EP2398373B1 - Dosage device comprising a dosage chamber - Google Patents

Description

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

State of the art

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

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

In this context, in particular, devices for the multiple dosing of detergents and cleaners have recently come into the field of vision of the product developers. In these devices, it is possible to distinguish between dosing chambers integrated in the dishwasher or textile washing machine on the one hand and independent devices which are independent of the dishwasher or textile washing machine on the other hand. By means of these devices multiplying the for the Carrying cleaning a cleaning process necessary amount of detergent, detergent or detergent portions are dosed in an automatic or semi-automatic manner in the course of several successive cleaning process in the interior of the cleaning machine. For the consumer eliminates the need for manual dosing with each cleaning or washing cycle. Examples of such devices are disclosed in the European patent application EP 1 759 624 A2 (Reckitt Benckiser) or in the German patent application DE 53 5005 062 479 A1 (BSH Bosch and Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH). Furthermore, it is off DE102006024152A1 (Henkel KGaA) a arranged on a pivotable door of a dishwasher metering system for dispensing cleaning preparation into the interior of the dishwasher known.

Object of the invention

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

This object is achieved by a metering device with the features of claim 1.

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

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

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

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

Since the preparations to be dosed may have a pH between 2 and 12, depending on the intended use, all components of the dosing system which come into contact with the preparations should have a corresponding acid and / or alkali resistance. Furthermore, these components should be largely chemically inert by a suitable choice of material, for example against nonionic surfactants, enzymes and / or fragrances.

cartridge

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

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

It is advantageous that the cartridge has at least one outlet opening which is arranged such that a gravity-induced release of preparation from the cartridge in the position of use of the dosing device can be effected. As a result, no further funding for the release of preparation from the cartridge is required, whereby the structure of the metering device can be kept simple and the manufacturing cost low.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In or on a chamber, a metering chamber may be formed in a gravity-induced flow direction of the preparation in front of the outlet opening. Through the metering chamber, the preparation amount that is to be released in the release of preparation from the chamber to the environment, set. This is particularly advantageous when the closure element of the dosing device, which causes the preparation output from a chamber to the environment, only in a dispensing and a closure state without measurement or control of the dispensing amount can be ensured by the metering that without a direct feedback of the currently delivered, effluent preparation amount a predetermined amount of preparation is released. The metering chambers can be formed in one piece or in several pieces.

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

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

If, according to another embodiment, the cartridge chambers are not ventilated directly but are provided via the metering device or no ventilation, for example when using flexible containers such as bags, this has the advantage that at elevated temperatures during a dishwashing cycle of a dishwasher by the heating of the chamber contents, a pressure is built up, which presses the preparations to be metered in the direction of the outlet openings, so that a good emptying of the cartridge can be achieved. Furthermore, in the case of such an air-free packaging, there is no risk of oxidation of substances of the preparation, which makes bag packaging or else bag-in-bottle packaging appear expedient, in particular for oxidation-sensitive preparations.

Preferably, the volume ratio formed from the volume of construction of the metering device and the filling volume of the cartridge <1, more preferably <0.1, particularly preferably <0.05. In this way it is achieved that for a given overall construction volume of metering device and cartridge, the overwhelming portion of the construction volume is occupied by the cartridge and the preparation contained therein. The cartridge usually has a filling volume of <5,000 ml, in particular <1,000 ml, preferably <500 ml , more preferably <250 ml, most preferably <50 ml.

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

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

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

Usually, commercial household dishwashers are in such konziplert 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 avoid a non-optimal positioning of the metering by the user in the upper basket, the metering system is dimensioned in an advantageous embodiment of the invention such that a positioning of the metering system is only possible in the receptacles provided for the lower basket. For this purpose, the width and the height of the metering system can be selected in particular between 150 mm and 300 mm, particularly preferably between 175 mm and 250 mm.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In order to bring about a further improvement of the 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 for at least one preparation which is stored in an enclosing chamber to have a thermal conductivity of between 0.01 and 5 W / m.sup.-1 K, preferably between 0.02 and 2 W / m.sup.-1, particularly preferably between 0.024 and 1 1 W / m * K has.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The cartridge is designed in particular for receiving flowable detergents or cleaning agents. Particularly preferably, such a cartridge has a plurality of chambers for the spatially separated receiving in each case of different preparations of a washing or cleaning agent. By way of example, but not conclusively, some possible combinations of the filling of the chambers with different preparations are listed below: Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3 Chamber 4 Alkaline cleaning preparation Enzymatic cleaning preparation rinse aid Alkaline cleaning preparation Enzymatic cleaning preparation rinse aid perfume Alkaline cleaning service Enzymatic cleaning preparation rinse aid disinfecting preparation

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

The cartridge is preferably formed from at least two elements connected to one another in a material-locking manner, wherein the connecting edge of the elements on the cartridge bottom extends outside the outlet openings, that is to say the connecting edge does not intersect the outlet openings.

