EP3847947A1 - Metering device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a metering device for the metered introduction of a pourable cleaning agent into a treatment room (4) of a program-controlled cleaning device, in particular a dishwasher (1), with a housing (44), a storage container (8) serving to accommodate the cleaning agent and one inside the Housing (44) rotatably arranged about an axis of rotation (11) support unit (9) which exchangeably accommodates the storage container (8) and by means of which the storage container (8) can be transferred from a basic position to a metering position and vice versa, the storage container (8) has a storage chamber (12) and a metering channel (14) opening into a metering opening (15), as well as with a discharge channel (19) opening into the treatment room (4) with a discharge opening (21), which is in the case of a storage container ( 8) is in fluidic operative connection with the metering channel (14), the Ausle has an inlet opening (20) on the dosing channel side, the housing (44) having an air inlet (43) for drying air.

Description

The invention relates to a metering device for the metered introduction of a pourable, e.g. powdery and / or granular, cleaning agent into a treatment room of a program-controlled cleaning device, in particular a dishwasher, with a housing, a storage container serving to accommodate the cleaning agent and a storage container within the housing about an axis of rotation Pivotably arranged carrying unit which exchangeably accommodates the storage container and by means of which the storage container can be transferred from a basic position to a metering position and vice versa, the storage container having a storage chamber and a metering channel opening into a metering opening, as well as a discharge channel opening into the treatment room with a discharge opening , which is in fluidic operative connection with the dosing channel when the reservoir is in the dosing position, the discharge channel on the dosing channel side has an introduction opening.

A dosing device of the generic type is from EP 3 305 159 B1 known.

Cleaning devices, in particular dishwashers, typically have a washing compartment that provides a treatment area, also called a washing area. This treatment space is accessible to the user via a loading opening which can be closed in a fluid-tight manner by means of a pivotably mounted wash-up chamber door. In the intended use, the washing container serves to hold items to be cleaned, which in the case of a dishwasher can be, for example, dishes, cutlery and / or the like.

To achieve an optimized cleaning result, use is made of process chemicals that are supplied to the washing chamber during a cleaning process, typically as an addition to the washing liquid used. Process chemicals of this type are, for example, cleaning agents which are added to the washing area of the cleaning device in a program-controlled manner at a specific point in time during the program sequence.

According to a previously known construction that has proven itself in everyday practical use, a metering device provided on the inside of the wash cabinet door, which has a storage chamber, is used to hold pourable cleaning agents. This storage chamber is designed to be open and has a pivotable cover to close the open side. The cover is under the action of a spring and, as a result, endeavors to pivot into its open position, that is to say into a position that releases the volume of the storage chamber.

When the wash cabinet door is open, the storage chamber of the dosing device, which is formed on the inside of the door, is accessible to the user. After a manual filling with cleaning agent for a cleaning cycle, the closure cover has to be closed by the user against the spring force acting on it. The wash cabinet door can then be closed and a wash program started as intended. During the washing program, the locking of the closure cover is released under program control, as a result of which the closure cover is pivoted into its open position due to the spring force acting on it. The cleaning agent stored within the chamber can now be completely flushed out and get into the washing area provided by the washing container.

Furthermore, devices are known from the prior art which can accommodate pourable cleaning agent for a plurality of consecutive cleaning cycles, for example from FIG DE 38 35 719 A1 which relates to a device for adding granular detergent. This known device has a storage container which houses granular cleaning agent in an amount which is sufficient for a plurality of cleaning cycles. The device has a rotatable dosing device with two dosing receptacles for the portion-wise dosing of detergent. To discharge the cleaning agent that has been taken up, both receptacles each have a receptacle base that can be moved in the manner of a piston. In the event of a discharge, this moves in a translatory manner, so that cleaning agent previously taken up can be expelled and transferred to an intermediate chamber, from where it can then be transported further into the treatment room.

The one from the DE 38 35 719 A1 Known device adheres in particular to the proportion that the cleaning agent in the intended use case in the constructively unavoidable gap between the movable parts of the device arrives, which leads to leaks. Moisture originating from the washing area can therefore migrate up to the storage container, where undesired clumping of detergent can occur, which can lead to an operating failure of the entire cleaning device.

The prior art also includes the one already mentioned above EP 3 305 159 B1 a metering device for storing pourable cleaning agent for a plurality of consecutive cleaning cycles is known, to which the disadvantages of the DE 38 35 719 A1 prior art device does not adhere. This from the EP 3 305 159 B1 The known metering device relates to a generic metering device.

The generic metering device according to the EP 3 305 159 B1 has a storage container for storing cleaning agents. Furthermore, the dosing device has a support unit which is arranged to be rotatable about an axis of rotation. This takes the storage container interchangeably.

The storage container for its part has a storage chamber and a metering channel opening into a metering opening. In the case of dosing, the support unit and thus also the storage container received by it rotates, as a result of which cleaning agents housed in the storage chamber of the storage container are discharged through the dosing channel fluidically connected to the storage chamber. By means of the carrying unit, the storage container can therefore be transferred from a basic position to a metering position and vice versa, with the detergent being discharged in the metering position of the storage container.

The metering device furthermore has a discharge channel which, in the case of metering, is in fluidic operative connection with the metering channel. This discharge channel has an introduction opening on the dosing channel side and an discharge opening opposite the introduction opening, which discharge opening opens into the treatment room.

