EP2395898A1 - Cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a cartridge (1) for coupling to a dosing devoice (2) which may be positioned within a domestic device (38) for dispensing at least one washing or cleaning agent preparation (40), the cartridge (1) having at least oner chamber (3) for storing at least one free-flowing liquid or powder washing or cleaning agent preparation (40) and the cartridge (1) is protected against ingress of rinsing water into the chamber(s) (3) when coupled to the dosing device (2). The cartridge (1) is provided with at least one outlet opening (5) on the lower side in gravity direction, in particular for gravity fed dispensing of preparation (40) from at least one chamber (3) and at least one ventilation opening (81) on the underside in the direction of gravity for ventilation of at least one chamber (3), wherein the ventilation opening (81) is separate from the outlet opening (5) and the ventilation opening (81) has a communicating connection with at least one chamber (3) of the cartridge (1).

Description

 cartridge

The invention relates to a cartridge, a metering device for coupling with a cartridge and a metering system for dispensing a plurality of preparations for use in water-bearing devices, 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, on the one hand, and on the other hand independent devices which are independent of the dishwasher or textile washing machine and which are integrated into the dishwasher or textile washing machine be differentiated. 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 dosing with each 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)

Object of the invention

The object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved metering device, an improved cartridge, and / or improved metering system.

The dosing 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 components 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 system is not insoluble with a water-carrying device such as a dishwasher,

Washing machine, washer or the like is connected, but for example, from a dishwasher by the user removed or positioned in a dishwasher, so is independently handled, is

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, it is also conceivable that the dosing device for the user is not detachably connected to a water-carrying device such as a dishwasher, washing machine, laundry dryer or the like 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 as meaning a packaging material which is suitable for enveloping or holding together flowable or spreadable preparations and which can be coupled to a dosing device for dispensing the preparation.

In particular, a cartridge can also comprise a plurality of chambers which can be filled with mutually different compositions. It is also conceivable that a plurality of containers is arranged to form a cartridge unit.

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 container 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 container is required, whereby the structure of the metering device can be kept simple and the production costs low.

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 effected. The arrangement of a second chamber is particularly advantageous if in the separate containers preparations are stored, which are usually not stable to each other, such as bleaching agents 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 for Delivery of volatile preparations such as a fragrance to the environment be configured.

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 in this case be separated from one another, for example, by webs or material bridges.

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.

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 can be achieved by one or more of the connection types from the group of snap-in connections,

Velcro connections, compression joints, fusion joints, adhesive bonds, welded joints, solder joints, screw joints, wedge joints, clamp connections or bounce joints. 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. The chambers of a cartridge may have the same or different filling volumes. In a two-chamber configuration, the ratio of container volumes is preferably 5: 1, with a three-chamber configuration it is preferably 4: 1: 1, and these configurations are particularly suitable for use in dishwashers.

As mentioned above, the cartridge preferably has 3 chambers. For the use of such a cartridge in a dishwasher, it is particularly preferred that the first chamber contains an alkaline cleaning preparation, the second chamber an enzymatic preparation and the third chamber a rinse aid, wherein the volume ratio of the chambers is approximately 4: 1: 1.

In or on a chamber, a metering chamber may be formed in the flow direction of the preparation in front of the outlet opening. 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 discharge from a chamber to the environment, can only be put into a dispensing and a closure state without 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 delivered preparation amount. The metering chambers can be formed in one piece or in several pieces.

According to a further advantageous development of the invention, one or more chambers in addition to an outlet opening each have a liquid-tight sealable chamber opening. Through this chamber opening, it is possible, for example, to refill stored in this chamber preparation.

For ventilation of the cartridge chambers ventilation possibilities can be provided in particular in the head region of the cartridge in order to ensure a pressure equalization with decreasing filling level of the chambers between the interior of the cartridge chambers and the environment. These ventilation options can be designed, for example, as a valve, in particular silicone valve, micro-openings in the cartridge wall or the like.

If, according to another embodiment, the cartridge chambers are not ventilated directly but are provided via the metering device or no ventilation, for example when using flexible containers such as bags, this has the advantage that at elevated temperatures during a dishwashing cycle of a dishwasher through the Heating the chamber contents, a pressure is built up, which presses the preparations to be dosed in the direction of the outlet openings, so that in this way a good 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 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 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 metering device can save space, e.g. be positioned 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. The cartridge preferably has a ratio of height: width: depth between 5: 5: 1 and 50: 50: 1, particularly preferably 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 To avoid metering 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 metering 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 with a substantially circular or square base.

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

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

Another way to reduce the effect of heat on a preparation in a chamber of the cartridge is to isolate the chamber by suitable means, e.g. by the use of thermal insulation materials such as styrofoam, which suitably completely or partially enclose the chamber or cartridge.

Another measure for protecting heat-sensitive substances in a cartridge is, in a plurality of chambers, their arrangement to each other.

Thus, for example, it is conceivable that the chamber containing a heat-sensitive product is partially or completely enclosed by at least one further product-filled chamber, which product and chamber functions as thermal insulation for the enclosed chamber in this configuration. This means that a first chamber, which contains a heat-sensitive product, is partially or completely enclosed by at least one further product-filled chamber, so that the heat-sensitive product in the first chamber has a slower temperature increase when the environment is heated than the one Products in the surrounding chambers.

In order to bring about a further improvement of the heat insulation, when using more than two chambers, the chambers can be arranged around each other according to the matryoshka principle, so that a multilayer insulation layer is formed. In particular, it is advantageous that at least one preparation stored in an enclosing chamber has a thermal conductivity of between 0.01 and 5 Wm ^* K, preferably between 0.02 and 2 W / m * k, particularly preferably between 0.024 and 1 W / m ^* K.

