b, 5c) of the dosing system (1, 2) run in the downwards direction of gravity in the in use position, wherein the cartridge (1) of the dosing system (1, 2) is shaped and the outlet openings (5a, 5b, 5c) are of such a size and arrangement that at an angle differing from the vertical by 2-20° an essentially complete remainder emptying of the cartridge chambers (3a, 3b, 3c) is possible.

Description

 Dosing system with controlled product release in inclined position

The invention relates to a metering system for the delivery of a plurality of preparations for use in water-conducting appliances, in particular water-conducting household appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, tumble dryers or automatic surface cleaning systems.

State of the art

Dishwashing detergents are available to the consumer in a variety of forms. In addition to the traditional liquid hand dishwashing detergents, machine dishwashing detergents are particularly important with the spread of household dishwashers. These automatic dishwashing agents are typically offered to the consumer in solid form, for example as powders or as tablets, but increasingly also in liquid form. For some time now, the main focus has been on the convenient dosing of detergents and cleaners

Simplification of the necessary steps to carry out a washing or cleaning process.

Further, one of the major goals of the machine-tool manufacturers is to improve the cleaning performance of these agents, with a recent focus on the cleaning performance of low-temperature cleaning cycles and reduced-water consumption cleaning cycles. For this purpose, the cleaning agents were preferably added to new ingredients, for example, more effective surfactants, polymers, enzymes or bleach. However, since new ingredients are available only to a limited extent and the amount of ingredients used for each cleaning cycle can not be increased to any extent for ecological and economic reasons, this approach has natural limits.

In this context, in particular, devices for the multiple dosing of detergents and cleaners have recently come into the field of vision of the product developers. In these devices, it is possible to distinguish between dosing chambers integrated in the dishwasher or textile washing machine on the one hand and independent devices which are independent of the dishwasher or textile washing machine on the other hand. By means of these devices, which contain the multiple of the amount of detergent necessary for carrying out a cleaning process, portions of washing or cleaning agents are metered into the interior of the cleaning machine in an automatic or semi-automatic manner in the course of several successive cleaning processes. For the consumer eliminates the need for manual Dosage at every cleaning or washing cycle. Examples of such devices are described in European patent application EP 1 759 624 A2 (Reckitt Benckiser) or in German patent application DE 53 5005 062 479 A1 (BSH Bosch and Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH).

A dosing system for a dishwashing machine must ensure a proper release and dosing of preparations, not only in a vertical position but also at a non-vertical angle of up to 20 °, in particular when the dosing system is placed in a dish rack in a receptacle for Plate is arranged.

Object of the invention

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a dosing device that allows the user to be positioned in the plate receptacles of a dish rack of a dishwasher.

The object is achieved by a metering system with the features of claim 1 and with the features of claim 5.

Advantages of the metering system according to the invention are, in particular, its small space requirement in the dishwasher by positioning in a dish receptacle in the dish rack and the intuitive use and positioning of the metering by users due to the plate-like design and the guaranteed residual emptying in a possible inclination.

The metering system according to the invention consists of the basic components of a cartridge filled with preparation and a metering device which can be coupled to the cartridge, which in turn is formed from further assemblies such as component carrier, actuator, closure element, sensor, energy source and / or control unit.

It is preferred that the metering system according to the invention is mobile. Movable in the sense of this application means that the dosing is not permanently connected to a water-bearing device such as a dishwasher, washing machine, laundry dryer or the like, but for example from a dishwasher by the user removed or positionable in a dishwasher, so is independently handled, is

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, it is also conceivable that the metering device for the user can not be solved with a water-bearing device such For example, a dishwasher, washing machine, laundry dryer or the like is connected and only the cartridge is movable.

In order to ensure operation at elevated temperatures, as occur, for example, in individual washing cycles of a dishwasher, the dosing system can be formed from materials which are dimensionally stable up to a temperature of 120 ^° C.

Since the preparations to be dosed may have a pH between 2 and 12, depending on the intended use, all components of the dosing system which come into contact with the preparations should have a corresponding acid and / or

Have alkali resistance. Furthermore, these components should be largely chemically inert by a suitable choice of material, for example against nonionic surfactants, enzymes and / or fragrances.

cartridge

For the purposes of this application, a cartridge is understood to mean a packaging material which is suitable for enveloping or holding together at least one flowable, free-flowing or dispersible preparation and which can be coupled to a metering device for dispensing at least one preparation.

In the simplest, conceivable embodiment, the cartridge has a preferably rigid chamber for storing a preparation. In particular, a cartridge can also comprise a plurality of chambers which can be filled with mutually different compositions.

It is advantageous that the cartridge has at least one outlet opening, which is arranged such that a gravity-induced release of preparation from the cartridge in the position of use of the dosing device can be effected. As a result, no further funding for the release of preparation from the cartridge is required, whereby the structure of the metering device can be kept simple and the manufacturing cost low. Furthermore, the use of conveying means, such as e.g. Pumps omitted, whereby the life of a battery or batteries of the dosing device can be increased.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one second chamber is provided for receiving at least one second flowable preparation, the second chamber having at least one outlet opening arranged such that a gravity-induced product release from the second chamber in the use position of the dosing is feasible. The arrangement of a second chamber is - A - particularly advantageous if in the separate chambers of the cartridge preparations are stored, which are usually not stable to each other, such as bleaches and enzymes.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that more than two, in particular three to four chambers are provided in or on a cartridge. In particular, one of the chambers can be designed for the delivery of volatile preparations, such as a fragrance to the environment.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the cartridge is integrally formed. In this way, the cartridges, in particular by suitable blow molding, cost-effectively trained in a manufacturing step. The chambers of a cartridge can be separated from one another, for example, by webs or material bridges which are formed during or after the blow molding process.

The cartridge can also be formed in several pieces by injection molded and then assembled components.

Further, it is conceivable that the cartridge is formed in such a multi-piece, that at least one chamber, preferably all chambers, can be removed individually from the metering device or inserted into the metering device. This makes it possible, with a different consumption of a preparation from a chamber to exchange an already empty chamber, while the rest, which may still be filled with preparation, remain in the metering device. Thus, a targeted and needs-based

Refilling the individual chambers or their preparations can be achieved. In addition, it is conceivable to form the individual chambers in the form that the chambers can be coupled to one another or to the dosing device in only one specific position or position, thereby avoiding a user having a chamber in a position not intended for this purpose connects to the dosing device. For this purpose, the chamber walls can in particular be shaped such that they can be positively connected to one another. In the case of a cartridge formed from at least three chambers, the cartridges are shaped in such a way that the chambers can be positively connected to one another only in a specific defined position.

The chambers of a cartridge can be fixed to one another by suitable connection methods, so that a container unit is formed. The chambers can be fixed by a suitable form-fitting, non-positive or cohesive connection releasably or permanently against each other. In particular, the fixation by one or more of the types of compounds from the group of snap-in compounds, Velcro, press joints, fusions, adhesive bonds, Welded connections, soldered connections, screw connections, wedge connections, clamp connections or bounce connections. In particular, the fixation can also be formed by a shrink sleeve (so-called sleeve), which is pulled in a heated state over the entire or sections of the cartridge and firmly encloses the chambers or the cartridge in the cooled state.

To provide advantageous residual emptying characteristics of the chambers, the bottom of the chambers may be funnel-shaped inclined towards the discharge opening. Furthermore, the inner wall of a chamber can be formed by suitable choice of material and / or surface design in such a way that a low material adhesion of the preparation to the inner chamber wall is realized. Also by this measure, the residual emptiness of a chamber can be further optimized.

In particular, the cartridge may also be asymmetrical. It is particularly preferred to form the asymmetry of the cartridge in such a way that the cartridge can only be coupled to the dosing device in a predefined position in which an otherwise possible incorrect operation by the user is prevented.

In or on a chamber, a metering chamber may be formed in a gravity-induced flow direction of the preparation in front of the outlet opening of a chamber. Through the metering chamber, the preparation amount that is to be released in the release of preparation from the chamber to the environment, set. This is particularly advantageous if the closure element of the dosing device, which causes the preparation output from a chamber to the environment, can only be put into a dispensing and a closure state without measuring or controlling the dispensing quantity. It is then ensured by the metering chamber that a predefined amount of preparation is released without an immediate feedback of the currently discharged, outflowing preparation amount.

