EP2395900B1 - Cartridge having light guide - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a cartridge and a metering device with a cartridge for dispensing a plurality of preparations for use in water-bearing devices, in particular water-bearing household appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, tumble dryers or automatic surface cleaning systems.

State of the art

Dishwashing detergents are available to consumers in a variety of forms. In addition to the traditional liquid hand dishwashing detergents, machine dishwashing detergents have become particularly important with the spread of household dishwashing machines. These machine dishwashing agents are typically offered to the consumer in solid form, for example as powder or as tablets, but increasingly also in liquid form. For some time now, the main focus has been on the convenient dosage of detergents and cleaning agents and the simplification of the work steps required to carry out a washing or cleaning process.

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

In this context, devices for multiple dosing of detergents and cleaning agents have recently come into the focus of product developers. In these devices, on the one hand, between metering chambers integrated in the dishwasher or textile washing machine and independent devices that are independent of the dishwasher or textile washing machine be distinguished. Using these devices, which contain several times the amount of detergent required to carry out a cleaning process, detergent or cleaning agent portions are metered into the interior of the cleaning machine in an automatic or semi-automatic manner in the course of several successive cleaning processes. The consumer no longer needs to dose manually with every cleaning or washing cycle. Examples of such devices are found in the European patent application EP 1 759 624 A2 (Reckitt Benckiser) or in the German patent application DE 10 2005 062 479 A1 (BSH Bosch and Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH). The German patent application also shows DE 10 2006 043973 A1 a cartridge with all the features of the preamble of claim 1.

Object of the invention

The object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved cartridge and an improved metering device. This object is achieved by a cartridge with the features of independent claim 1. The dependent claims relate to preferred embodiments of this cartridge or to a metering device with such a cartridge.

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

It is preferred that a metering system is movable. Movable in the sense of this application means that the dosing system is not permanently connected to a water-carrying device such as a dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer or the like, but rather can be removed from a dishwasher by the user or positioned in a dishwasher, i.e. can be handled independently

According to an alternative embodiment, it is also conceivable that the metering device is not releasably connected to a water-carrying device such as a dishwasher, washing machine, clothes dryer or the like for the user and only the cartridge is movable.

In order to ensure operation at elevated temperatures, such as occur in individual washing cycles of a dishwasher, the metering system can be formed from materials that 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 that come into contact with the preparations should have an appropriate acid and / or alkali resistance. Furthermore, these components should be largely chemically inert, for example, against nonionic surfactants, enzymes and / or fragrances, through a suitable choice of material.

cartridge

A cartridge in the sense of this application is understood to mean a packaging material which is suitable for encasing or holding together flowable or scatterable preparations and which can be coupled to a metering device for dispensing the preparation.

In particular, the cartridge according to the invention comprises at least two chambers which can be filled with compositions that differ from one another. It is also conceivable for a plurality of containers to be arranged to form a cartridge unit.

It is advantageous that the cartridge has at least one outlet opening, which is arranged in such a way that the preparation can be released from the container under the force of gravity in the use position of the metering device. As a result, no further funding is required to release preparation from the container, which means that the structure of the metering device can be simple and the production costs can be kept low.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one second chamber is provided for receiving at least one second flowable or scatterable preparation, the second chamber having at least one outlet opening which is arranged in such a way that product release from the second chamber caused by gravity is in the use position of the metering device is effected. The arrangement of a second chamber is particularly advantageous when preparations are stored in the separate containers, which are usually not stable with one another, 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 Dispensing volatile preparations such as a fragrance to the environment.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the cartridge is formed in one piece. As a result, the cartridges can be formed inexpensively in one production step, in particular by means of suitable blow molding processes. The chambers of a cartridge can be separated from one another, for example, by webs or material bridges.

The cartridge can also be formed in several pieces by components that are injection molded and then joined together.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the cartridge is formed in such a way 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 to replace a chamber that has already been emptied if the consumption of a preparation from one chamber varies, while the others, which may still be filled with preparation, remain in the metering device. In this way, a targeted and needs-based refilling of 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 releasably or non-releasably fixed to one another by a suitable positive, non-positive or material connection. In particular, the fixation can be carried out by one or more of the connection types from the group of snap-in connections, Velcro connections, press connections, fusion connections, adhesive connections, welded connections, soldered connections, screw connections, wedge connections, clamp connections or bump connections. In particular, the fixation can also be formed by a shrink tube (so-called sleeve), which is pulled over the entire or sections of the cartridge in a heated state and firmly encloses the chambers or the cartridge in the cooled state.

In order to provide advantageous residual emptying properties of the chambers, the bottom of the chambers can be inclined in a funnel shape towards the discharge opening. Furthermore, the interior wall of a chamber can be designed in such a way that the preparation adheres little to the interior of the chamber wall by suitable choice of material and / or surface configuration. This measure can also further optimize the residual emptiness of a chamber.

The chambers of a cartridge can have the same or different filling volumes. In a configuration with two chambers, the ratio of the container volumes is preferably 5: 1, in a configuration with three chambers preferably 4: 1: 1, these configurations being 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 contains an enzymatic preparation and the third chamber contains a rinse aid, the volume ratio of the chambers being approximately 4: 1: 1.

A dosing chamber can be formed in or on a chamber in the direction of flow of the preparation in front of the outlet opening. The metering chamber determines the amount of preparation that is to be released into the environment when preparation is released from the chamber. This is particularly advantageous if the closure element of the metering device, which causes the preparation to be dispensed from a chamber into the environment, can only be put into a dispensing and a closed state without checking the dispensing quantity. The dosing chamber then ensures that a predefined amount of preparation is released without an immediate feedback of the dispensed 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 each have a liquid-tightly closable chamber opening in addition to an outlet opening. This chamber opening makes it possible, for example, to refill the preparation stored in this chamber.

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

If, according to a further embodiment, the cartridge chambers are not to be ventilated directly, but rather to be 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 in the course of a dishwashing cycle of a dishwasher through the When the chamber contents are heated, a pressure is built up which pushes the preparations to be dosed in the direction of the outlet openings, so that the cartridge can be easily emptied. Furthermore, with such an air-free packaging there is no risk of oxidation of substances in the preparation, which makes bag packaging or bag-in-bottle packaging appear expedient, in particular for preparations sensitive to oxidation.

The volume ratio formed from the construction volume of the metering device and the filling volume of the cartridge is preferably <1, particularly preferably <0.1, particularly preferably <0.05. This ensures that for a given total volume of the metering device and the cartridge, the major part of the volume is used 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, particularly preferably <250 ml, very particularly preferably <50 ml.

