EP3581698A1 - Dispositif de distribution de détergent pour une pluralité de cycles de lavage dans un lave-linge automatique - Google Patents

Dispositif de distribution de détergent pour une pluralité de cycles de lavage dans un lave-linge automatique Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3581698A1
EP3581698A1 EP18177380.5A EP18177380A EP3581698A1 EP 3581698 A1 EP3581698 A1 EP 3581698A1 EP 18177380 A EP18177380 A EP 18177380A EP 3581698 A1 EP3581698 A1 EP 3581698A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
detergent
dispensing
storage element
relative movement
detergent dispenser
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP18177380.5A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Dieter REICHENSTEIN
Hartmut Kilian
Eliane SANTELLI
Rebecca REBECCA FEIGE
Nicole LÜTZELSCHWAB
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.)
Mifa AG Frenkedorf
Original Assignee
Mifa AG Frenkedorf
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
Application filed by Mifa AG Frenkedorf filed Critical Mifa AG Frenkedorf
Priority to EP18177380.5A priority Critical patent/EP3581698A1/fr
Publication of EP3581698A1 publication Critical patent/EP3581698A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • 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
    • D06F39/024—Devices for adding soap or other washing agents mounted on the agitator or the rotating drum; Free body dispensers
    • 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

Definitions

  • 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.
  • a device for dispensing detergent into a washing machine which has at least two separate compartments with detergent.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • a detergent dispensing device which is easy to use and mechanically reliable, and which also gives the user confidence in the reliable release of the detergent.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • polypropylene polyethylene
  • PE polyethylene
  • PVC polyvinyl chloride
  • FEP fluoroethylene propylene
  • PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene
  • CSM chlorosulfonated polyethylene
  • PC polycarbonate
  • TPE thermoplastic elastomer
  • POM polyoxymethylene
  • PA Polyamide
  • ABS acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene
  • PES polyether sulfone
  • 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.
  • 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 approximate spherical shape of the detergent dispenser supports easy handling for the user, in particular when carrying out the two aforementioned Relative movements.
  • the storage element and the dispensing element are (approximately) spherical segments which (approximately) are assembled to form a sphere.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the detergent chambers of the storage element are closed with sealing film.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • a storage chamber by means of the first relative movement (rotation)
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the entire detergent dispenser is disposed of as soon as all detergent compartments have been used.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • a storage element has a plurality of closed detergent compartments filled with detergent.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • FIG. 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.
  • a detergent chamber 3a, 3b is first selected for the next wash cycle.
  • the cutting edges S open the detergent chambers by opening the sealing film (not shown here).
  • FIG. 3 shows again a dispensing element 4 in the state separated from the storage element 2.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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).

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
EP18177380.5A 2018-06-12 2018-06-12 Dispositif de distribution de détergent pour une pluralité de cycles de lavage dans un lave-linge automatique Withdrawn EP3581698A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP18177380.5A EP3581698A1 (fr) 2018-06-12 2018-06-12 Dispositif de distribution de détergent pour une pluralité de cycles de lavage dans un lave-linge automatique

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP18177380.5A EP3581698A1 (fr) 2018-06-12 2018-06-12 Dispositif de distribution de détergent pour une pluralité de cycles de lavage dans un lave-linge automatique

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3581698A1 true EP3581698A1 (fr) 2019-12-18

Family

ID=62620792

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP18177380.5A Withdrawn EP3581698A1 (fr) 2018-06-12 2018-06-12 Dispositif de distribution de détergent pour une pluralité de cycles de lavage dans un lave-linge automatique

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3581698A1 (fr)

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19934593A1 (de) 1999-07-23 2001-01-25 Benckiser Nv Vorrichtung zur Aufnahme und dosierten Abgabe mindestens einer aktiven Zusammensetzung in eine Waschmaschine, einen Wäschetrockner oder eine Geschirrspülmaschine
GB2386129A (en) * 2002-03-06 2003-09-10 Reckitt Benckiser Nv Detergent dosing device for a dishwasher
DE102004020476A1 (de) * 2004-04-26 2005-11-17 Aweco Appliance Systems Gmbh & Co. Kg Vorrichtung zur dosierten Abgabe wenigstens einer aktiven Substanz in den Arbeitsraum einer Haushaltsmaschine
WO2006021764A1 (fr) 2004-08-23 2006-03-02 Reckitt Benckiser N.V. Dispositif de distribution de détergent
WO2008053175A1 (fr) * 2006-10-30 2008-05-08 Reckitt Benckiser N.V. Dispositif de distribution de détergent à multiples dosages
US20100071777A1 (en) * 2008-09-24 2010-03-25 Christopher Lawrence Smith Methods and Apparatuses for Dispensing Fluids
DE102009029446A1 (de) * 2009-09-14 2011-03-24 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Wasserführendes Haushaltsgerät
WO2011134690A1 (fr) * 2010-04-29 2011-11-03 Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa Système de dosage à utiliser avec un appareil électro-ménager fonctionnant avec de l'eau tel qu'un lave-linge, un lave-vaisselle, un sèche-linge ou analogue
WO2013113576A1 (fr) * 2012-02-02 2013-08-08 Unilever N.V. Dispositif permettant un dosage automatique d'un détergent de lavage de vaisselle