The metering chambers can be formed in one piece or in several pieces. Furthermore, it is possible to firmly connect the metering chambers with the cartridge or detachably. In a dosing chamber detachably connected to the cartridge, it is possible in a simple manner to connect or exchange dosing chambers with different dosing volumes with a cartridge, whereby a simple adaptation of the dosing volumes to the preparation stored in each chamber and thus a simple assembly the cartridge for different preparations and their dosage is possible.

According to a further advantageous development of the invention, one or more chambers in addition to a, preferably bottom-side outlet opening each have a liquid-tight sealable, preferably head-side second chamber opening. By This chamber opening, for example, makes it possible to refill stored in this chamber preparation.

For ventilation of the cartridge chambers ventilation options can be provided in particular in the head region of the cartridge to a pressure equalization with decreasing filling level of the chambers between the interior of the cartridge chambers and the

To ensure environment. These ventilation options can be designed, for example, as a valve, in particular silicone valve, micro-openings in a chamber or cartridge wall or the like.

According to another embodiment, the cartridge chambers should not be aerated directly, but via the dosing device or no ventilation, e.g. be provided with the use of flexible containers, such as bags, so this has the advantage that at elevated temperatures in the course of a rinse cycle of a dishwasher by the heating of the chamber contents, a pressure is built up, which presses the preparations to be dosed in the direction of the outlet openings, so that a good residual emptying of the cartridge can be achieved. Furthermore, in the case of such an air-free packaging, there is no risk of oxidation of substances of the preparation, which makes bag packaging or else bag-in-bottle packaging appear expedient, in particular for oxidation-sensitive preparations.

Preferably, the volume ratio formed from the volume of construction of the metering device and the filling volume of the cartridge <1, more preferably <0.1, particularly preferably <0.05. This ensures that, for a given total construction volume of metering device and cartridge, the overwhelming portion of the construction volume is taken up by the cartridge and the preparation contained therein.

The cartridge can take on any spatial form. It can for example be cube-shaped, spherical or plate-like.

The cartridge and the dosing device can in particular be configured with respect to their spatial form such that they ensure the least possible loss of useful volume, in particular in a dishwasher.

To use the dispenser in dishwashers, it is particularly advantageous to mold the device based on dishes to be cleaned in dishwashers. So this example, plate-shaped, be formed in approximately the dimensions of a plate. As a result, the dosing device can be positioned to save space eg in the lower basket of the dishwasher. Furthermore, the correct positioning of the dosing unit opens up to the user intuitively through the plate-like shape. In the coupled state, the dosing device and the cartridge preferably have a ratio of height: width: depth of between 5: 5: 1 and 50: 50: 1, particularly preferably of about 10: 10: 1. Due to the "slim" design of the dosing device and the cartridge, it is in particular possible to position the device in the lower cutlery basket of a dishwashing machine in the receptacles provided for plates This has the advantage that the preparations discharged from the dosing device pass directly into the wash liquor and can not adhere to other items to be washed.

Usually, commercial household dishwashers are designed in such a way that the arrangement of larger items to be washed, such as pans or large plates, is provided in the lower basket of the dishwasher. In order not optimal positioning of the

Dosage system consisting of the dosing device and the coupled with the dosing device cartridge to avoid by the user in the upper basket, the metering system is dimensioned in an advantageous embodiment of the invention such that a positioning of the dosing system is only possible in the provided receptacles of the lower basket. For this purpose, the width and the height of the metering system can be selected in particular between 150 mm and 300 mm, particularly preferably between 175 mm and 250 mm.

However, it is also conceivable to form the metering unit in cup shape or pot shape with a substantially circular or square base.

The outlet openings of a cartridge are preferably arranged in a line, whereby a slender, plate-shaped design of the dosing device is made possible.

In a cup-shaped or cup-shaped design of the cartridge or its cup-shaped or cup-shaped grouping, however, it may also be advantageous to arrange the discharge openings of the cartridge, for example in a circular arc.

To provide an immediate optical level control, it is advantageous to form the cartridge at least in sections of a transparent material.

The cartridge is designed in particular for receiving flowable detergents or cleaning agents. Particularly preferably, such a cartridge has a plurality of chambers for the spatially separated receiving in each case of different preparations of a washing or cleaning agent. Exemplary - but not exhaustive - are listed below some possible combinations of filling the chambers with different preparations:

It is particularly preferred that all preparations are flowable, as this ensures rapid dissolution of the preparations in the washing liquor of the dishwasher, whereby these preparations a rapid to immediate cleaning or rinsing, especially on the walls of the washing compartment and / or a Achieve light guide of the cartridge and / or the dosing device.

The cartridge usually has a total filling volume of <5,000 ml, in particular <1,000 ml, preferably <500 ml, more preferably <250 ml, most preferably <50 ml.

The chambers of a cartridge may have the same or different filling volumes. In a two chamber configuration, the chamber volume ratio is preferably 5: 1, preferably 4: 1: 1 for a three chamber configuration, which configurations are particularly suitable for use in dishwashers.

As mentioned above, the cartridge preferably has three chambers. For the use of such a cartridge in a dishwasher, it is particularly preferred that one chamber is an alkaline cleaning preparation, another chamber an enzymatic Preparation and a third chamber includes a rinse aid, wherein the volume ratio of the chambers in about 4: 1: 1.

The chamber containing the alkaline cleaning preparation preferably has the largest filling volume of the existing chambers. Preferably, the chambers, which store an enzymatic preparation or a rinse aid, have approximately equal filling volumes.

In a two- and / or three-chamber design of the cartridge is in particular possible to stockpile in particular a perfume, disinfectant and / or Vorbehandlungszubereitung in a detachably arranged on the cartridge or the dosing, another chamber.

The cartridge comprises a cartridge bottom, which in the position of use in

Direction of gravity is directed downward and at the preferred for each chamber at least one arranged in the direction of gravity bottom outlet opening is provided. The outlet openings arranged on the bottom side are in particular designed such that at least one, preferably all, outlet openings can communicate with the inlet openings of the dosing device, ie preparation via the outlet openings from the cartridge into the dosing device, preferably gravitationally effected, can flow in.

It is also conceivable that one or more chambers have a not arranged in the direction of gravity bottom outlet opening. This is particularly advantageous if, for example, a fragrance is to be delivered to the environment of the cartridge.

The cartridge is preferably formed from at least two elements connected to one another in a material-locking manner, wherein the connecting edge of the elements on the cartridge bottom extends outside the outlet openings, that is to say the connecting edge does not intersect the outlet openings. This is particularly advantageous, since in this way leakage problems are avoided in the coupling with the metering device in the region of the outlet openings, which occur in particular in the case of the high thermal cycling usually occurring in a dishwasher.

The cohesive connection can be produced for example by gluing, welding, soldering, pressing or vulcanization.

According to a preferred embodiment, the outlet openings of the cartridge are closed by closure means at least in the filled, unopened state of the cartridge. The closure means may be designed such that they allow a single opening of the outlet opening by destruction of the closure means. Such closure means are, for example, sealing foils or caps. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the outlet openings are each provided with a closure which allows in the coupled state with a dispenser outflow of preparation from the respective chambers and in the uncoupled state of the cartridge substantially prevents leakage of preparation. In particular, such a closure is designed as a slotted silicone valve.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the ventilation openings of the cartridge are closed with a closure element before a first coupling with the dosing device. The closure element may in particular be a stopper or a cap which, when first coupled with the dosing device, is opened, for example punctured, by the coupling process.

It is particularly preferred that, prior to a first coupling of the cartridge with the metering device, all the outlet openings of the cartridge are closed with a slotted silicone valve and all the ventilation openings are capped.

The cartridge elements forming the cartridge are preferably formed from a plastic and can be formed in a common injection molding process, it may be advantageous to form a hinge acting as a connecting web between the two elements, so that after molding the two elements abut each other by folding and cohesively connected along the connecting edge.

