EP3468440B1 - Metering device for shaped cleaning-agent bodies in domestic dishwashers - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a metering device for dispensing detergent tablets into a wash cabinet of a domestic dishwasher.

In commercial household dishwashers, it is necessary to add detergent in powder form or in the form of tabs manually before starting a washing process. It is customary only for rinse aid to hold this in liquid form in a storage container within the household dishwasher for several uses and to add it automatically via a metering device. The manual addition of cleaning agent before each rinsing process is perceived by many users as annoying and uncomfortable. Accordingly, attempts have been made for a long time to develop so-called automatic metering systems for domestic dishwashers, which should make it possible to also hold detergents in storage containers for several applications and to add them automatically via corresponding metering devices.

From the EP 1 159 913 A1 For example, a metering device for dispensing detergent tablets from a storage container into the useful space of a dishwasher is known, in which an essentially vapor-tight lock is arranged between the storage container and the useful space. The storage container is designed to accommodate a loose bed of tablets and the lock has a transport device, for example in the form of a cellular wheel, for actively transporting the tablets through. The tablets can only be fed from the storage container to the transport device by gravity. However, preference is given to a conveyor device which actively conveys the tablets (under the influence of external force) from the storage container to the transport device.

The very limited space available in household dishwashers always poses a particular challenge when developing automatic dosing systems.

The invention is based on the object of specifying a compact metering device for dispensing detergent tablets from a storage container into a wash cabinet of a household dishwasher, which enables reliable automatic addition of detergent tablets for several successive washing operations.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a metering device with the features according to claim 1.

Accordingly, the metering device has a storage container which is designed to accommodate a bed of detergent tablets and which has a transfer opening in an area of its base. The metering device further comprises a transport device for actively transporting the detergent tablets from the transfer opening of the storage container into the washing area of the domestic dishwasher. According to the invention, a lifting device is provided, which is designed and set up to raise the bottom of the storage container at least in sections, the lifting of the bottom at least in sections creating a drainage slope in the direction of the transfer opening or increasing the gradient of an existing drainage slope at least in sections.

In the context of the invention, the term “detergent tablets” is to be understood to mean all tablets with a defined external shape, which contain any ingredients that can be used in dishwashing. This includes, for example, tablets, pellets, granules or capsules. The term is also not restricted to moldings which contain the actual cleaning agent. Rather, molded articles are also to be included, which comprise addition means for use in rinse aid cycles, for water softening or conditioning and the like.

The storage container is the area of the metering device which contains the supply of detergent tablets. It can be refillable or also exchangeable, for example in the form of a cartridge. The storage container is designed to hold a bed, in particular loose bed of detergent tablets. This means that the detergent tablets are random in the storage room lie oriented and are not stored in a given geometric arrangement.

The inventive design of the storage container for receiving a bed of detergent tablets enables simple and compact storage of even large amounts of detergent tablets. Time-consuming magazine loading of the tablets is not necessary.

The bottom of the storage container is to be regarded as the wall section on which the detergent tablets lie in the operating position of the storage container due to gravity. The transfer opening arranged in the area of the bottom of the storage container makes it possible to effect the supply of the detergent shaped bodies to the transfer opening exclusively by gravity or at least to support them by gravity. The operating position of the storage container and thus also of the metering device means the position in which detergent is metered in with proper use of the household dishwasher.

The transport device is preferably designed to carry out discrete transport processes, with a predetermined amount of cleaning agent being transported in the form of the cleaning agent shaped bodies with each transport process. The transport device can comprise, for example, a rotatably mounted cellular wheel, on the circumference of which at least one transport chamber is arranged.

The active transport of the detergent tablets from the transfer opening of the storage container into the wash cabinet ensures that a desired amount of detergent is reliably metered in. Active transport means that the detergent tablets are transported under the influence of an external force. For example, a cellular wheel can be driven by means of a drive unit, e.g. of an electric motor, can be actively rotated.

