EP2798995B1 - Dosing device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a metering device for the metered introduction of a pourable cleaning agent in a treatment room of a program-controlled cleaning device, in particular a dishwasher.

Program-controlled cleaning devices also in the embodiment as a dishwasher are well known from the prior art. They serve the cleaning of items to be cleaned and have for this purpose a treatment room, which receives the items to be cleaned in the intended use case.

To achieve an optimized cleaning result process chemicals are used, which are supplied in the course of a cleaning process to the treatment room of the cleaning device. Such process chemicals are, for example, cleaning agents which are supplied to the treatment room of the cleaning appliance at a specific point in time of a program run.

Detergents in liquid and solid form are known from the prior art. In this case, solid detergents in pourable powder form or as so-called tabs, i. in tablet form. However, the practice has shown that can be achieved with pourable detergent in powder form, the comparatively best cleaning results.

When using a pourable cleaning agent in powder form, a detergent dosing must be carried out manually before each start of a washing program. A dishwasher has for this purpose typically inside the door via a reservoir, which is to be equipped with a manually determined amount of cleaning powder. During a program run, this reservoir opens at a certain time and stored therein cleaning powder can be flushed out of the wash liquor located in the treatment room.

Although this procedure has proven itself in everyday practice, there is room for improvement. It is particularly desirable on the user side, a Provide detergent storage for several program cycles, so that does not take place before the start of each program sequence, a manual detergent dosing.

Dosing devices which enable a detergent supply and an automatic dosing of detergent, have become known from the prior art for liquid detergents. Practical dosing devices for pourable cleaning agents, however, are not yet known. The main problem with regard to pourable detergent in powder form is to prevent the detergent from clumping due to moisture. In the WO03 / 093560 A1 a metering device is described with a refill container unit comprising a stirred part enclosed by a container part. By means of a rotating metering screw which cooperates with the stirring part, cleaning powder is conveyed out of the refilling container unit.

It is based on the above-described object of the invention to provide a metering device for pourable detergent, which ensures a practical functional reliability.

To solve this problem, a metering device with the features of claim 1 is proposed by the invention.

The metering device according to the invention has a reservoir on the one hand and a metering unit on the other hand. The reservoir is used for the storage of detergent. Depending on the size of the reservoir, the amount of detergent thus stored can be sufficient for a plurality of rinsing operations, for example for 20 to 30 rinses. The metering unit is used to dose the amount of detergent stored by the reservoir, ie to remove the reservoir metered amounts of detergent, which can then be supplied to the treatment room of the cleaning device. In this case, the metering unit preferably allows the metering of a plurality of different metered quantities, for example a first metered amount for a standard cleaning and a second metered amount for cleaning heavily soiled items. The first Dosage amount, for example, 10 g or 15 g and the second dosage amount, for example, 20 g or 30 g.

According to the invention, the metering unit has a metering channel provided by the storage container. This metering channel serves to remove the reservoir for the amount of detergent to be supplied for a proper Spülprogrammablauf. This is predetermined by the geometric design of the metering and unique.

Reservoir side opens the dosing into a dosing. Through this, the metered by the metering amount of detergent is discharged and passes from there to the treatment room of the cleaning device.

The storage container according to the embodiment of the invention is movable, preferably mounted pivotably. As a result of, for example, a pivoting movement of the storage container, filling of the dosing channel provided by the storage container with cleaning agent occurs. Due to the size of the dosing channel, the amount of dosed detergent is predetermined. This dosage quantity of cleaning agent, which is determined via the metering channel, is then released in the direction of the device-side treatment chamber in the course of another pivoting movement of the storage container via the metering-side metering opening.

For a drive of the reservoir in the manner explained above, a drive device which is motor-driven is used according to the invention. The motor-driven drive device is tax technology connected to the program control of the cleaning device, so that an automated operation of the dosing and thus an automatic dosing of detergent can take place in the treatment room of the cleaning device.

With the embodiment according to the invention, a metering device is provided as a whole, which makes it possible to meter pourable cleaning agent in powder form and to automatically supply it in metered quantity to the treatment chamber of the cleaning device. The metered amount is determined by the metering channel provided by the reservoir, wherein a filling of the same takes place as a result of a movement or pivoting movement of the reservoir.