In a further embodiment of the invention, an energy source, in particular a battery or accumulator, is arranged on or in the cartridge, preferably on or in the bottom of the cartridge. Furthermore, means for electrically coupling the energy source with the dosing device can be provided on the cartridge.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the cartridge for coupling with a positionable within a domestic appliance dosing device for dispensing at least one detergent and / or detergent preparation, at least one chamber for storing at least one flowable or pourable detergent and / or cleaning agent preparation on, wherein the cartridge is protected in the coupled state with the dosing device before entering rinse water in the chamber (s) and the cartridge at least one bottom in the direction of gravity discharge opening for - especially gravitational - release of preparation of at least one chamber and at least one bottom side in the direction of gravity Ventilation opening for venting comprises at least one chamber, wherein the ventilation opening is separated from the discharge opening and the ventilation opening communicating with at least one chamber of the cartridge is connected. It is particularly preferred that the cartridge comprises at least two chambers, very particularly preferably at least three chambers. In this case, it is advantageous that one ventilation opening and one discharge opening are provided for each chamber.

It is further preferred that the bottom-side ventilation opening is communicatively connected to a ventilation duct whose end facing away from the ventilation opening in the dispensing position of the cartridge coupled to the dosing device opens above the maximum fill level of the cartridge.

In this context, it is advantageous that the ventilation duct is completely or partially formed in or on the walls and / or webs of the cartridge. In particular, the ventilation channel can be integrally formed in or on the walls and / or webs of the cartridge.

For this purpose, the ventilation duct can advantageously be formed by joining at least two elements forming the cartridge. For example, a ventilation duct may be formed by joining a separating web of the cartridge formed in the shell-shaped element with two webs which surround the separating web and are arranged on the cartridge element.

In this case, it is advantageous if the ventilation channel is formed by integral joining, in particular by welding, of a separating web of the cartridge formed in the shell-shaped element with two webs which surround the separating web and are arranged on the cartridge element.

Alternatively, the ventilation duct, for example, as so-called. Be formed dip-tube.

To the ventilation of the cartridge in an inclined position, for example when the

It is advantageous that the filling level level (F) of the cartridge in the unopened, filled state of the cartridge with an inclination of up to 45 ° is not present at the ventilation channel mouth (83).

Furthermore, it is advantageous in this case to arrange the ventilation channel opening approximately in the middle of or in the chamber wall of the cartridge head.

In order to ensure the functionality, for example, even after a horizontal position of the cartridge, it is advantageous if the viscosity of a flowable preparation and the Ventilation duct are configured in such a way that the preparation is not drawn into the ventilation duct via capillary forces when the preparation is present at the ventilation duct mouth.

The coupling of the cartridge with the dosing device is advantageously to be designed such that a dosing device communicating with the inlet opening of the dosing device is arranged on the dosing device, which cooperates with the dockable cartridge or cartridge chamber in such a way that when coupling the ventilation opening of the cartridge or Cartridge chamber with the dosing of the mandrel displaced a volume .DELTA.v in the ventilation duct, whereby a pressure .DELTA.p is generated in the ventilation duct, which is suitable to transport in the ventilation duct, flowable preparation in the connected to the ventilation duct, preparation-storing chamber.

It is preferred that the vent opening of a chamber is communicatively connected to the metering device side mandrel before the closed outlet opening of the corresponding chamber is opened, for example by the communicating connection with the inlet opening of the metering device.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a ventilation chamber is arranged between the ventilation opening and the ventilation channel.

The cartridge may be designed such that it can be detachably or firmly arranged in or on the dosing device and / or a dishwashing or washing machine and / or tumble dryer.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the dosing device for dispensing at least one flowable detergent and / or cleaning agent preparation inside a domestic appliance comprises a cartridge which can be coupled to the dosing device wherein the cartridge stores at least one flowable detergent and / or detergent preparation and the cartridge is stored in Direction of gravity on the bottom side has at least one outlet opening communicating with the metering device coupled state with an inlet port of the metering device, wherein the metering device and the cartridge have means which cooperate in such a way that a releasable locking between metering device and cartridge can be produced the metering device and the cartridge are pivotable relative to each other about a pivot point (SP) in the locked state, and in that the outlet opening of the cartridge and the inlet opening of the metering console are configured in such a way that, according to H Creation of the latching between the cartridge and dispenser by pivoting the cartridge in the coupling state between dosing and cartridge are communicatively connected. In particular, it is preferable that the outlet openings of the chambers and the inlet openings of the metering device are arranged and configured such that they are sequentially connected to each other by the pivoting in the latching state in the coupling state of metering device and cartridge.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, means may be provided on the dosing device and / or the cartridge which, in the coupling state of the dosing device and the cartridge, effect a releasable fixing of the cartridge to the dosing device.

In particular, it is advantageous that the outlet openings of the chambers are arranged one behind the other in the pivoting direction. It is very particularly preferred that the outlet openings of the chambers are arranged in the pivoting direction on a line (L).

Furthermore, it is advantageous that the outlet openings of the chambers have approximately the same distance from each other.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention corresponds to the largest distance of an outlet opening of a chamber from the pivot point (SP) of the cartridge in about 0.5 times the distance of the cartridge width (B).

In particular, at least two chambers of the cartridge may have different volumes from each other.

Advantageously, the chamber of the cartridge with the largest volume on the largest distance from the pivot point (SP) of the cartridge 1.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the ventilation opening of a chamber in the pivoting direction when coupling the cartridge with the dosing device is in each case in front of an outlet opening of the chamber.

Preferably, the ratio of depth (T) of the cartridge to width (B) of the cartridge is about 1:20. The ratio of height (H) of the cartridge to width (B) of the cartridge is preferably about 1: 1.

It is also preferred that the ventilation opening of a chamber in the pivoting direction when coupling the cartridge with the metering device is in each case in front of an outlet opening of the chamber. Thus it is ensured that first the ventilation opening of the cartridge is opened before the opening of the outlet opening of the cartridge takes place when coupling the cartridge with the dosing device.

Dosing device In the dosing device, the necessary for operation control unit and at least one

Actuator integrated. Preferably, a sensor unit and / or a power source is also arranged on or in the metering device.

Preferably, the dosing device consists of a splash-proof housing, that the penetration of water spray, as for example when used in a

Dishwasher may occur in the interior of the dosing, by at least the control unit, sensor unit and / or actuator are arranged prevented.

It is particularly advantageous, in particular to shed the energy source, the control unit and the sensor unit in such a way that the metering device is substantially watertight, ie the metering device is able to function even when fully enclosed with liquid. As potting materials, for example, multicomponent epoxy, and acrylate casting compounds such as methacrylate esters, urethane-metha and cyanoacrylates or two-component materials can be used with polyurethanes, silicones, epoxy resins.

An alternative or supplement to the casting represents the encapsulation of the components in a suitably designed, moisture-proof housing. Such a configuration will be explained in more detail in the following place.

Furthermore, it is advantageous to arrange the components or assemblies on, on and / or in a component carrier in the dosing device, and this will also be explained elsewhere.

It is particularly preferred that the dosing device comprises at least a first interface which cooperates in or on a household appliance, in particular a water-conducting household appliance, preferably a dishwasher or washing machine formed corresponding interface in such a way that a transmission of electrical energy and / or signals from Household appliance for dosing and / or from the dosing device to the household appliance is realized.

In one embodiment of the invention, the interfaces are formed by connectors. In a further embodiment, the interface cells can be designed in such a way that a wireless transmission of electrical energy and / or electrical and / or optical signals is effected. It is particularly preferred that the interface is configured to transmit and / or receive optical signals. It is very particularly preferred that the interface is configured to emit or receive light in the visible range. Since darkness usually prevails in the interior of the dishwasher during operation of a dishwasher, signals in the visible, optical region, for example in the form of signal pulses or light flashes, can be emitted and / or detected by the dosing device. It has proven particularly advantageous to use wavelengths between 600-800 nm in the visible spectrum.

Alternatively or additionally, it is advantageous that the interface is configured to emit or receive infrared signals. In particular, it is advantageous that the interface for transmitting or receiving infrared signals in the near infrared range (780nm-3,000nm) is configured.

In particular, the interface comprises at least one LED. Particularly preferably, the interface comprises at least two LEDs. It is also possible according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention to provide at least two LEDs which emit light in a mutually different wavelength. This makes it possible, for example, to define different signal bands on which information can be sent or received.

