EP2395900B1 - Cartouche avec guide de lumière - Google Patents

Cartouche avec guide de lumière Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2395900B1
EP2395900B1 EP10703000.9A EP10703000A EP2395900B1 EP 2395900 B1 EP2395900 B1 EP 2395900B1 EP 10703000 A EP10703000 A EP 10703000A EP 2395900 B1 EP2395900 B1 EP 2395900B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cartridge
chamber
chambers
preparation
light guide
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP10703000.9A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP2395900A2 (fr
Inventor
Salvator Fileccia
Arnd Kessler
Dieter Eichholz
Hans-Georg MÜHLHAUSEN
Christian Nitsch
Thorsten Bastigkeit
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Henkel AG and Co KGaA
Original Assignee
Henkel AG and Co KGaA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Henkel AG and Co KGaA filed Critical Henkel AG and Co KGaA
Priority to PL10703000T priority Critical patent/PL2395900T3/pl
Publication of EP2395900A2 publication Critical patent/EP2395900A2/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2395900B1 publication Critical patent/EP2395900B1/fr
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/02—Devices for adding soap or other washing agents
    • D06F39/024—Devices for adding soap or other washing agents mounted on the agitator or the rotating drum; Free body dispensers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/44—Devices for adding cleaning agents; Devices for dispensing cleaning agents, rinsing aids or deodorants
    • A47L15/4445—Detachable devices
    • A47L15/4454—Detachable devices with automatic identification means, e.g. barcodes, RFID tags or magnetic strips
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/44—Devices for adding cleaning agents; Devices for dispensing cleaning agents, rinsing aids or deodorants
    • A47L15/4463—Multi-dose dispensing arrangements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/44—Devices for adding cleaning agents; Devices for dispensing cleaning agents, rinsing aids or deodorants
    • A47L15/4472—Blister packaging or refill cartridges

Definitions

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • new ingredients for example more effective surfactants, polymers, enzymes or bleaching agents, were preferably added to the cleaning agents.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • the metering system can be formed from materials that are dimensionally stable up to a temperature of 120 ° C.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the cartridge is formed in one piece.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the bottom of the chambers can be inclined in a funnel shape towards the discharge opening.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the cartridge preferably has 3 chambers.
  • the first chamber contains an alkaline cleaning preparation
  • the second chamber contains an enzymatic preparation
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the dosing device based on the dishes to be cleaned in dishwashers.
  • this can be plate-shaped, approximately in the dimensions of a plate.
  • the metering device can save space e.g. be positioned in the lower basket of the dishwasher.
  • 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.
  • the dosing system is dimensioned such that positioning of the dosing system is only possible in the receptacles provided for the lower basket.
  • the width and the height of the metering system can be chosen in particular between 150mm and 300mm, particularly preferably between 175mm and 250mm.
  • the dosing unit in a cup shape with an essentially circular or square base area.
  • the cartridge 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.
  • the cartridge 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the chambers can be arranged around one another according to the Matryoshka principle, so that a multilayer insulation layer is formed.
  • 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.
  • the cartridge is also conceivable to design the cartridge as a flexible packaging, such as a tube.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the cartridge is designed in particular to hold flowable washing or cleaning agents.
  • 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.
  • Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3 Chamber 4 Alkaline cleaning preparation Enzymatic cleaning preparation Rinse aid Alkaline cleaning preparation
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the connecting edge runs along the top, bottom and side surfaces of the cartridge.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • a cartridge element 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the ventilation channel is wholly or partially formed in or on the walls and / or webs of the cartridge.
  • the ventilation channel can be integrally formed in or on the walls and / or webs of the cartridge.
  • the ventilation channel can be advantageously formed by joining at least two elements forming the cartridge.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the ventilation duct can also be used, for example, as a so-called. Dip-tube be formed.
  • 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).
  • vent channel opening approximately in the middle on or in the chamber wall of the cartridge head.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • outlet openings of the chambers are arranged one behind the other in the pivoting direction.
  • outlet openings of the chambers are arranged on a line (L) in the pivoting direction.
  • outlet openings of the chambers are approximately the same distance apart.
  • 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).
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 ⁇ m-50 ⁇ m) or in the far infrared range (50 ⁇ m - 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • control unit 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the interfaces are formed by plug connectors.
  • the interfaces can be designed in such a way that wireless transmission of electrical energy is effected.
  • the interfaces are inductive transmitters or receivers of electromagnetic waves.
  • 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.
  • a second interface on the metering device and the water-carrying device 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the light source can be an LED.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • SP pivot point
  • 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.
  • the inlet openings of the metering device are arranged one behind the other in the pivoting direction.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the energy source, the control unit and the sensor unit are arranged in one assembly on or in the component carrier.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the quantity and the times of the dosing can be regulated very precisely by using solenoid valves.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • a device for directly determining the viscosity of the preparation is provided.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the sensor unit comprises a temperature and / or a conductivity sensor.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • control unit can be a programmable microprocessor.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • control unit is coupled to the existing control of the household appliance.
  • This coupling is preferably carried out wirelessly.
  • 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.
  • control unit Several programs for releasing different preparations or releasing products in different applications can be stored in the control unit.
  • the corresponding program can be called up by means of corresponding RFID labels or geometric information carriers formed on the container.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the energy source 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • a 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the metering system 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the bottom of the cartridge 1 can be inclined in a funnel shape towards the dispensing opening 5a, 5b.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the cartridge 1 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.
  • the cartridge 1 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.
  • FIG 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • FIG. 7 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • FIG. 11 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.
  • Figure 12 shows a modification of the Figure 10 and Figure 11 known cartridge.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the cartridge 1 can also be formed from two chambers 3a, 3b formed separately from one another is shown in FIG Figure 14 shown.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the cartridge 1 is formed from a first trough-like cartridge element 7 and a second, cover-like or plate-like cartridge element 6.
  • the separating webs 9a and 9b are formed, through which the three chambers of the cartridge 1 are formed.
  • the outlet openings 5a, 5b, 5c are arranged below the chambers 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • FIG 26 the formation of a ventilation channel by joining two cartridge elements 6, 7 is shown schematically.
  • 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.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Washing And Drying Of Tableware (AREA)
  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)