The discharge channel after the EP 3 305 159 B1 is designed in two parts and has a fixed pipe section on the one hand and a flexible pipe section on the other. The flexible pipe section can consist of a Rest position can be pivoted into a metering position and vice versa. In the metering position, the flexible pipe section is in fluidic communication with the stationary pipe section, so that cleaning agent dispensed from the storage container can pass through the metering channel and then through the discharge channel into the treatment room. In the non-metering case, the flexible pipe section of the discharge channel is in the rest position, in which it is fluidically decoupled from the fixed pipe section of the discharge channel.

The flexible design of the second pipe section of the discharge channel has the advantage that, in the event of non-dosing, a fluidic decoupling of the first pipe section and the second pipe section is achieved, which prevents any moisture in the flexible pipe section from migrating up to the storage container of the dosing device.

Although this embodiment described above has proven itself in everyday practical use, a fixed discharge channel, that is not equipped with a flexible pipe section, has been proposed to simplify the construction. In order to protect the storage container from an unwanted entry of liquid, a closure device which interacts with the inward opening of the outward transfer channel has been proposed. In the case of non-dosing, this closes the infeed opening of the outfeed channel. In this way, the storage container and the cleaning agent stored therefrom are protected against unwanted entry of liquid.

As has been shown, despite the closure device for the infeed opening, moisture can migrate up to the storage container or occur within the metering device as a result of temperature fluctuations due to condensation. Since the cleaning agent is encapsulated in the storage container, there is no problem of the cleaning agent clumping due to the entry of moisture, but the condensation water surrounding the storage container is visible to a user from the outside, so that the erroneous impression of a leak can arise. Incorrect operation on the part of the user can be a disadvantageous consequence, which must be avoided. It is particularly important to protect a user from having a storage container that has not yet been completely emptied in exchange for a new storage container to be replaced because, due to the condensation that may develop, the user has the erroneous opinion that the cleaning agent stored in it could clump inside the storage container.

Based on what has been described above, the object of the invention is therefore to further develop a metering device of the generic type in such a way that it is structurally simpler for the user to handle.

To achieve this object, the invention proposes a metering device of the type mentioned at the outset, which is characterized in that the housing has an air inlet for drying air.

According to the invention, the housing of the metering device that houses the storage container has an air inlet. In the intended use, this air inlet serves to introduce drying air, whereby moisture in the housing, for example due to condensation effects, is advantageously removed and / or driven out of the housing. As a result of this construction, it is advantageous that water that may collect in the housing of the dispenser can be removed from the housing promptly after its formation and / or accumulation and the interior of the housing can thus be drained. This ensures that the entry of water into the housing of the metering device, which is perceived as harmful by a user, is avoided, for example due to the formation of condensation. Any operating errors otherwise resulting from this on the part of the user are thus prevented at the same time, which results in overall improved handling for the user.

The introduction of drying air into the housing of the dispenser can take place at different times of a wash program. In this respect, it is advantageously permitted not only to be able to drive out of the housing such water that is produced by condensation, but also such water that rises from the treatment room into the housing of the dispenser due to unavoidable micro-leaks. In this respect, thanks to the configuration according to the invention, a synergetic effect is established. This is because it not only counteracts the formation of condensation inside the housing, but also an unwanted entry of moisture from the treatment room.

According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided that the air inlet is fluidically connected to a fan that promotes drying air. According to this proposal of the invention, a fan is used. If necessary, this is preferably switched on in a program-controlled manner and, when in operation, specifically conveys drying air through the air inlet into the housing of the dosing device. The use of such a fan results in, depending on the performance of the fan, an increased amount of drying air being introduced into the housing of the metering device, which results in accelerated drying.

The fan that is preferably to be provided can be a separate fan that is provided exclusively for feeding drying air into the housing of the metering device in the manner already described if necessary. Alternatively, and in particular for reasons of cost, preference is given to using a fan that is already installed in the cleaning device to convey drying air. Such a fan which is already present can in particular be the drying fan of the cleaning device. With this drying fan, according to its primary task, fresh air is sucked in in a manner known per se during the DRYING program section and guided along an outer wall of the washing compartment. The condensation drying in the washing compartment is supported by the cooling capacity of the drying air flow. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, part of the drying air flow conveyed by this fan is branched off and directed to the air inlet of the housing of the dispensing device. In this case, it is provided according to a further feature of the invention that the fan is connected to the air inlet with an air duct being interposed in terms of flow technology. In this respect, no separate fan connected directly to the air inlet is provided. Instead, a drying fan, which is provided by the cleaning device in any case, is preferably used, which is connected at one end to an air duct for the purpose of fluidic connection with the air inlet. At the other end, the air duct ends at the air inlet.

According to a further feature of the invention it is provided that the housing has an air outlet for drying air. When used as intended, drying air previously introduced into the housing is expelled via this air outlet. The housing is flowed through by drying air, the drying air is introduced into the housing via the air inlet and led out of the housing via the air outlet. When passing through the housing, the drying air absorbs moisture in the housing and / or drives it out via the air outlet. In this case, drying air flows around a storage container accommodated by the housing of the dosing device, so that drying air flows around the storage container on all sides. Effective drying of both the housing interior and the storage container housed therein is thus ensured in an advantageous manner.

According to a further feature of the invention it is provided that the housing has a further air outlet for drying air. Accordingly, it is provided that the housing has a first and a second air outlet. In terms of the method, a distinction can therefore be made as to whether drying air previously introduced into the housing leaves the housing via the first air inlet or the second air inlet.