The interface of the dosing device can be configured such that the LED is provided both for emitting signals inside the dishwasher, in particular when the dishwasher door is closed, and also for optically displaying an operating state of the dosing device, in particular when the dishwasher door is open.

The signal transmitted and / or received by the interface is in particular a carrier of information, in particular a control signal or a signal representing an operating state of the dosing device and / or the dishwasher.

metering

The dosing device for dispensing at least one flowable detergent and / or cleaning agent preparation into the interior of a domestic appliance can in particular a

Dosing have the communicating connected to the dosing device cartridge communicating with a metering device located in the dosing chamber inlet, so that in the use position of the dosing preparation gravity effect flows from the cartridge into the dosing chamber wherein a direction of gravity the Dosierkammereinlass is arranged downstream Dosierkammerauslass which can be closed by a valve wherein in the metering chamber, a floating body is arranged, the density of which is less than the density of the preparation, wherein the floating body is designed in such a way that preparation can circumnavigate and / or flow through the float and the float and the metering chamber inlet are configured such that the metering chamber inlet is closable by the float.

Depending on the configuration of the density of the preparation and the density of the float and the resulting buoyancy, the float can close the Dosierkammereinlass sealing or non-sealing. In a non-sealing closure of the float is indeed at the Dosierkammereinlass, but this seals not against inflow of preparation from the cartridge, so that an exchange of preparation between the cartridge and the metering chamber is possible. The float body acts in this embodiment of the invention as a targeted throttle, which minimizes the slip between Dosierkammereinlauf and Dosierkammerauslass when opening the valve and thus co-determines the dosing accuracy.

Alternatively, the float and the metering chamber can be designed as a self-closing valve, on the one hand, in order to bring about the lowest possible energy consumption in an energy self-sufficient dosing device; on the other hand, a defined amount of preparation, which corresponds approximately to the filling volume of the dosing, released.

It is particularly advantageous to select the density of the detergent and / or cleaning agent preparation and the density of the floating body such that the floating body has a rate of rise of 1.5 mm / sec to 25 mm / sec, preferably 2 mm / sec to 20 mm / sec, in particular preferably 2.5 mm / sec to 17.5 mm / sec in the washing and / or cleaning agent preparation. This ensures a sufficiently rapid closing of the metering chamber inlet by the ascending float and thus a sufficiently short interval between two preparation dosages.

The rate of climb of the floating body can advantageously also be stored in the control unit of the dosing device which activates the valve. This makes it possible to beschaltten the valve so that a release of preparation is greater than the volume of the metering realized. In this case, the valve is then reopened before the float reaches its upper closure position at Dosierkammereinlass and closes the Dosierkammereinlass.

In order to ensure an accurate dosing from the dosing into the environment of the dosing device, it has proven to be advantageous that the float and the Dosing are configured in such a way that in the delivery position of the Dosierkammerauslass associated valve, the rate of rise of the float in the detergent and / or detergent preparation is smaller than the flow rate of the surrounding surrounding the float preparation from the metering chamber.

It is preferred to form the float substantially spherical. Alternatively, the float may also be substantially cylindrical.

It is preferable that the metering chamber is substantially cylindrical. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the diameter of the metering chamber is slightly larger than the diameter of the cylindrical or spherical floating body, so that a slip between the metering chamber and floating body arises with respect to the preparation.

According to a preferred embodiment, the float is made of a foamed, polymeric material - in particular of foamed PP - formed.

In a further preferred embodiment, the metering chamber is L-shaped.

Further, in the metering chamber, a diaphragm between the Dosierkammereinlass and Dosierkammerauslass be arranged, wherein the aperture is formed such that it is sealingly or non-sealingly closed by the float, the float is preferably disposed between the aperture and the Dosierkammereinlass.

Bauelemententräqer

The dosing device comprises a component carrier on which at least the actuator and the closure element and the energy source and / or the control unit and / or the sensor unit and / or the dosing chamber are arranged.

The component carrier has receptacles for the said components and / or the components are formed integrally with the component carrier.

The receptacles for the components in the component carrier can be provided for a positive, positive and / or cohesive connection between a corresponding component and the corresponding receptacle.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that for a simple disassembly of the components of the component carrier, the metering chamber, the actuator, the closure element, the Energy source, the control unit and / or the sensor unit is in each case detachably arranged on the component carrier.

It is also advantageous that the energy source, the control unit and the sensor unit are arranged in a module on or in the component carrier. In an advantageous further development of the invention, the energy source, the control unit and the sensor unit are combined in an assembly. This can be realized, for example, in that the energy source, the control unit and the sensor unit are arranged on a common electrical printed circuit board.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the component carrier is designed trough-like, manufactured as an injection molded part. It is particularly preferred that the metering chamber is formed integrally with the component carrier.

By the component carrier a largely simple automatic assembly with the necessary components of the dosing device is possible. The component carrier can be prefabricated as a whole, preferably automatically and assembled to form a dosing device.

The trough-like component carrier can be closed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention after the assembly liquid-tight from a, for example, cover-like closure element. The closure element may be formed, for example, as a film which is liquid-tight, materially connected to the component carrier and forms one or more liquid-tight chambers with the trough-like component carrier.

The closure element can also be a console, in which the component carrier can be inserted, wherein the console and the component carrier form the dosing device in the assembled state. The component carrier and the console in the assembled state cooperate in such a way that between the component carrier and the console, a liquid-tight connection is formed, so that no rinse water can get into the interior of the dosing device or the component carrier.

Furthermore, it is preferred that in the position of use of the metering device, the receptacle for the actuator on the component carrier in the direction of gravity is arranged above the metering chamber, whereby a compact design of the metering device can be realized. The compact design can be further optimized by the Dosierkammereinlass is arranged on the component carrier above the receptacle of the actuator in the position of use of the dosing device. Also, it is preferable that the components on the Component carrier are arranged substantially in a row to each other, in particular along the longitudinal axis of the component carrier.

In a further development of the invention, the receptacle for the actuator on an opening which is in line with the Dosierkammerauslass, so that a

Closure element from the actuator through the opening and the Dosierkammerauslass can be moved back and forth.

It is particularly preferred that the component carrier is formed of a transparent material.

actuator

For the purposes of this application, an actuator is a device which converts an input variable into a different output quantity and with which an object is moved or whose movement is generated, wherein the actuator is coupled to at least one shutter element, directly or indirectly releasing the preparation at least one cartridge chamber can be effected.

The actuator may be driven by drives selected from the group of gravity drives, ion drives, electric drives, motor drives, hydraulic drives, pneumatic drives, gear drives, threaded spindle drives, ball screws, linear drives, roller screws, tooth worm drives, piezoelectric actuators, chain drives, and / or recoil drives.

In particular, the actuator may be formed of an electric motor coupled to a transmission that converts the rotational movement of the motor into a linear motion of a carriage coupled to the transmission. This is particularly advantageous for a slim, plate-shaped design of the dosing unit.

At least one magnetic element can be arranged on the actuator, which causes a product discharge from the container with a magnet element with the same polarity on a dispenser as soon as the two magnetic elements are positioned against one another such that magnetic repulsion of the homopolar magnetic elements is effected and a non-contact release mechanism is realized.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the actuator is a bistable solenoid, which forms a pulse-controlled, bi-stable valve together with an engaging in the bistable solenoid, designed as a plunger core closure element. Bistable lifting magnets are electromechanical magnets with linear direction of movement, wherein the plunger locked in each end position without current.

Bistable lifting magnets or valves are known in the art. A bistable valve requires a pulse to change valve positions (open / closed) and then remains in that position until a counter pulse is sent to the valve. Therefore, one speaks of a pulse-controlled valve. A significant advantage of such pulse-controlled valves is that they do not consume energy to dwell in the Ventilendlagen, the closed position and discharge position, but only need an energy pulse to change the valve layers, thus the Ventilendlagen are considered to be stable. A bistable valve remains in that switching position, which last received a control signal.

By means of a current pulse, the closure element (plunger core) is moved to an end position. The power is switched off, the closing element holds the position. By current pulse, the closure element is moved to the other end position. The power is switched off, the closing element holds the position.