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

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

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

As an alternative to forming the cartridge by means of two cup-shaped cartridge elements, it is also conceivable for a cartridge element to be a cup-shaped container having at least one chamber and the second element to be the cartridge bottom or head connected in a fluid-tight manner to the cup-shaped container along the connecting edge.

Of course, it is also conceivable to combine the above-mentioned cartridge configurations in any suitable manner. For example, it is possible a two-chamber cartridge of a tub-shaped and a lid-like To form cartridge element and to arrange a third one-piece or multi-piece chamber on the head or lateral surface of the cartridge thus formed.

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

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the outlet openings are each provided with a closure which allows in the coupled state with a dispenser outflow of preparation from the respective chambers and in the uncoupled state of the cartridge substantially prevents leakage of preparation. In particular, the closure is designed as a silicone valve.

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

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

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the cartridge for coupling with a positionable within a domestic appliance dosing device for dispensing at least one detergent and / or detergent preparation, at least one chamber for storing at least one flowable or pourable detergent and / or cleaning agent preparation in which the cartridge is protected in the coupled with the dosing device state before entering rinse water in the chamber (s) Is and the cartridge at least one bottom in the direction of gravity discharge opening for - especially gravitational - release of preparation of at least one chamber and at least one bottom side in the direction of gravity Ventilation opening for ventilation comprises at least one chamber, wherein the ventilation opening is separated from the discharge opening (5) and the ventilation opening is communicatively connected to at least one chamber of the cartridge.

It is particularly preferred that the cartridge comprises at least two chambers, very particularly preferably at least three chambers. In this case, it is advantageous that one ventilation opening and one discharge opening are provided for each chamber.

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

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

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

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

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

In order to ensure the ventilation of the cartridge in an inclined position, for example when the metering device is placed in the disc holder, it is advantageous that the level level (F) of the cartridge in the unopened, filled state of the cartridge with an inclination of up to 45 ° is not present at the vent port (83).

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

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

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

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

The outlet openings of the chambers of the cartridge and the inlet openings of the metering device are arranged and configured such that they are sequentially connected to each other by the pivoting in the locked state in the coupling state of metering device and cartridge.

In particular, it is advantageous that the outlet openings of the chambers are arranged one behind the other in the pivoting direction.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It is also preferred that the ventilation opening of a chamber in the pivoting direction during coupling of the cartridge with the dosing device is located in each case in front of an outlet opening of the chamber.

optical fiber

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

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

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

However, it is also possible to form the entire cartridge from a transparent material.

It is preferred that the light guide is capable of directing light in the visible range (380-780 nm). It is especially preferable that the light guide is suitable for directing light in the near infrared range (780nm-3,000nm). In particular, it is preferred that the light guide is suitable for guiding light in the mid-infrared range (3.0 μm-50 μm).

The light signal which can be coupled into the optical waveguide is in particular a carrier of information, in particular, for example, with respect to the operating state of the dosing device and / or the filling level of the cartridge.

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

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

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

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

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

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

dosing

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

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

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

An alternative or supplement to encapsulation is the encapsulation of the components in a correspondingly exposed, moisture-proof housing. Such an embodiment will be explained in more detail in the following section.

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

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

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

In an advantageous further development of the invention, in each case a second interface on the dosing device and the water-conducting device, such as a dishwasher, for transmitting electromagnetic signals, in particular Betriebszustandands-, measuring and / or control information of the dosing and / or the water-bearing device such as Dishwasher represent trained.

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

In an advantageous further development of the invention, the dosing device for dispensing at least one washing and / or cleaning agent preparation from a cartridge into the interior of a domestic appliance has a light source by means of which a light signal can be coupled into a light guide of the cartridge. In particular, the light source may be an LED.

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

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the dosing device for dispensing at least one flowable detergent and / or cleaning agent preparation in

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

In particular, it is preferable that the outlet openings of the chambers and the inlet openings of the metering device are arranged and configured such that they are sequentially connected to each other by the pivoting in the latching state in the coupling state of metering device and cartridge.