The lifting device according to the invention allows the bottom of the storage container to be raised at least in sections, in such a way that it is raised At least in sections, there is a run-off slope in the direction of the transfer opening, or the gradient (the negative slope) of an existing run-off slope is increased at least in sections. In this way, it is possible to initially align the floor with maximum filling of the storage container (when using a new, filled storage container for the first time or immediately after a refilling process) in such a way that the available space within the household dishwasher is used as optimally as possible. This ensures that as many detergent tablets as possible can be accommodated and, consequently, as many rinsing processes as possible can be carried out without refilling or replacing the storage container. However, if the detergent tablets are to be fed to the transfer opening due to gravity or at least gravity-assisted, the decreasing degree of filling of the storage container can result in the detergent tablets no longer being reliably fed, since gravity is no longer sufficient and / or is incorrectly directed. This problem is now taken into account in such a way that the lifting, at least in sections, creates a run-off slope in the direction of the transfer opening or the gradient of an existing run-off slope is increased, at least in sections. In this way, the supply of the detergent tablets due to gravity or gravity-assisted is supported in such a way that a reliable supply is ensured even when the degree of filling decreases.

In order to achieve a high level of user-friendliness for the customer, it is advantageous to design and design the lifting device in such a way that the bottom of the storage container is automatically raised, at least in sections, that is to say without manual intervention, as the amount of detergent tablets in the storage container decreases. If the lifting device is equipped with at least one spring means, for example in the form of a spiral spring and / or coil spring, the effect of the automatic lifting can be achieved inexpensively and with simple constructional means.

Alternatively and / or in addition to the use of spiral or helical springs, the spring means can also be formed by an elastic band. It is particularly advantageous if the bottom of the storage container is formed at least in a partial area by the elastic band itself.

In order to reduce the structural and financial outlay as much as possible, it is sensible to at least partially, preferably exclusively, raise the floor by reducing the weight of the detergent tablets. This can be achieved, for example, in that the weight force generated by the detergent tablets counteracts the spring force of the at least one spring means. The at least one spring means is designed in such a way that the spring force is so great that when the full filling is provided, the base is in its non-raised starting position and is gradually raised with decreasing filling and thus also decreasing weight.

Another embodiment of the invention provides that the bottom of the storage container is formed by at least a portion of an articulated wall. It is advantageous to provide a guide on a wall of the storage container adjacent to the floor, which guide can simultaneously serve as a seal to the adjacent wall. Depending on the type of detergent tablets used, such a seal can be advantageous or even necessary.

According to a further embodiment of the dosing device, a further guide means corresponding to the guide means is provided on the floor, the guide means and the further guide means cooperating in such a way that the floor can only be moved along a path predetermined by the guide means when lifting.

This embodiment advantageously ensures that jamming and / or twisting of the base in the storage container is excluded.

According to a further embodiment of the metering device, the guide means has a rectangular outer shape and the further guide means has a rectangular inner shape corresponding to the guide means, the further guide means completely encompassing the guide means or encompassing it from three sides and at least partially from the fourth side.

The guide means and the further guide means are advantageously matched to one another in such a way that there is surface contact on the corresponding sides of the guide means or of the further guide means. It can also be said that the corresponding sides of the guide means or the further guide means nestle against one another. This can be ensured, for example, by the guide means being designed with an outer circumference of (5 × 10) mm ² and the further guide means being designed with an inner circumference of (5.05 × 10.1) mm ² . This ensures that a mechanical play between the guide means and the further guide means permits simple assembly at the same time and effectively prevents an undesired relative movement of the guide means to the further guide means, and thus of the base in the storage container.

According to a further embodiment of the metering device, a catch with a plurality of catch means is provided on a wall adjacent to the floor and / or on the guide means and a catch is provided on the further guide means and / or on the bottom, the catch and the catch means of the catch cooperate in such a way that a blocking direction along the guide means and a release direction along the guide means restrict the lifting of the floor.

This embodiment advantageously prevents the floor from sliding back once it has been raised by a certain distance. In this way, once the inclination of the floor has been reached, it is maintained even if, for example, the spring is too weak to bear the weight of the detergent tablets. For example, a weaker spring can also be used advantageously, which can save costs. The detent and the detent thus act together like a linear freewheel.

According to a further embodiment of the dosing device, the catch is designed as an elastic element, wherein an elastic deformation of the elastic element enables the floor to move along the release direction.

The elastic element is designed, for example, as a leaf spring. The elastic element is made in particular from a plastic or from metal. The elastic element is elastically deformed, for example, when it moves the floor meets a locking means along the release direction. As soon as the locking means is overcome, the elastic element automatically returns to its starting position. Due to the shape of the locking means and also the elastic element there is an asymmetry which has a self-locking effect.

The elastic element can advantageously be formed, for example, in one piece from a section of the further guide means, for example at a lower end of the further guide means.

According to a further embodiment of the metering device, a distance is provided between the latching means, so that up and down movements of the floor up to an amplitude of the length of the distance are made possible.