Claims (8)

  1. Cartouche destinée à être accouplée à un appareil de dosage (2) pour distribuer au moins une préparation de produit détergent et/ou nettoyant (40) à partir de la cartouche (1) à l'intérieur d'un appareil électroménager,
    • la cartouche (1) comprenant au moins une chambre (3) destinée à stocker au moins une préparation de produit détergent et/ou nettoyant coulant ou versable (40), la cartouche (1) comprenant un fond de cartouche (4) qui, dans la position d'utilisation, est orienté vers le bas dans le sens de la gravité, la cartouche (1) comprenant au moins deux chambres (3a, 3b),
    respectivement au moins une ouverture de sortie (5) disposée au niveau du fond de cartouche étant prévue pour les au moins deux chambres,
    • au moins un guide de lumière dans lequel un signal lumineux peut être injecté depuis l'extérieur de la cartouche (1) étant disposé dans ou sur la cartouche,
    caractérisée en ce que le fond de cartouche (4) est formé d'au moins deux éléments reliés entre eux par liaison de matière, le bord de liaison (8) des éléments au niveau du fond de cartouche (4) s'étendant à l'extérieur des ouvertures de sortie (5), de sorte que le bord de liaison (8) ne coupe pas les ouvertures de sortie (5),
    le guide de lumière étant réalisé d'une seule pièce entièrement dans ou sur les parois (4, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) et/ou des entretoises (9a, 9b) de la cartouche (1),
    le guide de lumière étant formé à partir d'un matériau plastique transparent, et la cartouche étant formée à partir d'un matériau transparent, le guide de lumière permettant de guider une lumière
    dans le domaine visible de 380 nm à 780 nm,
    dans le domaine infrarouge proche de 780 nm à 3 000 nm,
    dans le domaine infrarouge moyen de 3,0 µm à 50 µm ou
    dans le domaine infrarouge lointain de 50 µm à 1 mm,
    le signal lumineux pouvant être injecté dans le guide de lumière étant un support d'informations relatives à l'état de fonctionnement de l'appareil de dosage (2), et le guide de lumière étant conçu de manière à ce que le signal lumineux pouvant être injecté dans le guide de lumière puisse être extrait à un point de la cartouche (1) qui est différent du point auquel le signal lumineux peut être injecté dans la cartouche (1), et que le guide de lumière soit entouré entièrement ou partiellement, au moins sur certaines parties, par un matériau présentant un indice de réfraction optique inférieur, le matériau d'indice de réfraction optique inférieur étant une préparation stockée dans une chambre (3) de la cartouche (1).
  2. Cartouche selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que la cartouche (1) comprend au moins trois chambres (3a, 3b, 3c).
  3. Cartouche selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que les chambres (3a, 3b, 3c) sont séparées les unes des autres par des entretoises de séparation (9a, 9b).
  4. Cartouche selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce qu'un signal lumineux peut être injecté ou extrait au niveau d'un bord prismatique de la cartouche (1).
  5. Cartouche selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que le signal lumineux et le guide de lumière sont configurés de manière à ce qu'un signal lumineux visible par un utilisateur puisse être généré sur et/ou dans la cartouche.
  6. Cartouche selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que le guide de lumière est séparé à au moins un point dans la cartouche (1) de manière à ce que la préparation puisse remplir le point de séparation.
  7. Appareil de dosage destiné à distribuer au moins une préparation de produit détergent et/ou nettoyant (40) à l'intérieur d'un appareil électroménager, l'appareil de dosage comprenant une cartouche (1) selon une ou plusieurs des revendications 1 à 6, caractérisé en ce qu'un signal lumineux peut être injecté dans un guide de lumière de la cartouche (1) par une source de lumière se trouvant sur l'appareil de dosage (2).
  8. Appareil de dosage selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que la source de lumière est une DEL.
EP10703000.9A 2009-02-16 2010-01-27 Cartouche avec guide de lumière Active EP2395900B1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL10703000T PL2395900T3 (pl) 2009-02-16 2010-01-27 Wkład ze światłowodem