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

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

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

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

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

In a further advantageous embodiment, the dosing device for dispensing at least one washing and / or cleaning agent preparation inside a household appliance comprises at least one optical transmitting unit, wherein the optical transmitting unit is configured in such a way that signals from the transmitting unit in one with the dosing couplable cartridge coupled and signals from the transmitter unit in the environment of the dosing device are radiated. In this way, both a signal transmission between the dosing device and, for example, a domestic appliance such as a dishwasher and the signal input into a cartridge can be realized by means of an optical transmitting unit.

In particular, the optical transmitting unit can be an LED.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the dosing device may comprise at least one optical receiving unit. This makes it possible, for example, that the dosing device can receive signals from an optical transmission unit arranged in the household appliance.

In particular, the optical receiving unit on the dosing device can also be configured such that the signals that can be coupled from the transmitting unit into a cartridge coupled to the dosing device can be decoupled from the cartridge and detected by the optical receiving unit of the dosing device.

The signals emitted by the transmitting unit into the surroundings of the metering device may preferably represent information regarding operating conditions or control commands.

metering

The metering device for dispensing at least one flowable detergent and / or cleaning agent preparation into the interior of a domestic appliance has a metering chamber communicating with the metering device communicating cartridge with a metering device located in the metering chamber inlet, so that in the position of use of the metering preparation gravitational effects from the Cartridge is inserted into the metering chamber with a downstream of the Dosierkammereinlass Dosierkammerauslass is closed by a valve which is arranged in the metering a float, whose density is less than the density of the preparation, the float is designed in the manner in that the preparation can circumnavigate and / or flow through the floating body, and the floating body and the metering chamber inlet are configured in such a way that the metering chamber inlet can be closed by the floating body.

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

By forming a metering chamber with a floating body designed as a self-closing valve, on the one hand the lowest possible energy consumption can be achieved in an energy-autonomous metering device; on the other hand, a defined amount of preparation, which corresponds approximately to the filling volume of the dosing, released.

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

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

In order to ensure accurate metering from the metering chamber into the surroundings of the metering device , the floating body and the metering chamber are configured in such a way that in the delivery position of the valve associated with the metering chamber outlet, the rate of rise of the floating body in the washing and / or cleaning agent preparation is smaller than the flow rate of the preparation surrounding the float from the dosing chamber.

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

It is preferable that the metering chamber is substantially cylindrical. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the diameter of the metering chamber is slightly larger than the diameter of the cylindrical or spherical float.

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

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

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

component support

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In a further development of the invention, the receptacle for the actuator has an opening which is in line with the Dosierkammerauslass so that a closure element from the actuator through the opening and the Dosierkammerauslass can be moved back and forth.

actuator

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

closure element

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

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

Particularly preferred is the embodiment of the closure element and the actuator in the form of a solenoid valve, wherein the dispenser are configured by the valve and the actuator by the electromagnetic or piezoelectric drive of the solenoid valve. In particular, when using a plurality of containers and thus to be dosed preparations, the amount and timing of the dosage can be controlled very accurately by the use of solenoid valves.

It is therefore advantageous to control the dispensing of preparations from each outlet opening of a chamber with a solenoid valve in that the solenoid valve directly or indirectly determines the release of preparation from the product discharge opening.

sensor

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

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

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

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

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

Particularly in the case of preparations whose viscosity varies greatly depending on the temperature, it is advantageous for volume or mass control of the metered preparations to provide flow sensors in the metering device. Suitable flow sensors may be selected from the group of orifice flow rate sensors, electromagnetic flowmeters, Coriolis mass flow rate measurement, vortex flowmeter, ultrasonic flow rate measurement, variable area flow measurement, annular piston flow measurement, thermal mass flow measurement, or differential pressure flow measurement.

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

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

The alternatives listed above for determining the metered quantity or the viscosity of a preparation serve to generate a control signal that is processed by the control unit in such a way for controlling a dispenser that essentially a constant metering of a preparation is effected.

