EP3305160B1 - Metering device for a cleaning device comprising a storage container - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a metering device for a program-controlled cleaning device, in particular a dishwasher, with a receptacle and a storage container arranged therein, which has a storage chamber for storing pourable, in particular powdered detergent.

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 washing compartment, also called treatment room. This rinsing or treatment space is accessible on the user side via a feed opening, which can be closed in a fluid-tight manner by means of a pivotally mounted washroom door. In the intended use case, the washing container serves to receive items to be cleaned, which in the case of a household dishwasher, for example, can be crockery, cutlery 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 spraying device generally provides rotatably mounted spray arms, with typically two or three such spray arms being provided. In the intended use case, a loading of the items to be cleaned with rinse liquor by means of rotating spray arms.

In order to achieve an optimized cleaning result, process chemicals are used, which are supplied to the washing compartment during a cleaning process, in particular as an addition to the washing liquor. Such process chemicals may be, for example, cleaning agents which are added to the washing compartment of the cleaning appliance in a program-controlled manner at a specific point in time of a running cleaning program.

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, practice has shown that it is possible to achieve the best cleaning results with pourable detergent in powder form.

When using a pourable detergent in powder form, a detergent dosing must be carried out by hand on the user's side before each start of a cleaning program. For this purpose, a cleaning device typically has, on the inside of the door, a reservoir which is to be equipped with a manually determining amount of cleaning agent. During the course of a cleaning program, 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 cleaning programs so that manual detergent dosing does not take place before the start of each cleaning program, dosing devices have been proposed, for example with US Pat EP 2 798 995 A1 and the EP 2 928 288 A1 ,

The previously known from the prior art metering devices have an interchangeable reservoir, which serves to store detergent in an amount that is sufficient for a plurality of cleaning 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.

For the purpose of dispensing detergent, the reservoir has an outlet opening. This is dispensed portionwise detergent in the operating case. In this case, such a detergent dispensing occurs as a result of a rotational movement of the reservoir. Per 360 ° -revolution of the reservoir, an always equal amount of detergent portion of the outlet is supplied and discharged from there with the interposition of a channel system in the washing compartment of the cleaning device.

The supply container used in accordance with the previously known metering device has a base body which provides a storage chamber. This storage chamber serves for the accommodation of pulverulent cleaning agent, wherein the storage chamber provides such a size that cleaning agent can be stored in an amount that is sufficient for the implementation of a plurality of cleaning programs.

A further metering device with a storage container, which has a storage chamber for storing pourable cleaning agent, is made of EP 0486790 A1 known.

Although previously known from the prior art reservoir have proven in everyday practical use, there is room for improvement, especially with regard to safer handling of the cleaning device. It is therefore the object of the invention to propose a novel reservoir.

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

The storage container according to the invention has a feed opening. This serves on the user side to refill the reservoir after a proper emptying with detergent, which allows reuse of the reservoir. The design of the reservoir as a reusable container, in particular for environmental reasons advantageous.

In order to avoid, in the intended use case, that undesired cleaning agent escapes from the charging opening, the charging opening is designed to be closable, for which purpose a closing part is provided. This closure part can be operated on the user side and, in the closed position, closes the charging opening in a detergent-tight manner. After removal of the closure part, the charging opening is released, so that cleaning agent can be introduced into the storage container through the charging opening. According to the invention it is further provided that the closure part for the purpose of release of the feed opening on the user side is only accessible when the reservoir is removed from the recording of the metering device. An accessibility of the closure part is therefore not given if the reservoir is used as intended in the designated receptacle of the metering device.

This embodiment of the invention provides the advantage that a filling of the reservoir with cleaning agents is only possible if the user has previously removed the reservoir of the metering device. This avoids that a filling of the reservoir can take place when it is in the receptacle of the metering device. It is thus ensured that it can not lead to an unwanted entry of detergent in the metering device in case of incorrect filling of the reservoir with detergent. In terms of design, it is thus ensured that the metering device remains free from cleaning agents which possibly fall by the reservoir during a refilling operation. The user is forced to constructive design, for the purpose of refilling the reservoir selbigen the metering device to take, then to make a filling of the reservoir, for example, over the kitchen sink. When filling possibly falling past the reservoir, in particular powdered detergent can be disposed of immediately.