This embodiment allows minor movements of the floor, such as shaking. Such small movements favor a rearrangement of the detergent tablets in the storage container. This corresponds to a loosening effect, which counteracts jamming or blocking of the detergent tablets. A reliable function of the metering device can be increased.

According to a further embodiment of the metering device, the guide means and / or the further guide means cover the catch.

This embodiment advantageously ensures that the detergent tablets cannot be clamped between a latching means and the floor, which would block further lifting of the floor.

If a household dishwasher is equipped with a metering device according to the invention, this can be arranged, for example, on a door of the household dishwasher. According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided in this case to design and design the spring means in such a way that the bottom of the storage container is lifted only when the door is open and consequently without the weight of the detergent tablets. The advantage of this design is that the detergent tablets within the Storage container are exposed to a significantly lower pressing force, so that sticking or pressing can be excluded with an even higher probability. If necessary, the opening and / or closing of the door can also provide mechanical support for the lifting process of the bottom of the storage container.

A further embodiment of the invention provides that the bottom of the storage container has at least one recess which connects the storage container to a cavity under the floor, the recess being designed in such a way that the detergent tablets are prevented from falling through the recess. Such a recess is particularly suitable for allowing fine detergent particles, which are formed, for example, by mechanical abrasion from the detergent tablets, to fall through the recess into the cavity under the floor in the storage container, but the detergent tablets are retained. This can be easily prevented that such particles block the transport device or lead to other problems. The recess forms in particular a connection of the storage container with the cavity under the bottom of the storage container, which is formed by the floor being raised by the lifting device.

If the detergent tablets rub against each other, for example when slipping, when some of the detergent tablets have been conveyed into the wash cabinet, the detergent may rub off. The abrasion includes, for example, small particles of dust particle size, i.e. in the range from micrometers to a few millimeters in diameter. The recess is dimensioned so that these particles can fall through. At the same time, however, the recess is small enough that the detergent tablets cannot fall through.

The size ratio of the detergent tablets to the recess can also be described as follows. A sphere can be defined for each body in such a way that the sphere is the largest sphere that lies entirely within the respective body. In regular polyhedra, this sphere is referred to as an ink sphere, for example. Accordingly, a circle of maximum size can be defined for any surface that lies completely within the surface, which is also called an incircle can. The condition of not falling through is at least always fulfilled if the diameter of the ball of the detergent tablets is larger than the diameter of the incircle of the recess. For example, the diameter of the incircle of an elongated, rectangular gap is equal to the width of the gap if the width describes the shorter side of the rectangle. For a cylindrical detergent tablet, the diameter of the ink ball is given by the smaller characteristic length of the cylinder. The characteristic lengths of the cylinder are the height of the cylinder and the diameter of the cylinder.

In special cases, however, this condition can also be exceeded, which means that the incircle diameter of the cutout is then larger than the ball diameter of the detergent tablets. This depends on the shape of the detergent tablets and the recess. For example, if the detergent tablets are cylindrical, the height is less than the diameter of the cylinder, and the recess is circular, then such a detergent tablet cannot fall through the recess as long as the diameter of the recess is smaller than the diameter of the Cylinders.

In a further embodiment, the recess is designed as a gap arranged between the floor and an adjacent wall. In particular, the width of the gap is limited in such a way that the detergent tablets are retained. Furthermore, spacers, for example pins or spacers, can also be provided, in particular, which ensure that this distance is maintained. The spacers can advantageously also be used as a guide means and / or the anti-slip device for the floor. In other embodiments, a number of recesses, such as holes or slots, are provided in the surface of the bottom. The geometrical design of the recess is not important in order to achieve the desired effect.

Further advantageous refinements and aspects of the invention are the subject of the subclaims and the exemplary embodiments of the invention described below. The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of preferred embodiments with reference to the attached figures.

Fig. 1

eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform einer Haushalts-Geschirrspülmaschine;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Darstellung einer ersten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Dosiervorrichtung mit vollem Vorratsbehälter;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Darstellung der ersten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Dosiervorrichtung mit teilweise entleertem Vorratsbehälter;

Fig. 4

eine schematische Darstellung einer zweiten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Dosiervorrichtung mit vollem Vorratsbehälter;

Fig. 5

eine schematische Darstellung der zweiten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Dosiervorrichtung mit teilweise entleertem Vorratsbehälter;

Fig. 6

eine schematische Darstellung einer dritten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Dosiervorrichtung mit vollem Vorratsbehälter; und

Fig. 7

eine schematische Darstellung der dritten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Dosiervorrichtung mit teilweise entleertem Vorratsbehälter;

Fig. 8A - 8B

jeweils eine schematische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform eines Führungsmittels und eines weiteren Führungsmittels; und

Fig. 9A - 9C

jeweils eine schematische Darstellung eines Zusammenwirkens einer Rastung und einer Raste zum Erzeugen einer Freigabe- und einer Sperrrichtung.