The cartridge is formed in particular dimensionally stable. However, it is also conceivable to design the cartridge as a flexible packaging such as a tube. Furthermore, it is also possible to use flexible containers such as bags, in particular if they are inserted into a substantially dimensionally stable receptacle in accordance with the bag-in-bottle principle described dimensionally stable packaging (cartridge) - the need to provide a ventilation system for pressure equalization.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cartridge has an RFID tag that contains at least information about the contents of the cartridge and that can be read by the sensor unit.

This information can be used to select a dosing program stored in the control unit. In this way it can be ensured that an optimal dosing program is always used for a particular preparation. It can also be provided that in the absence of an RFID label or an RFID label with a false or faulty identifier, no metering by the metering device takes place and instead an optical or acoustic signal is generated that the user to the present Error indicates.

In order to prevent misuse of the cartridge, the cartridges may also have structural elements which cooperate with corresponding elements of the metering device according to the key-lock principle, so that, for example, only cartridges of a particular type can be coupled to the metering device. Furthermore, this configuration makes it possible for information about the cartridge coupled to the dosing device to be transmitted to the control unit, as a result of which control of the dosing device coordinated with the contents of the corresponding container can take place.

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. 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. By way of example, but not conclusively, some possible combinations of the filling of the chambers with different preparations are listed below:

The cartridge comprises a cartridge bottom, which is directed downward in the use position in the direction of gravity and in which at least two chambers each have at least one outlet opening arranged on the cartridge bottom.

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.

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

It is advantageous that the connecting edge extends along the top, bottom and side surfaces of the cartridge. In this way, two cartridge elements can be produced in particular by injection molding, wherein either both elements are trough-shaped or an element trough-shaped and the second element lid-like.

To form a two-chamber or multi-chamber cartridge, at least one of the two cartridge elements can comprise at least one separating web which, in the assembled state of the elements, separates two adjacent chambers of the cartridge from one another.

As an alternative to the formation of the cartridge by two cup-shaped cartridge elements, it is also conceivable that a cartridge element as a cup-shaped container with at least one Chamber and the second element of the cartridge bottom or -köpf, which is connected to the cup-like container liquid-tight along the connecting edge.

Of course, it is also conceivable to combine the above-mentioned cartridge configurations in any suitable manner with each other. For example, it is possible a two-chamber cartridge of a trough-shaped and a lid-like

To form cartridge element and to arrange a third one-piece or multi-piece chamber on the head or lateral surface of the cartridge thus formed.

In particular, such a further chamber for accommodating a preparation may be arranged on the cartridge and be configured in such a way that a release of volatile substances such as, for example, fragrances from the preparation into the environment of the chamber is effected.

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, the closure is designed as a silicone valve.

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 the molding, the two elements by a

Flipping abut each other and are connected cohesively along the connecting edge.

In a further embodiment of the invention, an energy source, in particular a battery or accumulator, is arranged on the cartridge, preferably on 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 free-flowing washing and / or

Detergent preparation on, wherein the cartridge is coupled in the coupled with the dosing device state before entering rinse water in the chamber (s) and the cartridge at least one bottom in the direction of gravity discharge opening to - in particular Gravity-induced release of preparation from at least one chamber and at least one gravity-bottom vent for venting at least one chamber, wherein the vent is separated from the discharge opening (5) and the vent is communicatively connected to at least one chamber of the cartridge.

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.

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 via capillary forces in the ventilation duct when the preparation at the Vent duct opening is present.

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 dishwasher or washing machine and / or tumble dryer.

The outlet openings of the chambers of the cartridge and the inlet openings of the

Dosing device are arranged and configured in such a way that they are sequentially connected to each other by the pivoting in the locked state in the coupling state of metering device and cartridge.

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 length (L).

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 thickness (D) of the cartridge to length (L) of the cartridge is about 1:20. The ratio of height (H) of the cartridge to length (L) of the cartridge is preferably about 1: 1.2.

It is also preferred that 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.

optical fiber

The cartridge for coupling with a dosing device for dispensing at least one washing and / or cleaning agent preparation from the cartridge into the interior of a household appliance comprises in a preferred embodiment of the invention a light conductor arranged in or on the cartridge, into which a light signal can be coupled from outside the cartridge is.

In particular, the light guide may be wholly or partly formed in or on the walls and / or webs of the cartridge.

Furthermore, it is advantageous to form the light guide integrally in or on the walls and / or webs of the cartridge.

The light guide preferably consists of a transparent plastic material. However, it is also possible to form the entire cartridge from a transparent material.

It is preferred that the light guide is capable of directing light in the visible range (380-780 nm). It is particularly preferable that the light guide is suitable to light in the near

Infrared range (780nm-3,000nm). In particular, it is preferred that the light guide is suitable for guiding light in the mid-infrared range (3.0 μm-50 μm). The light signal which can be coupled into the optical waveguide is in particular a carrier of information, in particular, for example, with respect to the operating state of the dosing device and / or the filling level of the cartridge.

In a preferred development of the invention, the light guide is designed in such a way that the light signal which can be coupled into the light guide can also be decoupled from the light guide.

In this case, it may be advantageous for the light guide to be designed in such a way that the light signal can be coupled out at a position of the cartridge which is different from the point in which the light signal can be coupled into the cartridge.

The coupling or decoupling of the light signal can be realized in particular on a prismatic edge of the cartridge.

It is also advantageous that the light signal and the light guide are configured in such a way that a visible to a user light signal to and / or can be generated in the cartridge.

Advantageously, the light guide is at least partially completely or partially enclosed by a material having a lower optical refractive index. In particular, the lower refractive index material may be a preparation stored in a chamber of the cartridge.