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102009009118 2009-02-16
PCT/EP2010/000455 WO2010091783A2 (fr) 2009-02-16 2010-01-27 Cartouche avec guide de lumière

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2395900A2 EP2395900A2 (fr) 2011-12-21
EP2395900B1 true EP2395900B1 (fr) 2020-04-22

Family

ID=42562110

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP10703000.9A Active EP2395900B1 (fr) 2009-02-16 2010-01-27 Cartouche avec guide de lumière

Country Status (5)

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US (1) US20120018451A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP2395900B1 (fr)
ES (1) ES2792187T3 (fr)
PL (1) PL2395900T3 (fr)
WO (1) WO2010091783A2 (fr)

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US9788703B2 (en) 2013-03-08 2017-10-17 Whirlpool Corporation Dishwasher with rechargeable components
US20140334653A1 (en) * 2013-03-14 2014-11-13 Aliphcom Combination speaker and light source responsive to state(s) of an organism based on sensor data
WO2017211699A1 (fr) 2016-06-09 2017-12-14 Unilever Plc Appareil de mélange de liquides de lessive
WO2019068472A1 (fr) 2017-10-05 2019-04-11 Unilever Plc Procédés et dispositifs pour la lessive individualisée
GB2571336A (en) 2018-02-26 2019-08-28 Unilever Plc Methods and system for monitoring and replenishing one or more laundry components
WO2020117134A1 (fr) 2018-12-04 2020-06-11 İlko İlaç Sanayi̇ Ve Ti̇caret A.Ş. Formulation de pommade à base de tacrolimus stable pour le traitement topique d'affections cutanées
CN114630934A (zh) * 2019-11-01 2022-06-14 联合利华知识产权控股有限公司 可回收自动定量配给容器
JP7457967B2 (ja) * 2020-02-28 2024-03-29 パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 食器洗い機

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GB2386129B (en) 2002-03-06 2004-12-01 Reckitt Benckiser Nv Detergent dosing device
DE102005062479A1 (de) 2005-12-27 2007-07-05 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Dosiervorrichtung für die Zugabe eines Zuschlagmittels in einen Behandlungsraum und Geschirrspülmaschine mit einer Dosiervorrichtung
DE102006043973A1 (de) * 2006-09-19 2008-03-27 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Wasserführendes Haushaltsgerät mit Reinigungsmitteldosiersystem
DE102006043913A1 (de) * 2006-09-19 2008-03-27 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Kartusche für ein wasserführendes Haushaltsgerät mit einem Reinigungsmitteldosiersystem
DE102006043916A1 (de) * 2006-09-19 2008-03-27 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Wasserführendes Haushaltsgerät mit einem Reinigungsmitteldosiersystem sowie Kartusche hierfür
DE102007014425A1 (de) * 2007-03-22 2008-09-25 Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa Bewegliches Dosiersystem zur Abgabe von fließ- oder streufähigen Zubereitungen
DE102008033108A1 (de) * 2008-07-15 2010-01-21 Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa Koppelbares Dosiergerät

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2792187T3 (es) 2020-11-10
US20120018451A1 (en) 2012-01-26
WO2010091783A2 (fr) 2010-08-19
PL2395900T3 (pl) 2020-10-05
EP2395900A2 (fr) 2011-12-21
WO2010091783A3 (fr) 2011-01-06

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