Fig. 10

eine schematische Darstellung einer Ausführungsform eines Bodens mit umlaufender Aussparung in einem Vorratsbehälter;

Fig. 11

eine schematische Darstellung einer Ausführungsform eines Bodens mit einer Vielzahl an kreisförmigen Aussparungen;

Fig. 12

eine schematische Darstellung einer Ausführungsform eines Bodens mit einer Vielzahl an schlitzförmigen Aussparungen;

Fig. 13

eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines Bodens mit einer Vielzahl an schlitzförmigen Aussparungen; und

Fig. 14 A und B

eine schematische Darstellung eines Reinigungsmittel-Formkörpers und einer rechteckigen Aussparung.

Show it:

Fig. 1

is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a household dishwasher;

Fig. 2

a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a metering device according to the invention with a full reservoir;

Fig. 3

a schematic representation of the first embodiment of the dosing device according to the invention with a partially emptied storage container;

Fig. 4

a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a metering device according to the invention with a full reservoir;

Fig. 5

a schematic representation of the second embodiment of the dosing device according to the invention with a partially emptied storage container;

Fig. 6

a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a metering device according to the invention with a full reservoir; and

Fig. 7

a schematic representation of the third embodiment of the metering device according to the invention with a partially emptied storage container;

Figures 8A-8B

each a schematic view of an embodiment of a guide means and a further guide means; and

Figures 9A-9C

each a schematic representation of the interaction of a catch and a catch to generate a release and a blocking direction.

Fig. 10

a schematic representation of an embodiment of a bottom with a circumferential recess in a storage container;

Fig. 11

a schematic representation of an embodiment of a bottom with a plurality of circular recesses;

Fig. 12

a schematic representation of an embodiment of a bottom with a plurality of slot-shaped recesses;

Fig. 13

a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a bottom with a plurality of slot-shaped recesses; and

14 A and B

is a schematic representation of a detergent molded body and a rectangular recess.

In the figures, elements that are the same or have the same function have been provided with the same reference symbols, unless stated otherwise.

The Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a household dishwasher 1. The dishwasher 1 has a receiving area in the form of a washing container 2, which can be closed by a door 3, in particular in a watertight manner. For this purpose, a sealing device can be provided between the door 3 and the washing container 2. The rinsing container 2 is preferably cuboid. In particular, the washing container 2 can be made from a steel sheet. Alternatively, the rinsing container 2 can be made at least in sections from a plastic material. The washing container 2 and the door 3 can form a washing compartment 4 for washing dishes. The washing container 2 can be arranged inside a housing of the dishwasher 1.

The door 3 is in the Fig. 1 shown in their open position. The door 3 can be closed or opened by pivoting about a pivot axis 5 provided at a lower end of the door 3. The washing compartment 2 has a wall 6 with a bottom 7, a ceiling 8 arranged opposite the bottom 7, a rear wall 9 arranged opposite the door 3 and two side walls 10, 11 arranged opposite one another. The bottom 7, the ceiling 8, the rear wall 9 and the side walls 10, 11 can for example be made of a stainless steel sheet. Alternatively, the base 7 can be made of a plastic material, for example.

The dishwasher 1 also has at least one washware receptacle 12 to 14. In particular, a plurality of items to be washed 12 to 14 can be provided, which may include a lower basket 12, an upper basket 13 and / or a cutlery tray 14. The plurality of items to be washed 12 to 14 are preferably arranged one above the other in the washing container 2. Each washware receptacle 12 to 14 can either be moved into or out of the washing tub 2. In particular, each washware receptacle 12 to 14 can be pushed into the receiving area 2 in an insertion direction E and can be pulled out of the washing compartment 2 in a pull-out direction A against the insertion direction E.