According to a further embodiment, the light guide can be severed at at least one point in the cartridge in such a way that preparation can fill the separation point.

dosing

The control unit, sensor unit and at least one actuator necessary for operation are integrated in the dosing device. Preferably, an energy source is also arranged in the metering device.

Preferably, the metering device consists of a splash-proof housing, which prevents the penetration of spray water, as may occur, for example, when used in a dishwasher, into the interior of the metering device.

It is particularly advantageous to shed in particular the energy source, the control unit and the sensor unit in such a way that the metering device is substantially watertight, the Dosing device is thus functional 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.

It is particularly preferred that the dosing device comprises at least a first interface, which in or on a water-conducting device such as in particular a water-conducting household appliance, preferably a dishwashing or washing machine formed corresponding interface cooperates in such a way that a transfer of electrical energy from the water-bearing device realized for dosing.

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 is effected.

In this case, it is particularly preferred that the interfaces are inductive transmitters or receivers of electromagnetic waves. Thus, in particular, the interface of a water-conducting device, such as a dishwasher, can be designed as an alternating-current transmitter coil with iron core and the interface of the dosing device as a receiver coil with iron core.

In an advantageous further development of the invention, in each case a second interface on the dosing device and the water-conducting device, such as a dishwasher, for the transmission of electromagnetic signals, which in particular Betriebszustandands-,

Measuring and / or control information of the dosing and / or the water-bearing device such as a dishwasher represent formed.

In particular, such an interface can be designed such that a wireless transmission of electromagnetic signals is effected. The wireless transmission of data can be realized, for example, by means of radio transmission or transmission. In an advantageous further development of the invention, the dosing device for dispensing at least one washing and / or cleaning agent preparation from a cartridge into the interior of a domestic appliance has a light source by means of which a light signal can be coupled into a light guide of the cartridge. In particular, the light source may be an LED.

Furthermore, it is possible for the light signal coupled into the optical waveguide of the cartridge and passing through the optical waveguide to be detectable by a sensor located on the dosing device.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the metering device for

Dispensing of at least one flowable detergent and / or cleaning agent preparation into the interior of a domestic appliance a cartridge which can be coupled to the dispenser, wherein the cartridge stores at least one flowable detergent and / or cleaning agent preparation and the cartridge has at least one outlet opening in the direction of gravity at the bottom with the dispenser coupled state is communicatively connected to an inlet opening of the dosing device, wherein the dosing device and the cartridge have means which cooperate in such a way that a releasable locking between metering device and cartridge can be produced, wherein the dosing device and the cartridge in the locked state against each other about a pivot point (SP) are pivotable, and that the outlet opening of the cartridge and the inlet opening of the metering console are configured such that, after the production of the latching between the cartridge and metering device by pivoting the cartridge che are communicatively connected in the coupling state between dosing console and cartridge.

In particular, it is preferred that the outlet openings of the chambers and the

Inlet openings of the dosing device are arranged and configured such that they are connected by the pivoting in the locked state in the coupling state of dosing device and cartridge sequentially with each other.

It is particularly preferred that the inlet openings of the metering device are each arranged one behind the other in the pivoting direction.

It is very particularly preferred that the inlet openings of the dosing device are arranged in the pivoting direction on a line (L).

The inlet openings of the dosing device can in particular also have approximately the same distance from one another. 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.

It is also advantageous to form means on the dosing device and / or cartridge which, in the latched state of the cartridge and the dosing device, cause the cartridge to be guided during pivoting into the coupling state of the cartridge and dosing device.

Component carrier The metering 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 metering 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 the component carrier, the metering chamber, the actuator, the closure element, the energy source, the control unit and / or the sensor unit is detachably arranged on the component carrier for easy disassembly of the components.

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 do so as a whole preferably prefabricated automatically and assembled into a dosing device.

The trough-like component carrier can be closed liquid-tight by a lid-like element after placement. The lid-like element may be formed, for example, as a film which is liquid-tight, materially connected to the component carrier and forms with the trough-like component carrier one or more liquid-tight chambers. The lid-like element may also be a console, in which the component carrier is insertable, wherein the component carrier and the console in the assembled state cooperate in such a way that between the component carrier and the console is formed a liquid-tight connection.

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. It is also preferable for the components to be arranged on the component carrier substantially in a row relative to one another, in particular along the longitudinal axis of the component carrier.

In a further development of the invention, the receptacle for the actuator has 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.

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 effects a product discharge from the container with a magnet element that is in the same position on a dispenser as soon as the two magnetic elements are positioned against one another such that a magnetic repulsion of the homopolar magnetic elements is effected and a contactless 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 a linear direction of movement, whereby the diving core is locked without current in each end position.

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. About this area the magnetic field of the permanent magnet flows. 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.

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 be dosed 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, sound pressure sensors, "lab-on-a-chip" sensors, force sensors, acceleration sensors, inclination sensors, pH sensors, humidity sensors, magnetic field sensors, RFID sensors, magnetic field sensors, HaII sensors, biochips, odor sensors, hydrogen sulfide sensors and / or MEMS sensors may 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 may be selected from the group of orifice flow rate sensors, electromagnetic flowmeters, Coriolis mass flow rate measurement, vortex flowmeter, ultrasonic flow rate measurement, variable area flow measurement, annular piston flow measurement, thermal mass flow measurement or differential pressure flow measurement.

It is also conceivable for a temperature-dependent viscosity curve of at least one preparation to be deposited in the control unit, wherein the dosage is adjusted by the control unit according to the temperature and thus the viscosity of the preparation.

In a further embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for direct determination of the viscosity of the preparation is provided.

