EP3581698A1 - Detergent dispensing device for a plurality of washing processes in an automatic washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a detergent dispensing device (1) for a plurality of wash cycles in an automatic washing machine, comprising a storage element (2) with a plurality of closed detergent chambers (3a, 3b, ...) and a dispensing element (4) with at least one opening means (5) for at least one detergent chamber (3a, 3b, ...) of the storage element (2); wherein the supply element (2) and the dispensing element (4) are operatively connected to one another in such a way that they can be manually rotated relative to one another with a first relative movement (R1) and can be moved manually towards and away from one another with a second relative movement (R2); a detergent chamber (3a, 3b, ...) can be selected for a wash cycle with the first relative movement (R1), and the selected detergent chamber (3a, 3b, ...) can be opened with the second relative movement (R2).

Description

The invention relates to the technical field of automatic washing machines, in particular for laundry or dishes. Such washing machines are now widely used, particularly in private households.

Automatic washing machines require detergent for each wash cycle; the detergent is typically provided in liquid, powder or tab form. However, supplying the automatic washing machines with detergent has still not been completely satisfactorily resolved.

A very widespread principle is based on simple detergent drawers, which have to be refilled for each individual wash cycle. The detergent is then automatically flushed into the washroom. This principle, which is particularly well-known in washing machines for laundry, does not require any manipulations in the washroom, but is obviously complex for the user and is disadvantageous for this reason alone. Dosing errors can also occur, the detergent can be poured into the wrong compartment in the drawer, or the wrong detergent can be used.

A further principle is known, particularly in washing machines for dishes, which is based on compartments arranged in the washroom. These compartments are often located in the front door of the washing machine. The detergent is placed in the compartment for each wash cycle by the user, for example in the form of a tab. The compartment is then opened automatically during the wash cycle and the detergent is released. The manipulation required in the washroom to place the detergent is also not very convenient for the user.

Various principles have already been proposed in order to avoid dosing the detergent for each individual wash cycle.

From the document DE 199 34 593 a device for dispensing detergent into a washing machine is known which has at least two separate compartments with detergent. There is also an opening device for the chambers; the opening of the chambers is initiated by conditions inside the washing machine that only occur during the washing process (for example, due to an increase in temperature or due to centrifugal forces). The chambers are opened using hydraulically operated opening devices. The position of the opening device is then automatically changed so that another neighboring chamber can be opened when reactivated. The device is mechanically very complex in detail. In addition, there is no feedback to the user before the wash cycle is completed whether detergent has been released correctly; this can only be assessed via the washing result and / or by inspecting the dispenser or the condition of the seal itself.

The document WO 2006/021764 describes another system for dispensing detergent, which is based on a plurality of chambers. It is essential in this system that a common outlet is provided for these several chambers, this outlet only permitting a flow in one direction. This is to ensure that there is essentially no backflow into an unselected chamber. Sealed individual chambers can thus be dispensed with; However, this system is also mechanically very complex in detail. In addition, this device also does not allow immediate feedback to the user as to whether detergent has been released correctly.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome the above-described disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, a detergent dispensing device is to be proposed which is easy to use and mechanically reliable, and which also gives the user confidence in the reliable release of the detergent.

This object is achieved with a detergent dispenser, a storage element for such a detergent dispenser and a set containing such a detergent dispenser according to the independent claims.

• Mit einer ersten Relativbewegung sind das Abgabeelement und das Vorratselement manuell gegeneinander verdrehbar, wobei mit dieser ersten Relativbewegung eine Waschmittelkammer für einen Waschgang anwählbar ist;
• mit einer zweiten Relativbewegung sind das Abgabeelement und das Vorratselement manuell aufeinander zu bzw. voneinander weg bewegbar, wobei mit dieser zweiten Relativbewegung die angewählte Waschmittelkammer offenbar ist.