In this context, it is provided according to a further feature of the invention that the air outlet or - in the case of two air outlets - the further air outlet is provided through the inlet opening of the discharge channel. This embodiment has the advantage that when the drying air is expelled via the further air outlet or the introduction opening, the discharge channel is also dried. This is because the further air inlet is preferably formed by the introduction opening into the discharge channel, so that drying air introduced into the housing of the dosing device via the air inlet leaves the housing via the introduction opening into the discharge channel, from where it passes through the discharge opening of the discharge channel into the treatment room of the cleaning device got. In this respect, when drying air is discharged via the further air outlet, drying air flows around not only the interior of the housing of the dosing device and the storage container housed by it, but also the introduction opening and the discharge channel up to the discharge opening provided by the discharge channel. The entire metering line of the metering device is thus dried by means of the drying air.

According to a further feature, the invention is characterized by a closure device which interacts with the inward flow opening and which closes the inward flow opening when the storage container is in the basic position locks.

According to this proposal, a closure device is used. This interacts with the infeed opening and closes it, namely when there is no dosing, that is to say when the storage container is in the basic position. Thus, when the storage container is in the basic position, only the first air outlet is open, but not the introduction opening serving as a further air outlet. If drying air is applied to the dosing device when the storage container is in the basic position, then this is released via the first air outlet after it has passed the housing of the dosing device.

According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided that the closure device closes the air outlet when the storage container has moved out of the basic position. Accordingly, it is provided that in the case of dosing, that is to say when the storage container has moved out of the basic position, the closing device no longer closes the further, that is to say the second, air outlet, but rather the first air outlet. When drying air is applied to the metering device in the metering case, drying air is discharged from the housing through the further air outlet, that is to say the introduction opening into the discharge channel.

The distinction made in this respect between the first air outlet and the second air outlet has the following advantage in particular. In the case of dosing, the closure device is to be brought into its open position in order to open the introduction opening. Only then can cleaning agent dispensed as intended from the storage container pass through the discharge channel into the treatment area of the cleaning device. However, especially when the closure device is in the open position, there is a risk that moisture will rise through the discharge channel from the treatment room and into the housing of the dispensing device. Such an unwanted entry of moisture is effectively counteracted thanks to the embodiment according to the invention in that drying air introduced into the housing of the metering device is expelled through the further air outlet, i.e. through the inlet opening of the discharge channel. Any moisture plumes and / or vapors rising from the treatment room are thus prevented from climbing into the metering device and back through the discharge channel into the Treatment room depressed. As soon as the closure device is pivoted back into its closed position after a dosing process, drying air is then again discharged via the first air outlet. Any moisture and / or any condensate that has risen into the housing of the metering device are then expelled via this first air outlet.

In the case of the intended dosing, the storage container rotates about an axis of rotation, one complete revolution, that is to say one 360 ° revolution, being completed. At the beginning of a twisting movement, the storage container is in its basic position. In this position, the inward transfer opening of the outward transfer channel is closed by means of the closure device. The closure device opens the infeed opening only for the brief moment of a 360 ° rotation of the storage container, so that when the dosing position is reached, cleaning agent can be dispensed from the storage container and transferred into the discharge channel. As soon as the storage container has completed its 360 ° rotation, it is again in its basic position and the infeed opening of the outfeed channel is closed.

By means of the closure device, it is ensured in a structurally simple manner that the inward transfer opening of the outward transfer channel is only open in the case of dosing. Otherwise, the infeed opening is closed by means of the closure device, so that entry of moisture into the cleaning agent stored in the storage container is basically excluded. This construction also offers the advantage of designing the discharge channel as a one-piece tube, that is to say without a flexible tube section, which not only simplifies handling but also production. In addition, the production becomes cheaper. Should moisture enter the discharge channel, for example due to micro-leaks, despite the infeed opening closed by the closure device, drying takes place in the manner described above, in that drying air is introduced into the housing of the dosing device and released via the infeed opening as a further air outlet.

According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided that the closure device has a closure plate arranged on the outer circumference of the support unit.

The closure device has a closure plate to seal the inlet opening of the discharge channel. In the basic position of the storage container, this rests against the infeed opening, which closes it. To achieve the tightest possible closure of the infeed opening, a sealing contour is provided either on the closure plate side or on the infeed opening side, which allows the closure plate to rest against the edge surrounding the infeed opening with as little gap as possible.

The closure plate is arranged on the support unit. A particular advantage of this embodiment is that the closure plate rotates together with the support unit in the intended dosing case. In this respect, no specially designed drive and / or pivoting means are required to move the closure plate, that is to say neither to open the infeed opening nor to close it. In any case, the support unit rotates for the purpose of transferring the storage container into its metering position. The arrangement according to the invention of the closure plate on the carrier unit therefore causes the closure plate to automatically rotate together with the storage container with the interposition of the carrier unit when the latter is transferred from its basic position to its metering position. In other words, the closure plate rests against the inward flow opening when the storage container is in its basic position. As soon as an intended twisting movement of the support unit takes place for the purpose of transferring the storage container into its metering position, the closure plate automatically rotates with it, thus releasing the infeed opening for transferring cleaning agent from the storage container into the discharge channel. Correspondingly, the closure plate also rotates automatically when the storage container is moved back into its basic position. This embodiment according to the invention ensures an even more simplified construction.