A bistable property of solenoids can be realized in different ways. First, a division of the coil is known. The coil is split more or less centrally so that a gap is created. In this gap, a permanent magnet is used. The plunger core itself is both the front and the back so turned off that he has in the respective end position a flat surface lying to the frame of the magnet. The magnetic field of the permanent magnet flows over this surface. The diving core sticks here. Alternatively, the use of two separate coils is possible. The principle is similar to the bistable solenoid with split coil. The difference is that they are actually two electrically different coils. These are controlled separately, depending on the direction in which the plunger is to be moved.

It is therefore particularly preferable that the closure element is coupled to the actuator in such a way that the closure element from the actuator in a closed position and in a passage position (dispensing position) is displaceable, wherein the closure element is designed as open / close valve element, that the actuator is designed such that it controlled by a suitable pulse selectively determinable occupies one of two end positions and without activation, the reached end position stably maintained, and thus that the combination forms a pulse-controlled, bistable open / close valve.

In particular, the actuator may for this purpose be designed as a bistable solenoid having an armature receiving space and an outer receiving space surrounding it be. The armature of the bistable solenoid may be configured to form or couple to the closure element.

In order to effect a separation between a wet and a dry space in the dosing, the armature receiving space of the actuator from the outer receiving space of the actuator may be liquid-tight and preferably also gas-tight.

It is furthermore advantageous to form at least the outer surface of the armature from a material which can not be attacked by the washing or cleaning agent to be metered, in particular from a plastic material.

The armature preferably comprises a core of a magnetizable, in particular a ferromagnetic material and a permanent magnet positioned in the outer receiving space, wherein a coil is arranged at each of its two axial ends.

It is further preferred that in the armature at its axial ends permanent magnets are arranged axially antipolig and that in the outer receiving space at both axial ends yoke rings of a ferromagnetic material, in particular iron, and between these a coil winding are arranged.

It is advantageous that the axial distance of the yoke rings is greater than the axial distance of the permanent magnets.

Further, yoke rings can be arranged in the armature at its axial ends, wherein in the outer receiving space at both axial ends of permanent magnets are arranged axially antipolig and between these a coil winding is arranged. The axial distance of the permanent magnets is in this case preferably greater than the axial distance of the yoke rings.

In particular, the one actuator / closure element combination is provided in a metering device of a metering system with a cartridge for flowable washing or cleaning agent having a plurality of chambers for spatially separated receiving each different preparations of a detergent or cleaning agent and with a detachable with the cartridge Dosing device, wherein the dosing device comprises: a power source, a control unit, a sensor unit, an actuator, which is so connected to the power source and the control unit, that a control signal of the control unit causes an actuation of the actuator, a closure element, with the actuator in the Art is coupled, that it from the actuator in a Verschließstellung and in a Durchlassstellung (dispensing position) is displaceable, at least one metering chamber communicating with at least one of the cartridge chambers of the cartridge communicates with a cartridge, wherein the metering chamber has an inlet for the flow of washing or cleaning agent from a cartridge chamber and an outlet for the Outflow of detergent or cleaning agent from the metering chamber into the environment and wherein at least the outlet of the metering chamber is closable or releasable by the closure element.

In particular, the actuator is arranged in a component carrier in the manner that in the use position of the metering device, a receptacle for the actuator on the component carrier in the direction of gravity above the metering chamber is arranged. In this case, it is particularly advantageous that in the position of use of the dosing device, the inlet of the dosing chamber is arranged on the component carrier above the receptacle of the actuator.

It is also conceivable that the dosing device has a component carrier in the in

In use position of the dosing a receptacle for the actuator on the component carrier is arranged laterally next to the metering chamber.

The receptacle for the actuator preferably has an opening which is in line with the outlet of the metering chamber, wherein the closure element from the actuator through the opening to the outlet is movable back and forth.

closure element

In the context of this application, a closure element is a component that acts on the actuator and that as a result of this action causes the opening or the closure of an outlet opening.

By way of example, the closure element can be valves which can be brought into a product delivery position or closure position by the actuator.

Particularly preferred is the embodiment of the closure element and the actuator in the form of a solenoid valve, wherein the dispenser are configured by the valve and the actuator by the electromagnetic or piezoelectric drive of the solenoid valve. In particular, when using a plurality of containers and thus to dosing preparations, the amount and timing of the dosage can be controlled very accurately by the use of solenoid valves. It is therefore advantageous to control the dispensing of preparations from each outlet opening of a chamber with a solenoid valve in that the solenoid valve directly or indirectly determines the release of preparation from the product discharge opening.

sensor

For the purposes of this application, a sensor is a measuring sensor or measuring sensor which can quantitatively record certain physical or chemical properties and / or the material quality of its environment qualitatively or as a measured variable.

The dosing unit preferably has at least one sensor which is suitable for detecting a temperature. The temperature sensor is designed in particular for detecting a water temperature.

It is further preferred that the dosing unit comprises a sensor for detecting the conductivity, whereby in particular the presence of water or the spraying of water, in particular in a dishwasher, is detected.

In a further development of the invention, the dosing unit has a sensor which can determine physical, chemical and / or mechanical parameters from the surroundings of the dosing unit. The sensor unit may comprise one or more active and / or passive sensors for the qualitative and / or quantitative detection of mechanical, electrical, physical and / or chemical variables, which are passed as control signals to the control unit.

In particular, the sensors of the sensor unit from the group of timers, temperature sensors, infrared sensors, brightness sensors, temperature sensors, motion sensors, strain sensors, speed sensors, proximity sensors, flow sensors, color sensors, gas sensors, vibration sensors, pressure sensors, conductivity sensors, turbidity sensors, Schallwechseleldrucksensoren, "Lab-on-a -Chip "- sensors, force sensors, acceleration sensors, inclination sensors, pH sensors, moisture sensors, magnetic field sensors, RFID sensors, magnetic field sensors, Hall sensors, biochips, odor sensors, hydrogen sulfide sensors and / or MEMS sensors be selected.

Particularly in the case of preparations whose viscosity varies greatly depending on the temperature, it is advantageous for volume or mass control of the metered preparations to provide flow sensors in the metering device. Suitable flow sensors can be selected from the group of orifice flow sensors, magnetic-inductive flowmeters, mass flow measurement according to the Coriolis process, vortex flow sensors. Flow measurement method, ultrasonic flow measurement method, variable area flow measurement, ring piston flow measurement, thermal mass flow measurement or differential pressure flow measurement.

It is particularly preferred that at least two sensor units are provided for measuring mutually different parameters, wherein very particularly preferably a sensor unit is a conductivity sensor and a further sensor unit is a temperature sensor. Furthermore, it is preferred that at least one sensor unit is a brightness sensor.

The sensors are especially adapted to detect the beginning, the course and the end of a washing program. For this purpose, by way of example and not limitation, the sensor combinations listed in the following table can be used

By means of the conductivity sensor can be detected, for example, whether the conductivity sensor is wetted by water, so that, for example. determine if there is water in the dishwasher.

Rinsing programs usually have a characteristic temperature profile, the u.a. is determined by the heating of the rinse water and the drying of the dishes, which can be detected by a temperature sensor.

By means of a brightness sensor, for example, the light penetration into the interior of a dishwasher can be detected when the dishwasher door is opened, resulting in e.g. indicates an end to the washing program.

In order to determine the degree of soiling of the items to be cleaned in the dishwasher, a turbidity sensor can also be provided. From this it is also possible, for example, to select a dosing program in the dosing device that applies to the determined contamination situation. It is also conceivable to detect the course of a washing program with the aid of at least one sound sensor by detecting specific sound and / or vibration emissions, for example during pumping or pumping out of water.

Of course, it is possible for the skilled person to use any suitable combinations of several sensors to achieve a Spülprogrammüberwachung.

control unit

A control unit in the sense of this application is a device which is suitable for influencing the transport of material, energy and / or information. For this purpose, the control unit influences actuators with the aid of information, in particular of measuring signals of the sensor unit, which processes them in the sense of the control target.

In particular, the control unit may be a programmable microprocessor. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention is on the

Microprocessor stored a plurality of dosing programs, which are selectable and executable in a particularly preferred embodiment according to the container coupled to the dosing device.