The cartridge can take any spatial shape. For example, it can be cube-shaped, spherical or plate-like.

The shape of the cartridge and the metering device can in particular be designed in such a way that they ensure as little loss of usable volume as possible, in particular in a dishwasher.

To use the dosing device in dishwashers, it is particularly advantageous to shape the device based on the dishes to be cleaned in dishwashers. For example, this can be plate-shaped, approximately in 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 is immediately intuitive for the user due to the plate-like shape. The cartridge preferably has a ratio of height: width: depth between 5: 5: 1 and 50: 50: 1, particularly preferably of about 10: 10: 1. The "slim" design of the dosing device and the cartridge make it possible in particular to position the device in the lower cutlery basket of a dishwasher in the receptacles provided for plates. This has the advantage that the preparations dispensed from the dosing device go directly into the wash liquor and cannot adhere to other items to be washed.

Commercial household dishwashers are usually 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 to position the To avoid dosing system by the user in the upper basket, in an advantageous embodiment the dosing system is dimensioned such that positioning of the dosing system is only possible in the receptacles provided for the lower basket. For this purpose, the width and the height of the metering system can be chosen in particular between 150mm and 300mm, particularly preferably between 175mm and 250mm.

However, it is also conceivable to design the dosing unit in a cup shape with an essentially circular or square base area.

In order to provide an immediate visual fill level control, it is advantageous to form the cartridge at least in sections from a transparent material.

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

A further possibility for reducing the influence of heat on a preparation in a chamber of the cartridge is to isolate the chamber by means of suitable measures, e.g. through the use of thermal insulation materials such as styrofoam, which completely or partially enclose the chamber or the cartridge in a suitable manner.

Another measure for protecting heat-sensitive substances in a cartridge is the arrangement of one another in the case of a plurality of chambers.

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

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

The cartridge is in particular designed to be 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 an essentially dimensionally stable receiving container in accordance with the "bag-in-bottle" principle. The use of flexible packaging means - unlike the dimensionally stable packaging (cartridge) described above - there is no need to provide a ventilation system for pressure equalization.

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

This information can be used to select a dosing program stored in the control unit. This can ensure that an optimal dosing program is always used for a specific preparation. It can also be provided that, in the absence of an RFID label or an RFID label with an incorrect or incorrect identifier, no metering is carried out by the metering device and instead an optical or acoustic signal is generated that the user is aware of the present Indicates errors.

In order to prevent the cartridge from being misused, the cartridges can also have structural elements which interact with corresponding elements of the metering device according to the key-lock principle, so that, for example, only cartridges of a certain type can be coupled to the metering device. Furthermore, this configuration makes it possible for information about the cartridge coupled to the metering device to be transmitted to the control unit, as a result of which the metering device can be controlled in a manner coordinated with the content of the corresponding container.

The outlet openings of a cartridge are preferably arranged on a line, which enables a slim, plate-shaped design of the metering device.

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

The cartridge is designed in particular to hold flowable washing or cleaning agents. Such a cartridge particularly preferably has a plurality of chambers for spatially separated accommodation of preparations of a washing or cleaning agent that are different from each other. By way of example - but not in conclusion - some combinations of filling the chambers with different preparations are listed below: Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3 Chamber 4 Alkaline cleaning preparation Enzymatic cleaning preparation Rinse aid Alkaline cleaning preparation Enzymatic cleaning preparation Rinse aid Fragrance Alkaline cleaning preparation Enzymatic cleaning preparation Rinse aid Disinfectant preparation

The cartridge comprises a cartridge base, which in the position of use is directed downwards in the direction of gravity and in which at least two chambers are each provided with at least one outlet opening arranged on the cartridge base.

According to the invention, the cartridge is formed from at least two elements which are integrally connected to one another, the connecting edge of the elements on the base of the cartridge running outside the outlet openings, ie the connecting edge does not intersect the outlet openings.

The integral connection can be made, for example, by gluing, welding, soldering, pressing or vulcanizing.

It is advantageous that the connecting edge runs along the top, bottom and side surfaces of the cartridge. As a result, two cartridge elements can be produced, in particular by injection molding, either either having a trough-shaped design or one trough-shaped element and the second element in the manner of a lid.

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

As an alternative to forming the cartridge by means of two shell-shaped cartridge elements, it is also conceivable for a cartridge element to have at least one as a cup-like container Chamber and the second element is the cartridge bottom or head, which is connected to the cup-like container in a liquid-tight manner along the connecting edge. Of course, it is also conceivable to combine the above-mentioned cartridge configurations with one another in any suitable manner. For example, it is possible to form a two-chamber cartridge from a trough-shaped and a lid-like 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 receiving a preparation can be arranged on the cartridge and configured in such a way that volatile substances such as fragrances are released from the preparation into the surroundings of the chamber.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the outlet openings are each provided with a closure which, when coupled to a metering device, allows preparation to flow out of the respective chambers and, in the uncoupled state of the cartridge, essentially prevents preparation from flowing out. 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 molded in a common injection molding process, it being advantageous to form a connecting web acting as a hinge between the two elements, so that after the molding, the two elements abut against one another by folding over 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 the cartridge, preferably on the bottom of the cartridge. Means for electrically coupling the energy source to the metering device can also be provided on the cartridge.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the cartridge, when coupled to the metering device, is protected against the ingress of rinsing water into the chamber (s), the cartridge, in particular, at least one discharge opening on the bottom in the direction of gravity gravity-effect - delivery of preparation from at least one chamber and at least one ventilation opening on the bottom in the direction of gravity for ventilation of at least one chamber, the ventilation opening being separated from the delivery opening (5) and the ventilation opening communicatingly connected to at least one chamber of the cartridge.

According to the invention, the cartridge comprises at least two chambers, very particularly preferably at least three chambers. It is advantageous here that a ventilation opening and a discharge opening are provided for each chamber.

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

In this context, it is advantageous that the ventilation channel is wholly 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 channel can be advantageously formed by joining at least two elements forming the cartridge. For example, a ventilation channel can 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.

It is advantageous here if the ventilation channel is formed by integrally joining, in particular by welding, 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.

As an alternative to this, the ventilation duct can also be used, for example, as a so-called. Dip-tube be formed.

In order to ensure the ventilation of the cartridge even in an inclined position, for example if the dosing device is placed in the plate holder, it is advantageous that the fill level (F) of the cartridge in the unopened, filled state of the cartridge with an inclined position of up to 45 ° does not touch the ventilation duct mouth (83).