A detergent dispenser according to the invention is designed for a plurality of wash cycles in an automatic washing machine. On the one hand, it comprises a storage element which has a plurality of closed detergent chambers. The detergent compartments have one (or more / different) detergents, which can typically be liquid, pasty, granular, powdered or tablet-shaped. Furthermore, the device comprises a dispensing element, this dispensing element having at least one opening means for at least one detergent chamber of the storage element. The storage element and the dispensing element are operatively connected to one another in such a way that they interact with one another as follows:

• The dispensing element and the storage element can be manually rotated relative to one another with a first relative movement, a detergent chamber for a wash cycle being selectable with this first relative movement;
• with a second relative movement the dispensing element and the storage element can be moved manually towards or away from each other, the selected detergent chamber being evident with this second relative movement.

In this context, “rotatable relative to one another” is understood to mean a relative movement in which the parts can be rotated relative to one another on a common (imaginary or, preferably, real) axis.

The mechanism of action of the detergent dispensing device is therefore essentially based on two different relative movements into which the dispensing element and the storage element of the detergent dispensing device can be set. In the context of the invention, these relative movements are particularly preferably carried out manually by the user; they are independent of the specific conditions prevailing in the washroom, such as temperature, centrifugal forces, pressure of the laundry, or the like. The detergent dispensing device according to the invention also does completely without hydraulically operated opening means or adjusting means. All processes are very intuitive to understand for the user and can be solved mechanically very easily, as will be explained in detail below. In particular, the relative movements can be carried out manually before the detergent dispensing device is introduced Immediate feedback to the user in the washroom about the correct selection or the correct opening of a detergent dispenser for the upcoming wash cycle.

When choosing the material for the components of the detergent dispenser, the respective operating conditions of the washing machine must be taken into account. The materials are to be selected so that they often survive typical washing cycles. This applies in particular to the dispensing element, which, after a first supply element has been completely used up, can and should be used with a further replacement supply element, as will be explained in detail below. Suitable materials are familiar to the person skilled in the art. In particular, the following are considered: polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), fluoroethylene propylene (FEP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), polycarbonate (PC), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polyoxymethylene (POM ), Polyamide (PA), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyether sulfone (PES). The use of PE, PP and PVC is particularly preferred. Such materials can be used to design a detergent dispensing device that is sufficiently stable mechanically, thermally and chemically on the one hand, and on the other hand also has a pleasant feel, using routine routine measures. The materials mentioned can be processed in a manner known per se using injection molding processes.

Hierbei bezeichnet V_p das Volumen des Körpers und A_p die Oberfläche des Körpers (betrachtet wird hierbei im Rahmen der Erfindung jeweils die äussere Hüllfläche); entsprechend ergibt sich für eine perfekte Kugelform eine Sphärizität Ψ = 1.In a preferred embodiment, the detergent dispensing device is essentially spherical. A sphericity of> 0.8, preferably of> 0.85, particularly preferably of> 0.9 is particularly preferred. The sphericity is a parameter for how spherical a body is and can be calculated as follows: $$\mathrm{\Psi }=\frac{{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="1"\; label="\pi "\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">\pi </figure-callout>}}^{\frac{1}{3}}{\left(6{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="V\; p"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">V\; </figure-callout>}}_p\right)}^{\frac{2}{3}}}{A_p}$$

Here V _p denotes the volume of the body and A _p the surface of the body (the outer envelope surface is considered in each case within the scope of the invention); accordingly, a sphericity Ψ = 1 results for a perfect spherical shape.

The approximate spherical shape of the detergent dispenser supports easy handling for the user, in particular when carrying out the two aforementioned Relative movements. In the simplest case, the storage element and the dispensing element are (approximately) spherical segments which (approximately) are assembled to form a sphere. In particular, in a region of the dispensing element facing away from the storage element, a certain flattening can be provided, as a result of which the detergent dispensing device (without impairing the approximate spherical shape) has a standing surface which prevents unwanted rolling away when not in use. An at least approximately spherical shape is also advantageous during the washing process. The detergent dispenser is particularly preferably designed such that it can advantageously move freely in the washroom during the washing process; in particular, it does not have mechanical fasteners for anchoring in the washroom. Due to the free mobility in the washroom, a complete release of the detergent is supported in a particularly simple manner, whereby due to the spherical shape there are no adverse effects on the laundry to be feared.