The metering device according to the invention is easy to use and practical, since a detergent dosage takes place by means of the metering channel provided by the reservoir and thus outside of the treatment chamber of the cleaning device, whereby the unwanted entry of moisture in the detergent is basically prevented, so that clumping of the detergent due a moisture entry are prevented. Thus, for the first time, a dispenser is provided which allows pourable powder detergent for multiple program cycles, i. To store rinsing programs and with minimized tendency to lump an automatic dosing of detergent in the treatment room of the cleaning device allows.

The metering channel has, according to a further feature of the invention, a labyrinth guide. This labyrinth guide is dimensioned in its geometric configuration such that it allows a portionwise removal of detergent from the reservoir. The filling of the metering channel preferably results in a minimum amount of cleaning agent, for example of the order of 10 g, required for a standard program. If the treatment room of the cleaning device for cleaning heavily soiled items to be charged with a quantity of, for example, 20 g of detergent, the dosing is to be filled twice and to empty. The reservoir is to move for this purpose in the same way twice, preferably to pivot. This is done by the motor-driven drive device, which is connected by control technology to the program control of the cleaning device, so that takes place depending on the user selected washing program an automatic detergent dosing.

According to a further feature, it is provided that the metering device has a closure element for the metering opening. This closure element seals the metering opening in non-use position. This advantageously provides an undesirable introduction of moisture into the dosing channel and / or the storage container. The closure element releases the metering opening as soon as the metering device reaches its intended use and a detergent metering and delivery to the treatment chamber of the cleaning device takes place. Advantageously, such additional protection against unwanted clumping of the cleaning agent is achieved by moisture.

Some detergent, i. Powder clumping, in particular crusting after prolonged disuse, can not always be avoided, in particular not in unfavorable climatic conditions, for example in the case of high atmospheric humidity of the ambient air. It is therefore proposed to rotate the reservoir regardless of a proper use of time to time, for example programmatically. It can also be provided reciprocating movements. These movements ensure that the detergent absorbed by the reservoir is moved through, so that it comes to breaking up possibly formed by moisture incrustation encrustations.

A particular problem with regard to possible encrustation is the labyrinth guidance. This can accumulate especially in undercut corners detergent residues, which lead in combination with moisture to a lump formation. To counter this, different measures can be taken. A first measure provides for a labyrinth guide which, when the reservoir is turned to the right, leads to a detergent dosage in the intended manner. In the case of a reverse twisting movement of the storage container, however, the geometry of the labyrinth guide ensures that powder residues possibly contained in the labyrinth guide can flow back, new powder, i. But detergent can not penetrate into the labyrinthine guide. In this respect, after completion of a proper dosage in the reverse direction made a twisting movement of the reservoir to ensure that the labyrinth guide is always free of detergent residues. A second measure is to make the labyrinth guide at least partially replaceable. This can for example be achieved in that the labyrinth guide is formed in a separate part which is arranged pivotably or removably on the reservoir. In the pivoted or removed state of this part of the labyrinth guide an opening is released, so that a manual emptying and / or cleaning of both the pivoted and / or removed part of the labyrinth guide and the rest of the labyrinth guide can take place. After such an emptying and / or cleaning, the removed or swiveled part of the labyrinth guide can be used again, so that a proper operation is ensured in the further.

It is provided according to a further feature of the invention that the Drive device comprises a support unit for interchangeable arrangement of the reservoir. In the intended use case, the support unit of the drive device takes on the reservoir. The arrangement of the reservoir within the carrying unit is replaceable, which allows to remove the reservoir of the support unit. There are two different alternative embodiments possible in this context. According to a first embodiment, reusable storage containers can be used. These have a loading opening. If a storage container is emptied, a manual refilling of the storage container with cleaning agent can take place via this charging opening. For this purpose, the reservoir of the support unit of the drive means is to be refilled via the feed opening with detergent and then reinserted in the filled state in the support unit of the drive device.

According to an alternative embodiment, disposable storage containers can be used. These are filled by the manufacturer with detergent and after use, i. disposed of according to regulations and replaced by a new disposable storage container. On the user side you can freely choose between returnable storage containers and disposable storage containers.

According to a further feature of the invention, the dosing device has an outlet channel opening into the treatment chamber of the cleaning device. According to this embodiment, an immediate release of cleaning agent does not take place via the metering opening provided by the metering in the treatment room of the cleaning device. Rather, it is provided that the metered quantity of cleaning agent leaves the metering channel via the metering channel-side metering opening and is discharged into a metering device-side outlet channel. From here, a forwarding of the cleaning agent then takes place in the treatment room of the cleaning appliance.

