EP3517016B1 - Dispenser for delivering a chemical agent from a container linked to the dispenser - Google Patents

Dispenser for delivering a chemical agent from a container linked to the dispenser Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3517016B1
EP3517016B1 EP18154080.8A EP18154080A EP3517016B1 EP 3517016 B1 EP3517016 B1 EP 3517016B1 EP 18154080 A EP18154080 A EP 18154080A EP 3517016 B1 EP3517016 B1 EP 3517016B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
vessel
dispenser
information
sensor
container
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP18154080.8A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3517016A1 (en
Inventor
Hans Georg Hagleitner
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority to EP18154080.8A priority Critical patent/EP3517016B1/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to FIEP18154080.8T priority patent/FI3517016T3/en
Priority to RS20230916A priority patent/RS64670B1/en
Priority to ES18154080T priority patent/ES2960110T3/en
Priority to PL18154080.8T priority patent/PL3517016T3/en
Priority to SI201830997T priority patent/SI3517016T1/en
Priority to HRP20231222TT priority patent/HRP20231222T1/en
Priority to PT181540808T priority patent/PT3517016T/en
Priority to HUE18154080A priority patent/HUE063392T2/en
Priority to US16/767,308 priority patent/US11974713B2/en
Priority to AU2019215585A priority patent/AU2019215585B2/en
Priority to BR112020010270-9A priority patent/BR112020010270A2/en
Priority to EA202091823A priority patent/EA202091823A1/en
Priority to IL276393A priority patent/IL276393B1/en
Priority to PCT/EP2019/050330 priority patent/WO2019149479A1/en
Priority to CA3084727A priority patent/CA3084727A1/en
Priority to CN201980010718.XA priority patent/CN111655110B/en
Priority to MX2020005153A priority patent/MX2020005153A/en
Publication of EP3517016A1 publication Critical patent/EP3517016A1/en
Priority to ZA2020/02995A priority patent/ZA202002995B/en
Priority to CONC2020/0006717A priority patent/CO2020006717A2/en
Priority to CL2020001770A priority patent/CL2020001770A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3517016B1 publication Critical patent/EP3517016B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/44—Devices for adding cleaning agents; Devices for dispensing cleaning agents, rinsing aids or deodorants
    • A47L15/4445—Detachable devices
    • A47L15/4454—Detachable devices with automatic identification means, e.g. barcodes, RFID tags or magnetic strips
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/44—Devices for adding cleaning agents; Devices for dispensing cleaning agents, rinsing aids or deodorants
    • A47L15/4463—Multi-dose dispensing arrangements
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F34/04—Signal transfer or data transmission arrangements
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/02—Devices for adding soap or other washing agents
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2401/00—Automatic detection in controlling methods of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, e.g. information provided by sensors entered into controlling devices
    • A47L2401/02—Consumable products information, e.g. information on detergent, rinsing aid or salt; Dispensing device information, e.g. information on the type, e.g. detachable, or status of the device
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/20—Washing liquid condition, e.g. turbidity
    • D06F2103/22—Content of detergent or additives
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/42—Detergent or additive supply
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F34/04—Signal transfer or data transmission arrangements
    • D06F34/05—Signal transfer or data transmission arrangements for wireless communication between components, e.g. for remote monitoring or control
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F34/14—Arrangements for detecting or measuring specific parameters
    • D06F34/20—Parameters relating to constructional components, e.g. door sensors

