EP3305159A1 - Metering device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a metering device for the metered introduction of pourable cleaning agent into a treatment space (4) of a program-controlled cleaning device, in particular a dishwasher (1), with a storage container (15) serving to accommodate the cleaning agent and a carrying unit (21) rotatably mounted by a motor, which interchangeably accommodates the storage container (15), wherein the storage container (15) has a detergent dispensing channel (26) opening into a detergent dispensing opening (27), wherein a closure device (22) cooperating with the detergent dispensing opening (27) enclosing the detergent dispensing opening (27) in Rest position of the reservoir (15) closes.

Description

The invention relates to a metering device for the metered introduction of a pourable, in particular powdered detergent in a treatment room of a program-controlled cleaning device, in particular a dishwasher, with one of the harboring the detergent serving reservoir and a motor rotatably mounted support unit which receives the reservoir replaceable.

Program-controlled cleaning devices in general and dishwashers in particular are well known from the prior art, which is why a separate documentary proof at this point is not required.

Cleaning devices of the type in question typically have a washing container, which provides a treatment room, also called flushing. This treatment space is accessible to the user via a feed opening, which can be closed in a fluid-tight manner by means of a pivotally mounted flushing door. In the intended use case, the washing container serves to receive items to be cleaned, which in the case of a dishwashing machine can be, for example, dishes, cutlery pieces and / or the like.

For loading of items to be cleaned with rinsing liquid, the so-called rinsing liquor, the cleaning device has a spray device inside the rinsing container. This usually provides rotatably mounted spray arms, with typically two or three such spray arms are provided. In the intended use case, the cleansing dishes to be cleaned with rinse liquor by means of rotating spray arms.

To achieve an optimized cleaning result process chemicals are used, which are supplied to the washing compartment during a cleaning process, typically as an addition to the wash liquor. Such process chemicals are, for example, cleaning agents which are added to the washing compartment of the cleaning appliance in a program-controlled manner at a specific time of the program sequence become.

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

When using pourable detergent in powder form, a detergent dosage to be carried out manually must be carried out by the user before each start of a cleaning program. A cleaning device has for this purpose typically inside the door on a reservoir, which is to be equipped with a manually determined amount of detergent. During a program sequence, this reservoir opens at a certain time of the wash program and the stockpiled detergent from the reservoir can be washed out by the rinsing liquor located in the washing compartment of the cleaning device.

In order to be able to carry out a detergent supply for a plurality of rinsing programs, so that manual detergent dosing does not take place before the start of each rinsing program, dosing devices have been proposed, for example with US Pat DE 10 2013 104 391 A1 , which discloses a generic metering device

The known metering device has a replaceably arranged reservoir, which serves to store pourable cleaning agent in an amount that is sufficient for a plurality of washing programs. The reservoir is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation, wherein in the proper metering program controlled rotation of the reservoir is effected. For this purpose, a motor-driven drive device is provided, by means of which in the case of operation, a rotational movement of the reservoir is made. The motor-driven drive device acts together with a support unit which receives the reservoir interchangeable.

For the purpose of dispensing detergent, the storage container has a detergent dispensing channel opening into a detergent dispensing opening. About these Opening is dispensed portionwise detergent in the operating case. In this case, a release of detergent takes place as a result of a twisting movement of the storage container. Per 360 ° revolution of the reservoir always a similar portion amount of detergent is supplied to the detergent dispensing channel and thus the detergent dispensing opening, and discharged from there with the interposition of a channel system in the washing compartment of the cleaning device.

Dosing devices of the type described above have proven themselves in everyday practice. Nevertheless, there is a need for improvement, especially with regard to increased operational safety, because it has been shown that it can come at elevated humidity to a clumping of stockpiled detergent from the reservoir. An accurate and reproducible dosage of a defined amount of detergent is then only more difficult or even impossible. It is therefore an object of the invention to further develop a metering device of the type mentioned in that construction is given an increased reliability.