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

In order to ensure functionality even after the cartridge has been horizontal, for example, it is advantageous if the viscosity of a flowable preparation and the ventilation channel are configured in such a way that the preparation is not drawn into the ventilation channel by capillary forces when the preparation is on the Ventilation duct mouth 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 can 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 metering device are arranged and configured in such a way that they are sequentially connected to one another by pivoting in the locked state into the coupling state of the 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 on a line (L) in the pivoting direction.

It is also advantageous that the outlet openings of the chambers are approximately the same distance apart.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the greatest distance of an outlet opening of a chamber from the pivot point (SP) of the cartridge corresponds to approximately 0.5 times the distance of the cartridge length (L).

In particular, at least two chambers of the cartridge can have different volumes from one another.

The chamber of the cartridge with the largest volume is advantageously at the greatest distance from the pivot point (SP) of the cartridge (1).

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

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

Light guide

According to the invention, the cartridge for coupling to 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 a light guide arranged in or on the cartridge, into which a light signal can be coupled from outside the cartridge.

According to the invention, the light guide is integrally formed entirely 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 design the entire cartridge from a transparent material.

According to the invention, the light guide is suitable: light in the visible range (380-780 nm), in the near infrared range (780nm-3,000nm), in the middle infrared range (3.0 µm-50 µm) or in the far infrared range (50 µm - 1 mm) to lead.

The light signal that can be coupled into the light guide is a carrier of information relating to the operating state of the metering device and / or the fill level of the cartridge.

The light guide is designed in such a way that the light signal can be coupled out at a point on the cartridge that differs from the point at which the light signal can be coupled into the cartridge.

The light signal can be coupled in and out, 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 light signal visible to a user can be generated on and / or in the cartridge.

In the manner according to the invention, the light guide is completely or partially enclosed at least in sections by a material with a lower optical refractive index. The material with the lower optical refractive index is a preparation stored in a chamber of the cartridge.

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

Dosing device

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

The metering device preferably consists of a splash-proof housing that prevents the penetration of splashing water, as can occur, for example, when used in a dishwasher, into the interior of the metering device.

It is particularly advantageous, in particular, to shed the energy source, the control unit and the sensor unit such that the metering device is essentially watertight Dosing device is therefore functional even when completely encased in liquid. Potting materials that can be used are, for example, multi-component epoxy and acrylate casting compounds such as methacrylate esters, urethane metha and cyanoacrylates or two-component materials with polyurethanes, silicones, epoxy resins.

An alternative or supplement to the encapsulation is encapsulating the components in a suitably designed, moisture-tight housing. Such an embodiment is explained in more detail below.

It is particularly preferred that the dosing device comprises at least a first interface which interacts in or on a water-carrying device such as, in particular, a water-carrying domestic appliance, preferably a dishwasher or washing machine, in such a way that a transmission of electrical energy from the water-carrying device to the dosing device is realized.

In one embodiment of the invention, the interfaces are formed by plug connectors. In a further embodiment, the interfaces can be designed in such a way that wireless transmission of electrical energy is effected.

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

In an advantageous further development of the invention there is in each case a second interface on the metering device and the water-carrying device, such as a dishwasher, for the transmission of electromagnetic signals, which, in particular, provide operating status, measurement and / or control information about the metering device and / or the water-carrying device Represent dishwasher, trained.

In particular, such an interface can be designed such that wireless transmission of electromagnetic signals is effected. The wireless transmission of data can be implemented, for example, by means of radio transmission or IR transmission.

In an advantageous further development of the invention, the metering device for dispensing at least one washing and / or cleaning agent preparation from a cartridge into the interior of a household 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 can be an LED.

It is also possible that the light signal coupled into the light guide of the cartridge and passing through the light guide can be detected by a sensor located on the metering device.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the dispensing device for dispensing at least one flowable washing and / or cleaning agent preparation into the interior of a household appliance comprises a cartridge that can be coupled to the dispensing device, the cartridge storing at least one flowable washing and / or cleaning agent preparation and the cartridge in Gravity direction at the bottom has at least one outlet opening, which, in the state coupled to the metering device, communicates with an inlet opening of the metering device, the metering device and the cartridge having means that work together in such a way that a releasable locking between metering device and cartridge can be produced, whereby the dosing device and the cartridge can be pivoted relative to one another about a pivot point (SP) in the locked state, and that the outlet opening of the cartridge and the inlet opening of the dosing console are configured in such a way that, according to H creation of the locking between the cartridge and the metering device by pivoting the cartridge into the coupling state between the metering console and the cartridge are communicatively connected.

In particular, it is preferred that the outlet openings of the chambers and the inlet openings of the metering device are arranged and configured such that they are connected to one another sequentially by pivoting in the locked state into the coupling state of the metering device and cartridge.

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

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

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

According to a further advantageous embodiment, means can be formed on the dosing device and / or the cartridge which, in the coupled state of the dosing device and the cartridge, bring about a releasable fixation of the cartridge on the dosing device.

It is also advantageous to design means on the metering device and / or cartridge which, when the cartridge and metering device are locked, guide the cartridge when pivoting into the coupling state of the cartridge and metering device.

Component carrier

The dosing device comprises a component carrier on which at least the actuator and the closure element as well as 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 components mentioned and / or the components are formed in one piece with the component carrier.

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

Furthermore, it is conceivable that for a simple disassembly of the components from the component carrier, the dosing chamber, the actuator, the closure element, the energy source, the control unit and / or the sensor unit is detachably arranged on the component carrier.

It is also advantageous that the energy source, the control unit and the sensor unit are arranged in one assembly 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 one 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 circuit board.

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

The component carrier enables a largely simple automatic assembly with the necessary components of the dosing device. The component carrier can as a whole, preferably prefabricated automatically and assembled into a dosing device.

The trough-shaped component carrier can be closed liquid-tight by a lid-like element after the assembly. The lid-like element can be formed, for example, as a film which is connected to the component carrier in a liquid-tight, cohesive manner and forms one or more liquid-tight chambers with the trough-like component carrier. The lid-like element can also be a console into which the component carrier can be inserted, the component carrier and the console interacting in the assembled state in such a way that a liquid-tight connection is formed between the component carrier and the console.

