EP2528487B1 - Metering device for a dishwashing machine having an optical transmitter and/or receiver unit - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a dosing device and system with optical transmitting and / or receiving unit for positioning in the interior of a dishwasher, in particular by a user. The dosing device and system according to the invention is designed in particular such that a transmission of optical signals, which in particular represent operating state, measuring and / or control information of the dosing device and / or the dishwasher, is realized between the dishwasher and the dosing device.

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 10 2005 062 479 A1 (BSH Bosch and Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH).

WO 2010/015367 A2 describes a home appliance with a program control for controlling program flows for at least one operating parameter, such as temperature, pH or the like, and / or the operation of at least one machine component, such as rinse arms, pumps or the like, wherein the program control for the use of a not fixed provided in the household machine metering device is provided. In one embodiment, it is provided that a transmission system for the transmission of information between a control unit of the household machine and a metering device not permanently installed in the household machine is present.

WO 2010/007054 discloses a metering system, in particular for positioning inside a dishwasher by a user, comprising a cartridge for flowable detergents or cleaners, as well as a metering device which can be coupled to the cartridge. The metering system includes a developer on which the metering chamber, as well as other elements are arranged. In a Ausführng it is provided that the component carrier comprises at least one light guide can be passed via the light from the environment of the dosing to an optical transmitting and / or receiving unit into and / or from the interior (s) of the dosing.

In this connection, it would be advantageous to have a possibility for transmitting information between a dishwasher and a dispenser arranged in the dishwasher, whereby the dispensing of detergent from such dispensers would be further optimizable, for example by precise matching to the washing programs running in the dishwasher. In this case, it must be ensured, in particular in the case of dosing devices that can be positioned freely by a user, that in each position of the dosing device, for example in a dish drawer, the most reliable and trouble-free transmission of the information is ensured.

Object of the invention

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a metering device and system for the most reliable wireless transmission of information between a dosing device movably arranged in the interior of a dishwasher and a dishwasher.

This object is achieved by a metering device according to claim 1 and a metering system according to claim 11 and 12.

By the bottom emitting of signals from the metering a particularly secure signal transmission is achieved, since the optical signals are radiated without a possible overlap by dishes located in the dishwasher, in the dishwasher. This is of particular relevance if the dosing device is intended to be positioned in a dish receptacle of a crockery basket. Adjacent positioned plates could significantly affect radiation, this danger is usually not at the bottom radiation.

An optical signal in the sense of this application is an electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range from visible light to the infrared range.

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 system is not permanently connected to a dishwasher, but can be removed, for example, from a dishwasher by the user or can be positioned in a dishwasher, ie can be handled independently.

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 dishwasher and only the cartridge is movable. Thus, it is conceivable, for example, to fix the dosing device firmly in a dish drawer or on the inside of the dishwasher door.

Transparent floor

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bottom of the dosing device is at least partially transparent, wherein the bottom and the dosing device side optical receiving and / or transmitting unit are configured so that optical signals from the dosing device side optical receiving unit from the environment of the dosing device through the transparent Received bottom through and / or optical signals are emitted from the metering device side optical transmitting unit through the transparent bottom into the environment of the dosing device.

Under the bottom of the dosing is the Dosiergerätefläche understood that limits the dosing in the use position of the dosing in the direction of gravity down.

Preferably, an optical transmitting and / or receiving unit is arranged within the dosing device in order to protect the electrical and / or optical components of the transmitting and / or receiving unit from spray and rinse water.

The floor comprises at least one transparent input and / or decoupling point to which light is coupled or decoupled from an optical transmitting and / or receiving unit and / or from the surroundings of the dosing device. In order to provide a good transmission and / or reception characteristic for optical signals, it may be advantageous for the input and / or outcoupling point of the base to be lens-shaped and / or prism-like.

Of course it is also possible to make the entire floor transparent. Furthermore, sections of the lateral surface of the dosing device can also be made transparent in order to improve the input and / or emission behavior of the transmitting and / or receiving units.

The transparent bottom preferably has at least a light transmittance of 75% for the transmitted and / or received optical signals. The bottom is preferably made of a transparent plastic with a light transmission of at least 75% for the transmitted and / or received optical signals. The transmittance of the soil is defined as the transmittance between the surface of the soil at which an optical signal from the environment of the dosing device is coupled into the soil and the surface at which the optical signal is coupled out of the soil to the optical transmitting and / or receiving unit , The transmittance can be determined according to DIN5036.