The control unit has, in a preferred embodiment, no connection to the possibly existing control of the household appliance. Accordingly, no information, in particular electrical, optical or electromagnetic signals, is exchanged directly between the control unit and the control of the household appliance.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the control unit is coupled to the existing control of the household appliance. Preferably, this coupling is wireless. For example, it is possible to position a transmitter on or in a dishwasher, preferably on or at the dosing chamber embedded in the door of the dishwasher, which wirelessly transmits a signal to the dosing unit when the control of the domestic appliance controls the dosing of, for example, a detergent from the dosing unit Dosing or rinse aid causes.

The control unit can store several programs for releasing different preparations or releasing products in different applications.

The delivery of preparations from the dosing device can be done sequentially or simultaneously. Enerqiequelle

For the purposes of this application is understood as an energy source, a component of the dosing, which is expedient to provide a suitable for the operation of the dosing or the dosing energy. Preferably, the energy source is designed such that the dosing system is self-sufficient.

Preferably, the energy source provides electrical energy. The energy source may be, for example, a battery, an accumulator, a power supply, solar cells or the like.

It is particularly advantageous to make the energy source replaceable, for example in the form of a replaceable battery.

For example, a battery may be selected from the group of alkaline manganese batteries, zinc carbon batteries, nickel oxyhydroxide batteries, lithium batteries, lithium iron sulfide batteries, zinc air batteries, zinc chloride batteries, Mercury oxide zinc batteries and / or silver oxide zinc batteries.

Lead accumulators (lead dioxide / lead), nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, alkaline-manganese batteries, silver-zinc batteries, nickel batteries, etc. Hydrogen batteries, zinc bromine batteries, sodium nickel chloride batteries and / or nickel-iron batteries.

The accumulator may in particular be designed in such a way that it is by loading wide up lad bar.

However, it is also conceivable to form mechanical energy sources consisting of one or more coil spring, torsion spring or torsion bar spring, spiral spring, air spring / gas spring and / or elastomer spring.

The energy source is dimensioned such that the dosing device can go through about 300 dosing cycles before the energy source is exhausted. It is particularly preferred that the energy source can run between 1 and 300 dosing cycles, most preferably between 10 and 300, more preferably between 100 and 300, before the energy source is depleted.

Furthermore, means for energy conversion can be provided in or on the dosing unit, which generate a voltage by means of which the accumulator is charged. For example, these means may be designed as a dynamo, which by the water flows during a rinse cycle is driven in a dishwasher and outputs the voltage generated in this way to the accumulator.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a purely exemplary embodiments representing drawings. In this case, particularly preferred embodiments and particularly preferred combinations of features are further described in detail. Show it:

Figure 1 Self-sufficient dosing device with two-chamber cartridge in the separated and assembled state

Figure 2 Autarkes dosing with two-chamber cartridge arranged in a drawer of a dishwasher

Figure 3 cartridge with three chambers in front view

FIG. 4 Cartridge with three chambers in plan view FIG. 5 Two-part cartridge with a trough-shaped and a plate-like cartridge element in an exploded view

Figure 6 Two-part cartridge with a cup-like container and a cartridge bottom in an exploded view

FIG. 7 Dosing device and cartridge in exploded view FIG. 8 Component carrier in front view

FIG. 9 Component carrier in an exploded view

FIG. 10 Component carrier in an exploded view

Figure 11 component carrier in supervision

FIG. 12 Component carrier in a perspective view on outlet openings FIG. 13 Component carrier in a perspective front view

FIG. 14 Component carrier in bottom view

FIG. 15 Dosing device in a state assembled with a cartridge in a perspective view

Figure 16 console with hinge in perspective view Figure 17 actuator designed as a bistable solenoid

FIG. 18 Dosing device in plate receptacle of a dish drawer

FIG. 19 Dosing device with bottom-side fixing means

Figure 20 metering device with fixative in the lateral surface of the metering device

FIG. 21 Dosing device with plates projecting out of the bottom FIG. 22 Dosing device with discharge openings protruding from the bottom

FIG. 23 Dosing device with V-shaped bottom contour of the dosing device

Figure 24 metering device with sawtooth-like fixing means

FIG. 25 dosing device with wave-shaped fixing means FIG. 1 shows a self-sufficient dosing device 2 with a two-chamber cartridge 1 in the separated and assembled state.

The metering device 2 has two metering chamber inlets 21a, 21b for repeatedly releasably receiving the corresponding outlet openings 5a, 5b of the chambers 3a, 3b of the cartridge 1. On the front are display and controls 37, which indicate the operating state of the dosing device 2 and act on this.

The Dosierkammereinlässe 21 a, 21 b further comprise means which upon insertion of the

Cartridge 1 on the metering device 2, the opening of the outlet openings 5a, 5b of the chambers 3a, 3b effect, so that the interior of the chambers 3a, 3b communicating with the Dosierkammereinlässen 21a, 21 b is connected.

The cartridge 1 may consist of one or more chambers 3a, 3b. The cartridge 1 may be integrally formed with a plurality of chambers 3a, 3b or more pieces, in which case the individual chambers 3a, 3b are joined together to form a cartridge 1, in particular by cohesive, positive or non-positive connection methods.

In particular, the fixation by one or more of the types of compounds from the group of snap-in compounds, compression joints, fusions, adhesive bonds, welded joints, solder joints, screw, wedge, clamp or bounce joints can be done. In particular, the fixation can also be formed by a shrink sleeve (so-called sleeve), which is pulled in a heated state at least in sections over the cartridge and firmly encloses the cartridge in the cooled state.

In order to provide advantageous residual emptying properties of the cartridge 1, the bottom of the cartridge 1 may be funnel-shaped inclined to the discharge opening 5a, 5b. Furthermore, the inner wall of the cartridge 1 can be formed by suitable choice of material and / or surface design in such a way that a low material adhesion of the product to the inner cartridge wall is realized. Also by this measure, the residual emptying of the cartridge 1 can be further optimized.

The chambers 3a, 3b of the cartridge 1 may have the same or different filling volumes. In a two chamber configuration 3a, 3b, the chamber volume ratio is preferably 5: 1, in a three chamber configuration preferably 4: 1: 1, these configurations being particularly suitable for use in dishwashers.

A connection method can also be that the chambers 3a, 3b are inserted into one of the corresponding metering chamber inlets 21a, 21b of the metering device 2 and thus fixed against each other.

The connection between the chambers 3a, 3b may in particular be made detachable in order to allow a separate exchange of a chamber.

The chambers 3a, 3b each contain a preparation 40a, 40b. The preparation 40a, 40b may have the same or different composition.

Advantageously, the chambers 3a, 3b are made of a transparent material, so that the filling level of the preparations 40a, 40b is visible from the outside by the user. However, it may also be advantageous to manufacture at least one of the chambers from an opaque material, in particular when the preparation contained in this chamber contains light-sensitive ingredients.

The outlet openings 5a, 5b are designed such that they form a positive and / or non-positive, in particular liquid-tight, connection with the corresponding metering chamber inlets 21a, 21b.

It is particularly advantageous that each of the outlet openings 5a, 5b is formed so that it fits only one of the Dosierkammereinlässe 21a, 21b, thereby preventing a chamber is accidentally plugged onto a wrong Dosierkammereinlass.

The cartridge 1 usually has a filling volume of <5,000 ml, in particular <1,000 ml, preferably <500 ml, more preferably <250 ml, most preferably <50 ml.

The metering unit 2 and the cartridge 1 can be adapted in the assembled state in particular to the geometries of the devices or in which they are applied in order to ensure the least possible loss of useful volume. To use the dosing unit 2 and the cartridge 1 in dishwashers, it is particularly advantageous to the dosing unit 2 and the cartridge 1 based on in

Dishwashers form to be cleaned dishes. Thus, the dosing unit 2 and the cartridge 1, for example, plate-shaped, be formed in approximately the dimensions of a plate. As a result, the dosing unit can be positioned to save space in the lower basket. To provide an immediate optical level control, it is advantageous to form the cartridge 1 at least in sections of a transparent material.

In order to protect heat-sensitive components of a product contained in a cartridge from heat, it is advantageous to produce the cartridge 1 from a material with a low thermal conductivity.

The outlet openings 5a, 5b of the cartridge 1 are preferably arranged on a line or in alignment, whereby a slender, plate-shaped design of the dosing dispenser is made possible.