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

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

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

control unit

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

In particular, the control unit may be a programmable microprocessor. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of dosing programs is stored on the microprocessor, which are selectable and executable in a particularly preferred embodiment according to the container coupled to the dosing device.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Procedure in the tax office (programming) "Lost signal" function

By the control unit, in particular, a method for operating a dosing device not connected to a household appliance for dispensing at least one detergent and / or detergent preparation inside the household appliance may be formed, wherein at least one dosing program is stored in the control unit, and the control unit is at least an actuator located in the metering device cooperates in such a way that washing and / or cleaning agent preparation is releasable from the metering device inside the household appliance, the metering device comprises at least one receiving unit for signals emitted by at least one arranged in the household appliance transmitting unit and at least a part the signals in the dosing device-side control unit are converted into control commands for the actuators of the dosing device, the reception of the signals being monitored on the dosing device side by means of the control unit and not receiving the signals on the dosing a dosing from the control unit of the dosing device is activated.

This makes it possible that in a signal separation between the home appliance side transmitting unit and the dosing device, a dosage of preparation is ensured by the dosing transfers the control sovereignty of the household appliance to the dosing device internal control.

In particular, it is advantageous that the household appliance-side signal is emitted in predefined, periodic time intervals from the household appliance-side transmitting unit into the interior of the household appliance. This makes it possible that the defined periodic intervals in which a signal is emitted from the household appliance-side transmitting unit are stored in the control unit of the metering device and in the household appliance. If the contact between the transmitting unit of the domestic appliance breaks after receiving a signal at the dosing device, this demolition can be expected by comparing the time elapsed since the last received signal and the time in which the reception of a subsequent signal is expected after the defined, periodic time interval , Dosiergeräteseitig be determined.

It is preferable that the periodic signal intervals are selected between 1 second and 10 minutes, preferably between 5 seconds and 7 minutes, more preferably between 10 seconds and 5 minutes. It is particularly preferred that the periodic signal intervals are selected between 3 minutes and 5 minutes.

Therefore, it is particularly advantageous that the receipt of a household appliance side emitted signal in the control unit of the metering device with a time information t, is logged.

It is very particularly preferred that the control unit of the dosing device, after the expiration of a predefined time interval t _1-2 starting at t ₁ in which no further appliance signal is received by the dosing device, activates a dosing program from the control unit of the dosing device.

According to an advantageous further development of the invention, the control unit evaluates the number and / or time sequence of the signals received by the dosing device in such a way that a dosing program is activated in the control unit in accordance with the evaluation result. This makes it possible to determine, for example, the duration of a washing program in a dishwasher since its start by comparing the time of the first signal reception to the time of determining the signal break, so that according to the progress of the washing program, a suitable, the progress of the wash program corresponding dosing in the control unit of the dosing device is activated.

It is also conceivable that, based on the above-mentioned evaluation of the number and / or time sequence of the signals received from the dosing device, a dosing program stored in the control unit of the dosing device is activated in the control unit starting from a defined program step corresponding to the progress of the washing program.

In particular, the signals transmitted by the household appliance-side transmitting unit comprise at least one control signal.

In an advantageous further development of the invention, the signals emitted by the household appliance-side transmitting unit comprise at least one monitoring signal.

Furthermore, it is advantageous that at least one dosing program stored in the control unit comprises a dosing program of the household appliance. This makes it possible that in a signal separation between the household appliance and the dosing unit, the dosing continues a dosing program started by the household appliance.

Therefore, it is particularly preferred that the metering programs stored in the control unit of the metering device include the metering programs of the household appliance,

In the absence of a signal on the dosing device can advantageously be generated for a user perceptible acoustic and / or optical signal that indicates the signal tear.

Furthermore, it may be advantageous that the transmission of a monitoring signal and / or control signal to the household appliance can be effected manually by a user. In this way, a user can check, for example, whether there is a signal reception between the transmitting unit of the household appliance and the dosing device in one of his chosen positioning of the dosing within the household appliance. This can be realized, for example, by an operating element embodied on the household appliance, such as a pushbutton or switch, which transmits a monitoring and / or control signal when actuated.

energy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Schwingzerstäuber

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dispenser of the dishwasher

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dosing device can receive signals from a dispensing device fixed in a dishwasher.

The dispensing device for dispensing at least one preparation into the interior of a dishwasher may, in particular, be a cleaning agent dispenser, a dispenser for rinse aid or salt or a combination dispenser.

The dispensing device advantageously comprises at least one transmitting unit and / or at least one receiving unit for the wireless transmission of signals into the interior of the dishwasher or for the wireless reception of signals from the interior of the dishwasher.

It is particularly advantageous that the transmitting unit and / or receiving unit is configured to emit or receive infrared signals. In particular, it is advantageous that the transmitting unit and / or receiving unit is configured to transmit or receive infrared signals in the near infrared range (780nm-3,000nm).