The floor can also be constructed in multiple layers and / or in multiple pieces of the same or different materials. It is also possible to provide an air gap between a multi-layered and / or multi-piece shaped bottom. The transmittance of the light guide is understood in a multi-layered and / or multi-piece construction between the surface of the soil at which the light from the environment of the dosing device is coupled into the ground and the surface at which the light from the ground to optical transmission and / or or receiving unit is decoupled.

cartridge

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

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

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

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one second chamber is provided for receiving at least one second flowable preparation, the second chamber having at least one outlet opening arranged such that a gravity-induced product release from the second chamber in the use position of the dosing is feasible. The arrangement of a second chamber is 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.

The cartridge is designed in particular for receiving flowable detergents or cleaning agents. Particularly preferably, such a cartridge has a plurality of chambers for the spatially separated receiving in each case of different preparations of a washing or cleaning agent. Exemplary - but not exhaustive - are listed below some possible combinations of filling the chambers with different preparations: Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3 Chamber 4 A Alkaline cleaning preparation Enzymatic cleaning preparation - - B Alkaline cleaning preparation Enzymatic cleaning preparation rinse aid - C Alkaline cleaning preparation Enzymatic cleaning preparation rinse aid perfume D Alkaline cleaning preparation Enzymatic cleaning preparation rinse aid disinfecting preparation e Alkaline cleaning preparation Enzymatic cleaning preparation rinse aid pretreatment preparation

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

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

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

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

The chamber containing the alkaline cleaning preparation preferably has the largest filling volume of the existing chambers. Preferably, the chambers, which store an enzymatic preparation or a rinse aid, have approximately equal filling volumes. In a two- and / or three-chamber design of the cartridge is in particular possible to stockpile in particular a perfume, disinfectant and / or Vorbehandlungszubereitung in a detachably arranged on the cartridge or the dosing, another chamber.

dosing

In the dosing device necessary for the operation control unit, dosing device side interface and at least one actuator are integrated. Preferably, a sensor unit and / or a power source is also arranged on or in the metering device.

The metering device according to the invention is defined in claims 1-8 and comprises at least the features of independent claim 1.

Preferably, the dosing of a splash-proof housing that the penetration of water spray, as may occur, for example, when used in a dishwasher, in the interior of the dosing by at least the control unit, dosing device side interface, sensor unit and / or actuator are arranged prevented ,

It is particularly preferred for the dosing device to comprise at least one first dosing device-side interface which cooperates in or on a dishwasher with a corresponding interface in such a way that transmission of electrical energy and / or signals from the dishwasher to the dosing device and / or from the dosing device to the dishwasher is realized.

In one embodiment of the invention, the interfaces are formed by connectors. In a further embodiment, the cutting cells can be designed in such a way that a wireless transmission of electrical energy and / or electrical and / or optical signals is effected.

In this case, it is particularly preferred that the interfaces provided for transmitting electrical energy are inductive transmitting units or receiving units of electromagnetic waves. Thus, in particular, the interface of a dishwashing machine, as a transmission unit coil operated with alternating current with iron core and the interface of the metering device can be designed as a receiving unit coil with iron core.

In an alternative embodiment, the transmission of electrical energy can also be provided by means of an interface, the dishwashing machine side an electrically operated light source and dosiergeräteseitig a light sensor, such as a photodiode or a solar cell comprises. The light emitted by the light source is converted by the light sensor into electrical energy, which in turn feeds, for example, a metering device side accumulator.

In an advantageous further development of the invention, an interface is present on the dosing device and a dishwasher for the transmission (ie sending and receiving) of electromagnetic and / or optical signals, which in particular represent operating state, measuring and / or control information of the dosing device and / or a dishwasher. educated.

Of course, it is possible to provide only an interface for transmitting signals or an interface for transmitting electrical energy, or to provide an interface for transmitting signals and an interface for transmitting electrical energy or to provide an interface which is suitable both for transmission of electrical energy and signals.

In particular, such an interface can be designed such that a wireless transmission of electrical energy and / or electromagnetic and / or optical signals is effected.

It is particularly preferred that the interfaces are configured to transmit and / or receive optical signals. For this purpose, the interfaces are formed by appropriate optical dosiergeräte- and / or dishwashing machine side transmitting and / or receiving units.

It is very particularly preferred for the interfaces to be configured to emit or receive light in the visible range. Since darkness usually prevails in the interior of the dishwasher during operation of a dishwasher, signals in the visible, optical region, for example in the form of signal pulses or light flashes, can be emitted and / or detected by the dosing device. It has proven to be particularly advantageous to use wavelengths between 600-3,000 nm, preferably 600-1,400 nm, particularly preferably 600-800 nm in the visible spectrum.