The invention proposes alternative embodiments.

The reservoir is characterized by a reservoir body providing the container body, which is open on one side, and a closure of the open container body side serving container lid, wherein the container lid forms the closure member and pivotally arranged thereon closure tabs, which in the closed position on a side wall of the container body outside issue.

The reservoir has a container body, which is designed to be open on one side, for example in the manner of a shell. This container body provides the supply chamber for storing detergent. In the intended use, the container body is closed by means of a container lid, that is, the container lid is placed on the container body, so that the open Container body side is closed by the container lid.

The open container body side serves as a feed opening. Because after emptying of the reservoir, the container lid can be removed on the user side for access to the volume interior of the container body from the container body. On the then open side of the container body can be made on the user side, a refilling of the reservoir with detergent. Subsequently, the container body can be closed again by means of the container lid, which is why the container lid forms the closure part according to the invention.

For secure and secure location of the container lid on the container body serve closure tabs. These are pivotally mounted on the container lid and can be transferred from a closed position to an open position and vice versa. In this case, an opening of the container body is only possible in the open position closure tabs.

In the closed position, the closure tabs rest against the side wall of the container body on the outside. This ensures that the closure tabs on the user side are not accessible when the reservoir is used as intended in the recording of the metering device. A user-side access to the closure tabs is only possible if the reservoir is removed from the recording of the metering device.

According to a further development, it can be provided that the container lid has a cover section which can be pivoted relative to the container body. According to this embodiment, the container lid is formed in two parts and has a support portion on the one hand and a pivotally arranged thereon lid portion on the other hand, which two sections are connected to each other, for example via a film hinge. This arrangement allows the lid portion to be pivotally formed to the support portion and thus also to the container body.

According to this embodiment, the feed opening is formed by the part of the open container body side, which is released in the open position of the pivotable lid portion. For a refill so not the entire open side of the container body is available, but only the portion of the pivotable Cover section is released in the open position.

An advantage of this embodiment is that a user-side overfilling of the reservoir with detergent is prevented constructively. Because in order to bring about as unobstructed refilling with detergent, the reservoir is to bring in upright position. In this position, a filling with detergent only up to a level is possible, which corresponds in its height position of the arrangement of the lid portion with the support portion connecting film hinge. In a refilling would detergent due to the not yet in the closed position cover portion emerge from the feed opening. Overcrowding is so constructively excluded.

According to a further alternative embodiment of the invention it is provided that the container body and the container lid are integrally formed or quasi one piece. In the sense of the invention, "quasi-one-piece" is to be understood as meaning such a connection of the container body and container lid, which can not be released, at least non-destructively. Such a connection of container body and container lid can be achieved for example by welding, gluing and / or a comparable cohesive connection.

Incidentally, the storage container is used in a manner known per se for the storage of pourable, in particular pulverulent cleaning agent in an amount which is sufficient for a plurality of cleaning programs. In the metering device, 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.

For the purpose of dispensing detergent, the reservoir has an outlet opening. This is dispensed portionwise detergent in the operating case. In this case, such a detergent dispensing occurs as a result of a rotational movement of the reservoir. Per 360 ° revolution of the reservoir, an always equal amount of detergent portion of the outlet is supplied and discharged from there with the interposition of a channel system in the washing compartment of the cleaning device.

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 Perspektivdarstellung eine Dosiereinrichtung nach dem Stand der Technik mit einem sich in Dosierstellung befindlichen Ausschleusungsrohr;

Fig. 4

in schematisch perspektivischer Ansicht von oben ein erfindungsgemäßer Vorratsbehälter mit demontierter Dosiereinheit;

Fig. 5

in schematisch perspektivischer Ansicht von oben ein erfindungsgemäßer Vorratsbehälter mit montierter Dosiereinheit;

Fig. 6

in schematisch perspektivischer Ansicht von unten ein erfindungsgemäßer Vorratsbehälter gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform mit verschlossener Beschickungsöffnung;

Fig. 7

in schematisch perspektivischer Ansicht der Vorratsbehälter nach Fig. 6 mit offener Beschickungsöffnung;

Fig. 8

in schematischer Explosionsdarstellung einen Vorratsbehälter gemäß einer weiteren Alternative;