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a dispenser for coupling to a container containing at least one chemical agent and for dispensing the chemical agent when the dispenser is coupled to the container, according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • WO 2010/091782 A1 discloses a dosing device that can be coupled to a cartridge for dispensing detergents or cleaning agents contained in the cartridge to a washing machine.
  • the dosing device comprises a control unit, an actuator coupled to a closure element and at least one sensor.
  • the cartridge can have an RFID label that contains information about the contents of the cartridge and is read out by an RFID reader. This information is used to select a specific dosing program or, in the case of a cartridge with an incorrect or faulty RFID label, not to do any dosing and instead to generate an optical or acoustic error signal.
  • the detergent automatically flows out of the cartridge through an outlet opening on the bottom due to gravity.
  • This outlet opening can be coupled to an inlet opening of the dosing device.
  • the dosing device and the cartridge have locking means for mutual connection. In the locked state, the cartridge and the dosing device can be pivoted in relation to one another about a pivot point.
  • 27 shows the cartridge and the dosing device in the uncoupled state; 28 shows the cartridge and the dosing device in the pivotally engaged state.
  • the outlet opening of the cartridge and the inlet opening of the dosing device are brought into a coupled state after the cartridge and dosing device have been locked by pivoting the cartridge, in which they are connected in a communicating manner.
  • Means can be formed on the cartridge and/or on the dosing device which, when the cartridge and dosing device are in the locked state, guide the cartridge when pivoting into the coupling state of the cartridge and dosing device.
  • the cartridges can also have structural elements which interact with corresponding elements of the dispensing device according to the lock and key principle, so that, for example, only cartridges of a specific type can be coupled to the dispensing device.
  • the dosing device can, in principle, recognize whether the correct cartridge is being used; that at However, the error signal provided for wrong cartridges does not prevent inattentive operators from inserting the wrong cartridge.
  • the insertion of an incorrect cartridge can be effectively prevented only by providing the structural elements that interact with corresponding elements of the dosing device according to the lock and key principle. Although this measure prevents the insertion of an incorrect cartridge, it does not allow any conclusions to be drawn as to whether a correct cartridge is inserted correctly or not. There is therefore a risk that the chemical agents contained in the cartridge could leak without being noticed or effectively prevented.
  • the intended pivoting process between cartridge and dosing device for coupling the outlet of the cartridge with an inlet of the dosing device represents another source of risk for leaky coupling between cartridge and dosing device.
  • the RFID reader works during the entire service life of the dosing device and thus wastes energy and processor resources of the control unit.
  • a dispenser for dispensing at least one chemical agent from a container that ensures a leak-proof coupling between the container and the dispenser, which leak-proof coupling is maintained throughout the operational life of the dispenser. Furthermore, the removal of the chemical agent from the container should only be able to be put into operation if it is ensured that the container is correctly coupled to the dispenser.
  • a further object is to reduce the energy consumption when detecting a type of container or its contents and to reduce processor resources in a controller of the dispenser.
  • the dispenser of the present invention is configured to be coupled to a container containing at least one chemical agent and to dispense the chemical agent when the dispenser is coupled to the container.
  • the dispenser comprises a container holder which has a receiving space into which the container can be inserted at least partially into a coupling position.
  • the dispenser has a sensor which is arranged on or near the receiving space and is designed for contactless detection of container information or container content information.
  • the dispenser has a presence sensor which is designed to mechanically scan a container inserted into the receiving space in the coupling position and to detect whether the container is in the coupling position.
  • the sensor for contactless detection of container information or container content information is designed to detect the container information or container content information and to check for correctness.
  • the dispenser is designed to be released into an operating state in which the chemical agent can be dispensed from the container when the presence sensor has detected a container inserted in the coupling position in the receiving space and when the sensor for contactless detection of container information or container content information is correct of the checked container information or container content information.
  • the dispenser By querying the position of the container using the presence sensor, which is designed, for example, as a mechanically activated query sensor, it is ensured that the dispenser can by no means switch to an operating state as long as the container is not in the correct coupling position, because only when the correct coupling position is detected Coupling position by the presence sensor, the dispenser can be brought into the operating state for dispensing the chemical agent.
  • the dispenser can only be brought into the operating state for dispensing the chemical agent when the sensor for the contactless detection of container information or container content information has determined the correctness of the detected container information or container content information. There is thus a two-stage check of the correct seating of the container in the coupling position and the presence of a container with the correct ingredient.
  • This two-stage check is crucial for a high level of reliability of the dispenser according to the invention, because the query by the presence sensor does not ensure that the correct container has been used, and the query by the sensor for contactless detection of container information or container content information cannot ensure that the container is in the correct docking position, because such sensors usually have a detection range that is not limited to the docking position of a container.
  • the presence sensor is designed to activate the sensor for contactless detection of container information or container content information when it detects a container inserted in the coupling position in the receiving space, with the sensor for contactless detection of container information or container content information in the activated state Container information or container content information recorded.
  • the senor for the contactless detection of container information or container content information triggers the release of the dispenser into the operating state in which the chemical agent can be dispensed from the container. This triggering can take place directly or indirectly via activation of a controller or an actuator.
  • the invention provides for the sensor to be configured as an RFID reader for contactless detection of container information or container content information.
  • the invention provides for the sensor for contactless detection of container information to be designed as an optical sensor, e.g. as a digital line or area image sensor.
  • the presence sensor is designed as a sensor for mechanically scanning a structural feature of the container, in particular a shoulder, a projection or a depression of the container.
  • the occupancy sensor is configured as a lever, switch, or spring.
  • the receiving space can be designed as a shaft. This allows linear movement of the container into the receiving space, whereby the container can be brought into a docking position quickly and reliably and also provides secure support for the inserted container.
  • the container holder can be moved between an exchange position in which a container can be inserted and removed and an operating position in which the chemical agent can be dispensed from an inserted container.
  • the displacement movement can be a pivoting movement. It should be emphasized that the container is always displaced together with the container holder and therefore cannot be dislodged from the coupling position, unlike the prior art in which a cartridge is pivoted with respect to a dosing device.
  • one is from sensor to non-contact Detection of container information controlled, provided between a locking position and a release position switchable locking device that only allows the displacement of the container holder in the operating position if it has been switched by the sensor for contactless detection of container information in the release position. This measure provides additional security against incorrect operation or inadvertently starting the dispensing of the chemical agent from the container.
  • the sensor for the contactless acquisition of container information preferably has an actuator, preferably a lifting magnet, which is designed to switch the blocking device between the blocking position and the release position.
  • the blocking device can have at least one extendable bolt which, in the blocking position, securely locks the container holder in the replacement position.
  • the invention also provides for the presence sensor to be designed to deflect a switch, preferably a magnetic switch, into an activation position when the container is in the coupling position.
  • the switch activates the sensor for contactless detection of container information or container content information.
  • the switch is also designed to be deflected from the activation position into a deactivation position in which the sensor for contactless detection of container information or container content information is deactivated when the container holder is moved from the exchange position to the operating position.
  • the deflection of the switch can be accomplished, for example, by guiding it along a connecting link or gear means or springs.
  • the invention provides for slidable fixing elements which are designed to engage with the container holder by moving the container holder from the replacement position to the operating position container and to be displaced out of engagement with the container by the displacement of the container holder from the operating position to the replacement position.
  • one embodiment of the invention provides that an inlet connection for connection to an outlet of the container is provided in the receiving space is arranged, wherein the inlet connection has a plunger that can be extended into the outlet of the container and retracted from the outlet of the container, the plunger being designed to extend into the operating position when the container holder is moved, the plunger preferably only being activated just before the operating position is reached, extends in particular on the last 20% of the displacement path of the container holder into the operating position, and to be retracted when the container holder is displaced into the replacement position.
  • the plunger is integrated into a chemical agent temporary storage tank and is moved in unison with the tank adapted to move toward and away from the inlet port and the plunger takes away
  • the chemical agent flows through the ram directly into the tank where it is dispensed by gravity or by a pump built into the dispenser.
  • At least one spring can be provided which biases the container holder into the exchange position and the operating position.
  • the dispenser 1 has a device base 2 suitable for floor and wall mounting, in which a container holder 3 for receiving a container 100 is arranged.
  • the container 100 contains at least one free-flowing or free-flowing chemical agent 101, such as a cleaning agent for dishes or laundry.
  • container 100 is coupled to dispenser 1 via container holder 3 and is shown in the coupled position.
  • the Container holder 3 is arranged in the device base 2 in a displaceable manner.
  • the container holder 3 along guides, not shown, between the in 1 shown inclined replacement position A, in which the container 100 is insertable into and removable from the container holder 3, and a vertical operating position B, in which the chemical agent 101 can be discharged from the inserted container 100.
  • the guides are designed in such a way that the container holder 3 executes an approximate pivoting movement.
  • the container holder 3 could also be displaceable in the device base 2 by means of a pivot axis.
  • An expandable and retractable cover 4 moves with the container holder 3 and covers the top of the dispenser 1 in a fan shape.
  • FIG. 3 shows the dispenser 1 in the operating position B without the container 100.
  • This view obliquely from above reveals a receiving space 5 in the form of a shaft for the container 100.
  • the side walls of the receiving space 5 guide the container 100 when it is inserted into the coupling position and when it is removed from the container holder 3 and support it in the inserted state.
  • an electronic control 6 is indicated schematically with an arrow, which is equipped with a microprocessor and controls the dispenser 1 .
  • reference number 7 designates a sensor for contactless detection of container information or container content information.
  • the sensor 7 for contactless detection of container information or container content information can be an RFID reader, which is designed to read an RFID label attached to the container 100, which contains the container information or container content information.
  • the senor 7 for contactless detection of container information can be an optical sensor which is designed to detect optical information attached to the container 100 from which the container information or container content information can be derived.
  • the optical information can be attached to the container 100 in the form of a color code, barcode or QR code, for example.
  • the sensor 7 for contactless acquisition of container information is configured, for example, as a digital line or area image sensor.
  • a presence sensor 8 arranged in the receiving space 5 can be recognized.
  • This presence sensor 8 is designed to detect whether a container 100 inserted into the receiving space 5 is in the coupling position by the presence sensor 8 on, in figure 5 illustrated structural feature 104 of the container 100 scans mechanically.
  • the presence sensor 8 senses a structural feature in the form of a shoulder of the container 100 in that the lever-shaped presence sensor 8 then (and only then) makes contact with the container shoulder comes and is deflected by it when the container 100 has reached the coupling position.
  • the presence sensor 8 is designed as a lever or spring which, when deflected by the container 100, toggles a switch 14, as further below with reference to FIG 6 is described in more detail.
  • the presence sensor 8 itself can also be designed as a switch that can be actuated by the container 100 .
  • the switch switched over by the presence sensor 8 activates the sensor 7 for contactless detection of container information or container content information. If the sensor 7 for the contactless detection of container information or container content information is activated, it detects the container information or container content information attached to the container 100 and checks the correctness of the container information or container content information, i.e. whether any container information or container content information can be read at all, and if so, whether the values correspond to the expected container 100 or container contents, such as chemical agent 101.
  • Sensor 7 for contactless detection of container information or container content information triggers release of dispenser 1 into an operating state in which chemical agent 101 can be dispensed from container 100 only if the check reveals that the container information or container content information is correct. This process is described in more detail below.
  • the inlet connection 9 has a plunger 10 that can be extended into the outlet 105 of the container 100 and retracted from the outlet 105 of the container 100 .
  • the plunger 10 is extended into the operating position B when the container holder 3 is moved.
  • the plunger 10 preferably travels into the operating position B just before the operating position B is reached, in particular over the last 20% of the displacement path of the container holder 3 .
  • the plunger 10 is retracted again.
  • two opposing slidable fixing elements 11 Arranged just above the inlet port 9 are two opposing slidable fixing elements 11 which are adapted to be displaced into engagement with the container 100 by the displacement of the container holder 3 from the exchange position A to the operating position B and by the displacement of the container holder 3 from to be shifted out of engagement with the container 100 from the operating position B to the exchange position A.
  • FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of a detail of the dispenser 1, in which the inlet connection 9 and a container 100 located in the coupled position with its outlet 105 plugged onto the inlet connection 9 can be seen.
  • a dosing insert 106 is arranged in the outlet 105, which is opened by extending the plunger 10 into the outlet 105 or the dosing insert 106 and is closed again when the plunger 10 is retracted.
  • the chemical agent 101 can flow through a chemical agent path 101 and be dispensed from the dispenser 1 .
  • An air path 13 is also defined, which allows air to enter the interior of the container when the dosing insert 106 is in the open state.
  • FIG. 5 shows a central longitudinal section through the dispenser 1.
  • the device base 2, the container holder 3, the cover 4, the controller 6, the sensor 7 for contactless detection of container information or container content information and the presence sensor 8 can be seen.
  • the container 100 can be seen with the chemical agent 101 as the content, an RFID label 102 symbolically indicated by an arrow, optical information 103 symbolically indicated by an arrow, the RFID label 102 and the optical information 103 storing container information or container content information or encoded, and the structural feature 104 of the container 100 in the form of a container shoulder, which has deflected the presence sensor 8, whereby the presence sensor 8 recognizes that the container 100 is in the coupling position in the container holder 3.
  • a tank 21 for temporarily storing the chemical agent 101 is arranged in the lower part of the dispenser 1 .
  • the ram 10 is liquid-tight and rigidly integrated.
  • the tank can be moved in the direction of the inlet connection 9 and away from it together with the plunger 10 by an actuator, not shown, such as a mechanical link, a lifting magnet or an electric motor, whereby the plunger 10 with the container 100 inserted into the outlet 105 of the container is extended and retracted from it.
  • an actuator not shown, such as a mechanical link, a lifting magnet or an electric motor, whereby the plunger 10 with the container 100 inserted into the outlet 105 of the container is extended and retracted from it.
  • the chemical agent 101 flows directly into the tank 21, from where it is dispensed by gravity or by a pump (not shown) built into the dispenser.
  • the presence sensor 8 acts on the in 6 shown, by a spring 23 biased switch 14, which is designed as a magnetic switch.
  • the switch 14 includes a pivotable (see double arrow) deflection lever 14a, which is actuated by the presence sensor 8 and in which a permanent magnet 14b is installed. If the Reversing lever 14 is in an activation position, it faces a Hall sensor 14c (or a reed contact) arranged in the interior of the tightly closed circuit board housing 22, thereby activating the Hall sensor 14c in a non-contact manner.
  • the Hall sensor 14c forwards the activation signal to the controller 6 arranged in the circuit board housing 22, which activates the sensor 7 for contactless detection of container information or container content information.
  • the switch 14 is in the activation position, ie the sensor 7 for contactless detection of container information or container content information has already been activated.
  • the pivoted lever 14a of the switch 14 is pivoted against its spring bias into the deactivation position (in the representation of 6 if this is a pivoting movement to the right), as a result of which the magnet 14b and the Hall sensor 14c are inoperative) and the sensor 7 for the contactless detection of container information or container content information is switched off by the controller 6 in order to save energy and processor resources.
  • the sensor 7 for contactless detection of container information or container content information must have verified this information and actuate an actuator 15 in the form of a lifting magnet, which switches a locking device 16 from a locked position to a release position.
  • the locking device 16 has a bolt, not shown, which rests against a housing stop in the locked position.
  • FIG. 1 also shows one of the displaceable fixing elements 11, which engage in the container in the coupled position.
  • the dispenser 1 is shown in a further longitudinal section.
  • a fixing element 11 and a spring 17, realized here as a spring assembly which biases the container holder 3 into its end positions, ie into the replacement position A and the operating position B.
  • the mechanism for guiding the container holder 3 is shown, which has a main axis of rotation 18 and linear guide elements 19 .
  • Pivot catches 20 are used for the precise positioning and fixing of the container holder 3 in the exchange position A and the operating position B, in which they allow the container holder 3 to engage in these end positions.
  • the pivoting detents also serve as a tactile indication to the user that the container holder 3 is in one of the two end positions.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)
  • Catching Or Destruction (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft einen Spender zur Kopplung mit einem zumindest ein chemisches Mittel enthaltenden Behälter und zur Abgabe des chemischen Mittels, wenn der Spender mit dem Behälter gekoppelt ist, gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1.The invention relates to a dispenser for coupling to a container containing at least one chemical agent and for dispensing the chemical agent when the dispenser is coupled to the container, according to the preamble of claim 1.