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

In particular, the interface comprises at least one LED and / or IRED as the transmitting unit. The LED and / or IRED preferably has a radiation angle β between 8 ° and 40 °. Particularly preferably, the interface comprises at least two LEDs and / or IREDs. Also, according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is possible to provide at least two LEDs and / or IREDs which emit light in a mutually different wavelength. This makes it possible, for example, to define different signal bands on which information can be sent or received.

Furthermore, it is advantageous in a further development of the invention that at least one LED and / or IRED is an RGB LED and / or IRED whose wavelength is adjustable. Thus, for example, with an LED and / or IRED different signal bands can be defined that emit signals at different wavelengths. Thus, for example, it is also conceivable that light is emitted at a different wavelength during the drying process, during which there is a high level of atmospheric humidity (mist) in the washing compartment, than, for example, during a washing step.

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

It is particularly preferred that an optical signal is designed as a signal pulse with a pulse duration between 1 ms and 10 seconds, preferably between 5 ms and 100 ms seconds.

Further, it is advantageous that the interface of the dosing device is configured such that it emits an optical signal with the dishwasher closed and unloaded, that a mean illuminance E between 0.01 and 100 lux, preferably between 0.1 and 50 lux measured on the causes the Spülraum limiting walls. This illuminance is then sufficient to cause multiple reflections with or on the other Spülraumwänden and so possible signal shadows in the washing compartment, in particular in the loading condition of the dishwasher to reduce or prevent.

It is also advantageous for reducing or avoiding signal shadows that the dosing device-side, optical transmitting unit emits light with a deviating from the vertical angle α, in particular between 2 ° - 85 °, preferably 5 ° - 45 ° light in the direction of the dishwasher bottom. This oblique position of the transmitting unit also favors a multiple reflection on the dishwasher walls.

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

In particular, the optical transmitting unit can be an LED and / or IRED, which preferably emits light in the visible and / or IR range. It is also conceivable to use another suitable optical transmitting unit, e.g. a laser diode, to use. It is particularly preferable to use optical transmission units which emit light in the wavelength range between 600-3,000 nm, preferably 600-1,400 nm, particularly preferably 600-800 nm. The signals emitted by the transmitting unit into the surroundings of the dosing device may preferably represent information regarding operating conditions, sensor measured values or control commands.

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 dishwasher. This can be realized by any suitable optical receiving unit, such as photocells, photomultipliers, semiconductor detectors, photodiodes, Photoresistors, solar cells, phototransistors, CCD and / or CMOS image sensors. It is particularly preferred that the optical receiving unit is suitable for receiving light in the wavelength range of 600-3,000 nm, preferably 600-1,400 nm, particularly preferably 600-800 nm.

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

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

It is particularly preferred that at least two sensor units are provided for the purpose of measuring mutually different parameters, with a sensor unit very particularly preferably including a conductivity sensor and a further sensor unit Temperature sensor is. Furthermore, it is preferred that at least one sensor unit is a brightness sensor.

The sensors are especially adapted to detect the beginning, the course and the end of a washing program. For this purpose, by way of example and not limitation, the sensor combinations listed in the following table can be used Sensor 1 Sensor 2 Sensor 3 Sensor 4 conductivity sensor temperature sensor conductivity sensor temperature sensor brightness sensor conductivity sensor temperature sensor brightness sensor turbidity sensor sound sensor temperature sensor

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

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

By means of a brightness sensor, for example, the light penetration into the interior of a dishwasher can be detected when the dishwasher door is opened, resulting in e.g. indicates an end to the washing program. For this purpose, the dosiergeräteseitige optical receiving unit can be used by, for example, a photodiode monitors the brightness within the washing compartment of a dishwasher.

In order to determine the degree of soiling of the items to be cleaned in the dishwasher, a turbidity sensor can also be provided. From this it is also possible, for example, to select a dosing program in the dosing device that applies to the determined contamination situation. The dosing device-side interface, consisting of a dosing device-side transmitting and receiving unit, can also be designed in such a way that it functions as an optical turbidity sensor and / or optical moisture sensor. This will be explained in more detail later.

It is also conceivable to detect the course of a washing program with the aid of at least one sound sensor by detecting specific sound and / or vibration emissions, for example during pumping or pumping out of water.

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

The data line between the sensor and the control unit can be realized via an electrically conductive cable or wirelessly. In principle, it is also conceivable that at least one sensor outside the dosing device is positioned or positionable in the interior of a dishwasher and a data line - in particular wireless - for transmitting the measured data from the sensor to the dosing device is formed.

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

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.

In particular, the control unit may be a programmable microprocessor. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of dosing programs are stored on the microprocessor.