Rotating the closure plate together with the support unit also has the advantage that the first air outlet of the housing of the dosing device is closed in the manner already described when the storage container is in the dosing position. On the other hand, the inlet opening serving as a further outlet opening is closed by means of the closure plate when the storage container is in its basic position. The first outlet opening is thus released when the storage container is in the basic position. The optional closing or opening of the first and The second air outlet therefore happens automatically as a function of the position of the storage container. In this respect, there is advantageously no need for any additional means for opening or closing the air outlets, which makes the construction according to the invention particularly simple and reliable.

According to a further feature of the invention it is provided that the closure plate can be moved in the radial direction relative to the support unit. This relative displaceability of the closure plate allows the closure plate to be pressed against the infeed opening in the basic position of the storage container. This supports a secure, in particular fluid-tight, closing of the introduction opening by the closing plate.

According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided that the closure device has means for applying force to the closure plate, which force acts on the closure plate in the direction of the infeed opening to be closed when the storage container is in the basic position. These means provided according to the invention cause the closure plate to be automatically pressed against the infeed opening in the basic position of the storage container. This ensures, on the one hand, that the closure plate rests against the infeed opening as tightly as possible and, on the other hand, creates tolerance compensation because manufacturing-related tolerances can occur with regard to the relative position of the infeed opening and closure plate.

According to a further feature of the invention it is provided that the means for applying force have a compression spring. This spring can be, for example, a leaf spring which is arranged between the support unit and the closure plate. The closing plate is acted upon by force by means of the spring, which is why it tends to move radially outwards. This means that the closure plate rests tightly against the introduction opening of the discharge channel when the storage container is in its basic position.

According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided that the support unit has a storage container on the underside of a storage container received by the support unit, a flow guide element. This flow guide element advantageously ensures that drying air introduced into the housing of the metering device is optimally distributed within the housing. It is thus ensured that, on the one hand, a complete Acting on the inner surface of the housing takes place, as well as a complete flushing of air around the storage container accommodated by the housing takes place. The flow guide element therefore advantageously ensures a distribution of drying air with the result that effective drying is achieved within a very short time.

According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided in this context that the flow guide element is a recess, preferably in the form of a groove. This recess or groove is made in the base provided by the support unit. The storage container rests on this floor when used as intended. The design of a groove now has the advantage that air introduced into the housing is distributed in a targeted manner by means of the groove and can also flow past the storage container below it. This results in an optimized air distribution within the dispenser housing.

The invention also proposes a program-controlled cleaning device, in particular a dishwasher, which is equipped with a dosing device according to one of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments.

The invention also proposes a method for operating a metering device of the type described above, in which drying air is supplied to the housing via the air inlet for a predeterminable period of time outside of a metering process, for example after completion of a metering process, with a storage container in the basic position and via the air inlet Air outlet is discharged. In terms of the method, it is therefore provided that drying air is applied to the dosing device when the storage container is in its basic position, that is to say no detergent is being metered into the treatment room. In this position of the storage container, the introduction opening into the discharge channel is closed and the, in particular the first, air outlet is opened. Any moisture in the housing of the dispenser is driven out of the housing via the, in particular first, air outlet as a result of the introduction of drying air. Complete drying of both the interior of the housing and the storage container housed thereby is advantageously achieved.

The method for operating the dispensing device is in particular part of a method for operating the associated cleaning device. As is known per se, this indicates several water-bearing program sections, in particular the program sections CLEAN and RINSE, in which the items to be cleaned are cleaned, as well as a DRYING program section which concludes the cleaning program and in which the items to be cleaned are dried. A dosing process takes place in a known manner only during one or the water-bearing program sections.

The drying air to act on the dosing device is preferably conveyed, as already described, with a fan built into the cleaning device anyway, according to whose primary task fresh air is sucked in during the DRYING program section and guided along an outer wall of the washing container. According to the invention, part of the fresh air flow conveyed by this fan is branched off and directed to the air inlet of the housing of the metering device. The metering device is therefore supplied with drying air, preferably at least within the DRYING program section with which the cleaning program is completed, since the fan is operated in any case in this program section.

Furthermore, the invention proposes a method for operating a dispensing device of the type described above, in which drying air is supplied to the housing via the air inlet for a predeterminable period of time during a dispensing process with an air outlet closed by means of the closure device and via the inlet opening as, in particular another, air outlet is discharged.

This implementation of the method according to the invention takes place in the case of dosing, that is to say when the storage container is moved out of its basic position. When the storage container is rotated out of its basic position into the metering position, the introduction opening into the discharge channel is at least partially open. In this respect there is a risk of moisture entering the housing of the dispenser. If the housing of the dosing device is now exposed to drying air, then this is not released via the first air outlet, but rather via the second air outlet, and consequently the introduction opening. This counteracts the unwanted rise of moisture plumes from the treatment room into the dosing device. In addition, the inner surface of the discharge channel is dried off. Preferably, drying air is applied as soon as the cleaning agent discharged from the storage container has reached the treatment room through the discharge channel.

In addition, the invention proposes a method for operating a dispensing device of the type described above, in which, outside of a dispensing process, for example after completion of a dispensing process, in particular in the drying program section, with a storage container in the basic position, drying air is supplied to the housing via the air inlet for a predefinable period of time is supplied and discharged via the, in particular the first, air outlet.

In terms of the method, a distinction must therefore be made as to whether the storage container is in its basic position or in its metering position. In the case of dosing, the drying air is discharged via the discharge channel, whereas in the case of non-dosing the inward opening is closed so that the drying air is released via the first air outlet. An operating method according to the invention can only comprise one of the two stated method variants. Preferably, however, the operating method has a process step in which drying air is supplied to the housing via the air inlet for a predefinable period of time during a dosing process with an air outlet closed by means of the closure device and is discharged via the infeed opening as a further air outlet, as well as a process step in which also outside of a dosing process, in particular during the DRYING program section, when the storage container is in the basic position, drying air is supplied to the housing via the air inlet for a predeterminable period of time and discharged via the air outlet.