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19934593A1 (de) 1999-07-23 2001-01-25 Benckiser Nv Vorrichtung zur Aufnahme und dosierten Abgabe mindestens einer aktiven Zusammensetzung in eine Waschmaschine, einen Wäschetrockner oder eine Geschirrspülmaschine
GB2386129A (en) * 2002-03-06 2003-09-10 Reckitt Benckiser Nv Detergent dosing device for a dishwasher
DE102004020476A1 (de) * 2004-04-26 2005-11-17 Aweco Appliance Systems Gmbh & Co. Kg Vorrichtung zur dosierten Abgabe wenigstens einer aktiven Substanz in den Arbeitsraum einer Haushaltsmaschine
WO2006021764A1 (fr) 2004-08-23 2006-03-02 Reckitt Benckiser N.V. Dispositif de distribution de détergent
WO2008053175A1 (fr) * 2006-10-30 2008-05-08 Reckitt Benckiser N.V. Dispositif de distribution de détergent à multiples dosages
US20100071777A1 (en) * 2008-09-24 2010-03-25 Christopher Lawrence Smith Methods and Apparatuses for Dispensing Fluids
DE102009029446A1 (de) * 2009-09-14 2011-03-24 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Wasserführendes Haushaltsgerät
WO2011134690A1 (fr) * 2010-04-29 2011-11-03 Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa Système de dosage à utiliser avec un appareil électro-ménager fonctionnant avec de l'eau tel qu'un lave-linge, un lave-vaisselle, un sèche-linge ou analogue
WO2013113576A1 (fr) * 2012-02-02 2013-08-08 Unilever N.V. Dispositif permettant un dosage automatique d'un détergent de lavage de vaisselle

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3140211B1 (fr) Dispositif de mélange et de fermeture destiné à un récipient
DE60129119T2 (de) Mehrfachdosierpumpe
EP0787655B2 (fr) Dispositif pour vider un sac tubulaire
DE60131285T2 (de) Vorrichtung zur wiederholten abgabe von mediendosen
EP2497721A1 (fr) Cartouche comprenant plusieurs composantes
CH692194A5 (de) Verpackung.
DE2739893A1 (de) Zusammendrueckbare flasche aus elastisch verformbarem material
EP1676791B1 (fr) Emballage distributeur comportant des chambres axialement alignées pour matière plastique à plusieurs composants
EP3110715B1 (fr) Appareil de distribution comportant une paroi d'enveloppe périphérique
EP1140259A1 (fr) Ampoule multichambre servant a distribuer un melange constitue de plusieurs substances
DE112007003620T5 (de) Chemikalienmischbehälter mit elastischer Trennwand
EP0636104B1 (fr) Agencement pour le remplissage d'un recipient
EP1806184A2 (fr) Cartouche pour dispositif de décharge
EP1703831B1 (fr) Distributeur, notamment distributeur doseur et unité de distribution pour introduir dans le distributeur
EP3581698A1 (fr) Dispositif de distribution de détergent pour une pluralité de cycles de lavage dans un lave-linge automatique
WO2015039709A1 (fr) Bouchon de fermeture destiné à être agencé sur un contenant à liquides
WO2011073251A1 (fr) Cartouche avec bouchon de fermeture
EP3197609A1 (fr) Dispositif d'application de matière à plusieurs composants
EP3297701A1 (fr) Contenant pour concentré de dialyse
DE20304148U1 (de) Tablettenspender
AT517987B1 (de) Verschluss
DE102015120386A1 (de) Dosiergerät
WO2005006931A1 (fr) Distributeur pour des milieux liquides ou pateux
EP1977979A1 (fr) Tête de pulvérisation, en particulier pour un atomiseur
EP3652083A1 (fr) Fermeture de récipient dotée d'une capsule standard

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20200619