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

It is particularly preferred to dose a plurality of preparations sequentially in a rinsing program. In particular, the following metering sequences are to be preferred 1st dosage 2nd dosage 3.Dosierung 4.Dosierung Enzymatic cleaning preparation Alkaline cleaning preparation Alkaline cleaning preparation rinse aid Enzymatic cleaning preparation Alkaline cleaning preparation rinse aid Enzymatic cleaning preparation Alkaline cleaning preparation rinse aid disinfecting preparation Enzymatic cleaning preparation Alkaline cleaning preparation rinse aid perfume pretreatment preparation Enzymatic cleaning preparation Alkaline cleaning preparation rinse aid

Furthermore, it is advantageous for the dishwasher and the dosing device to interact in such a way that at least one enzyme-containing preparation and / or alkaline preparation is released in the pre-washing program and / or main washing program, with the release of the enzyme-containing preparation preferably taking place prior to release the alkaline preparation takes place.

energy

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

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

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

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

Lead acid batteries (lead dioxide / lead), nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, for example, are suitable as accumulators. Alkaline-manganese batteries, silver-zinc batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, zinc-bromine batteries, sodium nickel chloride batteries and / or nickel-iron batteries.

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

However, it is also conceivable to 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 device, 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.

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 and / or send signals to the dispensing device.

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 preferred that the transmitting unit and / or receiving unit is configured to transmit or receive optical signals. Very particularly preferred it is that the transmitting unit and / or receiving unit is configured to emit or receive light in the visible range. Since darkness usually prevails in the interior of the dishwasher during operation of a dishwasher, signals in the visible, optical range, for example in the form of signal pulses or light flashes, can be emitted and detected.

Alternatively or additionally, it is 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 and / or IRED. Particularly preferably, the transmitting unit comprises at least two LEDs and / or IREDs. In this case, it is particularly advantageous that at least two LEDs and / or IREDs are arranged in a radiation angle offset by 90 ° from one another. As a result, the danger of signal shadows, in which a freely positionable receiving unit of the signals, in particular a dosing device, could be due to the generated multiple reflections within the dishwasher reduce.

Also, according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is possible to provide at least two LEDs and / or IREDs which emit light in a mutually different wavelength. This makes it possible, for example, to define different signal bands on which information can be sent or received.

Furthermore, it is advantageous in a further development of the invention that at least one LED and / or IRED is an RGB LED and / or IRED whose wavelength is adjustable. Thus, for example, with an LED and / or IRED different signal bands can be defined that emit signals at different wavelengths. Thus, for example, it is also conceivable that light is emitted at a different wavelength during the drying process, during which there is a high level of atmospheric humidity (mist) in the washing compartment, than, for example, during a washing step.

The transmitting unit of the dispensing device can be configured so that the LED and / or IRED both for the transmission of signals inside the dishwasher, especially when the dishwasher door is closed, as well as for visual display of an operating condition, for example, the level of the salt or Rinse aid storage container of a dishwasher, in particular when the dishwasher door is open.

It is particularly preferred that an optical signal is designed as a signal pulse or a sequence of signal pulses with a pulse duration between 1 ms and 10 seconds, preferably between 5 ms and 100 ms seconds.

Furthermore, it is advantageous that the transmitting unit is configured such that it emits an optical signal with the dishwasher closed, that an average illuminance E between 0.01 and 100 lux, preferably between 0.1 and 50 lux measured at the walls bounding the washing compartment causes. This illuminance is then sufficient to cause multiple reflections with or on the other Spülraumwänden and so possible signal shadows in the washing compartment, in particular in the loading condition of the dishwasher to reduce or prevent.

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.

Often, dispensers such as a Kombidosiergerät a hinged flap, which is opened within a wash program to the located in the metering chamber of the combination device cleaning preparation inside the dishwasher leave. The receptacle for the dosing device can now be formed on the dispensing device in such a way that an opening of the flap is prevented when the dosing device is fixed in the receptacle. As a result, the risk of a double dose from the metering device and the dispenser is prevented.

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

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

dishwasher

A dishwasher suitable for the metering system according to the invention has, in particular, a closable washing compartment. Usually, the washing compartment of a dishwasher is opened or closed by a door or drawer. Usually, the washing compartment is protected against the entry of ambient light.

The walls of the washing compartment have in particular a gloss level of at least 10 gloss units, preferably at least 20 gloss units, particularly preferably at least 45 gloss units measured according to DIN 67530 with a 60 ° geometry. In this way, multiple reflections of the emitted optical signals on the walls of the washing compartment are made possible, whereby the danger of possible signal shadows, in particular for optical signals in the visible and / or IR range inside the washing compartment of the dishwasher, is reduced.

Average gloss level means the gloss level averaged over the entire surface of a wall. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the average gloss level of Spülraumwände is at least 10 gloss units, preferably at least 20 gloss units, more preferably at least 45 gloss units measured according to DIN 67530 with a 60 ° geometry.