The dishwasher 1 also has a metering device 100. The dosing device 100 is in the example of FIG Fig. 1 arranged on the door 3 so that when the door 3 is closed it is oriented towards the wash cabinet 4. This advantageously enables the dosing device 100 to meter detergent tablets 102 into the wash cabinet 4. The detergent tablets 102 are then released by the washing liquor located in the washing compartment 4.

Deviating from the representation in the Fig. 1 are further arrangements of the metering device 100, such as. B. on the wall 6 of the washing compartment 2 or on one of the washware receptacles 12 to 14 possible.

The Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a dosing device 100 according to the invention. Detergent tablets 102 are located in a storage container 101. The storage container 101 has a bottom 103, side walls 104, 105 and a cover 106. As shown, the storage container 101 can be designed as part of a cartridge which, after the supply of detergent tablets 102 has been used up, is completely replaced. As an alternative to this, the lid 106 can also be designed to be removable or pivotable, so that the storage container 101 can be refilled. The reservoir 101 is in Figure 2 shown in a state in which so many detergent tablets 102 are still stored in the storage container 101 that the bottom 103 has the starting position, which it assumes even when fully filled. In the exemplary embodiment shown, in which the storage container 101 is designed as a cuboid-shaped container and the metering device 100 is shown in the operating position, the base 103 is therefore initially horizontal. The The direction of gravity in the operating position of the metering device 100 is shown in FIG Figure 2 marked with an arrow G. Under the floor 103 there is a cavity 127, in which in this exemplary embodiment the lifting device 114, which in the present case is designed as a coil spring 116, is arranged.

A transfer opening 107 is provided in the area of the bottom 103 of the storage container 101, and a cavity 108 adjoins the transfer opening 107 in the direction of gravity G, in which a transport device 109 'in the form of a rotatably mounted cellular wheel 109 is arranged. The cellular wheel 109 has a drive cylinder 110 which is actively driven by a drive unit, not shown, for example in the form of an electric motor. The cellular wheel 109 also comprises a plurality of transport chambers 111, which are each designed to hold a predetermined amount of detergent tablets 102. The transport chambers 111 are each separated from one another by partition walls 112 projecting radially from the drive cylinder 110. The partition walls 112 are fastened to the drive cylinder 110, preferably formed integrally therewith.

The reservoir 101 with its transfer opening 107 and an ejection chute 113 open out on the circumference of the cellular wheel 109.

When the dosing device 100 is in operation, shaped detergent bodies 102 located in the storage container 101 are first moved in the direction of the transfer opening 107 due to gravity and in this way are fed to the cellular wheel 109. During the rotational movement of the cellular wheel 109, a quantity of detergent shaped bodies 102, limited by the receiving volume of the transport chambers 111, falls from the storage container 101 through the transfer opening 107 into an empty transport chamber 111.

The detergent tablets 102 are ejected through the ejection chute 113 located diametrically on the opposite side of the circumference of the cavity 108 and fall from there into the washing area 4 of the household dishwasher 1.

Figure 3 now shows the dosing device 100 in a state in which the reservoir 101 is only partially filled with detergent tablets 102. Due to the repeated metering of detergent tablets 102 into the washing compartment 4, the amount of detergent tablets 102 in the storage container 101 and thus their weight decreases. This decrease in weight has the result that a lifting device 114, which in the exemplary embodiment shown is designed as spring means 115 in the form of a helical spring 116, automatically raises the bottom 103 of the storage container 101 in a partial area, with this lifting of the bottom 103 leading to an incline in the direction of Transfer opening 107 is created. This run-off slope ensures that the supply of the detergent tablets 102 to the transfer opening 107 due to the force of gravity functions reliably even when the degree of filling of the storage container 101 decreases. Specifically, the run-off slope is produced in this exemplary embodiment in that the bottom 103 is rotatably mounted adjacent to the transfer opening 107 and the helical spring 116 acts on the bottom 103 at a distance therefrom. As an alternative or in addition to the helical spring 116, for example a spiral spring could also be provided in the area of the pivot bearing of the base 103 adjacent to the transfer opening 107.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the base 103 of the storage container 101 was oriented horizontally in its initial position (with full filling), so that the drainage slope was only generated by lifting the base 103 with the aid of the lifting device 114. Of course, the bottom 103 can form a run-off slope from the beginning, that is to say even when the storage container 101 is fully loaded. In this case, the lifting then only increases the slope (negative slope) of the run-off slope in the direction of the transfer opening 107. At this point, a graphic representation of such an embodiment is dispensed with, since it differs from that in FIGS Figures 2 and 3rd the embodiment shown would only differ in that the floor in the starting position (cf. Figure 2 ) would already be slightly raised, which could also be easily achieved by appropriate design of the coil spring 116.