The individual detergent chambers of the storage element can all have the same volume, but they can also have different volumes. In preferred embodiments, the storage element has chambers with volumes between 5 ml and 100 ml, preferably between 8 ml and 80 ml, particularly preferably between 10 ml and 60 ml.

In a preferred embodiment of the detergent dispensing device, the detergent chambers of the storage element are closed with sealing film. In particular, metal foils and plastic foils come into consideration as materials for the sealing foil; e.g. aluminum, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The sealing film can be attached to openings in the detergent dispensing device in a manner known per se, for example by gluing or plastic welding. A single sealing film particularly preferably seals all the detergent compartments. This can be brought about in a particularly simple manner in that all the detergent chambers have openings which lie essentially in one plane. In this way, a sealing film can be placed in a planar manner over all openings in the detergent compartments and connected to the boundaries of the detergent compartment openings. It is particularly preferred here if the individual detergent compartments have common walls; in this way the procedural effort when applying the sealing film can be reduced.

In preferred embodiments of the detergent dispenser, the sealing film has weakening, which facilitates the later opening for releasing the detergent. The weakenings are particularly preferably provided along the walls of the detergent chamber, in particular completely circumferentially. In this way, the largest possible opening of the chambers can be realized in a particularly simple manner. The sealing film can be weakened in a manner known per se, for example by means of laser perforation, flame perforation or punched perforation. In principle, however, other measures are also suitable to ensure the directional opening of the sealing film. For example, foils (individually or as a multi-layer composite) are also suitable which have a straight-line tear behavior.

The detergent dispensing device further preferably has a dispensing element which is essentially trough-shaped. The trough opening is preferably oriented toward the storage element. In this way, a particularly simple and intuitive system can be implemented, in particular with a flattened delivery element as already described above. If the storage element and the dispensing element are moved towards each other by means of the second relative movement, a (the selected) detergent chamber is opened and the detergent in the detergent chamber can emerge from the detergent chamber. Because of the simplicity of the manipulation to be carried out, the user hardly needs time for the second relative movement. The detergent dispenser only has to be pressed together quickly (after the selection of a detergent chamber by means of the first relative movement). The opening of the detergent compartments is perceived haptically and / or acoustically by the user, which has proven to inspire confidence and promotes the acceptance of the system. There is immediate certainty that detergent will be available on the next wash. The user now only has to place the washing ball in the washing machine and start the washing cycle. The entire manipulation of the detergent dispenser before use typically takes no more than about one to two seconds. In such a short period of time there is no relevant risk that detergent is poured out uncontrollably through the dispensing element into the open (instead of into the washroom).

The dispensing element can also have dispensing openings. The discharge openings are preferably designed to point away from the storage element. The dispensing openings are provided alone or in addition to a slot between the dispensing element and the storage element in order to allow the detergent to exit into the washroom. The geometry of the dispensing openings can be adapted to the detergent (s) used and can be, for example, round, oval or with a polygonal cross section. The delivery openings are particularly preferably designed as delivery slots; in this way the largest possible area of the dispensing element can be made available for dispensing the detergent into the washroom.

In further preferred embodiments of the detergent dispensing device, the first relative movement is mediated by a locking mechanism. The number of stages of the locking mechanism advantageously corresponds to the number of detergent compartments of the storage element. A locking mechanism in turn supports the handling of the system particularly easily and promotes user acceptance. The latching mechanism can be provided either in a central area or in a peripheral area of the detergent dispensing device, as will be explained below with reference to the exemplary embodiments.