Mean washroom gloss level means the gloss level averaged over the entire surface of all washroom walls. In a further preferred refinement of the invention, the average dishwashing gloss level is at least 10 gloss units, preferably at least 20 Gloss units, more preferably at least 45 gloss units measured according to DIN 67530 with a 60 ° geometry.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dishwasher, which is configured to receive optical signals from the dosing device and / or to send signals to the dosing device forms a dosing system together with the corresponding dosing device.

Fig. 1

Autarkes Dosiergerät mit Zwei-Kammer-Kartusche im separierten und zusammengebauten Zustand

Fig. 2

Autarkes Dosiergerät mit Zwei-Kammer-Kartusche angeordnet in einer Schublade einer Geschirrspülmaschine

Fig. 3

Dosiergerät mit bodenseitig abstrahlender, optischer Sendeeinheit

Fig. 4

Dosiergerät mit geneigter bodenseitig abstrahlender, optischer Sendeeinheit

Fig. 5

Dosiersystem mit Dosiergerät mit geneigter bodenseitig abstrahlender, optischer Sendeeinheit und spülmaschinenseitiger Empfangseinheit

Fig. 6

Kombidosiergerät mit Sende- und Empfangseinheit

Fig. 7

Kombidosiergerät mit Sende- und Empfangseinheit mit geöffnetem Dosierkammerdeckel

Fig. 8

Dosiergerät in Telleraufnahme einer Geschirrschublade

Fig. 9

Dosiergerät mit Kartusche in perspektivischer Ansicht

Fig. 10

Dosiergerät mit optischem Sensor umfassend bodenseitig abstrahlender, optischer Sende- und Empfangseinheit

Fig. 11

Dosiergerät mit optischem Sensor umfassend bodenseitig abstrahlender, optischer Sende- und Empfangseinheit bei wasserbenetztem Spülmaschinenboden

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to illustrations showing only exemplary embodiments. Show it:

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

Dosing device with bottom emitting, optical transmitting unit

Fig. 4

Dosing device with inclined bottom emitting, optical transmitting unit

Fig. 5

Dosing system with dosing device with inclined bottom emitting, optical transmitting unit and dishwasher side receiving unit

Fig. 6

Combined dosing unit with sender and receiver unit

Fig. 7

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

Fig. 8

Dosing device in plate receptacle of a dish drawer

Fig. 9

Dosing device with cartridge in perspective view

Fig. 10

Dosing device with optical sensor comprising the bottom-emitting, optical transmitting and receiving unit

Fig. 11

Dosing device with optical sensor comprising bottom-emitting, optical transmitting and receiving unit with water-wetted dishwasher bottom

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 21 a, 21 b for repeatedly releasably receiving the corresponding outlet openings 5 a, 5 b of the chambers 3 a, 3 b 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 in the coupled state of dosing device 2 and cartridge 1, the interior of the chambers 3a 3b is communicatively connected to the metering chamber inlets 21a, 21b.

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.

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 5a, 5b are designed so that they form a positive and / or non-positive, in particular liquid-tight, connection with the corresponding Dosierkammereinlässen 21 a, 21 b.

It is particularly advantageous that each of the outlet openings 5a, 5b is formed so that it fits only one of the Dosierkammereinlässe 21a, 21b, thereby preventing a chamber is accidentally plugged onto a wrong Dosierkammereinlass. This can be realized, for example, by outlet openings 5a, 5b and / or metering chamber inlets 21a, 21b of different sizes or different in terms of their basic shape.

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 device 2 and the cartridge 1 can be adapted in the assembled state, in particular the geometries of the devices or in which they are applied to ensure the least possible loss of useful volume. To use the dosing device 2 and the cartridge 1 in dishwashers, it is particularly advantageous to mold the dosing device 2 and the cartridge 1 on the basis of dishes to be cleaned in dishwashers. Thus, the dosing device 2 and the cartridge 1, for example, plate-shaped, be formed in approximately the dimensions of a plate. As a result, the metering device can be positioned to save space in the lower basket. (see also Fig. 8 )

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the dosing device 2 has a dosing device-side transmitting unit S _d and a dosing device-side receiving unit E _d , which are each arranged in the lateral surface of the dosing device 2. Since such a dosing device 2, when it is positioned in the dish receiver of a dishwasher, is usually arranged directly between items to be washed, such as plates, the shell - side arrangement of the dosing unit - side transmitting unit or receiving unit can lead to an almost complete shading of the emitted or . is caused to received optical signals. Therefore, such an arrangement of the optical transmitting unit or receiving unit on the dosing as in Fig. 1 not shown to be preferred.