If drying air is applied to the dosing device within the DRYING program section, provision can also be made for the drying air supplied to the housing via the air inlet to be discharged via the inlet opening. It is particularly preferred to provide a first phase within the DRYING program section in which drying air is supplied to the housing via the air inlet for a predefinable period of time when the storage container is in the basic position and is discharged via the air outlet, as well as a subsequent second phase in which at an air outlet closed by means of the closure device is supplied to the housing via the air inlet for a predeterminable period of time and is discharged via the inlet opening as a further air outlet. The first phase takes place with the wash cabinet door closed, while the second phase takes place after one automatic gap-wise door opening has taken place, ie after the wash cabinet door has been opened by a gap by the control device.

Fig. 1

in schematischer Darstellung eine mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Dosiergerät ausgestattete Geschirrspülmaschine;

Fig. 2

in schematischer Perspektivdarstellung eine teilmontierte Geschirrspülmaschine mit einem Dosiergerät nach der Erfindung;

Fig. 3

in schematischer Perspektivansicht ausschnittsweise eine mit einem Dosiergerät ausgerüstete Spülraumtür einer Geschirrspülmaschine;

Fig. 4

die Spülraumtür nach Fig. 3 in einer frontseitigen Ansicht;

Fig. 5

in einer Ausschnittdarstellung das Dosiergerät nach Fig. 4 mit einem sich in Grundstellung befindlichen Vorratsbehälter;

Fig. 6

in einer Ausschnittdarstellung das Dosiergerät nach Fig. 4 mit einem sich in Dosierstellung befindlichen Vorratsbehälter;

Fig. 7

in schematischer Perspektivdarstellung das erfindungsgemäße Dosiergerät mit einem sich in einer Zwischenstellung befindlichen Vorratsbehälter;

Fig. 8

in schematischer Perspektivdarstellung das erfindungsgemäße Dosiergerät mit einem sich in einer Zwischenstellung befindlichen Vorratsbehälter;

Fig. 9

in schematischer Perspektivdarstellung ausschnittsweise das Dosiergerät nach Fig. 5;

Fig. 10

in schematischer Perspektivdarstellung ausschnittsweise das Dosiergerät nach Fig. 6;

Fig. 11

in schematischer Frontansicht das Dosiergerät nach der Erfindung ohne Vorratsbehälter sowie eine Seitenansicht desselben;

Fig. 12

in schematischer Perspektivdarstellung eine Trageinheit;

Fig. 13

die Trageinheit nach Fig. 12 in einer Explosionsdarstellung;

Fig. 14

in schematischer Perspektivdarstellung einen Einsatz;

Fig. 15

in schematischer Explosionsdarstellung das erfindungsgemäße Dosiergerät;

Fig. 16

in einer Ausschnittdarstellung das erfindungsgemäße Dosiergerät mit einem sich in Grundstellung befindlichen Vorratsbehälter und

Fig. 17

das Dosiergerät nach Fig. 16 mit einem sich in Dosierstellung befindlichen Vorratsbehälter.

Further features and advantages of the invention emerge from the following description with reference to the figures. Show it

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of a dishwasher equipped with a dosing device according to the invention;

Fig. 2

in a schematic perspective view a partially assembled dishwasher with a dispenser according to the invention;

Fig. 3

a schematic perspective view of a section of a washing chamber door of a dishwasher equipped with a dosing device;

Fig. 4

the wash cabinet door Fig. 3 in a front view;

Fig. 5

the dosing device in a detail view Fig. 4 with a storage container in the basic position;

Fig. 6

the dosing device in a detail view Fig. 4 with a storage container in the metering position;

Fig. 7

a schematic perspective view of the metering device according to the invention with a storage container located in an intermediate position;

Fig. 8

a schematic perspective view of the metering device according to the invention with a storage container located in an intermediate position;

Fig. 9

in a schematic perspective illustration, the metering device according to a cutout Fig. 5 ;

Fig. 10

in a schematic perspective illustration, the metering device according to a cutout Fig. 6 ;

Fig. 11

a schematic front view of the metering device according to the invention without a storage container and a side view of the same;

Fig. 12

a schematic perspective view of a support unit;

Fig. 13

the carrying unit after Fig. 12 in an exploded view;

Fig. 14

a schematic perspective view of an insert;

Fig. 15

the metering device according to the invention in a schematic exploded view;

Fig. 16

in a detail view the metering device according to the invention with a storage container in the basic position and

Fig. 17

the dosing device Fig. 16 with a storage container in the dosing position.

Fig. 1 shows a cleaning device according to the invention in the form of a dishwasher 1 in a purely schematic representation. The dishwasher 1 has, in a manner known per se, a housing 2 which accommodates a washing container 3. The washing compartment 3 in turn provides a washing area 4 for receiving items to be cleaned. To load the washing area 4 with items to be cleaned, the washing compartment 3 has a loading opening 5. This can be closed in a fluid-tight manner by means of a washing area door 6, the washing area door 6 being rotatably pivoted about a horizontally extending pivot axis.