The alternatives listed above for determining the metered quantity or the viscosity of a preparation serve to generate a control signal that is processed by the control unit in such a way for controlling a dispenser that essentially a constant metering of a preparation is effected. The data line between the sensor and the control unit can be realized via an electrically conductive cable or wirelessly.

A wirelessly formed data line is formed in particular by the transmission of electromagnetic waves. It is preferable to form a wireless data line according to standardized standards such as Bluetooth, IrDA, IEEE 802, GSM, UMTS, etc.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensor unit is arranged at the bottom of the dosing device, wherein in the position of use the bottom of the dosing device is directed downward in the direction of gravity. In this case, it is particularly preferred that the sensor unit comprises a temperature and / or a conductivity sensor. Such a configuration ensures that water is applied to the underside of the dispenser by the spray arms of the dishwasher and thus into contact with the sensor. Due to the fact that the distance between the spray arms and the sensor is as low as possible due to the bottom-side arrangement of the sensor, the water experiences only a slight cooling between the outlet on the spray arms and the contact with the sensor, so that the most accurate temperature measurement can be carried out ,

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, a plurality of dosing programs are stored on the microprocessor, which can be selected and executed 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 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.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the call of the corresponding program can be effected by means of corresponding RFID labels or geometric information carriers formed on the container. Thus, it is possible, for example, to use the same control unit for a plurality of applications, for example for dosing detergent in dishwashers, for dispensing perfumes in the

Room scenting, for the application of cleaning substances in a toilet basin etc.

For dosing preparations which are in particular prone to gelling, the control unit can be configured in such a way that on the one hand the dosing takes place in a sufficiently short time to ensure a good cleaning result and on the other hand the dosing of the preparation does not occur so quickly. This can be realized, for example, by an interval-type release, whereby the individual metering intervals are set in such a way that the corresponding metered amount dissolves completely during a cleaning cycle.

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

Energy source For the purpose of this application, the term energy source is understood to mean a component of the metering system which is expedient for providing a suitable energy for operating the metering system or the metering device. 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 charged by induction rechargeable 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 is driven by the water flows during a rinse cycle in a dishwasher and emits the voltage thus generated to the accumulator.

Schwinqzerstäuber

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the dosing system has at least one vibrating atomizer, via which it is possible to transfer a preparation into the gas phase or to keep it in the gas phase. Thus, it is conceivable, for example, to evaporate preparations by means of the vibrating atomizer, to nebulize and / or to sputtering, whereby the preparation passes into the gas phase or forms an aerosol in the gas phase, wherein the gas phase is usually air.

This embodiment is particularly advantageous when used in a dishwashing machine or washing machine, where a corresponding release of preparation into the gas phase takes place in a closable rinsing or washing room. The preparation introduced into the gas phase can be distributed evenly in the washing compartment and deposited on the items to be washed in the dishwasher.

The preparation released by the vibrating atomizer may be selected from the group of surfactant-containing preparations, enzyme-containing preparations, odor-neutralizing preparations, biocidal preparations, antibacterial preparations.

By applying the cleaning preparations to the washware from the gas phase, a uniform layer of the corresponding cleaning preparation is applied to the washware surface. It is particularly preferred that the entire Spülgutoberfläche is wetted by the cleaning preparation.

As a result, several advantageous effects can be achieved before the start of a water-releasing cleaning program of the dishwasher. On the one hand can be suppressed by a suitable cleaning preparation, a generation of bad odors by biological decomposition processes adhering to the dishes food residues. On the other hand, a corresponding cleaning preparation can effect a "soaking" of the food particles possibly adhering to the items to be washed, so that they can be easily and completely removed in the dishwasher's cleaning program, in particular in the case of low-temperature programs.

It is also possible to apply a preparation by means of the vibrating atomizer on the dishes after the completion of a cleaning program of a dishwasher. This may be, for example, an antibacterial preparation or a preparation for the modification of surfaces.

APPLICATION EXAMPLES In principle, the dosing system of the type described in the introduction is suitable for being used in or in connection with water-conducting devices of any type. The metering 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 dosing 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.

Thus, for example, it is also conceivable to use the dosing system in household robots, such as floor cleaning machines, for dosing cleaning substances in a toilet bowl or toilet cistern, water-conducting cleaning appliances such as high-pressure cleaner, windscreen washer systems for vehicles, in plant irrigation systems, steam ironing devices, fittings and the like.

Abbildunqsverzeichnis

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 two-chamber cartridge in the separated state to a self-sufficient and internal machine-integrated dosing

Figure 4 two-chamber cartridge in the assembled state with an internal machine-integrated dosing

Figure 5 two-chamber cartridge in the separated state to a self-sufficient and external machine-integrated dosing

Figure 6 Two-chamber cartridge in the assembled state with an external machine-integrated dosing

Figure 7 two-chamber cartridge in the separated and assembled state to a self-sufficient, machine-integrated dosing

Figure 8 two-chamber cartridge in the assembled state to a self-sufficient, machine-integrated dosing

Figure 9 Autonomous dosing device with refillable two-chamber cartridge and _ Refill

FIG. 10 Cartridge formed from a tub and a cup-shaped cartridge element

FIG. 11 Cartridge formed from two trough-shaped cartridge elements

FIG. 12 Cartridge formed from a cup-shaped, bottomless container and a cartridge bottom

FIG. 13 Cartridge formed from a cup-shaped, open-topped container with a cartridge cover

FIG. 14 Cartridge With Three Chambers FIG. 16 Cartridge With Three Chambers In Front View FIG. 18 Cartridge With Three Chambers In Plan View FIG. 19 Two-Part Cartridge With A Tubular And One Plate-Like Cartridge Element FIG exploded view