It is further preferred that in the position of use of the metering device, the receptacle for the actuator is arranged on the component carrier in the direction of gravity above the metering chamber, as a result of which a compact design of the metering device can be achieved. The compact design can be further optimized by arranging the metering chamber inlet on the component carrier above the receptacle of the actuator when the metering device is in use. It is also preferable that the components on the component carrier are arranged essentially in a row with 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 lies in line with the metering chamber outlet, so that a closure element can be moved back and forth by the actuator through the opening and the metering chamber outlet.

Actuator

For the purposes of this application, an actuator is a device which converts an input variable into a different output variable and with which an object is moved or whose movement is generated, the actuator being coupled to at least one closure element in such a way that the preparation is released directly or indirectly at least one cartridge chamber can be effected.

The actuator can be driven by means of drives selected from the group of gravity drives, ion drives, electric drives, motor drives, hydraulic drives, pneumatic drives, gear drives, lead screw drives, ball screws, linear drives, roller screw drives, worm drives, piezoelectric drives, chain drives, and / or recoil drives.

In particular, the actuator can be formed from an electric motor that is coupled to a transmission that converts the rotary movement of the motor into a linear movement of a carriage that is coupled to the transmission. This is particularly advantageous in the case of a slim, plate-shaped design of the metering unit.

At least one magnetic element can be arranged on the actuator that, with a magnetically polarized element on a dispenser, causes product to be released from the container as soon as the two magnetic elements are positioned relative to one another in such a way that magnetic repulsion of the magnetically polarized elements results and a contactless release mechanism is implemented.

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

Bistable solenoids or valves are known in the prior art. A bistable valve needs a pulse to change the valve positions (open / closed) and then remains in this position until a counter pulse is sent to the valve. Therefore one speaks of a pulse controlled valve. A major advantage of such pulse-controlled valves is that they do not consume any energy to linger in the valve end positions, the closed position and delivery position, but only require an energy pulse to change the valve positions, so the valve end positions are to be regarded as stable. A bistable valve remains in the switch position that received a control signal last.

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

A bistable property of solenoids can be realized in different ways. On the one hand, a division of the coil is known. The coil is divided more or less in the middle, so that a gap is created. A permanent magnet is inserted into this gap. The plunger core itself is turned off at the front and rear so that in the respective end position it has a flat surface to frame the magnet. Over this area the magnetic field of the permanent magnet flows. The diving core is liable here. Alternatively, the use of two separate coils is also possible. The principle is similar to the bistable solenoid with split coil. The difference is that there are actually two different electrical coils. These are controlled separately, depending on the direction in which the plunger is to be moved.

Closure element

A closure element in the sense of this application is a component on which the actuator acts and which as a result of this action causes the opening or the closure of an outlet opening.

The closure element can be, for example, valves that can be brought into a product delivery position or closed position by the actuator.

Particularly preferred is the design of the closure element and the actuator in the form of a solenoid valve, in which the dispenser is designed 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 preparations to be dosed, the quantity and the times of the dosing can be regulated very precisely by using 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 dispensing opening.

sensor

For the purposes of this application, a sensor is a measurement variable pickup or measurement sensor that can qualitatively or quantitatively determine certain physical or chemical properties and / or the material properties of its environment.

The metering 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 metering 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 can comprise one or more active and / or passive sensors for the qualitative and / or quantitative detection of mechanical, electrical, physical and / or chemical quantities 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, and laboratory pressure sensors Chip "sensors, force sensors, acceleration sensors, inclination sensors, pH value sensors, moisture sensors, magnetic field sensors, RFID sensors, magnetic field sensors, Hall sensors, bio-chips, odor sensors, hydrogen sulfide sensors and / or MEMS sensors can be selected.

In particular in the case of preparations whose viscosity fluctuates strongly as a function of temperature, it is advantageous for volume and 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 flow meters, mass flow measurement according to the Coriolis method, vortex meter flow measurement method, ultrasound flow measurement method, variable area flow measurement, ring piston flow measurement, thermal mass flow measurement or differential pressure flow measurement.

It is also conceivable that a temperature-dependent viscosity curve of at least one preparation is stored in the control unit, the dosage being adjusted by the control unit in accordance with the temperature and thus the viscosity of the preparation.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a device for directly determining 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 to control a dispenser in such a way that essentially constant metering of a preparation is effected.

The data line between sensor and control unit can be implemented via an electrically conductive cable or wirelessly.

A wireless data line is in particular formed by the transmission of electromagnetic waves. It is preferred to design 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 on the bottom of the metering device, the bottom of the metering device being directed downward in the direction of gravity in the position of use. It is particularly preferred here that the sensor unit comprises a temperature and / or a conductivity sensor. Such a configuration ensures that the spray arms of the dishwasher bring water onto the underside of the metering device and thus into contact with the sensor. Because the distance between the spray arms and the sensor is as small as possible due to the bottom-side arrangement of the sensor, the water experiences only a slight cooling between the outlet at the spray arms and the contact with the sensor, so that the most accurate possible 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 measurement signals from the sensor unit, which it processes in the sense of the control target.

In particular, the control unit can be a programmable microprocessor. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of dosing programs are stored on the microprocessor and can be selected and executed in accordance with the container coupled to the dosing device.

In a preferred embodiment, the control unit has 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. This coupling is preferably carried out wirelessly. For example, it is possible to position a transmitter on or in a dishwasher, preferably on or on the dosing chamber embedded in the door of the dishwasher, which wirelessly transmits a signal to the dosing unit when the control of the household appliance detects a detergent, for example Dosing chamber or rinse aid.

Several programs for releasing different preparations or releasing products in different applications can be stored in the control unit.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the corresponding program can be called up by means of corresponding RFID labels or geometric information carriers formed on the container. For example, it is possible to use the same control unit for a multitude of applications, for example for dosing detergents in dishwashers, for dispensing perfumes in room scenting, for applying cleaning substances in a toilet bowl, etc.

For dosing preparations that tend to gel, in particular, the control unit can be configured such 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 preparation does not dose so quickly that gels of the preparation surge occur. This can be achieved, for example, by an interval-like release, the individual dosing intervals being set such that the correspondingly dosed amount dissolves completely during a cleaning cycle.

Preparations can be dispensed from the dosing device sequentially or simultaneously.

Energy source

In the sense of this application, the energy source is understood to be a component of the metering system which is expedient to provide an energy suitable for operating the metering system or the metering device. The energy source is preferably designed such that the metering system is self-sufficient.

The energy source preferably provides electrical energy. The energy source can be, for example, a battery, an accumulator, a power pack, solar cells or the like.

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

A battery can, for example, be selected from the group of alkali-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.