The Figures 4 and 5 show a further embodiment of a metering device 100 according to the invention, which differs from that shown in FIGS Figures 2 and 3rd illustrated embodiment essentially differs in that the bottom 103 is designed in this case as a sectionally articulated wall 117. Below is to understand according to the invention any type of wall which has at least two mutually movable sections. In the example shown, the bottom 103 has a first subsection 118 which, like the bottom 103, according to that in FIGS Figures 2 and 3rd illustrated embodiment is aligned horizontally in the initial state ( Fig. 4 ). In this initial state, a second subsection 120 connected to the first subsection 118 via a joint 119 lies flat against the side wall 104 of the storage container 101. This second section 120 is guided by a guide means 121, for example in the form of a slide, on the side wall 104 and can consequently also seal off the side wall 104 of the storage container 101. Depending on the shape, size and consistency of the detergent tablets 102 used, this can be helpful or even necessary. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the second section 120 of the articulated wall 117 is also articulated to the guide means 121 via a further articulation 122, but other configurations of the articulated wall 117 are also conceivable.

Another embodiment of a metering device according to the invention is shown in FIG Figures 6 and 7 , in which Figure 6 again shows the starting position when the reservoir 101 is full, whereas in Figure 7 a state is shown with a partially emptied storage container. In contrast to the previously described embodiments, the bottom 103 of the storage container 101 is formed in this case by an elastic band 130. However, the elastic band 130 not only serves as the bottom 103, but at the same time also takes over the function of the lifting device 114. In the embodiment shown, the entire bottom 103 of the storage container 101 is replaced by the elastic band. However, it is also conceivable to design only a partial area, in particular in the area of the attachment points of the base 103, as an elastic band. Furthermore, it is of course possible to use an elastic band only as an alternative spring means 115 and thus as an alternative lifting device 114, without also using the elastic band as a base 103.

Figure 8A shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a guide means 121, which is arranged on the rear side wall 104 of the storage container 101, and a further guide means 131, which on the bottom 103 (see Figures 2-5 ) of the storage container 101 is arranged, with a view of the bottom 103 and further details of the Dosing device 100 in the Figure 8A was waived. The Figure 8B shows a top view of the in Figure 8A shown guide means 121 and the further guide means 131 to make clear the interlocking of the two parts to form the guide. As in Figure 8B can be seen, the guide means 121 has a substantially rectangular outer shape. The rectangular outer shape is interrupted only by the connection of the guide means 121 to the side wall 104. The further guide means 131 has a corresponding substantially rectangular inner shape. Here too, the rectangular inner shape is interrupted only because of the attachment of the guide means 121 to the side wall 104. The further guide means 131 encloses the guide means 121 on three sides and on the fourth side at least insofar as the connection of the guide means 121 to the side wall 104 permits.

As an alternative to this embodiment, the guide means 121 can, for example, also be attached to the lid 106 of the storage container 101 (see Characters. 2 - 5 ), so that the connection of the guide means 121 to the side wall 104 is omitted. Then the further guide means 131 can also completely encompass the guide means 121.

The Figures 9A to 9C each show a schematic representation of the interaction of a catch 123 with a number of catches 124 and a catch 125 arranged on the further guide means 131. The catch 125 is here, for example, designed as a flexible element and can be moved along the arrow F by a corresponding force effect. The locking means 124 are arranged here, for example, on the guide means 121 and together form the locking means 123. The locking means 124 are each at a distance H, which is in Figure 9A for the top pair of locking devices. This distance H between the individual latching means 124 specifies a range of motion within which the further guide means 131 can be moved up and down in the guiding direction without a locking effect by the detent 125 and the detent 123 being effective. The interaction of the detent 125 with the detent means 124 of the detent 123 to produce the locking effect is explained below.

Figure 9A shows the guide means 131 in a rest position with the catch 125 engaged on the lowest catch 124. The catch 125 is in the position shown in FIG Figure 9A in their relaxed Position shown, which it assumes when no forces act on it. The catch 125 thus effectively prevents the further guide means 131 from moving along the blocking direction S. However, a further upward movement of the guide means 131 is possible, as will be explained below with reference to FIG Figures 9B and 9C is explained.