The wash cabinet door 6 is shown in section in FIG Fig. 4 shown. As can be seen from this illustration, the wash cabinet door 6 is equipped with a metering device 7 which is used to store detergent for several consecutive cleaning cycles. For this purpose, the metering device provides a storage container 8 for storing pourable, that is, preferably powdery and / or granular detergent for a plurality of cleaning cycles. In the course of intended use, a corresponding amount of detergent is removed from the storage container 8 provided by the dispensing device 7 per wash program cycle and from the wash chamber 5 of the wash container 3 via a Ausleusungskanal 19 supplied. The storage container 8 provided by the dispenser 7 is preferably dimensioned in such a way that it can hold cleaning agent in an amount sufficient to complete twenty to thirty rinsing processes.

How Fig. 15 In addition, the dispensing device 7 has a cover 37 which, in the opened state, enables access to a receptacle 36. In the intended use, this receptacle 36 is used to accommodate a support unit 9, which in turn has an in Fig. 9 not explicitly shown storage container 8 receives exchangeable. The support unit 9 together with the storage container 8 held by it is rotatably arranged within the receptacle 36, for which purpose the dosing device 7 provides a stub shaft 10 that defines the axis of rotation 11 around which the support unit 9 rotates when used as intended.

As the Figs. 2 to 6 can be seen, the dispenser 7 has a storage container 8, which is used to accommodate cleaning agents. The dosing device 7 also has the support unit 9, which is arranged so as to be rotatable about the axis of rotation 11 and which is used to accommodate the storage container 8 in an exchangeable manner.

The storage container 8 in turn provides a storage chamber 12 and a metering channel 14 opening into a metering opening 15. The storage chamber 12 and the metering channel 14 are in fluid communication with a metering unit 13 in between.

In the case of dosing, the support unit 9 together with the storage container 8 rotates about the axis of rotation 11, namely in an anti-clockwise direction. As a result, detergent stored in the storage chamber 8 reaches the dosing unit 13 and from there into the dosing channel 14 in portions per 360 ° rotation. The dosing unit 13 is used for the portion-wise dosing of detergent, which is then dispensed via the dosing channel 14 through the dosing opening 15 becomes.

For a rotary motor drive of the support unit 9, the metering device 7 has a drive unit 16 which cooperates with a gear 17 with a toothed ring 18 provided by the support unit 9. The Figures 12 and 13 allow the ring gear 18 to be seen most clearly.

The metering device 7 also provides a discharge channel 19 which, in the case of metering, is in operative fluid communication with the metering channel 14. This has an inlet opening 20 on the dosing channel side, on the one hand, and an outlet opening 21 opposite the inlet opening 20 and opening into the washing chamber 4, on the other hand.

The Figs. 5 and 9 show the metering device 7 with a storage container 8 in the basic position. In contrast to this, FIGS Figs. 6th and 10 the metering device 7 with a storage container 8 rotated from the basic position into an intermediate position Fig. 17 the storage container 8 is finally in the dosing position, in which it is rotated counterclockwise to such an extent that the dosing channel 14 of the storage container 8 is in fluidic operative connection with the discharge channel 19, so that cleaning agent dispensed via the metering opening 15 of the metering channel 14 into the discharge channel 19 is convicted.

The metering device 7 is characterized by a closure device 22 which cooperates with the inward transfer opening 20 of the outward transfer channel 19 and closes the inward transfer opening 20 when the storage container 8 is in the basic position. For this purpose, the closure device has a closure plate 23 which is arranged on the outer circumference of the support unit 9.

When the carrier unit 9 rotates as intended, the closure plate 23 arranged on it rotates with it, so that when the storage container 8 is transferred from the basic position to the metering position, the closure plate 32 is automatically rotated with it and releases the infeed opening 20.

Like, in particular, a synopsis of the Figures 12 and 13 As can be seen, the closure plate 23 is designed as a curved or arched plate corresponding to the course of the outer circumference of the support unit 9. In the final assembled state, the closure plate 23 is held by a web 30 of the support unit 9, the connecting contours between web 30 and closure plate 23 being designed such that the closure plate 23 can be moved in the radial direction in relation to the support unit 9.

According to the Figures 12 and 13 embodiment shown is between the Closing plate 23 and the web 30, a leaf spring 31 is arranged, which ensures that the closing plate 23 is pressed outward in the radial direction. This configuration ensures that the closure plate 23 presses against the infeed opening 20 in a sealing manner when the storage container 8 is in the basic position.

For a secure hold of the closure plate 23 on the web 30, the closure plate 23 is equipped at the edge with spring tabs 32 which, in the final assembled state, engage behind the extensions 33 provided by the support unit 9.

Like, in particular, a synopsis of the Figs. 14th , 16 and 17 As can be seen, an insert 27 equipped with a throughflow channel 35 is inserted into the discharge channel 19 on the inlet side. This insert is arranged interchangeably within the discharge channel 19, which enables the user to be able to remove it from the discharge channel 19 for cleaning. On the closure plate side, the insert 27 provides a sealing contour 34, for example in the form of a specially designed sealing lip. This supports a fluid-tight closing of the introduction opening 20.

In the final assembled state, the support unit 9 and the reservoir 8 excluded therefrom are housed in a housing 44 of the metering device, as can be seen from a synopsis of the Figs. 2 to 6 results. According to the invention, this housing 44 has an air inlet 43 ( Fig. 3 ) and a first air outlet 46 and a further air outlet 48, which air outlets 46 and 48 in particular from the illustration according to the Figs. 7th and 8th can be seen.