Within the outlet channel, a reciprocating piston is guided according to a further feature of the invention. This reciprocating piston conveys the quantity of cleaning agent metered into the outlet channel in a stroke-like manner via a corresponding outlet opening into the treatment chamber of the cleaning appliance. In this case, this construction proves to be advantageous for two reasons in particular. On the one hand by means of the reciprocating piston ensures that the metered amount of cleaning agent is completely transferred to the treatment room of the cleaning device. On the other hand, the reciprocating piston serves to seal the outlet channel, which provides further protection against unwanted ingress of moisture into the dosing device and thus into the detergent stored by the reservoir.

According to a further feature of the invention it is provided that the reciprocating piston is connected to the drive device. In this way, a drive of both the reservoir and the reciprocating piston is created in a structurally simple design with only one drive means. In this case, the reservoir and the reciprocating piston are matched in their mechanical connection to the drive means such that in a first traversing step of the drive means a dosing of detergent in the outlet channel and then a expulsion of the reciprocating takes place for introducing the dosed detergent in the treatment chamber of the cleaning device. The movement of the reservoir on the one hand and reciprocating piston on the other hand is preferably coordinated so that when not yet moved reservoir of the outlet channel for the cleaning agent is closed by the reciprocating. The unwanted ingress of moisture is thus prevented. Only when a detergent dosing has taken place by means of the dosing channel provided by the reservoir, does the reciprocating piston move into its open position in which the metered quantity of cleaning agent can be transferred into the outlet channel via the dosing orifice of the dosing channel. As soon as this is done, the reciprocating piston moves to re-closure of the outlet channel, whereby he pushed as a result of this closing movement metered into the outlet channel amount of detergent in front of him and promotes into the treatment room of the cleaning device.

According to a further feature of the invention it is provided that the support unit has a sprocket assembly with a first sprocket and a second sprocket, wherein the first sprocket with the motor-gear assembly and the second sprocket cooperates with a drive gear for the reciprocating piston. According to this preferred embodiment, the reservoir is designed as a drum container and the support unit is formed corresponding thereto in cross section also circular. It serves insofar as a drum container receptacle. It is equipped for the purpose of driving with a sprocket assembly, said sprocket assembly provides a first sprocket and a second sprocket. The first sprocket cooperates with the engine-gearbox arrangement. In the intended use, therefore, takes place a transmission of power from the engine-transmission arrangement with the interposition of the first sprocket of the sprocket assembly on the support unit and thus on the reservoir received by it. The sprocket assembly has a second sprocket. This interacts with the drive gear for the reciprocating piston. As a result of a caused by the motor-gear arrangement twisting movement of the support unit, it also leads to a drive of the meshing with the second ring gear of the sprocket drive gear for the reciprocating piston, as a result of which Hubkolbenbewegung takes place. In order to accomplish the above-described coordination of the movement of the support unit on the one hand and the reciprocating piston on the other hand structurally in a simple manner is provided according to a further feature of the invention that the second sprocket is designed as a partial sprocket. This ensures that in certain positions of the support unit, the drive gear for the reciprocating piston comes out of engagement with the sprocket assembly. In these positions, a rotational movement of the carrying unit initiated via the motor-gear arrangement continues to take place, but no movement of the reciprocating piston takes place, since the associated drive gear is not in engagement with the toothed rim arrangement. Only when this again comes into engagement with the second ring gear, a drive of the reciprocating piston is effected via the rotational movement of the support unit.