To solve this problem, a metering device of the type mentioned is proposed with the invention, which is characterized by a cooperating with the detergent dispensing opening of the reservoir closure device which closes the detergent discharge opening in the rest position of the reservoir.

The metering device according to the invention has a closure device. This closure device cooperates with the reservoir-side detergent dispensing opening and closes it, provided that the reservoir is not in a twisting movement, thus instead in rest, ie zero position. The closure of the detergent dispensing opening in the rest position of the storage container ensures that an undesired introduction of moisture into the detergent contained in the storage container is excluded. Thus, the risk of possible clumping of the cleaning agent is prevented by moisture, which improves the reliability of the metering device according to the invention.

In the intended metering case, the reservoir rotates about a rotation axis, wherein a complete revolution, that is, a 360 ° revolution is completed. During such a twisting movement of the storage container, the detergent dispensing opening provided by the storage container is unlocked, so that cleaning agent can be dispensed from the storage container in the intended manner and introduced into the washing compartment provided by the cleaning appliance. As soon as the 360 ° revolution of the storage container has been completed and the storage container is again in its zero position, a preferably fluid-tight closure of the detergent dispensing opening provided by the storage container takes place by means of the closure device provided according to the invention. An exchange of the space provided by the reservoir volume space with the ambient atmosphere is excluded, with the result that there may be no unwanted moisture from the ambient atmosphere in the storage space of the reservoir. An unwanted clumping of stockpiled detergent from the reservoir is thus effectively counteracted

It is provided according to a further feature of the invention that the closure device has a closure lid which covers the detergent dispensing opening in the rest position of the reservoir.

To seal the detergent dispensing opening of the reservoir, the closure device has a closure lid. This puts himself in the rest position of the reservoir to the detergent dispensing opening, whereby it is closed. In order to accomplish the most dense completion of the detergent dispensing opening, the closure lid has a geometric shape that is corresponding to the opening surface provided by the detergent dispensing opening so far that a gap-free abutment of the closure lid on the detergent dispensing opening limiting edge is permitted.

The closure cap is formed according to a further feature of the invention made of plastic, preferably an abrasion-resistant plastic, such as POM (polyoxymethylene). This ensures that it does not lead to an abrasion-related wear of the closure lid with the result of a no longer accurately fitting in the closed position concerns at the detergent dispensing opening.

According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided that the Locking device has a biasing spring. This biasing spring cooperates with the closure lid in such a way that the closure lid is subjected to a force in the direction of the detergent dispensing opening to be closed in the rest position of the storage container. By means of the biasing spring so the closure lid is pressed against the detergent discharge opening for the purpose of sealing the detergent dispensing opening. It is on the one hand ensures a possible sealing engagement of the closure lid on the detergent dispensing opening and on the other hand created a tolerance compensation, because tolerances may occur due to production in terms of relative position of reservoir and cap, especially since the reservoir on the user side interchangeable inserted into the support unit and can be removed from this.

With regard to the configuration of the closure lid or the biasing spring which sets the closure lid under spring pretensioning, different embodiments can be provided. According to a first embodiment, the closure lid is pivotally mounted. In this case, the closure lid rotates about an axis of rotation formed on one side or on the other side of the closure lid. Opposite the axis of rotation of the closure cap is biased by means of a biasing spring designed as a compression spring, so that under the action of this spring, a rotational movement of the closure lid can take place about the axis of rotation in the direction of the closing agent to be closed.

According to an alternative embodiment, the closure lid is mounted so that it can move linearly, ie it is moved forwards or backwards in the operating situation. According to this embodiment, the biasing spring is preferably designed as a helical spring or spring plate.

In the proper Dosierfall the reservoir rotated past the cap. In order to eliminate unnecessary frictional stresses is provided according to a further feature of the invention that the closure lid provides bevels.

The closure lid is further equipped with an insertion bevel, which allows a simplified insertion of a reservoir in the support unit. At a Replacing the reservoir so unwanted tilting of the newly inserted into the support unit reservoir can be avoided with the cap.