FIG. 20 Two-part cartridge with a cup-shaped container and a cartridge bottom in an exploded view FIG. 21 Three-chamber cartridge with a metering device in the separated state in a perspective view FIG. 22 Three-chamber cartridge with ventilation openings in a perspective view

FIG. 23 Perspective interior view into a three-chamber cartridge with the front wall removed

Figure 24 is a longitudinal sectional view into a three-chamber cartridge

FIG. 25 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a three-chamber cartridge coupled to the dosing device

FIG. 26 shows a design of the ventilation duct on a separating web of the cartridge in a schematic diagram

FIG. 27 Cartridge and dosing device in the uncoupled state in a cross-sectional view

Figure 28 cartridge and dosing in the pivotal, locked state in a cross-sectional view

LIST OF REFERENCES

1 cartridge

2 dosing device

3 chamber

4 cartridge bottom

5 outlet opening

6 Half shell-shaped element

7 Half shell-shaped element

8 connecting edge

9 divider

10 cartridge head

11 cartridge side surface

12 cartridge side surface

13 cartridge front wall

14 cartridge back wall

15 energy source

16 control unit

17 sensor unit

18 actuator

19 closure element

20 dosing chamber

21 metering chamber inlet

22 dosing chamber outlet

23 component carrier

24 rubber grommet

25 shim

26 pre-metering chamber

27 outlet chamber

28 recording

29 recording

30 nozzles

31 chamber wall

32 channel

33 channel

34 opening

35 seal

36 seal 37 display and control elements

38 dishwasher

39 dishwasher door

40 preparation

41 Dish drawer

42 adapters

43 deepening

44 holding elements

45 chamber

46 opening

47 interface

48 interface

49 opening

50 adapters

51 refill cartridge

52 chamber

53 dosing chamber

54 console

55 hinge

56 hooks

57 permanent magnet

58 coil

59 coil

60 breakpoint

61 breakpoint

62 floor

63 channel

64 bags

65 opening

66 material bridge

67 high-pressure cleaner

68 cleaning robots

69 faucet

70 vehicle

71 water tank

72 pump

73 nozzle

74 steam irons 75 plants irrigation system

76 sensor

77 adapters

78 water intake

79 water drain

80 seal

81 Ventilation opening

82 ventilation duct

83 ventilation duct mouth

84 footbridge

85 footbridge

86 Ventilation chamber

F Level level

Maximum filling level

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 FIG

Cartridge 1 on. On the front are display and controls 37, which indicate the operating state of the dosing device 2 and act on this.

The Dosierkammereinlässe 21a, 21b further comprise means for the insertion of the cartridge 1 on the dosing 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 21 a , 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 by suitable choice of material and / or

Surface design be designed in such a way that a low material adhesion of the product is realized on the inner cartridge wall. 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, approximately in the dimensions of a plate, be educated. 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. 2 shows a self-sufficient dosing device with a two-chamber cartridge 1 in the dish drawer 11 with the dishwasher door 39 of a dishwasher 38 open.

Figure 3 shows a two-chamber cartridge 1 in the separated state to a self-sufficient dosing device 2 and an internal, machine-integrated dosing. Here is the

Cartridge 1 is formed in such a way that it (not shown) can be coupled both with the self-sufficient dosing device 2 and with the machine-integrated dosing device, which is indicated by the dargstellten in Figure 3 arrows.

On the inside of the dishwasher 38 directed side of the

Dishwasher door 39 is formed a recess 43 into which the cartridge 1 can be inserted, wherein the insertion of the outlet openings 5a, 5b of the cartridge 1 communicating with the adapter pieces 42a, 42b are connected by the insertion. The adapter pieces 42a, 42b are in turn coupled to the machine-integrated dosing device.

For fixing the cartridge 1 in the recess 43 holding elements 44a, 44b may be provided on the recess 43, which ensure a positive and / or positive fixing of the cartridge in the recess 43. Of course, it is also conceivable that corresponding retaining elements are provided on the cartridge 1. The holding elements 44a, 44b may preferably be selected from the group of snap connections, latching connections, snap-lock connections, clamping connections or plug-in connections. During operation of the dishwasher 38, preparation 40a, 40b from the cartridge 1 through the adapter elements 42a, 42b is added to the corresponding rinsing cycle by the machine-integrated dosing device.

FIG. 4 shows the cartridge 1 known from FIG. 3 when installed in the door 39 of a dishwasher 38.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. FIG. 5 shows the cartridge 1 known from FIG. 3 with a chamber 45 arranged at the head of the cartridge 1, which chamber has a plurality of openings 46 in its lateral surface. Preferably, the chamber 45 is filled with an air freshener formulation which is delivered through the openings 46 to the environment. The air-conditioning preparation may in particular comprise at least one fragrance and / or an odor-controlling substance.

Unlike the arrangement of the cartridge 1 in the interior of a dishwasher 38 known from FIGS. 3 and 4, it is also possible to provide a recess 43 with adapter elements 42a, 42b for coupling to the cartridge 1 on an outer surface of a dishwasher 38. This is shown by way of example in FIG. 5 and FIG.

Of course, the cartridge 1 depicted in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 can also be arranged with a chamber 45 containing an air-improving substance in a correspondingly formed receptacle in the interior of a dishwasher 38.

A further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. The dosing device 2 can in this case be coupled to the cartridge 1, which is indicated by the first, left arrow in the drawing accordingly. Subsequently, cartridge 1 and dosing device 2 are coupled as an assembly via the interface 47,48 to the dishwasher, which is indicated by the right arrow. The dosing device 2 has an interface 47, via which data and / or energy are transferred to and / or from the dosing device 2. In the door 39 of the dishwasher 38, a recess 43 for receiving the dosing device 2 is provided. In the depression 43, a second interface 48 is provided, which transmits data and / or energy to and / or from the dosing device 2.