Rather, it is advantageous that the dosing device-side transmitting unit emits optical signals in the operating position of the dosing device substantially in the direction of the bottom of the dishwasher. This will be described in more detail below, inter alia, on the hand of Fig. 3-5 explained.

Fig. 2 shows a self-sufficient dosing device, as in the Fig. 3-5 will be explained in more detail below, with a two-chamber cartridge 1 in the dish drawer 11 with the dishwasher door 39 of a dishwasher 38. It can be seen that the dosing device 2 with the cartridge 1 can be positioned at any point within the dish drawer 11, wherein It is advantageous to provide a dish-shaped or cup-shaped metering system 1, 2 in a corresponding plate or cup receptacle of the dish drawer 11. In the dishwasher door 39 is a metering chamber 53, in which a dishwasher cleaner preparation can be given, for example in the form of a tablet. If the dosing system 1, 2 is in the ready-to-use state inside the dishwasher 38, then a cleaning preparation addition for each rinsing cycle via the dosing chamber 53 is not necessary, since a detergent dispensing for a plurality of rinsing cycles is realized via the dosing system 1, 2. It is advantageous in this embodiment of the invention that in the arrangement of the self-sufficient dosing 1.2 in the lower dish drawer 11, the delivery of the preparations 40a, 40b from the cartridge 1 directly via the bottom of the dispenser arranged outlet openings in the rinsing water liquor, so that a fast Solution and uniform distribution of the rinse formulations in the wash program is guaranteed.

The dishwasher 38 further has a household appliance-side transmitting unit S _h and a household appliance-side receiving unit E _h , which are each arranged in the door 39 of the dishwasher 38. The household appliance-side transmitting unit S _h is preferably a light source, such as an LED and / or IRED or a laser diode, which emits light preferably in the visible and / or infrared range. The household appliance-side receiving unit E _h is preferably a light sensor, such as a photodiode, which can receive light preferably in the visible and / or infrared range.

The household appliance-side transmitting unit S _h and household appliance-side receiving unit E _h are in the dishwasher 38 with the control unit and an electrical connection or energy storage (not shown). It is also possible to integrate the household appliance-side transmitting unit and receiving unit in a Kombidosiergerät 53, which will be described below with reference to the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 is explained in more detail.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic sectional view of Fig. 2 known metering device 2, wherein the metering device 2 of the Fig. 3 - unlike in Fig. 2 - Is configured for a product delivery of three cartridge chambers 3a, 3b, 3c.

One recognizes the board 13, on which the temperature sensor 14, the battery 15, the control unit 16, the conductance sensor 17, and the dosing device side optical transmitting unit S _d and receiving unit E _d are arranged. However, it is also possible to allow for easier disposal and recovery of the dosing device to arrange the battery 15 outside the board 13, so that the battery 15 is disposed separately from the board 13.

How out Figure 3 recognizable, the dosing device side optical transmitting unit S _d protrudes from the bottom of the dosing device 2 out. In an alternative design that is not in Fig. 3 is shown, the transmitting unit S _{d is positioned} inside the dosing device 2 protected from water spray at least the bottom portion below the transmitting unit S _{d is} transparent, so that light signals from the transmitting unit S _d through the transparent bottom portion of the dosing device 2 can be sent into the environment ,

The dosing device-side transmitting unit Sd is formed in the embodiment shown as an LED and / or IRED. The LED and / or IRED has an emission angle β, which describes the widening of the radiation cone W of the LED and / or IRED. In the example shown, the beam center axis R of the radiation cone W is perpendicular to the bottom axis of the metering device 2.

It may be advantageous to arrange the LED and / or IRED so that the light exit angle α formed by the radiation center axis R and the vertical of the bottom axis of the dosing device 2 is> 0 °, preferably> 5 °, particularly preferably> 10 °. This is exemplary in Fig. 4 in which the circuit board 13 of a dosing device is positioned in a dish drawer 11 of the dishwasher 38. For the sake of simplicity, the other components of the dosing device 2 were not shown. Such an inclined position of the LED and / or IRED ensures that the emitted light is directed in the direction of the vertical walls of the dishwasher 38. This can also be determined by Fig. 5 recognize well.

Due to the selected inclination of the LED and / or IRED by the angle α with respect to the vertical S, the emitted light signals are first reflected from the bottom and / or bottom of the dishwasher 38 to a vertical side wall, from where they to the dosing chamber 53 with the dishwasher side receiving unit E _h radiate.