Fig. 1

in schematisch perspektivischer Darstellung das erfindungsgemäße Dosiergerät;

Fig. 2

in schematisch perspektivischer Darstellung das erfindungsgemäße Dosiergerät mit eingesetztem Vorratsbehälter;

Fig. 3

in einer Frontansicht das erfindungsgemäße Dosiergerät mit eingesetztem Vorratsbehälter;

Fig. 4a

in schematisch perspektivischer Darstellung die Trageinheit des erfindungsgemäßen Dosiergerätes;

Fig. 4b

in Frontansicht die Trageinheit des erfindungsgemäßen Dosiergerätes;

Fig. 5

in Frontansicht die Trageinheit des erfindungsgemäßen Dosiergerätes mit eingesetztem Vorratsbehälter in Grundstellung;

Fig. 6

in Frontansicht die Trageinheit des erfindungsgemäßen Dosiergerätes mit eingesetztem Vorratsbehälter in verdrehter Stellung,

Fig. 7

in schematisch perspektivischer Ansicht einen Vorratsbehälter;

Fig. 8

in schematisch perspektivischer Darstellung den Vorratsbehälter nach Fig. 7 ohne Deckel und

Fig. 9

den Vorratsbehälter nach Fig. 7 mit geöffneter Beschickungsöffnung.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to FIGS. Show

Fig. 1

in a schematic perspective view of the dosing device according to the invention;

Fig. 2

in a schematic perspective view of the dosing device according to the invention with inserted reservoir;

Fig. 3

in a front view of the dosing device according to the invention with inserted reservoir;

Fig. 4a

in a schematic perspective view of the support unit of the dosing device according to the invention;

Fig. 4b

in front view of the support unit of the dosing device according to the invention;

Fig. 5

in front view of the carrying unit of the dosing device according to the invention with inserted reservoir in the basic position;

Fig. 6

in front view, the carrying unit of the dosing device according to the invention with inserted reservoir in a rotated position,

Fig. 7

in a schematic perspective view of a reservoir;

Fig. 8

in a schematic perspective view of the reservoir after Fig. 7 without lid and

Fig. 9

the reservoir after Fig. 7 with open loading opening.

Fig. 1 can be seen in a schematic perspective view of the dosing device 1 according to the invention. This is the door side of a door equipped with a panel 8 7 of a cleaning device, not shown in the figures, for example, a dishwasher formed.

A cleaning device of the previously known type typically has a rinsing container which provides a treatment space, also called a rinsing room. When used as intended, the treatment room receives items to be cleaned. In this case, a feed opening provided by the washing compartment is provided for charging the treatment room with items to be cleaned. This is closed fluid-tight by means of a door 7, which is preferably mounted about a horizontally extending pivot axis, for which purpose this has Anlenkflansche 9. The dosing device 1 according to the invention is arranged on the door 7 pivotally mounted on the washing container of the cleaning appliance, as shown in FIG Fig. 1 lets recognize.

The door 7 provides a door inside on the one hand and a door outside on the other. The dosing device 1 is preferably accessible to the user on the outside of the door. In this case, to create a harmonious visual impression and to cover the dosing device 1 a pivotally mounted on the door 7 and in the figures Cover plate not shown may be provided. For a user-side access to the dosing device 1, the cover plate not shown in the figures is to be pivoted or moved. Alternatively, however, the dosing device 1 could also be designed to be accessible to the user on the inside of the door.

As Fig. 1 can be seen, the dosing device 1 has a reservoir 3. This is in the FIGS. 7 . 8th and 9 shown in more detail. He has a main body 30 on the one hand and a lid 31. For a better overview because of the reservoir 3 is spaced from the door 7 and with the lid removed 31 in Fig. 1 shown.

The storage container 3 provides a volume space 38 for storing pourable detergent in powder form. It can be designed as a disposable or as a reusable container.

As the representation after Fig. 1 can be seen, the reservoir 3 is circular in plan view and can be referred to insofar as drum container.

The metering device 1 has for the purpose of detergent dosing via a metering unit 2. This has a provided from the reservoir 3 metering 4. On the output side, the metering channel 4 opens into a metering opening 5 formed on the reservoir side.

The metering device 1 further has a motor-driven drive device 6 for the storage container 3. In this case, the drive device 6 takes the reservoir about a rotational axis 35 pivotally.

For the purpose of receiving the reservoir 3, the drive device 6 has a support unit 10. In the intended use, the reservoir 3 is inserted into the support unit 10, as this Fig. 2 lets recognize.

As in particular the front view after Fig. 3 can be seen, the drive device 6 further has a motor-gear assembly 18. This is equipped with a motor 19 and a gear 20, which gear 20, the gears 21, 22 and 23 has. In the assembled state meshes with the gear 23 of the transmission 20th with a first sprocket 16 of a sprocket assembly 15 which is circumferentially formed of the support unit 10. In the operating case, the gear 20 is driven by the motor 19, which leads to a rotational movement of the support unit 10 and thus also to a rotational movement of the reservoir 3. In this case, a drive of the storage container 3 in the direction of the arrow 36, that is provided in a clockwise direction.