With the embodiment according to the invention, a metering device is provided as a whole which, when the reservoir is at rest, ensures that the detergent dispensing opening provided by the reservoir is closed. An unwanted entry of humidity in the reservoir is thus prevented, which increases the reliability, because it can be achieved so that unwanted clumping of the detergent is omitted.

Fig. 1

in schematischer Ansicht ein erfindungsgemäßes Reinigungsgerät;

Fig. 2

in einer Draufsicht von oben eine Spülraumtür, und zwar in Blickrichtung II nach Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

in schematischer Draufsicht von oben eine erfindungsgemäße Dosiereinrichtung mit einem sich in Ruhestellung befindlichen Vorratsbehälter;

Fig. 4

in schematischer Draufsicht von oben eine erfindungsgemäße Dosiereinrichtung mit einem sich in Drehbewegung befindlichen Vorratsbehälter;

Fig. 5.

in schematisch perspektivischer Darstellung eine Dosiereinrichtung nach der Erfindung;

Fig. 6

in einer schematischen Draufsicht von oben eine erfindungsgemäße Dosiereinrichtung mit einer Verschlusseinrichtung gemäß einer zweiten Alternative;

Fig. 7

in einer schematischen Draufsicht von oben eine erfindungsgemäße Dosiereinrichtung mit einer Verschlusseinrichtung gemäß einer dritten Alternative;

Fig. 8

ausschnittsweise in einer schematischen Schnittdarstellung eine erfindungsgemäße Dosiereinrichtung;

Fig. 9

in schematischer Perspektivansicht eine Verschlusseinrichtung nach der Erfindung gemäß der ersten Ausführung nach Fig. 3;

Fig. 10

in schematischer Draufsicht von oben die Verschlusseinrichtung nach Fig. 9 und

Fig. 11

in geschnittener Seitenansicht die Verschlusseinrichtung nach Fig. 9.

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

Fig. 1

in a schematic view of an inventive cleaning device;

Fig. 2

in a plan view from above a Spülraumtür, in the direction of II after Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3

in a schematic plan view from above a metering device according to the invention with a storage container in the rest position;

Fig. 4

in a schematic plan view from above a metering device according to the invention with a reservoir in rotation in rotation;

Fig. 5.

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

Fig. 6

in a schematic plan view from above a metering device according to the invention with a closure device according to a second alternative;

Fig. 7

in a schematic plan view from above a metering device according to the invention with a closure device according to a third Alternative;

Fig. 8

detail in a schematic sectional view of a metering device according to the invention;

Fig. 9

in a schematic perspective view of a closure device according to the invention according to the first embodiment according to Fig. 3 ;

Fig. 10

in a schematic plan view from above the closure device according to Fig. 9 and

Fig. 11

in a sectional side view of the closure device according to Fig. 9 ,

Fig. 1 can be seen in a purely schematic representation of an inventive cleaning device 1 in the embodiment of a dishwasher. The cleaning device 1 has, in a manner known per se, a housing 2 which accommodates a washing container 3. The washing container 3 in turn provides a washing compartment 4 for receiving items to be cleaned. For loading the washing compartment 4 with items to be cleaned has the rinse tank 3 via a feed opening 5. This is closed in a fluid-tight manner by means of a Spülraumtür 6, wherein the Spülraumtür 6 is mounted drehverschwenkbar about a horizontal pivot axis.

Fig. 2 lets the Spülraumtür 6 in a plan view of the inner door panel 14 recognize, that is in the direction of II after Fig. 1 ,

As Fig. 2 can be seen, has the Spülraumtür 6 inside on a known from the prior art combination device 9, which serves in a conventional manner, for example, the inclusion of detergent, rinse aid and / or the like.

The cleaning device 1 has in addition to the known from the prior art combination device 9 via a metering device 7. This metering device 7 provides a reservoir 15 for storing detergent for a plurality of cleaning programs ready. In the course of a proper use of the provided by the metering device 7 reservoir 15 is ever Rinse cycle taken the appropriate amount of detergent and fed to the washing compartment 4 of the washing container 3. In this case, the storage container 15 provided by the metering device 7 is preferably dimensioned such that it can receive cleaning agent in an amount which is sufficient for the completion of 20 to 30 rinsing operations.