Suitable accumulators are, for example, lead accumulators (lead dioxide / lead), nickel cadmium accumulators, nickel metal hydride accumulators, lithium ion accumulators, lithium polymer accumulators, alkali manganese accumulators, silver-zinc accumulators, nickel Hydrogen batteries, zinc-bromine batteries, sodium-nickel chloride batteries and / or nickel-iron batteries.

The accumulator can in particular be designed in such a way that it can be recharged by induction.

However, it is also conceivable to design mechanical energy sources consisting of one or more helical springs, torsion springs or torsion bars, spiral springs, air springs / gas pressure springs and / or elastomer springs.

The energy source is dimensioned in such a way that the dosing device can run through about 300 dosing cycles before the energy source is exhausted. It is particularly preferred that the energy source can run through between 1 and 300 metering cycles, very particularly preferably between 10 and 300, further preferably between 100 and 300, before the energy source is exhausted.

Furthermore, means for converting energy can be provided in or on the metering unit, which generate a voltage by means of which the accumulator is charged. For example, these means can be designed as a dynamo, which is driven by the water flows during a wash cycle in a dishwasher and outputs the voltage thus generated to the accumulator.

Vibrating atomizer

In a further preferred embodiment, the metering system has at least one vibrating atomizer, by means of which it is possible to convert a preparation into the gas phase or to keep it in the gas phase. For example, it is conceivable to vaporize, atomize and / or to prepare preparations by means of the vibrating atomizer atomize, whereby the preparation changes into the gas phase or forms an aerosol in the gas phase, the gas phase usually being air.

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

The preparation released by the vibrating atomizer can be selected from the group of the 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 washware surface 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, by means of a suitable cleaning preparation, bad odors can be suppressed by biological decomposition processes of food residues adhering to the items to be washed. On the other hand, a corresponding cleaning preparation can cause the food residues possibly adhering to the wash ware to "soak" 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 after the end of a cleaning program of a dishwasher to apply a preparation to the items to be washed by means of the vibrating atomizer. This can be, for example, an antibacterial preparation or a preparation for modifying surfaces.

Examples of use

Basically, the metering system of the type described at the outset is suitable for use in or in connection with water-carrying devices of any type.

The metering system is particularly suitable for use in water-bearing household appliances such as dishwashers and / or washing machines, but is not restricted to such use.

In general, it is possible to use the metering system wherever metering of at least one, preferably several, preparations into a liquid medium is required in accordance with an external physical or chemical parameter that triggers or controls a metering program.

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, in water-bearing cleaning devices such as high-pressure cleaners, in windscreen washer systems for vehicles, in plant irrigation systems, steam ironing devices, fittings and the like.

List of figures

Figure 1

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

Figure 2

Self-sufficient dosing device with two-chamber cartridge arranged in a drawer of a dishwasher

Figure 3

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

Figure 4

Assembled two-chamber cartridge with an internal machine-integrated dosing device

Figure 5

Two-chamber cartridge in the separated state to a self-sufficient and external machine-integrated dosing device

Figure 6

Assembled two-chamber cartridge with an external machine-integrated dosing device

Figure 7

Two-chamber cartridge in the separated and assembled state to form an independent, machine-integrable dosing device

Figure 8

Assembled two-chamber cartridge to a self-sufficient, machine-integrated dosing device

Figure 9

Self-sufficient dosing device with refillable two-chamber cartridge and refill unit

Figure 10

Cartridge formed from a tub-shaped and a lid-shaped cartridge element

Figure 11

Cartridge formed from two trough-shaped cartridge elements

Figure 12

Cartridge formed from a cup-shaped, bottomless container and a cartridge base

Figure 13

Cartridge formed from a cup-shaped container, open at the top, with a cartridge lid

Figure 14

Cartridge made up of two chamber elements

Figure 15

Cartridge with refill bag

Figure 16

Cartridge with chamber for dispensing volatile substances

Figure 17

Cartridge with three chambers in front view

Figure 18

Cartridge with three chambers under supervision

Figure 19

Two-part cartridge with a trough-shaped and a plate-like cartridge element in an exploded view

Figure 20

Two-part cartridge with a cup-like container and a cartridge base in an exploded view

Figure 21

A three-chamber cartridge with dosing device in a separated state in a perspective view

Figure 22

A three-chamber cartridge with ventilation openings in a perspective view

Figure 23

Perspective interior view of a three-chamber cartridge with the front wall removed

Figure 24

Longitudinal sectional view in a three-chamber cartridge

Figure 25

Longitudinal sectional view of a three-chamber cartridge coupled to the dosing device

Figure 26

Formation of the ventilation channel on a separator of the cartridge in a schematic diagram

Figure 27

Cartridge and dosing device in uncoupled condition in a cross-sectional view

Figure 28

Cartridge and dosing device in the swiveling, locked state in a cross-sectional view

Reference list

1

cartridge

2nd

Dosing device

3rd

chamber

4th

Cartridge bottom

5

Outlet opening

6

Half-shell shaped element

7

Half-shell shaped element

8th

Connecting edge

9

Separator

10th

Cartridge head

11

Cartridge side surface

12th

Cartridge side surface

13

Cartridge front wall

14

Cartridge back wall

15

Energy source

16

Control unit

17th

Sensor unit

18th

Actuator

19th

Closure element

20th

Dosing chamber

21

Dosing chamber inlet

22

Dosing chamber outlet

23

Component carrier

24th

Rubber grommet

25th

Shim

26

Predosing chamber

27

Outlet chamber

28

admission

29

admission

30th

Support

31

Chamber wall

32

channel

33

channel

34

opening

35

poetry

36

poetry

37

Display and control elements

38

dishwasher

39

Dishwasher door

40

preparation

41

Dish drawer

42

adapter

43

deepening

44

Holding elements

45

chamber

46

opening

47

interface

48

interface

49

opening

50

adapter

51

Refill cartridge

52

chamber

53

Dosing chamber

54

console

55

hinge

56

hook

57

Permanent magnet

58

Kitchen sink

59

Kitchen sink

60

Breakpoint

61

Breakpoint

62

ground

63

channel

64

bag

65

opening

66

Material bridge

67

high pressure cleaner

68

Cleaning robot

69

Fitting

70

vehicle

71

Water tank

72

pump

73

jet

74

steam iron

75

Plant irrigation system

76

sensor

77

adapter

78

Water inlet

79

Water drain

80

poetry

81

Ventilation opening

82

Ventilation duct

83

Ventilation duct mouth

84

web

85

web

86

Ventilation chamber

F

Level mirror

H _max

Maximum fill level

Figure 1 shows an autonomous metering device 2 with a two-chamber cartridge 1 in the separated and assembled state.