Figure 9B shows how the further guide means 131 is moved upwards along a direction of movement V. The second latching means 124 presses on the latch 125, which is therefore elastically deformed and pressed in the direction of the further guide means 131. The further guide means 131 can thus be moved upward without any problems.

Figure 9C shows how the catch 125 automatically snaps back into the starting position as soon as the further guide means 131 has been raised so far that the second catch means 124 has been overcome by the catch 125. In this position, the in Figure 9A shown locking action between the catch 125 and the locking means 124. Should an attempt be made to move the further guide means 131 downward, that is to say counter to the direction of movement shown, this is not possible due to the locking effect.

The in the Figures 9A-9C The notch 123 and the notch 125 can be shown, for example, with a guide device, as shown in FIG Figures 8A, 8B described, combined (not shown). Advantageously, for example, the further guide means 131 covers the catch 123 provided on the guide means 121 at least in the area above the floor 103, so that detergent shaped bodies 102 do not come into contact with the catch 123 and therefore cannot be pinched.

The Figures 10 to 12 show different embodiments of the bottom 103, for example in a metering device 100 of the Figures 1 to 4 can be used.

Figure 10 shows a bottom 103, which is designed such that at the transition from the bottom 103 to the side walls 104, 105 of the storage container 101 and at the Transition from the floor 103 to the transport device 109 'a recess 126 is formed in the form of a gap. The width of the gap is chosen so that the detergent shaped bodies 102 do not fit through. Furthermore, the bottom 103 has spacers 128 which ensure that the predetermined gap width is maintained. The gap advantageously also runs around the transport device 109 '. This ensures that detergent particles, such as abrasion from the detergent tablets 102 (not shown), do not get into the transport device 109 ', which could lead to problems. The cleaning agent particles fall through the gap into the cavity 127 formed under the floor 103 (see Figures 2 to 6 ) and are collected there.

The Figures 11 to 13 furthermore show three exemplary embodiments for floors 103 of such advantageous design. The exemplary embodiments shown differ from one another only in the shape of the recesses 126. The further details correspond to those in FIG Figure 8 . In contrast to Figure 8 are the recesses 126 in the Figures 9 to 11 however, located within the surface of the bottom 103 rather than at the edge thereof. However, the mode of operation remains the same: detergent particles (not shown) can pass through the cutouts 126 into the cavity 127 under the floor 103 (see Figures 1 to 4 ), which prevents the detergent particles from being conveyed to the transport device 109 '. It is also possible to combine different exemplary embodiments. For example, provision could be made for a base 103 with circular and slot-shaped cutouts 126 according to FIGS Figures 9 and 10th and further with marginal columns according to Figure 8 train (not shown).

The Figure 14A shows a schematic projection of a non-regularly shaped detergent shaped body 102 with drawn in circle I. Furthermore, the diameter D of the circle I is indicated.

Figure 14B shows a schematic representation of a rectangular recess 126 with drawn in circle I and indicated diameter D.

A sufficient condition that the detergent shaped body 102 does not fit through the recess 126 is that the diameter D of the incircle I of the detergent shaped body 102 ( Figure 14A ) is larger than the diameter D of the incircle I of the recess 126 ( Figure 14B ). In special cases, however, this condition can also be broken, the particular shape of the detergent tablets 102 and the recess 126 being important here.

Although the present invention has been described using exemplary embodiments, it can be modified in many ways.

Reference symbols used:

1

Household dishwasher

2nd

Rinsing tank

3rd

door

4th

Washroom

5

Swivel axis

6

Wall

7

ground

8th

blanket

9

Back wall

10, 11

side walls

12, 13, 14

Washware receptacles

100

Dosing device

101

Storage container

102

Detergent tablets

103

Bottom (of the reservoir)

104, 105

Side walls (of the storage container)

106

Cover (of the storage container)

107

Transfer opening

108

cavity

109

Cell wheel

109 '

Transport device

110

Drive cylinder

111

Transport chamber

112

partition wall

113

Chute

114

Lifting device

115

Spring means

116

Coil spring

117

articulated wall

118

first section (of the articulated wall)

119

joint

120

second section (of the articulated wall)

121

Leadership resources

122

joint

123

Rest

124

Locking means

125

Rested

126

Recess

127

cavity

128

Spacers

130

elastic band

131

another guide

A

Extension direction

D

diameter

E

Direction of insertion

F

Arrow (flexibility)

G

Direction of weight

H

distance

I.