The metering device 7 has the arrangement of the reservoir 15 via a receptacle 10, which houses a support unit 21 which receives the reservoir 15 replaceable, as can be seen in particular from the illustration Fig. 5 results. In a storage container 15 properly inserted into the carrying unit 21, the receptacle 10 of the metering device 7 is closed by means of a pivotable cover 11, as can be seen from the illustration Fig. 2 results.

For dispensing of the metering device 7 stemmenden cleaning agent is a cleaning agent 8. This provides an outlet 12, which is covered by a cover 13. In this case, the lid does not serve for the fluid-tight closing of the outlet opening 12, but rather as a splash guard, in order to minimize the penetration of washing liquor into the outlet opening 12. For this purpose, the lid on the outlet opening side, for example, webs, so that the cover 13 spaced from each other at the interposition of these webs comes to rest on the peripheral edge surrounding the outlet opening 12. The result is an opening gap through which wash liquor can pass into the outlet opening, but only in such an amount that is sufficient for flushing out of here befindlichem cleaning agent.

As can be seen in particular from the other illustrations after the FIGS. 3 to 7 shows, the reservoir 15 is included in the ready-ready state of the metering device 7 by a support unit 21, which allows a rotational movement of the reservoir 15 about the axis of rotation 17. The carrying unit 21 cooperates with a motor-driven drive device 16, so that in the dosing case, with mechanical interposition of the carrying unit 21, a rotational movement of the storage container 15 takes place.

For the purpose of dispensing detergent in the dosing case, the storage container 15 has a detergent dispensing channel 26 opening into a detergent dispensing opening 27. This factual context is apparent in particular from the illustration Fig. 8 ,

In the proper metering case, the reservoir 15 performs for the introduction of detergent in the washing compartment 4, a 360 ° -Verdrehbewegung. As a result of this twisting movement, cleaning agent provided by the storage container 15 is conveyed out of the storage container 15, wherein a metering volume provided on the storage container side ensures an always equal metering quantity delivery. The amount of detergent dispensed from the reservoir is then discharged via the cleaning agent 8 in the washing compartment 4. It serves for the fluidic connection of detergent outlet and a provided by the metering device 7 discharge channel 19, which opens into an opening 20, a channel system not shown in detail in the figures.

In accordance with the dosing case, the cleaning agent originating from the reservoir 15 therefore flows via the reservoir-side cleaning agent delivery channel 20 into the discharge channel 19 of the metering device 7 and from there into a channel system (not further illustrated in the figures) for the cleaning agent outlet 8.

In order to prevent an unwanted entry of moisture into the storage container 15, the metering device 7 has a closure device 22 which, in the rest position of the storage container 15, ensures a closure of the storage container-side cleaning agent discharge opening 27. With reference to a first embodiment of the closure device 22 according to the invention Fig. 3 the reservoir 15 at rest, whereas Fig. 4 the metering position of the reservoir 15 shows.

As can be seen from a synopsis of Figures 3 and 4 shows, in the metering position of the reservoir 15, the detergent discharge port provided by the detergent discharge port 27 of the reservoir 15 is unlocked, so that discharged from the reservoir 15 cleaning agent can get into the dosing device side discharge channel. In the rest position of the reservoir 15 according to Fig. 3 However, the detergent discharge channel is on the opening side of a provided by the metering device 7 closure device 22, which ensures a preferably fluid-tight closing of the cleaning agent discharge channel 27 provided by the detergent discharge port.

The closure device 22 has a closure lid 23 on the one hand and a biasing spring 24 on the other hand. The biasing spring 24 ensures that the closure lid 23 is subjected to force applied to the detergent dispensing opening, whereby it is closed in the rest position of the storage container 15. Fig. 5 shows the metering device 7 without a storage container 15 inserted into the metering device 7, which allows the closure device 22 to recognize well.