In particular, the transmitting unit comprises at least one LED. Particularly preferably, the transmitting unit comprises at least two LEDs. It is particularly advantageous that at least two LEDs are arranged in an offset by 90 ° to each other radiation angle. As a result, the danger of signal shadows in which a freely positionable receiver of the signals, in particular a dosing device, could be located, can be reduced by the generated multiple reflections within the dishwasher.

The receiving unit of the dispensing device may in particular comprise a photodiode.

In a further development of the invention, the dispensing device can additionally or alternatively also be configured for transmitting or receiving radio signals.

The signal transmitted by the transmitting unit and / or receiving unit is, in particular, a carrier of information, in particular a control signal.

It is particularly preferred that the dispensing device is arranged in the door of a dishwasher.

Furthermore, a receptacle for releasably fixing a dosing device to the dispensing device can be provided on the dispensing device. This makes it possible, for example, to position the dosing device not only in the dish drawer of a dishwasher, but also directly to a dispenser of the dishwasher, in particular a Kombidosiergeräts to fix. On the one hand, this does not occupy a loading space in the dish drawer by the metering device, on the other hand, a defined positioning of the metering device takes place relative to the dispensing device.

Frequently dispensing devices such as a Kombidosiergerät a hinged flap, which is opened within a wash program to deliver the cleaning preparation located in the dosing of the Kombigeräts inside the dishwasher. The receptacle for the metering device can now be formed on the dispensing device in such a way that opening of the flap is prevented when the metering device is fixed in the receptacle. This avoids the risk of double metering from the metering device and the dispensing device.

Furthermore, it is advantageous to configure the fixation of the dispensing device and the transmitting and / or receiving unit in such a way that at least the transmitting unit irradiates directly onto the receiver of the metering device arranged in the fixation.

Advantageously, the metering device not connected to the dishwasher has, for use in a metering system comprising the delivery device, at least one receiving and / or at least one transmitting unit for the wireless transmission of signals from the interior of the dishwasher to the dispensing device or for the wireless reception of signals from the dispenser.

applications

In principle, the dosing system of the type described above is suitable for being used in or in connection with water-conducting devices of any kind.

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

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

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

List of Figures

FIG. 1

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

FIG. 2

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

FIG. 3

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

FIG. 4

Two-chamber cartridge in assembled condition with an internal machine-integrated dosing device

FIG. 5

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

FIG. 6

Two-chamber cartridge in assembled condition with an external machine-integrated dosing device

FIG. 7

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

FIG. 8

Two-chamber cartridge in assembled condition to a self-sufficient, machine-integrated dosing device

FIG. 9

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

FIG. 10

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

FIG. 11

Cartridge formed by two trough-shaped cartridge elements

FIG. 12

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

FIG. 13

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

FIG. 14

Cartridge formed from two chamber elements

FIG. 15

Cartridge with refill bag

FIG. 16

Cartridge with volatile substance delivery chamber

FIG. 17

Cartridge with three chambers in front view

FIG. 18

Cartridge with three chambers in supervision

FIG. 19

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

FIG. 20

Two-part cartouche with a cup-shaped container and a cartridge bottom in an exploded view

FIG. 21

Three-chamber cartridge with dosing device in the separated state in a perspective view

FIG. 22

Three-chamber cartridge with ventilation openings in a perspective view

FIG. 23

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

FIG. 24

Longitudinal view into a three-chamber cartridge

FIG. 25

Longitudinal view of a coupled with the dispenser three-chamber cartridge

FIG. 26

Forming the ventilation duct on a separating web of the cartridge in a schematic diagram

Figure 27

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

Figure 28

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

Figure 29

Combined dosing unit with sender and receiver unit

Figure 30

Combined dosing unit with sender and receiver unit with opened dosing chamber lid

Figure 31

Combination meter with holder for external dosing unit

Figure 32

Dosing device and arranged in the household appliance transmitting device

Figure 33

Dosing device and arranged in the household appliance transmitting device with loaded household appliance

Figure 34

Dosing device and arranged in the household appliance two types of signals emitting transmitter

Figure 35

Dosing device with two types of signals emitting transmitter and domestic appliance receiving device

Figure 36

Dosing device with optical transmitting device, coupled cartridge and home page equipment transmitting and / or receiving devices

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

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

The Dosierkammereinlässe 21a, 21b further comprise means for the insertion of the cartridge 1 on the dosing device 2, the opening of the outlet openings 5a, 5b of the chambers 3a, 3b effect, so that the interior of the chambers 3a, 3b communicating with the Dosierkammereinlässen 21a, 21b connected is.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The outlet openings 6a, 5b are designed such that they form a positive and / or non-positive, in particular liquid-tight, connection with the corresponding metering chamber inlets 21a, 21b.