Aus der WO 2010/091782 A1 ist ein mit einer Kartusche koppelbares Dosiergerät zur Abgabe von in der Kartusche enthaltenem Wasch- bzw. Reinigungsmittel an eine Waschmaschine bekannt. Das Dosiergerät umfasst eine Steuereinheit, einen mit einem Verschlusselement gekoppelten Aktuator und wenigstens einen Sensor. Die Kartusche kann ein RFID-Label aufweisen, das Informationen über den Inhalt der Kartusche enthält und durch einen RFID Leser ausgelesen wird. Diese Information wird genutzt, um ein bestimmtes Dosierprogramm auszuwählen, oder bei einer Kartusche mit falschem oder fehlerhaftem RFID-Label keine Dosierung vorzunehmen und stattdessen ein optisches oder akustisches Fehlersignal zu erzeugen. Das Waschmittel fließt in der Betriebsposition der Kartusche schwerkraftbedingt selbstständig durch eine bodenseitige Auslassöffnung aus der Kartusche. Diese Auslassöffnung ist mit einer Einlassöffnung des Dosiergeräts koppelbar. Das Dosiergerät und die Kartusche weisen Rastmittel zur gegenseitigen Verbindung auf. Im verrasteten Zustand sind die Kartusche und das Dosiergerät gegeneinander um einen Schwenkpunkt schwenkbar. Fig. 27 zeigt die Kartusche und das Dosiergerät im ungekoppelten Zustand; Fig. 28 zeigt die Kartusche und das Dosiergerät im schwenkbar eingerasteten Zustand. Die Auslassöffnung der Kartusche und die Einlassöffnung des Dosiergeräts werden nach der Verrastung von Kartusche und Dosiergerät durch Schwenken der Kartusche in einen Kopplungszustand versetzt, in welchem sie kommunizierend verbunden sind. Es können an der Kartusche und/oder am Dosiergerät Mittel ausgebildet sein, die im verrasteten Zustand von Kartusche und Dosiergerät eine Führung der Kartusche beim Schwenken in den Kopplungszustand von Kartusche und Dosiergerät bewirken. Um einen Fehlgebrauch der Kartusche auszuschließen, können die Kartuschen auch strukturelle Elemente aufweisen, die mit korrespondierenden Elementen des Dosiergeräts nach dem Schlüssel-Schloss-Prinzip zusammenwirken, so dass beispielsweise nur Kartuschen eines bestimmten Typs an das Dosiergerät koppelbar sind.From the WO 2010/091782 A1 discloses a dosing device that can be coupled to a cartridge for dispensing detergents or cleaning agents contained in the cartridge to a washing machine. The dosing device comprises a control unit, an actuator coupled to a closure element and at least one sensor. The cartridge can have an RFID label that contains information about the contents of the cartridge and is read out by an RFID reader. This information is used to select a specific dosing program or, in the case of a cartridge with an incorrect or faulty RFID label, not to do any dosing and instead to generate an optical or acoustic error signal. When the cartridge is in the operating position, the detergent automatically flows out of the cartridge through an outlet opening on the bottom due to gravity. This outlet opening can be coupled to an inlet opening of the dosing device. The dosing device and the cartridge have locking means for mutual connection. In the locked state, the cartridge and the dosing device can be pivoted in relation to one another about a pivot point. 27 shows the cartridge and the dosing device in the uncoupled state; 28 shows the cartridge and the dosing device in the pivotally engaged state. The outlet opening of the cartridge and the inlet opening of the dosing device are brought into a coupled state after the cartridge and dosing device have been locked by pivoting the cartridge, in which they are connected in a communicating manner. Means can be formed on the cartridge and/or on the dosing device which, when the cartridge and dosing device are in the locked state, guide the cartridge when pivoting into the coupling state of the cartridge and dosing device. In order to rule out misuse of the cartridge, the cartridges can also have structural elements which interact with corresponding elements of the dispensing device according to the lock and key principle, so that, for example, only cartridges of a specific type can be coupled to the dispensing device.

Durch das Vorsehen des RFID-Labels mit Informationen über den Inhalt der Kartusche kann das Dosiergerät zwar prinzipiell erkennen, ob die richtige Kartusche eingesetzt wird; das bei falschen Kartuschen vorgesehene Fehlersignal verhindert bei unaufmerksamen Bedienern aber nicht das Einsetzen einer falschen Kartusche. Das Einsetzen einer falschen Kartusche kann wirkungsvoll nur durch das Vorsehen der strukturellen Elemente, die mit korrespondierenden Elementen des Dosiergeräts nach dem Schlüssel-Schloss-Prinzip zusammenwirken, verhindert werden. Diese Maßnahme verhindert zwar das Einsetzen einer falschen Kartusche, lässt aber keine Rückschlüsse darauf zu, ob eine richtige Kartusche korrekt eingesetzt wird oder nicht. Es besteht daher die Gefahr, dass die in der Kartusche enthaltenen chemischen Mittel auslaufen können, ohne dass dies bemerkt oder wirkungsvoll verhindert werden kann. Der vorgesehene Schwenkvorgang zwischen Kartusche und Dosiergerät zur Kopplung des Auslasses der Kartusche mit einem Einlass der Dosiervorrichtung stellt eine weitere Risikoquelle für undichte Kopplung zwischen Kartusche und Dosiervorrichtung dar. Weiters arbeitet der RFID-Leser während der ganzen Betriebsdauer der Dosiervorrichtung und verschwendet dadurch Energie und Prozessorresourcen des Steuergeräts.By providing the RFID label with information about the contents of the cartridge, the dosing device can, in principle, recognize whether the correct cartridge is being used; that at However, the error signal provided for wrong cartridges does not prevent inattentive operators from inserting the wrong cartridge. The insertion of an incorrect cartridge can be effectively prevented only by providing the structural elements that interact with corresponding elements of the dosing device according to the lock and key principle. Although this measure prevents the insertion of an incorrect cartridge, it does not allow any conclusions to be drawn as to whether a correct cartridge is inserted correctly or not. There is therefore a risk that the chemical agents contained in the cartridge could leak without being noticed or effectively prevented. The intended pivoting process between cartridge and dosing device for coupling the outlet of the cartridge with an inlet of the dosing device represents another source of risk for leaky coupling between cartridge and dosing device. Furthermore, the RFID reader works during the entire service life of the dosing device and thus wastes energy and processor resources of the control unit.

Es besteht somit das Bedürfnis nach einem Spender zur Abgabe von zumindest einem chemischen Mittel aus einem Behälter, bei dem eine auslaufsichere Kopplung zwischen dem Behälter und dem Spender sichergestellt ist, wobei diese auslaufsichere Kopplung während der gesamten Betriebsdauer des Spenders aufrecht erhalten wird. Weiters soll die Entnahme des chemischen Mittels aus dem Behälter nur dann in Betrieb genommen werden können, wenn sichergestellt ist, dass der Behälter mit dem Spender korrekt gekoppelt ist. Eine weitere Aufgabe ist die Reduzierung des Energieverbrauchs bei der Erfassung eines Behältertyps bzw. dessen Inhalts und die Reduzierung von Prozessorresourcen in einem Steuergerät des Spenders.Thus, there is a need for a dispenser for dispensing at least one chemical agent from a container that ensures a leak-proof coupling between the container and the dispenser, which leak-proof coupling is maintained throughout the operational life of the dispenser. Furthermore, the removal of the chemical agent from the container should only be able to be put into operation if it is ensured that the container is correctly coupled to the dispenser. A further object is to reduce the energy consumption when detecting a type of container or its contents and to reduce processor resources in a controller of the dispenser.

Die vorliegende Erfindung löst diese Aufgaben durch Bereitstellung eines Spenders mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1. Weitere Merkmale und Vorteile der Erfindung gehen aus den Unteransprüchen und der nachfolgenden Beschreibung hervor.The present invention solves these objects by providing a dispenser having the features of claim 1. Further features and advantages of the invention appear from the subclaims and the following description.

Der erfindungsgemäße Spender ist zur Kopplung mit einem zumindest ein chemisches Mittel enthaltenden Behälter und zur Abgabe des chemischen Mittels, wenn der Spender mit dem Behälter gekoppelt ist, konfiguriert. Der Spender umfasst einen Behälterhalter, der einen Aufnahmeraum aufweist, in den der Behälter zumindest teilweise in eine Kopplungsstellung einführbar ist. Der Spender weist einen am oder nahe dem Aufnahmeraum angeordneten, zur berührungslosen Erfassung von Behälterinformationen oder Behälterinhaltsinformationen ausgebildeten Sensor auf. Weiters weist der Spender einen Anwesenheitssensor auf, der dazu ausgebildet ist, einen in den Aufnahmeraum eingesetzten Behälter in der Kopplungsstellung mechanisch abzutasten und zu erfassen, ob sich der Behälter in der Kopplungsstellung befindet.The dispenser of the present invention is configured to be coupled to a container containing at least one chemical agent and to dispense the chemical agent when the dispenser is coupled to the container. The dispenser comprises a container holder which has a receiving space into which the container can be inserted at least partially into a coupling position. The dispenser has a sensor which is arranged on or near the receiving space and is designed for contactless detection of container information or container content information. Furthermore, the dispenser has a presence sensor which is designed to mechanically scan a container inserted into the receiving space in the coupling position and to detect whether the container is in the coupling position.

Der Sensor zur berührungslosen Erfassung von Behälterinformationen oder Behälterinhaltsinformationen ist dazu ausgebildet, die Behälterinformationen oder Behälterinhaltsinformationen zu erfassen und auf Korrektheit zu überprüfen. Der Spender ist dazu ausgebildet, in einen Betriebszustand freigegeben zu werden, in dem das chemische Mittel aus dem Behälter abgebbar ist, wenn der Anwesenheitssensor einen in der Kopplungsstellung im Aufnahmeraum eingesetzten Behälter erfasst hat und wenn der Sensor zur berührungslosen Erfassung von Behälterinformationen oder Behälterinhaltsinformationen die Korrektheit der überprüften Behälterinformationen oder Behälterinhaltsinformationen festgestellt hat.The sensor for contactless detection of container information or container content information is designed to detect the container information or container content information and to check for correctness. The dispenser is designed to be released into an operating state in which the chemical agent can be dispensed from the container when the presence sensor has detected a container inserted in the coupling position in the receiving space and when the sensor for contactless detection of container information or container content information is correct of the checked container information or container content information.