FIG. 3 shows a further possible embodiment of the cartridge 1 with three chambers 3a, 3b, 3c. The first chamber 3a and the second chamber 3b have an approximately equal filling volume. The third chamber 3c has a filling volume about 5 times that of one of the chambers 3a or 3b. The cartridge base 4 has a ramp-like shoulder in the region of the third chamber 3c. This asymmetrical design of the cartridge 1 can ensure that the cartridge 1 can be coupled with the dosing device 2 in a position provided for this purpose and that insertion into a wrong position is prevented by a corresponding configuration of the dosing device 2 or the console 54.

In the plan view of the cartridge, which is shown in Figure 4, the dividers 9a and 9b can be seen, which separate the chambers of the cartridge 1 from each other. The cartridge known from FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 can be formed in different ways.

In a first variant, which is shown in FIG. 5, the cartridge 1 is formed from a first trough-like cartridge element 7 and a second, cover-like or plate-like cartridge element 6. In the trough-like cartridge element 7, the separating webs 9a and 9b are formed, through which the three chambers of the cartridge 1 are formed. At the bottom 4 of the trough-shaped cartridge element 7, the outlet openings 5a, 5b, 5c are respectively arranged below the chambers of the cartridge 1.

As can also be seen from FIG. 5, the bottom 4 of the cartridge in the region of the third chamber 3c has a ramp-like shoulder which forms a gradient in the direction of the third outlet opening 5c on the bottom of the chamber. This ensures that the preparation located in this chamber 3c is always directed in the direction of the outlet opening 5c, thus achieving a good emptying of the chamber 3c. In the assembled state of the cartridge 1, the trough-shaped cartridge element 7 and the cover-like cartridge element 6 along the common connecting edge 8 are materially interconnected. This can be realized for example by welding or gluing. Of course, in the assembled state of the cartridge 1, the webs 9a, 9b are also firmly bonded to the cartridge element 6.

In this case, the connecting edge 8 does not run through the outlet openings 5a-c, as a result of which leakage problems, in particular in the state coupled to the dosing device, are avoided in the region of the openings 5a-c.

A further variant of the embodiment of the cartridge is shown in FIG. 6. In this case, the first cartridge element 6 is cup-shaped and has an open bottom. The separately formed bottom 4 can be used as a second cartridge element 7 in the bottom-side opening of the cup-like cartridge element 6 and along the common

Connecting edge 8 are materially connected. Advantage of this variant is that the cup-like element 6 is produced inexpensively by a plastic blow molding process.

FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of the essential components of the metering system consisting of cartridge 1 and metering device 2.

As can be seen from FIG. 7, the cartridge 1 is composed of two cartridge elements 6, 7, which are already known from FIG. The dosing device 2 consists essentially of a component carrier 23 and a bracket 54 into which the component carrier 23 can be inserted.

Figure 8 shows a side view of the component carrier 23 of the metering device 2, which will be explained in more detail below.

On the component carrier 23, the metering chamber 20, the actuator 18 and the

Closure element 19 and the power source 15, the control unit 16 and the sensor unit 17 are arranged. The metering chamber 20, the predosing chamber 26, the metering chamber inlet 21 and the receptacle 29 are formed integrally with the component carrier 23.

As can also be seen from FIG. 8, the energy source 15, the control unit 16 and the sensor unit 17 are combined in an assembly by being arranged on a corresponding circuit board. As shown in FIG. 23, the predosing chamber 26 and the actuator 18 are arranged substantially next to one another on the component carrier 23. The predosing chamber 26 has an L-shaped basic shape with a shoulder in the lower region in which the receptacle 29 for the actuator 18 is embedded. Below the pre-metering chamber 26 and the actuator 18, the outlet chamber 27 is arranged. The pre-metering chamber 26 and the discharge chamber 27 together form the metering chamber 20.

The pre-metering chamber 26 and the outlet chamber 27 are connected to each other through the opening 34.

The receptacle 29, the opening 34 and the Dosierkammerauslass 22 lie on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the component carrier 23 escape, so that the rod-shaped closure element 19 can be passed through the openings 22,29,34.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 9, the rear walls of the pre-metering chamber 26 and the outlet chamber 27 are integrally formed with the component carrier 23. The front wall can then be connected to the metering chamber 20 in a material-tight manner, for example by a cover element or a film (not shown).

In the following, the embodiment of the dosing chamber 20 will be explained in more detail with reference to the detail view of FIG. One recognizes the outlet chamber 27, which has a bottom 62. The bottom 62 is inclined in a funnel-like manner toward the metering chamber outlet 22 arranged centrally in the outlet chamber 27. The Dosierkammerauslass 22 is located in a channel 63 which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the component carrier 23 in the

Outlet chamber 27 extends. The funnel-shaped bottom 62 and the channel 63 and the outlet opening 22 arranged therein ensure at a deviating from the horizontal position of the dosing metering and a nearly complete emptying of preparation from the dosing 20. Further, the preparation flows through the corresponding funnel-shaped floor design faster , Especially in higher-viscosity preparations, from the metering chamber, so that the metering interval in the preparation is released, can be kept short.

In the figure 9, only the middle metering chamber 20 is provided with a funnel-shaped bottom design of the type described above. It is understood that, in deviation from this illustration, other, further or all metering chambers can have such a shape. This also applies to the pre-metering chambers 26 and outlet chambers 27, insofar as these are provided. The arrangement of the actuator 18, the closure element 19 and the seal 36 on the component carrier 23 will be explained in greater detail on the basis of the exploded illustration in FIG. The figure shows a component carrier 23 with three juxtaposed metering chambers 20. In the metering chamber on the far right is the actuator 18c, the closure member 19c and the seal 36c in the assembled state on

Component carrier 23 is shown. In the middle metering chamber, the seal 36b and the closure element 19b are shown in the assembled state in the metering chamber, while the actuator 18b is detached from the closure element 19b. Above the left metering chamber 20a, both the seal 36a, the closure element 19a and the actuator 18a are shown in an exploded view.

Integral with the component carrier 23, the metering chamber 20, the predosing chamber 26, the Dosierkammereinlass 21 and the receptacle 29 for the actuator 18 is formed. The pre-metering chamber 26 is arranged in an L-shaped manner above the metering chamber 20, the receptacle for the actuator 18 being arranged on the leg of the predosing chamber running parallel to the bottom of the component carrier 23. The metering chamber 20 and the predosing chamber 26 are connected to each other through the opening 34. The receptacle 29, the opening 34 and the Dosierkammerauslass 22 lie on an axis which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the component carrier 23.

The seal 36 has a substantially hollow cylinder-like space shape with a closed by a plate-like tail head. The elastic seal 36 can be arranged in the metering chamber 20 in such a way that the plate-like end piece presses against the opening 34 on the inside against the metering chamber outlet 22 and with the side of the seal 36 facing away from the plate-like end piece. The cylindrical closure element 19 is formed with its first end such that it engages in the hollow-cylindrical seal 36 and there material, force and / or positively fixed. The closure element 19 is dimensioned in such a way that it can be passed through the opening 34 and the opening of the receptacle 29, but strikes the Dosierkammerauslass 22 so that the closure member 19 can not slip down out of the component carrier 23.

The closure element 19 protrudes with one end out of the receptacle 29. This end is plugged into the actuator 18 designed as a bistable electromagnet and acts as an anchor.

FIG. 11 shows the component carrier 23 known from FIG. 10 in plan view. It can be seen that the metering chamber inlets 21a-c and the receptacles 29a-c for the actuators 18a-c are arranged on a line corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the component carrier 23.

FIG. 12 shows the bottom side of the component carrier 23 in a perspective view. It can be seen that the Dosierkammerauslässe 22 a - c and the receptacle 28 for the

Sensor unit are formed a hollow cylinder, whereby the actual outlet opening and the Dosierkammerauslässe 22a-c closing seal 36a-c are protected from mechanical damage.