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

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

The metering unit 2 and the cartridge 1 can be adapted in the assembled state in particular to the geometries of the devices or in which they are applied in order to ensure the least possible loss of useful volume. To use the dosing unit 2 and the cartridge 1 in dishwashers, it is particularly advantageous to mold the dosing unit 2 and the cartridge 1 on the basis of dishes to be cleaned in dishwashers. Thus, the dosing unit 2 and the cartridge 1, for example, plate-shaped, be formed in approximately the dimensions of a plate. As a result, the dosing unit can be positioned to save space in the lower basket.

To provide an immediate optical level control, it is advantageous to form the cartridge 1 at least in sections of a transparent material.

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

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

FIG. 2 shows a self-sufficient dosing with a two-chamber cartridge 1 in the dish drawer 11 with the dishwasher door 39 of a dishwasher 38 open.

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

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

For fixing the cartridge 1 in the recess 43 holding elements 44a, 44b may be provided on the recess 43, which ensure a positive and / or positive fixing of the cartridge in the recess 43. Of course, it is also conceivable that corresponding retaining elements are provided on the cartridge 1. The holding elements 44a, 44b may preferably be selected from the group of snap connections, latching connections, snap-lock connections, clamping connections or plug-in connections.

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

FIG. 4 shows the off FIG. 3 known cartridge 1 in the installed state in the door 39 of a dishwasher 38th

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

Unlike when out FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 It is also possible to provide a depression 43 with adapter elements 42a, 42b for coupling to the cartridge 1 on an outer surface of a dishwasher 38. This is exemplary in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 shown.

Of course, the in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 Cartridge 1 shown may also be arranged with a chamber 45 containing an air freshening substance in a correspondingly formed receptacle in the interior of a dishwasher 38.

A further embodiment of the invention is in FIG. 7 shown. The dosing device 2 can in this case be coupled to the cartridge 1, which is indicated by the first, left arrow in the drawing accordingly. Subsequently, cartridge 1 and dosing device 2 are coupled as an assembly via the interface 47,48 to the dishwasher, which is indicated by the right arrow. The dosing device 2 has an interface 47 via which data and / or energy are transferred to and / or from the dosing device 2. In the door 39 of the dishwasher 38, a recess 43 for receiving the dosing device 2 is provided. In the depression 43, a second interface 48 is provided, which transmits data and / or energy to and / or from the dosing device 2.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In a first embodiment, which in FIG. 10 is reproduced, the cartridge 1 consists of a first trough-shaped element 6 and a second plate-like or lid-like element 7, wherein in the FIG. 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 in the assembled state of the cartridge 1.

The first trough-shaped element 6 is formed by the cartridge head 10, the cartridge side surfaces 11 and 12 and the cartridge bottom 4. Through the divider 9, the two chambers 3a, 3b of the cartridge 1 are defined. At the cartridge bottom 4, an outlet opening 5a, 5b are provided for each of the chambers 3a, 3b. The cartridge 1 is formed by materially joining the first, trough-shaped element 6 with the second, plate-like or cover-like element 7.

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

FIG. 12 shows a modification of FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 known cartouche. In this embodiment, the first cartridge element 6 is designed as a one-piece cup-shaped, bottomless plastic container. The cartridge 1 is formed by inserting the bottom 4 to the container 6 along the connecting edge 8, which is indicated by the arrow in the figure. The bottom 4 has a first opening 5a and a second opening 5b which, in the assembled state of the cartridge 1, allow outflow of preparation from the respective chambers 3a, 3b.

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

The fact that the cartridge 1 can also be formed from two mutually separately formed chambers 3a, 3b is in FIG. 14 shown. The two chambers 3a, 3b are in this embodiment variant material, positive and / or non-releasably connected to each other and thus form the cartridge first

FIG. 15 shows the off FIG. 13 known cartridge 1 as a receptacle for a bag 40 filled with preparation 40, so that by inserting the bag into the cartridge chambers, which is indicated by the arrows in the figure, a so-called "bag-in-bottle" container is formed. The openings 65a, 65b of the bag 64a, 64b are formed in such a way that they can be inserted into the openings 5a, 5b of the cartridge 1. Preferably, the openings 65a, 65b as a dimensionally stable plastic cylinder formed. It is conceivable, in each case, that a respective bag 64a, B4b 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 FIG. 16 is an evolution of the FIG. 10 to FIG. 14 known cartridges, in which a further chamber 45 is arranged on the cartridge for receiving a preparation and is configured in such a way that a release of volatile substances from the preparation into the environment of the chamber 45 is effected.