Preferably, data and / or energy are exchanged wirelessly between the first interface 47 on the dosing device 2 and the second interface 48 on the dishwasher 38. It is particularly preferred that energy from the interface 48 of the dishwasher 38 wirelessly transmitted via the interface 47 to the dosing device 2. This can be done, for example, inductively and / or capacitively.

It is also advantageous to form the interface for transmitting data wirelessly. This can be realized by the methods known in the art for the wireless transmission of data, such as by radio transmission or IR transmission.

Alternatively, the interfaces 47, 48 can also be formed by integrated plug connections. Advantageously, the connectors are formed in such a way that they are protected from the entry of water or moisture.

FIG. 9 shows a cartridge 1 whose chambers 3a, 3b can be filled via the head-side openings 49a, 49b, for example by means of a refill cartridge 51. The openings 49a, 49b of the cartridge 1 may be formed, for example, as silicone valves, which open when piercing through the adapter 50a, 50b and close again upon removal of the adapter 50a, 50b, so that an inadvertent leakage of preparation from the cartridge is prevented.

The adapters 50a, 50b are formed in such a way that they can pierce the openings 49a, 49b of the cartridge 1. Advantageously, the openings 49a, 49b of the cartridge 1 and the adapters 50a, 50b are configured with regard to their position and size in such a way that the adapter can engage in the openings 49a, 49b only in a predefined position. In this way, in particular, incorrect filling of the cartridge chambers 3a, 3b can be prevented and it is ensured that the respectively identical or compatible preparation passes from a chamber 52a, 52b of the refill cartridge 51 into the corresponding chamber 3a, 3b of the cartridge 1.

Further exemplary embodiments of the cartridge known from the preceding figures are shown in FIGS. 10 to 16.

In a first embodiment, which is shown in Figure 10, the cartridge 1 consists of a first trough-shaped element 6 and a second plate-like or lid-like element 7, wherein in the figure 10, the two elements are shown 6.7 in the unassembled state. The second, plate-like or lid-like element 7 is dimensioned such that it completely covers the first trough-shaped element 6 along the connecting edge 8 in the assembled state of the cartridge 1. The first trough-shaped element 6 is formed by the cartridge head 10, the cartridge side surfaces 11 and 12 and the cartridge bottom 4. Through the divider 9, the two chambers 3a, 3b of the cartridge 1 are defined. At the cartridge bottom 4, an outlet opening 5a, 5b are provided for each of the chambers 3a, 3b. The cartridge 1 is formed by materially joining the first, trough-shaped element 6 with the second, plate-like or cover-like element 7.

A further embodiment possibility of the cartridge is shown in FIG. 11, in which also two cartridge elements 6, 7 in the not yet assembled state can be seen. The two cartridge elements 6,7 are mirror-symmetrical, so that in the assembled state the connecting edges 8 of the two elements 6, 7 completely rest against one another. The outlet openings 5a and 5b are formed only at the bottom 4 of the first cartridge element 6, so that the connecting edge 8 of the elements 6,7 on the cartridge bottom 4 outside of the outlet openings 5a, 5b extends and the connecting edge 8, the outlet openings 5a, 5b thus does not intersect. In this way, a more secure sealing of the outlet openings 5a, 5b can be ensured, since material deformations in the area of the outlet openings 5a, 5b are made more uniform, in particular due to thermal stresses, and uneven deformation does not occur through a joint edge 8, which subsequently leads to undesired sealing problems can.

FIG. 12 shows a modification of the cartridge known from FIG. 10 and FIG. In this embodiment, the first cartridge element 6 is designed as a one-piece cup-shaped, bottomless plastic container. The cartridge 1 is formed by inserting the bottom 4 to the container 6 along the connecting edge 8, which is indicated by the arrow in the figure. The bottom 4 has a first opening 5a and a second opening 5b which, in the assembled state of the cartridge 1, allow outflow of preparation from the respective chambers 3a, 3b.

Alternatively, it is also conceivable that a cartridge element 6 is formed as a cup-shaped, open-topped container with the chambers 3a, 3b and the second element as a cartridge cover 10 which is connected to the cup-like, top open container liquid-tight along the connecting edge 8, as it 13 shows.

The fact that the cartridge 1 can also be formed from two mutually separately formed chambers 3a, 3b is shown in FIG. The two chambers 3a, 3b are in this embodiment variant material, positive and / or non-releasably connected to each other and thus form the cartridge first FIG. 15 shows the cartridge 1 known from FIG. 13 as a receptacle for a bag 64 filled with preparation 40, so that a so-called "bag-in-bottle" can be obtained by inserting the bags into the cartridge chambers, as indicated by the arrows in the figure The openings 65a, 65b of the bags 64a, 64b are formed in such a way that they can be inserted into the openings 5a, 5b of the cartridge 1. Preferably, the openings 65a, 65b are formed as dimensionally stable plastic cylinders On the one hand, it is conceivable that a respective bag 64a, 64b is positioned in a corresponding chamber of the cartridge 1, but it is also possible to form a multi-chamber bag connected by a web 66, which is inserted as a whole into the cartridge.

FIG. 16 shows a further development of the cartridges known from FIGS. 10 to 14, in which a further chamber 45 for receiving a preparation is arranged on the cartridge and configured in such a way that a release of volatile substances from the preparation into the environment the chamber 45 is effected.

In the chamber 45 may be, for example, volatile perfume or air freshening substances, which are discharged through the openings 46 of the chamber 45 to the environment.

It can also be seen that the openings 5a, 5b are closed by silicone valves which have an x-shaped slot.