The dosing device 2 has two dosing 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 there are display and operating elements 37 which indicate the operating state of the metering device 2 or act on it.

The metering chamber inlets 21a, 21b also have means which, when the cartridge 1 is plugged onto the metering device 2, open the outlet openings 5a, 5b of the chambers 3a, 3b, so that the interior of the chambers 3a, 3b communicates with the metering chamber inlets 21a, 21b connected is.

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

In particular, the fixation can be carried out by one or more of the connection types from the group of snap-in connections, press connections, fused connections, adhesive connections, welded connections, soldered connections, screwed connections, wedge connections, clamped connections or bump connections. In particular, the fixation can also be formed by a shrink tube (so-called sleeve), which is pulled over the cartridge at least in sections in a heated state and tightly 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 can be inclined in a funnel shape towards the dispensing opening 5a, 5b. Furthermore, the inner wall of the cartridge 1 can be designed in such a way by a suitable choice of material and / or surface design that the product has little material adhesion to the inner cartridge wall. This measure can also further optimize the residual emptiness of the cartridge 1.

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

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

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

The chambers 3a, 3b each contain a preparation 40a, 40b. The preparations 40a, 40b can have the same or different compositions.

The chambers 3a, 3b are advantageously made of a transparent material, so that the fill level of the preparations 40a, 40b is visible from the outside by the user. However, it can also be advantageous to manufacture at least one of the chambers from an opaque material, especially if the preparation 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 designed such that it only fits on one of the metering chamber inlets 21a, 21b, thereby preventing a chamber from being accidentally inserted into an incorrect metering chamber inlet.

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

In the assembled state, the dosing unit 2 and the cartridge 1 can, in particular, be adapted to the geometries of the devices or in which they are used in order to ensure as little loss of usable volume as possible. To use the dosing unit 2 and the cartridge 1 in dishwashers, it is particularly advantageous to shape the dosing unit 2 and the cartridge 1 based on the dishes to be cleaned in dishwashers. For example, the dosing unit 2 and the cartridge 1 can be plate-shaped, roughly the size of a plate, be trained. This allows the dosing unit to be positioned in the lower basket to save space.

In order to provide an immediate visual fill level control, it is advantageous to form the cartridge 1 at least in sections from a transparent material.

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

The outlet openings 5a, 5b of the cartridge 1 are preferably arranged in a line or in alignment, which enables a slim, plate-shaped design of the metering dispenser.

Figure 2 shows a self-sufficient dosing device with a two-chamber cartridge 1 in the crockery 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 an autonomous dosing device 2 and an internal, machine-integrated dosing device. In this case, the cartridge 1 is designed in such a way that it can be coupled both to the self-sufficient metering device 2 and to the machine-integrated metering device (not shown), which is shown in FIG Figure 3 shown arrows is indicated.

A recess 43 is formed on the side of the dishwasher door 39 facing the interior of the dishwasher 38, into which the cartridge 1 can be inserted, the outlet openings 5a, 5b of the cartridge 1 being communicatively connected to the adapter pieces 42a, 42b by the insertion. The adapter pieces 42a, 42b are in turn coupled to the machine-integrated dosing device.

To fix the cartridge 1 in the recess 43, holding elements 44a, 44b can be provided on the recess 43, which ensure a non-positive and / or positive fixing of the cartridge in the recess 43. Of course, it is also conceivable that corresponding holding elements are provided on the cartridge 1. The holding elements 44a, 44b can preferably be selected from the group of snap connections, snap connections, snap-snap connections, clamp connections or plug connections.

During operation of the dishwasher 38, preparation 40a, 40b is added from the cartridge 1 through the adapter elements 42a, 42b to the corresponding washing cycle by the machine-integrated metering device.

Figure 4 shows that out Figure 3 Known cartridge 1 in the installed state in the door 39 of a dishwasher 38.

Another embodiment is shown in Figure 5 pictured. Figure 5 shows that out Figure 3 Known cartridge 1 with a chamber 45 arranged at the head of the cartridge 1, which has a plurality of openings 46 in its outer surface. The chamber 45 is preferably filled with an air improvement preparation which is released into the environment through the openings 46. The air freshening preparation can in particular comprise at least one fragrance and / or an odor-fighting substance.

Different from the one from Figure 3 and Figure 4 known arrangement of the cartridge 1 in the interior of a dishwasher 38, 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 exemplary in Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown.

Of course, the in Figure 5 and Figure 6 Cartridge 1 shown can also be arranged with a chamber 45 containing an air-improving substance in a suitably designed receptacle inside a dishwasher 38.

Another embodiment is in Figure 7 shown. The metering device 2 can be coupled to the cartridge 1, which is indicated by the first left arrow in the drawing. Cartridge 1 and metering device 2 are then coupled to the dishwasher as an assembly via interface 47, 48, which is indicated by the right arrow. The dosing device 2 has an interface 47, via which data and / or energy are transmitted to and / or from the dosing device 2. A recess 43 is provided in the door 39 of the dishwasher 38 for receiving the dosing device 2. A second interface 48 is provided in the recess 43 and transmits data and / or energy to and / or from the metering device 2.

Data and / or energy are preferably 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 is wirelessly transmitted to the dosing device 2 via the interface 47. This can be done inductively and / or capacitively, for example.

It is also advantageous to design the interface for the transmission of data wirelessly. This can be implemented using the methods for wireless transmission of data known in the prior art, for example by means of radio transmission or IR transmission.

Alternatively, the interfaces 47, 48 can also be formed by integrated plug connections. The plug connections are advantageously designed in such a way that they are protected against the ingress of water or moisture.

Figure 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 can be designed, for example, as silicone valves, which open when they are pierced by the adapter 50a, 50b and close again when the adapter 50a, 50b is removed, so that an inadvertent leakage of the preparation from the cartridge is prevented.

The adapters 50a, 50b are designed in such a way that they can penetrate the openings 49a, 49b of the cartridge 1. The openings 49a, 49b of the cartridge 1 and the adapter 50a, 50b are advantageously configured in terms of their position and size in such a way that the adapter can only engage in the openings 49a, 49b in a predefined position. In this way, incorrect filling of the cartridge chambers 3a, 3b can be prevented in particular, and it is ensured that the same or compatible preparation from each chamber 52a, 52b of the refill cartridge 51 reaches the corresponding chamber 3a, 3b of the cartridge 1.