The ventilation system of the dosing unit 2 will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG. If a preparation is discharged from the dosing chamber via the Dosierkammerauslass 22 to the environment, created by the falling liquid level in the chambers of the cartridge 1, a negative pressure, is sucked through the ambient air for pressure equalization in the Dosierkammereinlass 22 and the outlet chamber 27. In the L-shaped predosing chamber 26 extends within the vertical leg, a chamber wall 31 in the region of the vertical leg, a first channel 32 and a second Train channel 33. Through the chamber wall 31, the rising air is passed into the right channel 33, so that this channel 33 primarily acts as a vent channel, while the other channel 32 primarily ensures a subsequent flow of preparation from the cartridge 1.

The Dosierkammereinlass 21 is disposed on a nozzle 30 which is communicatively connected to the pre-metering chamber 26. It can be seen that the chamber wall 31 also extends into the nozzle 30 and divides it into two separate channels.

In Figure 14, the bottom side of the component carrier 23 is shown in a plan view. The Dosierkammerauslässe 22a-c and the receptacle 28 for the sensor unit 17 are arranged on a line which corresponds substantially to the longitudinal axis of the component carrier 23.

FIG. 15 shows the metering device 2 in the assembled state with the cartridge 1 in a perspective view. The metering system has a height h, a width b and a depth t in the assembled state. The width b and the height h should not exceed 210 mm. The depth t should be less than 20mm. The ratio of width / height / depth should be about 10: 10: 1. The height h and the width b preferably correspond to the format of a medium-sized dining table. Thus, the dosing system can be positioned in a simple, and intuitive way for the user in the appropriate dish of a dishwasher washing rack. FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the bracket 54. It can be seen that in each case a hook 56 is integrally formed on the hinge 55, which engages in a corresponding receptacle of the cartridge 1 and thus fixes the cartridge relative to the metering device 2. The hooks 56 are substantially opposite. It is also conceivable that in total only one hook 56 is arranged on an inner side of the bracket 54.

FIG. 17 shows, in a schematic illustration, a cross-sectional view through an actuator 18 designed as a bistable lifting magnet. A first coil 58 and a second coil 59 are arranged with one arranged between the coils 58, 59

Permanent magnets 57. In the annular coils 58,59 and the annular permanent magnet 57, the closure element 19 is accommodated as a plunger core. By magnetic inference between the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 57 and the magnetizable closure element 19, a holding force is generated, whereby the closure element 19 is fixable in a position which is defined by the holding points 60,61.

The closure element 19 can be moved to the holding points 60 and 61 by a pulse-like energization of the coils 58, 59, in that an electrically generated magnetic field of one of the coils 58, 59 with a corresponding polarization is superimposed on the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 57. For example, if the coil 58 is energized, then a demolition of the magnetic yoke between the permanent magnet 57 and the closure member 19 is effected, so that subsequently the closure member 19 is moved in the magnetic field of the coil 58 from the holding point 60 to the breakpoint 61, which is shown in the lower figure of Figure 17 shows. If a corresponding pulse-like energization of the coil 59 is effected, then the closure element 19 moves from the holding point 61 back to the starting position of the stopping point 60.

As already mentioned, the metering system of the type described above is basically suitable for being used in or in connection with water-conducting devices of any kind. As explained in the preceding embodiments, the dosing system according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in water-bearing household appliances such as dishwashers and / or washing machines, but not limited to such use.

In general, it is possible to use the metering system according to the invention wherever a dosage of at least one, preferably several preparations in a liquid Medium according to a dosing program triggering or controlling external physical or chemical parameters is needed.

In the figures 18 to 25 various attachment and securing options for the Doseirsystem invention are explained in more detail in a dish drawer 41 of a dishwasher 38.

FIG. 18 shows the dosing device 2 coupled to a cartridge 1 in the plate receptacle 110 of a dish drawer 41. The dish drawer 41, which is usually of a latticed design, has struts 109 into which the fixing means 108 of the dosing device 2 engage. In this way, a lateral slipping of the dosing device 2, for example, when pulling out or pushing the dish drawer 41 into the dishwasher 38, avoided. FIG. 19 shows a possible embodiment of the dosing device 2, in which the fixing means 108 are formed as arcuate recesses at the bottom of the dosing device 2. It is also conceivable that the fixing means 108 engage in the struts of the plate receptacle 110 or at least partially enclose them in order to prevent a securing against lateral slippage. This is shown in Figure 20, where the fixing means 108 are formed as channel-like depressions on the front and / or rear wall of the dosing device 2.

Furthermore, it is possible to form the fixing means 108 as webs protruding from the bottom plane of the metering device 2, which is shown in FIG. It is also conceivable for the metering chamber outlets 22 of the metering device to protrude from the bottom plane of the metering device 2 in order to form the fixing means 108 (FIG. 22).

According to FIG. 23, the bottom-side contour of the dosing device 2 can also be V-shaped, so that the tip of the V-shaped dosing device 2 can engage between two adjacent dish drawer struts 109 and thus form the fixing means 108 against lateral slippage.

FIG. 24 shows a further embodiment of a fixing means. The bottom-side contour of the dosing device 2 has sawtooth-like depressions into which the struts 109 of a dish drawer 41 can engage, thus forming a fixing means 108 against lateral slipping of the dosing device 2 in the dish drawer 41.

It is also conceivable to design the bottom-side contour of the dosing device 2 to form fixing elements 108 in a wave-shaped manner, which is shown in FIG.

Claims

claims

1. dosing system (1, 2) for positioning inside a dishwasher by a user wherein • the dosing system (1, 2) is designed such that it is in a

Plate receptacle of a dish rack can be positioned,

• a plurality of chambers (3a, 3b, 3c), for spatially separated recording each flowable, mutually different preparations of a detergent or cleaning agent comprises, • the outlet openings (5a, 5b, 5c) of the dosing (1, 2) in

Position of use, directed downward in the direction of gravity,

characterized in that the cartridge (1) of the dosing (1, 2) is formed and the outlet openings (5a, 5b, 5c) are dimensioned and arranged such that at a deviating from the vertical angle of 2-20 ° in the

Substantially complete residual emptying of the cartridge chambers (3a, 3b, 3c) is effected.

2. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet openings (5a, 5b, 5c) are arranged lying on a line.

3. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet openings (5a, 5b, 5c) have a diameter of 0.7-1.0 times the width of the cartridge bottom (4).

4. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet openings (5a, 5b, 5c) are arranged centrally on the longitudinal axis of the cartridge bottom (4).

5. dosing system (1, 2) for positioning inside a dishwasher by a user

The dosing system (1, 2) is designed such that it can be positioned in a dish receptacle of a dish rack,

• a plurality of chambers (3a, 3b, 3c), for the spatially separated recording each flowable, mutually different preparations of a detergent or cleaning agent comprises,

The outlet openings (5a, 5b, 5c) of the dosing system (1, 2) in the position of use, are directed downward in the direction of gravity, characterized in that the metering device (2) of the metering system (1, 2) is formed and the outlet openings (22a, 22b, 22c) are dimensioned and arranged such that at a deviating from the vertical angle of 2-20 ° a substantially complete emptying of the metering chambers (20a, 20b, 20c) is effected.

6. Dosing system according to claim 6, characterized in that the bottom (62) of the metering chamber (29) is funnel-shaped in the direction of the outlet opening (22).

7. Dosing system according to one of claims 6 to 7, characterized in that the outlet opening (22) of the metering chamber in a channel (63) is inserted, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the metering device (2) in the metering chamber (20).

8. Metering system according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the outlet openings (22) of the metering chamber are arranged lying on a line.

9. Dosing system according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the outlet openings (22a, 22b, 22c) of the metering chamber have a diameter of 0.3-0.8 times the width of the metering device (4).

10. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ratio of height: width: depth of the dosing device (2) and the cartridge (1) in the coupled state between 10: 10: 1 and 50: 50: 1.

11. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ratio of depth (T) of the cartridge to width (B) of the cartridge in about 1: 20.

12. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ratio of height (H) of the cartridge to width (B) of the cartridge is approximately 1: 1.

13. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the width and the height of the dosing system are selected in particular between 150mm and 300mm, more preferably between 175mm and 250mm.

14. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dosing device (2) fixing means (108) which in the struts (109) of a lattice-like trained drawer (41) and / or in the struts of the disc receptacle (1 10) engage or at least partially enclose it to prevent a backup of the dosing device (2) against slipping in the dish drawer (41).

15. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a cartridge (1) according to claim 1 and a dosing device according to claim 5.