Fig. 9

in einer schematischen Perspektivdarstellung den Vorratsbehälter nach Fig. 8 mit Verschlusslaschen in Offenstellung;

Fig. 10

in einer schematischen Perspektivdarstellung den Vorratsbehälter nach Fig. 8 mit Verschlusslaschen in Verschlussstellung;

Fig. 11

in schematischer Explosionsdarstellung den erfindungsgemäßen Vorratsbehälter in einer weiteren Ausführungsform;

Fig. 12

in schematischer Perspektivansicht einen in die Aufnahme einer Dosiereinrichtung eingesetzten Vorratsbehälter nach der Erfindung und

Fig. 13

in schematischer Explosionsdarstellung einen erfindungsgemäßen Vorratsbehälter gemäß einer weiteren Alternative.

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

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 perspective view of a metering device according to the prior art with a located in metering discharge tube;

Fig. 4

in a schematic perspective view from above an inventive reservoir with disassembled dosing;

Fig. 5

in a schematic perspective view from above an inventive reservoir with mounted dosing;

Fig. 6

in a schematic perspective view from below an inventive reservoir according to a second embodiment with a closed feed opening;

Fig. 7

in a schematic perspective view of the reservoir after Fig. 6 with open feed opening;

Fig. 8

in a schematic exploded view of a reservoir according to a further alternative;

Fig. 9

in a schematic perspective view of the reservoir after Fig. 8 with locking tabs in the open position;

Fig. 10

in a schematic perspective view of the reservoir after Fig. 8 with locking tabs in closed position;

Fig. 11

in a schematic exploded view of the invention Reservoir in a further embodiment;

Fig. 12

in a schematic perspective view of an inserted into the receptacle of a metering reservoir according to the invention and

Fig. 13

in a schematic exploded view of a reservoir according to the invention according to a further alternative.

Fig. 1 can be seen in a purely schematic representation of an inventive cleaning device 1 in the embodiment of a household 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 its intended use, the corresponding amount of cleaning agent is removed from the storage container 15 provided by the metering device 7 per wash program cycle 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 twenty to thirty flushing operations.

The metering device 7 has the arrangement of the reservoir 15 via a receptacle 10, which is closed by a pivotable lid 11 when properly inserted reservoir 15.

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 13 does not serve the fluid-tight closing of the outlet opening 12, but rather as a splash guard to minimize penetration of wash liquor into the outlet opening 12. For this purpose, the cover 13 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 rinsing liquor can pass into the outlet opening 12, but only in an amount which is required for flushing out cleaning agent located here.

As can be seen in particular from the presentation Fig. 3 results, the reservoir 15 is rotatable by means of a drive means 16, wherein a rotational movement of the reservoir 15 takes place about the axis of rotation 17. The drive device 19 has a motor assembly 18, which drives the reservoir 15 in Dosierfall.

When used as intended, the storage container 15 performs a 360 ° movement for the introduction of cleaning agent into the washing compartment 4. As a result of this twisting movement of the reservoir 15 provided cleaning agent is conveyed out of the reservoir 15, wherein the reservoir side provided metering ensures an always equal Dosiermengenabgabe. The amount of detergent dispensed from the reservoir 15 is then discharged via the cleaning agent 8 in the washing compartment 4. It serves for the fluidic connection of Reinigungsmittelauslass 8 and provided by the metering device 7 detergent dispensing opening 20 a flexibly formed tube 21, also called Ausschleusungsrohr, as can be seen in particular from the illustration Fig. 3 results.

As it turned out Fig. 3 Furthermore, the metering device 7 has a detergent channel 19, which opens into the detergent dispensing opening 20. in the In accordance with the intended use, cleaning agent dispensed from the metering device 7 flows through the cleaning agent channel 19 to the detergent-emitting opening 20 on the metering device side.

Between the detergent dispensing opening 20 and the detergent outlet 8, a tube 21 is interposed. This tube 21 has two end portions, namely the cleaning agent outlet 8 near end portion which provides a flange 23, and an end portion 24 opposite the Reinigungsmittelauslass 8. Between the end portion 24 and the flange 23, a bending portion is formed, in which region of the tubular jacket wave-shaped and because of which it is flexible.

Due to its bending portion, the tube 21 is flexible and thus formed pivotable.