Durch die Abfrage der Position des Behälters mittels des Anwesenheitssensors, der beispielsweise als mechanisch aktivierter Abfragesensor ausgestaltet ist, wird sichergestellt, dass der Spender keineswegs in einen Betriebszustand übergehen kann, solange sich der Behälter nicht in der korrekten Kopplungsstellung befindet, denn nur bei Erkennen der korrekten Kopplungsstellung durch den Anwesenheitssensor kann der Spender in den Betriebszustand zur Abgabe des chemischen Mittels gebracht werden. Als zusätzliche Schutzmaßnahme kann der Spender auch nur dann in den Betriebszustand zur Abgabe des chemischen Mittels gebracht werden, wenn der Sensor zur berührungslosen Erfassung von Behälterinformationen oder Behälterinhaltsinformationen die Korrektheit der erfassten Behälterinformationen oder Behälterinhaltsinformationen festgestellt hat. Es findet somit eine zweistufige Prüfung des korrekten Sitzes des Behälters in der Kopplungsstellung und des Vorhandenseins eines Behälters mit dem richtigen Inhaltsstoff statt. Diese zweistufige Prüfung ist für eine hohe Verlässlichkeit des erfindungsgemäßen Spenders ausschlaggebend, weil die Abfrage durch den Anwesenheitssensor nicht sicherstellt, dass der richtige Behälter eingesetzt wurde, und die Abfrage durch den Sensor zur berührungslosen Erfassung von Behälterinformationen oder Behälterinhaltsinformationen nicht sicherstellen kann, dass der Behälter in der korrekten Kopplungsstellung sitzt, weil solche Sensoren üblicherweise eine Erfassungsreichweite haben, die nicht nur auf die Kopplungsstellung eines Behälters begrenzt ist.By querying the position of the container using the presence sensor, which is designed, for example, as a mechanically activated query sensor, it is ensured that the dispenser can by no means switch to an operating state as long as the container is not in the correct coupling position, because only when the correct coupling position is detected Coupling position by the presence sensor, the dispenser can be brought into the operating state for dispensing the chemical agent. As an additional protective measure, the dispenser can only be brought into the operating state for dispensing the chemical agent when the sensor for the contactless detection of container information or container content information has determined the correctness of the detected container information or container content information. There is thus a two-stage check of the correct seating of the container in the coupling position and the presence of a container with the correct ingredient. This two-stage check is crucial for a high level of reliability of the dispenser according to the invention, because the query by the presence sensor does not ensure that the correct container has been used, and the query by the sensor for contactless detection of container information or container content information cannot ensure that the container is in the correct docking position, because such sensors usually have a detection range that is not limited to the docking position of a container.

In einer zweckmäßigen, energiesparenden Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist der Anwesenheitssensor dazu ausgebildet, bei Erfassung eines in der Kopplungsstellung im Aufnahmeraum eingesetzten Behälters den Sensor zur berührungslosen Erfassung von Behälterinformationen oder Behälterinhaltsinformationen zu aktivieren, wobei der Sensor zur berührungslosen Erfassung von Behälterinformationen oder Behälterinhaltsinformationen im aktivierten Zustand die Behälterinformationen oder Behälterinhaltsinformationen erfasst.In an expedient, energy-saving embodiment of the invention, the presence sensor is designed to activate the sensor for contactless detection of container information or container content information when it detects a container inserted in the coupling position in the receiving space, with the sensor for contactless detection of container information or container content information in the activated state Container information or container content information recorded.

Es ist in einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung auch vorgesehen, dass der Sensor zur berührungslosen Erfassung von Behälterinformationen oder Behälterinhaltsinformationen die Freigabe des Spenders in den Betriebszustand, in dem das chemische Mittel aus dem Behälter abgebbar ist, auslöst. Diese Auslösung kann direkt oder indirekt über Ansteuerung einer Steuerung oder eines Aktuators erfolgen.In one embodiment of the invention, it is also provided that the sensor for the contactless detection of container information or container content information triggers the release of the dispenser into the operating state in which the chemical agent can be dispensed from the container. This triggering can take place directly or indirectly via activation of a controller or an actuator.

Wenn der in den Spender einzusetzende Behälter Behälterinformationen oder Behälterinhaltsinformationen in einem am Behälter angebrachten RFID-Label trägt, ist gemäß der Erfindung vorgesehen, den Sensor zur berührungslosen Erfassung von Behälterinformationen oder Behälterinhaltsinformationen als RFID-Leser zu konfigurieren.If the container to be inserted into the dispenser carries container information or container content information in an RFID label attached to the container, the invention provides for the sensor to be configured as an RFID reader for contactless detection of container information or container content information.

Wenn der in den Spender einzusetzende Behälter Behälterinformationen oder Behälterinhaltsinformationen in optischer Form, beispielsweise in Form eines Farbcodes, Barcodes oder QR-Codes trägt, ist gemäß der Erfindung vorgesehen, den Sensor zur berührungslosen Erfassung von Behälterinformationen als optischen Sensor auszubilden, z.B. als digitalen Zeilen- oder Flächen-Bildsensor.If the container to be inserted into the dispenser carries container information or container content information in optical form, for example in the form of a color code, barcode or QR code, the invention provides for the sensor for contactless detection of container information to be designed as an optical sensor, e.g. as a digital line or area image sensor.

In einer bevorzugten, weil einfach zu konfigurierenden und dennoch sehr verlässlichen Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist der Anwesenheitssensor als Sensor zum mechanischen Abtasten eines strukturellen Merkmals des Behälters, insbesondere einer Schulter, eines Vorsprungs oder einer Vertiefung des Behälters, ausgebildet. Vorzugsweise ist der Anwesenheitssensor als Hebel, Schalter oder Feder konfiguriert.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, which is easy to configure and yet very reliable, the presence sensor is designed as a sensor for mechanically scanning a structural feature of the container, in particular a shoulder, a projection or a depression of the container. Preferably, the occupancy sensor is configured as a lever, switch, or spring.

Gemäß der Erfindung kann der Aufnahmeraum als Schacht ausgebildet sein. Dies ermöglicht eine Linearbewegung des Behälters in den Aufnahmeraum, wodurch der Behälter schnell und verlässlich in eine Kopplungsstellung gebracht werden kann und bietet auch eine sichere Stütze für den eingesetzten Behälter.According to the invention, the receiving space can be designed as a shaft. This allows linear movement of the container into the receiving space, whereby the container can be brought into a docking position quickly and reliably and also provides secure support for the inserted container.

Für höchste Betriebssicherheit des erfindungsgemäßen Spenders ist vorgesehen, dass der Behälterhalter zwischen einer Austauschstellung, in der ein Behälter einsetzbar und entnehmbar ist, und einer Betriebsstellung, in der das chemische Mittel aus einem eingesetzten Behälter abgebbar ist, verlagerbar ist. Die Verlagerungsbewegung kann eine Schwenkbewegung sein. Es ist zu betonen, dass der Behälter immer gemeinsam mit dem Behälterhalter verlagert wird und dadurch nicht aus der Kopplungsstellung gebracht werden kann, im Gegensatz zum Stand der Technik, bei der eine Kartusche in Bezug auf eine Dosiervorrichtung verschwenkt wird. Weiters ist eine vom Sensor zur berührungslosen Erfassung von Behälterinformationen gesteuerte, zwischen einer Sperrstellung und einer Freigabestellung umschaltbare Sperrvorrichtung vorgesehen, die das Verlagern des Behälterhalters in die Betriebsstellung nur dann zulässt, wenn sie vom Sensor zur berührungslosen Erfassung von Behälterinformationen in die Freigabestellung geschaltet worden ist. Diese Maßnahme bewirkt eine zusätzliche Sicherung gegenüber Fehlbedienung oder ein versehentliches Ingangsetzen der Abgabe des chemischen Mittels aus dem Behälter.For maximum operational reliability of the dispenser according to the invention, it is provided that the container holder can be moved between an exchange position in which a container can be inserted and removed and an operating position in which the chemical agent can be dispensed from an inserted container. The displacement movement can be a pivoting movement. It should be emphasized that the container is always displaced together with the container holder and therefore cannot be dislodged from the coupling position, unlike the prior art in which a cartridge is pivoted with respect to a dosing device. Furthermore, one is from sensor to non-contact Detection of container information controlled, provided between a locking position and a release position switchable locking device that only allows the displacement of the container holder in the operating position if it has been switched by the sensor for contactless detection of container information in the release position. This measure provides additional security against incorrect operation or inadvertently starting the dispensing of the chemical agent from the container.

Bevorzugt weist der Sensor zur berührungslosen Erfassung von Behälterinformationen einen Aktuator, vorzugsweise einen Hubmagneten, auf, der dazu ausgebildet ist, die Sperrvorrichtung zwischen der Sperrstellung und der Freigabestellung umzuschalten. Die Sperrvorrichtung kann zumindest einen ausfahrbaren Riegel aufweisen, der in der Sperrstellung den Behälterhalter sicher in der Austauschstellung arretiert.The sensor for the contactless acquisition of container information preferably has an actuator, preferably a lifting magnet, which is designed to switch the blocking device between the blocking position and the release position. The blocking device can have at least one extendable bolt which, in the blocking position, securely locks the container holder in the replacement position.

Zur Minimierung des Stromverbrauchs des Spenders und von Prozessorresourcen in der Steuerung des Spenders sieht die Erfindung auch vor, den Anwesenheitssensor dazu auszubilden, einen Schalter, vorzugsweise einen Magnetschalter, in eine Aktivierungsstellung auszulenken, wenn sich der Behälter in der Kopplungsstellung befindet. Der Schalter aktiviert in der Aktivierungsstellung den Sensor zur berührungslosen Erfassung von Behälterinformationen oder Behälterinhaltsinformationen. Der Schalter ist weiters dazu ausgebildet, von der Aktivierungsstellung in eine Deaktivierungsstellung ausgelenkt zu werden, in der der Sensor zur berührungslosen Erfassung von Behälterinformationen oder Behälterinhaltsinformationen deaktiviert ist, wenn der Behälterhalter von der Austauschstellung in die Betriebsstellung verlagert wird. Dabei kann das Auslenken des Schalters z.B. durch Führen entlang einer Kulisse oder Getriebemittel oder Federn bewerkstelligt werden.In order to minimize the power consumption of the dispenser and of processor resources in the controller of the dispenser, the invention also provides for the presence sensor to be designed to deflect a switch, preferably a magnetic switch, into an activation position when the container is in the coupling position. In the activation position, the switch activates the sensor for contactless detection of container information or container content information. The switch is also designed to be deflected from the activation position into a deactivation position in which the sensor for contactless detection of container information or container content information is deactivated when the container holder is moved from the exchange position to the operating position. The deflection of the switch can be accomplished, for example, by guiding it along a connecting link or gear means or springs.