As the representation after Fig. 3 can also be seen, the drive device 6 is formed encapsulated within a housing 24. This housing 24 provides an outlet channel 11, via which detergent in a metered amount inside the door 7 of the door can be discharged into the treatment room of the cleaning device. Within the outlet channel 11, a reciprocating piston 12 is guided. This is connected to a connecting rod 14 which is in communication with a drive gear 13. The drive gear 13 in turn meshes with a second ring gear 17 provided by the support unit 10 sprocket assembly 15. In this case, the second sprocket 17 is interrupted in contrast to the first sprocket 16, that is formed as a partial sprocket.

In the drive case, that is, when the support unit 10 is rotated by the motor-gear assembly 18 in rotational movement, the second ring gear 17 of the sprocket assembly 15 meshes with the drive gear 13, resulting in a reciprocating motion of the reciprocating piston 12 within the outlet channel 11.

Fig. 4a allows the support unit 10 to recognize more accurately. As can be seen from this illustration in particular, the support unit 10 has slots 25 of a bayonet closure, by means of a in Fig. 4 not shown reservoir 3 positionally safe within the support unit 10 can be arranged. Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b can also recognize the trained as a partial sprocket second sprocket 17 which drives the drive gear 13 for the reciprocating piston 12 in the intended use case. In the embodiment of Fig. 4b are beyond finding and guiding means 41, 42 can be seen, which ensure an exact meshing of the second ring gear 17 and the ring gear of the drive gear 13. A carried by the support unit 10, arranged on the circumference in the direction of rotation immediately before the second ring gear 17 guide pin 41 meets this purpose in the intended use case on a drive gear 13 arranged guide bar 42, whereby the drive gear 13 is aligned in a suitable manner.

The FIGS. 5 to 9 let recognize in different representation the reservoir 3.

The reservoir 3 provides the pre-explained dosing channel 4 ready, which has a labyrinth guide. The metering channel 4 has on the input side an inlet opening 37 and on the output side via the already mentioned metering opening 5. In the intended use case, the storage container 3 stores cleaning powder. For this purpose, the storage container 3 has a volume space 38. This volume space 38 is in fluid communication via the inlet opening 37 with the metering channel 4. If, in the intended use, a twisting movement of the storage container 3 in the direction of the arrow 36 occurs, the detergent supplied by the volume space 38 passes through the inlet opening 37 into the metering channel 4. Thanks to the barrier 39, however, a complete filling can not occur due to a twisting movement of the storage container 3 take place of the dosing 4 with detergent. It comes only to a filling of the limited by the barrier 39 partial volume of the metering 4. In this case, this sub-volume is sized in size so that it serves to accommodate about 10 g of detergent.

As a result of a further twisting movement of the storage container 3, no further cleaning agent flows via the inlet opening 37 into the metering channel 4. The previously metered into the sub-volume of the metering 4 amount of detergent can flow as a result of such a further rotational movement of the reservoir 3 to the barrier 39 in the other part of the metering 4 in the direction of the metering 5. As soon as the storage container 3 is rotated so far that the metering opening 5 of the funnel-shaped feed 40 of the outlet channel 11 comes to lie opposite (see. Fig. 3 ), the delivery of the amount of cleaning agent in the dosing channel 4 takes place into the outlet channel 11.

In normal position, ie in the basic position of the reservoir 3, as in Fig. 5 is shown, the metering opening 5 is sealed by a closure element 26. This closure element 26 has a cooperating with the metering orifice 5 roller 27 which is mounted under the bias of a spring 29 hinged to an arm 28. During a rotational movement of the storage container 3, the roller 27 rolls circumferentially on the support unit 10 from. In the normal position, ie in the basic position of the reservoir 3 comes the roller 27 to lie on the metering opening 5, as in Fig. 5 shown. In this position, a sealing of the metering opening 5, which prevents the unwanted ingress of moisture through the metering opening 5 in the metering 4 and thus in the reservoir 3.

The storage container 3 can be designed as a disposable container or as a reusable container. The reusable design is in the FIGS. 7 to 9 shown.