Alternatively, but less preferred, other mechanisms for selecting a storage chamber by means of the first relative movement (rotation) are also conceivable. For example, if the storage element and outlet element can be freely rotated relative to one another, the selection of a detergent chamber could be provided by means of a mechanical lock, for example by means of a split pin or bracket.

The preferred latching mechanism is advantageously formed by interacting, essentially complementary elements of the storage element and the dispensing element. These elements can be formed particularly easily by injection molding. In terms of design, it is particularly preferred if the complementary elements are, on the one hand, an outer polygon provided in particular on the dispensing element and, on the other hand, a particular one the inner polygon provided on the storage element. In this case, an advantageous latching behavior can be set in particular via the choice of material. It has proven to be particularly advantageous if a harder material is chosen for the complementary element on the dispensing element than for that on the storage element. This takes into account both the intended longer period of use of the dispensing element and the better haptic feedback.

With regard to the second relative movement, it has proven to be advantageous if it is supported by a resilient element, in particular a spiral spring, or has to be carried out against the force of a resilient element, in particular a spiral spring. This also supports the ease of use. The reset after opening a detergent dispenser takes place automatically, however mechanically as inexpensively as possible and unaffected by malfunctions.

The storage element and the dispensing element are preferably connected to one another via a coupling, in particular a detachable coupling. Screw connections, bayonet locks, impact locks or snap locks are particularly suitable for this. Screw closures are particularly easy to implement mechanically. Bayonet locks in turn allow advantageous haptic feedback, which increases the manageability and acceptance of the system. With a detachable coupling, a system can be implemented in a particularly simple manner in which the user holds the dispensing element for use with several storage elements. When all detergent compartments of a storage element have been used up, the coupling can be released and the old storage element can be replaced by a new one.

Alternatively, a coupling can also be used, which is not designed to be easily detachable by the user; for this purpose, for example, expansion pins that are anchored in the recess. In this case, the entire detergent dispenser is disposed of as soon as all detergent compartments have been used.

In preferred embodiments, the opening means mentioned above is designed as a blade, in particular as a plastic blade. The shape and hardness of the cutting edge can be matched to the sealing film using routine, customary measures. which closes the detergent compartments. In addition or as an alternative, punctually acting opening means can also be used, for example mandrels.

The cutting edge of the blade, in particular the plastic blade, is further preferably designed as a closed curve. In this way, the largest possible area of the sealing film can be opened in a particularly simple manner, which facilitates the exit of the detergent.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a storage element for a detergent dispensing device as described above, which can be used as a spare part with a dispensing element intended for repeated use. As already described, such a storage element has a plurality of closed detergent compartments filled with detergent. Furthermore, the storage element has a first element of a coupling for connection to an essentially complementary second element of the coupling on the delivery element, selected from the group consisting of an internal thread element, an external thread element, a male bayonet locking element, a female bayonet locking element, a buffer locking element, a snap locking element.

The storage element can also have a first locking element, preferably an inner polygon, which, when used as intended, interacts with a second, essentially complementary locking element of a dispensing element and forms a locking mechanism, as already described above.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a set which comprises a detergent dispenser, as described above, and at least one further storage element, as described above. With such initial equipment, the user immediately has another storage element available for replacement when all the detergent compartments of the first storage element (in particular preassembled on the dispensing device) have been used up.

The invention is explained in more detail below in exemplary embodiments with reference to figures, without the invention being restricted to these specific exemplary embodiments.

Figur 1:

Schematische Explosionszeichnung einer erfindungsgemässen Waschmittelabgabevorrichtung;

Figur 2:

Schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemässen Waschmittelabgabevorrichtung in montiertem Zustand;

Figur 3:

Schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemässen Abgabeelements in einer Seitenansicht;

Figur 4:

schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemässen Abgabeelements in einer Schrägansicht;

Figur 5:

Schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemässen Abgabeelements in einer Ansicht von unten.