Um sicherzustellen, dass der Behälter nicht versehentlich aus dem Spender herausgezogen werden kann, während sich der Spender in der Betriebsstellung befindet, sind erfindungsgemäß verschiebbare Fixierelemente vorgesehen, die dazu ausgebildet sind, durch das Verlagern des Behälterhalters von der Austauschstellung in die Betriebsstellung in Eingriff mit dem Behälter verschoben zu werden und durch das Verlagern des Behälterhalters von der Betriebsstellung in die Austauschstellung außer Eingriff mit dem Behälter verschoben zu werden.In order to ensure that the container cannot be accidentally pulled out of the dispenser while the dispenser is in the operating position, the invention provides for slidable fixing elements which are designed to engage with the container holder by moving the container holder from the replacement position to the operating position container and to be displaced out of engagement with the container by the displacement of the container holder from the operating position to the replacement position.

Um eine auslaufsichere Kopplung zwischen dem Behälter und dem Spender zu gewährleisten, ist in einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung vorgesehen, dass im Aufnahmeraum ein Einlassanschluss zur Verbindung mit einem Auslass des Behälters angeordnet ist, wobei der Einlassanschluss einen in den Auslass des Behälters ausfahrbaren und aus dem Auslass des Behälters einziehbaren Stößel aufweist, wobei der Stößel dazu ausgebildet ist, beim Verlagern des Behälterhalters in die Betriebsstellung auszufahren, wobei vorzugsweise der Stößel erst knapp vor Erreichen der Betriebsstellung, insbesondere auf den letzten 20% des Verlagerungswegs des Behälterhalters in die Betriebsstellung ausfährt, und beim Verlagern des Behälterhalters in die Austauschstellung eingezogen zu werden. In einer äußerst betriebssicheren und gegen Auslaufen des chemischen Mittels gesicherten Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist der Stößel in einen Tank zur temporären Speicherung des chemischen Mittels integriert und wird gemeinsam mit dem Tank bewegt, der zur Bewegung hin zum und weg vom Einlassanschluss ausgebildet ist und dabei den Stößel mitnimmt. Dadurch fließt bei in den Auslass des Behälters ausgefahrenem Stößel das chemische Mittel durch den Stößel direkt in den Tank, von wo es mittels Schwerkraft oder durch eine in den Spender eingebaute Pumpe abgegeben wird.In order to ensure a leak-proof coupling between the container and the dispenser, one embodiment of the invention provides that an inlet connection for connection to an outlet of the container is provided in the receiving space is arranged, wherein the inlet connection has a plunger that can be extended into the outlet of the container and retracted from the outlet of the container, the plunger being designed to extend into the operating position when the container holder is moved, the plunger preferably only being activated just before the operating position is reached, extends in particular on the last 20% of the displacement path of the container holder into the operating position, and to be retracted when the container holder is displaced into the replacement position. In a highly reliable and anti-spill chemical embodiment of the invention, the plunger is integrated into a chemical agent temporary storage tank and is moved in unison with the tank adapted to move toward and away from the inlet port and the plunger takes away Thus, with the ram extended into the outlet of the container, the chemical agent flows through the ram directly into the tank where it is dispensed by gravity or by a pump built into the dispenser.

Zur Erleichterung der Bedienung des Spenders kann zumindest eine Feder vorgesehen sein, die den Behälterhalter in die Austauschstellung und die Betriebsstellung vorspannt.To facilitate the operation of the dispenser, at least one spring can be provided which biases the container holder into the exchange position and the operating position.

Die Erfindung wird nun unter Bezugnahme auf die Zeichnung anhand eines Ausführungsbeispiels beschrieben.

  • Fig. 1 zeigt den erfindungsgemäßen Spender mit eingesetztem Behälter in einer Austauschstellung in perspektivischer Ansicht.
  • Fig. 2 zeigt den Spender mit eingesetztem Behälter in einer Betriebsstellung in perspektivischer Ansicht.
  • Fig. 3 zeigt den Spender ohne Behälter in der Betriebsstellung in perspektivischer Ansicht.
  • Fig. 4 zeigt einen Querschnitt eines Details des Spenders.
  • Fig. 5 zeigt einen mittigen Längsschnitt durch den Spender.
  • Fig. 6 zeigt eine Seitenansicht eines vom Anwesenheitssensor betätigten Schalters.
  • Fig. 7 zeigt einen weiteren Längsschnitt durch den Spender.
The invention will now be described with reference to the drawing using an exemplary embodiment.
  • 1 shows the dispenser according to the invention with an inserted container in a replacement position in a perspective view.
  • 2 shows the dispenser with inserted container in an operating position in a perspective view.
  • 3 shows the dispenser without container in the operating position in a perspective view.
  • 4 shows a cross-section of a detail of the dispenser.
  • figure 5 shows a central longitudinal section through the dispenser.
  • 6 Figure 12 shows a side view of a switch operated by the occupancy sensor.
  • 7 shows another longitudinal section through the dispenser.

Es wird zunächst auf Fig. 1 und Fig. 2 Bezug genommen, die eine Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Spenders 1 in perspektivischen Ansichten darstellen. Der Spender 1 weist eine zur Boden- und Wandmontage geeignete Gerätebasis 2 auf, in der ein Behälterhalter 3 zur Aufnahme eines Behälters 100 angeordnet ist. Der Behälter 100 enthält zumindest ein fließ- oder rieselfähiges chemisches Mittel 101, wie z.B. ein Reinigungsmittel für Geschirr oder Wäsche. In den Figuren 1 und 2 ist der Behälter 100 über den Behälterhalter 3 mit dem Spender 1 gekoppelt und in der Kopplungsstellung gezeigt. Der Behälterhalter 3 ist in der Gerätebasis 2 verlagerbar angeordnet. Genauer gesagt, ist der Behälterhalter 3 entlang von nicht dargestellten Führungen zwischen der in Fig. 1 dargestellten geneigten Austauschstellung A, in der der Behälter 100 in den Behälterhalter 3 einsetzbar und aus ihm entnehmbar ist, und einer vertikalen Betriebsstellung B, in der das chemische Mittel 101 aus dem eingesetzten Behälter 100 abgebbar ist, bewegbar. Die Führungen sind so ausgestaltet, dass der Behälterhalter 3 ungefähr eine Schwenkbewegung ausführt. Alternativ zu den Führungen könnte der Behälterhalter 3 auch mittels einer Schwenkachse in der Gerätebasis 2 verlagerbar sein. Eine fächerförmig auseinanderziehbare und einziehbare Abdeckung 4 bewegt sich mit dem Behälterhalter 3 mit und deckt die Oberseite des Spenders 1 ab.It will be on first 1 and 2 Reference is made, which represent an embodiment of the dispenser 1 according to the invention in perspective views. The dispenser 1 has a device base 2 suitable for floor and wall mounting, in which a container holder 3 for receiving a container 100 is arranged. The container 100 contains at least one free-flowing or free-flowing chemical agent 101, such as a cleaning agent for dishes or laundry. In the Figures 1 and 2 For example, container 100 is coupled to dispenser 1 via container holder 3 and is shown in the coupled position. The Container holder 3 is arranged in the device base 2 in a displaceable manner. More precisely, the container holder 3 along guides, not shown, between the in 1 shown inclined replacement position A, in which the container 100 is insertable into and removable from the container holder 3, and a vertical operating position B, in which the chemical agent 101 can be discharged from the inserted container 100. The guides are designed in such a way that the container holder 3 executes an approximate pivoting movement. As an alternative to the guides, the container holder 3 could also be displaceable in the device base 2 by means of a pivot axis. An expandable and retractable cover 4 moves with the container holder 3 and covers the top of the dispenser 1 in a fan shape.

Fig. 3 zeigt den Spender 1 in der Betriebsstellung B ohne den Behälter 100. Diese Ansicht von schräg oben lässt einen Aufnahmeraum 5 in Form eines Schachtes für den Behälter 100 erkennen. Die Seitenwände des Aufnahmeraums 5 führen den Behälter 100 beim Einsetzen in die Kopplungsstellung und beim Entnehmen aus dem Behälterhalter 3 und stützen ihn im eingesetzten Zustand. In Fig. 3 ist schematisch mit einem Pfeil eine elektronische Steuerung 6 angedeutet, die mit einem Mikroprozessor ausgestattet ist und den Spender 1 steuert. Weiters ist mit dem Bezugszeichen 7 ein Sensor zur berührungslosen Erfassung von Behälterinformationen oder Behälterinhaltsinformationen bezeichnet. Der Sensor 7 zur berührungslosen Erfassung von Behälterinformationen oder Behälterinhaltsinformationen kann ein RFID-Leser sein, der dazu ausgebildet ist, ein am Behälter 100 angebrachtes RFID-Label, das die Behälterinformation oder Behälterinhaltsinformation enthält, auszulesen. Alternativ dazu kann der Sensor 7 zur berührungslosen Erfassung von Behälterinformationen ein optischer Sensor sein, der dazu ausgebildet ist, am Behälter 100 angebrachte optische Information zu erfassen, aus denen die Behälterinformation oder Behälterinhaltsinformation ableitbar ist. Die optische Information kann beispielsweise in Form eines Farbcodes, Barcodes oder QR-Codes am Behälter 100 angebracht sein. Der Sensor 7 zur berührungslosen Erfassung von Behälterinformationen ist z.B. als digitaler Zeilen- oder Flächen-Bildsensor konfiguriert. 3 shows the dispenser 1 in the operating position B without the container 100. This view obliquely from above reveals a receiving space 5 in the form of a shaft for the container 100. The side walls of the receiving space 5 guide the container 100 when it is inserted into the coupling position and when it is removed from the container holder 3 and support it in the inserted state. In 3 an electronic control 6 is indicated schematically with an arrow, which is equipped with a microprocessor and controls the dispenser 1 . Furthermore, reference number 7 designates a sensor for contactless detection of container information or container content information. The sensor 7 for contactless detection of container information or container content information can be an RFID reader, which is designed to read an RFID label attached to the container 100, which contains the container information or container content information. As an alternative to this, the sensor 7 for contactless detection of container information can be an optical sensor which is designed to detect optical information attached to the container 100 from which the container information or container content information can be derived. The optical information can be attached to the container 100 in the form of a color code, barcode or QR code, for example. The sensor 7 for contactless acquisition of container information is configured, for example, as a digital line or area image sensor.