FIG. 17 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 18, the dividers 9a and 9b can be seen, which separate the chambers of the cartridge 1 from each other. The cartridge known from FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 can be formed in different ways. In a first variant, which is shown in FIG. 19, the cartridge 1 is formed from a first tub-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. 19, the base 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 chamber bottom. 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.

Another variant for the formation of the cartridge is shown in FIG 20. Here, the first

Cartridge element 6 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 connected cohesively along the common connecting edge 8. Advantage of this variant is that the cup-like element 6 is produced inexpensively by a plastic blow molding process.

Figure 21 shows a further embodiment of the cartridge 1 and the dosing device 2 in the non-coupled state. The cartridge 1 from FIG. 21 will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG.

FIG. 22 shows the cartridge 1 known from FIG. 21 in a perspective view. At the cartridge bottom 4 are alternately outlet openings 5 and 5 Ventilation openings 81 arranged. For each of the chambers in the cartridge 1, an outlet opening 5 and a ventilation opening 81 are respectively provided.

The area of the cartridge bottom 4, on which the outlet and ventilation openings are arranged, is enclosed by a circumferential collar 99. This collar 99, on the one hand, effects a structural reinforcement of the cartridge 1 in the bottom region, which prevents deformation in the bottom region 4, in particular when inserting the cartridge 1, when corresponding pressure forces for coupling the cartridge 1 with the dosing device 2 act on the bottom region 4 a controlled and safe insertion of the cartridge 1 in the metering device 2 is made possible.

Furthermore, the collar 99 provides protection against undesirable mechanical effects on the closures of the outlet and ventilation openings. As can be seen from FIG. 22, the outlet and ventilation openings 5, 81 are set back relative to the collar 99, so that the openings 5, 81 are protected, for example, from the direct action of objects which are larger than the openings.

As can also be seen from FIG. 22, the outlet and vent openings 5, 81 each have a collar 100. This collar 100 enclosing the outlet and ventilation openings 5, 81 also serves to structurally reinforce the outlet and outlet openings

Ventilation openings 5.81 in the bottom portion 4 of the cartridge 1. Further, the collar 100 can serve as a fastening for closure means of the outlet and ventilation openings 5.81, for example, for sealing plugs or closure lid.

The collar 100 of one of the outlet and vent openings 5, 81 is set back relative to the collar 99, so that the collar 100 does not protrude beyond the edge of the collar 99.

It can also be seen from FIG. 22 that the cartridge 1 is asymmetrical with respect to its axis Z-Z. This asymmetry causes the cartridge 1 in only one defined way with the dosing device 2 - in particular with the

Inlet openings 21 of the metering device 2 - can be coupled. As a result, a mechanical key-lock principle between the cartridge 1 and metering device 2 is formed, which prevents incorrect operation when coupling the cartridge 1 to the metering device 2.

The asymmetry of the cartridge 1 is inter alia effected by the bottom 4 having two levels, the first level being formed by the collar 99 enclosing the outlet and vent openings 5, 81 and the second level being a bottom portion is displaced over a ramp 104 towards the cartridge head 10, which can be seen well in FIG. 22, for example.

Starting from the ramp 104, a further collar 105, which has an opening 106, extends from the bottom section of the second plane. The opening 106 forms with the hook 55 formed on the hook 56 a releasable latching connection for securing the coupling state of the cartridge 1 with the dosing device 2.

In addition, a peripheral edge 101 in the lower, bottom-side region of the cartridge 1 can be seen in FIG. From this edge 101 extends in the bottom direction, a circumferential wall portion 102 of the cartridge 1, which is set back to the interior of the cartridge 1, so that between the edge 101 and wall portion 102 a extending towards the interior of the cartridge shoulder is formed.

The dosing device 2 is designed such that the circumferential wall section 102 in the

Collar 103 of the metering device 2 can be introduced, wherein in the coupling position of the cartridge 1 and metering device 2, the edge 101 of the cartridge rests on the collar 103 of the metering device, so that the space enclosed by the collar 103 of the metering device 2 is at least protected from splash water entry , The collar 103 of the dosing device 2 and the edge 101 of the cartridge can in particular also be configured so that in the coupling state of the cartridge 1 and dosing device 2 an entry of water into the space enclosed by the collar 103 of the dosing device by a substantially dense resting of the edge 101st is prevented on the collar 103.

Furthermore, the inwardly offset wall portion 102 of the cartridge in conjunction with the Dosiergerätesigen collar 103 causes a guide of the cartridge 1 when inserted into the dosing device second

The cartridge 1 is formed from two elements which are welded together in a form-fitting manner at the peripheral connecting edge 8. FIG. 23 shows the cartridge 1 known from FIG. 22 with a lid-like element removed along the connecting edge 8, so that FIG. 23 shows an insight into the interior of the cartridge 1.

It can be seen that the cartridge 1 is subdivided into three chambers by the two separating webs 9a, 9b, each of the chambers having an outlet opening 5 in the direction of gravity on the bottom side. At the bottom end of the dividers 9 ventilation chambers 86 are arranged, the inside of the cartridge enclose the ventilation openings 81. On the one hand, the ventilation chambers 86 serve to structurally reinforce the cartridge bottom 4 in the area of the ventilation openings 81, so that deformation during coupling of the cartridge 1 to the dosing device 2 is prevented, and, on the other hand, the connection between the ventilation openings 81 and the ventilation channels 82 FIGS. 23-25, the ventilation chambers 86 are of cuboid design. The vent chambers 86 are communicatively connected to the vent passage 82 (not shown in FIGS. 22-25).