Fig. 6 shows the off Fig. 5 known metering chamber 53 in which a transmitting unit Eh and a receiving unit Sh is integrated. Such a metering chamber 53 is also referred to as Kombidosiergerät. The metering chamber 53 has a closable by a hinged closure lid receptacle for a dishwashing detergent, such as a detergent tablet, on. Fig. 6 shows the closure lid in its open position. In addition, the metering chamber 53 may still have a receptacle for a rinse aid, which by the circular closure to the right of the cap in the 6 and 7 is indicated.

The optical transmitting unit Eh comprises a luminous means, which is arranged in the transmitting unit Eh such that the luminous means radiates into the interior of the dishwasher. The lighting means may in particular be an LED and / or IRED and / or a laser diode. The LED and / or IRED is arranged so that it protrudes from the plane of the transmitting unit Eh, so that the LED and / or IRED generates the largest possible radiation angle. This measure can of course also be made Dosiergeräteseitig, so that the dosing device side transmitting unit, such as an LED and / or IRED, protruding from the bottom plane of the dosing.

The transmission unit Eh can be configured such that the LED and / or IRED both for transmitting signals inside the dishwasher 38, in particular when the dishwasher door 39 is closed, and for visually displaying an operating state, for example the level of the salt or rinse aid storage container of a dishwasher , is provided in particular when the dishwasher door 39 is open.

The receiving unit Sh preferably consists of a photodiode, which is suitable for detecting light signals from the interior of the dishwasher. Like the transmitting unit Eh, the photodiode of the receiving unit Sh can protrude out of the plane of the receiving unit in order to achieve the best possible irradiation characteristic on the photodiode. This measure can of course be made Dosiergeräteseitig, so that the dosing device side receiving unit, for example, a photodiode, protruding from the bottom plane of the dosing.

Fig. 8 shows the coupled with a cartridge 1 dosing device 2 in the plate receptacle 110 of a dish drawer 41. The usually grid-like trained dish drawer 41 has struts 109 into which the fixing means 108 of the dosing device 2 engage. In this way, a lateral slipping of the dosing device 2, for example, when pulling out or pushing the dish drawer 41 into the dishwasher 38, avoided. As already explained above, in this operating position of the dosing device 2, the dosing device-side optical transmitting unit radiates through the dish drawer 41 in the direction of the bottom or sump of the dishwasher 38.

Fig. 9 shows the metering device 2 in a perspective view, so that the bottom of the metering device 2 is clearly visible. The bottom is formed transparent in this embodiment of the invention wherein the dosing device side optical transmitting unit S _d and receiving unit E _{d are arranged} inside the dosing device 2 and protected from splash water.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is in Fig. 10 played. She shows that in particular from the Fig. 3-5 known in a dishwasher 38 positionable dosing device 2 for dispensing preparations into the interior of a dishwasher 38. The optical transmitting unit S _d and the optical receiving unit E _d , are configured to detect the light emitted by the optical transmitting unit S _d (L). The optical transmitting unit S _d emits a light beam (L1) into the surroundings of the dosing device 2, which is reflected by a surface 12 of the dishwasher 38 which is water-wettable during the rinsing process and the reflected light beam (L2) is received by the optical receiving unit E _d .

The optical transmitting unit S _d and the optical receiving unit E _d are arranged in the operating position of the dosing device 2 on the bottom side. The optical transmitting unit S _d radiates at a suitable angle, which is approximately 45 ° in the example shown, into the sump of the dishwasher, wherein the optical receiving unit E _{d is} arranged in such a way that it at least partially reflects light reflected from the sump (L2 ) receives.

Is the bottom of the dishwasher 38 wetted by water, which is in Fig. 11 is indicated, the reflection or absorption of the sump surface changes, which can be detected by means of the optical receiving unit E _d . This is in Figure 11 indicated by the thinner line width of the light beam L2.

This optical turbidity sensor can, for example, interact with the dosing device as follows: First, an enzyme-containing preparation is dispensed from the dosing device into the wash liquor as the first preparation. Subsequently, it _is measured at the optical receiving unit E _d whether the addition of the enzyme-containing preparation leads to a change in the contaminant load and thus of the measuring signal at the optical receiving unit E _d . Optionally, the measured signal can be compared with one or more stored in the control unit reference value (s). Depending on the time course of the signal at the optical receiving unit E _d after the addition of the enzyme-containing preparation, a renewed addition of enzyme-containing preparation can take place or an alkaline cleaning phase is subsequently metered. Again, there is a monitoring of the signal at the optical receiving unit E _d and a possible re-addition of alkaline cleaning preparation.

It is particularly advantageous that the optical transmitting unit S _d and the optical receiving unit E _d are configured both for the transmission of information between the dosing device 2 and the dishwasher 38 and as a sensor, for example as a brightness sensor or turbidity sensor.