Fig. 3 shows the tube 21 in a pivoted position, the so-called metering position, according to which the end portion 24 is pivoted in relation to the flange 23 by bending the tube 21. In this position of the tube 21, the tube 21 is fluidly connected to the detergent dispensing opening 20 of the detergent channel 19, which is why it is in its so-called metering, because in this position of the tube 21 from the reservoir 15 dispensed cleaning agent from the tube 21 to the detergent outlet 8 are promoted ,

For pivoting the tube 21 is a lever 25 which is pivotable about a pivot axis. As a result of a pivoting movement of the lever 25, it comes to the already described pivoting movement of the tube 21. For the purpose of connection of the tube 21 to the lever 25 is a holder 26 in the form of, for example, a clamp or clamp. This holder 26 surrounds the Dosiereinrichtungsseitigen end portion 24 of the tube 21 in the manner of a ring and serves as a connecting member between the lever 25 on the one hand and the tube 21 on the other. In the operating case, the lever 25 acts on the holder 26 and thus also on the trapped end portion 24 of the tube 21 a.

The pipe inlet opening of the tube 21 can be closed by means of a closure lid 27. This closure lid 27 is arranged pivotably on the lever 25, wherein arranged between a lever 25 and cap 27 cam device ensures that pivoting of the lever 25 also leads to a pivoting of the closure lid 27, in such a way that the tube 21 is closed in its non-metering position and in his in Fig. 3 shown dosing is open.

The others FIGS. 4 to 7 let reservoir 15 of the metering device 7 according to the invention each recognize in a perspective view, wherein the FIGS. 4 and 5 a first embodiment and the FIGS. 6 and 7 relate to a second embodiment.

The storage container 15 has a container body 28 and a container lid 30 arranged thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, the container body 28 and the container lid 30 are welded together, that is formed quasi one piece. The volume space enclosed by the storage container 15 serves as a storage chamber 29 for the storage of cleaning agents. According to the embodiment shown, the storage container 15 is designed as a reusable container, because it can be refilled via a closable with a cover 40 feed opening 39 with detergent.

To effect a detergent dosage, a metering unit 31 is provided. This is inventively designed as a storage container 15 integral component and arranged on the outside of the reservoir 15 interchangeable.

The metering unit 31 has a preferably made of plastic housing 34. This housing 34 has a housing body 35 and a housing cover 36. In this case, the housing cover 36 is detachably arranged on the housing base body 35, which allows a user-side disassembly of the housing 34, in particular for cleaning purposes.

The housing 34 of the metering unit 31 accommodates a metering chamber 32. This is subdivided into two flow-related partial areas, namely a metering chamber 37 on the one hand and a metering channel 38 on the other. The metering channel 38 opens into the metering opening 33.

In the intended use case, the metering unit 31 on the reservoir 15th arranged, between the storage chamber 29 of the storage container 15 and the metering chamber 32 of the metering unit 31 is formed a fluidic connection, so that in the dosing case detergent can be transferred from the reservoir into the metering unit 41.

According to the in the FIGS. 4 and 5 In the embodiment shown, the charging opening 39 is formed in the side wall 41 of the container body 28. The formation of the feed opening 39 in the side wall 41 provides the advantage that a user-side access to the feed opening 39 is not possible if the reservoir is properly inserted into the receptacle 10 of the metering device 7. This ensures that a user-side refilling of the reservoir 15 is only possible if the user has previously removed the reservoir 15 from the metering device 7.

Alternatively to the embodiment of the FIGS. 4 and 5 can also be provided to form the metering opening 33 in the bottom 42 of the container body 28, as the FIGS. 6 and 7 show, where Fig. 6 the feed opening 39 in the closed position, that is with lid 40 shows, whereas Fig. 7 the feed opening 39 in the open position shows.

Fig. 8 can be seen in a schematic exploded view of another embodiment of the storage container 15 according to the invention. According to this embodiment, a metering unit 31 is provided, which is not arranged on the outside of the reservoir 15, but interchangeable in the reservoir 15. The reservoir 15 provides for this purpose a corresponding inner contour which receives the dosing unit 31 in a secure position.

The arrangement of the dosing unit 31 within the reservoir 15 is in the embodiment shown, therefore, possible because the container lid 30 is removably disposed on the container body 28. When the container lid 30 is removed, a user-side access to both the storage chamber 29 and the dosing unit 31 is possible.