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

In a first embodiment, which in Figure 10 reproduced, the cartridge 1 consists of a first trough-shaped element 6 and a second plate-like or lid-like element 7, in which Figure 10 the two elements 6, 7 are shown 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 when the cartridge 1 is assembled.

The first, trough-shaped element 6 is formed by the cartridge head 10, the cartridge side surfaces 11 and 12 and the cartridge base 4. The two chambers 3a, 3b of the cartridge 1 are defined by the separating web 9. An outlet opening 5a, 5b is provided on the cartridge base 4 for each of the chambers 3a, 3b. The cartridge 1 is formed by integrally joining the first, trough-shaped element 6 with the second, plate-like or lid-like element 7.

Another design option of the cartridge shows the Figure 11 , in which two cartridge elements 6, 7 can also be seen in the not yet assembled state. 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 lie completely against one another. The outlet openings 5a and 5b are only formed on the bottom 4 of the first cartridge element 6, so that the connecting edge 8 of the elements 6, 7 on the cartridge base 4 extends outside the outlet openings 5a, 5b and the connecting edge 8 does not intersect the outlet openings 5a, 5b. This ensures a more secure sealing of the outlet openings 5a, 5b, since material deformations in the area of the outlet openings 5a, 5b are more uniform, in particular due to thermal loads, and an uneven deformation does not occur due to an abutting or connecting edge 8, which subsequently lead to undesired sealing problems can.

Figure 12 shows a modification of the Figure 10 and Figure 11 known cartridge. 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 onto 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, when the cartridge 1 is assembled, allow preparation to flow out of the respective chambers 3a, 3b.

Alternatively, it is also conceivable that a cartridge element 6 is designed as a cup-like, open container with the chambers 3a, 3b and the second element as a cartridge cover 10, which is connected to the cup-like, open container along the connecting edge 8 in a liquid-tight manner, as is the case from the Figure 13 emerges.

That the cartridge 1 can also be formed from two chambers 3a, 3b formed separately from one another is shown in FIG Figure 14 shown. In this embodiment variant, the two chambers 3a, 3b are connected to one another in a materially, positively and / or non-positively, and thus form the cartridge 1.

Figure 15 shows that out Figure 13 Known cartridge 1 as a receptacle for a bag 64 filled with preparation 40, so that a so-called "bag-in-bottle" container is formed by inserting the bags into the cartridge chambers, which is indicated by the arrows in the figure. The openings 65a, 65b of the bag 64a, 64b are shaped in such a way that they can be inserted into the openings 5a, 5b of the cartridge 1. The openings 65a, 65b are preferably shaped as dimensionally stable plastic cylinders. On the one hand, it is conceivable that a 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 via a web 66, which is inserted as a whole into the cartridge.

In Figure 16 is a further development of the Figure 10 to Figure 14 Known cartridges shown, in which a further chamber 45 for receiving a preparation is arranged on the cartridge and configured in such a way that volatile substances are released from the preparation into the surroundings of the chamber 45.

In the chamber 45 there can be, for example, volatile fragrances or air freshening substances which are released into the environment through the openings 46 in the chamber 45.

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

Figure 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 approximately the same filling volume. The third chamber 3c has a filling volume that is about 5 times as large as 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 to the metering device 2 in a position provided for this purpose and that insertion in the wrong position is prevented by a corresponding configuration of the metering device 2 or the console 54.

In the supervision of the cartridge, which in Figure 18 the separating webs 9a and 9b can be seen, which separate the chambers of the cartridge 1 from one another. From Figure 17 and Figure 18 Known cartridge can be formed in different ways.

In a first variant, the Figure 19 can be seen, 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 tub-like cartridge element 7, the separating webs 9a and 9b are formed, through which the three chambers of the cartridge 1 are formed. On the bottom 4 of the trough-shaped cartridge element 7, the outlet openings 5a, 5b, 5c are arranged below the chambers of the cartridge 1.

Again Figure 19 It can also be seen that the bottom 4 of the cartridge in the region of the third chamber 3c has a ramp-like shoulder which forms a slope on the chamber bottom in the direction of the third outlet opening 5c. This ensures that the preparation located in this chamber 3c is always directed in the direction of the outlet opening 5c, thus ensuring that the chamber 3c is easy to empty.

In the assembled state of the cartridge 1, the trough-shaped cartridge element 7 and the lid-like cartridge element 6 are integrally connected to one another along the common connecting edge 8. This can be achieved, for example, by welding or gluing. Of course, in the assembled state of the cartridge 1, the webs 9a, 9b are also integrally connected to the cartridge element 6.

The connecting edge 8 does not run through the outlet openings 5a-c, as a result of which sealing problems, in particular in the state coupled to the metering device, are avoided in the region of the openings 5a-c.

Another variant for the formation of the cartridge shows Figure 20 . Here, the first cartridge element 6 is cup-shaped and has an open bottom. The separately shaped bottom 4 can be used as a second cartridge element 7 in the bottom-side opening of the cup-like cartridge element 6 and can be integrally connected along the common connecting edge 8. The advantage of this variant is that the cup-like element 6 can be produced inexpensively by a plastic blowing process.

Figure 21 shows a further embodiment of the cartridge 1 and the dosing device 2 in the non-coupled state. The cartridge 1 out Figure 21 is based on the Figure 22 explained in more detail.

Figure 22 shows that out Figure 21 known cartridge 1 a perspective view. On the base 4 of the cartridge, there are alternating outlet openings 5 and Ventilation openings 81 arranged. An outlet opening 5 and a ventilation opening 81 are provided for each of the chambers in the cartridge 1.

The area of the cartridge base 4 on which the outlet and ventilation openings are arranged is enclosed by a circumferential collar 99. On the one hand, this collar 99 structurally reinforces the cartridge 1 in the base area, which prevents deformation in the base area 4, in particular when inserting the cartridge 1, when corresponding pressure forces act on the base area 4 for coupling the cartridge 1 to the metering device 2, so that a controlled and safe insertion of the cartridge 1 into the dosing device 2 is made possible.

Furthermore, the collar 99 offers protection against undesired mechanical effects on the closures of the outlet and ventilation openings. How from Figure 22 It can be seen that the outlet and ventilation openings 5, 81 are set back with respect 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.