FIG. 25 shows the cartridge 1 and the dosing device in the coupled state in a cross-sectional view. It can be seen that the mandrel-like inlets 21, in the coupled state of dosing device 2 and cartridge 1, protrude into the interior of the cartridge chambers 3 or the aeration chambers 86, the spike-like inlets 21 of the dosing device 2 forming a liquid-tight connection with the outlet openings 5 of the cartridge, so that preparation can pass from the chambers 3 only through the interior of the mandrel-like shaped inlets 21 into the dosing device 2.

In FIG. 26, the shape of a ventilation channel is shown schematically by joining two cartridge elements 6, 7. In the upper part of FIG. 26, the two cartridge elements 6, 7 are shown in the separated state. The

Cartridge element 7 is plate-like, with two spaced-apart webs 84, 85 extending perpendicularly from the cartridge element 7. The webs 84, 85 are configured such that they can comprise a web 9 formed on the cartridge element 6, which can be seen in the lower part of FIG. The fit is chosen so that the inner sides of the webs 84,85 touch the web 9 lightly. The two webs 84,85 and the web 9 form the ventilation channel 81 in the assembled state of the cartridge elements 6,7. It is particularly advantageous to connect the ends of the webs 84, 85 to the web 9 in a material-locking manner, in particular by welding.

Claims

claims

A cartridge (1) for coupling to a dosing device (2) which can be positioned inside a domestic appliance (38) for dispensing at least one washing and / or washing device

Detergent preparation (40),

^■ wherein the cartridge (1) at least one chamber (3) for storing at least one flowable or pourable detergent and / or cleaning agent preparation (40), ■ and the cartridge (1) in the coupled with the dosing device (2) state before

Entry of rinse water into the chamber (s) (3) is protected,

Wherein the cartridge (1) has at least one discharge opening (5) in the direction of gravity for delivery of preparation (40) from at least one chamber (3) and at least one bottom-side ventilation opening (81) for ventilating at least one chamber (3) includes,

■ wherein the ventilation opening (81) is separated from the discharge opening (5) and • the ventilation opening (81) communicating with at least one chamber (3) of the cartridge (1) is connected.

2. Cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the cartridge (1) at least two chambers (3a, 3b), more preferably at least three chambers (3a, 3b, 3c).

3. Cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for each chamber (3a, 3b, 3c) each have a ventilation opening (81 a, 81, b, 81c) and a discharge opening (5a, 5b, 5c) is provided.

4. Cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chambers (3a, 3b, 3c) of the cartridge (1) are detachable from each other.

5. Cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chambers (3a, 3b, 3c) of the cartridge (1) are fixed to one another inseparably.

6. Cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chambers (3a, 3b, 3c) by separating webs (9a, 9b) are separated from each other.

7. Cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cartridge (1) in several pieces, in particular two pieces, is formed.

8. Cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cartridge (1) consists of two shell-shaped elements (6,7) is formed.

9. Cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cartridge (1) consists of a cup-shaped element (6) and a lid-shaped element (13) is formed

10. Cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting edge (8) of the cartridge elements (6,7,13) circumferentially on the cartridge bottom (4), the cartridge side surface (11), the cartridge head (10) and the cartridge side surface ( 12) leads.

11. Cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom-side ventilation opening (81) communicating with a ventilation channel (82) is connected, the Belüftungsöffnuπg (81) facing away from the end (83) in the dispensing position with the dosing device (2). coupled cartridge (1) above the maximum level level of the cartridge (1) opens.

12. Cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ventilation channel (81) wholly or partially in or on the walls (4,10,11, 12,13,14) and / or webs (9a, 9b) of the cartridge (1) is formed.

13. Cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ventilation channel (81) integrally in or on the walls (4,10,1,12,13,14) and / or webs (9a, 9b) of the cartridge ( 1) is formed.

14. Cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one ventilation channel (81) by joining at least two the cartridge (1) forming elements (6,7) is formed.

15. Cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one ventilation channel (81) by joining a in the cup-shaped element (6) formed separating web (9a, 9b) of the cartridge (1) with two the separating web (9a, 9b) enclosing , on the cartridge element (7,13) arranged webs (83,84) is formed.

16. Cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ventilation channel (81) by material joining, in particular by welding, in the cup-shaped element (6) shaped separating web (9a, 9b) of the cartridge (1) with two the separating web ( 9a, 9b) enclosing, on the cartridge element (7,13) arranged webs (83,84) is formed.

17. Cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ventilation channel (81) is designed as a dip tube.

18. Cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the

Level (F) of the cartridge (1) in the unopened, filled state of the cartridge (1) at an inclination of up to 45 ° is not present at the ventilation channel mouth (83).

19. A cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ventilation channel mouth (83) is arranged approximately in the middle of or in the chamber wall of the cartridge head (10).

20. Cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the viscosity of a flowable preparation (40) and the ventilation channel (81) are configured in such a way that the preparation (40) is not drawn via capillary forces in the ventilation channel (81) when the preparation (40) at the vent port (83) is present.

21. Cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the ventilation opening (5) and the ventilation channel (82) a ventilation chamber (86) is arranged.

22. Cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the household appliance (38) in which the cartridge (1) is used is a dishwasher, a washing machine or a tumble dryer.

23. Dosing system for dispensing at least one washing and / or cleaning agent preparation (40) inside a household appliance (38) consisting of a dosing device (2) and a with the dosing device (2) coupled cartridge (1) according to one or more of the claims 1 to 22.

24. Dosing system for dispensing at least one washing and / or cleaning agent preparation (40) inside a household appliance (38) consisting of a household appliance (38) and a with the household appliance (38) coupled cartridge (1) according to one or more of the claims 1 to 22.

25. Household appliance comprising a dosing system for dispensing at least one washing and / or cleaning agent preparation (40) inside a household appliance (38) consisting of a dosing device (2) and a with the dosing device (2) coupled cartridge (1) according to one or several of claims 1 to 22.