When used as intended, the air inlet 43 serves to be able to introduce drying air into the housing 44 of the metering device 7. Depending on the position of the storage container 8, this drying air is discharged either via the air outlet 46 or via the further air outlet 48. By introducing drying air into the housing 44 via the air inlet 43, it is advantageously achieved that any moisture in the housing 44 is expelled and the interior of the housing and the storage container 8 received therein are dried.

A is used to apply drying air to the air inlet 43 as required Fan 39, which can be a separate fan or preferably, according to the exemplary embodiment shown, the drying fan provided by the dishwasher 1 in any case. The latter has the primary function, in a manner known per se, of drawing in air from the outside in the drying program section, as a result of which an air flow 52 is generated which is guided along the outside of a side wall of the washing compartment 3, as in FIG Fig. 2 indicated by the arrows 52. The air cools the side wall of the washing compartment 3 and thus supports the condensation drying. According to the invention, the fan 39 can now additionally have a further function. The blower 39 is in fluid communication with the air inlet 43 via a hose 40, which provides an air duct 41, which provides a connector 42 for the purpose of the fluidic connection of the hose 40. This factual connection results, for example, from the representation according to the Figs. 3 to 6 .

As can be seen from the figures mentioned, the fan 39 is arranged in the base area of the dishwasher 1. The dosing device 7 is, however, located in the wash cabinet door 6, which is designed to be pivotable. Because of this pivotable configuration, it is provided that the hose 40 is equipped with a torsion section or with a swivel joint. When used as intended, outside air sucked in by the fan 39 is conveyed through the hose 40 to the air inlet 43, from where it then flows into the interior space provided by the housing 44.

If the storage container 8 is in its basic position, as shown in, for example Fig. 7 is shown, when the fan 39 is operating, drying air flows into the housing 44 in accordance with the arrow 45 via the air inlet 43. As a result, air circulates around the storage container 8, so that any moisture adhering to the storage container 8 or to the inner surface of the housing 44 is carried away. The air is discharged via the air outlet 46 in accordance with the arrow 47. As a result of this application of drying air, the housing 44 and the storage container 8 are dried.

Fig. 8 shows the storage container 8 in a position rotated from the basic position, this being an intermediate position between the basic position and the dosing position. According to this position, the reservoir 8 is in contrast to Positioned in the basic position in a rotated manner, but not in such a way that cleaning agent could be dispensed into the discharge channel 19 via the metering opening. Since the carrying unit 9 which receives the storage container 8 also carries the closure plate 23, this is also rotated. The positioning of the closure plate 23 and the air outlet 46 are coordinated in such a way that the closure plate 23 closes the air outlet 46 when it is in the metering position but also when the storage container 8 is in the intermediate position. Drying air introduced into the housing 44 via the air inlet 43 can therefore not be released to the outside atmosphere via the air outlet 46.

When the storage container 8 is positioned rotated in the intermediate position, the inward transfer opening 20 is released so that air flowing into the housing 44 via the air inlet 43 can reach the outward transfer channel 18 via the inward transfer opening 20. Is now during a dosing process or outside of a dosing process, for example after the end of the same, i.e. at a point in time at which the storage container 8 is positioned in a position rotated from the basic position, i.e. in the dosing position or in the intermediate position, drying air via the air inlet 43 in the housing 44 is introduced, the inward flow opening 20 serves as a further air outlet 48 via which the drying air is discharged. In this case, the drying air is not released via the further air outlet 48 to the atmosphere surrounding the metering device 7, but into the discharge channel 19. In this respect, not only the interior of the housing and the storage container 8 are dried, but also the discharge channel 19 and the cover 28, which is equipped with an outlet 29 and covers the discharge opening 21 on the treatment room side.

The above-described facts also result from the Figs. 9 and 10 which shows the dosing unit 7 in a perspective detail view from the left. The opening of the inward transfer opening 20 when the storage container 8 is rotated can be seen particularly clearly from these views.

When drying air is introduced into the housing 44, air is circulated around the storage container 8. In order to optimize this air circulation, the receptacle 36, into which the support unit 9 is inserted in the intended use, is equipped with a flow guide element. In the embodiment shown according to Fig. 11 this flow guide element is given by means of a groove 51 formed in the bottom 50 of the receptacle 36. The groove 51 has a depth of, for example, 1 mm to 2 mm. This comparatively small gap size is sufficient, however, to achieve an optimized distribution of drying air within the housing 44 and thus also to wash around a storage container 8 inserted in the support unit 9.

When the storage container 8 is in its basic position, the introduction opening 20 is basically closed in a fluid-tight manner by the closure plate 23. An unwanted entry of moisture from the treatment room into the housing 44 is prevented. Nevertheless, there can be minimal leakage due to manufacturing tolerances in particular. There is also the problem of condensation. In this respect, especially over the entire service life of the dishwasher 1, it cannot be safely ruled out that moisture does not inadvertently enter the housing 44 of the dispensing device 7. With a view to unwanted clumping of the cleaning agent stored in the storage container 8, this is not critical, but is nevertheless felt to be disadvantageous. The configuration according to the invention provides a remedy here. This is because a preferably program-controlled application of drying air to the housing 4 advantageously ensures that any moisture in the housing 44 can be expelled, which causes the housing 44 and the storage container 8 accommodated by it to be dried. As described above, a distinction can be made in terms of process technology between a basic position of the storage container, an intermediate position of the storage container and a metering position of the storage container.