Show it:

Figure 1:

Schematic exploded view of a detergent dispenser according to the invention;

Figure 2:

Schematic representation of a detergent dispenser according to the invention in the assembled state;

Figure 3:

Schematic representation of a dispensing element according to the invention in a side view;

Figure 4:

schematic representation of a dispensing element according to the invention in an oblique view;

Figure 5:

Schematic representation of a dispensing element according to the invention in a view from below.

Figure 1 shows a schematic exploded drawing of a detergent dispensing device 1 according to the invention. The storage element 2 can be seen in the upper area of the illustration. The storage element 2 is dome-shaped in the context of this exemplary embodiment. It has a plurality of detergent chambers 3a, 3b in its interior, which are separated from one another by trend walls T (only indicated schematically in the figure). The dispensing element 4 can be seen in the lower area of the illustration. It has a plurality of dispensing slots 9 on its outside, through which the detergent, which initially comes from the storage element 2 into the trough-shaped receiving area of the dispensing element 4, finally exits into the washroom. An outer polygon 11, which forms a first part of the latching mechanism, can also be seen. A complementary inner polygon is located on / in the storage element (not shown in the figure). The outer polygon has a plurality of surfaces 10, which represent steps of the locking mechanism. The dispensing element 4 furthermore has an opening means 5, the cutting edges S in particular being clearly visible in the illustration. The cutting edges are in the embodiment not exactly, but have a protrusion, which facilitates the separation of sealing films of the detergent chambers 3a, 3b of the storage element 2. At the bottom of the illustration, a rotary knob D can be seen, which has an elongated extension F. This extension F can be guided from below through the delivery element 4 and a spiral spring 13 and connected to a male part of a bayonet lock B. In the assembled state, the male part of the bayonet catch B is detachably connected to a complementary female part which is located in the lower region of the storage element 2 (not shown in the illustration).

Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a detergent dispensing device 1 according to the invention in the assembled state. The supply element 2 can again be seen in the upper area and the dispensing element 4 in the lower area. The first relative movement R ₁ (rotation of the storage element 2 relative to the dispensing element 4) is illustrated above the storage element 2. As a result, a detergent chamber 3a, 3b is first selected for the next wash cycle. There is a small distance d between the storage element 2 and the dispensing element 4. This distance enables the second relative movement R _{2 to be} carried out. This is done by simple and intuitive, manual pressing. During this relative movement R _2, the cutting edges S open the detergent chambers by opening the sealing film (not shown here).

Figure 3 shows again a dispensing element 4 in the state separated from the storage element 2. In this figure, the configuration of the male element of the bayonet lock B is particularly easy to understand. The spiral spring 13 makes it possible to move the bayonet lock together with the storage element 2 downward against the spring force of the spiral spring 13, so that the sealing film, which lies opposite the cutting edge S of the opening means 5, can be opened. If pressure is no longer exerted, the spiral spring 13 presses the supply element 2 or the dispensing element 4 back into its original position, and the small distance d is restored. Through this circumferential slot, in addition to the dispensing slots 9, the detergent can ultimately be dispensed into the washroom.

Figure 4 shows the dispensing element 4 in an oblique plan view. The outer polygon 11 as part of the latching mechanism and the male element of the bayonet catch B can again be seen, as can the delivery slots 9. The opening means 5 can be seen particularly well here; it has two V-shaped cutting edges S (highlighted by dashed lines). In the exemplary embodiment shown, this essentially corresponds to the contour of the opening of the detergent chambers, so that after opening the sealing film the largest possible opening for the outlet of the detergent results. Of course, the opening means 5 must be stable enough to withstand the pressure that occurs during the relative movement R ₂ against the resistance of the sealing film. Nevertheless, the detergent must flow as freely as possible. Accordingly, it is not possible to support the cutting edges, for example, with a wall that runs continuously downwards. It is therefore expedient in any case to provide a passage opening 14 through which the detergent initially flowing between the two cutting edges S can be distributed further throughout the dispensing element 4.