Incircle / sphere

S

Blocking direction

V

Direction of movement

Claims (20)

1. Metering device (100) for dispensing shaped cleaning-agent bodies (102) into a washing chamber (4) of a household dishwasher (1), comprising

   • a reservoir (101) which is designed to hold a filling of the shaped cleaning-agent bodies (102) and has a transfer opening (107) in a region of the bottom (103) of the reservoir, and

   • a transport device (109') for actively transporting the shaped cleaning-agent bodies (102) from the transfer opening (107) of the reservoir (101) into the washing chamber (4),

   characterised by a lifting device (114) for raising the bottom (103) of the reservoir (101) at least in parts, wherein a discharge slant towards the transfer opening (107) is produced at least in parts or the downward gradient of an existing discharge slant towards the transfer opening (107) is increased at least in parts by the raising of the bottom (103).
2. Metering device (100) according to claim 1, characterised in that the lifting device (114) automatically raises the bottom (103) of the reservoir (101) at least in parts when the quantity of shaped cleaning-agent bodies (102) reduces in the reservoir (101).
3. Metering device (100) according to claim 2, characterised in that the lifting device (114) has at least one spring means (115) for the automatic raising of the bottom (103).
4. Metering device (100) according to claim 3, characterised in that the at least one spring means (115) is configured as a spiral spring or helical spring (116).
5. Metering device (100) according to claim 3, characterised in that the at least one spring means (115) is formed by an elastic strip (130).
6. Metering device (100) according to claim 5, characterised in that the bottom (103) of the reservoir (101) is formed at least in a partial region by the elastic strip (130).
7. Metering device (100) according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterised in that the lifting device (114) is configured such that the raising of the bottom (103) is effected at least partially, preferably exclusively, by the reducing weight of the shaped cleaning-agent bodies (102).
8. Metering device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the bottom (103) of the reservoir (101) is formed as a partially articulated wall (117).
9. Metering device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a guide means (121) for the bottom (103) is provided on a wall (104) adjacent to the bottom (103).
10. Metering device (100) according to claim 9, characterised in that a further guide means (131) corresponding to the guide means (121) is provided on the bottom (103), wherein the guide means (121) and the further guide means (131) cooperate such that, when raised, the bottom (103) is exclusively movable along a path predetermined by the guide means (121).
11. Metering device (100) according to claim 10, characterised in that the guide means (121) has a rectangular external shape and the further guide means (131) has a rectangular internal shape corresponding to the guide means (121), wherein the further guide means (131) fully encompasses the guide means (121) or is encompassed by three sides and is at least partially encompassed by the fourth side.
12. Metering device (100) according to one of claims 10 - 11, characterised in that a latching connection (123) with a plurality of latching means (124) is provided on a wall (104) adjacent to the bottom (103) and/or on the guide means (121), and a latch (125) is provided on the further guide means (131) and/or on the bottom (103), wherein the latch (125) and the latching means (124) of the latching connection (123) cooperate such that a locking direction (S) along the guide means (121) and a release direction (V) along the guide means (121) limit the raising of the bottom (103).
13. Metering device (100) according to claim 12, characterised in that the latch (125) is configured as an elastic element, wherein an elastic deformation (F) of the elastic element (125) permits a movement of the bottom (103) in the release direction (V).
14. Metering device (100) according to claim 12 or 13, characterised in that a spacing (H) is provided between the latching means (124), so that upward and downward movements of the bottom (103) are possible up to an amplitude of the length of the spacing (H).
15. Metering device (100) according to claim 10, characterised in that the guide means (121) and/or the further guide means (131) at least partially cover the latching connection (123).
16. Metering device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the bottom (103) of the reservoir (101) has at least one recess (126), which connects the reservoir (101) to a cavity (124) below the bottom (103), wherein the recess (126) is configured such that the shaped cleaning-agent bodies (102) are prevented from falling through the recess (126).
17. Metering device (100) according to claim 16, characterised in that the recess (126) is configured as a gap arranged between the bottom (103) and an adjacent wall (104, 105) of the reservoir (101).
18. Metering device according to claim 16 or 17, characterised in that circular, slotted and/or differently shaped recesses (126) are also provided, said recesses being arranged inside a surface of the bottom (103).
19. Household dishwasher (1) comprising a metering device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 18.
20. Household dishwasher (1) according to claim 19, characterised in that the metering device (100) is arranged on a door (3) of the household dishwasher (1) and the spring means (115) are embodied and designed such that the bottom (103) is only raised when the door (3) is open.

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