If the storage container 8 is in its basic position, drying air introduced into the housing 44 is released via the air outlet 46. In this respect, drying air can be applied for a predeterminable period of time outside of a dosing case, for example after the end of a dosing case.

A second implementation of the method occurs during the dosing case. This is because, as intended, the infeed opening 20 has to be open in the case of dosing so that cleaning agent can be dispensed into the treatment room. When the infeed opening 20 is open, moisture, in particular vapors, can rise from the treatment room and reach the housing 44. This can be effectively counteracted by operating the fan 39 even during metering and drying air is introduced into the housing 44. Since the air outlet 46 is closed in the metering position of the storage container 8, drying air introduced into the housing 44 is discharged via the infeed opening 20 serving as a further air outlet 48. Rising vapors are counteracted in such a way that an unwanted entry of moisture into the housing 44 is minimized even further. In addition, the discharge channel 19 is also dried.

The dosing device 7 also has a flushing device 24, such as that in particular Figs. 16 and 17 in combination with the Figs. 14th and 15th reveal. The flushing device 24 serves to be able to flush the discharge channel 19 with flushing liquid if necessary, so that any cleaning agent residues that accumulate on the inside of the discharge channel 19 can be flushed out. For this purpose, the rinsing device 24 has a rinsing nozzle 25 which is in fluidic connection with a pump for conveying rinsing liquid via a hose 26. If necessary, rinsing liquid can be applied to the discharge channel 19 via the hose 26 and the rinsing nozzle 25. The flushing nozzle 25 is preferably aligned tangentially to the inward transfer opening 20. During operation, there is no direct exposure of the closure plate 23, which closes the inward flow opening 20, with rinsing liquid.

The insert 27, which is preferably inserted into the discharge channel 19, has an opening 38 into which the rinsing nozzle 25 engages at one end or through which the rinsing liquid discharged by the rinsing nozzle 25 flows.

Reference number

1

dishwasher

2

casing

3

Rinsing container

4th

Wash cabinet

5

Loading opening

6th

Wash cabinet door

7th

Dosing device

8th

Storage container

9

Carrying unit

10

Stub shaft

11

Axis of rotation

12th

Pantry

13th

Dosing unit

14th

Dosing channel

15th

Dosing opening

16

Drive unit

17th

gear

18th

Ring gear

19th

Discharge channel

20th

Infeed opening

21st

Discharge opening

22nd

Locking device

23

Locking plate

24

Flushing device

25th

Rinsing nozzle

26th

tube

27

commitment

28

cover

29

Outlet

30th

web

31

feather

32

Spring tab

33

Appendix

34

Sealing contour

35

Flow channel

36

admission

37

cover

38

opening

39

fan

40

tube

41

Air duct

42

Support

43

Air inlet

44

casing

45

arrow

46

Air outlet

47

arrow

48

further air outlet

49

arrow

50

ground

51

Groove

52

Arrow (airflow)

Claims (15)

Dosing device for the dosed introduction of a pourable cleaning agent into a treatment room (4) of a program-controlled cleaning device, in particular a dishwasher (1), with a housing (44), a storage container (8) serving to accommodate the cleaning agent and one inside the housing (44) Carrying unit (9) which is arranged to be rotatable about an axis of rotation (11) and which accommodates the storage container (8) in an exchangeable manner and by means of which the storage container (8) can be transferred from a basic position to a metering position and vice versa, the storage container (8) having a storage chamber (12 ) and a metering channel (14) opening into a metering opening (15), as well as having a discharge channel (19) opening into the treatment room (4) with a discharge opening (21), which in the case of a storage container (8) in the metering position has a fluidic There is an operative connection with the metering channel (14), the discharge channel (19) metering channel has an inlet opening (20) on the l side,
characterized,
that the housing (44) has an air inlet (43) for drying air. Dosing device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the air inlet (43) is fluidically connected to a blower (39) which promotes drying air. Dosing device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the fan (39) is connected to the air inlet (43) with an air duct (41) interposed in terms of flow technology. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (44) has an air outlet (46) for drying air. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (44) has a further air outlet (48) for drying air. Dosing device according to Claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the air outlet or the further air outlet (48) is provided through the introduction opening (21). Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a closure device (22) which cooperates with the infeed opening (20) and which closes the infeed opening (20) when the storage container (8) is in the basic position. Dosing device according to Claim 7, characterized in that the closure device (22) closes the air outlet (46) when a storage container (8) has moved out of the basic position. Dosing device according to Claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the closure device (22) has a closure plate (23) arranged on the outer circumference of the support unit (9). Dosing device according to Claim 9, characterized in that the closure plate (23) can be moved in the radial direction relative to the support unit (9). Dosing device according to Claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the closure device (22) has means for applying force to the closure plate (23) which, when the storage container (8) is in the basic position, push the closure plate (23) in the direction of the infeed opening to be closed (20) apply force. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support unit (9) has a flow guide element on the underside of a storage container (8) received by the support unit (9). Dosing device according to claim 12, characterized in that the flow guide element is a recess, preferably in the form of a groove (51). Method for operating a dosing device (7) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 13, in which drying air is supplied to the housing (44) via the air inlet (43) for a predeterminable period of time outside a dosing process with a storage container (8) in the basic position is discharged via an air outlet (46). Method for operating a dispensing device (7) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 13, in which, in particular during a dispensing process, drying air is provided to the housing (44) via the air inlet (43) with an air outlet (46) closed by means of the closure device (22) is supplied for a predeterminable period of time and discharged via the inlet opening (20) as a further air outlet (48).

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