How from Figure 22 it can also be seen that the outlet and ventilation openings 5, 81 each have a collar 100. This collar 100, which surrounds the outlet and ventilation openings 5.81, also serves to structurally reinforce the outlet and ventilation openings 5.81 in the base region 4 of the cartridge 1. Furthermore, the collar 100 can serve as a fastening for closure means for the outlet and ventilation openings 5.81 , for example for sealing plugs or sealing caps.

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

The Figure 22 can also be seen that the cartridge 1 is asymmetrical with respect to its axis ZZ. This asymmetry has the effect that the cartridge 1 can be coupled to the metering device 2 in a defined manner, in particular to the inlet openings 21 of the metering device 2. As a result, a mechanical key-lock principle is formed between the cartridge 1 and the metering device 2, which prevents incorrect operation when the cartridge 1 is coupled to the metering device 2.

The asymmetry of the cartridge 1 is brought about, inter alia, by the fact that the base 4 has two levels, the first level being formed by the collar 99 including the outlet and ventilation openings 5, 81 and the second level being a base section which is offset over a ramp 104 to the cartridge head 10, which is good for example in Figure 22 can be seen.

Starting from the ramp 104, a further collar 105, which has an opening 106, extends from the bottom section of the second level. The opening 106, together with the hook 56 formed on the hinge 55, forms a releasable snap-in connection for securing the coupling state of the cartridge 1 with the metering device 2.

In Figure 22 a peripheral edge 101 can also be seen in the lower, bottom area of the cartridge 1. A circumferential wall section 102 of the cartridge 1 extends from this edge 101 in the bottom direction and is set back to the interior of the cartridge 1, so that a shoulder extending towards the interior of the cartridge is formed between the edge 101 and the wall section 102.

The dosing device 2 is designed such that the peripheral wall section 102 can be inserted into the collar 103 of the dosing device 2, the edge 101 of the cartridge resting on the collar 103 of the dosing device in the coupling position of cartridge 1 and dosing device 2, so that the the space enclosed by the collar 103 of the metering device 2 is at least protected from splash water. The collar 103 of the metering device 2 and the edge 101 of the cartridge can in particular also be configured such that, when the cartridge 1 and metering device 2 are coupled, water can enter the space of the metering device enclosed by the collar 103 by the edge 101 resting essentially tightly on the collar 103 is prevented.

Furthermore, the inwardly offset wall section 102 of the cartridge in conjunction with the collar 103 on the metering device causes the cartridge 1 to be guided when it is inserted into the metering device 2.

The cartridge 1 is formed from two elements which are positively welded to one another on the peripheral connecting edge 8. Figure 23 shows that out Figure 22 Known cartridge 1 with a lid-like element removed along the connecting edge 8, so that one Figure 23 can see an inside view of the cartridge 1.

It can be seen that the cartridge 1 is divided into three chambers by the two separating webs 9a, 9b, each of the chambers having an outlet opening 5 on the bottom in the direction of gravity.

At the bottom end of the separating webs 9 there are ventilation chambers 86 which surround the ventilation openings 81 on the inside of the cartridge. The ventilation chambers 86 serve on the one hand to reinforce the structure of the cartridge base 4 in the area of the ventilation openings 81, so that deformation when coupling the cartridge 1 to the metering device 2 is prevented, and on the other hand to provide a connection between the ventilation openings 81 and the ventilation channels 82 the Figures 23-25 can be seen, the ventilation chambers 86 are cuboid. The ventilation chambers 86 are communicatively connected to the ventilation channel 82 (not that Fig. 22-25 removable).

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

In Figure 26 the formation of a ventilation channel by joining two cartridge elements 6, 7 is shown schematically. In the upper part of the Figure 26 the two cartridge elements 6, 7 are shown in the separated state. The cartridge element 7 is designed in the manner of a plate, two webs 84, 85 spaced apart from one another 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 is shown in the lower part of FIG Figure 26 can be seen. The fit is chosen so that the inside of the webs 84, 85 lightly touch the web 9. 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 cohesive manner, in particular by welding.

Claims (8)

1. A cartridge for coupling to a dosing device (2) for dispensing at least one washing and/or cleaning agent preparation (40) from the cartridge (1) into the interior of a domestic appliance,

   • the cartridge (1) comprising at least one chamber (3) for storing at least one flowable or pourable washing and/or cleaning agent preparation (40), the cartridge (1) comprising a cartridge base (4) which is directed downward in the direction of gravity when in the use position, the cartridge (1) comprising at least two chambers (3a, 3b), at least one outlet opening (5) arranged on the cartridge base being provided for each of the at least two chambers,

   • at least one light guide being arranged in or on the cartridge, into which guide a light signal can be coupled from outside the cartridge (1),

   characterized in that the cartridge base (4) is formed from at least two integrally bonded elements, the connecting edge (8) of the elements on the cartridge base (4) extending outside the outlet openings (5) and the connecting edge (8) therefore not intersecting the outlet openings (5), the light guide being integrally formed entirely in or on the walls (4, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) and/or partitions (9a, 9b) of the cartridge (1), the light guide being formed from a transparent plastics material and the cartridge being formed from a transparent material, the light guide being suitable for guiding light in the visible range of from 380 nm to 780 nm, in the near infrared range of from 780 nm to 3000 nm, in the mid infrared range of from 3.0 µm to 50 µm, or in the far infrared range of from 50 µm to 1 mm, the light signal which can be coupled into the light guide being a carrier of information relating to the operating state of the dosing device (2), and the light guide being designed such that the light signal which can be coupled into the light guide can be coupled out at a point on the cartridge (1) that is different from the point at which the light signal can be coupled into the cartridge (1), and that the light guide is completely or partially enclosed, at least in portions, by a material having a lower optical refractive index, the material having the lower optical refractive index being a preparation stored in a chamber (3) of the cartridge (1).
2. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the cartridge (1) comprises at least three chambers (3a, 3b, 3c).
3. The cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chambers (3a, 3b, 3c) are separated from one another by separating partitions (9a, 9b).
4. The cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a light signal can be coupled in or out at a prismatic edge of the cartridge (1).
5. The cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light signal and the light guide are configured such that a light signal which is visible to a user can be generated on and/or in the cartridge.
6. The cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light guide is severed at least at one point in the cartridge (1) such that preparation can fill the separation point.
7. A dosing device for dispensing at least one washing and/or cleaning agent preparation (40) into the interior of a domestic appliance, the dosing device comprising a cartridge (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a light signal can be coupled into a light guide of the cartridge (1) by a light source located on the dosing device (2).
8. The dosing device according to claim 7, characterized in that the light source is an LED.

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