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

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

FIG. 17 shows a further possible embodiment of the cartridge 1 with three chambers 3a, 3b, 3c. The first chamber 3a and the second chamber 3b have an approximately equal filling volume. The third chamber 3c has a filling volume about 5 times that of one of the chambers 3a or 3b. The cartridge base 4 has a ramp-like shoulder in the region of the third chamber 3c. This asymmetrical design of the cartridge 1 can ensure that the cartridge 1 can be coupled with the dosing device 2 in a position provided for this purpose and that insertion into a wrong position is prevented by a corresponding configuration of the dosing device 2 or the console 54.

In the supervision of the cartridge, which in FIG. 18 is shown, the dividers 9a and 9b can be seen, which separate the chambers of the cartridge 1 from each other. From FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 known cartridge can be formed in different ways.

In a first variant, the FIG. 19 it can be seen, the cartridge 1 is formed from a first tub-like cartridge element 7 and a second, cover- or plate-like cartridge element 6. In the trough-like cartridge element 7, the separating webs 9a and 9b are formed, through which the three chambers of the cartridge 1 are formed. At the bottom 4 of the trough-shaped cartridge element 7, the outlet openings 5a, 5b, 5c are respectively arranged below the chambers of the cartridge 1.

Again FIG. 19 can be seen further, the bottom 4 of the cartridge in the region of the third chamber 3 c on a ramp-like heel on the chamber floor a slope in Direction of the third outlet opening 5c forms. This ensures that the preparation located in this chamber 3c is always directed in the direction of the outlet opening 5c, thus achieving a good emptying of the chamber 3c.

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

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

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

FIG. 21 shows a further embodiment of the cartridge 1 and the dosing device 2 in the uncoupled state. The cartridge 1 off FIG. 21 is determined by the FIG. 22 explained in more detail.

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

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

Furthermore, the collar 99 provides protection against undesirable mechanical effects on the closures of the outlet and ventilation openings. How out FIG. 22 it can be seen, the outlet and ventilation openings 5, 81 are set back relative to the collar 99, so that the openings 5.81 are protected, for example, from the direct action of objects which are larger than the openings.

How out FIG. 22 Furthermore, the outlet and ventilation openings 5, 81 each have a collar 100. This collar 100 enclosing the outlet and ventilation openings 5, 81 also serves to structurally strengthen the outlet and ventilation openings 5, 81 in the bottom region 4 of the cartridge 1. Furthermore, the collar 100 can serve as a fastening for closure means of the outlet and ventilation openings 5, 81 For example, for sealing plugs or closure lid.

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

Of the FIG. 22 can also be seen that the cartridge 1 is formed asymmetrically with respect to its axis ZZ. As a result of this asymmetry, the cartridge 1 can be coupled with the dosing device 2 in only one defined manner, in particular with the inlet openings 21 of the dosing device 2. As a result, a mechanical key-lock principle between the cartridge 1 and metering device 2 is formed, which prevents incorrect operation when coupling the cartridge 1 to the metering device 2.

The asymmetry of the cartridge 1 is effected, inter alia, by the bottom 4 having two levels, the first level being formed by the collar 99 enclosing the outlet and vent openings 5, 81 and the second level being a bottom portion via a ramp 104 offset towards the cartridge head 10, which is good for example in FIG. 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 plane. The opening 106 forms with the hook 55 formed on the hook 56 a releasable latching connection for securing the coupling state of the cartridge 1 with the dosing device 2.

In FIG. 22 Furthermore, a peripheral edge 101 in the lower, bottom-side region of the cartridge 1 can be seen. From this edge 101 extends in the bottom direction, a circumferential wall portion 102 of the cartridge 1, which is set back to the interior of the cartridge 1, so that between the edge 101 and wall portion 102 a extending towards the interior of the cartridge shoulder is formed.