Weiters ist in Fig. 3 ein im Aufnahmeraum 5 angeordneter Anwesenheitssensor 8 zu erkennen. Dieser Anwesenheitssensor 8 ist dazu ausgebildet, zu erfassen, ob sich ein in den Aufnahmeraum 5 eingesetzter Behälter 100 in der Kopplungsstellung befindet, indem der Anwesenheitssensor 8 ein, in Fig. 5 dargestelltes, strukturelles Merkmal 104 des Behälters 100 mechanisch abtastet. In diesem Ausführungsbeispiel tastet der Anwesenheitssensor 8 ein strukturelles Merkmal in Form einer Schulter des Behälters 100 ab, indem der als Hebel ausgebildete Anwesenheitssensor 8 dann (und nur dann) mit der Behälterschulter in Kontakt kommt und von ihr ausgelenkt wird, wenn der Behälter 100 die Kopplungsstellung erreicht hat. Der Anwesenheitssensor 8 ist in diesem Ausführungsbeispiel als Hebel oder Feder ausgebildet, der/die bei Auslenken durch den Behälter 100 einen Schalter 14 umschaltet, wie weiter unten unter Bezugnahme auf Fig. 6 näher beschrieben wird. Alternativ dazu kann der Anwesenheitssensor 8 auch selbst als von dem Behälter 100 betätigbarer Schalter ausgebildet sein. Der vom Anwesenheitssensor 8 umgeschaltete Schalter aktiviert den Sensor 7 zur berührungslosen Erfassung von Behälterinformationen oder Behälterinhaltsinformationen. Wenn der Sensor 7 zur berührungslosen Erfassung von Behälterinformationen oder Behälterinhaltsinformationen aktiviert ist, erfasst er die am Behälter 100 angebrachte Behälterinformationen oder Behälterinhaltsinformationen und überprüft die Korrektheit der Behälterinformationen oder Behälterinhaltsinformationen, d.h. ob überhaupt eine Behälterinformation oder Behälterinhaltsinformation gelesen werden kann, und falls ja, ob die Werte dem erwarteten Behälter 100 oder Behälterinhalt, wie dem chemischen Mittel 101, entsprechen. Nur, wenn die Überprüfung die Korrektheit der Behälterinformation oder Behälterinhaltsinformation ergibt, löst der Sensor 7 zur berührungslosen Erfassung von Behälterinformationen oder Behälterinhaltsinformationen eine Freigabe des Spenders 1 in einen Betriebszustand aus, in dem das chemische Mittel 101 aus dem Behälter 100 abgebbar ist. Dieser Vorgang wird nachfolgend noch näher beschrieben.Next is in 3 a presence sensor 8 arranged in the receiving space 5 can be recognized. This presence sensor 8 is designed to detect whether a container 100 inserted into the receiving space 5 is in the coupling position by the presence sensor 8 on, in figure 5 illustrated structural feature 104 of the container 100 scans mechanically. In this exemplary embodiment, the presence sensor 8 senses a structural feature in the form of a shoulder of the container 100 in that the lever-shaped presence sensor 8 then (and only then) makes contact with the container shoulder comes and is deflected by it when the container 100 has reached the coupling position. In this exemplary embodiment, the presence sensor 8 is designed as a lever or spring which, when deflected by the container 100, toggles a switch 14, as further below with reference to FIG 6 is described in more detail. As an alternative to this, the presence sensor 8 itself can also be designed as a switch that can be actuated by the container 100 . The switch switched over by the presence sensor 8 activates the sensor 7 for contactless detection of container information or container content information. If the sensor 7 for the contactless detection of container information or container content information is activated, it detects the container information or container content information attached to the container 100 and checks the correctness of the container information or container content information, i.e. whether any container information or container content information can be read at all, and if so, whether the values correspond to the expected container 100 or container contents, such as chemical agent 101. Sensor 7 for contactless detection of container information or container content information triggers release of dispenser 1 into an operating state in which chemical agent 101 can be dispensed from container 100 only if the check reveals that the container information or container content information is correct. This process is described in more detail below.

Man erkennt in Fig. 3 auch einen am Boden des Aufnahmeraums 5 angeordneten Einlassanschluss 9 zur Verbindung mit einem Auslass 105 des Behälters 100, welcher in Fig. 4 näher dargestellt ist. Der Einlassanschluss 9 weist einen in den Auslass 105 des Behälters 100 ausfahrbaren und aus dem Auslass 105 des Behälters 100 einziehbaren Stößel 10 auf. Der Stößel 10 wird beim Verlagern des Behälterhalters 3 in die Betriebsstellung B ausgefahren. Bevorzugt fährt der Stößel 10 erst knapp vor Erreichen der Betriebsstellung B, insbesondere auf den letzten 20% des Verlagerungswegs des Behälterhalters 3 in die Betriebsstellung B aus. Beim Verlagern des Behälterhalters 3 in die Austauschstellung A wird der Stößel 10 wieder eingezogen.One recognizes in 3 also an inlet connection 9 arranged at the bottom of the receiving space 5 for connection to an outlet 105 of the container 100, which in 4 is shown in more detail. The inlet connection 9 has a plunger 10 that can be extended into the outlet 105 of the container 100 and retracted from the outlet 105 of the container 100 . The plunger 10 is extended into the operating position B when the container holder 3 is moved. The plunger 10 preferably travels into the operating position B just before the operating position B is reached, in particular over the last 20% of the displacement path of the container holder 3 . When the container holder 3 is moved into the exchange position A, the plunger 10 is retracted again.

Knapp oberhalb des Einlassanschlusses 9 sind zwei einander gegenüberliegende verschiebbare Fixierelemente 11 angeordnet, die dazu ausgebildet sind, durch das Verlagern des Behälterhalters 3 von der Austauschstellung A in die Betriebsstellung B in Eingriff mit dem Behälter 100 verschoben zu werden und durch das Verlagern des Behälterhalters 3 von der Betriebsstellung B in die Austauschstellung A außer Eingriff mit dem Behälter 100 verschoben zu werden.Arranged just above the inlet port 9 are two opposing slidable fixing elements 11 which are adapted to be displaced into engagement with the container 100 by the displacement of the container holder 3 from the exchange position A to the operating position B and by the displacement of the container holder 3 from to be shifted out of engagement with the container 100 from the operating position B to the exchange position A.

Fig. 4 zeigt einen Querschnitt eines Details des Spenders 1, in dem der Einlassanschluss 9 und ein in Kopplungsstellung befindlicher Behälter 100 mit seinem auf den Einlassanschluss 9 aufgesteckten Auslass 105 zu sehen ist. In dem Auslass 105 ist ein Dosiereinsatz 106 angeordnet, der durch Ausfahren des Stößels 10 in den Auslass 105 bzw. den Dosiereinsatz 106 geöffnet und beim Zurückziehen des Stößels 10 wieder geschlossen wird. Im geöffneten Zustand des Dosiereinsatzes 106 kann das chemische Mittel 101 durch einen Pfad 12 für das chemische Mittel 101 fließen und vom Spender 1 abgegeben werden. Weiters ist ein Luftpfad 13 definiert, der im geöffneten Zustand des Dosiereinsatzes 106 den Eintritt von Luft ins Behälterinnere ermöglicht. 4 shows a cross-section of a detail of the dispenser 1, in which the inlet connection 9 and a container 100 located in the coupled position with its outlet 105 plugged onto the inlet connection 9 can be seen. A dosing insert 106 is arranged in the outlet 105, which is opened by extending the plunger 10 into the outlet 105 or the dosing insert 106 and is closed again when the plunger 10 is retracted. In the open state of the dosing cartridge 106 , the chemical agent 101 can flow through a chemical agent path 101 and be dispensed from the dispenser 1 . An air path 13 is also defined, which allows air to enter the interior of the container when the dosing insert 106 is in the open state.

Fig. 5 zeigt einen mittigen Längsschnitt durch den Spender 1. In dieser Ansicht sind unter anderem die Gerätebasis 2, der Behälterhalter 3, die Abdeckung 4, die Steuerung 6, der Sensor 7 zur berührungslosen Erfassung von Behälterinformationen oder Behälterinhaltsinformationen und der Anwesenheitssensor 8 zu sehen. Weiters erkennt man den Behälter 100 mit dem chemischen Mittel 101 als Inhalt, einem symbolisch mit einem Pfeil angedeuteten RFID-Label 102, einer symbolisch durch einen Pfeil angedeuteten optischen Information 103, wobei das RFID-Label 102 und die optische Information 103 Behälterinformation oder Behälterinhaltsinformation gespeichert bzw. codiert haben, und das strukturelle Merkmal 104 des Behälters 100 in Form einer Behälterschulter, die den Anwesenheitssensor 8 ausgelenkt hat, wodurch der Anwesenheitssensor 8 erkennt, dass sich der Behälter 100 in der Kopplungsstellung im Behälterhalter 3 befindet. figure 5 shows a central longitudinal section through the dispenser 1. In this view, among other things, the device base 2, the container holder 3, the cover 4, the controller 6, the sensor 7 for contactless detection of container information or container content information and the presence sensor 8 can be seen. Furthermore, the container 100 can be seen with the chemical agent 101 as the content, an RFID label 102 symbolically indicated by an arrow, optical information 103 symbolically indicated by an arrow, the RFID label 102 and the optical information 103 storing container information or container content information or encoded, and the structural feature 104 of the container 100 in the form of a container shoulder, which has deflected the presence sensor 8, whereby the presence sensor 8 recognizes that the container 100 is in the coupling position in the container holder 3.