Figure 5 finally shows again the dispensing element 4 with the dispensing slots 9 in a view from below. The rotary knob D is already installed in this state. The direction of closure or opening of the rotary knob D for locking or unlocking the bayonet lock is indicated by the dashed arrow. The necessary vertical movement for locking or unlocking the bayonet lock can be carried out against the spring force of the spiral spring 13 (not shown here).

Claims (17)

Detergent dispenser (1) for a plurality of washes in an automatic washing machine, comprising - A storage element (2) with a plurality of closed detergent chambers (3a, 3b, ...), and - a dispensing element (4) with at least one opening means (5) for at least one detergent chamber (3a, 3b, ...) of the storage element (2); wherein the storage element (2) and the dispensing element (4) are operatively connected to one another in such a way that they - Can be manually rotated against each other with a first relative movement (R1), and - Can be moved manually towards or away from each other with a second relative movement (R2); in which - With the first relative movement (R1) a detergent chamber (3a, 3b, ...) can be selected for a wash cycle, and - With the second relative movement (R2) the selected detergent chamber (3a, 3b, ...) can be opened. Detergent dispenser (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it is substantially spherical, in particular with a sphericity of> 0.8, preferably of> 0.85, particularly preferably of> 0.9. Detergent dispenser (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the detergent chambers (3a, 3b, ...) of the storage element (2) are closed with sealing film (6). Detergent dispenser (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a single sealing film (6) closes all detergent compartments (3a, 3b, ...). Detergent dispenser (1) according to one of claims 3 or 4, wherein weakenings (7) along the detergent chamber walls (8a, 8b, ...) are provided in the sealing film (6). Detergent dispensing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the dispensing element (4) is substantially trough-shaped, and wherein the trough opening is oriented toward the storage element (2). Detergent dispenser (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the dispensing element (4) has dispensing openings, in particular dispensing slots (9). Detergent dispenser (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first relative movement (R1) is mediated by a locking mechanism. Detergent dispenser (1) according to claim 8, wherein the number of steps (10a, 10b, ...) of the locking mechanism corresponds to the number of detergent chambers (3a, 3b, ...) of the storage element (2). Detergent dispenser (1) according to one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the locking mechanism is formed by mutually interacting, essentially complementary elements of the storage element (2) and the dispensing element (4). Detergent dispensing device (1) according to claim 10, wherein the complementary elements are an outer polygon (11) provided in particular on the dispensing element and an inner polygon (12) provided in particular on the storage element. Detergent dispenser (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the second relative movement (R2) is supported by a resilient element, in particular a spiral spring (13), or carried out against the force of a resilient element, in particular a spiral spring (13) got to. Detergent dispenser (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the storage element (2) and the dispensing element (4) via a releasable coupling (K) are connected to each other, which is selected from the group consisting of screw connections, bayonet lock, bounce lock, snap lock. Detergent dispenser (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the opening means (5) is designed as a plastic blade. Detergent dispenser (1) according to claim 14, wherein the cutting edge (S) of the plastic blade is designed as a closed curve. Storage element (4) for a detergent dispenser (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15, with - a plurality of closed detergent compartments (3a, 3b, ...) filled with detergent (W); - A first element of a coupling (K) for connection to a substantially complementary second element of the coupling on the delivery element (4), selected from the group consisting of an internal thread element, an external thread element, a male bayonet locking element, a female bayonet locking element, a bump locking element, a snap locking element; - Optional: a first locking element, preferably an inner polygon (12), which, when used as intended, interacts with a second, essentially complementary locking element of a delivery element (4) and forms a locking mechanism. Set comprising at least one detergent dispensing device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 15, comprising a storage element (2) and a dispensing element (4); and at least one further storage element according to claim 16.

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