As is clear from the FIGS. 7 to 9 results, has a reservoir 3 via a base body 30 on the one hand and a lid 31 on the other. In the previously described manner, a storage container 3 has a volume space 38 for storing detergent and a metering 4 for the metered removal of detergent from the volume space 38. Both the volume space 38 and the metering 4 through the main body 30 of the reservoir. 3 provided, wherein the base body 30 is covered in the final assembled state by the lid 31.

In the reusable design according to the FIGS. 7 to 9 the storage container 3 has a rotary closure 33. This forms in the closed position a part of the labyrinth guide of the metering 4 from. It is designed to pivot about an axis of rotation 24 and can from the closed position to Fig. 8 in the open position Fig. 9 be pivoted. In this open position of the rotary closure 33, a feed opening 32 is released. By means of this feed opening 32, cleaning agent can be introduced into the storage container 3 on the user side, which can flow directly into the volume space 38 provided by the storage container 3 via the feed opening 32. In this way, a refilling of the reservoir 3 with detergent is possible.

The operation of the dosing device 1 according to the invention will be apparent from the drawings as follows.

To fill the storage container 3, this can be removed axially from the support unit 10 and be filled on the user side with pourable cleaning agent in powder form. It is advantageous in this context that the cleaning device has a folding or sliding door panel, so that a comfortable access on the reservoir 3 from the front, ie the front of the cleaning device is possible. Alternatively, the reservoir could also be formed from the inside, ie removable from the inside of the door.
The volume space 38 of the reservoir 3 is sized in size so that cleaning powder can be stored for about 20 to 30 dosing.

The storage container 3 can be designed either as a disposable container or as a reusable container. In the case of the reusable embodiment, it is preferable to construct the storage container 3 from a main body 30 and a lid 31, wherein the lid 31 can be removed from the main body 30 on the user side in order to remove possible cleaning residues or lumps in the storage container 3.

To start a dosing process, a program-dependent switch-on pulse on the motor-gear assembly 18 is sufficient, whereby it puts the carrying unit 10 together with the reservoir 3 received by it in rotation in the direction of arrow 36 with the interposition of the transmission 20.

Programmatically, the carrying unit 10 performs a full revolution, i. a rotation of 360 °. During such a rotation, a portioning of the cleaning agent takes place via the geometric design of the labyrinth guide of the metering channel 4. The dosage geometry is designed for a volume of, for example, 10 to 15 ml. Thus, depending on the degree of soiling of the items to be cleaned about the number of rotations of the support unit 10 can be dosed program-controlled detergent depending on demand. A Weiterdehen the support unit 10 is carried out, for example, via a self-holding a position switch by overrunning a position cam.

In order to ensure a seal to the treatment room and a residue-free further promotion of the detergent, a reciprocating piston 12 is inserted between the metering 5 and the outlet to the treatment room, which is connected via a connecting rod 14 and a gear 13 with the sprocket assembly 15 of the support unit 10.

With the start of the support unit rotation, a first part of the second ring gear 17 is initially active, whereby the piston 12 is pulled backwards. In this zurückverfahrenen position of the reciprocating piston 12 of the first partial sprocket of the second sprocket 17 is disengaged from the gear 13, so that the reciprocating piston 12 in this procedural Position remains and the outlet opening to the treatment room releases. In the next step, the above-described metering of the cleaning agent from the metering channel 4 into the outlet channel 11 takes place.

In the course of a further twisting movement of the storage container 3, a second partial ring gear of the second ring gear 17 is active and meshes with the gear 13, so that the piston 12 moves back to its original position, also called closing position moves. In this case, 11 remaining cleaning agent residues are pressed into the treatment chamber in the outlet channel. At the same time, by means of an O-ring carried by the lifting piston 12, a sealing of the outlet channel 11 takes place so that moisture can not inadvertently penetrate into the dosing device 1 via it.

In the basic position of the storage container 3, as he, for example, from the illustration Fig. 2 results, the metering opening 5 of the metering channel 4 is in the upper position. This ensures, in connection with the labyrinthine guidance of the metering channel 4 during the flushing operation of the cleaning device, a dry storage of the cleaning powder. In addition, a closure of the metering opening 5 by means of the closure element 26 and the outlet channel 11 by means of the reciprocating piston 12, whereby an additional seal against unwanted entry of moisture is ensured.