According to the in the FIGS. 3 to 5 In the embodiment shown, the closure device 22 has a cover 23 which can be moved in a linear manner. The cover 23 is mounted reciprocally movable, with a biasing spring 24 designed as a spring plate ensuring that the closure cover 23 always strives to fit into its in Fig. 3 To proceed shown closure position.

Fig. 6 shows an alternative embodiment, according to which instead of a spring plate, a compression spring is provided in the form of a helical spring.

Another embodiment shows Fig. 7 , According to this embodiment, a closure cap 23 is used, which is mounted drehverschwenklich about an axis of rotation 25. On the other end acts on the closure cap 23, a biasing spring 24 in the form of a coil spring designed as a compression spring.

The embodiment of the closure device 22 according to Fig. 6 is in detail view in the FIGS. 9 to 11 shown. As can be seen from these figures, the closure device 22 has a closure lid 23 which has a mandrel 30 on its rear side facing away from the reservoir. This serves to guide a coil spring designed as a biasing spring 24. Front side, the closure lid 23 has run-on slopes 28 on the one hand and on a Einsetzschräge 29 on the other.

In the rest position of the reservoir 15 as shown, for example, after Fig. 6 is the cap 23 under spring tension on the reservoir 15 as an abutment. If the storage container 15 of the receptacle 10 of the metering device 7 removed, for example, for replacement against a freshly filled with detergent reservoir 15, the closure lid 23 moves radially. In order to facilitate insertion of the newly filled with detergent reservoir 15, the Einsetzschräge 29 serves in a similar manner, the ramps 28 act because runs on this depending on the direction of rotation of the reservoir 15 of the reservoir 15th provided detergent discharge channel 26 on the opening side. In this case, as a result of such creeping a return method of the closure cap against the spring force acting on it accomplished, so that the closure lid is under appropriate bias as soon as the reservoir 15 has reached its rest position, as for example in Fig. 6 is shown.

reference numeral

1

dishwasher

2

casing

3

rinse tank

4

Wash cabinet

5

loading port

6

rinsing chamber

7

metering

8th

Reinigungsmittelauslass

9

combination device

10

admission

11

cover

12

outlet

13

cover

14

inner panel

15

reservoir

16

driving means

17

axis of rotation

18

casing

19

Ausschleusungskanal

20

opening

21

support unit

22

closure device

23

cap

24

biasing spring

25

pivot point

26

Detergent dispensing channel

27

Detergent discharge opening

28

approach ramp

29

Einsetzschräge

30

mandrel

Claims (10)

Dosing device for the metered introduction of pourable cleaning agent into a treatment chamber (4) of a program-controlled cleaning device, in particular a dishwasher (1), with one of the harboring the detergent serving reservoir (15) and a motor rotatably mounted support unit (21), the reservoir ( 15) interchangeably accommodates, the storage container (15) having a cleaning agent discharge opening (27) opening out detergent discharge channel (26),
marked by
a closure means (22) cooperating with the detergent dispensing opening (27) and closing the detergent dispensing opening (27) when the storage container (15) is at rest. Dosing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the closure device (22) has a closure lid (23) which covers the detergent dispensing opening (27) in the rest position of the storage container (15). Dosing device according to claim 2, characterized in that the closure lid (23) is formed of a preferably abrasion-resistant plastic. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure device (22) has a biasing spring (24) cooperating with the closure lid (23), which closes the closure lid (23) in the direction of the detergent dispensing opening to be closed in the rest position of the reservoir (15) (27) force. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the closure lid (23) is mounted drehverschwenklich. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the closure lid (23) is mounted linearly movable. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims 4 to 6, characterized characterized in that the biasing spring (24) is a coil spring. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the biasing spring (24) is formed by a spring plate. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the closure lid (23) provides a run-on slope (28). Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the closure lid (23) with respect to the interchangeable received by the support unit (21) reservoir a reservoir side insertion slope (29).

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