A variation of the Fig. 5 known configuration is the Fig. 12 refer to. An optical turbidity sensor TS arranged on the bottom side in a dishwasher 38, which is configured to receive optical signals from the dosing device 2 and / or to send signals to the dosing device 2, can be seen. The dishwasher-side transmitting unit S _h and receiving unit E _h are in this case integrated in the turbidity sensor TS, which is arranged in the bottom area of the dishwasher 38. This will - as well in Fig. 12 can be seen - on the one hand, a direct Ab- or irradiation of optical signals between the dishwasher-side Sendeeinheit- S _h and receiving unit E _h and the dosing device-side transmitting unit S _d and receiving unit E _d achieved. Usually, a turbidity sensor TS of a dishwasher 38 has an optical transmitting unit and receiving unit for determining the turbidity of the washing liquor, so that it is also preferable to configure this transmitting unit and / or receiving unit such that it also serves to determine the turbidity Transmission and / or reception of optical signals is suitable, so that can be dispensed with an additional dishwasher-side optical transmitting and / or receiving unit. It is very particularly preferable that the dosing device 2 and the turbidity sensor TS are positioned and configured relative to one another in the operating position of the dosing device 2 such that a direct radiation path is formed between dosing device 2 and turbidity sensor TS.

Claims (10)

1. A dosing device (2) for positioning inside a dishwasher (38), in particular by a user, comprising

   • at least one interface (S_d, E_d) on the dosing device having at least one optical receiver (E_d) and transmitter (S_d), which interface is suitable for interacting with at least one corresponding optical receiver (E_h) and/or transmitter (S_h) formed in or on a dishwasher (38) such that optical signals, which represent in particular information regarding the operating state, measurement information and/or control information relating to the dosing device (2) and/or the dishwasher (38), are transmitted between the dishwasher (38) and the dosing device (2), and

   • a base

   characterized in that

   • the transmitter (S_d) on the dosing device and the optical receiver (E_d) on the dosing device are arranged on the base of the dosing device (2) when said device is in the operating position,

   • when the dosing device (2) is in the operating position, the transmitter (S_d) on the dosing device is suitable for emitting optical signals through the base towards the base of the dishwasher (38), at least one optical transmitter (S_d) being formed as an LED and/or IRED, the LED and/or IRED being arranged such that the angle of light emission α, formed by the central radiation axis R and the vertical line of the axis of the base of the dosing device (2), is greater than 0°, and

   • the optical transmitter (S_d) on the dosing device and the optical receiver (Ed) on the dosing device are configured so as to detect light (L) emitted by the optical transmitter (S_d) on the dosing device by the optical transmitter (S_d) on the dosing device emitting a light beam (L1) into the surroundings of the dosing device (2), and the corresponding reflected light beam (L2) being received by the receiver (E_d) on the dosing device.
2. The dosing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the operating position, the base delimits the dosing device (2) at the bottom in the direction of gravity and is transparent at least in portions, the base and the optical receiver (E_d) and/or transmitter (S_d) on the dosing device being configured such that the optical receiver on the dosing device receives optical signals from the surroundings of the dosing device (2) through the transparent base and/or the optical transmitter (S_d) on the dosing device emits optical signals into the surroundings of the dosing device (2) through the transparent base.
3. The dosing device according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the optical receiver (E_d) and transmitter (S_d) are configured to emit or receive optical signals in the infrared and/or visible range, preferably in a wavelength range of between 600 and 3,000 nm, preferably 600 and 1,400 nm, particularly preferably 600 and 800 nm.
4. The dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base comprises at least one transparent coupling-in and/or coupling-out point at which light from an optical receiver (E_d) and/or transmitter (S_d) and/or from the surroundings of the dosing device is coupled in or coupled out.
5. The dosing device according to claim 4, characterized in that the coupling-in and/or coupling-out point of the base is lenticular and/or prismatic.
6. The dosing device according to either of preceding claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the coupling-in and/or coupling-out point has a light transmittance of at least 75 % for the sent and/or received optical signals.
7. The dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the entire base is transparent.
8. The dosing device according to one of preceding claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one LED and/or IRED is provided which is arranged in the dosing device (2) such that it has an angle of light emission α from the dosing device (2) of > 5°, preferably > 10°.
9. A dosing system comprising

   • a dosing device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 8, and

   • an optical turbidity sensor (53) that can be arranged on the base of a dishwasher (38) and is configured to receive optical signals from the dosing device (2) and/or to send signals to the dosing device (2).
10. The dosing system comprising

    • a dosing device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 8, and

    • a dishwasher (38), which is configured to receive optical signals from the dosing device (2) and/or to send signals to the dosing device (2).

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