The unilaterally open container body 28 provides with its open side the feed opening 39 for refilling the reservoir 15 ready. insofar the container lid 30 serves as a closure part for the feed opening 39.

As can be seen from a synopsis of FIGS. 8 . 9 and 10 results, the container lid 30 has thereon pivotally arranged closure tabs 43, wherein in the illustrated embodiment, three such closure tabs 43 are provided.

Fig. 10 lets the locking tabs 43 recognize in the closed position. As can be seen from this illustration, the closure tabs 43 abut against the outside wall 41 of the container body 28 in the closed position. In a storage container 15 used in a receptacle 10 of a metering device, the closing tabs 43, which abut the side wall 41 in this way, are not accessible to a user. When the storage container 15 has been removed from the receptacle 10, a user-side access to the closure tabs can take place with the result that a user-side opening of the storage container 15 is permitted.

The closure tabs 43 carry on their underside facing the container body 28 in each case a latching web 44. In the closed position of the closure tabs 43, the latter engages behind an edge provided by the container body 28, which is designed as a circumferential peripheral edge 45. It is achieved as a lock, which ensures a safe and positionally accurate arrangement of the lid 30 to the closure of the feed opening 39.

An alternative embodiment is in Fig. 11 shown. According to this embodiment, a container lid 30 is used, which is formed in two parts and has a support portion 46 and a cover portion 48 which is pivotable thereto. The two sections are connected to each other by means of a film hinge 47, wherein the film hinge 47 allows the cover section 48 to be pivoted relative to the support section 46 and thus also relative to the container body 28 on the user side. The feed opening 39 is formed in this case only by a portion of the open side of the container body 28, through the portion which is covered by the pivotable lid portion 48.

Fig. 12 can be seen in a schematic representation of the arrangement of a reservoir 15 in a receptacle 10 of a metering device 7 in detail. As can be seen from this illustration, a user-side access to the locking tabs 43 at a Arrangement of the reservoir 15 in the receptacle 10 of the metering device 7 is not possible. For the purpose of a simplified removal of the reservoir 15 has recessed grips 49 and 50, which allow a user to take the reservoir by means of thumb and forefinger of one hand. After removal of the reservoir 15 from the receptacle 10 and a user-side access to the closure tabs 43 for the purpose of opening the container body 28 is permitted.

Another embodiment shows Fig. 13 , According to this embodiment, the container body 28 is formed in two parts and has a ring member 51 on the one hand and a bottom part 52 on the other. The two parts are locked together in the intended use case, that is connected securely together. The two-part embodiment of the container body 28 allows a disassembly of the container body 28, in particular in the case of cleaning.

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

engine location

19

Detergent channel

20

Detergent discharge opening

21

pipe

22

Ausschleusungskanal

23

flange

24

end

25

lever

26

holder

27

cover

28

container body

29

storeroom

30

container lid

31

dosing

32

metering

33

metering

34

casing

35

Housing body

36

housing cover

37

metering

38

metering

39

loading port

40

cover

41

Side wall

42

ground

43

flap

44

latching web

45

edge

46

supporting section

47

film hinge

48

cover section

49

grip

50

grip

51

ring part

52

the bottom part

Claims (2)

1. Dispensing means (7) for a program-controlled cleaning appliance (1), in particular a dishwasher, comprising a receptacle (10) and a storage container arranged therein, which container has a storage chamber (29) for storing a pourable cleaning agent, a container body (28) which provides the storage chamber (29) and is open on one side, a loading opening (39) which can be closed by a closure part, and a container cover (30) which is used to close the open container body side, the container cover (30) forming the closure part, characterised by closure tabs (43) which are pivotably arranged on the container cover (30) and which abut the outside of a side wall (41) of the container body (28) in the closed position and which as a result cannot be accessed by the user when a storage container (15) is placed in the receptacle (10) of a dispensing means (7), such that the closure part can be accessed by the user, in order to clear the loading opening (39), only when the storage container (15) is removed from the receptacle (10) of the dispensing means (7).
2. Dispensing means according to claim 1, characterised in that the container cover (30) comprises a cover portion (48) which is pivotable relative to the container body (28).

Images