The metering device 2 is designed such that the circumferential wall portion 102 can be inserted into the collar 103 of the metering device 2, wherein in the coupling position of the cartridge 1 and metering device 2, the edge 101 of the cartridge rests on the collar 103 of the metering device, so that the space enclosed by the collar 103 of the dosing device 2 is protected at least against splash water entry. The collar 103 of the dosing device 2 and the edge 101 of the cartridge can in particular also be configured so that in the coupling state of the cartridge 1 and dosing device 2 an entry of water into the space enclosed by the collar 103 of the dosing device by a substantially dense resting of the edge 101st is prevented on the collar 103

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

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

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

At the bottom end of the dividers 9 ventilation chambers 86 are arranged, the inside of the cartridge enclose the ventilation openings 81. The ventilation chambers 86 are used for a structural reinforcement of the cartridge bottom 4 in the region of the ventilation openings 81, so that deformation during coupling of the cartridge 1 with the dosing device 2 is prevented, and secondly the connection between the ventilation openings 81 and the ventilation channels 82, in particular the Figures 23-25 As can be seen, the ventilation chambers 86 are of cuboid design. The ventilation chambers 86 are communicatively connected to the ventilation channel 82 (not the Fig. 22-25 removable).

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

In FIG. 26 the formation of a ventilation channel by joining two cartridge elements 6,7 is shown schematically. In the upper part of the FIG. 26 the two cartridge elements 6,7 are shown in the separated state. The cartridge element 7 is plate-like, with two spaced-apart webs 84, 85 extending perpendicularly from the cartridge element 7. The webs 84,85 are configured so that they can comprise a formed on the cartridge element 6 web 9, which in the lower part of the FIG. 26 can be seen. The fit is chosen so that the inner sides of the webs 84,85 touch the web 9 lightly. The two webs 84,85 and the web 9 form the ventilation channel 81 in the assembled state of the cartridge elements 6,7. It is particularly advantageous to connect the ends of the webs 84, 85 to the web 9 in a material-locking manner, in particular by welding.

Claims (12)

1. A dosing device for dispensing at least one flowable detergent and/or cleaning agent preparation (40) into the interior of a domestic appliance, comprising

   ▪ a cartridge (1) which can be coupled to the dosing device (2), the cartridge (1) storing at least one flowable detergent and/or cleaning agent preparation (40),

   ▪ and the cartridge (1) having at least one outlet opening (5) on the base in the direction of gravity, which opening, in the state in which it is coupled to the dosing device (2), is communicatively connected to a dosing chamber inlet (21) located in the dosing device (2), such that in the use position of the dosing device (2), preparation (40), induced by gravity, flows from the cartridge (1) into a dosing chamber (20),

   ▪ a dosing chamber outlet (22) which is downstream of the dosing chamber inlet (21) in the direction of gravity and can be closed by a valve,

   ▪ a floating body (92) is arranged in the dosing chamber (20), the density of which body is lower than the density of the preparation (40),

   ▪ the floating body (92) being designed in such a way that preparation (40) can flow around and/or through the floating body (92),

   ▪ and the floating body (92) and the dosing chamber inlet (21) being configured in such a way that the dosing chamber inlet (21) can be closed by the floating body (92),
   characterized in that

   ▪ in the dispensing position of the valve, the rate at which the floating body (92) rises in the detergent and/or cleaning agent preparation (40) is lower than the flow rate of the preparation (40) from the dosing chamber (20) that surrounds the floating body (92).
2. The dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the density of the detergent and/or cleaning agent preparation (40) and the density of the floating body (92) are selected such that the floating body (92) rises at a rate of 1.6 mm/sec to 25 mm/sec in the detergent and/or cleaning agent preparation (40).
3. The dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rate at which the floating body (92) rises is stored in the control unit of the dosing device (2) that controls the valve.
4. The dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the floating body (92) is substantially spherical.
5. The dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the floating body (92) is substantially cylindrical.
6. The dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the floating body is formed from a foamed polymeric material, in particular from foamed PP.
7. The dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dosing chamber (20) is substantially cylindrical.
8. The dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the diameter of the dosing chamber (20) is slightly larger than the diameter of the cylindrical or spherical floating body (92).
9. The dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dosing chamber (20) is L-shaped.
10. The dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a screen (93) is arranged in the dosing chamber (20) between the dosing chamber inlet (21) and dosing chamber outlet (22), the screen opening being formed such that it can be closed by the floating body (92).
11. The dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the floating body (92) is arranged between the screen (93) and the dosing chamber inlet (21).
12. The dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve is a bistable solenoid valve.

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