In addition, by a proper rotation of the reservoir 3 and the pivoting of the door 7 causes a constant movement of the volume of 38 of the reservoir 3 received cleaning powder, whereby a clumping of the cleaning agent is prevented.

The above-described construction brings a total of a number of advantages. In particular, an automatic cleaning dosage for 20 to 30 washing programs is achieved at the same time simply ergonomic filling possibility of the reservoir 3 with detergent. The individual components of the dosing device 1 according to the invention are designed removable, which allows cleaning and maintenance. The design is compact overall and relatively inexpensive, especially for the drive of both the support unit 10 and the reciprocating piston 12 only a motor-gear assembly 18 is required. The structural design also offers the possibility, on the one hand reusable storage container and on the other hand disposable storage container allowing the customer to use disposable, disposable cartridges, which simplifies maintenance and maintenance. The reservoir 3 is protected on the one hand constructively and on the other hand by means of the closure element 26 and the reciprocating piston 12 from the unwanted entry of moisture, so that clumps of stockpiled by the reservoir 3 detergent are safely avoided. In addition, the rotational movement of the storage container 3, which takes place in the intended use case, serves to ensure constant mixing and movement of the stored cleaning agent, so that even in the case of incrustations of the cleaning agent due to the introduction of moisture, they are broken so that the cleaning agent remains pourable for intended use ,

reference numeral

1

dosing

2

dosing

3

reservoir

4

metering

5

metering

6

driving means

7

door

8th

cover

9

Anlenkflansch

10

support unit

11

exhaust port

12

reciprocating

13

gear

14

pleuel

15

Sprocket assembly

16

first sprocket

17

second sprocket

18

Motor-gear assembly

19

engine

20

transmission

21

gear

22

gear

23

gear

24

casing

25

slot

26

closure element

27

role

28

frame

29

feather

30

body

31

cover

32

loading port

33

screw cap

34

axis

35

axis of rotation

36

arrow

37

inlet port

38

volume space

39

barrier

40

feed

41

guide pins

42

guide web

Claims (10)

1. Metering device for the metered introduction of a pourable cleaning agent, in the form of a powder, into a processing chamber of a program-controlled cleaning appliance, in particular a dishwasher, that comprises a tank (3) and a metering unit (2), the metering unit (2) having a metering channel (4), and said metering device comprising a motor-driven drive for the tank (3), which apparatus (6) has a support unit (10), and which tank is movably mounted, preferably pivotally mounted,
   characterised in that
   the tank (3), which is arranged in the support unit (10) so as to be replaceable, provides the metering channel (4), the metering channel (4) being used for removing from the tank (3) the amount of cleaning agent that is to be supplied for an intended dishwasher cycle, the metering channel (4) leading into a tank-side metering opening (5) through which the amount of cleaning agent metered by means of the metering channel can be dispensed.
2. Metering device according to claim 1,
   characterised in that
   the metering channel (4) comprises a labyrinth guide having a barrier (39) that delimits a volume portion of the metering channel (4), such that a rotational movement of the tank (3) results first in the volume portion being filled with an amount of cleaning agent that is predefined according to the size of the volume portion, and a further rotational movement results in the amount of cleaning agent metered into the volume portion being able to flow past the barrier (39) into the other part of the metering channel (4) towards the metering opening (5) without additional cleaning agent also flowing into the metering channel (4).
3. Metering device according to either claim 1 or claim 2,
   characterised by
   a locking element (26) for the metering opening (5).
4. Metering device according to any of the preceding claims,
   characterised by
   an outlet channel (11) that leads into the processing chamber of the cleaning appliance.
5. Metering device according to claim 4,
   characterised in that
   a piston (12) is guided in the outlet channel (11).
6. Metering device according to claim 5,
   characterised in that
   the piston (12) is connected to the drive apparatus (6).
7. Metering device according to any of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the drive apparatus (6) comprises a motor transmission assembly.
8. Metering device according to any of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the support unit (10) comprises a ring gear arrangement (15) having a first ring gear (16) and a second ring gear (17), the first ring gear (16) interacting with the motor transmission assembly (18) and the second ring gear (17) interacting with a drive gear (13) for the piston (12).
9. Metering device according to claim 8,
   characterised in that
   the second ring gear (17) is designed as a partial ring gear.
10. Tank (3) for being movably mounted and replaceably arranged in a metering device according to any of the preceding claims.

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