Im unteren Teil des Spenders 1 ist ein Tank 21 zur temporären Speicherung des chemischen Mittels 101 angeordnet. In diesen Tank 21 ist der Stößel 10 flüssigkeitsdicht und starr integriert. Der Tank kann zusammen mit dem Stößel 10 durch einen nicht dargestellten Aktuator, wie z.B. eine mechanische Kulisse, einen Hubmagneten oder einen Elektromotor, in die Richtung des Einlassanschlusses 9 und von ihm weg bewegt werden, wodurch der Stößel 10 bei eingesetztem Behälter 100 in den Auslass 105 des Behälters ausgefahren und aus ihm heraus eingezogen wird. Solcherart gegen Auslaufen gesichert, fließt das chemische Mittel 101 bei ausgefahrenem Stößel 10 direkt in den Tank 21, von wo es mittels Schwerkraft oder durch eine in den Spender eingebaute, nicht dargestellte Pumpe abgegeben wird.A tank 21 for temporarily storing the chemical agent 101 is arranged in the lower part of the dispenser 1 . In this tank 21, the ram 10 is liquid-tight and rigidly integrated. The tank can be moved in the direction of the inlet connection 9 and away from it together with the plunger 10 by an actuator, not shown, such as a mechanical link, a lifting magnet or an electric motor, whereby the plunger 10 with the container 100 inserted into the outlet 105 of the container is extended and retracted from it. Secured in this way against leakage, when the ram 10 is extended, the chemical agent 101 flows directly into the tank 21, from where it is dispensed by gravity or by a pump (not shown) built into the dispenser.

Der Anwesenheitssensor 8 wirkt auf den in Fig. 6 dargestellten, durch eine Feder 23 vorgespannten Schalter 14, der als Magnetschalter ausgebildet ist. Der Schalter 14 umfasst einen vom Anwesenheitssensor 8 betätigten, schwenkbaren (siehe Doppelpfeil) Umlenkhebel 14a, in den ein Permanentmagnet 14b eingebaut ist. Wenn sich der Umlenkhebel 14 in einer Aktivierungsstellung befindet, steht er einem im Inneren des dicht verschlossenen Platinengehäuses 22 angeordneten Hallsensor 14c (oder einem Reed-Kontakt) gegenüber aktiviert dadurch in berührungsloser Weise den Hallsensor 14c. Der Hallsensor 14c gibt das Aktivierungssignal an die im Platinengehäuse 22 angeordnete Steuerung 6 weiter, die den Sensor 7 zur berührungslosen Erfassung von Behälterinformationen oder Behälterinhaltsinformationen aktiviert. In der in Fig. 6 dargestellten Stellung befindet sich der Schalter 14 in der Aktivierungsstellung, d.h. der Sensor 7 zur berührungslosen Erfassung von Behälterinformationen oder Behälterinhaltsinformationen wurde bereits aktiviert. Durch Verlagern des Behälterhalters 3 in die Betriebsstellung B wird der Schwenkhebel 14a des Schalters 14 entgegen seiner Federvorspannung in die Deaktivierungsstellung geschwenkt (in der Darstellung von Fig. 6 ist das eine Schwenkbewegung nach rechts), wodurch der Magnet 14b und der Hallsensor 14c außer Wirkverbindung gelangen) und dadurch der Sensor 7 zur berührungslosen Erfassung von Behälterinformationen oder Behälterinhaltsinformationen von der Steuerung 6 ausgeschaltet, um Energie und Prozessorresourcen zu sparen.The presence sensor 8 acts on the in 6 shown, by a spring 23 biased switch 14, which is designed as a magnetic switch. The switch 14 includes a pivotable (see double arrow) deflection lever 14a, which is actuated by the presence sensor 8 and in which a permanent magnet 14b is installed. If the Reversing lever 14 is in an activation position, it faces a Hall sensor 14c (or a reed contact) arranged in the interior of the tightly closed circuit board housing 22, thereby activating the Hall sensor 14c in a non-contact manner. The Hall sensor 14c forwards the activation signal to the controller 6 arranged in the circuit board housing 22, which activates the sensor 7 for contactless detection of container information or container content information. in the in 6 The position shown is that the switch 14 is in the activation position, ie the sensor 7 for contactless detection of container information or container content information has already been activated. By shifting the container holder 3 into the operating position B, the pivoted lever 14a of the switch 14 is pivoted against its spring bias into the deactivation position (in the representation of 6 if this is a pivoting movement to the right), as a result of which the magnet 14b and the Hall sensor 14c are inoperative) and the sensor 7 for the contactless detection of container information or container content information is switched off by the controller 6 in order to save energy and processor resources.

Damit der Behälterhalter 3 überhaupt in die Betriebsstellung B verlagert werden kann, muss der Sensor 7 zur berührungslosen Erfassung von Behälterinformationen oder Behälterinhaltsinformationen diese Informationen verifiziert haben und einen Aktuator 15 in Form eines Hubmagneten betätigen, der eine Sperrvorrichtung 16 von einer Sperrstellung in eine Freigabestellung umschaltet. Die Sperrvorrichtung 16 weist einen nicht dargestellten Riegel auf, der in der Sperrstellung gegen einen Gehäuseanschlag anliegt.So that the container holder 3 can be shifted into the operating position B at all, the sensor 7 for contactless detection of container information or container content information must have verified this information and actuate an actuator 15 in the form of a lifting magnet, which switches a locking device 16 from a locked position to a release position. The locking device 16 has a bolt, not shown, which rests against a housing stop in the locked position.

Fig. 6 zeigt auch eines der verschiebbaren Fixierelemente 11, die in Kopplungsstellung in den Behälter eingreifen. 6 FIG. 1 also shows one of the displaceable fixing elements 11, which engage in the container in the coupled position.

In Fig. 7 ist der Spender 1 in einem weiteren Längsschnitt dargestellt. Man erkennt darin unter anderem ein Fixierelement 11 und eine Feder 17, hier als Federpaket realisiert, die den Behälterhalter 3 in seine Endlagen, d.h. in die Austauschstellung A und die Betriebsstellung B vorspannt. Weiters ist der Mechanismus zur Führung des Behälterhalters 3 dargestellt, der eine Hauptdrehachse 18 und Linearführungselemente 19 aufweist. Schwenkrasten 20 dienen zum genauen Positionieren und Fixieren des Behälterhalters 3 in der Austauschstellung A und der Betriebsstellung B, in dem sie den Behälterhalter 3 in diesen Endlagen einrasten lassen. Dadurch dienen die Schwenkrasten dem Benutzer auch als fühlbarer Hinweis, dass der Behälterhalter 3 sich in einer der beiden Endlagen befindet.In 7 the dispenser 1 is shown in a further longitudinal section. One recognizes therein, among other things, a fixing element 11 and a spring 17, realized here as a spring assembly, which biases the container holder 3 into its end positions, ie into the replacement position A and the operating position B. Furthermore, the mechanism for guiding the container holder 3 is shown, which has a main axis of rotation 18 and linear guide elements 19 . Pivot catches 20 are used for the precise positioning and fixing of the container holder 3 in the exchange position A and the operating position B, in which they allow the container holder 3 to engage in these end positions. As a result, the pivoting detents also serve as a tactile indication to the user that the container holder 3 is in one of the two end positions.

Claims (16)

  1. A dispenser (1) for coupling with a vessel (100) containing at least one chemical agent (101) and for dispensing the chemical agent (101) if the dispenser (1) is coupled with the vessel (100),
    wherein the dispenser (1) comprises a vessel holder (3), which has a receiving space (5), into which the vessel (100) may be introduced at least in part into a coupling position, wherein the dispenser (1) has a sensor (7) arranged at or near the receiving space (5) and configured for the contact-free detection of vessel information or vessel content information, characterized in that
    the dispenser (1) has an occupancy sensor (8), which is configured to mechanically sense a vessel (100) inserted into the receiving space (5) and to detect whether the vessel is in the coupling position,
    and that the sensor (7) for the contact-free detection of vessel information or vessel content information is configured to detect the vessel information or the vessel content information and examine the correctness thereof,
    wherein the dispenser (1) is configured to be released into an operational condition, wherein the chemical agent (101) may be dispensed from the vessel (100) if the occupancy sensor (8) has detected a vessel (100) that has been inserted into the receiving space (5) in the coupling position and if the sensor (7) for the contact-free detection of vessel information or vessel content information has determined the correctness of the examined vessel information or vessel content information.
  2. A dispenser (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the occupancy sensor (8) is configured to activate, during the detection of a vessel (100) that has been inserted into the receiving space (5) in the coupling position, the sensor (7) for the contact-free detection of vessel information or vessel content information, wherein the sensor (7) for the contact-free detection of vessel information or vessel content information in the activated state detects the vessel information or vessel content information.
  3. A dispenser (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensor (7) for the contact-free detection of vessel information or vessel content information is configured to initiate the release of the dispenser (1) into the operational condition, in which the chemical agent (101) may be dispensed from the vessel (100).
  4. A dispenser (1) according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the sensor (7) for the contact-free detection of vessel information or vessel content information is an RFID reader, which is configured to read an RFID label (102) attached at the vessel (100).
  5. A dispenser (1) according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the sensor (7) for the contact-free detection of vessel information is an optical sensor, which is configured to detect optical information (103) attached at the vessel (100).
  6. A dispenser (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the occupancy sensor (8) is configured as sensor for mechanically scanning a structural feature (104) of the vessel (100), in particular of a shoulder, a projection or an indentation of the vessel, wherein the occupancy sensor (8) is preferably configured as a lever, a switch or a spring.
  7. A dispenser (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving space (5) is configured as a shaft.
  8. A dispenser (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vessel holder (3) may be moved, in particular pivoted, between a replacement position (A), wherein a vessel (100) may be inserted and retrieved, and an operation position (B), wherein the chemical agent (100) may be dispensed from an inserted vessel (100), wherein there is provided a locking device (16) that may be switched between a locking position and a releasing position and that is controlled by the sensor (7) for the contact-free detection of vessel information, which only enables the movement of the vessel holder (3) into the operational position (B) if it has been switched into the releasing position by the sensor (7) for the contact-free detection of vessel information.
  9. A dispenser (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the sensor (7) for the contact-free detection of vessel information has an actuator (15), preferably a solenoid, which is configured to switch the locking device (16) between the locking position and the releasing position.
  10. A dispenser (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the locking device (16) has at least one extractable latch.
  11. A dispenser (1) according to any of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the occupancy sensor (8) is configured to deflect a switch (14), preferably a magnetic switch, into an activating position if the vessel (100) is in the coupling position, wherein the switch (14) in the activating position will activate the sensor (7) for the contact-free detection of vessel information or vessel content information or will cause the control (6) to activate, wherein the switch (14) is configured to be deflected into a deactivating position by moving the vessel holder (3) from the replacement position (A) into the operational position (B), wherein the sensor (7) for the contact-free detection of vessel information or vessel content information is deactivated.
  12. A dispenser (1) according to any of claims 8 to 11, characterized by sidable fixation elements (11), which are configured to be slid into engagement with the vessel (100) by moving the vessel holder (3) from the replacement position (A) into the operational position (B) and to be slid out of engagement with the vessel (100) by moving the vessel holder (3) from the operational position (B) into the replacement position (A).
  13. A dispenser (1) according to any of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that there is arranged within the receiving space (5) an inlet connection (9) for connection with an outlet (105) of the vessel (100), wherein the inlet connection (9) has a ram (10) that may be extracted into the outlet (105) of the vessel and retracted from the outlet of the vessel (100), wherein the ram (10) is configured to extract upon movement of the vessel holder (3) into the operational position (B), wherein the ram (10) preferably extracts only immediately before reaching the operational position (B), in particular within the last 20% of the movement path of the vessel holder (3) into the operational position (B), and to be retracted upon movement of the container holder (3) into the replacement position (A).
  14. A dispenser according to claim 13, characterized in that the ram (10) is integrated in a tank (21) for the temporary storage of the chemical agent (101) and that the tank (21) is configured to move towards and away from the inlet connection (9), thus entraining the ram.
  15. A dispenser (1) according to any of claims 8 to 14, characterized by at last one spring (17), which biases the vessel holder (3) into the replacement position (A) and the operational position (B).
  16. A dispenser according to any of claims 8 to 15, characterized by pivoting notches (20), which lock the vessel holder (3) in the replacement position (A) and in the operational position (B).
EP18154080.8A 2018-01-30 2018-01-30 Dispenser for delivering a chemical agent from a container linked to the dispenser Active EP3517016B1 (en)

Priority Applications (21)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FIEP18154080.8T FI3517016T3 (en) 2018-01-30 2018-01-30 Dispenser for delivering a chemical agent from a container linked to the dispenser
RS20230916A RS64670B1 (en) 2018-01-30 2018-01-30 Dispenser for delivering a chemical agent from a container linked to the dispenser
ES18154080T ES2960110T3 (en) 2018-01-30 2018-01-30 Dispenser for delivery of a chemical agent from a container coupled with the dispenser
PL18154080.8T PL3517016T3 (en) 2018-01-30 2018-01-30 Dispenser for delivering a chemical agent from a container linked to the dispenser
SI201830997T SI3517016T1 (en) 2018-01-30 2018-01-30 Dispenser for delivering a chemical agent from a container linked to the dispenser
HRP20231222TT HRP20231222T1 (en) 2018-01-30 2018-01-30 Dispenser for delivering a chemical agent from a container linked to the dispenser
PT181540808T PT3517016T (en) 2018-01-30 2018-01-30 Dispenser for delivering a chemical agent from a container linked to the dispenser
HUE18154080A HUE063392T2 (en) 2018-01-30 2018-01-30 Dispenser for delivering a chemical agent from a container linked to the dispenser
EP18154080.8A EP3517016B1 (en) 2018-01-30 2018-01-30 Dispenser for delivering a chemical agent from a container linked to the dispenser
BR112020010270-9A BR112020010270A2 (en) 2018-01-30 2019-01-08 dispenser for unloading a chemical agent from a container coupled with the dispenser
US16/767,308 US11974713B2 (en) 2018-01-30 2019-01-08 Dispenser for discharging a chemical agent from a container coupled to the dispenser
EA202091823A EA202091823A1 (en) 2018-01-30 2019-01-08 DISPENSER FOR DISPENSING THE CHEMICAL SUBSTANCE FROM THE CONTAINER CONNECTED WITH THE DISPENSING DEVICE
IL276393A IL276393B1 (en) 2018-01-30 2019-01-08 Dispenser for discharging a chemical agent from a container coupled to the dispenser
PCT/EP2019/050330 WO2019149479A1 (en) 2018-01-30 2019-01-08 Dispenser for discharging a chemical agent from a container coupled to the dispenser
CA3084727A CA3084727A1 (en) 2018-01-30 2019-01-08 Dispenser for discharging a chemical agent from a container coupled to the dispenser
CN201980010718.XA CN111655110B (en) 2018-01-30 2019-01-08 Dispenser for discharging chemical agents from a container coupled to the dispenser
MX2020005153A MX2020005153A (en) 2018-01-30 2019-01-08 Dispenser for discharging a chemical agent from a container coupled to the dispenser.
AU2019215585A AU2019215585B2 (en) 2018-01-30 2019-01-08 Dispenser for discharging a chemical agent from a container coupled to the dispenser
ZA2020/02995A ZA202002995B (en) 2018-01-30 2020-05-21 Dispenser for discharging a chemical agent from a container coupled to the dispenser
CONC2020/0006717A CO2020006717A2 (en) 2018-01-30 2020-05-29 Dispenser to discharge a chemical agent from a container attached to the dispenser
CL2020001770A CL2020001770A1 (en) 2018-01-30 2020-07-01 Dispenser for discharging a chemical agent from a container attached to the dispenser.

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP18154080.8A EP3517016B1 (en) 2018-01-30 2018-01-30 Dispenser for delivering a chemical agent from a container linked to the dispenser

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3517016A1 EP3517016A1 (en) 2019-07-31
EP3517016B1 true EP3517016B1 (en) 2023-07-12

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP18154080.8A Active EP3517016B1 (en) 2018-01-30 2018-01-30 Dispenser for delivering a chemical agent from a container linked to the dispenser

Country Status (21)

Country Link
US (1) US11974713B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3517016B1 (en)
CN (1) CN111655110B (en)
AU (1) AU2019215585B2 (en)
BR (1) BR112020010270A2 (en)
CA (1) CA3084727A1 (en)
CL (1) CL2020001770A1 (en)
CO (1) CO2020006717A2 (en)
EA (1) EA202091823A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2960110T3 (en)
FI (1) FI3517016T3 (en)
HR (1) HRP20231222T1 (en)
HU (1) HUE063392T2 (en)
IL (1) IL276393B1 (en)
MX (1) MX2020005153A (en)
PL (1) PL3517016T3 (en)
PT (1) PT3517016T (en)
RS (1) RS64670B1 (en)
SI (1) SI3517016T1 (en)
WO (1) WO2019149479A1 (en)
ZA (1) ZA202002995B (en)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD1010349S1 (en) * 2018-01-25 2024-01-09 Hagleitner Hygiene International Gmbh Liquid dispenser
CN111067457B (en) * 2019-12-31 2021-09-21 佛山市顺德区美的洗涤电器制造有限公司 Dispenser for a dishwasher, door assembly for a dishwasher and dishwasher
EP3881739A1 (en) * 2020-03-18 2021-09-22 Hans Georg Hagleitner Dispenser with automatic tank emptying
WO2024008694A1 (en) 2022-07-04 2024-01-11 Meiko Maschinenbau Gmbh & Co. Kg Input unit for inputting liquid active ingredients into a cleaning device
DE102022128558A1 (en) * 2022-10-27 2024-05-02 Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa Dosing system with Hall sensor

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4020865A (en) * 1975-10-03 1977-05-03 Economics Laboratory, Inc. Remote powder detergent dispenser
US20070044820A1 (en) * 2005-08-30 2007-03-01 Johnsondiversey, Inc. Automatically configurable chemical dispensing system for cleaning equipment
DE102006043916A1 (en) * 2006-09-19 2008-03-27 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Water-conducting household appliance with a detergent dosing system and cartridge therefor
DE102007014425A1 (en) * 2007-03-22 2008-09-25 Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa Mobile dosing system for dispensing flowable or spreadable preparations
ITTO20070598A1 (en) * 2007-08-10 2009-02-11 Eltek Spa DISPENSER DEVICE, PARTICULARLY FOR HOUSEHOLD EQUIPMENT
DE102008009221A1 (en) * 2008-02-06 2009-08-13 Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg System for storing and dispensing liquid cleaning additive for high-pressure cleaning device
EP2296520B2 (en) * 2008-07-15 2022-10-12 Henkel AG & Co. KGaA Dosing system for a dishwasher
WO2010091782A1 (en) 2009-02-16 2010-08-19 Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa Cartridge
IT202000013432A1 (en) * 2020-06-05 2021-12-05 Eltek Spa WASHING AGENTS DISPENSER FOR DISHWASHERS

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EA202091823A1 (en) 2020-09-29
BR112020010270A2 (en) 2020-10-13
AU2019215585B2 (en) 2024-03-21
EP3517016A1 (en) 2019-07-31
SI3517016T1 (en) 2023-12-29
ZA202002995B (en) 2021-04-28
IL276393A (en) 2020-09-30
CN111655110A (en) 2020-09-11
PL3517016T3 (en) 2023-12-27
CN111655110B (en) 2023-07-21
US20210106204A1 (en) 2021-04-15
CO2020006717A2 (en) 2020-06-09
AU2019215585A1 (en) 2020-06-04
CA3084727A1 (en) 2019-08-08
WO2019149479A1 (en) 2019-08-08
US11974713B2 (en) 2024-05-07
IL276393B1 (en) 2024-05-01
MX2020005153A (en) 2020-10-14
FI3517016T3 (en) 2023-10-06
PT3517016T (en) 2023-10-03
RS64670B1 (en) 2023-11-30
HRP20231222T1 (en) 2024-01-19
HUE063392T2 (en) 2024-01-28
CL2020001770A1 (en) 2020-10-02
ES2960110T3 (en) 2024-02-29

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